S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Maturing

  • June 15, 2022

Scripture
Colossians 1:27-29
“To them God chose to make known how great among the gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.”
Observation
Paul knew the power of the gospel–not only to redeem from sin, but to transform hearts and lives. His goal was not just to bring people to repentance, but to cultivate mature disciples of Christ. This goal was motivated and empowered by God himself, who supplied Paul with the strength required.
Application
The grace of God assures my place in eternity, but His love is not a ‘someday’ promise. His power is in my life today, transforming my heart to be more like him. Like Paul, I want to allow God to work through me to develop mature children of God–not just a trail of abandoned newborns.
This cannot be accomplished merely on my own strength–I must walk in his wisdom, and lean daily on his strength in order to do what he has called me to do.
Prayer
God, thank you for your love in action in my life! Thank you for the change you bring, and that I am not who I once was. Give me wisdom to do all you’ve called me to do, so that others may experience your transformation in their lives also.

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 Now

  • June 14, 2022

Paul didn’t merely endure hardship, instead he learned from it.

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

Scripture
 Philippians 4:12-13
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”
Observation
Paul had been through seasons of lack, and seasons of plenty. He had endured hardship, and also enjoyed blessings. Through it all, he learned the secret of being content. He didn’t start out with contentment–it was an acquired skill! The key thing is that he didn’t merely endure hardship, instead he learned from it. 
Application
Seasons keep on changing. Some are easy and some are hard, but they keep on changing. Am I changing with the seasons, or merely waiting for the current season to end?
God is working on a transformation in my heart, in and through each season. He’s not waiting for my season to end so that He can move–rather, he is right now accomplishing something in me, in this season. Am I allowing His transformation to continue?
This week, I choose to learn from my season. I choose to embrace the growth that God is working in me, and welcome His transformation. 
Prayer
God, thank you that you are accomplishing your plan in me, through each season. Teach me, and transform me to be more like you! Help me not to get so focused on the ‘next’, that I miss out on what you are doing in the ‘now’! 
 
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/

Changing Lanes

  • June 13, 2022

There is freedom and blessing in God–as I stay in my lane. There is strength and boldness to persevere–as I stay in my lane.

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

Scripture
1 Kings 13:18-19
“The old prophet answered, “I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the Lord: ‘bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water’.” (but he was lying to him)
So the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house.”
Observation
What a mess! The king was offering sacrifices, and ordaining random people to the priesthood. Now an old prophet was found traveling out of his way to intercept the man of God and attempt to distract him with a blatant lie. The end result was a nation judged by God, and a dead man of God who allowed distractions to sway him from the right path.
This entire story seems to center around changing lanes:
-The king who also wanted to offer sacrifices
-The farmers & merchants who would rather be priests
-The old prophet who wanted to insert himself into what God was doing, and caused the death of the man of God
-And the man of God, who knew what God had clearly told him, but stepped out of his lane anyway and paid the price.
Application
There is freedom and blessing in God–as I stay in my lane. There is strength and boldness to persevere–as I stay in my lane. The danger comes when I begin to look around at everything else happening around me, and drift out of my lane. There are areas of gifting and calling, which are outside my lane. There are even things that God is doing in and through others, which are outside my lane. I can celebrate all that God is doing, but I must remain aligned with the calling of God on my own life instead of allowing distractions to pull me off course.
Prayer
God, thank you for all that you are doing! Thank you for leading and guiding me through each season. Help me to remain focused on you, and stay in my lanes as I walk daily with you. Thank you for giving me all that I need, to do what you have called me to 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/

Discipline, not Punishment

  • June 10, 2022

The end result of God’s discipline in my life will be blessings, as I yield to His kingship and authority.
=================

Scripture
Psalm 94:9-13
“Does He who fashioned the ear not hear?
Does He who formed the eye not see?
Does He who disciplines nations not punish?
Does He who teaches mankind lack knowledge?
The Lord knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile. Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law; you grant them relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked.”
Observation
God hears. He sees. He punishes, and He does not lack knowledge. When He disciplines, it results in blessing-because those who learn to follow His word are kept under His protection. 
Application
In the daily onslaught of life, it can be easy to forget that God hears and sees.
He sees the wars and violence. He hears the cries of the victims…and the punishment of God will fall on those who do evil- in His time.
I want to be disciplined by God, not punished by Him! I want to daily learn to be more like my heavenly Father, even when His correction comes in uncomfortable ways. I know that the end result in my life will be blessing, as I yield to His kingship and authority. 
Prayer
God, thank you that you are not unseeing or unhearing! Thank you for being the ruler of all things. I choose to surrender my life to your authority, to be taught by your loving discipline so that I would daily become more like you. 

