S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Do Well, Rule Well!

  • January 2, 2026
Scripture
Genesis 4:6-7
6 The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, and you must rule over it.”
Observation
There are many theories about why God didn’t accept Cain’s offering–but the answer appears to be very simple: Cain didn’t ‘do well’, and thus his offering was not acceptable in God’s sight. God reminded him: “Do well, and you will be accepted!”
This ‘doing well’ included the giving of offerings to God, but it also included the necessity of manning up and ruling over the sin that lay in wait for Cain. God knew the temptation Cain was about to face, and gave him an opportunity to exercise self-control. God didn’t say “It would be so nice if you were able to rule over sin…” Instead God gave an instruction: “You MUST rule over it!”
Application
It is so much easier to blame others for the outcomes I receive, rather than taking ownership! If I can keep pointing fingers outward, then I don’t have to take responsibility!
This passage reminds me that God has equipped me with all that I need, when I rely on Him. In my own strength, I am not sufficient to the task of ‘doing well’ and ruling over sin in my life. But with the strength of my Maker, I am equipped with all that I need for a victorious and overcoming life!
I choose to live each day of 2026 with a heart to do well before God. I choose to rule over sin, which means I must rule over my own passions and desires. I choose to submit my life to Him, that I may be under the authority of the one who gives me strength.
Prayer
God, I want to do well in your sight. Help me today to rule over sin, instead of letting sin rule over me! I know this is only possible through your strength and your authority–so I choose to submit my life to you, and acknowledge you as my Lord.

The God of New Beginnings

  • January 1, 2026
Scripture
Genesis 1:1-3a
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 And God said…
Luke 1:1-2
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us…
Observation
In the beginning, God said. In the beginning, God created. In the beginning, God caused the beginning of all things. And here thousands of years later, Luke is chronicling a new beginning again, by the One from whom all good beginnings come. Not the beginning of creation, but the beginning of the story of the Savior!
God is a God of new beginnings today, just as He was at the beginning of time. He is not satisfied with the status quo, He is not focused on the past. He is speaking new things and creating new possibilities. He is opening new doors and new opportunities!
Application
As I stand at the beginning of a new year, I feel expectant for what the coming months will hold. So much of 2025’s urgent clamor now seems insignificant, and the priorities and goals that seemed lofty at the time, now seem to have faded. This doesn’t discourage me, because there is a constant which makes all the difference: the God who underpins my life and my existence, the One in whom I live, move, and breathe. He is constant and unchanging–and that means I can look expectantly forward to the new beginnings this year will hold, because my God is the God of new beginnings.
Today I choose to let go of the tattered self-focused remains of last year, in favor of the constant and unchanging newness of life in Christ. I can’t wait to see what He has in store for me in 2026!
Prayer
God, thank you for the new beginnings that you have ordained for me this year! I welcome your plans and your purpose in my life, and I choose to bring glory to you: the unchanging One, the God of new beginnings!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Loving the Right Way

  • December 5, 2025
Scripture
Ephesians 5:28 – “In the same way. husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”
Observation
Paul draws a direct connection between the way a man loves his wife, and the way a man loves his own body. It would be unnatural and harmful to not take care of one’s own body-and it is just as harmful for a man not to love his wife in the right way!
Application
“Husbands should love their wives as their own bodies” That makes me stop and consider: It these two things are connected, then what does the state of my body reveal about my love for my wife?
Am I diligent and intentional about taking care of my body and my physical condition even when it’s not convenient or easy? Or do I claim to value this body as a gift from God and then neglect it, take it for granted, and do the bare minimum required to keep it functional?
Jesus said that sweet water and bitter cannot flow from the same source-so I cannot be undisciplined and slovenly in one area of my life, and think that I can at the same time be intentional and purposed in another area. I can’t eat poorly, live lazily, and manage my life carelessly–and then think that I can at the same time value and love the woman whom I am called to love “…as Christ loved the church”!
Today I choose to live with self-discipline and intentionality, so that I can truly show love in the right way.
Prayer
God, thank you for my wife! Help me to love her in the same way that you love the church: completely, sacrificially, intentionally, and selflessly. Help me today to make the intentional decision to value and care for the blessings that you’ve given me!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

The Reason For My Walk

  • December 4, 2025
Scripture
Ephesians 4:1
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called”
Observation
Paul says that his readers have a calling on their life: not because they’ve earned it by their walk, or proven that they are worthy-but simply because God has chosen to call them. Now Paul instructs them to walk in the right way: not so that God can call them, but because He has already called them!
A right walk doesn’t earn a calling: It follows a calling.
Application
What a difference this shift in perspective makes! My walk matters: Not to earn the favor of my Father. but because I already have it! He has forgiven me, redeemed me, washed me, adopted me, and called me: How could I not respond to a love like that, with full surrender in every moment and every decision?
Today I choose to walk in a manner worthy of my calling-not to try to be worthy of being called.
Prayer
God, thank you for calling me! I want to live my life in a way that expresses my gratitude to you! May each decision I make today be worthy of the call you have already placed on me!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

