S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Strategy vs. Trust

  • January 12, 2026
Scripture
Genesis 30:37
Then Jacob took fresh sticks of poplar and almond and plane trees, and peeled white streaks in them, exposing the white of the sticks.
Observation
What an odd little side-story in scripture! Laban had taken advantage of Jacob, and now Jacob is trying to extricate himself from Laban’s control and manipulation. Jacob tries to manipulate Laban’s flocks to produce sheep whose color is advantageous to him…but he relies on superstitious beliefs which clearly have no basis in reality. Nevertheless God does bless him, and his herds rapidly multiply.
The end conclusion seems to be that God has blessed Jacob, but Jacob remains under the impression that his success is due to his own cleverness and trickery.
Application
Reading about Jacob’s futile attempts at genetic manipulation of the sheep, reminds me of the many times that I’ve strategized and planned for my own success, unaware of just how ignorant I actually was. I can think back on so many wrong assumptions that I’ve made, and so much bad data on which I based important decisions. Yet God has blessed me, despite my limited abilities! Occasionally I’ve made the mistake of thinking that the blessings I enjoy were a result of my own intellect or ability–and then God reminds me that everything I have is a result of His goodness, not my own greatness.
Today I choose to walk humbly before God. All that I have is from Him: my possessions, my abilities, and my blessings. I choose to give Him the credit, instead of believing that I am anything on my own.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder that all I have comes from you! Thank you for being patient with me, and show me when I am beginning to walk in the arrogance of self-sufficiency instead of truly relying on you.
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Effective Prayer

  • January 9, 2026
Scripture
Genesis 24:12-14
12 And he said, “O LORD, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham. 13 Behold, I am standing by the spring of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. 14 Let the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master.”
Observation
This servant of Abraham had been sent to find a bride for Abraham’s son Isaac. He followed his master’s instruction of where to go look for a suitable bride, and then prayed that God would show him the chosen young woman, out of those who were walking out of the village to draw water from the well.
He prayed a specific prayer–that the chosen young woman would offer to draw water also for his camels. Yet his prayer also assumed that God was already moving before his prayer had been prayed! For him to be at the right well, and for the right young woman to be on her way to draw water, required that God had already put the right pieces in place before he ever prayed his prayer.
Application
What a beautiful portrait of prayer! Prayer is not about me convincing God to do that which He doesn’t want to do: Prayer is about bringing my own heart into alignment with the things that God is already doing, and that which He already desires to do. Prayer is about me listening more closely to understand God’s desires: Not me expressing my own desires more emphatically to God.
Today I choose to pray specific, fervent, and intentional prayers. Prayer is a vital lifeline between me and my creator–not so that He will cooperate with me, but so that I may stay aligned with Him.
Prayer
God, thank you for seeing my need before I do. Thank you for moving in power, before I realize it. Thank you for setting the pieces in motion, before I ever ask you to. Help me this week to discern your heart and your desires so that I may stay aligned with you, instead of me simply demanding your cooperation with my plans!
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The Importance of Knowing

  • January 8, 2026
Scripture
Genesis 22:2-3
2 He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.
Observation
God gave Abraham a command: “Sacrifice your son–the son which I had promised to you–on an altar!” Abraham was willing to fulfill this command, and began to do just that. Just before taking his son’s life, God stopped him and told him that it was merely a test of his obedience and allegiance to God.
Never again in scripture do we find God commanding someone to sacrifice another person to God. In fact, many years later in Deuteronomy 18:10, God very specifically forbids human sacrifice for all time. This test of Abraham was not only a test of his obedience–it was also a test of his knowledge of God’s word. Since no law had been given by God to prevent human sacrifice at that time, the command was valid. Today, such a command could definitely NOT be from God, because it would now violate His written word.
Application
This is a difficult passage in many ways. Why would God command such an unthinkable action from Abraham? Why would Abraham willingly go along with such a thing? Why didn’t Isaac protest or resist? And last but not least…how am I supposed to apply such an extreme story to my own life?
Perhaps the greatest takeaway is the importance of knowing God’s word. Because of God’s word, I can be certain when things line up with what He has established- and I can know for certain that the things which don’t align with His word, are not from Him!
There are many who make decisions based on what makes sense to them, and on their preferences. If I like it, or if it makes strategic sense, then it must be the right decision! The question of whether it aligns with God’s word become a distant after-thought. This mindset lulls me into false peace, while allowing sin to continue un-challenged in my heart.
I must know the word of God: What it allows, what it forbids, what it encourages, and what it prioritizes. God’s word is trustworthy. What God has said is established. He’s not struggling to make up His mind, and he doesn’t leave right and wrong up to my own preferences and personal interpretation.
Today I choose to invest time in learning and knowing God’s word. I want to be obedient to the word of God even when it’s difficult, not obedient to every other voice around me.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder of the importance of knowing your word! Give me a heart to know you! I want to live a life based on your word and your principles, not merely on my own preferences and limited understanding.
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Genuine Love

