S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

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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Fighting for What?

  • October 10, 2022

I can’t fulfill the mission by sacrificing my primary objective–my family.

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Scripture
Nehemiah 4:14
“After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” 
Observation
The Israelites had undertaken a gigantic project, rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. It was a God-sized goal, and God was leading the way–But Nehemiah urged the people to distill it down to a personal level. They weren’t just investing in Jerusalem, they were investing in their families. They weren’t just defending the city, they were protecting their sons and daughters. They were not to become so mission-minded that they forgot or neglected the primary mission that God had given them–their own families. 
Application
God has given me responsibilities, dreams, a purpose, and a mission. He has called me to carry His light to a dark world, and share the good news with others. But the first responsibility He’s given me is to be a husband to my wife, and a father to my sons. In the middle of the busyness, projects, tasks, and outreaches I need to remember that my first and primary ministry is to my own family. I can’t fulfill the mission, by sacrificing my primary objective. 
Prayer
God, thank you for my family! Help me to steward that responsibility well, to be the husband and father that you want me to be. Help me to grow daily more like you, and effectively share your love each day with my wife and sons. 

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Expectations

  • October 5, 2022

Esther built a foundation of unity, mutual accountability, and clear expectations from which to step boldly forward into the mission that God had given her.
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Scripture
Esther 4:16-17
“Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.” 
Observation
Esther knew her place, and confidently operated in the authority she held. She knew what she needed from Mordecai and the Jewish community, and made the ‘big ask’ for them to join her in fasting. She also had a strength of relationship with her ‘young women’, to feel confident committing them to the fast also, even though they weren’t in the conversation. Her heart as a leader was plain to see, as she committed herself to the same fast…she wasn’t trying to impose an expectation on them, to which she was not also willing to commit. Once her people were mobilized behind her, she stepped out to take the required personal risk in order to save her people. 
Application
I need to know who I can rely on when the going gets tough, and not avoid making the ‘big ask’ of those that God has placed with me on the journey. There is a mutual accountability and expectation, that we each need each other to fulfill our specific roles. There are times for the leader to pay a personal cost, or take a specific risk-yet there must be unity of heart and purpose with the whole, if the mission is to succeed.
Like Esther, I must be willing to let those around me feel the ‘weight’ of the mission–and like Esther, I must hold myself to the same standard that I expect from those that I lead. 
Prayer
God, thank you for leaders in your word like Esther–who demonstrate and model strong leadership with a servant’s heart. Help me to inspire those around me to step up as we walk on this mission together, and never try to hold others to a standard of excellence to which I am not also willing to commit. Teach me to lead well, as I daily follow You. 

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Enduring Love

  • October 3, 2022

The work of Calvary is finished and complete–but I need God’s presence in my life today.
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Scripture
Psalm 138:8
“The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord, endures forever–do not abandon the works of your hands.” 
Observation
David was a servant of the Lord, and had seen God do great things in his life–yet he knew that he still needed the ongoing work of God’s love in his life. The past things that God had done for him were not enough, he needed the presence and power of God in his life today. 
Application
I have experienced so much grace and mercy from God! He has proven His goodness over and over again in my life. I’ve watched Him work miracles and provide for my needs when I could not help myself. The work of Calvary is finished and complete–but I need God’s presence in my life today. I can’t just fondly remember what God did in the past for me, and then plow through the rest of life on my own power.  I need to daily seek His presence, His power, His provision, and His peace in my life. His love endures forever–it didn’t run out at Calvary.  His love still carries me when I am weak, and comforts me when I am discouraged. His love still draws me back to him, when my attention wanders.
Prayer
God, thank you for your love which never ends! Thank you for not abandoning me, for not growing impatient with my human imperfection. Thank you for giving me strength for the journey, and help me to lean on your strength each day instead of coasting on the memory of what you’ve done for me in the past. 

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