S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

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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Living with Purpose

  • September 30, 2022

Jesus had a mission to accomplish, and that was his first and only priority. He lived with purpose, instead of living in reaction mode.
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Scripture
Luke 13:31-32
“At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.” 
Observation
I have to wonder at the motivation of the Pharisees in this verse. As a group, they didn’t have Jesus’ best interests in mind. Were they trying to intimidate him? Either way, Jesus didn’t allow himself to be distracted from his mission. He not only continued on doing the things he was called to do, he also was blunt and open about what his plans for the future were. This isn’t the mindset or words of someone who is living in ‘reaction mode’, but rather the response of someone who is living life for a greater purpose.
Application
I’ve lived at times in ‘reaction mode’–twisting and turning to respond to the words and actions of everyone around me. The problem is that you cannot accomplish anything, when every outside influence has the power to change your actions. Jesus modeled such an amazing ‘mission-first’ mindset in this passage–it didn’t matter whether Herod was wanting to kill him. It didn’t matter if the Pharisees were trying to intimidate him. It didn’t matter whether his words were loved or hated. He had a mission to accomplish, and that was the first and only priority.
I want to be so crystal-clear on my mission and purpose, that the distractions around me lose their power to sway me. This requires not only that I know what that mission is, but that I also believe in it–more than anything else, including my own popularity or safety.  Christ has given me a mission–to share his good news with the world, and to be his hands and feed in sharing his love with my community. There will be countless distractions and opportunities to let others pull me off track, but I must follow the example of Christ and simply keep on walking forward. 
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for the example you have given me of a life lived with purpose. Help me to live in a mission-first way, not allowing all of the distractions, opinions, words, and risks around me to pull me off track. Help me to stay in step with you, and keep my eyes on you.

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Heartbeat

  • September 29, 2022
God is love. Not just in ethereal or theoretical ways–God cares about people who are messed up and hurting…and he wants his people to care for those around them who are hurting.
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Scripture
Zechariah 7:9-10,13
“This is what the Lord Almighty said: “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.”
“When I called, they did not listen; so when they called, I would not listen,” says the Lord Almighty” 
Observation
God is love. Not just in ethereal or theoretical ways–God cares about people who are messed up and hurting…and he wants his people to care for those around them who are hurting. His word to the Hebrew nation was to make sure they instituted justice, mercy, and compassion–and to root out and eliminate oppression and evil plots. Their prayers to God were hindered, because they did not fulfill his desires in loving those who were hurting. 
Application
I don’t want my prayers to be hindered or ignored! I want to live each day with the heart of God–caring about the things he cares about, promoting the things he promotes, and loving people the way that he loves them. If I have the heart of Christ, then it must be reflected in the way I love others. I should care deeply about those who have been oppressed, those who have endured injustice, those without a family, those who are poor, and those who are far from home and different than me. As I live out the love of God, my heart draws closer to His. 
Prayer
God, thank you for loving me and caring about me. Teach me to love the way that you do, and care for those who are hurting. May my heart beat with your heartbeat! Thank you for hearing my prayers, and for daily making me more like you! 
 
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Walking in Blessing

  • September 28, 2022
His blessing is not something that he pours out on some and withholds from others–rather, his blessing is accessible to those who make the decision to receive it.
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Scripture
Luke 11:27-28
“As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” 
Observation
The woman in this passage viewed God’s blessing as something happens to you–something that you either experience or don’t experience, depending on forces outside of your control. She saw Mary as the embodiment of this–an ordinary girl whom God had blessed by allowing her to be the mother of the messiah.
Jesus revealed a deeper truth about God’s blessing: Blessing comes from God (hearing his word), but the decision to ‘receive’ his blessing is our decision (keeping his word). His blessing is not something that he pours out on some and withholds from others–rather, his blessing is accessible to those who make the decision to receive it. 
Application
I want to walk in the blessing of God! I want to position my heart in a way that God can bless–walking in His ways, keeping his word, and heeding his voice. I don’t want to just wistfully watch his blessing at work around me–but rather live each day fully submitted, fully committed, fully surrendered to the Lord of all. 
Prayer
God, thank you for your blessing! Thank you for your word which guides me and transforms my heart. Help me to clearly hear your voice, clearly understand your word, and daily walk in ways that please you. 
 
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Work and Rest

  • September 26, 2022
When my heart is aligned with His, I can rest peacefully–because I understand that the load rests on His shoulders…not my own.
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Scripture
Psalm 127:1-2
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat–for he grants sleep to those he loves. 
Observation
Hard work honors God…when it is performed under His direction. Without the guidance and leading of God, all the hard work and strategizing is ultimately in vain. When God is leading, He not only blesses the work to be fruitful–He also supplies rest. 
Application
It’s easy to get caught up in the rat race of “do-go-work-hurry” when I take my eyes off of God. God-sized dreams and visions quickly become nightmares when I forget who is in control. When my heart is submitted to God and in tune with Him, He blesses the work that needs to be done. When my heart is aligned with His, I can rest peacefully–because I understand that the load rests on His shoulders…not my own. 
Prayer
God, thank you for being the Lord of all. Help me to daily walk as you lead, instead of striving to merely accomplish my own plans. Teach me to walk daily in the rest that you give- trusting that you are faithful and you are big enough to handle any challenge that arises! 
 
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