  • January 7, 2026
Scripture
Luke 7:44-48
44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
Observation
Jesus loved to flip the script on the Pharisees! They ruled through formulas, rule lists, and detailed commands…and, of course, all of the loopholes that they could get away with.
This woman was different. She wasn’t following the rules, she wasn’t toeing the line on the holy formula that the Pharisees had written: She simply loved. She loved Jesus enough to anoint him with her tears and with her costly possessions. She loved him enough to make a spectacle of herself. She loved him enough to intrude where she wasn’t wanted, in order to demonstrate her love for the Savior.
Jesus said that her sins were forgiven–not because she followed the formula or expectations of those around her, but because she lived out a real, honest, genuine love for God.
Application
What defines my walk with God? Is it the formula? My daily and weekly habits, the rules to which I hold myself, the religious expectations of those around me…they all may possibly have a place, but those are just the formula.
What defines my walk with God? Is it the clothes I wear, and the vocabulary I speak with?
I choose today to live for God not by a formula or rule book, but with raw, genuine love which makes me willing to be unpopular, willing to be a spectacle, willing to be criticized–and willing to live out my love through action.
Prayer
God, I want you to know and feel my love for you! In the way that I live, speak, and act, may you see evidence of my love for you. You have shown your great love for me–I want you to know how much I love you.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Future Fulfillment, Current Reality

  • January 6, 2026
Scripture
Genesis 15:2
And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.
Luke 6:20-21
20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.
Observation
God had promised amazing things to Abram, and Abram believed that it would happen…he just didn’t know if God was able to fulfill the promise without help. When Sarai suggested a plausible way to help solve God’s problem, Abram jumped at the opportunity. Ishmael was a son…but not the son that God had promised. He became a nation…but not the nation that God had foretold.
In Luke, Jesus is speaking about the promises of God. Jesus encourages his followers to keep their eyes on the promises of God, but he makes an interesting statement: “Blessed are you (present tense) who are hungry now (present tense), for you shall be satisfied (future tense).
Application
In God’s eyes, His blessings are already a done deal! Whether I currently see them or not, whether they seem possible or not, whether the heir is born or not, whether I’m hungry or not…God’s blessings are already a current reality that I can count on and trust.
Instead of working and scheming to solve God’s problems for Him, I must trust that the things which are a problem to me, are not any problem to Him. He is not constrained by my limits, or limited by my constraints. The future fulfillment of His promise is a currently reality on which I can stand.
Today I choose to trust God–not only for the things that I can’t solve, but also for the times when I think I could scheme and strategize a solution. His promises are trustworthy, and I choose to be reliant on Him instead of pursuing self-reliance.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder of your faithfulness! Help me choose to trust you, even when I can’t see how you will fulfill your promise. You are faithful and true, and I choose today to trust your strength instead of my own abilities.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Be A Blessing!

  • January 5, 2026
Scripture
Genesis 12:1-2
Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.
Observation
God promised incredible blessings to Abram, not just to him personally but also to his lineage after him. But God didn’t leave any ambiguity for the purpose of these blessings: He said the purpose of the promised blessing, was so that Abram would ‘be a blessing’. Blessings were not just his to possess: ‘Blessing’ was to be his identity, and his role in the world.
Yet just a few short verses later, we see two instances where Abram’s blessings became a curse instead: Sarai (Abram’s wife) became a curse to the household of Pharaoh, and Abram’s herds began to be a curse to his nephew Lot.
It wasn’t enough for Abram to be blessed by God–he had to walk with the right heart, in order to be a blessing to others. In the case of Sarai, Abram had to learn to trust that the God who had given him Sarai would protect him from Pharaoh’s selfish demands. With Lot, Abram had to choose to depend on God to sustain his herds even while allowing Lot to take over what seemed to be the more fertile grazing land around the town of Sodom.
In both of these situations, Abram’s integrity, courage, and trust in God (or lack thereof…) was the deciding factor in whether Abram would actually be a blessing to those around him or not.
Application
God pours out His blessings on His people. In my life, in the organizations I help to lead–His blessings are so clearly seen, and so abundant! But merely ‘having’ His blessing is not enough: If I want to ‘be’ a blessing, I must use and manage those blessings in a way which allows me to be a blessing instead of a curse. The integrity of my walk, the character with which I navigate life, and the grace I show to others–all of these things determine whether I will be a blessing or not.
God’s purpose is larger than just my life. His desire is to bless the world around me, through me. Today I choose to be a blessing, by walking rightly after the Giver of all true blessings!
Prayer
God, I want to be a blessing! Help me to interact rightly with the many blessings you’ve given me: Not to view them through selfishness, or fear, or scarcity, or carelessness–but to manage them faithfully for you, so that your goodness could impact the world around me.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

The King Is Coming!

  • January 3, 2026
Scripture
Luke 3:3-6
3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways, 6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”
Observation
The arrival of the King is a monumental occasion, and not to be treated casually! The roads must be leveled and smoothed, the gates must be in good condition, and the city must be put in good order. The King is coming! Get ready!
John the Baptist came to prepare the way of the Lord – to prepare the hearts of the people, for the One who was coming. He prepared the way, for Christ to accomplish what only Christ could do.
Application
In my life, how am I preparing the way for the king? The king is coming again, and the king has plans and purposes to fulfill. Am I prepared for His arrival? Am I actively working to prepare my life for the things that God wants to do? What steps am I taking, to prepare my heart to receive the King?
Today I choose to invest time in preparing my heart, for the coming of the King. I cannot do what He can do–but I can either help or hinder Him in His work. I choose today to make sure that my heart is prepared to receive Him! I choose to remove the things which would hinder Him and slow Him down. I choose to take a walk through the streets of my life, and look for clutter and rubbish to remove. I choose to keep my heart in an attitude of humble submission–so that I am prepared to receive Him in His glory.
Prayer
God, I can’t wait to see you when you return! But I know that you are actively at work right now in my life and in this world–and I want to facilitate your plans, instead of hindering them! Help me to prepare my heart to receive you each day, instead of letting the streets of my heart fall into disrepair. You are my King, and I welcome you in!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

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/
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