S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

A Special Assignment

  • May 15, 2023
King David needed people he could count on to manage projects. He needed people who could make decisions and get things done. He needed people to follow orders and carry out his commands. But he also needed a trusted companion to perform no other function than be his friend.
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Scripture

1 Chronicles 27:32-34
“Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor, being a man of understanding and a scribe. He and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni attended the king’s sons. Ahithophel was the king’s counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend. Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar. Joab was commander of the king’s army.”
Observation
These chapters give us a glimpse into the structure and functions of King David’s court. We see the incredible scale of planning it took for David to manage not only the country, but also his estate. We see the names of advisors, of watchmen, of accountants, of military commanders, of ranch foremen, of artists, and of inventory control specialists. And there at the end of the list, almost unnoticed among the names of these incredible leaders that assisted King David in keeping the nation running smoothly, we find a man named Hushai.
Hushai was not a general in the army. He wasn’t the head of the national bank. He wasn’t a manager of David’s business interests. No–Hushai performed a different, but just as vital role: He was the friend of the King.
King David needed people he could count on to manage projects. He needed people who could make decisions and get things done. He needed people to follow orders and carry out his commands. But he also needed a trusted companion to perform no other function than be his friend. He needed someone that he could converse with as an equal in the relationship. He needed someone who wasn’t trying to win his favor or manipulate him for personal gain. He needed someone to walk with him on life’s journey, who didn’t have an ‘agenda’.
Application
God created us to desire companionship. The need is so deeply ingrained within us, that many people have self-destructed for the sake of finding or preserving companionship with someone who was not the right companion for them.
Wisdom dictates that we should be intentional to navigate relationships in a way which moves us toward our mission. There is a process of building trust in order to execute a plan, and we need people who can help us to accomplish our mission in life. Yet we need more than merely ‘allies’ on the journey. We also need friendship! If we reduce every relationship around us to a math formula of ‘success’, we will miss out on something important that God created us to long for: friendship.
This week, I need to take some time to invest in my friendships. I need to identify those people who may not be performing any specific ‘function’ in my life, but who are worth my time anyway. I need to value these people, and make time for them–because friendship is worth it.
Prayer
God, thank you for friends on life’s journey! Thank you for putting people in my life who bring out the best in me, and who I can enjoy spending time with as I pursue the mission you’ve given me. Help me not to get so focused on the tasks you’ve entrusted to me, that I neglect to invest time in friendship.

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Seeking His Face

  • May 12, 2023
David recognized that there were some things he could fix and affect…and there were some things that only God could do. Instead of operating in ego, fear, inadequacy, and human wisdom…he instead sought God and trusted God to do the things that only God could do. And God heard him!
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Scripture

2 Samuel 21:1
Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year. And David sought the face of the LORD. And the LORD said, “There is bloodguilt on Saul and on his house, because he put the Gibeonites to death.”
2 Samuel 22:7
“In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I called. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry came to his ears.”
Observation
David was a very capable guy, and able to handle a lot of issues. He was a warrior and a shepherd–accustomed to thinking on his feet, responding to the developing crisis, and creatively handling every problem that came up.
A lion attacks the sheep? No problem! Kill the lion, problem solved.
Over and over we see David creatively solving problems with God’s help, using his skills and strength to resolve every new emergency.
Now David is settled in as king, and suddenly a problem comes up that he can’t solve or fix. A famine has hit the land, and there’s simply nothing that a shepherd or a warrior can do to fix a famine. David could have fallen back on all of his talents and abilities to try to fix the issue on his own. He could have begun a nationwide effort to raise herds of sheep more quickly, and search for pastureland. He could have organized the army into raiding parties, to steal food from the surrounding nations. He could have pulled out all the stops, and just started trying everything that came into his mind to solve the issue…instead, he “sought the face of the Lord”.
David recognized that there were some things he could fix and affect…and there were some things that only God could do. Instead of operating in ego, fear, inadequacy, and human wisdom…he instead sought God and trusted God to do the things that only God could do. And God heard him!
Application
I don’t like ‘having’ problems, but I do like solving problems.
Flat tire? Inconvenient, but no problem–I can fix it!
Burnt out light bulb? Irritating…but I can fix it!
Broken shower valve? Frustrating…but I can fix it!
When problems come up, my first response is to begin looking for a way to fix the situation. Some things I can fix…but there are some things that I’m simply unable to fix or even significantly affect. Like David the warrior facing a famine, I look at the problem–then I look at my abilities…and realize that there’s simply nothing I can do.
When these moments come, it can be easy to go into crisis mode. Lose sleep, toss and turn, brainstorm, research, hash it over, waste energy trying things that won’t work…and then find myself back where I started.
Like David, I need to recognize that God allows me to face things that I can’t fix. God’s intention is not to destroy me, but to cause me to ‘seek His face’. When I seek the face of God, He gives me insight and understanding that I didn’t have. When I seek the face of God, He provides resource that I lacked. When I seek the face of God, He fights battles on my behalf. When I seek the face of God, He turns famine into fruition.
Prayer
God, thank you for hearing my prayers! Thank you for being greater than any issue I could ever face. Help me to remember to seek your face when problems arise–that you would be my first reaction, rather than my last resort. I choose today, to lay my problems at your feet instead of trying to scheme and strategize my way to a solution. I need your strength and your provision, and I choose to walk in the peace of knowing that you love me and you will never let me down.
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Passion and Purpose

