S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Callouses

  • October 27, 2021

Scripture
Acts 28:26-27
“Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.” 
Observation
Callouses form when something sharp or rough is continually rubbing or scraping my skin. It’s not enough to cut me, just enough to cause discomfort. A callous is my body’s way of avoiding and protecting me from the discomfort. The word of God is a sharp, two-edged sword. Its job is to cut away anything not pleasing to God. This cutting process is never fun or enjoyable in the moment–but God’s desire is not to merely cause discomfort, but rather to accomplish permanent transformation in my heart. 
Application
I don’t want to just expose my heart to the word of God until it becomes uncomfortable and then quit. This is how callouses form, and how my heart becomes hardened toward God’s word. Instead, I want to welcome the cutting and pruning process, as the word of God begins to cut away those parts of me that are ungodly, and transform me to be more like Him. The way I do this is by continually applying God’s word to my life, and making the decision to remain pliable and teachable in His hands even when I don’t like how it feels. My heavenly Father loves me, and I can trust that the change He brings is ultimately for my benefit, and for His glory. 
Prayer
God, I choose to surrender my heart and my life to you. Thank you for your word, and help me to never become hardened or calloused toward you, but always remain teachable in your hands. Thank you for being worthy of my trust, even when the cutting and transforming process is uncomfortable! 

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Focus

  • October 26, 2021

Scripture
Acts 26:27-29
“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long–I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” 
Observation
Paul was on trial, defending himself against a prosecution team that were pursuing the death penalty for him. I would have expected his full attention to be on his legal defense–instead, we see that even in the middle of his courtroom defense, Paul was actively looking for opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus with those around him, despite his dire circumstances. 
Application
I don’t have that kind of single-minded focus on the gospel! It’s easy for me to let my mind be consumed with the urgency of the immediate crisis, instead of maintaining focus on the things that truly matter even when the pressure is on. I want to develop this kind of intentional focus that Paul had. I may be under pressure–but the good news must be shared! I may be inconvenienced…but the gospel needs to get out! I may be feeling frustration, or even anger…but people need a savior!
This week, I need to look for opportunities to share Christ with the world. When I am relaxed, and when I am tense. When it is convenient, and even when it isn’t. 
Prayer
God, thank you for the amazing news of the gospel! Help me to daily share your good news with the urgency it deserves–because that is the thing which truly matters, even when the pressure is on.
Thank you for being my Lord, and my Savior! 

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Welcoming the Tension

  • October 22, 2021

Scripture
Acts 15:2,4
“This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.”
“When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.” 
Observation
The church in Antioch had been thrown into an uproar by legalistic men who wanted to put requirements on them which Paul had not taught them. Paul and Barnabas traveled to Jerusalem to speak with the apostles and elders about the disagreement which had risen. The elders and apostles welcomed them, even through they were bringing a conflict and a difficult conversation. Instead of avoiding the difficult conversations, the apostles and elders leaned into the tension and welcomed the conversation, recognizing that it was an opportunity to develop deeper unity and communication. 
Application
Like the early church, I will face tension, conflict, and disagreement in life today. It’s just part of the journey. Instead of avoiding hard conversations, I need to welcome them as an opportunity to grow into deeper unity and understanding. Like Paul and Barnabas, I need to initiate the difficult conversations when I am aware of conflict or tension–and like the apostles and elders, I need to be grateful for people who initiate hard conversations with me–because these are the moments when we can intentionally step forward, or else carelessly slide into disunity.
Prayer
God, thank you for courage to initiate hard conversations! Help me to embrace them as an opportunity to grow in unity, and grow more like you. Help me to welcome and value people in my life who bring conflict to my attention in a Godly way, and always see them as a gift from you. 

