S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Inviting the Spirit

  • November 13, 2023
The right way to see the Spirit move in power, is to build up the Body with love and Christ-honoring communication.
===============================
Scripture
1 Corinthians 14:12
“So with yourselves, since you are eager for the manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.”
Observation
This chapter deals with letting the Spirit move in a way which honors God. Paul’s caution is that we can become so focused on the moving of the Spirit, that we neglect to build up and edify the Body of Christ. Though tongues is a common and very visible display of the moving of the Spirit, tongues by itself and in absence of an interpretation accomplishes nothing in the building up of the whole Body. According to Paul, the right way to see the Spirit move in power is to build up the Body with love and Christ-honoring communication.
Application
I want to see God’s spirit move in power! I want to see the gifts of the Spirit at work in the church, and God’s supernatural power on display. This chapter makes it clear that there are right and wrong ways to pursue the gifts of the Spirit. If we allow bedlam and pandemonium to become the normal state of things, then we may feel very spiritual…but God will not be glorified!
Instead, we must invite the movement of the Spirit by building up the people of God in love. An atmosphere of love, edification, and Christ-centered excellence in communication becomes an incubator to invite and nurture the manifestation of God’s power…in a way which honors Him.
This week, I choose to speak life into those around me and build up the Body in love. I choose to communicate with excellence so that the whole Body can grow, instead of merely settling for self-edification.
Prayer
God, I want to see your Spirit move–and I want to live and walk in a way which honors and invites your presence! Help me this week to build up those around me, and to speak in love which builds up instead of knowledge which puffs up.
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Not Just About Me

  • November 10, 2023
My walk with God is not just about me: It’s about giving God my all, so that He can fully use me for His purpose in the lives of those around me. This week, I choose to love my family well by walking in full surrender to my God.
==========================
Scripture
1 Corinthians 7:13-14
If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
Observation
Each person is called to a personal relationship with the Savior–but though the relationship is personal, it has far greater impact and reach than merely that individual person’s life. The effect of a believer on their unbelieving spouse is incalculable! The effect of a believing parent on their children cannot be computed.
Though each child of God is called to individual relationship, each one also carries the weight of community and family impact.
Application
As a father, it’s a sobering thought to realize how much my own walk with God will affect my family. When my heart is off track, it affects far more than just me–it also takes a toll on my wife, my sons, and those in community around me. Conversely, when my heart is right before God then my family all reap the benefits of His Spirit operating through me.
I can’t live for God ‘for others’–yet the weight of responsibility is still there to allow them to experience God’s best in their lives, by fully submitting my own heart to my King. My walk with God is not just about me: It’s about giving God my all, so that He can fully use me for His purpose in the lives of those around me.
This week, I choose to love my family well by walking in full surrender to my God.
Prayer
God, help me to walk daily in total surrender to you–not merely going through the motions of living for you because of those around me, but instead truly and honestly surrendering my heart to you because you are the Lord of my life. As I live each day for you, I ask that you would bless my wife and sons through me. May they reap the benefits of my heart being right before you!
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Passing the Final Inspection

  • November 8, 2023
That which is built of spirit and truth will survive, but that which is built of man’s wisdom and effort cannot last.
==================================
Scripture
1 Corinthians 3:12-13
“Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw–each one’s work will become manifest for the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done.”
Observation
The immoveable foundation of Jesus Christ has been laid, and will never pass away. However the building materials will determine what ultimately survives, of that which is built on him. That which is built of spirit and truth will survive, but that which is built of man’s wisdom and effort cannot last.
Application
Just because something has the name of Christ slapped on it does not mean that it is of the Spirit.
Programs, strategies, plans, and processes can all be good–but they do not result in an eternal structure if they are composed of earthly wisdom. I don’t want to invest a lifetime of work into something that cannot last! I must pick my building materials with care, so that it would endure the ‘final inspection’ of fire.
Prayer
God, I don’t want to merely build on the solid foundation–I want to build with the right materials! Guide me today, to build with Holy-Spirit inspired gold, instead of with the quick and easy wood and straw of earthly strategy and wisdom.
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Hearing and Listening