  • May 10, 2023
Passion without purpose cannot accomplish anything. Without purpose to direct our energy and our heart, we will inevitably relapse into self-satisfaction and self-fulfillment rather than fulfilling the mission to which we are called. Purpose brings definition and direction to my passion. It guides my decisions, to know when to act, when to refrain, when to speak, and when to stay silent.
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Scripture

2 Samuel 18:29
And the king said, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” Ahimaaz answered, “When Joab sent the king’s servant, your servant, I saw a great commotion, but I do not know what it was.”
Observation
Ahimaaz had passion and calling. His calling was to be a message-bearer, and he served with passion. The ‘mission’ was to carry urgent news, so that the king and military commanders could make the right decisions in a timely way, for the good of the kingdom. Unfortunately, Ahimaaz began to take his eye off the target. His passion began to drift–not to carry important news to the decision-makers…but instead to simply carry news for his own sense of self-satisfaction and self-importance. Here he was at the battle, important things were happening, and Ahimaaz began to feel left-out because someone else got the most important assignment. He insisted on being included, but failed in his mission because he made it about himself. He outran the other messenger and blurted out his news to the king…only to realize that he had no ‘news’ to tell.
Application
Passion without purpose cannot accomplish anything. Without purpose to direct our energy and our heart, we will inevitably relapse into self-satisfaction and self-fulfillment rather than fulfilling the mission to which we are called. Purpose brings definition and direction to my passion. It guides my decisions, to know when to act, when to refrain, when to speak, and when to stay silent. Purpose keeps my heart humble–because the ‘purpose’ is the main thing, not my own role or preferences. As long as the purpose is fulfilled, then it really doesn’t matter who gets the glory.
This week, I need to be mindful to keep the mission at the center of all I do. Instead of letting situations devolve into disagreements about preference or position, I must instead focus myself and those I lead on the ‘purpose’–because it defines and guides all else. When we keep the mission of the gospel of Jesus Christ at the center of all we do, everything else becomes clear.
Prayer
God, thank you for the privilege of serving you! Help me to always ‘keep the main thing the main thing’, and not allow personal preferences or self-centered passion to distract me from the mission to which you’ve called me! May you be glorified in all that I do, so that souls would be saved, and hearts transformed for eternity by your Gospel!

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Walking in Anointing

  • May 8, 2023
Absalom sought acclaim, but David walked in anointing.
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Scripture
2 Samuel 15:1,17
“After this Absalom got himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him.”
“…and the king went out, and all the people after him…”
Observation
Such a contrast is shown between David and Absalom! Absalom was not anointed by God, but searched out people to ‘run before him’ to be his heralds and announce his presence. David sought no heralds to go before him, but ‘all the people’ followed after him…because the anointing of God was on him.
Absalom sought acclaim, David walked in anointing.
This wasn’t the first time that David had made the long walk out of the palace into the wilderness. The first time had been as he ran from Saul–with no entourage to accompany him. Now he was making the same trek again: with more followers this time, but with the same heart of a humble shepherd instead of kingly arrogance.
Application
There is strength, walking in the anointing of God. This strength doesn’t rely on public opinion, or a marketing campaign, or self-aggrandizement. It doesn’t require palace walls, rather it is equally at home in a wilderness cave. It cannot be bought or purchased–only humbly accepted, and gratefully received.
Walking in anointing is not always easy or comfortable, but it does have the power to change the world.
This week I need to seek, accept, and walk in the anointing of God.
Prayer
God, thank you for the anointing of your spirit! May I always seek your anointing, rather than earthly acclaim and recognition. Keep my heart humble, and may you be glorified through every season of my life–including the wilderness moments.

