S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Growth, not Inflation

  • March 23, 2022

Knowledge puffs up, while love builds up
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 8:1,13
“Now about food sacrificed to idols: we know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.”
“Therefore if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.”
Observation
Knowledge is great, but knowledge without love only benefits me. What feels like growth may simply be the sound of my ego inflating.
Love causes me to seek the growth of others also. Paul’s knowledge gave him freedom to eat things that may violate the conscience of others, but love caused him to consider their growth and spiritual health instead of merely doing what made his belly happy.
Application
I’m blessed to live in an era when there is no shortage of knowledge. Any random question that pops into my head, can be answered by the device in my pocket:
“How many toes does an Aardvaark have?” (4 in the front, 5 in the back)
“How much is a gallon of gasoline in Argentina today?” ($3.93)
The problem is that all of the knowledge in the world will not build us as people up into the unity and purpose for which we are called–only love will do that.
If I want to be more like Christ, then I cannot settle for the easy ego inflation of knowledge alone–I must love the way Christ loves, with a genuine, hands-on, real, practical, applied love which prioritizes the growth of the whole above my own comfort and preferences.
This week, I need to look for opportunities to love those around me–and then grow together in the love of God.
Prayer
God, you have all knowledge–and yet you loved me enough to pay the price for my sins. Thank you!
Teach me to love the way that you do, so that I could be a catalyst of growth in the world. As I walk in your love may I always be built up in you, instead of puffed up in knowledge.

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Situated for His Glory

  • March 22, 2022
My situation does not limit or define God’s call on me, or my ability to follow and walk with him. Rather, the state of my heart is what He is interested in.
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 8:24
“Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.”
Observation
God calls people from every situation to redeem them. His power and redemption result in a change in the state of their heart, but not always an immediate change in their situation. That external force is never enough to limit or restrict the power of God though.
Application
There are situations in my life that I may view as a limitation or restriction. Whether social, economic, relational, or anything else–my situation does not limit or define God’s call on me, or my ability to follow and walk with him. Rather, the state of my heart is what He is interested in.
As I fully surrender my heart to God, he is able to use me for his glory within my present situation–until such time as he may see fit to release me from it. Whatever my situation may be, I must trust God and allow him to continue his transformation within and through me.
Prayer
God, thank you that your power is not limited by any situation, constraint, or restriction in my circumstance. Thank you for the ability to serve you through every situation, and help me to trust you and fully surrender my heart to you.
As I surrender my heart to you, I pray that you would use me to affect each situation in my life for your glory.
 
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Agency in Adversity

  • March 21, 2022


Christ has given me agency in adversity. He’s given me the freedom and power to walk in victory, even when I’m being wronged.
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Scripture
 1 Corinthians 6:7
“The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?”
Observation
God is grieved when he sees fighting, bickering, and warring within his body. Paul told the church at Corinth that their incessant striving to “win” showed that they had already lost. Instead, he shows that there is a victory to be found in “being wronged”, and in “being cheated”. Instead of playing the part of the victim, he instructed them to walk as a victor–even through adversity. This kind of internal spiritual victory cannot be taken by anyone else. 
Application
I hate losing. I hate being wronged. I hate coming out on the short end of the deal. It’s easy for me to be consumed by trying to “win” when I feel this way. This scripture reminds me though, that there is a greater conflict at stake–the battle in my heart. If I win the argument at the expense of the unity of the body, then I’ve truly already lost the fight that matters. Instead, Christ has given me agency in adversity. He’s given me the freedom and power to walk in victory, even when I’m being wronged.
In Christ, I am a victor–never a victim. 
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder not to get distracted or derailed by surface-level conflict…because there is a greater conflict daily being waged for my heart. Thank you for the freedom you’ve given me to walk in victory, even when it would be easy to portray myself as a victim. May you be glorified in me, through every season and situation I face.

