S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Divine Approval

  • January 5, 2024
God’s plan will not lead me, where His grace cannot sustain me. In order to love my wife as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25), I must love with a heart of self-sacrifice rather than self-preservation. My job is to love my family well, and lead them toward Christ. Christ’s job is to be my strength and my defense as I follow Him.
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Scripture

Genesis 12:10-13
10 Now there was a famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land. 11 When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, “I know that you are a woman beautiful in appearance, 12 and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me, but they will let you live. 13 Say you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared for your sake.”
Observation
Abraham was quick to abdicate his God-given responsibility in his home and marriage in an effort of self-preservation. Not only did this undoubtedly damage his marriage relationship, it also caused damage to the entire community around him. He failed to believe that the same God who had blessed him with a wife, would also give him the strength, wisdom, and divine protection to fulfill his responsibility to his wife.
Application
Our world can be a risky place for men. Society has (rightfully) pushed back on toxic and unhealthy cultural norms from times past, but the pendulum seems to have now swung far the other direction–where many men have become hesitant to be who God created them to be, and to live and lead as God has called them. The societal price can be severe–either give in to the humanistic values and norms of modern culture…or pay the price of mockery, shaming, baseless accusations, and condemnation from the rabid mob.
Yet God’s plan will not lead me, where His grace cannot sustain me. In order to love my wife as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25), I must love with a heart of self-sacrifice rather than self-preservation. My job is to love my family well, and lead them toward Christ. Christ’s job is to be my strength and my defense as I follow Him.
Ultimately, I will not answer to society but rather to God himself for the way that I live and lead–and when that time comes, I want to hear Him say “Well done!”
Prayer
God, help me to love and lead my family well…not with a heart of self-preservation, but rather of self-sacrifice. Give me wisdom to follow you, and strength to persevere through every challenge. I want to receive your approval, not the temporary applause of this broken world.

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Twisted Truth

  • January 4, 2024
Speaking the truth isn’t enough. If I lack the heart of God, then even the truth that I speak will not serve his purpose. I must speak the truth, with the right heart.
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Scripture

Luke 4:41
“And demons also came out of many, crying ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.”
Observation
Truth was being spoken, but Jesus put a stop to it. Not because it was true, but because it was twisted. The demons in these people didn’t have God’s purpose or his heart–and so even when they spoke truth, it was with an ungodly purpose.
Application
Speaking truth isn’t enough. If I lack the heart of God, then even the truth that I speak will not serve his purpose. I must speak the truth, with the right heart.
This week I choose to speak with the right heart, and not just with the right information.
Prayer
God, thank you for your truth! Help me to always speak your truth with the right heart, so that you would be glorified. May I never justify a wrong heart, with twisted truth.

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Something New

  • January 3, 2024
It’s easy to put God into a box of what he’s already done in my life. But God isn’t done yet! There are new seasons ahead, and new purposes to fulfill. As long as my answer to him is always ‘yes!’, there is no limit to what God can do.
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Scripture

Genesis 7:11
“In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the windows of the heavens were opened.”
Observation
600 years Noah walked the earth, and never saw a global flood, never needed an ark. 600 years…and then God did something that had never been seen before. God was not limited by the way things had always been, and now he was doing something new.
Application
I’m nowhere near 600 years old, but it’s still easy to begin to put God into a box of what he’s already done in my life. But God isn’t done yet! There are new seasons ahead, and new purposes to fulfill. As long as my answer to him is always ‘yes!’, there is no limit to what God can do.
Today I choose to say ‘yes’ to God, and keep my eyes on the horizon to see not just what he has done, but what he is doing!
Prayer
God, I choose to say ‘yes!’ to you! May you accomplish what you desire in my life, even if it is completely outside of my expectation or assumptions.

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Check Engine

  • January 2, 2024
The sudden flare of anger in my heart is always evidence of something that God wants to accomplish in me–some change or transformation that will bring him glory.
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Scripture

Genesis 4:4-7
“…and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”
Observation
Cain and Abel each brought a sacrifice to God, but only Abel’s sacrifice was accepted. Why? Scripture doesn’t say. All we know is that Cain didn’t “do well”…and because his sacrifice was rejected, he became angry. Though God was the one who rejected the offering, Cain directed his anger at his brother. He didn’t ‘rule over’ the sin which was crouched and waiting, and he committed the first murder in recorded history.
Application
Rejection never feels good. When the thing that I bring isn’t ‘good enough’, my emotions flare quickly…and anger swiftly follows. Sometimes though, the rejection is self-inflicted. Whether self-inflicted or not, that sudden flare of anger in my heart is always evidence of something that God wants to accomplish in me–some change or transformation that will bring him glory. When I reject his correction and stubbornly continue on my path, nothing good can result. Instead, I must cultivate a heart of humility which welcomes the correction he brings-knowing that he is waiting to welcome and accept me when I submit to him.
Prayer
God, thank you for the ‘check engine light’ you’ve placed in my heart. When my emotions flare and anger surges, show me the place in my heart that you’re working on so that I can choose to submit to your authority in my life. Today I choose to welcome the correction that you bring!