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

The Confidence of the King

  • May 3, 2023
When I see the carnal world around me, I can slip into anxiety about the spiritual battle being waged-but I must remember that the battle is God’s to fight, not mine. The things that would overwhelm me, the king simply laughs at–because his strength is not in danger of running out.
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Scripture

Psalm 2:2-4
“The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against his Anointed saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.”
Observation
The arrogance of carnal thinking is so clearly depicted here! Carnal thinking always stands in opposition to God’s kingship. God’s response is laughter-not the gentle laughter of a parent, but the derisive laughter of one who knows their own authority and strength. God is not stressed or anxious about those who stand against him, because there is no one who can withstand the King of kings.
Application
I don’t want to approach God in rebellion and arrogance, and I don’t ever want to put myself in a place to be the object of his derision. I want to align my life with his kingship and authority.
When I see the carnal world around me, I can slip into anxiety about the spiritual battle being waged-but I must remember that the battle is God’s to fight, not mine. The things that would overwhelm me, the king simply laughs at–because his strength is not in danger of running out.
This week I need to walk in the peace of being submitted to the King of kings, and the Lord of lords.
Prayer
God, thank you that you are still on the throne, and your power is not exhausted. You are my king, and you are amazing!

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

Praise Priority

  • May 2, 2023
David’s kingdom and all of his tasks needed attention–but none of those things would ultimately matter if he neglected the presence of God.
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Scripture

1 Chronicles 16:7
“Then on that day David first appointed that thanksgiving be sung to the LORD by Asaph and his brothers.”
Observation
David was a busy guy! He had a kingdom to rule, government agencies to manage, armies to lead, enemies to conquer, and all of the million tasks that will suck up the time of a leader. Among all the busyness though, David took time to welcome the presence of God and establish a ‘praise priority’. There were many great leaders who answered to David, but this task was so vital that it could not be delegated. David personally oversaw the formation of a team of qualified ‘worship leaders’ and musicians who were responsible to minister before the Lord, and David personally took time to establish the ‘tone’ of their worship by writing the anthem of praise that they would sing.
The kingdom and all of its tasks needed attention–but none of those things would ultimately matter if they neglected the presence of God.
Application
“Task lists expand to fill all available time.” I don’t know who first coined the phrase, but it is true. No matter the season, there are always enough tasks to fill my day and then some. Some of them are important, some of them less-so. But none of them will matter in eternity, if I neglect the presence of my Savior.
This week, I need to take some time to value the presence of God. In my home, I need to reaffirm the importance of personal devotions–not just by myself, but also devotions with my family. I need to make sure that I am just as adamant about making time to worship together, as I am about getting the dishes washed and the toys picked up off the floor.
In the teams and processes at New Hope, I need to be personally invested in setting a ‘praise priority’–not just completing tasks, but inviting, valuing, seeking, and savoring the presence of God. I need to make sure that I’m not so busy ‘delegating’ urgent necessities, that I ‘abdicate’ the most important responsibilities that God has given me.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder of the importance of a ‘praise priority’. You are worthy of my praise! Help me not to get so caught up in urgent tasks, that I forget about the most important things–and may I never make anything more important in my life, than spending time in your presence.