The Importance of Mindset

  • December 1, 2025
Scripture
Romans 8:5-8
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Observation
Paul says that the difference between a life according to the flesh or the Spirit, begins in the mind. It doesn’t start with actions, or words, or emotions, or circumstances, or anything else: It starts in the mind.
The mind that is ‘set on the flesh’ is dead even while it lives–and it lives in a state of hostility toward God. A mind that is hostile toward God, cannot produce a life and a heart which are submitted to His authority…nor can it lead to an eternity with Him!
The mind that is ‘set on the Spirit’ is a mind which stays submitted to Him, and reliant on Him. The mind that is set on Him, makes decisions which result in actions that honor Him. The mind that is set on Him experiences peace even in the middle of the storm, because that mind is covered under His authority which supersedes any other influence or force encountered.
Application
Where is my mind ‘set’? Is my mind fixed on the temporary anxieties of this world, and on all of the voices vying for attention and authority in my life? Is my mind simply allowed to drift with the winds of circumstance, happy in one moment and wracked with doubt the next?
Or is my mind fixed and set on the eternal God who created all things, who loves me beyond measure, who created me for a purpose, who redeems and strengthens me, and who has empowered me to do all that He expects from me?
When my mind is fixed on things of the flesh, I cannot be at peace with God. But when my mind is fixed on God, I cannot be shaken by any other power or problem.
Today I simply choose to set my mind on my King. He is strong, He is love, He is mercy, He is truth, and He is more than enough for me.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder of the importance of my mindset. Help me today to keep my mind fixed on you instead of on the things of this world. You are worthy of my attention, and my highest allegiance–no matter what else may be happening around me. Show me and remind me when my mind begins to wander, so that I would remain rooted in your peace and your guidance.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Eyes to See

  • November 4, 2025
Scripture
Mark 15:39
“And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
Observation
The crowd who had demanded his crucifixion saw Jesus as nothing more than a side show. As he suffered on the cross, they said ‘wait and see if Elijah shows up to rescue him!’ They were hoping for a spectacle, and a moment of entertainment–but they didn’t care about seeing truth.
The centurion, on the other hand, was familiar with death. He had doubtless seen many men die, probably many by his own hand. He wasn’t looking for a spectacle or a show, but instead he saw Jesus: The King of the Jews, the King of kings, the Son of God–the man whose execution he was supervising. He wasn’t necessarily a Godly man, but he had eyes to see the King.
Application
In most of life, I see what I’m looking for. If I’m looking for problems, I’ll see problems. If I’m looking for beauty, I’ll see beauty. The flip side is that I tend NOT to see the things that I’m not looking for!
It’s a scary thought in a way–that I could be looking at the Son of God himself, and not actually see him. I don’t want to go through life like the crowd there at the cross: looking for scandal and entertainment, watching for something to amuse me…and missing the miracle of grace happening right in front of me.
I would rather be the centurion instead–flawed, imperfect, and sinful…but with eyes to see the King. Today I choose to look for the Savior–in conversations, in the situations of life, even in the moments of scandal, tragedy, and death: He is there, he is gracious and kind, and his power is on display for those with eyes to see it.
Prayer
God, I want to see you! Not just for my own entertainment, but so I can experience your power and your grace! Open my eyes to notice what you are doing today, even when the bloodthirsty crowd is eagerly looking for a spectacle.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

SOAP 10/21/25 – Walking Wounded

  • October 22, 2025
Scripture
Acts 14:19 -22
“But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom of God.”
Observation
Paul was not part of the Walking Dead, but he was “walking wounded.” Though he was badly injured, he somehow kept walk­ing forward and persevered rather than giving up. How did he do this?
  1. He rested for the right amount of time, then got back on his feet. Overnight wasn’t a long time, but apparently it was enough time.
  2. He walked with a trusted companion. He didn’t drag the entire church along with him, but he did take Barnabas.
  3. He stayed “on target”. When they got to Derbe he didn’t start a blog about how to recover from a stoning: he preached the gospel.
  4. He spoke encouragement, he didn’t merely share his woundedness: He acknowledged his injuries, but encouraged the believers to persevere through tribulation.
Application
There are few things harder than getting back up after being knocked down. There are few things more difficult than walking forward through pain. But sitting and wallowing in woundedness is rarely helpful!
This passage reminds me that there is a process to healing:
It involves rest.
It involves relationship.
It involves intentional choice and focus.
It involves a humble willingness to speak encouragement to others, and to let God use every part of my story for His purpose.
Like a physical therapist who requires the patient to stretch and move. God calls me to walk forward into my healing: not so that I remain a member of the “walking wounded”, but so that my healing can be made complete.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder and encouragement! Help me today to walk with you-not ignoring genuine wounds, but instead with a conscious decision to heal. Use me today for your glory to speak healing into someone’s life, even as your healing is continued in me.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Holy vs. Common

