S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Right for you, right for me…

  • April 4, 2023
Godly leadership points back to the heart of God. It defines what is right and what is wrong, what is Godly and what is self-serving. It changes the status quo, and establishes a clear direction.
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Scripture

Judges 21:25
“In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
Observation
What a sad lament of the state of Israel! No king, no unifying leader. No loyalty to God’s law, no moral compass. The only thing remaining, was for each one to do what was right ‘in his own eyes’.
Godly leadership points back to the heart of God. It defines what is right and what is wrong, what is Godly and what is self-serving. It changes the status quo, and establishes a clear direction.
Application
Mankind chafes against restriction. There is something in us that seems to automatically respond “but I want to!”, when we are told “you can’t”. The purpose of Godly leadership is to point people in a different direction than they would have gone. The purpose is to bring unity out of chaos, so that greater things can happen.
…Yet it is so easy to resent, push back, and reject those whom God has called to lead. In my life, I must choose to welcome those that God has placed in my life to alter my direction. I must desire to please God more than my own desires–because “I want to” isn’t a good enough justification.
In the areas where God has called me to lead, I must be courageous to establish a course and direction toward the heart of God–knowing that conflict and disagreement is inevitable on the journey, and must be navigated in a Christlike way. The world doesn’t need more leaders who turn a blind eye to wickedness, but rather who will model and teach a life that does what is right ‘in the eyes of God’.
Prayer
Help me Lord to align my heart with that which is right in your eyes! May pleasing you always take a higher priority than my own desires and motivations. Help me to lead well, where you have called me–to always point people to you, and not turn a blind eye to disunity and sinful decisions. Thank you for your righteousness, and your patience with me!

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I can see clearly now the veil is gone…

  • April 3, 2023
Because of Christ, mankind has the opportunity to be reconciled with God and have the veil removed in order to see and perceive clearly.
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Scripture

2 Corinthians 3:12-17
“Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Observation
Those who are not walking in relationship with God, cannot clearly perceive and understand the things of God. Because of Christ, mankind has the opportunity to be reconciled with God, and have that veil removed in order to see and perceive clearly.
Application
I’m very rough on my sunglasses. A few months of mistreating them, and the lenses are clouded, scratched, and difficult to see through. Walking, driving, and working all become more difficult, because my vision is obscured.
The same is true in my spirit. Without Christ, I trip over things I should have seen…and get distracted by obstructions that don’t exist. Even the light which should illuminate my steps, becomes a blinding haze and fog. Christ’s desire is to remove the obstructions from my heart, so that I could walk in the freedom of clear vision and understanding. His desire is to reveal his glory to me, as I walk in covenant with him.
This week, I must walk in relationship with my savior so I could see clearly. I must allow him to remove anything from my heart which would obstruct my ability to see and perceive the things of the Spirit.
Prayer
God, thank you for the privilege of walking in covenant with you. Open my eyes to see you clearly, and thank you for the freedom you give me to walk with understanding. May your glory shine through me this week, to bring hope to someone who does not yet know you!

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Opening the Door for the Spirit

  • March 29, 2023
If we want to see the Spirit move in power, we must each do our part to create an environment where He is welcome.
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Scripture

1 Corinthians 14:12
“So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.”
Observation
Paul doesn’t discourage the church from seeking manifestations of the Spirit, but he does give some guidance. Instead of each one selfishly focusing on ‘their own’ gift, he instead told them to ‘build up the body’. As each one focuses on building up those around them, the Spirit will move. Verse 26 repeats this, “Let all things be done for building up.”
Application
Life in the Kingdom is not a solo, it is a symphony. When we each seek our own glory, chaos ensues and the spirit of God cannot bless our work. When we each come with the heart of a servant, with unity of purpose and vision, the Holy Spirit is free to move and to manifest in supernatural ways. This week, I must seek unity of heart and direction in the body. In the way that I work and lead, ‘building up the body’ must be the focus–not personal advancement, personal vision, or personal acclaim.
I want to see the Spirit move in power! …and I must do my part to create an environment where He feels welcome.
Prayer
God, help us to grow as a body, and help me to do my part to build up the family in unity, love, and maturity.
May you always be welcome to move and manifest your Spirit among us!

