S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Simple

  • December 6, 2021

Scripture
Philippians 3:1
“Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.” 
Observation
Paul repeated himself a lot. It wasn’t from being absent-minded or forgetful, rather it was a very intentional decision on Paul’s part to keep coming back to the basics over and over again, for the good of those to whom he was speaking. Instead of getting frustrated at having to repeat himself, Paul instead embraced the simple power of the gospel. 
Application
The gospel is not complicated, and living for God isn’t too complex either. Instead of over-complicating things, I must consistently point people back to the simplicity of the God who loves us, and gave His life for our redemption. Paul was not concerned about repeating himself, and neither should I be.
As I keep the message simple and point people back to Christ, He will do the hard work of transforming us each into His image. 
Prayer
God, thank you for the simplicity of the gospel! Thank you for your patience in pointing me back to your grace over and over again! Help me to keep the message simple each day, as I share your good news with others. 

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Smooth Talk

  • December 3, 2021
Scripture
Romans 16:17-18
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the minds of naive people.”
Observation
Division and obstacles. There is never a shortage of people in life who will cause these things, often for their own benefit or gratification. Paul points out that these people don’t always come with open hostility or conflict, but rather they frequently arrive with “smooth talk and flattery”. The intention behind the words matters! 
Application
There are people in my life who talk smooth, and people who are rough around the edges. It’s easy to accept or reject the words of others based on how ‘comfortable’ they make me. This passage from Romans is a good reminder that “comfort” is not a good criteria for what I accept into my life. Smooth words can hide a divisive heart, and compliments can conceal manipulation and flattery. By the same token, uncomfortable but healthy confrontation can reveal those who care enough about me to challenge me. In my own interaction with others, I need to care enough about those around me, to speak loving truth even when it causes discomfort. The goal is unity and growth–not complacency which ultimately leads to division. 
Prayer
God, help me to look past surface-level words, to discern hearts and motives. Help me to reject division, and choose unity. Help me to care enough about those around me, to speak the truth in love at all times. 
 
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Can’t Hold It In!

  • December 2, 2021

Scripture
Romans 10:13-14
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” 
Observation
Salvation is freely available to everyone who calls on the name of the Lord. His infinite love and mercy is available and accessible to all. This amazing news must be shared! This life changing salvation story must be told, so that the world may call on the name of the Lord. Our savior has invited us to be a part of the process of sharing this amazing news with others. God doesn’t operate in our lives for us to just live in silent appreciation of Him–we must share His story with others!
Application
God has been so good to me! He has been faithful through every storm and every season. He is there when I call on Him, and He is strong when I reach the limit of my own strength. How could I not share how good He is? How could I ever hold inside, the amazing greatness of His power and His mercy?
This week, I choose to tell God’s story.
This week, I choose to look for opportunities to tell people about His goodness!
Prayer
God, thank you for your love, your mercy, your greatness, and your goodness. Give me boldness this week to share your story with those around me. Help me to seize each opportunity to tell the world about the savior who loved me and redeemed me! 

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

No Qualifications

  • November 24, 2021

Scripture
‘Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. ‘ 
Observation
God cares about each one of His children. He doesn’t require us to be ‘old enough’, ‘mature enough’, ‘advanced enough’, or ‘educated enough’ to approach Him. The kingdom of heaven belongs to those who come to God with the simple love and trust of a child.  Jesus took intentional time out of His day, to express His love for the smallest of His children. 
Application
I don’t have to put on airs with God. I don’t have to pretend to be someone that I’m not, or try to impress him. He sees me exactly as I am, and loves me anyway. He desires for me to come to him with the simplicity of a child, with simple trust in his unconditional love for me.  He desires for me to be a conduit of his love to those around me–not trying to filter or limit who is ‘qualified enough’ to approach him.
He took time out of his day to show love to the least, and he expects no less of me.
This week, I need to watch for opportunities to care for those whose hearts are ready to approach him…whoever they may be.
Prayer
God, thank you that your love for me is not based on my qualifications! Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Help me to be a conduit of your love to the world around me, and to always be ready to introduce people to you–no matter who they are. 

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

Walking with the Savior

  • November 23, 2021

Scripture
“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ‘
Observation
Jesus was frustrated by Peter’s lack of faith. It’s interesting though, that Peter’s reaction was to reach for the hand of Jesus. “Lord! Save me!” he cried.  These are not the words of someone who doubts the source of their help–this is the instinctive cry of someone who knows exactly where to turn when the going gets rough!
The problem for Peter is that he took his eyes off of what Jesus was already presently doing. Peter was already walking on the water! Jesus was already presently in the process of performing a miracle in his life.  Jesus’ desire was for Peter to keep his eyes on Him, and see what he was already doing. 
Application
God is at work in my life, and in the world around me. I need to trust Him, and trust that He is actively working on my behalf at all times. There are times that the waves will be crashing around me, and His desire is that I would simply keep walking with him. Not running to Him in a panic, but simply putting one foot in front of the other as we walk among the waves together.
This week, I need to just keep walking with the Savior.
Prayer
Thank you that you are here with me, actively working on my behalf. Thank you that You are with me through every storm, and every season. Thank You for being the wave-walker, and for being my shepherd, my guide, my healer, my provider, my Lord, and my God.

