S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Plot Twist

  • October 12, 2021

Scripture
Acts 1:6-8
“Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 
Observation
Even after all this time with Jesus, his disciples still had a very flawed understanding of what he was trying to accomplish. They still expected him to liberate the Jewish nation from Rome and set up his kingdom here on earth. He replied to them that he had larger plans than they had even imagined. His plans were not just for Israel, but for Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the entire earth. He was not merely setting up an earthly kingdom to compete with Rome, but rather a heavenly Kingdom which would supersede every earthly authority. 
Application
God has plans and purposes of which I am not aware. No matter how long I serve Him, His thoughts are still higher than mine and His purposes are still greater than mine. When things don’t go the way I think they should, I must trust His divine plans and trust His love for me. My own plans must always be submitted to Him, even when I believe them to be aligned with His word. This week, I need to trust God to make the changes that he desires. 
Prayer
God, thank you that you are worthy of my trust. Thank you, that your understanding and your plans are not limited by the things which limit me. Help me this week to trust you, even when things go differently than I think they should–because I know that you love me, and your plans for me are good. 

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Staying On-Mission

  • October 11, 2021

Scripture
Nehemiah 6:3,8
“I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?”
“…I sent him this reply: “Nothing like what you are saying is happening. You are just making it up out of your head.” 
Observation
Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem were trying to derail Nehemiah’s mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. They tried to distract him from the work, and he remained focused on the mission. They tried to intimidate him by starting false rumors which would cause division between him and the king. He responded by calling them out on their lie, and boldly speaking the truth.
He continued the mission, and he let God worry about the things which were out of his control. 
Application
God has given me a mission. He has opened doors for me to step through, and empowered me to do the things to which he has called me. I know the enemy will not sit back and idly watch God’s plans being accomplished without putting up a fight, so I need to be prepared for the challenges that will arise. The enemy will attempt to distract me with urgent but unproductive (and possibly harmful) tasks. I must stay focused on the mission! If the distraction fails, the enemy will try using drama, accusations, and rumors to pull me off course. I must live a life above reproach with the help of God, and then let Him fight my battles and be my defense. God’s truth dispels lies, and His integrity brings an end to rumors.
Prayer
God, thank you for leading and guiding me step by step. Help me to keep my eyes on you, and not allow myself to become distracted from the things to which you have called me. Help me to see the difference between the “necessary” and the “urgent”, and not allow my life to be ruled by urgently meaningless tasks.
Help me to live with integrity, so that when the enemy’s accusations come against me I could stand firm on your truth, shine your light to expose deceit, and let You be my defense. 

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Shocking

  • October 8, 2021
Scripture
Ezra 9:2-4
“They have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, and have mingled the holy race with the peoples around them. And the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness.”
When I heard this, I tore my tunic and cloak, and pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled. Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me because of this unfaithfulness of the exiles. And I sat there appalled until the evening sacrifice.”
Observation
Ezra was appalled at the shocking report he had received: The leaders of the Israelite remnant had taken wives from the heathen nations around them!  This doesn’t seem like a big deal from a human perspective. After all–they were probably ‘in love’, and there couldn’t be any harm in just following their heart…right? What’s the big deal?!
The big deal was that God had given them principles to live by, and this was a specific and direct violation of the word of God. They were instructed not to intermingle with those of the nations around them who served other gods.
This remnant of the Israelites were those who had previously been taken into captivity, and God had just miraculously brought them back to their promised land, to begin restoring the nation of Israel. These people were walking in the blessing, grace, and favor of God.  Unfortunately, they wanted to continue enjoying the blessings and grace of God…while making ungodly decisions to suit their own desires.  This lack of integrity is what shocked Ezra to his core–that they would so blatantly abuse the grace of God, and use it as a license to continue their own sinful desires. God’s grace is never given as a license to continue sinning. God’s grace is given, to empower us to walk in freedom away from the sin which once enslaved us! 
Application
I need to see sin through God’s eyes. Not through the lens of my own desires, preferences, and logic–but through the lens of God’s word. It doesn’t matter if I can rationalize ‘why’ I should be able to do something…if God said ‘no’, then the answer is ‘no’.  I need to keep my heart close enough to God, that deviation from His word would be appalling to me!  Instead of trying to see how far I can go and still be covered by grace, I need to be grateful enough for God’s grace to see how close to Him I can walk.
As I interact with the world around me, I need to let God’s word guide my interactions. Just because someone else is a believer and can rationalize their actions…doesn’t mean that their actions are right and godly. There is a place for me to take a godly stand against sin in the body of Christ, and stand firm on the principles of God’s word.
This week, I need to walk with integrity in grace–not trying to see how far it will stretch, but rather trying to see how much like my savior I can grow. I need to see sin through God’s eyes, and allow the things that shock Him, to shock me also. I need to take a stand for what is right–not for the purpose of shaming and condemning people, but for the purpose of turning people back to the foundation on which we stand.
Prayer
God, thank you for your patience with me! Thank you for your grace and your forgiveness. Please help me to never use your grace as an excuse to keep sinning, or abuse your forgiveness by continuing to do the things from which you have already freed me!
Transform my mind, so that I would be shocked by the things that shock you. Give me the boldness and courage to stand firmly on your word, and point people back to you in all that I do.
 
