S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

SOAP 11/4/25 – Eyes to See

Scripture

Mark 15:39
“And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
Observation
The crowd who had demanded his crucifixion saw Jesus as nothing more than a side show. As he suffered on the cross, they said ‘wait and see if Elijah shows up to rescue him!’ They were hoping for a spectacle, and a moment of entertainment–but they didn’t care about seeing truth.
The centurion, on the other hand, was familiar with death. He had doubtless seen many men die, probably many by his own hand. He wasn’t looking for a spectacle or a show, but instead he saw Jesus: The King of the Jews, the King of kings, the Son of God–the man whose execution he was supervising. He wasn’t even necessarily a Godly man, but he had eyes to see the King.
Application
In most of life, I see what I’m looking for. If I’m looking for problems, I’ll see problems. If I’m looking for beauty, I’ll see beauty. The flip side is that I tend NOT to see the things that I’m not looking for!
It’s a scary thought in a way–that I could be looking at the Son of God, and not actually see him. I don’t want to go through life like the crowd there at the cross: looking for scandal and entertainment, watching for something to amuse me…and missing the miracle of grace happening right in front of me.
I would rather be the centurion instead–flawed, imperfect, sinful…but with eyes to see the King. Today I choose to look for the Savior–in conversations, in the situations of life, even in the moments of scandal, tragedy, and death: He is there, he is gracious and kind, and his power is on display for those with eyes to see it.
Prayer
God, I want to see you! Not just for my own entertainment, but so I can experience your power and your grace! Open my eyes to notice what you are doing today, even when the bloodthirsty crowd is eagerly looking for a spectacle.
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/

Seeking His Favor

To walk in God’s favor, I must submit to God’s kingship.
================================
Scripture

1 Samuel 13:12-13a
“I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the Lord.’ So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.” And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly.”
Observation
Saul acknowledged that he needed the favor of God-but he sought the favor of God by doing things that caused him to lose God’s favor. He wanted the favor of God, but he wanted it on his own terms. He wanted the blessings of God on ‘his’ kingdom, but neglected to honor the kingship of God.
Application
I need the favor of God! The things he has entrusted to me are too much for me to do without divine favor and guidance. I must pursue his favor–and his favor is mine when I acknowledge his kingship and walk in the ways that his favor can accompany. He cannot favor that which is contrary to his nature.
This week, I need the favor of God–and so I must walk in the ways of God.
Prayer
God, thank you for giving me strength and favor to do all that you’ve called me to do! Help me to never forget your kingship, and give me wisdom to walk in your ways. I need your presence and your Spirit, not merely your blessings.

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/

Uniquely Called

As I align myself with the heart of God, he is able to use me fully for his glory…in the way that he desires.
======================
Scripture

1 Corinthians 12:4-7,11
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
Observation
Each member of the body of Christ has access to the same Holy Spirit, who empowers each member for the good of the whole body–not for personal gain or self-importance. Every member of the body has a different function and purpose, assigned by the head (Christ). His desire is to fully utilize each part of the body, as each part of the body fully submits to Him.
Application
It’s easy to become distracted from our purpose and calling. When I become focused on someone else’s gift, or someone else’s calling, I can let my attention wander away from the places where God wants to use me. God has a plan and a purpose for my life, which is revealed as I submit my desires to his plans. He wants to empower me, he wants to move through me–in accordance with his will.
Instead of letting myself become distracted, discouraged, or envious with someone else’s calling, I must keep my heart in tune with Christ, the head of all. As I align myself with him, he is able to use me fully for his glory…in the way that he desires.
Prayer
God, help me to fully surrender to you. Not seeking your empowerment for my own glory or ego, but submitting my desires to yours so that you would be glorified through my life. Thank you for the privilege of serving you in the way you have called me, and help me to keep my eyes on you instead of trying to imitate others.

