S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Eternity

  • November 14, 2022
The gospel of Jesus is not a get-rich-quick scheme or a self-help method for finding fulfillment and happiness. It is the power of God unto salvation, and the only way by which our eternal future can be made secure in God.
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 15:19
“If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.” 
Observation
The hope of the resurrection was everything to Paul–and that is where he consistently pointed his readers back to the gospel. The gospel of Jesus is not a get-rich-quick scheme or a self-help method for finding fulfillment and happiness. It is the power of God unto salvation, and the only way by which our eternal future can be made secure in God. 
Application
The gospel is first and foremost about my eternal future. God pours out his blessings on me here today, but His number-one priority is my future with Him. At times the journey here is rough and difficult. At times there is even suffering and persecution for the sake of the gospel–but the eternal promise ahead of me makes it all worth it.
I need to keep this focus not only in my own mind, but also in how I share the gospel with others. If I reduce the gospel to a formula for “happy living”, then I am presenting a false view of the gospel.
This week, I need to be thankful to God for my eternal future in Him–and let that eternal joy guide my conversations as I share His good news with others. 
Prayer
God, thank you for the gospel! Thank you for the price you paid–not merely to make my earthly life better, but to secure my eternal future. When life hits hard, help me to rest in the peace of knowing that you hold my future.
As I share your good news with others, help me to never misrepresent your gospel, or dilute it from its primary purpose! 
 
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The Whole Point

  • November 9, 2022
Paul didn’t confront sin to make himself feel important, or to make himself look better in comparison. He confronted the things that would destroy people, so that their hearts would be turned to the only One who can save and who can heal.
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 5:1-5
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife. 2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.
3 For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. 4 When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. 
Observation
Paul was bold when confronting sin! He did so head-on, and directly. There was no beating around the bush, no sugar-coating his words. Right is right, and wrong is wrong. Yet when Paul confronted sin, he was crystal-clear on the intention and purpose. The entire goal was that people would turn to God and be saved. Paul didn’t confront sin to make himself feel important, or to make himself look better in comparison. He confronted the things that would destroy people, so that their hearts would be turned to the only One who can save and who can heal. 
Application
We live in a fallen, sinful world. The enemy of our soul has done a masterful job of destroying those made in God’s image (mankind). Right is still right, and wrong is still wrong today–and there often seems to be much more wrong than right. It’s easy to sit back and begin to pick things apart, and point out the problems, and pontificate on how messed up the world is. The question is, am I willing to boldly step out and make myself unpopular, in order to turn hearts to God? Am I willing to get my hands dirty in order to turn people to him? Do I care enough about my brothers and sisters in Christ to not stay silent when I see their life heading for destruction? Do I invest myself in pointing them toward Christ as the answer, or do I merely provide commentary on the problem?
This week, I need to pray for courage to be the unpopular voice in the room–and wisdom, to do it in such a way that people are turned back to God.
Prayer
God, thank you that you never change! Thank you for being dependable, trustworthy, righteous, and holy! Help me to always turn to you as the reference point for right and wrong, instead of allowing a fallen world to define that for me. When sin must be confronted, give me courage to speak out for what it right–and I pray for your discernment and wisdom, so that the result would be supernatural transformation in the hearts of hurting people. 
 
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Worth Fighting For

  • November 8, 2022

When the unity of the Body is at stake, we all have a responsibility to pursue unity and health.
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
Observation
Even in the early church, there was conflict–because the church is composed of imperfect people. Paul didn’t shy away from conflict, instead he stepped forward straight into it for the purpose of fighting for the unity of the Body. He engaged the difficult conversations, so that the outcome would be strength and God-honoring health.
Application
There is never a shortage of things to divide over. Each day there are opportunities to pursue my own goals and agenda and feed into conflict, or even merely sit back and watch conflict unfold. Scripture doesn’t teach us to get involved in all of each others personal disagreements or conflicts–but when the unity of the Body is at stake, we all have a responsibility to pursue unity and health. When one part of the Body hurts, the whole Body suffers. When one part of the Body is isolated or removed, the whole Body feels the loss.
When disunity and personal agendas begin to creep in, conflict avoidance doesn’t honor the Head (Christ).  This week, I need to be willing to engage hard conversations so the God-honoring unity would prevail.
Unity in the Body is worth fighting for.
Prayer
God, thank you for unity as we each pursue a closer walk with you day by day. Give me wisdom when conflicts arise, so that I would be a courageous voice of unity in your family–not feeding into conflict, nor yet avoiding it…but engaging the difficult conversations so that your love, your peace, and your unity would prevail. 

