S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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