S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Worthy of Worship

  • September 15, 2022

God’s greatness cannot be contained or ignored!
=====================

Scripture
Psalm 145:10-12
“All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.” 
Observation
God’s greatness cannot be contained or ignored! His creation sings his praise, and all that He does, reveals His power and might. 
Application
God is great, and He deserves my attention and my worship. Not only the worship songs that I sing each weekend, but also the worship of my life–in the way that I focus my own heart to see and acknowledge His power, and in the way that I point out His greatness to those around me.
This week, I choose to worship God with my daily life so that others could see Him the way that I do. 
Prayer
God, thank you for your greatness and goodness! Help me to live a life of worship, so that others would come to know you as I do! 

Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

 

When you see it…

  • September 14, 2022

One glimpse of the identity and power of Jesus Christ changes everything
============================

Scripture
Revelation 19:11-13
“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.” 
Observation
What an amazing glimpse of the power and majesty of Jesus Christ! The humility displayed by Jesus here on earth was not a humility necessitated by weakness-rather it was a willing decision by Him to subject his infinite power and majesty to the humiliation of the cross, because of his love for mankind. 
Application
Some of my friends regularly post images on Facebook, with captions like “When you see it…” The image will appear a certain way at first glance –but there will be something hidden or concealed in the image which changes the whole picture once it is glimpsed.
This is how Jesus is! The world sees him as merely a guy who lived a long time ago…but one glimpse of his true identity and power changes everything.
This week I need to take time to see and recognize the power, majesty, and identity of Jesus Christ. I must once again acknowledge and submit to His kingship in my life. In my interactions with others, I must daily point people to him so that they can also see him–because “when you see it”…everything changes. 
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for this glimpse of your majesty and power!
Help me to see you as you are, to glimpse your true nature as the king of kings and Lord of lords. Help me to point others to you, so that this world would be changed by your identity. 

Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

 

The Role of the Watchman

  • September 13, 2022

The watchman was not responsible for the people’s decision in responding to his warning cry, but he was responsible to sound the alarm.
=================

Scripture
Ezekiel 33:5-6
5 He heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But if he had taken warning, he would have saved his life. 6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand. 
Observation
This passage is a sobering wake-up call, both to Israel and also to her prophets. Destruction was drawing near, and God wanted the alarm to be sounded. The city watchman is used as a symbol of God using His prophets to warn God’s people of His coming judgement–if the watchman sounded the alarm and the people listened, they could be saved from the destruction. If the watchman didn’t sound the alarm though, then the watchman would bear responsibility for the resulting deaths. The watchman was not responsible for the people’s decision in responding to his warning cry, but he was responsible to sound the alarm.
Application
There’s a fine line of responsibility in how I interact with others. No matter how much I love them and want the best for them, they are ultimately responsible for their own decisions. God requires me to do the things He’s called me to do, but the outcome doesn’t rest on my shoulders. This can be frustrating when I see people that I care about destroying themselves with unwise decisions, but it also means that I don’t get to take the credit when they do heed my warning and turn around–the glory belongs to God, not me.
This personal-responsibility boundary is what keeps me grounded and healthy through the crazy times as well as the great moments–as long as I’m fulfilling the things to which God has called me, then I don’t get to take the credit or beat myself up with blame.
This week, I choose to sound the alarm when danger looms near. I choose to be courageous to speak up to get the attention of those who don’t see the approaching destruction. I choose not to blame myself for the destructive decisions of those around me, and with the grace of God I choose to remain humble instead of puffing myself up in pride when my warning results in a life saved–because the glory belongs to God.
Prayer
God, thank you for loving us enough to warn us when danger is approaching! Give me courage to speak up when needed, so your love could save people from destruction. As I fulfill my calling, help me to keep a healthy boundary in not blaming myself when people decide to ignore the warning cry–and help me to always give you the glory when I see you accomplishing transformation in people’s lives…because I cannot take the credit for the work that you are doing. 

Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

 

The Right Thing

  • September 12, 2022
Instead of fighting an outcome they couldn’t control, the Hebrew men instead stood on the ‘right’ decision they had made, and trusted God with the outcome.
======================
Scripture
Daniel 3:16-18
“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold that you have set up!” 
Observation
If ever there was a time to defend yourself, it would be when your life is threatened. These Hebrew men had a different reaction though. They knew their decision was right, regardless of the outcome. They also knew that the outcome was out of their control–so instead of fighting an outcome they couldn’t control, they instead stood on the ‘right’ decision they had made, and trusted God with the outcome. 
Application
I like to maintain control–particularly when it comes to my safety and well-being. ‘Not’ defending myself feels unnatural–but sometimes the issue at stake is greater than my own personal safety or comfortability. There are some decisions that can be debated and weighed, and others that are simply ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. Following Christ means doing the right thing, even when the outcome may not be what I want.
Trusting God means trusting Him no matter the outcome, not only if the outcome is one that I prefer. 
This week, I choose to follow Christ–not just doing what is comfortable, but what is right. 
Prayer
God, thank you for being big enough to handle every situation I could face. Give me courage to make decisions that honor you, and faith to trust you no matter what the outcome is. 
 
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

The Price of Peace

  • September 8, 2022

Peace always has a price–but true and lasting peace cannot be obtained without first submitting to the Prince of Peace.
========================

Scripture
Jeremiah 44:15-16
“Then all the men who knew that their wives were burning incense to other gods, along with all the women who were present — a large assembly — and all the people living in Lower and Upper Egypt, said to Jeremiah, “We will not listen to the message you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord!” 
Observation
God only knows how many times the men of Israel had turned away to idols…but this time it appears that the women of the community were the instigators. The men may not have been directly engaged in the idol worship, but rather than confront the issue they instead defended the sin of their wives, and brought down God’s judgement on them all.
They wanted peace…but they sought peace at home, at the expense of peace with God. Peace always has a price–but true and lasting peace cannot be obtained without first submitting to the Prince of Peace. 
Application
Peace costs something. The price might be a tense conversation, or a boundary that I don’t like, or a severed friendship, or even an act of self-sacrifice that I’d rather avoid. Conflict and tension are unavoidable in life–and avoiding the conflict cannot create peace. The question is, what peace am I seeking? Am I surrendered first and foremost to the Almighty God, and walking in peace with Him? Or am I pursuing peace with the world around me, at the expense of my relationship with God?
This week, I choose to pay the price for peace with my savior above all else. 
Prayer
God, thank you for paying the price so that I can have peace with you!
Help me to daily prioritize that peace above all else, trusting that you are the prince of peace through every challenge and every conflict. 

Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

 

Wise Council

  • September 7, 2022
I need people in my life who care enough about me to speak up when something has escaped my attention–or to warn me about danger that I’ve not yet noticed.
======================
Scripture
Jeremiah 40:15-16
“Then Johanon son of Kareah said privately to Gedaliah in Mizpah, “Let me go and kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah, and no one will know it. Why should he take your life and cause all the Jews who are gathered around you to be scattered and the remnant of Judah to perish?”
But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanon son of Kareah, “Don’t do such a thing! What you are saying about Ishmael is not true.” 
Observation
Johanon saw danger approaching, and tried to warn his leader Gedaliah. His approach was bold and violent, and may not have been the wisest suggestion–yet his warning was still valid. Gedaliah rejected the proposed assassination, but unfortunately he also rejected the warning. His disregard for the counsel of his loyal general ultimately cost him his life and threw his kingdom into yet more chaos. 
Application
I need wise counsel. I need people in my life who care enough about me to speak up when something has escaped my attention–or to warn me about danger that I’ve not yet noticed. I can’t just live my life at the whim of everyone around me, or simply do what they think I should do all the time…but that doesn’t mean that I should disregard their perspective and insight.
Somewhere in the middle is the balance–taking time to understand their concern and perspective, then seeking wisdom from God to respond and react in the right way.
This week, I choose to pay attention to wise counsel–and then seek understanding from God in order to respond wisely. 
Prayer
God, thank you for putting people in my life who care enough about me to speak up when I need to hear their warning. Help me to listen to their heart with humility, and then seek your wisdom in order to respond in the right way. 
 