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The Faith Catalyst

  • March 19, 2022

Today’s SOAP devotional is brought to you by Carrie Phipps!
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Scripture
Mark 2:3-5,10-12 
“Some men came bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by the four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was laying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son your sins are forgiven”. Vs. 10-11 But I want you to know that the son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins. So he said to the man “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home”. Vs 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
Observation
Faith is the catalyst and the key to salvation, healing and to all the promises of God. It is by faith that this paralyzed man and his friends chose to go where Jesus was, it was by faith, that they knew that they needed to get their paralyzed friend in front of Jesus, it was by faith, that they made a way to get around the obstacles in their way (the crowds, the roof) to get their friend to Jesus. And it was by faith that Jesus could do what the Father sent Him to do-to seek and save this man who was lost (giving him salvation) and to heal him of all infirmities, sickness, and disease. If the paralyzed man’s friends had not moved by faith, nothing would have resulted. How marvelous that all that the Lord requires of us is faith–to receive salvation, become his child, to enter his kingdom, to receive healing and to receive every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Faith is the catalyst to ALL the Lord has in store for us. This is why Heb 11:6 says that without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him MUST believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. 
Application
Whenever I approach my Father through Jesus, I must come in faith knowing that if I come to Him seeking according to His word and will, it is Yes and Amen! I need to trust that God will give me His wisdom to get around and over any obstacle standing in my way to reach Him and it’s by Faith that He will accomplish in me all that I need and require and all that He came to fulfill. 
Prayer
Father, forgive me for the times that my faith is weak. Help me to know the POWER of faith in You and in Your Word. Grow my faith so that I will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you will grant all that I ask of you that is according to your word, your will and your time. Thank you for the simplicity of your gospel based upon simple faith. It is the catalyst to move mountains and to move your hands and heart into action. 

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Yes

  • March 18, 2022

The question is not “Do you think this will work?”, rather the question is “Do you trust me?”
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Scripture
Joshua 1:1-2
“After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them-to the Israelites.” 
Observation
Joshua had been appointed as the leader, and now Moses was dead. Joshua was in an in-between season. God had called him and he had said “yes”…but God had not yet spoken to him to give him direction on the next step. We don’t know how long this season lasted–it could have been a day, it could have been a year. All we know is that Joshua’s “yes” came before God spoke to give him the next step. God didn’t leave him hanging though. At the right moment God spoke–and Joshua and the nation walked across the Jordan river into God’s promise.
Application
God doesn’t often give me direction before I say “yes” to Him. The call comes first–then comes the waiting. At the right moment, God speaks and the next step becomes clear. The challenge is in saying “yes” to God. The question is not “Do you think this will work?”, rather the question is “Do you trust me?” The outcome is in God’s hands, not mine. He simply desires that I trust Him, and surrender to His plan.
This week, I choose to say “yes” to God. I choose to trust the outcome to Him, I choose to let Him use my life as He sees fit.
Prayer
God, I choose to say “yes!” to you!
Thank you for the confidence of knowing that you hold my future. May your plans be accomplished in and through me, as I surrender my life to you.

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Pass It Forward

  • March 17, 2022
I don’t control the future, but I can affect it by the way that I lead today.
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Scripture
Deuteronomy 34:9
“Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the Lord had commanded Moses.” 
Observation
There is a time to lead, and a time to pass the torch. Passing the torch is simply another part of the process of leading. Moses knew the time was fast approaching for him to pass the torch, and yet his desire for the well-being of God’s people reached beyond the date of his own departure. Because of this, Moses reached beyond the duration of his season to affect their course in future days. He sang a blessing over them, proclaiming God’s greatness and abundance over them–and he also invested into a young leader named Joshua, pouring wisdom into him that he would need for the days ahead.
The intentional way in which Moses set Joshua up and established him, caused the nation to give him their respect and allegiance. 
Application
Every season has an end. Accepting God’s call and his anointing in this season, is to also care and prepare for the same mission under the next leader who will follow me. I don’t control the future, but I can affect it by the way that I lead today. I can speak blessing over those I lead. I can lead them closer to God, to be able to receive his blessing. I can watch for future leaders to raise up and invest in, who will pursue the mission beyond my own capacity and my own reach. Most of all, I can keep the main thing, the main thing in my own life–and walk honorably before God as an example to those who will come after me. 
Prayer
God, thank you for your faithfulness in my life- faithfulness which will continue when I am gone. Help me to invest in those who will come after me-to speak your blessing over them, and to raise up leaders who are called by you and gifted to carry the torch into the next season. Thank you for the privilege of serving in your kingdom! 
 
