S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Humble, not Hiding

  • February 20, 2026
Scripture
Numbers 7:2-3
2 the chiefs of Israel, heads of their fathers’ houses, who were the chiefs of the tribes, who were over those who were listed, approached 3 and brought their offerings before the LORD, six wagons and twelve oxen, a wagon for every two of the chiefs, and for each one an ox. They brought them before the tabernacle.
Observation
These ‘heads of their father’s houses’ brought a generous offering to the tabernacle- and the whole community saw their generosity! This seems to run counter to what Jesus instructed (don’t let your right hand know what your left hand is doing), but there was intentionality in how this offering was brought.
These chiefs don’t seem to be bringing their offering for the applause and admiration of those watching–instead, their role as chiefs and leaders was to influence the behavior of those they led! Rather than seeking approval of those they led, they intentionally allowed the community to watch their generosity so that the people would learn how they also ought to give generously.
Application
It has often been said that “leadership is not about what you do, but about what others do because of what you do.” But in order for others to ‘do’ differently, they must be able to see what I do!
The goal is not to seek the approval and praise of men–but rather to seek my Father’s approval, as I model right living for those whom I lead.
The question is, what will others learn from what they see me doing? Will they see a heart of pride on display, desperate for human praise? Will they see an uncertain and hesitant heart, afraid to let others glimpse the life I live?
Or–will they see a life courageously lived for the glory of God, unashamed to be seen by the world, but unaffected equally by flattery and criticism? That’s the kind of life I want to live–because God has not called me to hide, but to lead.
Today I choose to walk humbly before God, with the prayer that my life may inspire someone else to do the same.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder of what true humility looks like. It’s not about hiding, but about motivation. May your praise be the only praise I seek, and may your reproof be the thing which guides me above all else. As I walk with you, I pray that you would use me to influence someone else to also walk closer to you today.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

The Diagnosis and the Cure

  • February 10, 2026
Scripture
Leviticus 13:20
20 And the priest shall look, and if it appears deeper than the skin and its hair has turned white, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is a case of leprous disease that has broken out in the boil.
Acts 17:30-31
30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”
Observation
These passages in Leviticus can seem so odd at first glance: Here, amid the laws about holiness and tabernacle sacrifice, are pages upon pages of instructions for medical examinations and draconian quarantines for those found with the dreaded and incurable disease of leprosy. Why was God so preoccupied with skin diseases?
It seems that God saw a specific connection between disease, and sin:
Just as a contagious disease affects more than just the ‘patient zero’, so also sin becomes contagious and spreads when left unchallenged.
Just as a patient cannot reliably diagnose their own medical condition, so also diseases of the soul cannot be left up to the opinions and perspectives of the one suffering–they must be confronted by one who can clearly diagnose the problem.
Just as a contagion cannot be ignored in the hopes that it will get better on its own, so also sin cannot be ignored in the hopes that it will someday resolve itself.
The beautiful counterpoint to Leviticus though is this: While the Levitical law could only identify the issue but provide no cure, Jesus Christ came to provide the treatment which our spiritual diagnosis required.
Application
A positive diagnosis is never fun. When the doctor walks in to share what the test results have confirmed, there is an ‘ouch’ moment of discomfort. Yet it is the doctor’s willingness to cause discomfort in this moment, is the very thing which creates an opportunity for healing! If I don’t know my arm is broken…I won’t put it in a splint. If I don’t know my blood pressure is too high…I won’t reduce my sodium intake. If I don’t recognize that I have allowed sin to fester in my heart…I won’t allow repentance to turn me back toward the Savior.
God’s love confronts the things that I would rather ignore. His truth shines light on the things I would rather keep concealed, and His righteousness identifies the things which will kill me if not corrected. Yet His grace does not merely provide a diagnosis–because He has also supplied the cure which my problem requires!
Today I choose to allow the Holy Spirit to confront the things in me which must change. Whether I think my issue is serious or insignificant…the great physician alone is qualified to diagnose my condition. His judgement is right, His diagnosis is loving, and His treatment is always effective.
Prayer
God, thank you for your voice of truth and grace! Keep my heart teachable and humble before you, so that I would daily accept not only the diagnosis, but also the treatment that my heart requires. I welcome your voice of truth, and I want to grow daily more like you!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Wisdom and Spirit

