S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Holy vs. Common

  • September 17, 2025
Scripture
Ezekiel 44:23
They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common, and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.
Observation
God gave His priests the responsibility of teaching people to distinguish between what was holy, and what was common. God wanted them to have an awareness of the things which hold specific eternal significance, and the things which are part of daily life but don’t really matter in the light of eternity.
Application
There are things in life which matter, and things which don’t truly matter…but they’re part of life anyway. Relationships, sabbath moments, my time with God, and meaningful conversations I have…there should be an awareness of Holy purpose in these things. But there are many parts of life that can consume my attention…yet they have no eternal meaning or significance!
The clothes I wear, the headlines which cause me anxiety, and those conversations which center around meaningless humor and shallow things…they are part of life, but they are not worth allowing to occupy that part of my heart and my attention which only God deserves to occupy!
Today I choose to take time to recognize those things that are holy, and those things which are common. I choose to fill my time, my attention, and my life with things that matter–instead of letting my life be consumed with those things which seem so urgent, but will not last.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder! Help me to clearly discern each day and each moment those things which are holy, and those things which are common. Even in the common things of my life, may I invite your presence and look for your purpose so that my focus would remain on that which is holy.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

The Right Investments

  • March 17, 2025
I want to be the kind of leader that Moses was: flawed and imperfect, but with a desire to invest in those that have been entrusted to me!
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Scripture
Deuteronomy 34:9
“And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses.”
Observation
Joshua was given a turbo boost by his mentor Moses. There were lessons he learned, insight he received, and clout that he possessed, because he was led by a mature and emotionally secure leader who didn’t feel threatened by the gifted and talented young man entrusted to him.
Application
What a gift Moses gave to Joshua! I have served under leaders like Moses–those with vision and a teacher’s heart. I have also spent seasons under other leaders: those who felt threatened by my presence, those unwilling to invest in others, and those who withheld their blessing due to their own fears and insecurity.
I want to be the kind of leader that Moses was: flawed and imperfect, but with a desire to invest in those that have been entrusted to me!
I want to empower and encourage those who will go farther than me, and those who will grow beyond me. I want to resource those who will win victory in battles that I never fought, and those who shape seasons that I don’t live to see.
But–all of that starts today, with the way that I treat those entrusted to my care. Today I choose to speak truth, impart blessing, bring accountability, share wisdom, show mercy, and give love.
Prayer
God, help me today to invest in someone’s future! May the words that I speak and actions I take today, become the fuel for a fire that burns brightly for you long after I am forgotten.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Pain and Blessing

  • January 14, 2025
I have so much respect for Jacob! Despite his many flaws, and despite his own grief and anguish in this specific moment, he refused to let his son’s future be determined by misplaced blame. Instead he decided to man up, deal with his own pain, and speak a blessing over his son’s life. He pronounced in faith who he believed his son would be, instead of merely describing the current problem.
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Scripture
Genesis 35:18
And as her soul was departing (for she was dying), she called his name Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin.
Observation
So much grief is contained in this short passage! Rachel (the favorite wife of Jacob) is in labor with her second son, and something goes wrong. She realizes that she is not going to survive, and in her final moments names the child ‘Ben-oni’, or ‘son of my sorrow’. Her journey is at an end. She will not be there to see Joseph reach adulthood, she will not be around to raise Benjamin, she will not be there to grow old with Jacob. As this reality hits her, it becomes easy to place the blame on her newborn son. Though he has done no wrong, he will now carry for his entire life the label of being the sorrow of his mother.
But then Jacob steps into the room, and hears what is happening. Though his heart was surely breaking, he made an incredibly courageous decision in that critical moment–instead of letting his son’s identity become ‘sorrow of his mother’, he instead changes his name to Benjamin: (‘son of my right hand’, or ‘son of my fortune’). Of all the many sons of Jacob, Benjamin is the only one whom he personally named–and the name that he picked was a declaration of his worth to his father, and of his father’s love for him.
Application
How do I react when I’m hurting? When things don’t go the way I want, and when I’m experiencing pain (or even merely frustration), how do I treat those around me? Do I look for someone to blame, and someone on whom to pile my anger? In those moments blame is usually the quickest and easiest reaction…but rarely am I actually correct in who I blame. Like Rachel, it’s easy for me to simply blame whoever is nearby and available. They may be an easy target, but that doesn’t mean they are responsible for my issue! The words that I speak in those moments often carry greater significance than I realize. The accusations, the labels, the harsh remarks…they sink in deep, and continue to affect their hearer long after my own pain is finished and after I’m gone from the scene.
I have so much respect for Jacob! Despite his many flaws, and despite his own grief and anguish in this specific moment, he refused to let his son’s future be determined by misplaced blame. Instead he decided to man up, deal with his own pain, and speak a blessing over his son’s life. He pronounced in faith who he believed his son would be, instead of merely describing the current problem.
I choose to be a father and a leader like that! Sometimes life hurts, and sometimes grief hits hard…that’s just cold hard truth. But I choose to speak words of life, and I choose to pronounce blessing over my family and over those I lead instead of lashing out in anger and casting unfair blame. I choose to raise Benjamin’s, not Ben-oni’s.
Prayer
God, help me to exercise wisdom and self-control this week when I’m hurting or frustrated. Help me not to cast blame as a way of dealing with my own emotions, and instead teach me to speak life into those around me. Thank you for being willing to suffer for me, and for showing me your love even when I have brought you pain!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Choosing to Trust