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

The True Enemy

  • September 6, 2022
When the enemy stirs up trouble, I need to still see the value in the people involved–because they are not the true source of the problem.
=====================================
Scripture
Revelation 11:10
“The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.” 
Observation
What foolishness! The earth is seen here, celebrating the death of two prophets of God–imagining that their death will mean the end of God’s judgement!
The source of the judgement was God, not his prophets. The world’s preoccupation with what they could see, blinded them to what they could not see–their own sin, and their need for a savior.
Application
It’s easy to see the error in the world’s thinking in this passage–but how often am I guilty of the same mistake? When I see ungodly and carnal things being done, it’s easy to see the person involved as the source of the problem. I can begin to react in the situation, aiming my words and frustration at the individual–forgetting that the true enemy is the mindset and spirit behind their actions.
This week, I need to be mindful to not confuse the symptoms with the disease. When the enemy stirs up trouble, I need to still see the value in the people involved–because they are not the true source of the problem.
Conversely–when I am mistreated for following Christ, I need to be careful not to take it personally–because truly the attack is against God’s spirit in me, not against me. 
Prayer
God, help me to live, speak ,and react with your heart–not seeing carnal and ungodly people as the enemy, but instead recognizing the mindset and spirit behind their words and actions.
When attacks come my way, help me to remember that the battle is yours–and that our spiritual enemy is warring against your spirit inside me.
Thank you for your presence and your power in every situation! 
 
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Deeply Offensive

  • August 31, 2022

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is urgent. Eternity is at stake, and our time to make a difference in people’s lives is limited! 

====================

Scripture
Ezekiel 4:16-17
“He then said to me: “Son of man, I am about to cut off the food supply in Jerusalem. The people will eat rationed food in anxiety and drink rationed water in despair, for food and water will be scarce. They will be appalled at the sight of each other and will waste away because of their sin.” 
Observation
Ezekiel had a shocking and deeply offensive message to deliver to God’s people. They were about to be judged by God, because they had turned their back on Him. The message was shocking and offensive, and it could not be delivered in a gentle and positive way. God’s love for His people wanted them to return to Him, and they needed to be shocked out of their status quo. The message that Ezekiel delivered wasn’t shocking and offensive just because the prophet felt like being shocking and offensive–he delivered the message that God had instructed him to deliver, in the way that God told him to deliver it.
Application
There is a time for pleasant conversation and friendly dialogue–and there is a time to bluntly communicate urgent truth even if someone gets their feelings hurt. When life and death are on the line, the urgency of the situation demands that truth be valued more than eloquence.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is urgent. Eternity is at stake, and our time to make a difference in people’s lives is limited! I must remember the critical importance of the message, in order to communicate it with appropriate urgency. 
Prayer
God, help me to feel the urgency of sharing your Good News with the world! Thank you for caring enough about me, to shake me out of my complacency when necessary. When blunt and urgent communication is needed, help me to communicate with your heart. 

Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

 

Knowing What I’ve Got

  • August 24, 2022

God wants us to understand what He has already given us, so that we could fully benefit from His love and grace. 

====================

Scripture
1 John 5:13
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” 
Observation
John didn’t write this letter so that we would have eternal life. Rather, this letter is written so that those who believe would know what they already have.
The implication is that if I don’t know what I have, then I cannot fully benefit from having it.
Application
I want to fully benefit from everything that God has given me! I don’t want to slog through life, trying to figure out a solution that God has already provided. I don’t want to tremble through life, fearing that which He has already conquered!
This week, I choose to dig into God’s word and learn the magnitude of what He’s done for me and what He’s given me. 
Prayer
God, thank you for your incredible generosity in how you bless me. Thank you for all you’ve done for me! Teach me the full measure of your blessings, so that I could fully appreciate all that you’ve given me. 

Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

 

Demonstrating Love

  • August 23, 2022

Our love for God is either confirmed or refuted by the way we love our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

====================

Scripture
1 John 4:19-21
“We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command; Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” 
Observation
It is impossible to love “the God who loves”, without loving His children. Our love for God is either confirmed or refuted by the way we love our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Application
Love is demonstrated when there is an opportunity to be ‘unlovable’. When there is an opportunity to be impatient…love is patient. When there is an opportunity to be unkind…love is kind. When there is an opportunity to envy…love doesn’t envy. When there is an opportunity to dishonor…love gives honor instead.
1 John says that my heavenly Father has commanded me to love my brothers and sisters in Christ–this tells me that there will be times when my brothers and sisters in Christ are being ‘unlovable’, and a decision will have to be made. Will I love the way that God wants me to love, or will I react in my own sinful and ungodly way? Either way, the true condition of my heart is revealed through those ‘unlovable’ moments.
This week, I choose to react with love. I choose to extend the love that God has given me, on to the rest of His children around me. I choose to demonstrate my love for God, in the way that I react to difficult circumstances. 
Prayer
God, thank you for loving me when I am unlovable. Thank you for teaching me what love truly looks like! Help me to daily demonstrate my love for you, in the way that I love your children. 

Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

 

Back To Top