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Under the Influence

  • November 7, 2022
When I define my worth and my self-image by my influence over others, then I am not stewarding my influence in the right way–and my influence will very quickly break down into self-serving manipulation.
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Scripture
Galatians 6:13-15
13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 
Observation
Paul is reprimanding the Galatian believers here, for allowing manipulative people to put them back under the bondage of the law. They had experienced the grace of Christ, and now were reverting back to a mindset of works and performance. Paul calls out a deeper issue though–those who were pressuring the believers to become circumcised, were not putting this expectation on them for the benefit of the church. Rather, they were putting expectations on the believers out of a self-serving heart of pride. The influence and sway that these men held over the church was something that they boasted about, and fed their own ego. Paul on the other hand received his validation from following Christ–not by tallying up his influence on other people.
Application
Where do I receive my validation? Do I measure my value based on the amount of influence I hold over others, the number of followers I have on social media, and the speed with which my sons obey me? If I am looking to these things for validation, then I need to take a hard look at my heart. When I define my worth and my self-image by my influence over others, then I am not stewarding my influence in the right way–and my influence will very quickly break down into self-serving manipulation.
Christ has entrusted me with influence in many areas of life–in relationships, in my family, on the job, and in the church. He’s not entrusted these things to me in order to feed my ego–but rather so that His plans would be accomplished through me. I cannot pursue the heart of Christ, while simultaneously working to feed my own pride! My validation, my self-worth, and my security must be found in nothing other than Christ himself.
This week, I need to be intentional to understand my value in the eyes of my creator.
He made me, He loves me, and He values me–and that’s all I need.  
Prayer
God, thank you for loving me and valuing me! Help me to seek your validation instead of finding my self-worth in the things of this world. Help me to be worthy of your trust, in the things you have entrusted to me–to steward influence well, and daily point the world to you. 
 
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The Withheld Answer

  • November 2, 2022

Because Jesus was standing on truth, he was able to confidently withhold his answer until the right moment in order to make a difference.
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Scripture
Mark 11:31-33
“And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say ‘from heaven’, he will say ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But shall we say ‘from man’?–they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” 
Observation
The Pharisees refused to give an honest answer out of fear. Their turmoil in answering was that they couldn’t figure out ‘what’ answer to give–and the truth didn’t even matter to them. Jesus only had one answer (the truth), yet he refused to let them coerce him into answering at all. Their dishonest reply was, “We don’t know”, and His confident statement was “I choose not to say”. Their reply was based on lies, fear, and weakness. His response was grounded in strength, truth, and wisdom. 
Application
Our society enjoys freedom of speech, and yet there is a growing mindset of ‘compelling’ people to speak. For every hot topic and issue, there are those eagerly waiting to stir the pot and try to force everyone to pick a side, take a stand, and make a statement.
Truth matters, and taking a stand matters. But because Jesus was 100% standing on truth, he was able to confidently withhold his answer until the right moment.
I must pray daily for that kind of wisdom! Not just giving answers and making statements for self-gratification or out of obligation, but patiently waiting for the ‘right’ moment to make a difference.
This week, I need to be bold enough to give an unpopular answer, but courageous enough to also withhold the right answer when the moment is wrong.
Prayer
God, thank you for your truth upon which I may confidently stand! Give me wisdom to know when to speak, and when to stay silent–so that you would be glorified, and hearts would be transformed! 