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

Kingdom Wins

  • October 21, 2021

Scripture
Acts 13:15,45
“After the reading from the law and the prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying “Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.”
“When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.
Observation
The Jewish leaders invited Paul and Barnabas to share a word of exhortation with the people, but they had low expectations of the result. When Paul got better results than they expected, they became jealous and started trying to hinder the results he was getting. They were only interested in supporting Paul as long as he was validating the same poor results they had been getting.
Application
It’s easy to become complacent about mediocre results. Whether in ministry or on the job, repeated and ongoing lack of growth will change and stunt our thinking eventually. When we become accustomed to mediocrity, it’s easy to feel threatened by excellence and effectiveness. I want to be the kind of leader who consistently strives for excellence and celebrates the successes of others. I cannot be kingdom-minded if I allow myself to become resentful toward those who are more effective than I.
This week, I need to be intentional to reach for excellence and celebrate Kingdom wins.
Prayer
God, thank you for the diversity you created in the body of Christ, and for those who are more skilled than I in their area of gifting. Help me to always celebrate Kingdom wins, rather than becoming threatened by those who are more effective than me in the areas to which you’ve called them. 

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

The Weight of the Heart

  • October 20, 2021

Scripture
Job 6:2-3
“If only my anguish could be weighed and all my misery be placed on the scales! It would surely outweigh the sand of the seas–no wonder my words have been impetuous!” 
Observation
Job was in agony. His pain was intense, his grief was deep. His friends heard his impetuous words, but they really didn’t understand the depth of his anguish. His friends responded to his impetuous words, but what Job needed was for them to hear the anguish of his heart. 
Application
I have felt like Job at times–when my heart was too raw for the filter on my mouth to work properly. I have had those moments when talking to friends, when they heard my words but missed what my heart was trying to say.
I want to hear people’s hearts. When their words are rough and unpolished, or even impetuous–I want to listen beyond the words being said, to hear the heart behind them.
This week, I need to speak a little less, and listen a little more. I need to listen for the purpose of hearing and understanding, instead of listening to occupy my time until I have a chance to jump in and respond. I need to pray for God to help me understand the heart, and not merely the words. 
Prayer
God, thank you for hearing me! Not just hearing the words I say, but also the state of my heart. Help me to listen that way also. Help me to listen fast, and speak slow. When people’s words to me are rough or impetuous, help me to care enough to listen past the words to hear what their heart is trying to say. 

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

Carrying Joy

  • October 18, 2021

Scripture
 Acts 8:4-8
“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city.”
Observation
The church was facing persecution, and the believers were being scattered across the land. This was a time of great turmoil for those who followed Christ. Amid the scattering, Philip wound up in Samaria and God used him to perform miracles and lead people to God. Despite the turmoil and uncertainty, Philip brought joy with him. 
Application
It’s easy to bring joy when everything is easy. When the road is smooth and there are no obstacles, it’s easy to keep a smile on my face and encourage those around me. But this kind of joy doesn’t really even require God! The joy of the Lord is a joy that persists even when things aren’t so easy.
Like Philip, I need to carry God’s joy with me. Joy that trusts God with the outcome, no matter the circumstances. Joy that points others toward God, instead of trying to draw attention to my own pity party when things get difficult. This is the kind of joy that can change the world, as I allow God to use the story of my life to bring Him glory.
This week, I choose to carry the joy of the Lord.  
Prayer
God, thank you for your joy! Help me to point others back to you through every season and situation, and carry your joy with me through every circumstance. 

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

Overhearing

  • October 16, 2021

Scripture
Malachi 3:13-15
“You have spoken arrogantly against me,” says the Lord. “Yet you asked, “What have we said against You?” “You have said, “It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out His requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty? But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly evildoers prosper and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it.” 
Observation
God ranks my arrogance against Him, right up on a level with me stealing from Him. When I miss an opportunity to praise Him–or worse yet, use the moment to tear His name down, it rouses His anger. It is not futile to serve God! He is generous and loving, and loves to bless His children. It wounds the heart of God when we receive His blessing, and then neglect to acknowledge the giver of every perfect gift.
Application
I don’t want to be arrogant toward God! I want to receive His blessings with thanksgiving, and point back to Him as the source of all that I have. I want God to overhear me speaking His praises, not tearing His name and reputation down. This week, I choose to look for opportunities to praise Him. 
Prayer
God, You are awesome! I want to tell the world how great you are, and not keep the Good News to myself! 