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/

Changing Seasons, Consistent Purpose

Seasons keep on changing–and every season is different. The things that remain constant are God’s faithfulness, and the fact that he has a purpose for my life.
===========================
Scripture

Joshua 13:1
“Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the Lord said to him, ‘You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess.'”
Observation
Joshua was reaching a season when many would be looking to sit back and enjoy a slower pace–but God said there was ‘very much land’ still remaining to be taken. God acknowledged his age and his season, but told him that the job wasn’t finished yet. God didn’t expect Joshua to fulfill this season on his own power any more than the previous seasons–and God was faithful to empower Joshua just as he always had.
Application
Seasons keep on changing–and every season is different. The things that remain constant are God’s faithfulness, and the fact that he has a purpose for my life. In every season, I must remain attentive to his voice, because he’s not done with me yet!
This week I need to remain attentive and faithful to his purpose for me, so that he would be glorified in my life.
Prayer
God, thank you for your faithfulness through every changing season! Thank you for giving me strength to do all that you’ve called me to do. Help me to walk faithfully and fulfill your plans in my life, until the day I hear you say “well done!”

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/

People, not Problems

The community saw the beggar’s problem, but Jesus saw him.
============================
Scripture
John 9:1,8
1 – As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth.
8 – The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?”
Observation
The neighbors and community saw him “as a beggar” but Jesus saw him.
They couldn’t say for sure if this was even the same man…but Jesus knew him.
They saw him as an inconvenience and interruption to their day, Jesus saw him as a broken person who was made in the image of God.
Application
Do I see people, or do I merely see their issue, and the way they interrupt my life? Every one of us is broken in some way, and yet we are also all created in the image of God. Do I take the time to recognize His image?
His desire is that I would follow His example: giving generously as He gave, loving as He loved, and caring as He cared.
This week, I need to be intentional to see people–not just problems.
Prayer
God, thank you for seeing me and loving me. Help me to see people the way you do, so I could love the way that you love.
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/

 

Worthy of Worship

God’s greatness cannot be contained or ignored!
=====================

Scripture
Psalm 145:10-12
“All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.” 
Observation
God’s greatness cannot be contained or ignored! His creation sings his praise, and all that He does, reveals His power and might. 
Application
God is great, and He deserves my attention and my worship. Not only the worship songs that I sing each weekend, but also the worship of my life–in the way that I focus my own heart to see and acknowledge His power, and in the way that I point out His greatness to those around me.
This week, I choose to worship God with my daily life so that others could see Him the way that I do. 
Prayer
God, thank you for your greatness and goodness! Help me to live a life of worship, so that others would come to know you as I do! 

Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://testing.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

 

When you see it…

One glimpse of the identity and power of Jesus Christ changes everything
============================

Scripture
Revelation 19:11-13
“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.” 
Observation
What an amazing glimpse of the power and majesty of Jesus Christ! The humility displayed by Jesus here on earth was not a humility necessitated by weakness-rather it was a willing decision by Him to subject his infinite power and majesty to the humiliation of the cross, because of his love for mankind. 
Application
Some of my friends regularly post images on Facebook, with captions like “When you see it…” The image will appear a certain way at first glance –but there will be something hidden or concealed in the image which changes the whole picture once it is glimpsed.
This is how Jesus is! The world sees him as merely a guy who lived a long time ago…but one glimpse of his true identity and power changes everything.
This week I need to take time to see and recognize the power, majesty, and identity of Jesus Christ. I must once again acknowledge and submit to His kingship in my life. In my interactions with others, I must daily point people to him so that they can also see him–because “when you see it”…everything changes. 
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for this glimpse of your majesty and power!
Help me to see you as you are, to glimpse your true nature as the king of kings and Lord of lords. Help me to point others to you, so that this world would be changed by your identity. 

Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://testing.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

 

The Role of the Watchman

The watchman was not responsible for the people’s decision in responding to his warning cry, but he was responsible to sound the alarm.
=================

