S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Past Blessing, Future Blessing

  • March 8, 2023
Israel’s future success hinged on their response to past blessing.
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Scripture

Deuteronomy 8:17-19
“Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth’, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. And if you forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish.”
Observation
The nation of Israel was enjoying immense blessing from God. He had delivered them from slavery in Egypt, and was leading them to a place of blessing and stability in the promised land. Now Moses was warning them that their reaction to the prior blessings of God could cost them the future blessings of God, could cost them the future blessings of God if they didn’t keep their heart right. If they began to reflect back and imagine that the prior blessings were a result of their own greatness, they would find themselves in a condition that God was unable to bless. Their future success hinged on their response to past blessing.
Application
And Stanley once said, ‘The greatest enemy of our future success, is our past success.’ This principle seems to be echoed in this passage from Deuteronomy. What a sad thing, to lose out on future blessings from God, because of a wrong reaction to past blessings from him!
To avoid this outcome in my life, I must take time to understand the reasons and causes of past success in my life. I must daily choose to keep my heart postured rightly toward God. I must daily acknowledge him as my source and supply, and give him glory–knowing that he has greater things in store for me, if I keep my heart submitted to the Lord of all.
Prayer
God, thank you for your blessings in my life! I don’t deserve your goodness, but I’m so thankful for it! Help me to keep my heart right before you, and daily give you glory as the giver of every good and perfect gift. Help me to never sacrifice your future blessings in my life, by responding wrongly to past blessings you’ve given me. All that I have is from you!

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I find that offensive…

  • March 7, 2023
This incident with the alabaster flask was certainly significant enough to cause some grumbling among the disciples, but it doesn’t seem ‘that’ significant to directly motivate Judas to betray Jesus. It makes me wonder–when did Judas first allow the seeds of offense to begin growing in his heart? The outcome shouldn’t surprise me though, because that’s how offense works.
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Scripture

Mark 14:3-5,10
“And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her.”
“Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them.”
Observation
Scripture doesn’t tell us much about Judas. He was a necessary part of Jesus’ story, but we’re not given many insights into his heart and motivations. This passage is striking to me though, as a glimpse into his life and heart.
The woman in this story gave an extravagant gift to Jesus (nearly $53,000 in today’s money), and those who saw it were “indignant”, considering it a waste. Jesus defended her actions as being appropriate and beautiful, and immediately we see Judas slipping out the door to plot with the chief priests to betray Jesus.
This incident was certainly significant enough to cause some grumbling among the disciples, but it doesn’t seem ‘that’ significant to directly motivate Judas to betray him. It makes me wonder–when did Judas first allow the seeds of offense to begin growing in his heart? How long had this been festering and growing within him, unseen by the rest? How long had he allowed jealously, greed, or simply a critical spirit to grow, to the point that he could no longer even tolerate watching someone else worship the savior? The outcome shouldn’t surprise me though, because that’s how offense works.
Application
Offense, unforgiveness, and bitterness grow quietly like weeds. An irritation here, a frustration there, an unresolved tension over there…and the poisonous fruit begins to grow.
When I think back on the people that I’ve found it hardest to forgive, the ‘biggest’ issue often wasn’t the first one–it was simply the final one that I had allowed to pile on top of all the other little offenses that came before it. That’s the way offense works–one little thing on top of another, each easily resolved with a heart of humility and a conversation–but instead allowed to fester and permeate my heart like an infection.
I don’t want my heart to be ruled by offense! I don’t want to allow bitterness to grow in me until my stomach is turned merely by the sight of someone worshiping the one who deserves all worship!
So today, I choose to let go. I choose to let go of the small irritations and differences. I choose to confront awkward conversations instead of letting them linger. I choose to let God correct the things that are only up to him, knowing that he is much more effective than I.
Today I choose not to be Judas.
Prayer
God, thank you for your patience with me! Thank you for forgiving me, though you have every right not to. Help me to forgive others, and not allow offense to reside in my heart. Help me to confront what needs to be confronted, ignore what needs to be ignored, and forgive what needs to be forgiven…and give me wisdom to know the difference.

