S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Highs and Lows

  • July 31, 2024
The less-than-flattering parts of my journey are precisely the moments when God’s goodness and faithfulness are most clearly seen. I want God to be glorified by my life: Not just the great parts, but all of it!
=================================
Scripture
Psalm 107:27-28, 31-32
“…they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits’ end. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.”
“Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.”
Observation
No one likes talking about their mistakes…but God’s people are encouraged to share their inglorious moments to bring glory to God! The worst decisions become an opportunity to point the world to him, when those bad decisions are surrendered to him.
Application
I prefer to focus on my ‘wins’ instead of my losses. I’d rather draw attention to the times when I exercised wisdom, than the times I acted a fool. But those less-than-flattering parts of the journey are precisely the moments when God’s goodness and faithfulness are most clearly seen.
Today I choose to let God be glorified by my life: Not just the great parts, but all of it.
Prayer
God, thank you for being faithful when I have been faithless! I pray that you would impact someone this week through me–not merely through my victories, but through the victory that you have won. Not because of my own greatness, but because you are great!
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Rise and Shine

  • July 30, 2024
The things that I receive from God are not merely a ‘benefits package’ for my own exclusive enjoyment: He has entrusted these things to me so that others would also come to know him.
===========================
Scripture
Isaiah 60:1 – “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”
Isaiah 61:1 – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound…”
Observation
Christ has shined his light in the darkness–not just for those who currently walk in it, but so that they can then share his light with others. His Spirit is upon His people–not only to transform them, but also to anoint them for effective service in His kingdom to share His good news with the world.
Application
I am so thankful for the blessings and anointing of the Holy Spirit! How awesome to receive His power and provision! But the things that I receive from God are not merely a ‘benefits package’ for my own exclusive enjoyment: He has entrusted these things to me so that others would also come to know him.
This week, I need to watch for ‘God moments’: opportunities to shine His light, share good news, minister healing, proclaim liberty, and help others to see the prison doors that He has already opened.
Prayer
Thank you God for your anointing, and the way you bless me daily! Help me to effectively use everything that you’ve given me, to introduce others to the Savior. I don’t want to merely enjoy a personal ‘benefits package’ from you: I want to wisely use what you’ve entrusted to me for your glory!
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

The Ways and The Blessings

  • July 29, 2024
I must be mindful to seek alignment with God’s ways, instead of merely asking Him to bless me.  Today I choose full surrender: I want to fully yield to Him and fully seek Him, so that He can fully bless me.
==================================
Scripture
Isaiah 58:6,8
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?”
“…Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.”
Observation
God is less interested in what I sacrifice, than he is in how I align my heart with him. The Israelites were ‘seeking God’, fasting, asking for his blessing…but they were merely asking him to bless the sinful path that they had already chosen. God wanted to bless them, but his blessing accompanies his ways. God told them to first align their hearts with his ways, and then his blessings would follow.
Application
I want to experience God, and I pray often for His blessing. But I must be mindful to seek alignment with his ways first, before I ask him to bless me.
Where am I withholding my heart from him? Am I yielding to him in my thoughts, plans, desires, disciplines, speech, and imagination? Or am I merely seeking God in ‘some’ areas, while holding back another part for me to be lord of?
Today I choose full surrender. I want to fully yield to him and fully seek him, so that he can fully bless me.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder that you are not Lord of ‘some’, you are Lord of ‘all’ of me. I choose today to align my heart with you, and I want you to be pleased with my life!
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Grace Under Fire

  • July 28, 2024
When under fire I must trust that God is accomplishing something greater than I can currently see or comprehend, and simply say ‘yes!’ to His sovereignty and authority.
Today I choose to glorify my Lord by surrendering to His plan…instead of becoming defensive.
======================
Scripture
Isaiah 53:7 – 7
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.
Observation
Jesus faced opposition, false accusations, violence, and malicious behavior in this sham of a trial–yet ‘he opened not his mouth’
How could he stand there in such unshakeable peace and self-control?! He understood that his life was not subject to the whims of an angry crowd, but rather his life was subject to the unchanging, sovereign will of his Father. His certainty of the Father’s love enabled him to love his enemies and endure unimaginable suffering.
Application
In Matthew 5 Jesus instructed us to love our enemies, and do good to those who mistreat us. This seems so far beyond my ability! When I am attacked and accused I want to lash out in retaliation, defend myself, and set the record straight. This passage challenges me to instead follow Jesus’ example, and serve the Father’s plan even when I am accused or mistreated. I must trust that God is accomplishing something greater than I can currently see or comprehend, and simply say ‘yes!’ to His sovereignty and authority.
Today I choose to glorify my Lord by surrendering to His plan…instead of becoming defensive.
Prayer
God, this is a difficult one! My flesh doesn’t like it when I am accused and mistreated! Help me this week to walk in victory and surrender to your plan, instead of developing a victim mindset by carrying offense and defending myself. May You be glorified in me!
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

The King Is Coming!

