S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Giving Glory

  • November 30, 2022

When I give glory to God, my faith in God grows stronger. I cannot wait until the fulfillment of the promise in order to give glory to God–I must start today!
================
Scripture
Romans 4:19-21
19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.
Observation
I love this description of Abraham’s faith, and God’s response to it. What unwavering trust he had, that God was able to overcome every obstacle and impossible circumstance in order to fulfill His promise!
According to this verse, Abraham “grew strong in his faith”–this means that as time progressed, his faith became stronger instead of weaker. How did this happen? His faith grew, because Abraham “gave glory to God” since he was convinced that God was able to do what He had promised.
Despite the challenges, the issues, the odds, and the impediments…Abraham gave glory to God.
Application
Words are powerful–not only in how they affect those around me, but in the way that my words affect my own heart. When I verbalize doubt and uncertainty about God’s power, I weaken my own faith in the Father. Conversely- when I speak out and give glory to God no matter the circumstances, my faith in God grows stronger. I cannot wait until the fulfillment of the promise in order to give glory to God–I must start today!
When life hits me hard…God deserves the glory.
When another obstacle arises…God deserves the glory.
When it seems like there’s no way for His promise to be fulfilled…God deserves the glory.
His promises are true, and His love is constant–and His word will come to pass, in His time.
Prayer
God, thank you for your faithfulness! Help me to give you glory in every situation, instead of merely when things look like they are going well. Teach me to speak life with my words–not only to encourage those around me, but so that my own faith would be strengthened as well.
I believe you are able to fulfill all that you have promised, no matter what challenges life may throw in the way.
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

 

Loving the Truth

  • November 29, 2022

When truth is not loved, lies, error, and deception become acceptable. When lies are acceptable, Satan’s work flourishes.
=========================
Scripture
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10
The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
Observation
Truth: It’s such a simple concept, and yet so vastly powerful. Jesus declared himself to be ‘the truth’, and truth is at the center of God’s very nature. Those who do not ‘love the truth’ have separated themselves from God, because they have decided not to align with the core of who God is. When truth is not loved, lies, error, and deception become acceptable. When lies are acceptable, Satan’s work flourishes.
Application
What a sobering reminder of how critically important truth is! It’s easy to say ‘truth matters’ on the big stuff…but a love for truth must permeate every part of my heart and my thinking, if I am to follow God.
I must approach God in full truth about my own sinful condition. I must build my marriage and my relationships on truth, and not on hidden secrets. I must interact with the world on an unshakeable foundation of truth, not living my life with duplicity and hidden motives or agendas. I must value truth in the things which I allow to occupy my mind–instead of letting my thoughts be saturated by the false ideals and teachings of the world. I must celebrate truth in what I propagate–not sharing or spreading information that is false, or of questionable origin…even if it seems to support my opinions. When God is confronting areas in my heart that need to change, I must be willing to acknowledge truth about my imperfection so that His transformation can be accomplished in me.
When I love the truth, I will pursue it above all else–and the Spirit of Truth will lead me closer each day to the Father from whom truth flows.
Prayer
God, thank you that you are true. Help me to live each day with an unwavering love for truth, which guides my steps and defines my words and actions. Help me to discern truth when I am uncertain, and give me the courage to walk confidently in truth even when error would be easier. May the work of Satan never be given an opportunity to flourish in me, as I walk daily in the Spirit of Truth.
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

 

Shake, Rattle, and Roll

  • November 28, 2022
Even though the circumstances were unsettling, God was at work and still accomplishing what only He could do. The chaos didn’t prevent God’s plans–instead the chaos accommodated God’s plans.
=================
Scripture
Matthew 28:2-6
And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
Observation
What a terrifying morning for the disciples and these women! Jesus has been crucified and buried, they are all at risk of arrest by the temple leaders, and now a huge earthquake has struck! Now as the women approach the tomb, an angel appears and begins to speak to them–they would have understandably been terrified! Yet the words that the angel spoke brought peace, and not fear. Even though the circumstances were unsettling, God was at work and still accomplishing what only He could do. The chaos didn’t prevent God’s plans–instead the chaos accommodated God’s plans.
Application
This morning we woke up to some unsettling news–Mauna Loa has erupted, for the first time in almost 40 years! Our home was rocked by a series of earthquakes last night as the eruption began, and today the community is all abuzz with news reports, social media posts, speculation, predictions, and theories.
The chaos this morning is the volcano–but chaos is nothing new…it is simply part of life! The type of chaos may change, and the way I experience it may be different from week to week, but chaos is just part of the journey.
In the middle of the chaos, God is still doing what only He can do. He is still speaking peace to those who are troubled, and still offering hope to the hopeless. He is never caught off-guard, and never uncertain in His plans. Though things may be unsettled and in turmoil around me, He remains constant.
This week, I need to still my heart before God and allow Him to direct me with His peace. Though circumstances change and seasons get crazy I must remain rooted in Him, moving as He leads me.
Prayer
God, thank you for your peace which never fails! Thank you for remaining the unchanging one, no matter what may change around me. Lead me this week, and help me to keep my eyes on your unchanging love even when the world shakes and rattles around me.
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Recharging