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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Rest and Rhythm

  • January 1, 2024
Rest (like all of creation) was designed and instituted by God for his glory, and for our benefit.
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Scripture

Genesis 2:1
“…on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.”
Observation
“God rested” – What a startling announcement, that the almighty God who spoke the universe into existence should slow his pace and rest! God’s work in creation was done, but there was infinitely more work left to be done. He clearly had no compelling need to rest–he didn’t drop into his easy chair, exhausted from creating the world. Rather, he established and created something new even in his rest: He created a pattern and a rhythm, an ebb and flow to the pace of life. Rest (like all of creation) was designed and instituted by God for his glory, and for our benefit.
Application
Too often I find myself with an unhealthy view of rest. Either I avoid it as an inconvenience, or I drop into the uneasy rest of guilt, feeling as though I should still be working. This passage reminds me that rest is holy, and it honors God. Just as God hit ‘pause’ before beginning the next thing, I must be intentional to acknowledge the pause in between days, and seasons, and moments.
Rest humbles me, it keeps me healthy, and it honors God. Rest is holy!
Prayer
God, thank you for rest! Help me never to disregard this precious gift you’ve given me. This week, help me to move at your pace and at your rhythm–and help me to honor you with my ‘pause’ moments.

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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

The Blind Spot

  • December 27, 2023
The love of God confronts and reveals the self-blindness in my heart if I allow Him. Though the revelation is uncomfortable, it ultimately brings healing.
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Scripture
Revelation 3:15-17
“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.”
Observation
Being blind is a terrible condition. Being self-blind is far more insidious and dangerous to the soul. The one who is blind understands that they need to proceed with caution on their path–but the one who is self-blind strides confidently forward unaware that there is even an issue. The riches, success, and prosperity seem to indicate that all is well…but they hide the true and dangerous condition.
Application
I’ve been self-blind at times. I’ve confidently walked out the front door with my shirt inside out, or having forgotten to comb my hair. My issue is plain to see for those around me…but I can’t see my own problem.
The love of God confronts and reveals the self-blindness in my heart if I allow Him. Though the revelation is uncomfortable, it ultimately brings healing.
This week, I choose to seek understanding and truth from God to reveal my blind spots. I don’t want my past or present success to blind me to the issues that God wants to heal within me!
Prayer
God, thank you for the mirror of your word which reveals uncomfortable truth! Help me to always welcome your loving correction and guidance, instead of rejecting it through my own self-blindness.

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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Understanding

  • December 26, 2023
Reading and absorbing God’s word doesn’t merely communicate a list of rules and expectations–rather, reading God’s word gives ‘understanding’…and that understanding will cause a teachable heart to avoid that which is contrary to God’s heart.
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Scripture
Psalm 119:104
“Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way”
Observation
Reading and absorbing God’s word doesn’t merely communicate a list of rules and expectations–rather, reading God’s word gives ‘understanding’…and that understanding will cause a teachable heart to avoid that which is contrary to God’s heart.
Application
Many people seem to view God’s word as merely a list of ‘do’ and ‘do not’ commands. What a different perspective this verse gives! A heart that lacks understanding will gravitate to it’s own desires and inclinations. A heart that lacks understanding begins to live in self-serving and unrighteous ways. But a heart that seeks divine understanding from the Word of God will come to understand ‘why’ God is fundamentally opposed to all unrighteousness and sin–not because He hates us, but because He loves us! Because of His love, He doesn’t want to see my life destroyed through my own foolish decisions and desires–and so His word guides me to live in ways which will allow His blessing to pour into me.
This week, I need understanding–and so I choose to seek it in the Word of God. For every dilemma, He is the counselor. For every uncertainty, He is the rock which will not be moved. For every looming obstacle, He is the way-maker…and in His word I will receive all that I need.
Prayer
God, thank you for your Word! Thank you for the understanding that you give me when I need guidance and direction. I ask you this week to guide me in every situation–both those that I know about, and those that haven’t arrived yet.

