S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Wisdom and Foolishness

  • April 20, 2022

I want to be the wise man who is changed by God from what I was–not the fool who settles for merely knowing what God said.
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Scripture
Matthew 7:24,26
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock”
“But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.” 
Observation
Wisdom is not merely about the information we learn–it is about what we do with the information we have. God’s word is critically necessary-but if it is not followed up with action, the result is foolishness. 
Application
I need the word and the voice of God in my life. I need to make a habit of daily spending time with God-talking to Him, and letting him speak to me. It’s not enough for me to merely hear the voice of God though–I must allow his word to change me day by day. His voice must be a catalyst within me which causes me to speak, walk, act, and live differently than the way I used to.
I want to be the wise man who is changed by God from what I was–not the fool who settles for merely knowing what God said. 
Prayer
God, thank you for your word and your voice! Help me to accept what you teach me, and allow you to shape me daily to be more like you! 

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Becoming

  • April 19, 2022


David
didn’t let those around him drag him down to their level-rather, he
elevated them to a higher level, to fulfill a purpose greater than they
could currently glimpse.
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Scripture
1 Samuel 22:2a
“All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander.” 
Observation
Birds of a feather flock together. David was on the run from Saul, and all the malcontents in the kingdom came flocking to him–certain they had found a kindred spirit. David didn’t stop them, but neither did he become one of them. David instead became their “commander”, and transformed this motley crew of misfits into a lean, mean, loyal fighting force. David didn’t let those around him drag him down to their level-rather, he elevated them to a higher level, to fulfill a purpose greater than they could currently glimpse. 
Application
I don’t control who will align with me and walk with me–nor do I control their assumptions and suspicions about me. The only thing I control…is me.
If I allow it, those around me can affect my heart with their own discontent, debt, and baggage–but if I keep my eyes fixed on Christ, he can use me to elevate those around me–and bring them to a greater purpose.
My job is not to judge them or join them–but rather to inspire them to grow forward in God. 
Prayer
God, thank you for the growth you’ve brought to my life-and for your patience with me as I continue to grow. Help me to daily keep my eyes on you, and allow you to work through me to encourage growth in those around me. 

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Imperfect

  • April 18, 2022


I need a merciful Savior, and I must show that same grace and mercy to others.
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Scripture
Matthew 5:48
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly father is perfect.” 
Observation
“Be perfect”. That’s a pretty steep expectation! No wonder the Israelites struggled under the law. God is perfect, and He expects the same from His children–and yet He still loves us despite the fact that we don’t measure up. 
Application
I am so far from perfect! This passage of scripture would be an unbearable weight to carry, if not for the One who is speaking–Jesus Christ, the sinless son of God, the one who loves me enough to pay my debt and cover me with His own righteousness!
I am so grateful to be loved by the Savior, and I don’t want to take His love for granted. This passage also reminds me to show grace to those around me who are also imperfect–like my sons, and those I am called to lead. I need a merciful Savior, and I must show that same grace and mercy to others. 
Prayer
God, thank you for being merciful to me when I don’t measure up to your perfection! Help me to live a life of intentional gratefulness, and extend that same grace and mercy to others. 

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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Shout It Out!

  • April 15, 2022

His good news is too amazing to hold it inside–I’ve gotta tell someone!
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Scripture
Psalm 9:1-2
“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.” 
Observation
The psalmist acknowledges how awesome God is, and expresses his gratitude directly to God. He doesn’t stop there though–it wasn’t enough for him to privately acknowledge what God had done–he wanted the world to know the greatness of God! 
Application
God has done amazing things for me!
He has saved me, he has provided for me, he has protected me, he has forgiven me, he blesses me, and he daily gives me strength. I can’t tell him enough, how thankful I am! I want to express these things to God–and I also want the world around me to see him like I do! I want the world to catch a glimpse of his love, his majesty, and his power.
His good news is too amazing to hold it inside–I’ve gotta tell someone! 
Prayer
God thank you for loving me, and for blessing me so abundantly! I don’t ever want to neglect telling you how grateful I am. Help me to seize every opportunity to share the good news of your love with those around me, so that they could see and experience you the way that I have!

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Risk and Reward

  • April 14, 2022

I want my life to be a daily sacrifice of worship to God, not a shallow pursuit for temporary acclaim here on earth.
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Scripture
1 Samuel 15:24,30
“Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated the Lord’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them.””
“Saul replied, “I have sinned. But please honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel; come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord your God.”” 
Observation
Everything Saul is doing here seems to be motivated by his desire for the affirmation and admiration of the people around him–not the approval and blessing of God almighty. Even his worship of God seems to be motivated by his desire to personally be honored in the sight of the people. What a sad tale! Instead of pursuing the approval of God and risking the disapproval  of the people, he pursued the approval of mankind–and ultimately lost his standing with the nation and with God. 
Application
Life is full of risky choices. If I take option “A”, then I put thing “X” at risk. If I take option “B”, then I put thing “Y” in jeopardy.
The approval of people is never a sure thing, or a healthy measure. The approval of God is sure and trustworthy, thanks to the blood of Christ, and the strength of His spirit living in me. If I’m going to risk losing something, I would rather lose the approval of people rather than ever risk losing the favor of God. I want my life to be a daily sacrifice of worship to God, not a shallow pursuit for temporary acclaim here on earth.
Prayer
God, your approval is what I desire. May you be glorified in me as I follow you. 