  • September 17, 2025
Scripture
Ezekiel 44:23
They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common, and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.
Observation
God gave His priests the responsibility of teaching people to distinguish between what was holy, and what was common. God wanted them to have an awareness of the things which hold specific eternal significance, and the things which are part of daily life but don’t really matter in the light of eternity.
Application
There are things in life which matter, and things which don’t truly matter…but they’re part of life anyway. Relationships, sabbath moments, my time with God, and meaningful conversations I have…there should be an awareness of Holy purpose in these things. But there are many parts of life that can consume my attention…yet they have no eternal meaning or significance!
The clothes I wear, the headlines which cause me anxiety, and those conversations which center around meaningless humor and shallow things…they are part of life, but they are not worth allowing to occupy that part of my heart and my attention which only God deserves to occupy!
Today I choose to take time to recognize those things that are holy, and those things which are common. I choose to fill my time, my attention, and my life with things that matter–instead of letting my life be consumed with those things which seem so urgent, but will not last.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder! Help me to clearly discern each day and each moment those things which are holy, and those things which are common. Even in the common things of my life, may I invite your presence and look for your purpose so that my focus would remain on that which is holy.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

The Right Investments

  • March 17, 2025
I want to be the kind of leader that Moses was: flawed and imperfect, but with a desire to invest in those that have been entrusted to me!
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Scripture
Deuteronomy 34:9
“And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses.”
Observation
Joshua was given a turbo boost by his mentor Moses. There were lessons he learned, insight he received, and clout that he possessed, because he was led by a mature and emotionally secure leader who didn’t feel threatened by the gifted and talented young man entrusted to him.
Application
What a gift Moses gave to Joshua! I have served under leaders like Moses–those with vision and a teacher’s heart. I have also spent seasons under other leaders: those who felt threatened by my presence, those unwilling to invest in others, and those who withheld their blessing due to their own fears and insecurity.
I want to be the kind of leader that Moses was: flawed and imperfect, but with a desire to invest in those that have been entrusted to me!
I want to empower and encourage those who will go farther than me, and those who will grow beyond me. I want to resource those who will win victory in battles that I never fought, and those who shape seasons that I don’t live to see.
But–all of that starts today, with the way that I treat those entrusted to my care. Today I choose to speak truth, impart blessing, bring accountability, share wisdom, show mercy, and give love.
Prayer
God, help me today to invest in someone’s future! May the words that I speak and actions I take today, become the fuel for a fire that burns brightly for you long after I am forgotten.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Pain and Blessing

  • January 14, 2025
I have so much respect for Jacob! Despite his many flaws, and despite his own grief and anguish in this specific moment, he refused to let his son’s future be determined by misplaced blame. Instead he decided to man up, deal with his own pain, and speak a blessing over his son’s life. He pronounced in faith who he believed his son would be, instead of merely describing the current problem.
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Scripture
Genesis 35:18
And as her soul was departing (for she was dying), she called his name Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin.
Observation
So much grief is contained in this short passage! Rachel (the favorite wife of Jacob) is in labor with her second son, and something goes wrong. She realizes that she is not going to survive, and in her final moments names the child ‘Ben-oni’, or ‘son of my sorrow’. Her journey is at an end. She will not be there to see Joseph reach adulthood, she will not be around to raise Benjamin, she will not be there to grow old with Jacob. As this reality hits her, it becomes easy to place the blame on her newborn son. Though he has done no wrong, he will now carry for his entire life the label of being the sorrow of his mother.
But then Jacob steps into the room, and hears what is happening. Though his heart was surely breaking, he made an incredibly courageous decision in that critical moment–instead of letting his son’s identity become ‘sorrow of his mother’, he instead changes his name to Benjamin: (‘son of my right hand’, or ‘son of my fortune’). Of all the many sons of Jacob, Benjamin is the only one whom he personally named–and the name that he picked was a declaration of his worth to his father, and of his father’s love for him.
Application
How do I react when I’m hurting? When things don’t go the way I want, and when I’m experiencing pain (or even merely frustration), how do I treat those around me? Do I look for someone to blame, and someone on whom to pile my anger? In those moments blame is usually the quickest and easiest reaction…but rarely am I actually correct in who I blame. Like Rachel, it’s easy for me to simply blame whoever is nearby and available. They may be an easy target, but that doesn’t mean they are responsible for my issue! The words that I speak in those moments often carry greater significance than I realize. The accusations, the labels, the harsh remarks…they sink in deep, and continue to affect their hearer long after my own pain is finished and after I’m gone from the scene.
I have so much respect for Jacob! Despite his many flaws, and despite his own grief and anguish in this specific moment, he refused to let his son’s future be determined by misplaced blame. Instead he decided to man up, deal with his own pain, and speak a blessing over his son’s life. He pronounced in faith who he believed his son would be, instead of merely describing the current problem.
I choose to be a father and a leader like that! Sometimes life hurts, and sometimes grief hits hard…that’s just cold hard truth. But I choose to speak words of life, and I choose to pronounce blessing over my family and over those I lead instead of lashing out in anger and casting unfair blame. I choose to raise Benjamin’s, not Ben-oni’s.
Prayer
God, help me to exercise wisdom and self-control this week when I’m hurting or frustrated. Help me not to cast blame as a way of dealing with my own emotions, and instead teach me to speak life into those around me. Thank you for being willing to suffer for me, and for showing me your love even when I have brought you pain!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/
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