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Praise

  • October 6, 2021

Our SOAP journal is brought to you today by Rae Takiue. Rae is a hard-working mama, a gifted hula dancer, and a strong woman of God. She has a passion to glorify God with her life story. 
Scripture
When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord,” he said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.
Luke 18:40‭-‬43 NLT
Observation
This blind beggar cried out to Jesus no matter how much everyone told him to be quiet. He probably felt like the least deserving man to be healed…a blind beggar that even regular people would not give the time of day to but his desire and faith to be healed was greater than his shame or fear. He called out to Jesus and Jesus healed him, but it did not end there. He followed Jesus and praised God, and everyone started to praise God too. 
Application
Sometimes we get our miracle, or answered prayer and we forget the faith we clung to so strongly because our struggling is done. I need to praise God even on my best days because Jesus saved me on my worst days. I need to share my testimony so that others can find hope in them. 
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all that you do for me. I don’t deserve any of this but you still cover me with your love and I am so humbled and grateful.
God help me to remember where I’ve been and what I’ve been through so I may have a grateful heart full of faith and hope at all times. God use me to show others your goodness and faithfulness to them too.
Amen!! 

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Planted In The Sea

  • October 4, 2021

Scripture
Luke 17:6
“He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.” 
Observation
‘Planted’. It’s an interesting word that Jesus uses–I’ve seen trees planted in dirt, sand, mud, even bare rock…but I’ve never seen a tree planted in the middle of the ocean!  He doesn’t say that the mulberry tree would be ‘thrown’ into the sea…he says it would be ‘planted’ in the sea. Trees need something solid and firm in which to be planted.
Faith in God, no matter how small, is ‘enough’.  Faith in God is enough to call God’s supernatural power into the situation. Faith in God is enough to bring solidity where there is only shifting water currents and dark depths beneath.
Application
There have been moments in life when I felt like I was adrift at sea. Nothing to hold onto, nothing to stay rooted in, nothing to stop me from drifting with the changing currents of water. This passage reminds me that my security in Christ is not dependent on the circumstances around me. My security in Christ is dependent only on His love for me, and my faith in Him. I don’t even have to feel like I have very much faith in Him…even faith the size of a mustard seed is enough to keep me firmly rooted in Christ, despite the water surging beneath me.
This week, I need to keep my faith centered on Christ. No matter the challenges or the struggles, no matter the changes or the unknowns–my faith must be unwaveringly fixed on Christ alone.
Prayer
God, thank you for giving me faith! Thank you that the stability of my life is not dependent on how much or how little faith I feel like I have–but rather it is dependent solely on your unfathomably great power.  Thank you for drawing me to you, and help me to keep my attention, my hope, and my faith firmly fixed on you and nothing else.

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The Finish Line

  • October 2, 2021

Today’s SOAP journal is brought to you from Margaret Laletin.
Margaret is the leader of our Women’s Ministry, and a very talented member of our Hula Ministry also!

Scripture
Luke 14:28-30
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower.  Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough to complete it first?  For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ’This person began to build and was not able to finish.’  
Observation
There is much preparation that goes into building a structure.  So many variants that have to be considered.  One has to know the costs and plans to build a solid, sustainable structure.  If unprepared a builder may run out of time, energy and money. 
Application
Becoming a Christian is a commitment that is not to be taken lightly. Following Christ is something that I had to do willingly knowing that I may be ridiculed, giving of my time and doing things that are outside my comfort zone.  I do not want to be faint hearted and know that with the good times, there are also difficult times. I must continue to build on the foundation of my faith and continue this race, never giving up, no matter the cost. 
Prayer
Lord God, I am so grateful that you gave me salvation from my sins.  Help me to continue to build my faith, secure in the plan you have for me, and keep my eyes on the finish line. 

