S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Kingdom Growth

  • January 13, 2023
The natural result of an encounter with the Kingdom of God, is permanent transformation.
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Scripture

Luke 13:20-21
And again he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.”
Observation
Throughout scripture leaven (yeast) is used as a symbol of corruption, unholiness, and sin. When holiness was required…leaven was forbidden. When food was prepared for a sacred feast…leaven was not allowed. The pervasive nature of yeast seems to be a great analogy for the way that sin will invade and multiply in our lives.
But in this passage, Jesus flips that analogy on it’s head by using leaven not to describe sin, but to describe the kingdom of God! How could the kingdom of God be in any way compared to the same thing used to describe sin?!
Jesus understood something that we often miss about the Kingdom: God’s kingdom is the kingdom of life. Living faith, in the living God, will always multiply and grow. The natural result of an encounter with the Kingdom of God, is permanent transformation.
Application
I want to see God’s power at work in my life this way! I want His word to transform me and shape me into something new, and I want my life to be used by God to multiply His kingdom and impact others. This can’t happen with a dead, shelf-stable, ‘saltine cracker’ kind of faith–it requires living, active, vibrant faith in the living God. When I allow God’s word to grow in me and His spirit to guide me day by day, the result will be complete transformation of my heart–and that kind of relationship with God can’t be contained or limited. It will naturally overflow outward, to impact those around me as well.
This week, I need to take a look at God’s spirit at work in me: Is it causing growth and multiplication as God intended? Or am I allowing anything in my life to inhibit the natural growth of the kingdom?
Prayer
God, thank you for the life that you bring! Thank you for the work of your spirit in me, bringing growth and transformation! Help me to daily allow your kingdom to grow in and through me, and never inhibit the work of your spirit. May my life carry the transformative power of your spirit into every situation and every conversation that I encounter this week.

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Rooftop Broadcasts

  • January 12, 2023

The Kingdom of God is defined by integrity, light, and truth: not obscurity and manicured public perception.

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Scripture

Luke 12:1-3

In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.

Observation

A life that honors Christ is one that doesn’t depend on secrets, cover-ups, and hidden truths. Communication which pleases the Savior, is appropriate for rooftop broadcast…not just for quiet whispers in a private corner. The Kingdom of God is defined by integrity, light, and truth, not obscurity and manicured public perception.

Application

Our world is consumed by a preoccupation with ‘image’. We have PR firms to manage public perception, Snapchat filters to hide the warts on my face, and carefully curated Instagram feeds to show only our best side. Proverbs 22:1 says “A good name is more desirable than great riches”…but too often we forget that a good name which lasts, must be built on truth.

The answer is not to suddenly flood social media with all of our dirty laundry and ‘junk’–but rather to begin living life so that the words we utter in private rooms, will not shame or destroy us when broadcast from the rooftops.

Prayer

God, thank you for strength and wisdom to live with integrity! Help me to walk daily in such a way that you would be glorified, no matter which of my words are proclaimed from a rooftop for all to hear.

 

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Fulfillment and Blessing

  • January 11, 2023

God’s love for me is not dependent on what I can ‘do’ for Him. The love that He models to me as a father is perfect and complete, and not a bargaining chip. His ‘completeness’ and identity are not dependent on me–and so He is able to love me even when I am being unlovable.

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Scripture

Genesis 27:1-4

1 When Isaac was old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, he called Esau his older son and said to him, “My son”; and he answered, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Behold, I am old; I do not know the day of my death. 3 Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me, 4 and prepare for me delicious food, such as I love, and bring it to me so that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.”

Observation

What a twisted perspective Isaac had as a father! He wanted to bless his firstborn Esau…as long as Esau fulfilled his desires and preferences. Isaac was old, and no longer able to hunt and do the things he loved–and so he tied Esau’s blessing directly to Esau’s ability to tantalize his tastebuds. Instead of loving and blessing Esau simply because Esau was his son, he was more interested in what Esau could do for him. Rebekah displays this same twisted perspective a few verses later, when she says that her life would not be worth living is Jacob married a Hittite woman. She tied her own fulfillment and happiness as a parent, to the life decisions made by her children.

Application

God’s love for me is not dependent on what I can ‘do’ for Him. The love that He models to me as a father is perfect and complete, and not a bargaining chip. His ‘completeness’ and identity are not dependent on me–and so He is able to love me even when I am being unlovable.

What an example for me to follow as a father! To love my sons completely and without condition, and to remain healthy and fulfilled in my own identity as a son of God without looking to my children for my own happiness and fulfillment: this is the example that God has given me. At times they are stubborn, wayward, and disobedient–just like I have been at times to my heavenly father. If I’m looking to them for my happiness, then my love will be a conditional bargaining. When I find my fulfillment, identity, and joy in Christ alone…I can love my sons unconditionally the way that God loves me, and I can play my role as their father to see them grow into the men that God created them to be.