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Boundaries

  • March 24, 2023
Boundaries don’t create distance—they define how to walk closely in unity together.
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Scripture

Joshua 18:11-12
“The lot of the tribe of the people of Benjamin according to its clans came up, and the territory allotted to it fell between the people of Judah and the people of Joseph. On the north side their boundary began at the Jordan. Then the boundary goes up to the shoulder north of Jericho, then up through the hill country westward, and it ends at the wilderness of Beth-aven.
Observation
God wanted to give the Israelites an inheritance to be a blessing–but boundaries were necessary. Without boundaries, the blessing would have turned to bedlam. Without boundaries, the blessing would have led to conflict and disunity. The boundary didn’t create disunity or distance between the tribes–instead it defined how they were going to walk in unity together.
Application
Just because God initiates a thing, or gives a thing, doesn’t mean that it will flow along perfectly with no opportunity for conflict. We are imperfect people, and can allow even the blessings of God to become a curse if we don’t use Holy Spirit wisdom. Healthy boundaries may not ‘look’ holy at first glance to some people…but the reality is that they are pleasing to God, and one of the ways we can fulfill Christ’s prayer for unity in his church. Healthy boundaries don’t create distance between healthy people–rather, they allow for closer unity without conflict.
This week, I need to seek God’s guidance to create and enforce healthy boundaries in my life–so that I and those around me could enjoy the fulness of God’s blessings in our lives.
Prayer
God, thank you for the wisdom that I find in your word! Help me to walk in unity this week with those around me, employing healthy boundaries so your blessings would never become a curse in my life.

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A Question of Rights

  • March 21, 2023
Marriage is not about what we ‘demand’, but about what we give.
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Scripture

1 Corinthians 7:2-4
“But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.
Observation
Marriage is not about what we ‘demand’, but about what we give. Paul tells husbands to give their wife her rights, not to demand their own rights…and vice versa. This seems so backwards from our world’s perspective of rights–but this is the kind of love that marriage must be built on.
Application
It’s easy to slip into a mindset of “I want, I need, I expect” in marriage. This is how earthly relationships work–with a list of the things I expect to get out of it. God has instituted marriage to be more than that–because it is a symbol of our relationship with God himself!
This week I choose to honor God in my marriage by giving instead of getting, and serving instead of demanding to be served.
Prayer
God, thank you for loving me! Help me to honor you in my marriage by loving the way that you love. Create in me the heart of a servant!

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

Defeat and Victory

  • March 20, 2023
The thing that had been an insurmountable problem without God’s anointing, was no longer something to fear now that the hearts of the nation were aligned with God.
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Scripture

Joshua 8:1
“And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear and do not be dismayed. Take all the fighting men with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, his city, and his land.”
Observation
The Israelites had just experienced defeat in battle for the first time–and it shook them! God dealt with the hidden sin, and now he was sending them back to face the exact same enemy again! Understandably they were nervous–but God told Joshua, “Don’t be dismayed!” The thing that had been an insurmountable problem without God’s anointing, was no longer something to fear now that their hearts were aligned with God.
Application
Past failure can be a deadly enemy. Not because it holds ‘real’ power, but because it can stop us in our tracks and discourage us from continuing to walk forward. If allowed, past failure will prevent future victory. Yet God told Joshua, “Don’t be dismayed!”
A heart submitted to God doesn’t have to fear the failures of the past. A heart aligned with God is free to face the enemies of the past, with confidence in God to provide the victory.
This week, I need to examine my heart when hesitations and fears arise. Am I letting past failures hold me back from stepping forward into the victory that God wants to give me, or am I confidently following his leading as I surrender my heart to his?
Prayer
God, thank you that my past failures do not define my future! Thank you for bringing me back into alignment with you each time I stray, and empowering me to overcome the obstacles that once overcame me. May you be glorified in my life as I live through your strength instead of my own!

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The Power of the Spirit

  • March 17, 2023
Paul didn’t lead people to faith in his own oratory skills or charisma, but rather to faith in Jesus Christ.
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Scripture

1 Corinthians 2:3-5
And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Observation
Paul led people to salvation through Christ all over the known world of his day–but not with convincing arguments, elaborate philosophies, or doctoral dissertations. Paul didn’t try to ‘convince’ people to put their faith in Jesus–he simply walked in the power of the Spirit. He didn’t lead people to faith in his own oratory skills or charisma, but rather to faith in Jesus Christ.
Application
We live in a world of marketing experts. From toothpaste focus groups, to market research firms, to PR experts…the public are accustomed to messaging that is dialed-in, nuanced, focused, and persuasive.
They are also accustomed to hearing smooth-talking salesmen representing products that can’t back up the sales pitch!
The presentation of the gospel should not be like this. It requires no manipulation on my part, no massaging of the data, no shady fine-print. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God to salvation! It is an expression of the love of God expressed in power and action, to transform the life of every person who puts their faith in Jesus Christ.
This week, I need to pray for anointing and boldness to walk in the power of the Spirit–because THAT is how hearts are led to saving faith in Christ.
Prayer
God, thank you for your Spirit in me! Thank you for the power to walk in your ways. Help me to fully utilize every gift and talent you’ve given me for your glory, but never slip into the trap of thinking that my own skill or talent would be enough. I need the power of your Spirit, and those that you’ve called me to reach also need to experience the power of your Spirit–not merely a smooth sales pitch! Use me this week I pray, to make a difference in your kingdom!