  • January 8, 2025
I don’t want to be like Abraham: observing God’s power, but not certain if I can trust Him. I’d rather be a Peter: ready to jump out of the boat at a moment’s notice…imperfect and flawed, but with an almost illogical degree of trust in the Savior.
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Scripture
Genesis 20:2,11
2 – And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abimalech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah.
11 – Abraham said, “I did it because I thought, ‘There is no fear of God at all in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.'”
Observation
Abraham had just watched God wipe out Sodom and Gomorrah completely, and he had watched God supernaturally protect Lot. Abraham knew God’s power…but he apparently didn’t trust that God would use his power to protect Abraham if Abraham did what was right and honorable.
Abraham saw God generally, but didn’t trust Him personally.
Application
There’s a difference between knowing ‘about’ God, and ‘knowing’ God. There’s a difference between knowing that God ‘can’ do something, and trusting that God ‘will’ do it for me.
I don’t want to be like Abraham: observing God’s power, but not certain if I can trust Him. I’d rather be a Peter: ready to jump out of the boat at a moment’s notice…imperfect and flawed, but with an almost illogical degree of trust in the Savior.
Today I choose to trust God. Not just generally, but also personally. I know what He has done for others, and I believe He will do it for me also.
Prayer
God, thank you for your faithfulness and your power which I daily see at work around me. I choose to trust you in each situation–not merely to know that you can handle it, but also trusting that you will accomplish what is needed to bring me through.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

The Value of a Soul

  • January 4, 2025
This week I choose to see eternal value in the people around me. Despite their flaws and imperfections, the Creator loves and values them–and so must I.
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Scripture
Genesis 9:6
“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.”
Observation
Life holds value to God. He is the creator of life, and he values his creation. But among all of creation, humanity holds a specific and unique value to the Creator: We were created in His image! God decreed to Noah that out of all the animals and creatures that were to repopulate the earth, the blood of mankind held a special significance.
Application
It boggles my mind, to really stop and think about the idea that I am created in God’s image! Out of all of creation–why me? Why us? Why?
This reality doesn’t change based on a person’s behavior, or financial status, or social standing, or reputation, or appearance, or smell, or any of the other things that I would potentially use to classify and evaluate someone new that I meet. None of these things change the fact that every person who has ever walked the face of this earth, was created in the image of the Creator–and they are VALUABLE!
This understanding causes me to see others in a different way. Instead of merely seeing how they benefit me, or inconvenience me, or amuse me, or frustrate me, or intrigue me…I must cultivate the awareness that they are first and foremost, above all else, a priceless soul created in God’s own image.
This week I choose to see eternal value in the people around me. Despite their flaws and imperfections, the Creator loves and values them–and so must I.
Prayer
God, help me to value people the way that you do! Help me to give up my shallow grading system based on what I see and hear, or even merely imagine! Help me to see the eternal value of each soul that I meet, so that I could truly carry your love to those around me. Thank you for valuing me, even when my measurement scale says that my own value is deficient. You are so amazing!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Sacred Moments

  • January 3, 2025
“My decisions become sacred, when I choose to honor God in the mundane tasks of daily life.”
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Scripture
Luke 310-14
10 And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” 11 And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” 14 Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”
Observation
“What must we do?”
I don’t know what kind of response these people expected, but the reply they received from John seems so very simple: “Love others and treat them well, and be content!”
These instructions were not about achieving salvation through works, but rather of showing evidence of God’s spirit at work in their hearts.
Application
It can be tempting to classify my actions into ‘sacred’ and ‘secular’:
Reading the Bible? That’s sacred.
Praying and fasting? Yup, sacred also.
Interacting with the checkout clerk at Costco? That’s secular.
Paying my electric bill? Definitely secular.
This passage reminds me that every part of my day, and every interaction I have with others, is an opportunity to either honor or dishonor God with my actions.
The box of my old clothes on its way to the thrift store gains spiritual significance when I use it to bless someone else.
The lunch that I’m eating becomes sacred, when I share it with someone who needs to experience God’s goodness in a practical way.
The business deal I’m working on becomes sacred, when I navigate with God-honoring integrity and ethics.
My paycheck becomes sacred, when I receive it with a grateful heart of contentment!
In short, my decisions become sacred when I choose to honor God in the mundane tasks of daily life. Today, I choose to experience sacred moments in the mundanity of daily life–by honoring God in each decision and each interaction.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder that following you really isn’t that complicated. It simply requires a heart that is truly surrendered to you–not only in the huge, destiny-defining moments…but equally in the small, daily decisions which you call me to live out with integrity and a Christlike attitude.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