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What God Says

  • November 19, 2021
Scripture
Matt. 1:22 “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet”
Matt. 2:5 “In Bethlehem Judea”, they replied, “For this is what the prophet has written.”
Matt. 2:15 “And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet…”
Matt. 2:17 “Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled…”
Matt 2:23 “So was fulfilled what was said through the prophet…”
Matt 3:3 “This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah…”
Matt. 4:14 “…to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah…”
Observation
When God says it, it happens. God does not live in ‘reaction mode’. He has plans and purposes, and He will see them through to completion. All of the political, social, economic, and physical forces in the world cannot sway the outcome…when “God says”.
Application
Circumstances and external forces affect me. They impact my decisions and outcomes. But the God I serve is mighty, and I can trust that His promises will be fulfilled in my life. As I make His purpose my purpose, and His plans my plan, then I can trust that His word will be fulfilled in my life. No matter the obstacles, no matter the challenges, and no matter the storms.
God said…and it will come to pass.
Prayer
God, thank you for having plans and purposes, and thank you for having plans and purposes for my life. Help me to trust you, and rest in the peace of knowing that Your word will be fulfilled no matter the obstacles that arise.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Help!

  • November 18, 2021

Scripture
Psalm 124:8
“Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” 
Observation
The Lord is my help, because I need help. My help is not from this world, or from any earthly source. My help is in the Almighty God–the God who created all things, and sustains all things. His help never runs short, and never reaches its limit. 
Application
When I reach the limit of my own ability, I need to reach out to the right source for help. My heavenly Father is the creator of the universe, and He loves me. His strength is made perfect in my weakness, when I turn to Him.
This week, I need to be intentional about where I turn for help. Not merely help with physical limitations, but help to sustain my heart and my soul when the path is not easy. 
Prayer
God, thank you for being my help. Thank you, that your strength never runs out, and your supply is never limited. Help me daily to turn to you for strength on the journey.  Thank you that you have never let me down, and you never will. 

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

Seeing the Unseen

  • November 16, 2021
Scripture
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 
Observation
When everything around me seems to be falling apart, it can be easy to lose heart. When challenges rise, when health fails, when tragedy strikes, discouragement is usually not far behind. Paul however instructs us to “fix our eyes…on what is unseen.” How do we choose to see what is unseen? By choosing to put our faith and our hope in the unseen savior. Though physical and “seen” challenges rise, He is achieving His glory in us as we steadfastly put our trust in Him. 
Application
Seasons keep changing. Some seasons are easy, some are hard. Some feel joyful, other seasons would try to drag me down. If I allow the condition and health of my heart to be dictated by my present circumstance, then I’ll find myself on a never-ending emotional roller coaster. My attention and my heart must be firmly fixed on the solid rock, so that He can accomplish the things that he desires in me. The truth is that the emotional roller coaster will someday end, along with all other things of this world–and all that will remain is the relationship that I have built with my savior.
Prayer
God, thank you for being steadfast and constant no matter the circumstance or present obstacle. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on you and give you my heart, so that I would not lose heart when difficulties rise. 
 
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Reliance

  • November 15, 2021

Scripture
2 Corinthians 1:9
“Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.” 
Observation
God desires me to rely on Him. At times in life He will allow me to face impossible circumstances, so that I will be reminded to lean on His strength. His intention is not to crush me or destroy me, but rather to teach me the true magnitude of His strength and power. 
Application
I must choose to rely on God. The inescapable truth is that I must rely on God, so why fight it and pretend that I can make it through on my own strength?
This week, I need to decide daily to rely on Him. Through every circumstance and every decision, He must be my first reaction- not my last resort. 
Prayer
God, thank you for loving me. Thank you for being my source of strength, when my own strength runs out. Teach me daily to rely on You, and thank you for being the Savior who conquered death! 

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

Being the Body

  • November 11, 2021

Scripture
1 Corinthians 11:20-22
“So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper you eat. For when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk. Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly not in this matter!” 
Observation
Our time together as the Body of Christ is more than just social time, or a chance to get together and hang out with our clique. It is a sacred time for us to “be” the body, and to “function” as a body. It is a time for us to feed those who are hungry, heal those who are hurting, love those who are lonely, and provide for those facing poverty.
We glorify God, by taking care of His body. 
Application
Paul was concerned about those slipping through the cracks in the church at Corinth. It’s easy to show up at church and love on those that I’m closest to, but what about the rest? Do I take the time to show Christ’s love to the whole Body, or merely to those that I’m closest to?
This week, I need to keep my eyes open to see the needs, and meet the needs around me. We are each members of the Body, and I want Christ to be glorified in the way that I treat his Body.  
Prayer
God, thank you for the Body of Christ! Thank you for my church ohana, and the blessing that they are to me. Help me to honor you in the way I treat your Body, so none of your children would slip through the cracks due to my inattention. Thank you for empowering each of us, to be a blessing to those around us. 

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

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