S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

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

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

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

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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Walking With The Shepherd

  • February 20, 2023
I choose to trust the shepherd’s love for me, and keep following Him even when His path leads through places I don’t want to walk–because I know His love for me has not run out.
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Scripture

Psalm 23:3-4
“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Observation
The Lord is my shepherd, so He leads me in green pastures. He is my sustainer, so He leads me beside still waters. He is my guide, so He leads me in paths of righteousness. He is my savior and my protector, and so he leads me though the valley of the shadow of death.
Application
This Psalm is full of such promise and hope for every child of God! Each place the shepherd leads me reveals something new about His love for me, and about His goodness. I like the green pastures, and I love walking by the still waters, but the shepherd also leads me through the valley of the shadow of death! Why would He do that?!
The shepherd doesn’t lead me ‘into’ the valley of the shadow of death–He leads me ‘through’ it. Since He has already demonstrated and proven His love for me, I can trust Him even in this part of the journey–because He is leading my to a destination which will reveal His love for me yet again…even though I can’t see it yet.
This week, I choose to trust my shepherd. I choose to trust His love for me, and keep following Him even when His path leads through places I don’t want to walk–because I know His love for me has not run out.
Prayer
God, thank you for your love which has been proven over and over in my life! Thank you for providing all that I need, and help me to trust you each step of the journey…even when you lead me through places I would rather avoid.

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

A Question of Ownership

  • February 15, 2023
God’s authority and ownership of all that exists, must govern the way that I steward the things He’s entrusted to me.
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Scripture

Leviticus 25:55
“For it is to me that the people of Israel are servants. They are my servants whom I brought out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”
Observation
This entire chapter deals with the question of ownership: Who owns the crops? Who owns the land? Who owns the servants? The reminder in all of it is that God owns it all. The Israelites were not free to manage their fields, servants, crops, or immigration policy in just any fashion that they wanted…because it all belonged to God.
Application
What a timely reminder, that everything I have belongs to God–not to me.
My home? It’s His.
My vehicles? Also His.
My wife? She’s His daughter.
My children? They belong to Him too.
My bank account, calendar, hobbies, friendships, and free time? Same thing!
When I remember who owns it all, it changes the way that I interact with life. I can’t simply lash out at others in anger…because they belong to Him. I can’t manage my finances carelessly, because it’s God’s bank account! I can’t neglect to spend time with my wife and sons, because they belong to the heavenly Father, and He has entrusted them to me…He cares about the way I care for them.
This week, I must acknowledge God’s authority and ownership of it all–and seek His wisdom and strength to manage what He has entrusted to me, in a way that pleases Him.
Prayer
God, thank you for the many blessings you’ve given me! Help me to steward them well, and honor you in the way I live my life.

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

Join A Group Of People Gathered To Study The Bible

Unshakeable, Unchangeable

  • February 13, 2023
Paul had confidence in saying farewell, because he was not abandoning those he loved to their own devices–he was entrusting them to the care of the Holy Spirit, and the guidance of God’s Word.
Scripture

Acts 20:32
“And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”
Observation
Paul is saying farewell to the elders of the church in Ephesus–reminding them of what they had been taught, and cautioning them about false teachers and divisive leaders who would arise. This had to be a difficult conversation for Paul as he said goodbye for the last time to these men in whom he had invested so much time, energy, and wisdom. Yet Paul had confidence in the farewell, because he was not abandoning them to their own devices–he was entrusting them to the care of the Holy Spirit, and the guidance of God’s Word.
Application
When I love and care deeply about someone, it can be hard to let go–whether in parenting, or as a church leader. But God hasn’t called me to lead and develop people who are merely dependent on me–He has called me to raise children and develop leaders who are dependent first and foremost on Him. If I am doing my job right, then health and stability should continue when it comes time for me to say goodbye–because the Holy Spirit is enduring and never failing, and God’s word never changes.
This week, I need to point people to the sure foundation of God’s word and God’s presence.
Prayer
God, thank you that you never change! Help me to daily rely on you, and teach others to rely on you as well–instead of teaching them to merely rely on me.
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