SOAP Devotions 10-17-24 – Kingdom Results

  • October 18, 2024
Following God always costs something. It may cost time, money, popularity, relationships, comfort, or even my life-but there will always be a cost. The question is, what price am I willing to pay, for what result?
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Scripture
Acts 7: 1- 2
“And the high priest said,”Are these things so?” And Stephen said, “Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran…”
Observation
Stephen was facing a serious issue: deadly, in fact. He could have responded in many different ways to the accusations and inflammatory words, attempting to defend himself–but he saw a divine opportunity to accomplish a greater purpose. He could have focused on reaching a personal win. Instead he chose to pay a high personal price, in order to achieve an even greater Kingdom win.
Application
Following God always costs something. It may cost time, money, popularity, relationships, comfort, or even my life-but there will always be a cost. The question is, what price am I willing to pay, for what result? This week I must seek Holy Spirit wisdom to seize the right opportunities-not for personal wins, but for Kingdom wins. I must seek Heaven’s perspective so that I would have the courage to pay the right price, for the right results.
Prayer
God, thank you for leading and guiding me through each season. Help me to see opportunities for Kingdom wins, and give me the courage to pay any price that you would require of me.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Past Victories, Present Miracles

  • September 25, 2024
I choose to honor and remember miracles and victories from my past–but I choose to live in the miracle of what God is doing today.
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Scripture
Ezra 3:12
“But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ houses, old men who had seen the first house, wept with a loud voice when they saw the foundation being laid, though many shouted aloud for joy.”
Observation
While the city celebrated the construction of God’s house, these men mourned. While the rest of the people celebrated what God was now doing, these men mourned for what used to be.
Application
It’s right and appropriate to remember heritage and history…but not at the expense of seeing what God is doing today. So long as I draw breath here on earth, God’s work in and through me will not be completed. So what is God doing today? Am I watching with awe and wonder what God is doing, or am I blinded by tears for what used to be?
Today I choose to honor and remember miracles and victories from my past–but I choose to live in the miracle of what God is doing today.
Prayer
God, thank you for your faithfulness! Help me never to forget what you have done, but help me also not to miss out on what you are doing today by allowing yesterday to consume my attention.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Confirmation and Strength

  • September 23, 2024
How do I interact with those around me? Do I settle for shallow praise and flattery, or do I ‘confirm’ people in their calling? When I leave, do people feel challenged, encouraged, and strengthened…or criticized and discouraged?
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Scripture
Daniel 11:1
“As for me, in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to confirm and strengthen him.”
Observation
This angel of God ministered to king Darius on God’s behalf, by confirming and strengthening him. There were specific things he needed as king. God knew the need, and supplied the need.
Application
People sometimes act oddly around authority. The conversations often turn to flattery or criticism, and people sometimes begin maneuvering and manipulating to get the things they want.
God knew that Darius needed none of this–rather he needed confirmation, and strength. Undoubtedly there were mistakes and even sins in his life which God could not endorse, but God confirmed him as a leader regardless.
How do I interact with those around me? Do I settle for shallow praise and flattery, or do I ‘confirm’ people in their calling? When I leave, do people feel challenged, encouraged, and strengthened…or criticized and discouraged?
Today I choose to learn how to speak with the heart of God. Not with shallow and self-serving flattery, nor yet with harsh criticisms…but with honest truth which confirms the calling of God on people’s lives and leaves them strengthened from having been around me.
Prayer
God, thank you for your confirmation and strength in my life! Help me to carry that same heart in my speech and interactions, so that others would be strengthened and elevated from having spent time with me.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Family, not Guests

  • September 19, 2024
It’s far simpler and safer to merely be hospitable to people as guests–but God calls me to welcome people into the family.
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Scripture
Ezekiel 47:21-22
“So shall you divide this land among you according to the tribes of Israel. You shall allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the sojourners who reside among you and have had children among you. They shall be to you as native-born children of Israel. With you they shall be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.”
Observation
Although God’s people were to be holy and distinct from the nations around them, God didn’t want them to have a superior or clique-ish attitude. Not only were they to welcome foreigners and immigrants into their land, they were specifically commanded to welcome them into the family! They were not merely to show hospitality to others as guests: they were to welcome them into their lives and their community.
Application
Letting someone into my life is risky business. As long as they are a guest, I can keep strict boundaries in place: guests don’t get to wander in and out of my home unsupervised, or dig through my pantry. They don’t get to stay for indefinite periods of time. But when I let someone into my life, those boundaries change. I still have boundaries, but now that person is part of the family, and they have all of the rights and privileges that go with being part of the family. They also have far greater ability to cause me frustration and pain. It’s far simpler and safer to merely be hospitable to people as guests–but God calls me to welcome people into the family.
In the kingdom of God, it’s easy to welcome people as guests and visitors: “Here’s where you can put your jacket and slippers until you leave, and the bathroom is down the hall.” …but it’s different to welcome them in as part of our future and our family. That requires accepting their issues and baggage, and letting them share the inheritance. It means giving them ownership, not just an open door.
Today I choose to open my heart to allow people in–not just as guests, but as family.
Prayer
God, thank you for welcoming me into your family! Give me courage and wisdom to welcome others as you have welcomed me, so that your family would grow as you desire. May the halls of your house show the marks and mess of a growing family, instead of the sterile spotlessness of a museum exhibit!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/
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