  • January 30, 2026
Scripture
Acts 6:8-10
8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. 10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.
Observation
Signs and wonders were being accomplished, and the community ‘rose up and disputed’. Sounds a lot like the world today! But Stephen didn’t engage in their dispute, or rise up in retaliation against them. Instead he spoke with wisdom and with the power of the Holy Spirit–and they were unable to withstand.
Application
What is my response to combative and argumentative people? Do I get offended and dig in for a good argument? Do I back down weakly, unsure of how Christ would react? Do I try to make everyone happy, and allow them to change my stance?
Or–do I respond as Stephen did: with confidence in the wisdom I find in God’s word, and with the prompting of the Holy Spirit?
I don’t need to pick a fight: they’re not truly fighting me anyway. I don’t need to back down: if I am standing on God’s word, then my foundation cannot be shaken. I don’t need to retaliate: the battle is not against flesh and blood!
Today I choose to spend time learning the wisdom of God, and listening for His voice. With those two things, I can walk confidently through every turmoil and conflict.
Prayer
God, help me to honor you when the world dissolves into chaos! Give me courage to speak truth, with the wisdom of your Word. Help me not to become reactive or argumentative, but instead to allow you to speak through me to those who need to hear your voice.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Serving Well

  • January 27, 2026
Scripture
Exodus 17:10-13
10 So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword.
Observation
So much to unpack here! Joshua is fulfilling his calling and responsibility, fighting there on the plain. Moses is fulfilling his calling, providing a spiritual covering for Joshua while staying out of his way. And Aaron and Hur are fulfilling their calling and responsibility, strengthening and supporting Moses as he grows weary.
Many leaders would have taken this as their moment to shine, and begun to raise their own hands over the army. Some would have told Moses to take a break, and given him a comfortable spot in the shade for a nap–But Aaron and Hur did neither of those.
They didn’t take advantage of the moment to grow their own platform.
They didn’t offer Moses a lecture on how to improve his posture and muscle tone.
They didn’t try to talk him into taking a sabbatical.
They simply showed up next to him, with a chair and a helping hand until the battle was finished. They provided what they were able to offer, while continuing to support a weary leader whose strength was running out.
Application
Weariness happens: it’s a simple and inescapable reality. And weariness never shows up at convenient moments, like when I have a full day of free time and no commitments weighing on my mind. Weariness comes in the middle of the battle–when rest doesn’t seem to be an option, and the stakes are too high to allow quitting.
I’ve played each role in this story at various times. I’ve been a young and scrappy Joshua in battle, with a seasoned and wise Moses providing a covering over me. I’ve been Moses, caring for a leader under me in the thick of battle–praying hard, trying not to hinder them as the fight rages, and knowing that if I fail them…the results could be devastating.
…And I’ve been Aaron and Hur–watching a leader over me sagging with exhaustion, knowing that if something doesn’t change, many lives could be permanently affected.
Today I choose to offer what I am able to those in authority over me. Not to take advantage of their difficult moments, or to look for self-promotion. Not to reinforce discouragement, or offer a sermon–but to uplift where I’m able, to give support where I can, and to give honor instead of critique.
Prayer
God, thank you for the leaders and shepherds that you’ve placed in my life. Give me the maturity to serve well, instead of making every moment about me and my own growth or progress.
Help me to speak life into those around me, and to discern how I can encourage others toward a ‘win’ in their own calling.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Volume vs. Veracity