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Generosity

  • October 1, 2021

Scripture
Luke 14:12-14
“Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” 
Observation
God loves a cheerful giver. Not merely a person who gives so they can get, but a heart that gives freely without expectation of reciprocation. God gave freely of himself for us, knowing that there was nothing we could do to repay him. As we grow to become more like him, he desires to see that same selfless generosity in us. 
Application
I like building friendships. I like investing in people that I enjoy being around. I enjoy giving to people that I care about. But how often do I truly give with no expectation of receiving? Do I give because of what I “get” out of a friendship, or do I give also to those who have no hope of ever repaying me in any way? I want to develop that kind of Christlike generosity.
This week, I need to intentionally find and create opportunities to give. Freely, cheerfully, and with a generous heart–with no expectation of receiving. 
Prayer
God, thank you for giving of yourself so freely to me. Help me to become more like you, and create opportunities to give freely to others out of a heart of love. 

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Steadfast

  • September 30, 2021

Scripture
Luke 13:31-32
“At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go tell that fox, “I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.” 
Observation
It’s interesting that the Pharisees are the ones who warned Jesus about Herod’s desire to kill him. The Pharisees themselves were the group who was constantly scheming and plotting to bring an end to the ministry of Jesus. Why were they suddenly so concerned for his safety, to warn him about Herod? It seems that this was just another tactic and underhanded effort on their part, to hinder what Jesus was doing. Jesus cut straight through all the scheming, plotting, subterfuge, and hidden agendas when he replied. “Here’s my plan, here’s what I’m going to do, and here’s when I’m going to do it.” He countered duplicity and scheming with honesty, clear intention, and steadfastness. 
Application
There are times when the intentions of others around me seem to be hidden or disingenuous. When rumors swirl, it’s easy to get caught up and distracted in the drama. Like Jesus, I need to answer rumors with plain and open communication. I need to counter duplicity with honesty. I need to respond to distractions with unyielding conviction and steadfast purpose. God is big enough to handle any hindrance, if I keep walking toward him. 
Prayer
God, thank you for being unchanging and steadfast. Help me not to get distracted by the schemes, rumors, or hidden agendas of people around me, but rather just keep walking toward you each day. 

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Peace

  • September 29, 2021

Scripture
Luke 12:49-51
“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until is is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No I tell you, but division.” 
Observation
What a contrast this passage is to the words of the angels who announced the arrival of the savior on the night of his birth! (Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”)
Why was his arrival heralded with “peace”, yet Jesus says he did not come to bring peace? The key here is that Jesus did not come to bring peace “on earth”, rather he came to make a way for peace with God. 
Peace with God means turning away from all that is not of God.
Application
I want the peace of God in my life. Not the false peace of complacency in my sin, but the true peace of a life redeemed and transformed by the power of the cross. Not the imitation peace of a life approved and celebrated by a sinful world, but the real peace of a life lived for the approval of the Father. 
This will at times require conflict with ideologies and worldviews that are not submitted to God’s word. This will at times mean disagreeing with people that I love and care about. But God’s peace is what lasts, and God’s peace is what truly matters.
This week, I choose to live a life surrendered to the peace of the Savior. 
Prayer
God, thank you for the peace that you bring. Not peace with the world, but peace with you. I choose to align with you, even when it puts me at odds with the world around me. I choose to surrender to you, and seek first your approval. 

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Blessed

  • September 28, 2021

Scripture
Luke 11:27-28
“As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you!” He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” 
Observation
As Jesus was teaching on spiritual authority, this woman called out with a comment about how blessed the mother of Jesus was. They way she just blurts this out in the middle of him speaking, almost feels like this was some kind of jealousy that she had been hanging onto. She didn’t even seem to hear what Jesus had been teaching, because she was so wrapped up in how blessed Mary was. Jesus reminded her that God’s blessing is not just for the “favorite few,” but for everyone who hears the word of God and chooses to obey it. 
Application
I want the blessings of God in my life! Not out of coveting what others have, but because I desire the favor of my heavenly Father. Instead of letting myself become distracted from his voice as I stare around jealously at those around me, I must instead fix my eyes on him and attune my ears to his voice-and then make the conscious decision to obey him with my daily actions and decisions. This is the thing which will unlock his blessings to flow in my life.
Prayer
God, thank you for not playing favorites! Thank you for desiring to pour out blessing on me. Help me to choose daily to listen for your voice, and obey your word so that your blessing may flow in my life. 

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