Prayer

God, thank you for loving me unconditionally! Thank you that you are unchanging, and your identity and completeness does not depend on me. Help me to love my sons the way that you love me, so that they would grow to be the men that you created them to be. Help me to always find my fulfillment and joy in you alone, so that my life would remain firmly rooted by the river of Life.

 

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Walking in Favor

  • January 10, 2023

God’s supernatural favor was on Isaac…but his fear prevented him from fully living in God’s favor.

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Scripture

Genesis 26:6-7

“So Isaac settled in Gerar. When the men of the place asked him about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,” for he feared to say, “My wife,” thinking, “lest the men of the place should kill me because of Rebekah,” because she was attractive in appearance.”

Observation

Isaac was the child of promise, and he was living in the promise of God. God was making a way, providing for him, blessing him, guiding him, and protecting him. Despite all of this…I see Isaac in this verse living a timid life, fearful of those around him. Instead of walking confidently as God led him, he was walking timidly in case he was attacked. Instead of living boldly in the unending provision of God, he was living fearfully and scheming to try to protect what he had. What a sad situation! God’s supernatural favor was on him…and yet his fear prevented him from fully living in God’s favor.

Application

How often am I like Isaac? I am a child of God– living in his favor, and walking in his promise. His is fighting my battles, and opening doors. Yet I too have found myself walking timidly, living in fear instead of in the confidence of God’s perfect love for me.

God desires to lead me, to bless me, and to provide for me. If I am following him, then I have nothing to fear. His supply is not in danger of running out, and his strength is not reaching its limit.

This week, I need to fix my attention on the Father who loves me. I need to trust his love for me, and walk in confidence–because my confidence is in him.

Prayer

God, thank you for your provision and favor in my life! Thank you for providing all that I need, and abundantly more than I need. Help me to truly place my confidence in you, so that I would live each day in the confidence of your love–instead of in the fear of my own weakness.

 

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The Role of the Spirit

  • January 4, 2023

Although we are called to walk in relationship, I must daily make sure that my relationships point people to the power of the Holy Spirit– rather than trying to become his replacement.

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Scripture

Luke 4:42-43

“And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the Kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.”

Observation

The people were responding…but Jesus had to leave. The people sought him…but Jesus must depart.

Why?!

This seems so counter-productive to the mission of Christ.

Jesus knew a secret: His Good News was not constrained by his physical location, and indeed he would not be physically walking the earth much longer. He could not allow the present crowd to cost him his opportunity to share the Good News with the next community. He could not allow his present success to cost him his future success.

Application

I am called to share the good news of Christ, with those who need hope. I love seeing people respond to the love of God, and watching lives be transformed–but even that cannot stop me or distract me from continuing to share the gospel! The power of the gospel is not in how I walk alongside someone, but in how they allow the Holy Spirit to work within them. Although we are called to walk in relationship, I must daily make sure that my relationships point people to the power of the Holy Spirit– rather than trying to become his replacement.

Prayer

God, thank you for relationships and the daily presence of your Holy Spirit. Help me to daily fulfill the call to share your good news with others, and never let anything hinder that from happening. Thank you that the seeds of your word keep on growing long after being planted, as you bring increase!

 

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

 

The Role of the Spirit

  • January 4, 2023

Although we are called to walk in relationship, I must daily make sure that my relationships point people to the power of the Holy Spirit– rather than trying to become his replacement.

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Scripture

Luke 4:42-43

“And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the Kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.”

Observation

The people were responding…but Jesus had to leave. The people sought him…but Jesus must depart.

Why?!

This seems so counter-productive to the mission of Christ.

Jesus knew a secret: His Good News was not constrained by his physical location, and indeed he would not be physically walking the earth much longer. He could not allow the present crowd to cost him his opportunity to share the Good News with the next community. He could not allow his present success to cost him his future success.

Application

I am called to share the good news of Christ, with those who need hope. I love seeing people respond to the love of God, and watching lives be transformed–but even that cannot stop me or distract me from continuing to share the gospel! The power of the gospel is not in how I walk alongside someone, but in how they allow the Holy Spirit to work within them. Although we are called to walk in relationship, I must daily make sure that my relationships point people to the power of the Holy Spirit– rather than trying to become his replacement.

Prayer

God, thank you for relationships and the daily presence of your Holy Spirit. Help me to daily fulfill the call to share your good news with others, and never let anything hinder that from happening. Thank you that the seeds of your word keep on growing long after being planted, as you bring increase!

 

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

Light in Darkness

  • December 30, 2022

Until God calls us home, our job is to continue walking as children of God– carrying light into dark places.