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Expecting the Unexpected

  • December 20, 2023
Instead of assuming that something is not of God merely because it doesn’t fit my own parameters, I need to look for where God is moving beyond my own boundaries. As I align my life with His divine plan, the impossible becomes possible–and the improbable becomes likely!
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Scripture
John 7:50-52
Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them, “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” They replied, “Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”
Observation
There is a common theme running through this chapter, of people who were so convinced they knew exactly how God needed to operate. The disciples were convinced that Jesus needed to begin a marketing campaign to broadcast his teachings and miracles. The people were so convinced that no one would know where the Messiah came from, when he arrived. And the Pharisees had already stubbornly made up their minds that anyone associated with Galilee could not be a prophet!
Yet Jesus just kept doing what he was called to do, and what he came to do. He confounded their expectations, baffled their minds, and operated on a higher level than they could comprehend.
Application
God is not bound by my expectations. In fact, He is not bound by anything other than his word and his nature. He is not limited by my understanding, and He is certainly not required to take my advice. When I invite God into my situation, I can expect the unexpected–because the things which limit me are not an obstacle to the God of the universe!
This week, I need to give God room to operate as only He can. Instead of assuming that something is not of God merely because it doesn’t fit my own parameters, I need to look for where God is moving beyond my own boundaries. As I align my life with His divine plan, the impossible becomes possible–and the improbable becomes likely!
Prayer
God, thank you for being who you are. Thank you for moving in my life, and for doing what only you can do. I acknowledge your kingship and your power, and I invite you today to accomplish all that you desire in and through my life. Help me to see where I have been trying to limit you to my expectations, so that I can instead surrender to your better plan.
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Being and Doing

  • December 15, 2023
This week I choose to ‘be’ a ‘doer’. Not in order for God to love me, but because He already does. Not in order for God to save me, but because He already has.
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Scripture
James 1:22-25
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
Observation
Salvation comes through faith–but the book of James makes it clear that the follower of Christ cannot have a vague ‘feeling’ or ‘belief’ in absence of action, and still call it ‘faith’. Hearing truth and believing truth are essential…but they are useless unless also accompanied by ‘following’ what truth requires.
Application
Recently I’ve heard many Christian authors and speakers talking about the significance of ‘being’ versus ‘doing’. The idea seems to be that a person’s identity in absence of any action is the most significant thing about them. This thought is good…to a point. But this passage in James 1 commands a slightly different perspective–James says that we must understand our identity…but that we must then ‘be‘ a ‘doer‘. Our identity must include the fact that we follow what our Lord commands.
My relationship with God must start as belief–believing “that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). But once I believe on God, my faith MUST bring me to a place of ‘doing’ what He expects of me as He gives me the strength to do what He commands.
This week, I choose to ‘be’ a ‘doer’. Not in order for God to love me, but because He already does. Not in order for God to save me, but because He already has.
Prayer
God, thank you for loving and redeeming me! Thank you for forgiving me, though there’s nothing I could do to earn your forgiveness. Help me this week not to merely believe on you, but to respond with a heart of love and submission to your authority, which causes me to live out the things which please you.
Help me this week to be a doer of your word, and not just a hearer.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

The Promise and the Past

  • December 13, 2023
The only way to walk in the promise, is to let go of the past.
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Scripture
Hebrews 11:13-15
“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return.”
Observation
This passage points to the importance of our “heart direction”. Abraham was on his way from his homeland to a promised land…but his feet would have followed his heart, if his heart had been leaning toward what was instead of toward what would someday be. The only way to walk in the ‘next’ is to let go of the ‘was’.
Application
Like Abraham walking away from Ur, or the Israelites walking out of Egypt, I have a choice each day in the direction I allow my heart to lean. God continually draws me onward and upward, but he gives me the freedom to cling to the past if I desire.
Which direction do I allow my heart to lean? Do I cling to past seasons, past relationships, past victories, and past places? Do I let my mind remain stuck in old thought patterns, and my heart keep tugging me toward the things that used to be? …Or do I keep my heart fixed on Christ, knowing that His promise before me is better than my past behind me?
This week, I choose to direct my heart toward the promise instead of the past.
Prayer
God, thank you for your promises! Help me never to go back to where you’ve brought me from, but daily fix my eyes on you as you lead me forward.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/
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