  • July 27, 2024
I don’t want to become so focused on the problems of this world, that I miss seeing my King. Today, I choose to be the watchman on the wall who is attentive to the present problems…but is eagerly watching for the returning King.
The King is coming!!!
================================
Scripture
Isaiah 52:8
The voice of your watchmen—they lift up their voice; together they sing for joy; for eye to eye they see the return of the LORD to Zion.
Observation
These chapters in Isaiah depict a time of judgement, sorrow, and mourning for children of Israel. And yet God says that the watchmen on the wall (those alert and looking for further calamity and danger) would see the approaching salvation of God–they would see the King returning to Zion!
Application
What are my eyes watching for? It seems that trouble is everywhere–from the economy, to crime levels, to politics, to global tensions, to AI taking people’s jobs! No matter where I look, I can see good reason to be fearful about the future.
But what are my eyes watching for? Am I merely focusing on the present problems…or am I eagerly looking for the King? He is there to be seen, if I am watching for Him. He is actively at work in our world–saving, redeeming, transforming: And someday, He will come again in glory.
Are my eyes watching for Him? I don’t want to become so focused on the problems of this world, that I miss seeing my King. Today, I choose to be the watchman on the wall who is attentive to the present problems…but is eagerly watching for the King.
The King is coming!!!
Prayer
God, thank you for your hand at work in the world today. Thank you for saving, for protecting, for redeeming, for transforming hearts, and for the promise of your return someday. Help me to keep my eyes focused on you, so I would not miss out on what you are doing. You have set me as a watchman: Not merely to alert people of present danger, but to call their attention to the return of the King!
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

A Different Kind of Leadership

  • July 27, 2024
Kingdom leadership requires daily investment from my heart. It requires me to wake up each morning, relying on guidance from God’s word to inspire me and keep my own heart in check, and it requires me to listen closely to the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me.
=================
Scripture
1 Peter 5:2-3
2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
Observation
I love this succinct description of Kingdom leadership! A kingdom leader is to be a shepherd–not merely a project manager. A kingdom leader is to serve with a willing heart, not out of a misguided sense of obligation. A kingdom leader is to serve for something greater than mere financial compensation and personal gain. A kingdom leader is not to be domineering to those under their care. And lastly, a kingdom leader must lead by example.
Application
This description of true Kingdom leadership makes me excited to serve, because it carries such power for accomplishing great things. Who wouldn’t want to be part of a team that functions like this! But at the same time, these verses carry a challenge in them. This way of leading can’t be put on autopilot. It can’t be faked, it can’t be done casually. It can’t be fulfilled by merely going through the motions of what worked in the last season.
Instead, it requires daily investment from my heart. It requires me to wake up each morning, relying on guidance from God’s word to inspire me and keep my own heart in check, and it requires me to listen closely to the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me.
Today I choose to cultivate this kind of heart, so that God could use me as He would see fit.
Prayer
Thank you God for the wisdom that I find in your word! It is always timely, always on-target, and always beneficial! Help me to take these principles to heart this week, so that I could lead and serve in a way which honors you, values the mission, and values those under my care.
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Lord of the Fire and the Flood

  • July 25, 2024
If I am in Him and He is in me, then the flood and the flames are inconsequential because He is Lord of them both. The path may lead through, but it will not end there.
===============
Scripture
Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”
Observation
Flame and flood are no stranger to God’s people–indeed, they are to be expected! God says to expect them, but don’t merely expect trouble with a pessimistic attitude: Instead, walk in confidence that the flood waters will not overwhelm us no matter how high they rise, and the flame will not consume us no matter how hot it burns.
Application
What peace and confidence this passage gives me! I see places in my life where flood waters seem to be rising, and I feel the temperature growing hotter in other places as flames flicker.
When this happens, it could be easy to panic and assume that either God has abandoned me, or I have abandoned Him. The truth is that if I am in Him and He is in me, then the flood and the flames are inconsequential because He is Lord of them both. The path may lead through, but it will not end there.
Today I choose to walk with confidence through the fire and flood, led by the voice of my Savior and King.
Prayer
God, thank you for being Lord of all: Lord of the mountain, Lord of the valley, Lord of the fire, and Lord of the flood. Teach my heart to trust you in every season, because I know you will not fail me.
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Honoring God Through My Marriage