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

Unashamed Joy

  • May 1, 2023
As a son of God, I must be unapologetic and unrelenting in my allegiance and priorities to the things of God. Not arrogant and stuck-up, but simply unwilling to allow a sinful world to establish my priorities, boundaries, and sources of joy.
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Scripture

1 Chronicles 15:29
“And as the ark of the covenant of the Lord came to the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David dancing and celebrating, and she despised him in her heart.”
Observation
The story of David and Michal is an interesting one. Michal was the youngest daughter of David’s predecessor, Saul. She had fallen in love with David during the time when Saul first began to view David as a threat (1 Sam. 18:20), and Saul used Michal as a pawn in his deadly game of trying to eliminate David. In this chapter, Saul is dead and gone and David is now firmly established as the king of Israel. Michal was his wife- but she is identified in this verse, not as the wife of David, but as the ‘daughter of Saul’. She had fallen in love with the young warrior David…but she despised the king who celebrated the return of the Ark of the Covenant. She had learned from her father Saul ‘how a king should act’: With dignity…with authority…with arrogance…with a certain measure of cruelty…with a heart of suspicion, alert for any threat to his power. This had become ‘normal’ to her, and she now despised David for not carrying the same character defects that her father had exemplified.
David stood up to her criticism and drew a firm boundary: She was free to criticize him, but his first allegiance was to Jehovah–not to the opinions of those around him.
Application
The things of God don’t make sense to a unregenerated heart. The things that cause celebration and joy in the heart of a follower of Christ, often bring derision and critique from those who do not know the savior. (1 Cor. 2:14)
As a son of God, I must be unapologetic and unrelenting in my allegiance and priorities to the things of God. Not arrogant and stuck-up, but simply unwilling to allow a sinful world to establish my priorities, boundaries, and sources of joy. The joy of the Lord is my strength…whether or not the world around me can understand. I find joy in serving God…whether or not society approves. I celebrate the things that bring glory to my Savior…whether or not it fits the social agenda of this generation.
This week, I need to pray for wisdom and courage. Wisdom, to clearly discern the things that bring glory to my Savior vs. glory to me–and courage, to never back down from living a life that honors my King.
Prayer
God, thank you for your joy which strengthens me! May I never allow the sinful world around me to set the priorities of my heart, or discourage me from celebrating your presence! May my life be so different than this world, that people could not help but realize that something about me is just a little ‘odd’, when viewed through natural eyes…and may that difference in my life point people unmistakably to you.

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Tolerating the Intolerable

  • April 28, 2023
A leader is known not only for what they ‘do’, but even more by what they ‘tolerate’. A leader can have the greatest charisma, the wisest plans, and the most compelling vision…but if they tolerate behavior which violates their values, none of their positive traits can counterbalance this crack in the foundation.
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Scripture

2 Samuel 3:31
“Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and mourn before Abner.” And King David followed the bier.”
Observation
David was now on the throne, but he now faced the gigantic task of picking up the fragmented pieces that Saul had left behind. The kingdom was divided, tensions were running high, and civil war was tearing the nation apart. In the middle of it all, David’s former enemy Abner realized that David was the right man for the throne and came to him to promise his support in uniting the nation. Unfortunately, Joab could not get past his anger and unforgiveness regarding his brother’s death in battle at Abner’s hand. Joab murdered Abner without David’s knowledge or approval, and David had to respond in order to avert a further crisis. He didn’t scold Joab for grieving his brother’s death–but for the sake of the kingdom he could not sit back and tacitly condone what Joab had done. He publicly reprimanded Joab, and called for God’s judgement on his family line.
The nation saw David’s integrity in what he ‘did’, and in what he ‘refused to allow’–and they united with him, instead of rebelling against him.
Application
A leader is known not only for what they ‘do’, but even more by what they ‘tolerate’. A leader can have the greatest charisma, the wisest plans, and the most compelling vision…but if they tolerate behavior which violates their values, none of their positive traits can counterbalance this crack in the foundation.
I want to live with Holy Spirit wisdom, and lead well as God has called me–and I must be mindful not only of how ‘I’ live, but also of the behaviors that I allow and permit to develop within the team. The best platitudes, the highest aspirations, and the most compelling vision cannot compensate for intolerable behaviors which I tolerate…in my own life, or in the lives of the leaders that I lead.
This week, I must seek Holy Spirit wisdom to navigate each season and each situation in a Christlike and God-honoring way–so we can cultivate true unity of heart and purpose as we fulfill the mission to which we’ve been called.
Prayer
God, thank you for loving me enough to call me out when something in my heart doesn’t align with you! Give me wisdom to lead well, and to love others enough to bring correction in a God-honoring and people-valuing way when it is necessary. May we never allow the things we ‘tolerate’, to derail us from the mission to which you’ve called us!