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/

One

  • June 8, 2022

Although the world looks to many things to save them, there is still just one savior. Although people may place their hope in many things, there is still just one hope.
=====================
Scripture
Ephesians 4:4-6
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” 
Observation
Our world loves variety. 57 varieties of Heinz’ Ketchup, 31 flavors at Baskin Robbins, and 6 brands of toilet paper at the store to choose from. Paul is reminding us in this passage that while there is incredible variety within the Body of Christ, it is still just one Body. Although the world looks to many things to save them, there is still just one savior. Although people may place their hope in many things, there is still just one hope. 
Application
Christ desires His body to be unified. One in heart, one in purpose, one in allegiance, to present to the world the one hope of salvation–Jesus. I must daily align my heart with this–not my own wants, desires, preferences and purposes–but rather the one calling, with one heart, part of one body, to present the one Savior. This must guide my words and reactions when differences and disagreements arise–because we are still one body. This must guide my priorities and decisions-because we are one in purpose.  
Prayer
God, thank you for the certainty of knowing you as the hope of the world. Thank you for the solidity I find in you, in a world overwhelmed by differences, disagreements, and discord. Help me to always be an agent of unity in your Body, not a source of disunity. Help me to daily align with your heart and your purpose! 
 
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/

With Confidence

  • June 7, 2022

David walked with confidence in his calling, and used the place and influence God had given him to bring glory to God.
===========================
Scripture
Psalm 18:43,49
“You have delivered me from the attacks of the people; you have made me the head of nations. People I did not know now serve me.”
“Therefore I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name.”
Observation
God had accomplished amazing things in the life of David, giving him not only a throne-but a place of honor and authority among the known world of the day. It was a perfect place for David’s pride to grow and consume him–and yet he remained humble. He walked with confidence in his calling, and used the place and influence God had given him to bring glory to God.
Application
God has put me exactly where I am, at exactly this time, for a reason. Not for me to walk timidly, but to walk with confidence. Not for me to draw glory to me, but to give all glory to him. The circle of influence He’s given me, has been entrusted to me so that I would point people to the Savior.
Prayer
God, thank you for guiding my steps! Thank you for putting me right where you want me, to do exactly what you’ve called me to do. Thank you for giving me all that I need, to accomplish what you’ve called me to do for today. In every season and every situation help me to point hearts to you–because you alone deserve the glory! 
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/

Made for this!

  • June 6, 2022

I was created for a purpose, and a purpose was created for me.
=================

Scripture
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” 
Observation
I was created for a purpose, and a purpose was created for me. There is a duality in the mission–not merely what I accomplish for God, but also the growth that occurs in me as I step forward into the calling He has prepared for me. 
Application
God has given me life for a reason–not merely to pursue my own pleasure and satisfaction, but to ‘do’ that which He has called me to do. I cannot find true and lasting fulfillment, without saying ‘yes’ to the purpose He has for me. This purpose is not merely a task list which I must fulfill before leaving this life. The things which God has called me to do, were prepared for me by a heavenly Father who loves me. The task was prepared for me, as much as I was prepared for it. Instead of simply ‘checking the boxes’ on the list, God’s desire is to accomplish growth and transformation in me as I daily say ‘yes’ to Him.
What confidence this gives me when the task seems too large to handle!
This week I choose to say ‘yes’ to God. I choose to do what He’s called me to do, to the best of my ability-and I choose to say ‘yes’ to the growth that He is daily accomplishing in me. 
Prayer
God, thank you for this assurance in your word–thank you for giving me a purpose, which you’ve prepared in advance for me. I choose to say ‘yes’ to you! ‘Yes’ to your calling, and ‘yes’ to the transformation that you are accomplishing in me day by day. 