Scripture
Ezekiel 33:5-6
5 He heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But if he had taken warning, he would have saved his life. 6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand. 
Observation
This passage is a sobering wake-up call, both to Israel and also to her prophets. Destruction was drawing near, and God wanted the alarm to be sounded. The city watchman is used as a symbol of God using His prophets to warn God’s people of His coming judgement–if the watchman sounded the alarm and the people listened, they could be saved from the destruction. If the watchman didn’t sound the alarm though, then the watchman would bear responsibility for the resulting deaths. The watchman was not responsible for the people’s decision in responding to his warning cry, but he was responsible to sound the alarm.
Application
There’s a fine line of responsibility in how I interact with others. No matter how much I love them and want the best for them, they are ultimately responsible for their own decisions. God requires me to do the things He’s called me to do, but the outcome doesn’t rest on my shoulders. This can be frustrating when I see people that I care about destroying themselves with unwise decisions, but it also means that I don’t get to take the credit when they do heed my warning and turn around–the glory belongs to God, not me.
This personal-responsibility boundary is what keeps me grounded and healthy through the crazy times as well as the great moments–as long as I’m fulfilling the things to which God has called me, then I don’t get to take the credit or beat myself up with blame.
This week, I choose to sound the alarm when danger looms near. I choose to be courageous to speak up to get the attention of those who don’t see the approaching destruction. I choose not to blame myself for the destructive decisions of those around me, and with the grace of God I choose to remain humble instead of puffing myself up in pride when my warning results in a life saved–because the glory belongs to God.
Prayer
God, thank you for loving us enough to warn us when danger is approaching! Give me courage to speak up when needed, so your love could save people from destruction. As I fulfill my calling, help me to keep a healthy boundary in not blaming myself when people decide to ignore the warning cry–and help me to always give you the glory when I see you accomplishing transformation in people’s lives…because I cannot take the credit for the work that you are doing. 

Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://testing.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

 

The Right Thing

Instead of fighting an outcome they couldn’t control, the Hebrew men instead stood on the ‘right’ decision they had made, and trusted God with the outcome.
======================
Scripture
Daniel 3:16-18
“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold that you have set up!” 
Observation
If ever there was a time to defend yourself, it would be when your life is threatened. These Hebrew men had a different reaction though. They knew their decision was right, regardless of the outcome. They also knew that the outcome was out of their control–so instead of fighting an outcome they couldn’t control, they instead stood on the ‘right’ decision they had made, and trusted God with the outcome. 
Application
I like to maintain control–particularly when it comes to my safety and well-being. ‘Not’ defending myself feels unnatural–but sometimes the issue at stake is greater than my own personal safety or comfortability. There are some decisions that can be debated and weighed, and others that are simply ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. Following Christ means doing the right thing, even when the outcome may not be what I want.
Trusting God means trusting Him no matter the outcome, not only if the outcome is one that I prefer. 
This week, I choose to follow Christ–not just doing what is comfortable, but what is right. 
Prayer
God, thank you for being big enough to handle every situation I could face. Give me courage to make decisions that honor you, and faith to trust you no matter what the outcome is. 
 
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://testing.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

The Price of Peace

Peace always has a price–but true and lasting peace cannot be obtained without first submitting to the Prince of Peace.
========================

Scripture
Jeremiah 44:15-16
“Then all the men who knew that their wives were burning incense to other gods, along with all the women who were present — a large assembly — and all the people living in Lower and Upper Egypt, said to Jeremiah, “We will not listen to the message you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord!” 
Observation
God only knows how many times the men of Israel had turned away to idols…but this time it appears that the women of the community were the instigators. The men may not have been directly engaged in the idol worship, but rather than confront the issue they instead defended the sin of their wives, and brought down God’s judgement on them all.
They wanted peace…but they sought peace at home, at the expense of peace with God. Peace always has a price–but true and lasting peace cannot be obtained without first submitting to the Prince of Peace. 
Application
Peace costs something. The price might be a tense conversation, or a boundary that I don’t like, or a severed friendship, or even an act of self-sacrifice that I’d rather avoid. Conflict and tension are unavoidable in life–and avoiding the conflict cannot create peace. The question is, what peace am I seeking? Am I surrendered first and foremost to the Almighty God, and walking in peace with Him? Or am I pursuing peace with the world around me, at the expense of my relationship with God?
This week, I choose to pay the price for peace with my savior above all else. 
Prayer
God, thank you for paying the price so that I can have peace with you!
Help me to daily prioritize that peace above all else, trusting that you are the prince of peace through every challenge and every conflict. 

Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://testing.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

 

Back To Top