  • January 23, 2026
Scripture
Luke 23:23
“But the mob shouted louder and louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified, and their voices prevailed.”
Observation
What a contrast! Jesus, God incarnate, stands silent before Pilate. Outside the window the mob shouts- screaming louder, more and more insistent that they are right… and they must be right, because there are so many of them!
The many, shouting. The One…silent.
The numbers and volume of the mob didn’t make them right, and the solitary silence of Jesus didn’t make him wrong.
The mob had to shout, because their words were not supported by truth. Jesus didn’t need to speak, because his life was built on truth.
Application
The mob never gets quieter! This world is full of voices shouting, opinions being forcefully expressed, and mobs insisting they are right because they are many.
In the midst of it all Christ stands: unshaken, and unchanged. His silence is not the silence of fear, it is the silence of established authority and strength. And yet, He is not truly silent. For those willing to hear, He is speaking. And one day, even the clamoring mob will bow at His feet.
That’s my King, and the one I choose to follow. That’s the one I choose to listen to: not because He is the loudest, but because He is the greatest and the truest.
Prayer
God thank you that you are unchanging, you are true, and you are strong. Help me this week to be more like you- not trying to prove myself through volume, but standing on the unyielding, quiet authority of truth.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

The Staff of God

  • January 22, 2026
Scripture
Ex. 4:2,20
2 Then the Lord asked him, “what is that in your hand?” “A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied.”
20 “…so Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to the land of Egypt. In his hand he carried the staff of God.”
Observation
In v. 2. Moses carried a simple shepherd’s staff. In v. 20, Moses is now carrying the “staff of God”.
…but it’s the same staff, not a different one! The staff didn’t change, only his opinion and perspective of it. Now he had seen God use it in a miraculous way, and now he understood that it was more than a simple stick he happened to be carrying-it was a powerful tool, divinely provided for this exact moment!
Application
God asked Moses what he was carrying. God already knew, but he wanted Moses to take note.
What are the things God has given me, of which I am unaware? What are the resources He has entrusted to me, which I view as insignificant and common?
A simple shepherd’s staff became the staff of God when Moses allowed God to use it. The same is true in my life: My hands become His hands, my vocal cords become His vocal cords, my finances become His finances, and my abilities become His abilities when I give them to Him, to be used as He sees fit.
Today I choose to let God use me as He wants- because the ordinary becomes supernatural when given to Him.
Prayer
God, help me to see what you’ve entrusted to me! The resources, the abilities, the possessions, the people… They all belong to you, to be used for your glory! Help me not to view as common, what you have called holy. Help me not to take for granted the things that you have divinely supplied!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

The Choice I Make

  • January 21, 2026
Scripture
Exodus 1:8-10
8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. 10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.”
Luke 21:9
And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”
Observation
A Pharaoh rose to power who did not know Joseph. His ignorance made him afraid, and his fear caused him to make an enemy of those who had previously been a blessing to the nation of Egypt.
In Luke, Jesus said to expect to hear rumors of wars and conflict–but not to be afraid. Though there are always things to fear in this world, Christ’s desire is that His children would not allow a mindset of fear to control them.
Application
Our world is gripped by fear. Political parties fear each other, cultures and people groups fear each other, social issues cause fear…everywhere I look, fear seems to be the thing that rules the hearts of mankind. Some things never change!
Jesus said that there will always be opportunities for me to be afraid–and even more so, as His return draws near. I must be mindful to not allow fear to govern my heart and my actions. Fear is not always inappropriate, but God never intended for it to control me.
Today I choose to see with faith, speak with faith, and act with faith. It’s a choice and decision, regardless of my circumstances and the world around me.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder! The world seems to be going crazy, but it’s no surprise to you. Thank you for the reassurance of your word, and the certainty of knowing that you hold my future!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Genuine Love