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The Right Support

  • March 6, 2023
Knowing the difference between who I am leaning on, and who is leaning on me, is the difference between fulfilling my mission or destroying those I’m called to lead.
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Scripture

Deuteronomy 3:27-28
“Go up to the top of Pisgah and lift up your eyes westward and northward and southward and eastward, and look at it with your eyes, for you shall not go over this Jordan. But charge Joshua, and encourage him and strengthen him, for he shall go over at the head of this people, and he shall put them in possession of the land that you shall see.”
Observation
Moses was having a rough day. The promised land was right there in front of him, close enough to reach out and touch it! …Yet he was not allowed to enter into the promise, because of decisions he had made. It would have been so easy to Moses to let his frustration spill over onto Joshua, and vent his disappointment all over him–yet God told him to ‘encourage and strengthen’ Joshua! Encouragement was probably the last thing on his mind, but it was necessary. Joshua was not there to encourage Moses–he was there to be encouraged, mentored, taught, and led by Moses.
Application
Relational roles and dynamics are so important especially in leading. Knowing the difference between who I am leaning on, and who is leaning on me, is the difference between fulfilling my mission or destroying those I’m called to lead.
My sons bring me great joy, but I can’t lean on them to sustain me and lift me up when I’m having a rough day. The teams that I lead encourage me daily–but it would be unfair and even harmful to expect them to carry every weight that falls on me.
Like Moses, I must be intentional to speak encouragement even when I would prefer not to. Not with a veneer of fake joy, or a facade of confidence, but rather with the genuine confidence of knowing that my strength and joy comes from my heavenly father.
Prayer
God, thank you for your strength which sustains me and your joy which daily fills me. Help me to speak life and encouragement to those around me each day–not with empty platitudes, but with the unshakeable confidence that comes from understanding who I am, and who you are.

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Hearing and Knowing

  • March 2, 2023
Hearing God’s voice is not enough. We must ‘know’ God, and walk with Him!
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Scripture

Numbers 31:15-16
“Moses said to them, “Have you let all the women live? Behold these, on Balaam’s advice, caused the people of Israel to act treacherously against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and so the plague came among the congregation of the Lord.”
Observation
Balaam knew how to hear God. He was used in prophecy, and had angelic encounters. What a life! What a ministry! …except for one problem: Balaam knew how to hear God’s voice, but he didn’t know God. Despite the seemingly awesome spiritual sensitivity he had, Balaam was not an agent of God–rather, he was an agent of distraction and destruction for God’s people.
Application
Hearing God’s voice can never take the place of knowing him. Supernatural encounters can never be the test by which we judge God’s approval of a person or situation. I must daily seek not only to hear God, but also to know him–by submitting to him, surrendering to him, and walking with him. Only this way will I be an ambassador of Christ, not a distraction from him!
When I am interacting with people and situations, I must look at more than just their ability to hear God. I must watch if they know God, and are submitted to His plans and purposes.
Prayer
God, I want to know you! I don’t merely want to recognize your voice, I want to walk with you daily so that your perfect will would be accomplished in and through me!

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The Power of No

  • March 1, 2023
Like Jesus, I must be sure of my mission. I must know who I am in God, and know the authority I have in him.
And then…I must simply keep on walking. Without reacting, without retorting, without slowing down.
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Scripture

Mark 8:11-12
“The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. And he sighed deeply within his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”
Observation
The Pharisees had decided that they needed to form an ‘official’ opinion of Jesus, and take a stance on his ministry. Jesus had never asked them to weigh in, but they were the self-appointed judge, jury, and executioner. They brought their demands to Jesus, and Jesus said…no! I can just imagine the confusion, frustration, and bafflement on their face when Jesus simply refused to play their game. He knew who he was, he knew the authority he walked in…and so, he simply kept walking!
Application
People love to stick their fingers into situations and exert control! Our society is full of those who seem to have made it their mission in life to provide critique and commentary on everything:
“If you’re really following Christ, then you would do this…”
“If you really care about people, then you would focus on that…”
“If you really were a Christian, then you should…”
Often these are not the voices of those who truly walk with us and care about us, but rather it’s the self-appointed judges, critics, and commentators. Like Jesus, I must be sure of my mission. I must know who I am in God, and know the authority I have in him.
And then…I must simply keep on walking. Without reacting, without retorting, without slowing down.
Prayer
God, thank you for the confidence I find in following your footsteps. Help me to follow you daily, and not let self-appointed commentators slow me down or dissuade me from fulfilling the mission you’ve given me. Thank you for the love, truth, and wisdom that you speak into my life each day.