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Constant Communication

  • April 13, 2022


I must value those around me enough to communicate with excellence at all times.
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Scripture
1 Samuel 14:1,27
“One day Jonathon son of Saul said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But he did not tell his father.”
“But Jonathon had not heard that his father had bound the people with the oath, so he reached out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it into the honeycomb. He raised his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened.” 
Observation
Poor communication has a high price. Poor communication takes what should be a day for celebration, and turns it into discord, disunity, and tragedy. Neither Jonathon nor Saul did anything “wrong”, they both simply acted with questionable wisdom and unquestionably terrible communication. 
Application
Communication is critical! Counsel comes through communication. Coordination comes through communication. Crisis is averted through communication.
This week, I need to make sure that my feet do not outpace my mouth so that God would be glorified by the outcome. I must value those around me enough to communicate with excellence at all times.
Prayer
God, thank you for the clear communication I receive in your word. Help me to communicate well with others, so that we could walk in unity as we follow you. 

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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

That Compelling Feeling

  • April 12, 2022

The will of God will never put me at odds with the word of God.
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Scripture
1 Samuel 13:8-9, 12
“He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. So he said, “Bring me the burnt offerings and the fellowship offerings.” And Saul offered up the burnt offering.”
“…I thought; ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord’s favor!’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.” 
Observation
Saul was in a panic. Samuel had given him a timeline, and it looked like Samuel had dropped the ball. Saul had to do something! His men were leaving, the enemy was approaching, and the king had to take action! It was necessary!
Unfortunately for Saul, he let the compulsion of his panic dictate his actions instead of following the word of God. Instead of keeping God’s commands, he acted on a “compelling feeling.” 
Application
Sometimes things don’t go as I expect. Even when God has given me specific direction, the process and the outcome is not always what I think it will be. When things don’t go as I expected, it’s easy to react with panic and make decisions based on my own ideas instead of on God’s word. In order to avoid the same outcome as Saul, I must daily focus my mind and my heart back on God–trusting that His word is still sure, and His promises are still good. I must daily remember that the will of God will not put me at odds with the word of God. 
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder that you hold my life in your hands, and I can trust you even when things don’t go as I expect. Help me to live daily in your word and keep your commands, even when the urgency of the moment would try to pull me in a different direction. 

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Giving and Receiving

  • April 11, 2022


I must live
with humility to accept help from those who can, generosity to pour
into those who cannot, and wisdom to know the difference between the
two.
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 11:9
“And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so.” 
Observation
There were things which Paul needed, things which he lacked–things for which he needed to lean on other people. Paul had to have humility to allow himself to burden other people with his legitimate need. At the same time, Paul had to exercise wisdom in remembering that he was in Corinth to minister to them–not to be a burden on them. The brothers from Macedonia were able to help bear his burden…the church at Corinth was not. 
Application
There are places in my life and times and seasons in life when I need someone to help me with the burdens I carry and the areas where I lack. At the same time, there are people in my life who are looking to me for support–and are unable to carry my burden. Both are needed, and both are part of living a healthy/productive life. I must live with humility to accept help from those who can, generosity to pour into those who cannot, and wisdom to know the difference between the two. 
Prayer
God, thank you for supplying all that I need, including friends and relationships that I can lean on. Help me to live with generosity, and not be a burden on those who cannot handle it. At the same time, help me to humbly accept help and encouragement from those that you’ve put in my life to draw me forward on the journey. 

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Joy and Generosity

  • April 9, 2022

Joy and generosity
are a condition of the heart, not a result of circumstance. 
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 8:2
“In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” 
Observation
Joy is not prevented by trial, nor is generosity hindered by poverty. Both are a condition of the heart, not a result of circumstance. 
Application
God has given me His joy, and He desires for me to live with the same generosity that He displays. If I don’t see these things at work in my life, then I cannot blame my circumstances or season. Through Christ, I have the freedom to let his joy overflow within me and his generosity flow through me day by day.
This week, I choose to walk in joy and live with generosity so that the world would see Christ in me. 
Prayer
God, thank you for your joy and for the ability to live a generous life. Help me not to allow my situation, season, or circumstances to steal my joy, or prevent me from living out your generosity!

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Justice

  • April 8, 2022

Today’s SOAP devotional is brought to you by James Begley.
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Scripture
1 Samuel 3:18
“So Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him. Then Eli said, “He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes.” 
Observation
What else could Eli say really? He knew what he and his boys had done. Its interesting that God spoke against him and his family but he continued to be an acting priest. I can imagine little Samuel laying there after hearing the words of the Lord and knowing that he was going to have to tell the guy who was his leader/mentor. How scary and nerve wracking a night that must have been. I can also imagine Eli laying there knowing God was talking to Samuel, maybe thinking “is the Lord talking about me? my sons?” I bet Eli’s night was not very restful either. 
Application
Justice comes for us all. What is done in the dark will be revealed in the light. God will judge us all and when we are watching people sin and hurt others, we can rest easy knowing that God is also watching. He is justice but He is also merciful so that we need to watch ourselves and not judge the judgement of the Lord. I enjoy the maturity of Eli’s statement. Let Him do what is good in His eyes is right. We are the clay, He is the potter and all that. There is something honorable about accepting justice. It seems to be rare these days and I’m here for it.  
Prayer
Lord help me to see things as they really are. Thank you that you are just and firm as well as kind and loving. I respect that about you and you have given me eyes that can see that and appreciate it. Help guide my path so that I can be stand up and honorable for you. Your ways are the right ways, your paths are the best paths.

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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

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