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Love and Obey

  • March 16, 2022

He first loved me, and I can do no less than love him in return!
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Scripture
‘Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.’
‘For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. ‘
Observation
 God is not in the business of punishing us for not meeting unrealistic expectations. His desire is that we would “live and increase”, and that He would be able to bless the things that we do. These things are able to come to pass in our lives when we love God, obey Him, and keep His commands, decrees, and laws.  Today we are free from the old covenant with its ceremonial restrictions and limitations–but God’s desire to bless us as we follow and obey Him has not changed.
Application
 My heavenly Father desires to bless me. His ability to bless me is limited only by my submission to Him. His expectations for me are clearly defined, and achievable. Even when my own strength runs out, his Holy Spirit is within me to lead, guide, strengthen, and empower me. Walking in His blessing doesn’t start with me trying to ‘earn’ his favor, but simply with loving him–and accepting his love for me.
This week, I need to center my heart on daily living out my love for God. He first loved me, and I can do no less than love him in return!
Prayer
 God, thank you for loving me! Thank you for not setting unrealistic expectations or demands for my life–but rather, you love me and desire to bless me. Help me to daily walk in love for you instead of trying to earn your favor. I love you, and I want to demonstrate it each day that I live!
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The Harvest

  • March 15, 2022

Scripture
Galatians 6:9-10
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone-especially to those in the family of faith.” 
Observation
Salvation is by faith, not by works–and yet God blesses the “right things” that we do. His blessing comes in His time, not when we expect or demand it. Understanding that He is preparing a harvest of blessing should cause us to daily sow seeds of blessing into the world around us. 
Application
Life is a process of sowing and reaping. We reap what we sow, and we reap more than we sow. God’s desire is to bring a harvest of blessing in my life–and so His desire is that I would sow seeds of blessing. The seeds of blessing that I sow, become part of the harvest of blessing that He is bringing in the lives of those around me.
This week, I need to be intentional to recognize the seed that He has given me–because I can only plant from what I have. Then I need to watch for opportunities to sow seeds of blessing in those around me with perseverance, trusting God to bring a harvest in my life at the right time. 
Prayer
God, thank you for your blessings! Thank you that my salvation is not based on my works, but on my faith in you. Thank you for opportunities to display my faith in you, by becoming a conduit of your blessing in the lives of those around me! Help me to serve you with perseverance, trusting you to bring a harvest in my life at the right time. 

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In Step

  • March 14, 2022

Scripture
Galatians 5:24-25
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” 
Observation
Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh–and now we live by the Spirit. Since we now live by the Spirit, we must keep step with that which gives us life. 
Application
My old nature is dead and gone–crucified on the day that I became one of His! His Spirit is now that which gives me life and sustains me. Christ has given me freedom where once I was a slave. I can either use my freedom to walk away from the source of life, or I can choose to walk in step with the heart of God–moving when He moves, stopping when He stops, in tune with His pace, His rhythm, His direction. How do I walk in step with Him? By watching Him closely, and paying attention to what He is doing! 
Prayer
God, thank you for freedom! Thank you that my old sinful nature is dead and gone, and that I now walk in your Spirit which sustains me!
Help me to daily keep my eyes on you, to move when you do, and to live with your pace and rhythm.

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The Guide

  • March 11, 2022

Scripture
‘Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the Lord your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly. ‘ Deuteronomy 16:18
‘If cases come before your courts that are too difficult for you to judge—whether bloodshed, lawsuits or assaults—take them to the place the Lord your God will choose. Go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who is in office at that time. Inquire of them and they will give you the verdict. ‘ Deuteronomy 17:8-9 
Observation
God has given us wisdom in His word, by which to live and make decisions. The principles of His word are to guide our daily life, rather than us seeking a new revelation and sign from heaven for every decision we face. But He has not left us unprepared or without aid in facing the hardest questions and greatest quandaries. His Holy Spirit is available to us as a resource when our wisdom and understanding runs short, to guide when we don’t have the answers.
Application
God’s will is revealed in my life as I faithfully apply God’s word and God’s wisdom in the small, daily, insignificant decisions and situations that I face. He has given me all that I need, to navigate life in a way that is pleasing to Him. The Hebrews of the Old Testament had to go through the priests in order to hear from God on questions too great for them to handle, but today I have God’s Holy Spirit living inside me as a daily guide for the situations that I face. His presence is constant, and His voice is sure no matter the situations that arise.
This week, I need to walk with confidence in the wisdom that I find in God’s word…and with the peace that comes from knowing that the Holy Spirit will guide me whenever the path gets murky.
Prayer
God, thank you for the assurance that there is no situation I could face, which is too complicated for your wisdom to handle, or too complex for your voice to guide me through. Help me to live daily with your wisdom, and turn to you above all else when I am unsure of the next step. 

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