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

My Very Best

  • October 15, 2021

Scripture
Malachi 1:11-13
“…My name will be great among the nations,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you profane it by saying, ‘The Lord’s table is defiled,’ and ‘It’s food is contemptible.’ And you say ‘What a burden!’ and you sniff at it contemptuously,” says the Lord Almighty. “When you bring injured, lame, or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?” says the Lord. 
Observation
We get what we give. If I invest my worst, I shouldn’t be surprised when I get poor returns. God was unhappy with His people because instead of bringing their best to God, they were bringing their castoffs and rejects.  
Application
God deserves the very best that I can give Him. He’s worth it! If I don’t like the quality of what I receive at church, I need to look hard at the quality of what I am offering to God. If I don’t like the way church smells, I need to check the fragrance of what I am bringing. 
Prayer
God, you deserve my best. Not me factory seconds and “B-stock”. Help me to always joyfully give to you from the best that I have! I pray that my worship and praise to you would carry the scent of incense, not the odor of diseased and rotting meat. 

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

Sit, Stand, Walk

  • October 14, 2021
Scripture
Psalm 1:1-2
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked, or stand in the way that sinners take, or sit in the company of mockers. But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night.” 
Observation
Scripture teaches us not to sin, but this passage goes a couple steps farther than that–we’re not just taught to avoid walking in sinful ways (in step with the wicked), but we are counseled not to even stand in the path they take. Standing isn’t participating…it’s merely accompanying or observing. Then we are told to avoid sitting in the company of mockers. Sitting is even less action-oriented than standing–but sitting with mockers means we hear the constant stream of mockery.
God’s blessing follows those who saturate their lives with the word of God. 
Application
God looks beyond my actions, to see my motives. He desires to bless me, but his blessing is for those who follow him heart-first. Not merely with the actions of my hands and feet, but also with my time and my attention.
This week, I choose to walk in step with God.
I choose to stand in his presence.
I choose to sit at his feet and listen to his wisdom, instead of filling my mind and my heart with the mockery of the world around me. 
Prayer
God, thank you for your blessings! I want to honor you with my time and my attention. I want to sit at your feet and listen to your voice. I want to stand with confidence on your word, and I want to walk in your ways. Thank you for leading and guiding me! 
 
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Obeying and Investing

  • October 13, 2021

Scripture
Nehemiah 10:39b
“We will not neglect the house of our God!” 
Observation
The people of God were turning back to Him. They had confessed their sins, praised His faithfulness, and pledged their obedience to God. The conclusion of their prayer is this short but powerful declaration: “We will not neglect the house of our God!”
They understood that it was not enough to privately and independently live for God behind the closed doors of their homes. Their love for God led them to care about the house of God–putting skin in the game, and ensuring that there was a place in their community where people could learn about, and talk with, the God of the universe. This was an act of obedience, and an investment in the spiritual health of their children and grandchildren. 
Application
God has instituted the church for a reason. Not for a place to live (because now He lives in our hearts), but rather as a family and as a fellowship where we are able to come and meet God, learn about God, share about God, and establish a culture and covenant of obedience to God which will outlast my lifetime. My faithfulness in supporting my church fellowship is an act of obedience to God, and a covenant of faithfulness to not only follow God personally, but also establish a trajectory of obedience for those who come after me.
This week, I need to be intentional to support my church fellowship and church family–with my calendar, my resources, and my abilities. 
Prayer
God, thank you for New Hope Legacy! Thank you for a place where I and my family can learn and grow in you. Thank you for a place where we can invest in your kingdom, to be a part of sharing the good news about your son with those who come after 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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