  • November 23, 2022
Jesus didn’t wear exhaustion as a badge of honor, or mark of distinction. He took the time to recharge and refresh his heart in the presence of his Father, before jumping back into everything that needed to be done.
===============================
Scripture
Matthew 14:22-23
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.
Observation
This chapter is such an insight into the load that Jesus carried in his ministry. He had just been notified that his cousin, John the Baptist, had been murdered in prison over a thoughtless promise made by the local ruler. The season was intense, and the pace of ministry unrelenting. Jesus tried to take some time away from the crowds to grieve, but they followed him anyway. He fed the crowd, gave his disciples their marching orders, and then again returned to solitude in the wilderness. Jesus didn’t wear exhaustion as a badge of honor, or mark of distinction. He took the time to recharge and refresh his heart in the presence of his Father, before jumping back into everything that needed to be done.
Application
Some seasons get intense. Between the tasks that must urgently be done, to the emotional weight of tragedy in the lives of those around me, to the unrelenting and constant pace of pursuing the mission of the Gospel week after week, the weight can build as much as I allow it to. When the weight start becoming greater, I must follow the example of Jesus. My responsibility is to keep my heart grounded in the Father–His responsibility is to carry the load.
The danger comes when I begin to think that the weight is mine to carry. This is when I start trying to do the things that God didn’t intend for me to do, and neglecting the things that He does want me to do–like spending time in His presence.
I must daily course-correct back to the right hierarchy:
He is God, I am not.
He is strong enough to carry the burden, I must place the burden His hands.
He is the source of rest, I must choose to rest in Him.
He is the source of wisdom, I must seek the wisdom that comes from Him.
This week, I choose to protect my time with the Father. Even when distractions and urgent problems arise, I choose not to let anything else around me prevent me from resting in the presence of my Father. I choose to cultivate the spiritual disciplines of solitude and prayer, so that my heart can be sustained by the One who carries the weight of the world on His shoulders.
Prayer
God, thank you for the rest that only you can give! Thank you for never giving me more than I can carry, without also giving me your strength to rely on. Help me to never neglect my time with you, even when the task list gets long and the emotional weight gets heavy. You are God, and I am not.
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Good Seed, Good Soil

  • November 22, 2022

The seed of God’s word is always capable of producing a harvest.
=========================
Scripture
Matthew 13:23
23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” 
Observation
The word of God is depicted here as seeds being sown into the ground. Jesus indicates that the seed remains the same, regardless of the outcome–whether the harvest is large, small, or nonexistent…the seed was the same in each case. The difference in the outcome, is the quality of the soil into which the seed is sown. Some hearts are tilled, prepared, and ready to grow a harvest. Some hearts are stony, hard, and unwilling to allow the seeds of God’s word to take root.
The seed of God’s word is always capable of producing a harvest.
Application
I want God’s word to flourish in my heart, and I want my life to bear the harvest that God wants to see in me. This means that my heart must remain prepared to receive and understand God’s word! There have been many seasons in my life when I’ve allowed my heart to become hard and stony, and refused to allow God’s word to change me. I’ve allowed the challenges and struggles of life to cause me to become hard, walled-off, and unwilling to let anything in.
I don’t want to be that way again! Instead, I want to allow God to use my circumstances and even my struggles to keep the soil of my heart turned and the clods broken up, so that His word could easily take root in me and yield the fruit that He wants to see. The same pressure that can compact the soil, is the same force which God can use to break up the stubborn clods.
This week, I need to be mindful of how I react to pressure. Do I allow it to compact the soil of my heart into a hard and unyielding barrier, or do I allow God to use the difficult seasons of my life to make me more ready to grow, more eager to absorb His word, and more capable of producing the harvest that He desires to see in me?  
Prayer
God, thank you for your word which is always powerful, always true, always applicable, and always life-giving. Help me to keep my heart prepared to receive your word, and give me understanding to not just hear your word but also let it take root within me. May my life produce the fruit and the harvest that you desire to see in me! 
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