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

Producing a Harvest

  • April 26, 2023
I can’t produce life–that’s the job of the seed-giver. I can’t bring the rain–that’s the job of the one who is the water of life. I can’t prevent the burning sun, or the rocks, or the birds, or any of the other obstacles…but I can pray for effectiveness, and walk in the wisdom that God gives as I keep on planting seed.
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Scripture

Matthew 13:3-8
3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow.4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them.5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil,6 but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away.7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.8 Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Observation
“The sower went out to sow”…because that’s what a sower does. The sower is passionate about putting seeds into the ground, not just storing it neatly in jars on the shelf.
“Some seeds fell along the path”…There is no shortage of seed, that it must be conserved as a rare commodity.
“When the sun rose they were scorched”…The sower does not control all of the growing conditions: He simply continues sowing the seed.
“Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain”…The sower does not allow himself to become discouraged about the seeds which have not produced a harvest: He keeps on walking, keeps on sowing, and eventually his faithfulness results in a great harvest.
Application
God has given me his Word, a powerful source of life and hope which will grow and produce a harvest. He’s given me all that I need, and called me to be a sower. Not everything that I do will produce a harvest–some of those seeds will fall on the path, or on rocky ground…but I must keep on sowing, and keep on walking, until I reach the ‘good soil’ which will produce a harvest for my King.
I can’t get so comfortable on the path, that I never step out into the field. I can’t get so insistent on growing a harvest where ‘I’ want it to grow, that I miss out on producing a harvest where the soil is prepared and eager to receive the seed.
This week, I need to be faithful in planting seeds. I must be bold in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, and not allow good seed to sit unused and unplanted. I must pray for wisdom to get seed into good soil–so that my efforts would be effective, and a harvest would be produced for my master.
This week I need to recognize places where I may be standing comfortably on the path, instead of walking through the field.
I can’t produce life–that’s the job of the seed-giver. I can’t bring the rain–that’s the job of the one who is the water of life. I can’t prevent the burning sun, or the rocks, or the birds, or any of the other obstacles…but I can pray for effectiveness, and walk in the wisdom that God gives as I keep on planting seed.
Prayer
God, help me to be effective and faithful in the things which you’ve entrusted to me! Give me tenacity and determination to keep on sowing seed even when I encounter obstacles, and give me your wisdom to get good seed into good soil…so that You would be glorified by the harvest that is produced. Help me to prepare the soil of my heart, so that your word would always find a place to grow in my life.

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

Divine Interruptions

  • April 24, 2023
‘Divine Interruptions’ let me know when I am off-target from God’s plan. Humbly accepting His interruption of my plans, allows me to walk in the blessing of aligning my life with His plans.
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Scripture

1 Samuel 29:10-11
“Now then rise early in the morning with the servants of your lord who came with you, and start early in the morning, and depart as soon as you have light.” So David set out with his men early in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines. But the Philistines went up to Jezreel.”
Observation
Somewhere in this season, David began to drift off-target. Saul had driven him from Israel, and he responded by making himself a mercenary to the Philistines, the long-time enemy of Israel. It is unclear whether David was planning to betray the philistines or not…but what is clear, is that God interrupted David’s plans. Because David accepted God’s interruption, God prevented David from being pitted against his future kingdom in combat. Because David accepted God’s interruption, God kept him from having a role in Saul’s death. Because David accepted God’s interruption, God brought him victory against the Amalekites who had kidnapped his family from Ziklag.
Application
I don’t like having my plans interrupted. When I’ve taken the time to strategize and make a plan, I don’t like it when something gets in the way. When God interrupts my plans though, it is for a reason. It may be that my plan was completely outside of His will, or perhaps I was just a little off-target…either way, God in His love decided that I needed to be redirected. I can fight Him in arrogance…or accept that His perspective and wisdom are greater than mine.
This week, I choose to welcome God’s divine interruption in my life. I choose to acknowledge His right to direct my steps, even when it gets in the way of what I had planned–because His way is perfect, and the outcome is better when I allow Him to be the Lord of my life.
Prayer
God, than you for your divine interruptions in my life! Show me when I have drifted from your plan, and correct me back to where you want me to be. Help me to humbly accept your correction, instead of arrogantly trying to insist on doing things my way.

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

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