  • November 7, 2023
Elihu’s lack of compassion turned what should have been a time to offer comfort and encouragement to Job, into a chance to vent his own anger and frustration.
=====================
Scripture
Job 32:18-20
18 For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me. 19 Behold, my belly is like wine that has no vent; like new wineskins ready to burst. 20 I must speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer.
Observation
Job’s friend Elihu seems to have struggled with his listening skills. Though he had taken time to hear the words of Job and the rest of his friends, he wasn’t listening to hear them–he was listening in order to reply. He had originally come to comfort Job–yet he allowed his anger to be stirred instead of his compassion, and now all he could do was sit there biting his tongue until his turn came to speak. His lack of compassion turned what should have been a time to offer comfort and encouragement to Job, into a chance to vent his own anger and frustration.
Application
Like Elihu, I find myself from time to time listening merely in order to decide what I’m going to say. Though my ears hear the words being spoken to me, I’m not actually ‘hearing’ the person speaking–I’m simply waiting to get a word in edgewise. What this actually means, is that I don’t care about what the other person is trying to say–they have become merely an impediment to my own ability to express my thoughts.
I must daily make the decision to walk with a heart of compassion, so that I could truly hear what people are saying. The heart of Jesus was moved by compassion, and mine must be also if I am going to share His love and teach His truth.
This week, I choose to listen in order to hear–instead of listening in order to speak.
Prayer
God, thank you for hearing me when I call on you! Thank you for your heart of compassion. Help me this week to value and love people, and to take the time to hear their heart instead of merely trying to make my voice heard.
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

What’s in it for me?

  • October 30, 2023
The blunt truth that Job points toward, is that it doesn’t matter what a person may ‘get out of it’…the almighty God of the universe deserves obedience and surrender simply by virtue of who he is.
====================
Scripture
Job 21:15
What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? And what profit do we get if we pray to him?’
Observation
These arrogant words that Job ascribes to the wicked, accurately sum up the attitude that many have toward God. “Why should I serve you? What’s in it for me?”
The blunt truth that Job points toward, is that it doesn’t matter what a person may ‘get out of it’…the almighty God of the universe deserves obedience and surrender simply by virtue of who he is.
Application
I’ve often been guilty of this same attitude in my own life. “What’s in it for me? What will you do for me if I obey you? How much will you bless me if I give my tithes and offerings? How will you benefit me if I follow your word?”
In his love and generosity, God DOES bless me–over and over, without measure. But my allegiance to him, and my submission to him cannot be dependent on what he does for me. He is the Creator, and I am his creation. He is God, and I am a man. He is the King, and I am his servant. He deserves my whole-hearted devotion, love, obedience, and surrender…simply because he is who he is.
This week, I choose to be grateful for what God does for me–and I choose to obey and follow him, simply because he is God.
Prayer
God, thank you for blessing me abundantly! I’m so grateful for your generosity and your love–but I acknowledge you today as my King. I choose to submit my life to you, simply because you deserve my devotion and allegiance. I acknowledge you as my Lord, and choose to surrender my life to you.
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Dangerous Assumptions