 

The Need

  • November 21, 2022

Jesus came to save sinners, not to reassure the righteous.
=============================
Scripture
Matthew 9:10-13
10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” 
Observation
Jesus didn’t target those who were positioned to give him a strategic advantage in society. He didn’t aim his outreach at those who were popular, well-connected, or self-managed. He invested his time and energy in those who were messed up and knew it. He targeted those who new they needed a savior, those who knew their own righteousness was inadequate.  
Application
I read the other day about a medical clinic that has made some questionable decisions in order to protect their ‘success rate’ in dealing with certain types of disease. In order to protect their reputation, they’ve been turning away medical cases that are ‘too far gone’ for them to help. In essence, they’ve been catering to people who are mostly healthy, instead of those who are urgently ill.
This isn’t how Jesus works. He didn’t come for those who have it all together, but rather for those who are unable to fix their own problem. He came to save sinners, not to reassure the righteous.
This is how he wants me to live–with an intentional focus to show His love to those who are messed up, hurting, and wounded. This week, I need to look for opportunities to share His love with those who need it…not merely those who think they deserve it. 
Prayer
God, thank you for your love! Thank you for your mercy, which reaches into the middle of my worst decisions and greatest pain. Help me to show that kind of love to others–to help those who cannot help themselves, so that you would receive the glory as your transformation is accomplished in their hearts. 
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

 

Counterfeit Apostles

  • November 18, 2022

Though Paul’s words were harsh, his heart was a heart of love which cared too much to ignore dangerous deception.
==================
Scripture
2 Corinthians 11:12-15
12 And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. 
Observation
Not all of those who claimed to be men of God, were truly led by God. Paul loved the church enough to confront false doctrine and false men of God, who were leading the believers away from the savior. Though his words were harsh, his heart was a heart of love which cared too much to ignore dangerous deception.
 
Application
False teachers are not an extinct species. Carnal men who claim to speak for God are still just as present, and just as much of a threat to the Body of Christ today as they were 2000 years ago. Left unchallenged they have the ability to teach false doctrine, bring bondage and condemnation, introduce doubt, and cause spiritual disease among the church. A critical component of a healthy body is an immune system–that part of the body which remains alert to intruders and toxins, and sounds the alarm when they are found. Though their job is often thankless, the whole body would die without them. Their actions may seem harsh and their words confrontational–but when their motivation and guiding force is love for Christ and love for the church, they perform a critical and necessary function.
This week, I need to be mindful of ideas, thoughts, teachings, and mindsets that are not aligned with the word of God. I must be willing to confront in love, so that the whole body would be healthy and continue to grow. 
Prayer
God, thank you for the unchanging truth of your word! Thank you for the Body of Christ, which is designed in such an amazing way to bring you glory, and share your hope with the world! Help me to always value those in the body who are willing to confront error in a spirit of love–and give me that same discernment, boldness, and wisdom to love enough to confront. 
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

 

Consistency

  • November 17, 2022
Paul walked in Holy Spirit confidence, instead of changing based on the opinion of others. He walked with consistent character, consistent values, and a consistent message. 
=====================
Scripture
2 Corinthians 10:10-11
10 For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.” 11 Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present.
Observation
Some of Paul’s critics were minimizing the correction written in his letters, saying that his words were grand but his presence was weak. Paul confronted them directly in this passage–he let them know that he was aware of their statements about him, and that he was untroubled by their opinion…because his actions and his words were united. The same Paul that wrote to the church to confront sin, would confront and correct just as boldly face to face when he arrived.
Paul walked in Holy Spirit confidence, instead of changing based on the opinion of others. He walked with consistent character, consistent values, and a consistent message. 
Application
What strength of character and confidence is displayed by Paul! Confidence to confront sin, confidence to face his critics, confidence to continue pointing people to God no matter what opposition arose.
This strength only comes from a life fully and completed surrendered to the lordship of Christ. This is the strength that comes from a life lived for one purpose, with one set of values, and consistency through every area. I need to make it a daily prayer, for God to continue to cultivate that kind of heart and consistency in me! I must be willing to let God change me and grow me, when He sees inconsistencies in my heart. I must be willing to let the word of God confront sin, resulting in Godly sorrow which leads me to lasting change. I must be willing to keep on walking forward toward the savior, even when the ‘right thing’ leads to criticism and opposition. 
Prayer
God, thank you for your word and your Spirit which remain unchanging! Thank you for loving me enough to confront sin in my heart, which would separate me from you. Help me to walk with the strength of daily consistency–in speech, in action, in values, and in mission. 
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Another Perspective