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Listen

  • November 1, 2022
When I am overwhelmed and on overload, God is not. He’s still speaking the words I need to hear, and still doing the things that only He can do.
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Scripture
Mark 9:5-7
“And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you, and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved son; listen to him.” 
Observation
Peter was overwhelmed, on sensory overload, and probably unsure of his role in the situation. He had no idea what to do or say…so he just started talking! The voice of God came from the cloud, and told Peter to do a little more listening, and a lot less talking. It wasn’t the right time for Peter to ‘do’ anything other than listen to the Savior, and allow His glory to be seen. 
Application
I’ve never seen Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah, but I’ve certainly been in Peter’s shoes…when life is overwhelming, when God is doing stuff, when I’m on sensory overload, when I’m not sure of my place or my role…sometimes the natural reaction is to just start ‘doing stuff’.
Start talking…
Start moving…
Start working…
But when I am overwhelmed and on overload, God is not. He’s still speaking the words I need to hear, and still doing the things that only He can do. At these moments, the Holy Spirit says “Just stop! Stop talking! Stop moving! Stop trying to figure it all out, and just LISTEN to the savior!”
This week, I need to spend time just listening to the savior’s voice, and watching what He is doing.
He is speaking. He is working. And He will lead me, if I allow Him. 
Prayer
God, thank you for your voice which cuts through the clamor, the noise, and the confusion. Help me to pay attention to your voice, instead of just speaking to hear my own voice. Thank you that you are never overwhelmed, never surprised, and never caught off-guard! 
 
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Heart Stuff

  • October 31, 2022
God deserves my worship, and He desires my worship. Not worship that consists of empty words and vaguely pleasant feelings–but true, honest, heart-first worship which is backed up and confirmed by my attitude of true submission to Him.
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Scripture
Mark 7:6-7
And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ 
Observation
The purpose of worship is to acknowledge the greatness and kingship of God–to affirm His place on the throne, and our place bowing reverently before Him. Worship is putting physical action to our verbal affirmation of God’s supremacy. Jesus said that the worship of the Pharisees and the scribes would be rejected by God, because their worship was merely verbal affirmation with no truth or substance to back it up. They said all the right words, but lacked a heart which was truly submitted to God. They did the right ‘tasks’, while circumventing the heart of what God truly wanted from them.
Because of this, God rejected the worship that they brought him. 
Application
God deserves my worship, and He desires my worship. Not worship that consists of empty words and vaguely pleasant feelings–but true, honest, heart-first worship which is backed up and confirmed by my attitude of true submission to Him. This kind of worship can’t be distilled down to a checklist or rule book, but instead flows naturally out of a heart which is kept in submission to the King of kings.
This week, I must daily choose to keep my heart in alignment with Him. I must make the decision to daily spend time in His presence, allowing Him to mold and shape me. I must daily choose to reject thoughts patterns and mindsets that are not aligned with His heart, and instead choose to incline my heart toward the things that please Him. 
Prayer
God, you are worthy of my worship! Not merely my words, but the true worship of my heart. Help me this week to make the daily decision to keep my heart in submission to you, so that the things that flow out of me would be pleasing in your sight. Thank you for your patience with me, when my heart is revealed to be flawed and imperfect! 
 
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The Overflow

  • October 26, 2022
When my heart is consumed by His greatness and His goodness, then I can’t help but overflow outward to share His truth with others.
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Scripture
Acts 26:28-29
“28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” 
Observation
Paul’s transformation was so profound, that it caused him to desire that same change for all those he encountered. His love for God changed his life–his love for others, wanted them to experience the change also. 
Application
Our world promotes the idea of “you do you”. If it works for you, go ahead! …just leave me out of it. That seems to make sense from a human standpoint–but it ignores the reality of true, profound, life-changing transformation. The transformation that Christ brings, is beyond anything this world can offer. Who wouldn’t want to experience it?! If I don’t have a deep and burning urgency in my heart to share the Good News with others, then it’s possible that I haven’t fully glimpsed the fullness of what Christ has done for me. When my heart is consumed by His greatness and His goodness, then I can’t help but overflow outward to share His truth with others.
This week, I need to take time to understand and dwell on the greatness of my savior–and then share that Good News with someone around me.
Prayer
God, thank you for the transformation that you are working in me! Thank you for your greatness, and your goodness through every season and every challenge. Help me to understand the limitless scale of your love for me, and help me to care enough for those around me to share that same good news with them also. 
 