  • October 18, 2023
God is a God of truth, so my life must be built on truth if I hope to fulfill the purpose for which he created me. This week, I pray for wisdom to recognize when I am operating on assumptions so that my own pre-formed opinions would not prevent me from fulfilling that which God desires to do through me.
==========================
Scripture
Job 4:6-8
6 Is not your fear of God your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope? 7 “Remember: who that was innocent ever perished? Or where were the upright cut off? 8 As I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same.
Observation
Job’s friend Eliphaz started off well, reminding Job of what a comfort Job had been to others in his life. But then Eliphaz’ assumptions turned things in a less helpful direction: “What, Job–did you really think you were more righteous than all those other people you’ve encouraged? Everyone knows bad things don’t happen to good people, so clearly you’ve brought this on yourself somehow!”
The assumptions that Eliphaz had already formed, prevented him from being the comfort that Job needed in that moment.
Application
Assumptions are dangerous. The problem is, it’s not easy to recognize when I’m operating on assumptions. Everything that I believe makes sense to my own mind…so how do I know if the basis for my beliefs are actually assumptions that I’ve made?
The only way is to slow down and ask God to help me see clearly. I must be willing to let go of my perspectives and conclusions, when the true facts of the situation contradict the opinion I’ve formed.
God is a God of truth, so my life must be built on truth if I hope to fulfill the purpose for which he created me. This week, I pray for wisdom to recognize when I am operating on assumptions, so that my own pre-formed opinions would not prevent me from fulfilling that which God desires to do through me.
Prayer
God, please forgive me for hastily-formed assumptions. Help me to see things clearly this week, so that I could walk in your truth and accomplish that which you’ve called me to do. Help me to look for the best in people, instead of instinctively expecting the worst.
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Not My Job?

  • October 17, 2023
Some issues are my problem, but not my calling. I shouldn’t ignore them, but nor can I devote all of my attention to solving them. So this week, I choose to engage my heart when issues arise. I choose to reject the ‘not my problem’ mindset, and instead pray for wisdom to release people into their calling–so that the mission can continue, and so that we would together keep walking in step with God.
Scripture
Acts 6:2-4
“And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.
Observation
Somewhere in the early church, someone had developed a “not my job” attitude. Though the church was ministering and meeting needs, the Hellenistic widows were being neglected. Those that were distributing food and assistance apparently couldn’t be bothered to fix the inequality issue. The apostles saw the issue and responded differently. Instead of “not my job”, they acknowledged that it was definitely their problem to address–but it wasn’t their calling. They took ownership to find a solution, while not letting it derail them from their specific calling.
Application
There is never any shortage of problems in the world. Some are small, some are huge, and some of them grieve the heart of God–like when the church tolerates racist attitudes toward God’s children. It can be easy to slip into an attitude of “not my job”.
This pass-the-buck mindset doesn’t align with the heart of God, nor does it accomplish our mission. And yet, I can quickly become so distracted trying to fix all the issues that I neglect to fulfill my calling in Christ…which also does not please him, and doesn’t accomplish our mission.
Somewhere in between the two extremes is the healthy balance–where I can acknowledge that the situation is my problem, but still not my calling. This response carries personal responsibility–not merely to care about the issue, but also to care about those who truly are called to solve it.
This week, I choose to engage my heart when issues arise. I choose to reject the ‘not my problem’ mindset, and instead pray for wisdom to release people into their calling–so that the mission can continue, and so that we would together keep walking in step with God.
Prayer
God, help me this week to walk in my calling and release others into theirs. May we never degrade into ‘not my job’, but instead approach every issue with your heart of love.
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Praying for Peace

  • October 9, 2023
Today, I pray for peace in our world and peace for Israel–but not merely the temporary peace of politics, ceasefire negotiations, and military action. Instead, I pray for the eternal peace which only comes through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray that our world would turn to the only one who can break the power of sin and bring peace to our chaos.
=============================
Scripture

Nehemiah 1:4-9
4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 5 And I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. 8 Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, 9 but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’
Observation
Nehemiah was heartbroken at the state in which he saw God’s people, and the city of Jerusalem. He wanted to see the situation change–but he didn’t merely pray for God to reverse the circumstances: He prayed a prayer of repentance, and reminded God of his promise to his people if they turned back to him. He prayed God’s blessing on those of his people who sincerely turned their hearts back to God.
Application
A couple of days ago, Israel was attacked by Hamas 50 years after the Yom Kippur war. News reports are still coming out, rumors are flying, and social media is going crazy right now. Many are calling for prayer for Israel, and emotions are running high. Amid all of the chaos and clamor though, I was struck by the words of Nehemiah’s prayer this morning.
He didn’t merely pray for God to bless Israel: Instead, he prayed for God to hear the repentant heart of the people as they turned their hearts back to God. He reminded God of his promise to bless them…if they turned back to him.
Today, I pray for peace in our world and peace for Israel–but not merely the temporary peace of politics, ceasefire negotiations, and military action. Instead, I pray for the eternal peace which only comes through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray that our world would turn to the only one who can break the power of sin and bring peace to our chaos.
Prayer
God, turn our hearts back to you! I repent for my own sin, and ask that you would turn our hearts to you like never before. I pray for your peace over Israel, over Jerusalem, over the West Bank and the Golan Heights, and over Gaza. I pray that you would spark a revival of your spirit not only in the people of Israel, but also in the Palestinian community and even among the very members of Hamas. Help your people to shine the light of your gospel brightly in the darkness, and to remember that true and lasting peace is only found in your presence. Give me opportunities this week to speak your peace into the lives of those that I interact with.

Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!

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

The King Is On His Throne

  • October 4, 2023
God is sovereign, and will fulfill His purposes—no matter what is permitted or tolerated by culture.
====================
Scripture

Esther 1:15
“According to the law, what is to be done to Vashti, because she has not performed the command of King Ahaseurus delivered by the eunuchs?”
Observation
Esther is a fascinating book not only for what it says, but also what it doesn’t say. Set in a pagan, secular culture, it gives a look at God’s people interacting with ungodly culture around them. It doesn’t condemn the king for his harsh treatment of the queen, nor does it record any protests against the kidnapping and forcible marriage of the young women.
It simply displays God continuing to rule in his sovereignty and continuing to fulfill his plans to save mankind from sin–no matter what the culture permitted or allowed.
Application
It’s easy to get caught up in the latest scandals from Washington DC or Hollywood and become so embroiled in the things of this world that I forget that God is still on the throne. In a world consumed with ‘here and now’, Christ calls me to keep my eyes on eternity, and trust that he is still on the throne. It is right for me to speak up against injustice–but Christ is the answer to the world’s problems…not merely another petition or another campaign to raise awareness.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder that you are still in control even when society is falling apart. Help me to trust your sovereignty, and keep my eyes on eternity instead of becoming consumed by the world around me.

Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!

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

The Comparison Game

  • October 2, 2023
I choose to celebrate what God is doing–not only in my life, but in the lives of those around me. I choose to celebrate each outpouring of his spirit, each overflow of his provision and blessing, each example of his goodness…instead of playing the comparison game.
=========================
Scripture

Luke 15:1-2
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”
Observation
The religious leaders complained about Jesus spending time around ‘unholy’ people. Jesus (knowing their heart) didn’t just react to their words–he spoke to the heart of their complaint. In the next two parables, Jesus confronted what was truly going on in their heart: Not just irritation that he was spending time around sinners, but even more-so a heart of jealousy that Jesus was not devoting his full attention to their own expectations and demands. How dare he spend time with sinners, when the ‘holy’ and ‘worthy’ people clearly needed his time for far more noble reasons?
Jesus reminded them that a faithful shepherd cares about the whole flock–even those who wander away. He hadn’t come to satisfy the whims of the self-righteous…but to redeem the lost and restore them to a right relationship with the Father.
Application
A heart of jealousy is a dangerous thing, because it always presents itself in such a logical and reasonable way. Jealousy never comes right out and announces its presence–it creeps in quietly and then goes to work comparing, contrasting, and weighing what I have versus what I think is owed to me. One of the clearest ways for me to recognize when jealousy is at work, is in my reaction to God’s work in someone else’s life. Do I truly and honestly celebrate what God is doing in them…or do I begin to compare it with what God is doing in my own life?
This week, I choose to celebrate what God is doing–not only in my life, but in the lives of those around me. I choose to celebrate each outpouring of his spirit, each overflow of his provision and blessing, each example of his goodness.
Prayer
God, thank you for your goodness which knows no end. Thank you for blessing your children, and for pursuing those that are lost so that they might be restored to relationship with you. Thank you for every blessing that you’ve given me, and I choose this week to live with a heart of gratefulness instead of letting the seeds of jealousy and comparison take root in my heart.
You are good, and your mercy endures forever!

Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!

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

Back To Top