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The Heart That God Blesses

  • February 28, 2023
Nations and cultures are impacted not merely by the bold, but by those who walk in a way that God is able to bless.
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Scripture

Numbers 27:6-7
“And the Lord said to Moses, “The daughters of Zelophehad are right. You shall give them possession of an inheritance among their father’s brothers and transfer the inheritance of their father to them.”
Observation
What a bold move by these five sisters! In a culture and time where women had no right to inherit anything, these five stood up before the leaders of the nation to protest a great injustice…and God agreed with them!
Because of their boldness not only did they receive the inheritance that they asked for, but a new precedent was also set for women throughout the nation in a similar circumstance.
Their boldness to call out injustice with a right heart and attitude caused a shift in the entire culture.
Application
Culture and legislation are not always right. Just because things have always been done a certain way, doesn’t make it right and just. Some people will just go with the flow and never stand up for justice. Some people are quick to seize a cause and raise their voice in protest, but their heart and attitude prevent them from accomplishing lasting change–but there are a few people who possess not only the boldness to stand up, but also the humility and God-honoring spirit which God is able to bless and anoint–and those are the ones who make a lasting impact. I want to be in that category! Not merely raising a fuss and making demands…but instead boldly speaking up for what is right and just, with a heart that is aligned with the heart of God.
Prayer
God, thank you for the inspiration and guidance that I find in your word! Thank you that you are a just God. Give me boldness this week I pray, to stand up for what is right and just–and help me to walk each day with a heart that honors and pleases you.

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Keeping Pace With God

  • February 27, 2023
Jesus taught his disciples not to let their season dictate their health. He showed them that it’s not ‘more holy’ to burn out and wear out. He reminded them that the success they were experiencing was because of God…not because of their own achievement.
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Scripture

Mark 6:30-31
“The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.”
Observation
Great things were happening, and God was ministering through the disciples in amazing ways. Miracles were being performed and people were turning to God! If ever there was a time to push harder, work longer hours, and seize the moment…this was it! But Jesus didn’t give them a pep talk about making sacrifices, or about working harder–instead, he told them to take a break! He taught them not to let their season dictate their health. He showed them that it’s not ‘more holy’ to burn out and wear out. He reminded them that the success they were experiencing was because of God…not because of their own achievement.
Application
Some seasons are intense! When great things are happening and momentum is building, it’s easy to get excited and put my own health on the back burner–yet Jesus taught that my health and habits of rest should not be determined by my season. If I’m going to do things ‘His way’, then I must schedule time to rest and recharge. Pushing harder and harder past my limits is a sign that I believe it all hinges on me. Resting with intentionality is an acknowledgement that God is in control of the situation.
This week, I choose to honor God with my pace and rest habits–because He is God, and I am not.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder of the importance of rest. Thank you that your strength is sufficient, and that you hold all things in your hands–the world doesn’t rest on my shoulders! Help me to be intentional with my pace, and never fall into the trap of thinking that everything hinges on me.

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The Issue Isn’t The Issue

  • February 23, 2023
Hidden issues require divine wisdom, and a Spirit-led response.
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Scripture

Numbers 12:1-2
“Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. And they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?” And the Lord heard it.”
Observation
“The ‘issue’ is never the issue.”
I remember my father telling me this often during my childhood. People often act and react in specific ways because of some unresolved issue of which they may be unaware, or unwilling to face.
In this passage, Aaron and Miriam were rebelling against Moses and trying to usurp his God-given role… because they were harboring bitterness in their hearts toward Moses’ wife, their sister-in-law. Moses may have been completely unaware of the true issue, but God understood exactly what was happening–and He knew exactly how to deal with it. Instead of accusing Aaron and Miriam of racism, God gave Miriam a small taste of the way she was treating Moses’ wife. Being cut off and shunned from the community for a reason over which she had no control, probably had a greater impact on Miriam’s heart than any words which could have been spoken to her.
Hidden issues required divine wisdom, and a Spirit-led response.
Application
Sometimes I just sit back and scratch my head when I see how someone responds or reacts. An everyday conversation suddenly spirals out of control, leaving both parties hurt and confused…and the reaction doesn’t seem to fit the cause. The ‘issue’ isn’t the issue…but what is the issue?!
Instead of just pushing through with human understanding and making the situation worse, I must pray for Spirit-led wisdom to address not just the visible thing…but the root thing.
Sometimes the issue is in my own heart, and I find myself reacting because of issues the I’ve not truly addressed or surrendered to God–and once again I must go to God with a humble heart and ask Him to reveal the things in me that are unresolved, so that I can surrender more fully to Him.
Prayer
God, thank you for seeing below the surface to understand the true issues at stake–not just in others, but also in me. Give me discernment when tensions flare, to react with Holy Spirit insight so that your will would be accomplished. Show me when there are unresolved issues in my own heart, so that I would be transformed day by day to be more like you.