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Scripture
Revelation 18:4
Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues;
Observation
Though we are not of the world, God has put us into the world to carry His name and His light in dark places. Even in the last days when evil and wickedness is overflowing, God wants His people to remain set apart to Him–in our thinking, in our speech, in our walk. God knows the limits of our endurance and our strength–and at some point, He will call His people out of Babylon so that we will not ‘take part in her sins’. Until then our job is to continue walking as children of God, carrying light into dark places.
Application
“In the world but not of it”–this is such a simple concept, yet so profound. In the midst of the greatest evil and wickedness, God has placed me where He wants me to be in order to carry His name and His image. When worldly philosophies and humanistic ways of thinking dominate society, it can be daunting to remain steadfast. Yet God knows my heart, my love for Him, and my weaknesses–and He knows the limits of my strength. If He has placed me where I am, then He has also given me all that I need to remain faithful to Him right where I am. If He has not removed me from my circumstances, then my job is to simply remain faithful and continue shining brightly for Him.
Prayer
God, thank you for the privilege of serving you! Help me to not allow my thinking and my actions to be tainted or corrupted by worldly philosophies. Help me to remain set apart for you, even in the middle of a sinful and fallen world. Thank you for giving me all that I need to walk in your ways, and thank you for knowing my limits and imperfections. May you be glorified in my life, as I shine your light in darkness!
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The Power of Prayer

  • December 28, 2022
This week, I need to cultivate the daily discipline of prayer–not because my words have inherent power, but because the One to whom I pray has ALL power.
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Scripture
Revelation 8:3-5
And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.
Observation
What an amazing visual picture of the power of prayer! Prayer may seem to us as insubstantial as a wisp of smoke, lacking the power to change or accomplish anything–but when directed to God, in a way which honors Him and captures His attention, it generates a response from the Father that is earth-shaking and powerful.
Application
God has been calling me to prayer. He has been drawing my attention to situations and circumstances over which I have no control, and only limited influence. Prayer may feel insubstantial in the face of specific, measurable, quantifiable problems…but the power of prayer is not in the prayer itself–the power of prayer resides in the One to whom my prayers are directed. When I offer my prayers as an incense before God, with a heart submitted to Him, His response is nothing short of earth-shaking and miraculous.
This week, I need to cultivate the daily discipline of prayer–not because my words have inherent power, but because the One to whom I pray has ALL power.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder of the power of prayer! Help me to cultivate the daily habit of prayer–not just talking to you, but listening also to your voice as you speak to me. Thank you for hearing my prayers, and for loving me enough to respond in power when I pray!
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Seen, Known, Loved

  • December 27, 2022

God calls me to serve Him with a heart of Brotherly Love, trusting that He will make a way when I cannot: …Because He sees me, He knows me, and He loves me.
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Scripture
Revelation 3:7-8 7
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.’
Observation
What an encouragement this letter must have been, to the church in Philadelphia! Reading between the lines, I can almost hear the fatigue of this church family–working, laboring, fighting the good fight, and sharing the Good News with a wicked world. How amazing, for God himself to recognize their faithfulness and to write this letter to them through John!
Though their strength was little, their faithfulness was great. Though their power was small, their hearts were mighty. Though they faced insurmountable obstacles, God himself was making a way.
Application
I love this passage. There are many churches listed and mentioned by God in the book of Revelation. There are mighty events happening, great conflicts occurring, and all of the forces of heaven and hell on display. …And there, in the middle of it all, is the little congregation of Philadelphia: The church of Brotherly Love. They weren’t the biggest, or the most famous, or the mightiest…but they were faithful. They had ‘but little power’, but they used what power they had, in pursuit of God. Instead of bemoaning their limitations they simply kept serving faithfully, and following God steadfastly.
AND GOD NOTICED!
God didn’t need for them to be somebody different. He didn’t need for their circumstances to be different. He didn’t need for their power to be different. He simply needed them to faithfully serve Him–and He was more than sufficient to make up for what they seemed to lack.
This week, I need to serve God with that same heart: Not waiting for my circumstances to change, or for more resource to appear–but simply following God faithfully and steadfastly with what I have, even when the things that I have don’t seem to be adequate. I need to serve Him with a heart of Brotherly Love, trusting that He will make a way when I cannot:
…Because He sees me, He knows me, and He loves me.
Prayer
Thank you God for seeing me! Thank you for loving me, even when I don’t feel adequate or capable. Thank you for making a way through impossible circumstances, as I follow you. Help me to walk steadfastly, trusting in Your power and not my own.
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People, not Problems

  • December 21, 2022

The community saw the beggar’s problem, but Jesus saw him.
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Scripture
John 9:1,8
1 – As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth.
8 – The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?”
Observation
The neighbors and community saw him “as a beggar” but Jesus saw him.
They couldn’t say for sure if this was even the same man…but Jesus knew him.
They saw him as an inconvenience and interruption to their day, Jesus saw him as a broken person who was made in the image of God.
Application
Do I see people, or do I merely see their issue, and the way they interrupt my life? Every one of us is broken in some way, and yet we are also all created in the image of God. Do I take the time to recognize His image?
His desire is that I would follow His example: giving generously as He gave, loving as He loved, and caring as He cared.
This week, I need to be intentional to see people–not just problems.
Prayer
God, thank you for seeing me and loving me. Help me to see people the way you do, so I could love the way that you love.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

 

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