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Hearing and Understanding

  • October 12, 2022
Ezra and his team helped the people to see that the word of God was cause for great joy, not sorrow. Because of their faithfulness, the people were able to begin walking forward in God, with joy in their hearts and standing on God’s truth.
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Scripture
Nehemiah 8:5-8
“And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.” 
Observation
What an amazing work God was doing! The walls had been rebuilt, the people were united, and now the whole community had called for God’s word to be read to the whole assembly. Ezra the priest read the word of God, but he also had a team of qualified people ready to help the assembly to understand what they were hearing. The words were so new to them, that they weren’t even sure how to respond. Ezra and his team helped the people to see that the word of God was cause for great joy, not sorrow. Because of their faithfulness, the people were able to begin walking forward in God, with joy in their hearts and standing on God’s truth. 
Application
People need hope! Hurting hearts are looking for a savior and a healer, and our God is drawing people to himself. He has given me the privilege and responsibility of playing my part in proclaiming his truth to the world–but I must walk in wisdom so that God’s word would be clearly understood, and received with joy. His word is powerful, and has the ability to transform each one who hears it. This week I need to walk in boldness to proclaim the word of God, and in wisdom to make sure it is understood and received in the way that God desires. I need to invest in the team around me, so that we can all speak with a unified voice as we proclaim God’s word. 
Prayer
God, thank you for the privilege of sharing your word and your truth with the world around me! Help me to steward that responsibility well, and to take time to make sure that people are receiving your word with clear understanding. Thank you for the team you have drawn together at New Hope Legacy–talented, passionate, gifted, and called people who love you and want to proclaim your truth to the world. Help us to walk in unity and speak with a unified voice, so that your transformation would be accomplished in those that you are drawing in. 
 
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Daily Bible Readings

Confrontation

  • October 11, 2022

If the Holy Spirit is allowed to guide the process, then God is able to bring unity to the whole even through confrontation.
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Scripture
 Nehemiah 5:6-8
“I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words. I took counsel with myself, and I brought charges against the nobles and the officials. I said to them, “You are exacting interest, each from his brother.” And I held a great assembly against them and said to them, “We, as far as we are able, have bought back our Jewish brothers who have been sold to the nations, but you even sell your brothers that they may be sold to us!” They were silent and could not find a word to say.”
Observation
Nehemiah was angry, and with good cause. God was accomplishing great things among His people, and leading them in restoration of the city of Jerusalem. They were in the midst of conflict and attacks from their enemies, and should have been operating in unity against the external threats…and yet they had encountered a threat from within. There were those in the community who had chosen to take advantage of the situation, and were trying to gain personal benefit by mistreating their fellow Israelites instead of working in unity with them.
Nehemiah confronted their ungodly attitude, and his willingness to confront the situation resulted in God being glorified, and the people walking forward in unity. 
Application
There are times when the heart of God requires an issue to be confronted. When ungodly attitudes start to creep in, when selfish motives begin to manifest, when the enemy begins to gain a foothold and leverage–Godly character requires that someone be bold enough to speak up and say “Enough!”
It is easier to simply sit back and hope that the situation improves–but God operates through men and women who have the courage to follow His leading, even when the path is uncomfortable. If this confrontation comes through fleshly motives and human wisdom, then further division and discord is inevitable–but if the Holy Spirit is allowed to guide the process, then God is able to bring unity to the whole even through confrontation.
This week, I pray for the wisdom of God to know when to be silent and when to speak. I pray for His will to be accomplished and His unity to prevail, even when confrontation becomes necessary.
Prayer
God, thank you for your unchanging heart! Thank you that you are a solid rock, even when the world becomes crazy and people display their fallen nature and imperfection. Give me wisdom this week to navigate each conversation with your heart–to demonstrate your love, to stand on your truth, and to fight for unity in you. 

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