  • November 16, 2022
None of us can benefit God, and there is nothing that he could gain from us–yet he loves us anyway! This is how he wants me to see people–through spirit-eyes, valuing people for their intrinsic worth as human beings, made in the image of God.
===================

Scripture
2 Corinthians 5:16-18
“From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;” 
Observation
Before we belonged to Christ, we did not value him fully or understand his worth. We saw him through carnal eyes, and a carnal perspective. Now that we belong to him, our perspective has changed and we see him for who he is. In the same way, he has changed our perspective of those around us. We are no longer to see people merely through our physical eyes, but rather we are to perceive the worth of people through Spirit-eyes, valuing and loving them the way that Christ does–so that lost souls would be reconciled to God. 
Application
Just as Christ has changed the way that I see and value the things of the Spirit, I must be willing to let him change my perspective of those who are made in his image. Through my physical/carnal eyes, I often see people based on how they have affected my life or how they can affect me. I see how people have helped me or hurt me. I see how people would be able to benefit me, or how they would not be able to affect my situation.
Christ doesn’t see people this way. We have all hurt him by rejecting his love and presence at some point. None of us can benefit him, and there is nothing that he could gain from us–yet he loves us anyway! This is how he wants me to see people–through spirit-eyes, valuing people for their intrinsic worth as human beings, made in the image of God.
When I see people this way I am able to let God’s love flow through me to them, offering them the same reconciliation with the Father that I have experienced.
This week, I need to be mindful to see people with God’s perspective–valued, loved, and worth pursuing…no matter how broken.
Prayer
God, thank you for loving me! Thank you for demonstrating your love for me, though there is nothing that I could do to benefit you or contribute to you. Help me to see people through your eyes, to love them the way that you love me. Help me to allow your love to flow through me, so that others could experience the same reconciliation that you have extended to me. 
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Painful Prayers

  • November 15, 2022
After all the rest of the testing was finished, Job was faced with perhaps his most difficult test of all–forgiveness.
=========================
Scripture
Job 42:7-9
7 After the LORD had spoken these words to Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. 8 Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves. And my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.” 9 So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did what the LORD had told them, and the LORD accepted Job’s prayer. 
Observation
After all the speeches were made and all the opinions expressed, God spoke. He defended his servant Job, despite the accusations and insinuations made against him. God was preparing to deal with Job’s accusers in judgement, but he gave Job an opportunity to pray for his accusers and avert God’s judgement on them. I don’t fully understand God’s reasons for doing this the way that he did, but God must have had so much confidence in Job, to give him this opportunity to play a role in his accusers receiving mercy!  When Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar obeyed God and came to Job with a repentant heart to ask for prayer, Job prayed for them and God showed them mercy.  What an astounding thing for Job to do!
Application
I have been hurt, and I have faced accusations. I have had people wound me deeply in life. Yet I don’t know if I’ve ever had one of them come to me later and ask me to pray for God’s mercy in their life. Would I respond like Job? I hope so.
This step was perhaps one of the greatest tests that Job faced. If God had restored Job’s fortunes and family, but he went on to live with a bitter and cynical heart…what good would his restored possessions have done him? If Job’s herds, wealth, position, and family were restored but he lost the Godly heart that made him so unique and special, finishing out his days twisted by unforgiveness…then Satan truly would have won the battle.
I don’t have to wait for my world to stop turning the way that Job’s did, to cultivate the same heart that he displayed. I can pray today for those who have hurt me. I can beg for God’s mercy on those who have shown me none. I can pray blessing on those who have accused me and spread rumors. I can display the same mercy to others, that God has shown me over and over again.
Prayer
God, thank you for the amazing story of Job. It’s heavy at times, and not lighthearted or fun–but it’s what I needed to read today. Help me to walk steadfastly in righteousness as he did–simply putting one foot in front of the other, daily making decisions that align with your heart and your word. When accusations and rumors swirl, give me strength and courage to forgive. Help me to extend your grace to those around me, so that your heart would be revealed in me even in seasons of suffering. Thank you for the mercy that I daily receive from you!
 
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/
Back To Top