  • January 20, 2026
Scripture
Genesis 49:28
All these are the twelve tribes of Israel. This is what their father said to them as he blessed them, blessing each with the blessing suitable to him.
Observation
Jacob blessed his sons as he was dying–but his some of his words sound pretty harsh! “Reuben–you are unstable. Simeon and Levi–you are violent and unstable! Dan–you are cunning and vicious.”
These don’t sound like a blessing at first glance, and yet they are the words of a loving father who cared too much about his sons to let their character deficiencies destroy them.
His words were a blessing–not because they were gentle, but because they offered an opportunity for his sons to become something greater than what they were at that moment.
Application
There are people in my life who have been courageous enough to be a true friend–those who have pushed through the discomfort to speak the uncomfortable truth that I needed to hear. I’m grateful for their presence in my life, when I know their words are spoken from a heart of love.
It makes me consider though: Am I willing to be a true friend? Am I willing to speak the truth that I know has the potential to end a friendship, if the recipient decides to reject it?
It takes courage to be a true friend–but anything less is not real friendship at all. It takes courage to love–but anything less is not real love at all. It seems almost self-contradictory, but the truest test of love is whether I am willing to risk an end in the relationship if my offer is rejected.
…but this is the same as God’s love for me. His love doesn’t merely smooth over my flaws to make me feel better: His love challenges me with the hardest truths I’ll ever face, so that I can become something more than what I am today.
Today I choose to be a true friend–not to merely make people feel better, but to offer the risky kind of love which compels a decision to either accept or reject the truth it carries.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder of what true love looks like. Teach me to show genuine love to those around me: Not to merely make people comfortable, but to offer the loving kind of discomfort which inspires those around me to become more like you. Keep my heart teachable before you, so that I would always be willing to receive the loving discomfort of the true friends you’ve given me.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Seeing the Brokenness

  • January 15, 2026
Scripture
Genesis 37:26-27
26 Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? 27 Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers listened to him.
Observation
What a twisted tale! Joseph seems to have been an irritating younger brother, but his older siblings took things way too far. Not content to merely put him in his place, they decided that death was a better objective. Judah (whose name means ‘praise’) decided that might be going a bit far…and talked them into selling Joseph into slavery instead. These aren’t just random people making these decisions–these are the patriarchs! These are the sons of Jacob, the heads of the tribes of Israel! God had a plan which could not be impeded…but he accomplished his plan through broken, evil, sinful people. The fact that God used them wasn’t a stamp of approval on them, it was simply evidence of His sovereignty in a broken and messed-up world.
Application
I look at the world around me today: Humanity is broken, selfish and sinful leaders are abusing those under their care, and way too many leaders in the Kingdom are giving in to their fallen instincts and desires.
Where is God in all this? Does He not see the problems and the issues? Where are those who truly honor Him?
Reading through Genesis, I’m reminded again just how wicked and sinful these men truly were. How could God have used them?! Why would He allow someone like Judah to be the head of a tribe of Israel, or the ancestor of Jesus Christ?
God used them–not because they were perfect, but because God is merciful and sovereign. God worked through them–not because He approved of what they did, but because the story that God is telling is a story of mercy, grace, and redemption.
Maybe I shouldn’t be so surprised when leaders today fail. It’s not excusable…but it is expected. Christ didn’t come to this earth to tell us what a great job we’re doing–He came to save us from our brokenness!
When those that I respect display their humanity and even their sinful nature, I choose to not let it shake me, or shake my faith in God. God is still good, and still holy. He is unchanging and unfailing–and in the sinful brokenness of this world, He is still drawing mankind to Himself.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder that broken people do not change who you are. You are righteous, holy, and true–and you are unchangeable! Help me not to base my faith or my confidence on imperfect people, but rather on your perfect love.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Cheated, but Not Harmed!

  • January 13, 2026
Scripture
Genesis 31:6-7
“You know how hard I have worked for your father, but he has cheated me, changing my wages ten times. But God has not allowed him to do me any harm.”
Observation
Jacob had his flaws, but what an amazing attitude he shows here! “Laban cheated me…but he couldn’t harm me!”
Jacob understood that mistreatment at the hands of men, cannot even be counted as harm in comparison with the blessings of God.
Application
I’ve been cheated and mistreated, and I don’t like it! It’s easy to get a ‘poor me’ attitude when I’m not treated right. Could I work 20 years for a man like Laban, without becoming bitter? I don’t know. But I do know that the more I stay focused on God’s goodness, the less harmful are other people’s words and actions.
Today I choose to stay focused on God’s blessing. Man didn’t give it to me, and man cannot take it away!
Prayer
God, you are so good to me! Thank you for blessing me, and being my fortress and refuge. I choose to trust you, instead of fearing mankind.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/
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