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/

Social Influencers

  • June 2, 2022


We become a product of the relationships with which we surround ourselves.
===================

Scripture
Proverbs 22:24-25
“Do not make friends with a hot tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.” 
Observation
We become a product of the relationships with which we surround ourselves.
Want a better future? Choose your relationships carefully. 
Application
Who am I surrounding myself with? No one is perfect, but who am I inviting as an influence in my life? Are they displaying the fruit of the spirit and walking closer to God each day…or something different? My future will probably look a lot like their present–so what future am I choosing?
This week I choose to pick my influences with care–and I choose to be the friend that draws others closer to the savior instead of driving them away. 
Prayer
God, thank you for the wisdom I find in your word! Give me discernment in my relationships, to choose influences that will draw me closer to you.
Help me to display and cultivate the fruit of your spirit within me so that I would build up those around me, inspiring them to walk closer each day to you. 

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/

Always Enough

  • May 18, 2022

When Solomon turned to God, God supplied exactly what Solomon needed in order to fulfill his calling.
==========================
Scripture
1 Kings 3:7-10
7 And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. 9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” 10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 
Observation
Solomon was now on the throne, and beginning to feel the weight of responsibility. Reality was sinking in: the kingdom needed a leader, and the people were looking to him! Solomon knew that he was not able to carry the load without help–and so he asked God to give him wisdom to do what God had called him to do. It wasn’t a surprise to God that Solomon needed help–God was perfectly aware of his limitations, and perfectly aware of the enormity of the responsibility. When Solomon turned to God, God supplied exactly what Solomon needed in order to fulfill his calling. 
Application
God seems to enjoy stretching me outside of my comfort zone! So often, following the voice of God takes me far outside the limits of my own ability. How amazing though, to serve a God who is able to supply what I lack–who doesn’t just set me up for failure and then sit back and laugh as I stumble. Instead, he gives me opportunities to grow–and then waits to see whether I will turn my heart to him…or try to figure it out on my own. When I turn to God, he gives me strength when mine runs out. When I turn to God, he gives me wisdom when mine is inadequate. When I turn to God, he supplies everything that I need in order to follow His voice.
This week, I choose to constantly point my heart back to God. I choose to ask for the things that I need, trusting that He knows my needs and is able to supply them. 
Prayer
God, thank you for supplying all that I need. Thank you for not setting me up for failure, even when you stretch me far outside of my comfort zone. Thank you that you are always present, always faithful, and always enough. 
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/

Becoming, Imperfectly

  • May 17, 2022
I need to be ‘ok’ with imperfection–but not ‘ok’ with ignoring it. I need to continually course-correct my own heart back to God, so that I can point others continually back to him as well.
=========================
Scripture
1 Chronicles 29:1
“And David the king said to all the assembly, “Solomon my son, whom alone God has chosen, is young and inexperienced, and the work is great, for the palace will not be for man but for the LORD God.” 
Observation
David knew his death was approaching, and was beginning to hand off the kingdom to his son Solomon, whom God had anointed to be king after David. Solomon was young, inexperienced, green, imperfect, and likely to make many mistakes–and yet he was exactly who God had called. David acknowledged all of the potential problems, but established Solomon on the throne with his blessing. David knew that God doesn’t require perfection, but a willingness to continually correct back to God. 
Application
What an amazing story! Solomon had such huge shoes to fill–not because David was perfect, but because in his imperfection he had chosen to allow God to use him as God saw fit. I can only imagine as David spoke, that he was remembering himself as the young and inexperienced ruler that God had anointed to lead 70 years prior. David candidly acknowledged the obstacles that Solomon would face as the new king, and then rallied the influential leaders in the kingdom to support Solomon in the task before him–building the temple of God.
I’m grateful to the leaders that God has put in my life who have loved, mentored, and supported me as I grow in my calling. I want to have that same outlook on those that I influence! Not to ignore challenges, obstacles, or shortcomings–nor yet to sit back with arms crossed and a critical spirit to merely point out flaws–but with a heart to invest all of my ability and influence in developing those that God has called and anointed. I want to be the kind of leader that acknowledges imperfection instead of ignoring it–so that the kingdom can pull together in unity to see great things accomplished with God.
This week, I need to be ‘ok’ with imperfection–but not ‘ok’ with ignoring it. I need to continually course-correct my own heart back to God, so that I can point others continually back to him as well. 
Prayer
God, thank you for loving me despite my own imperfection. Thank you for growing me, developing me, and putting leaders in my life who inspire me to reach higher and grow farther. Help me to cultivate that same growth in others–not a facade of perfection, but rather a deep and consistent change which daily brings each of us closer to you. 
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