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Past Victory, Future Hope

  • March 16, 2023
God’s power is not proven through a lack of problems in my life…His power is proven through the way that he shows himself faithful through ‘every’ problem I could face.
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Scripture

Psalm 40:9-10
I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O LORD. I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.
Observation
Some stories just can’t be held in–they’ve gotta be told! The writer of Psalm 40 has experienced the power of God, and he can’t stop himself from telling others about what God has done. But immediately after this verse, he goes on to talk about all the struggles he’s still experiencing, and the battles that he is still facing! The writer doesn’t wait until all of his present problems are resolved, to tell of the greatness of God: Rather he tells the story of what God has ‘already’ done, trusting that there is more that God is still doing. God’s faithfulness through past trials, gives him hope for the present battle–and that kind of hope cannot be kept silent.
Application
God has been faithful in my life. His power is not proven through a lack of problems in my life…His power is proven through the way that he shows himself faithful through ‘every’ problem I could face. I can’t wait for the day that no more issues exist, to tell the story of what he’s done–I must start today! The testimony of God’s faithfulness in my life is a reminder to me, and an encouragement to others. The same God who calmed the storm yesterday is the same God who is greater than the storm that I currently face–and his story must be told!
Prayer
God, thank you for your faithfulness in my life! Thank you for proving yourself worthy of my trust over and over again. Help me to never forget all that you’ve done for me, and give me boldness to share the story of your greatness in my life so that others would also come to put their trust in you!
Thank you for being greater than the storms I face today–I trust that you hold my future in your hands, and that no issue is too hard for you to handle.

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The Right Seed

  • March 15, 2023
Right harvest, requires right seeds.
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Scripture

Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Observation
Sowing and reaping: It’s a principle established by God from the beginning of time. The law of the harvest is that you always reap ‘what’ you sow, and you always reap ‘more’ than you sow. There is a compounding effect that takes place: The seeds harvested then become next year’s seed, to be planted and harvested again and again in an ongoing cycle.
Application
I’ve reaped many harvests in my life- some good, some bad. But they are always a harvest of the seeds that I’ve planted! The harvest that I reap, reveals the kind of seed that I’ve planted. If I don’t like the harvest I’m reaping, I must choose to plant a different kind of seed. The problem is, my seed comes from my harvest! And so often I take the harvest that I don’t want, and plant it back in the ground…and reap an even greater harvest the next time.
The only place that the cycle of sowing and reaping can be broken, is at the time of sowing. The barn may be full of corn, but the farmer must choose to plant wheat if he wants wheat. My heart may be full of anger, but I must choose to plant peace if I want peace. The harvest of peace that I reap may be so small as to be laughed at…but that’s my seed for the next planting season. If I just keep planting peace, then eventually my harvest will be greater than whatever I had previously stored in my heart.
Keys for a right harvest:

True Friendship

  • March 10, 2023
True friendship requires confrontation.
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Scripture

Galatians 1:6
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel”
Observation
True friendship requires confrontation.
In today’s reading in Deuteronomy, friendship meant “holding the line” to not allow the community to turn to other gods. In Galatians, we see Paul holding the same line when the church began to drift from the gospel of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul’s allegiance was first and foremost to God, and he would have been no true friend at all to the church in Galatia if he allowed them to drift from truth without sounding the alarm.
Application
Confrontation (Godly confrontation) isn’t fun. It’s not about venting my own anger and emotions for my own satisfaction. It’s not about giving someone a piece of my mind. Biblical, covenant of grace, God-honoring confrontation is about being courageous enough to call out sin and error, so that people would be drawn back to the Savior. It’s about having the hard conversation, while leaving the door open for relationship as people turn toward truth.
This week I need to seek God’s heart for wisdom, boldness, and a Godly heart when confrontation is necessary.
Prayer
God, thank you for loving me enough to confront sin in my heart! Help me to cling to truth above all else, and care enough about those in my care to confront when necessary–with a Christlike heart that draws people back to you.

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

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