S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Power and Authority

  • September 21, 2022

Jesus Christ has not only authority, but also power. He is
the Lord of lords, and the King of kings. He holds all power and all authority, and there
is nothing that can stand against him!
================

Scripture
Luke 4:35-36
35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. 36 And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”
Observation
Jesus understood his power and his place. This allowed him to walk confidently through confrontation and opposition. He spoke to the demon not only with ‘authority’, but also with ‘power’. The forces of darkness were unable to resist, and had no option but to do as he commanded–without even harming the demon-possessed man as the unclean spirit came out. 
Application
Authority AND power – what a combination! I’ve met many people who were in places of authority, but lacked the power to accomplish anything meaningful…Managers, committee members, figurehead leaders…those who wear the right name tag, but lack the means to truly fulfill the thing for which they are responsible.
I’ve also met those who hold power, but lack authority–those who have resource, influence, strength, and control…but lack the position from which to openly and confidently turn a situation around or change the outcome. Jesus Christ has both. He is the Lord of lords, and the King of kings. He holds all power, and there is nothing that can stand against him!
The amazing thing is that he has adopted me to be a co-heir with him, walking in that same power and authority! There is no power of darkness that can stand against Christ’s power in me–not because of my own merit or strength, but because of His power within me.
This week, I need to pray for wisdom, discernment, humility, and also boldness to walk confidently in the authority and power of Christ. I need to speak up in the face of spiritual opposition, knowing that Christ in me has authority over every power of the enemy. I need to be bold to walk in the power of God, knowing that His power is greater than anything I could face.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder of your authority and power! Thank you for being you–in authority over all things, and stronger than anything that would oppose you!  Thank you for living in my heart, and for the amazing privilege of walking in your power and authority on earth–as your son, and a co-heir with Christ.
Give me wisdom to fulfill your purposes, confidence to use the authority and power you have entrusted to me, and humility to point others to you in all that 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/

 

Point of Weakness

  • September 20, 2022

Godly character isn’t defined by the one or two large and highly visible moments, but rather by the small, daily, consistent, seemingly insignificant decisions.

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

Scripture
Daniel 6:4-5
“At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man unless it has something to do with the law of his God.” 
Observation
These jealous and wicked men wanted to destroy Daniel and bring him down, but were unable to find any flaw in his character to exploit. Their only recourse was to intentionally create a point of conflict between societal expectations and Daniel’s faith.
The only weakness they could find was the immovable strength of his love for God. 
Application
This world is full of opportunities to fail, to crash and burn. There seems to always be someone waiting to post an accusation or a misquote on social media, or drag someone’s name through the mud. God only knows how many Godly men have not passed the test, and who have been brought down by their own sinful actions.
Our enemy is watching for opportunities to kill, to destroy, to hinder what God is doing. I must be vigilant and lean on God, to live with the kind of character that can withstand the test. This kind of character isn’t defined by the one or two large and highly visible moments, but rather by the small, daily, consistent, seemingly insignificant decisions.
This week, I choose to keep my life and my walk so closely aligned with my savior, that the only flaw to be exploited would be the commitment I have to living life God’s way. 
Prayer
God, thank you for the stories I find in your word of men like Daniel–men of character and consistency. Give me strength each day to live that kind of life as I walk with you–that the only point of weakness in my life, would be my unwillingness to compromise on what is right and Godly. 

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/

 

A Ready Heart

  • September 19, 2022
As I share the good news about the Savior, I must do my part to exercise wisdom in how and when to share the message. I must look for moments when hearts are ready to hear the news, so that lives would be transformed.
============================
Scripture
Luke 2:10-11
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” 
Observation
An amazing thing had happened–the Savior had been born! This fact should have caused great joy, and given great hope to everyone–but the shepherds continued on about their night like any other night.
The Savior was born…but no one had yet told them! The angel set the tone so that they were ready to hear the news, then shared the message which would change not only their lives, but the rest of mankind as well. 
Application
Hope un-shared gives no hope at all. The Savior has come, and I have both the privilege and the awesome responsibility of sharing it with others. I cannot keep silent, the world needs to hear the news!
In sharing the news, the Angel had to first take a moment to make sure the shepherds were ready to hear what he had to tell them. He could have simply appeared in an overwhelming flash of light, thundered the announcement, and left–but the shepherds would have been left shaking with fear, unable to receive the life-transforming message!
As I share the good news about the Savior, I must do my part to exercise wisdom in how and when to share the message. I must look for moments when hearts are ready to hear the news, so that lives would be transformed. 
Prayer
God, thank you for the Good News about the Savior who has come! Give me boldness and confidence this week to share your Good News with others, and wisdom to speak the right word at the right time–so that your transformation would be accomplished in the lives of those who hear it. 
 
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/

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/
Back To Top