  • July 24, 2024
God cannot fully bless a partially-surrendered heart.  The way that I invest myself into my marriage directly affects my relationship with God! If I am uncaring, unloving, disengaged, unintentional, distant, or even simply lazy in my marriage…it will impact my relationship with the Savior. He has blessed me with my marriage relationship as part of the fulfillment of His plans and purpose in my life–and I must see the health of my marriage as part of that divine ‘whole’.
========================
Scripture
1 Peter 3:7
“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
Observation
The marriage relationship is not separate from our relationship with God–it is intertwined and connected together with it. Lack of understanding, lack of proper intentionality in marriage indicates something amiss under the surface of our heart–and it will inevitably hinder us from healthy relationship and communication with the Father.
Application
Too often I’ve viewed my marriage as something separate from my walk with God. At best this makes me see them as unconnected–at worst, it causes me to see them in competition.
This verse reminds me to see them as part of the same whole. If I am ‘one flesh’ with my wife, then allowing my marriage to exist as a separate thing from my relationship with God would mean that I’m withholding part of myself from Him…and he cannot fully bless a partially-surrendered heart.
The way that I invest myself into my marriage directly affects my relationship with God. If I am uncaring, unloving, disengaged, unintentional, distant, or even simply lazy in my marriage…it will impact my relationship with the Savior. He has blessed me with my marriage relationship, as part of the fulfillment of His plans and purpose in my life–and I must see the health of my marriage as part of that divine ‘whole’.
Today I choose to love God with my heart, my soul, my mind, my strength…and my marriage.
Prayer
God, thank you for my wife! Thank you for entrusting this incredible blessing and responsibility to me. Give me wisdom to cultivate and strengthen my marriage daily, fully investing my heart in it. As I honor you daily in my marriage, I pray that you would hear my prayers and lead me into a closer relationship with you as my Lord.
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Joy In The Testing

  • July 22, 2024

The testing of faith is an opportunity for rejoicing–not because the test is a joyful thing, but because genuine and well-placed faith will result in a revelation of Jesus Christ when tested. His presence is revealed not by an absence of trial…but by his faithfulness through the trial.

================================

 

Scripture

1 Peter 1:6-7

“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith–more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire–may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Observation

The testing of faith is an opportunity for rejoicing–not because the test is a joyful thing, but because genuine and well-placed faith will result in a revelation of Jesus Christ when tested. His presence is revealed not by an absence of trial…but by his faithfulness through the trial.

Application

I don’t enjoy the testing process. If given the choice, I wouldn’t spend my days enduring the testing! Yet I know that ultimately it is not my faith being tested, but rather the One in whom I have put my faith. And the confirmation of God’s power and love for me will result not only in my own rejoicing, but also rejoicing for those around me who have an opportunity to glimpse the power of God at work.

Today I choose to glorify God in the middle of trials–knowing that his power cannot fail, and that He will be glorified even though the discomfort of the testing process.

Prayer

God, thank you for this reminder of the importance of faith: not merely faith to ‘get what I want’, but faith to trust you through the middle of trials and tests. May you be glorified in me, through every test and every season!

 

Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!

 

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

 

The One Who Fights For Me

  • July 21, 2024

My enemy roams like a roaring lion…but the Lamb of God fights on my behalf. My enemy is the destroyer…but the Creator fights on my behalf. My enemy is the father of lies…but He who is truth fights on my behalf!

==============================

 

Scripture

2 Chronicles 32:7-8

7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. 8 With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Observation

What an effect these words from King Hezekiah must have had on the people of Judah! King Sannacherib came against them with a mighty army of trained warriors–but the people of Judah had the Lord God on their side, to fight on their behalf.

This was already true before King Hezekiah said it–but ‘the people took confidence’ when he reminded them of this truth.

Application

When everything goes crazy, it’s easy to get focused on the enemy coming at me. It’s easy to focus on the problem, and take my eyes off of the One who fights my battles for me. Like Hezekiah, I must be diligent to remind myself of what is true! My enemy roams like a roaring lion…but the Lamb of God fights on my behalf. My enemy is the destroyer…but the Creator fights on my behalf. My enemy is the father of lies…but He who is truth fights on my behalf.

Today I choose to remind myself of who is fighting for me, so that I can walk with confidence through any attack that comes my way. I know my Savior will not let me down!

Prayer

God, thank you for fighting on my behalf! Help me to keep my attention fixed on you, instead of letting myself become distracted by the enemy that I face. Help me to trust you through every battle, as I walk with you.

 

Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!

 

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

 

Back To Top