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Discernment

  • February 22, 2023
Today’s SOAP journal is brought to you by Stacey Fukushima:
Scripture

Acts 14:2
“But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.”
Observation
God was moving – with signs and wonders – and He desires for ALL to be saved. The Gentiles had dynamic ministers come to them ready to share what good things God was doing. But the Jews who were enmeshed in their religion poisoned the Gentiles’ minds, and robbed them of the good news of Jesus Christ. The Gentiles allowed this poison in – they chose to let it corrode and ruin what wonderful things God had, because they allowed the wrong people to have a voice in their life…the Jews. These people were openly rejecting Christ, and they also didn’t want anyone else to enjoy the blessings that God had through Jesus Christ.
Application
It’s critical to be aware of who I am allowing to speak into my life and influence my mind. God can have good things for me, but the enemy doesn’t want me living my best and will bring people along my path who will poison my mind and rob me of the good things my Heavenly Father has for me. These people who are living on a lower plain will drag others down to their level. I do not want to miss out on the great things that God has for me, to live a life that isn’t God’s best: so I need to be vigilant, and guard my mind and spirit to not allow that toxin in and derail me from the good things God has for me.
Prayer
God, I thank you for your guidance. I thank you for the Holy Spirit as my guide, who allows me to discern what is good and bad and to make sure that only the good things are taking root in me. Thank you for your grace for when I miss the mark, and for sending faithful steady ministers along my path to speak life into me, to encourage me when I am weak, and to point me back to you so that I continue to build my life on your foundation. Thank you for your Word which is life unto me, and for your Son Jesus, who has born the price of my sin, and allows me to fellowship with you regularly. I pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Room to grow, Protected to grow

  • February 21, 2023
Kingdom service is about so much more than a task list—it is about serving each other, creating room for leaders to grow, and protecting the health of the Body.
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Scripture

Numbers 8:25-26
“…from the age of fifty years they shall withdraw from the duty of the service and serve no more. They minister to their brothers in the tent of meeting by keeping guard, but they shall do no service. Thus shall you do to the Levites in assigning their duties.”
Observation
What a beautiful process was laid out for the Levites in their temple service! Each one was to help carry the load in ministering, and each one was to help preserve the ‘team culture’ of the priesthood by creating room for the next generation to serve. This was about so much more than merely taking a break though, or getting out of the way of those with more zeal and energy–this was about intentionally making a shift in their priorities. At the age of fifty, no longer were they to be stressing about keeping the table of bread filled, or the candles trimmed, or gold polished. They instead were to minister ‘to their brothers’, by keeping guard. Their focus was to be on the health of the priesthood, by guarding against any foe or obstacle which would hinder them.
Application
What a beautiful example for me to follow, in service to the King! The daily tasks and ‘stuff’ of ministry are important–but the greatest care and wisdom must be directed toward guarding, protecting, mentoring, and encouraging the leaders who bear the weight of responsibility in the Body. Without this critical priority, growth ‘today’ will be pursued at the cost of Kingdom health ‘tomorrow’.
This week, I need to make sure that I’m creating room for the leaders of tomorrow to grow. Not merely creating a place for them, but actively investing myself in developing, encouraging, and protecting them. The tasks and processes may be important, but I must be intentional to value people more than process.
I must also welcome the voice of mentors in my life who care enough about me to guard me from the pitfalls of ministry–people who have some miles on the journey, and are willing to support, encourage, and guard me in my own walk.
Prayer
God, thank you for this beautiful passage, displaying the heart and priorities behind all the details and ceremonial trappings of the temple! Help me to always value people, and to have a kingdom-centered heart which creates room for leaders to grow, and protects the long-term health of your church.
Thank you for the mentors in my life who guard me, and who watch out for my own health as I serve in your kingdom!

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