S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Formed, Known, Set Apart, and Appointed

My calling and purpose in life is different than that of Jeremiah–but the same God who formed him, formed me.
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Scripture
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” 
Observation
What an amazing word this is, that Jeremiah received from God! What assurance he had when the going got tough, that God had a plan and a purpose for his life–before his life even started.
Application
My calling and purpose in life is different than that of Jeremiah–but the same God who formed him, formed me.
The same God knows me, and has set me apart to fulfill the purpose for which He created me. He has appointed me to a calling, so that His plans would be accomplished in me.
This week, I choose to walk with confidence in the calling God has given me–not because of my own merit or qualification, but because my heavenly Father has a purpose for my life. 
Prayer
God, thank you for the assurance that you have a plan and a purpose for my life. Thank you for the confidence of knowing that you know me and love me, and you are guiding my steps. 

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Holy Discord

Against the force of united godlessness, Micaiah’s integrity required him to be the voice of holy discord.
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Scripture
1 Kings 22:13-14
13 And the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, “Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.” 14 But Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, what the LORD says to me, that I will speak.” 
Observation
Four hundred men who called themselves prophets had been gathered by the king, and had all given the same answer: “Go for it! You will be victorious!”  Yet something was still nagging at the back of the king’s mind…Micaiah had not yet responded.
Micaiah was summoned, and pressured to give the same answer which the 400 had given. Although he was outnumbered, Micaiah cared more about the true word of the Lord than he did about the pressure around him. Against the force of united godlessness, his integrity required him to be the voice of holy discord.

Application
It’s not easy to stand for truth, when the surrounding voices are united in falsehood. It’s not easy to stand for righteousness, when facing unified wickedness. It’s not easy to be the voice of holy discord.
I must care more about ‘what the Lord says’, than about what the popular narrative says. Despite popular opinion and ‘commonly accepted facts’, God’s truth stands unchanged and unshaken.
This week, I need to listen for ‘what the Lord says’–and speak the same. Not entering conflict for the sake of proving a point, but rather standing on truth for the sake of a lost world who need to hear the voice of the Savior.
Prayer
God, thank you for your voice and your word which guide me. Give me boldness to stand for truth, when error is more popular. When differences arise, help me to make a difference in the world for your kingdom- rather than just proving a point for my own self-satisfaction. When necessary, give me wisdom and strength to be the voice of holy discord in a way which honors you.

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Welcoming His Presence

I cannot expect His ‘presents’ if I reject His ‘presence’. 
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Scripture
John 5:37-40
“And the Father who sent me has himself born witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent. You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” 
Observation
The Pharisees “had” the word of God, but is was not abiding in them. They had read the word of God, but never heard his voice. They searched the scriptures to obtain eternal life, but rejected the One to whom the scriptures pointed. 
Application
Mere head-knowledge about God’s word will not accomplish his transformation within me, if I reject His presence in my life. His word is not a technical reference manual to be read for information–it is an expression of His love for me, to lead me into a closer relationship with Him so that I can experience the full measure of His blessings. I cannot expect His ‘presents’ if I reject His ‘presence’. 
Prayer
God, thank you for your word, your voice, your presence, and your life. Help me to daily surrender to you as my Lord, and walk in relationship with you–rather than merely seeking knowledge ‘about’ you. I welcome you into each part of my life. 

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Unshaken

Today’s SOAP journal is brought to you by NHL Kid’s Church Director, Stacey Fukushima
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Scripture
Psalm 62:5-6 5
“Yes, my soul finds rest in God; my hope comes from Him. 6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”
Observation
David wasn’t saying that things were fine, or that he wasn’t fighting opposition. The verses prior to this declaration, David was talking about how people would try to manipulate him to bring about his downfall. David had experienced the highs and lows of life and chose to walk with God during these times. And not once did he blame God, but instead he put his hope in God. He trusted God to be his salvation, his safety, and his security and because of that he could stand against adversity. 
Application
The trials of life come to all people, and I am no exception to that, but like David, I can find rest for my soul, that is, comfort and peace if I give my worries to God.
God as my rock means he is the foundation that I build my life on, and what my feet are planted on. God’s word is unchanging, and his promises are Yes and Amen! God is my fortress means He will surround me, and as my fortress I will not be susceptible to outside influence or disturbance. Even with the obstacles that come against me, I will not be shaken. 
Prayer
Thank you for your promises, and for giving us a covenant that was built on bigger and better promises. Thank you for being a loving Father that I can run to, to find rest and safety. Amen.  

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The Honest Truth

The power of the savior speaks for itself. His story needs no embellishment, no enhancement, no revision…but simply the honest conviction of a heart transformed.
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Scripture
2 Peter 1:16
“For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” 
Observation
The record of Jesus Christ in scripture is not a cleverly designed myth, but rather a simple and honest record from those who were witnesses of his majesty and power. The power of the savior speaks for itself. His story needs no embellishment, no enhancement, no revision…but simply the honest conviction of a heart transformed. 
Application
I have seen the power of God in my life. I have experienced his transformation, his healing, his presence, and his provision. God has not asked me to be his screenplay writer, but simply his witness. The story being told is His story, not my own. This week, I must be intentional to allow his story to be told through me. I must be courageous to speak out the things that God has done in my life, so that his story could continue in the lives of those around me. 
Prayer
God, thank you for the simple, honest truth that I read in your word. Thank you for your story of redemption told through the ages, which is still being told today. Give me boldness this week to bear witness to your greatness, and tell others about what you’ve done in my life! 
 
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Our Glorious God

God does not hide His actions or His majesty; rather He proclaims His identity and presence throughout all of time and all of creation so that we would be witnesses of Him.

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Scripture
Isaiah 43:10-13
 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. 11 I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior. 12 I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God. 13 Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?”
Observation
God is unique in existence, unique in power, unique in love, unique in greatness – and He desires for mankind to recognize Him for who He is. He does not hide His actions or His majesty; rather He proclaims His identity and presence throughout all of time and all of creation so that we would be witnesses of Him.
Application
Last week I drove to the top of Mauna Kea to watch the sunset with some friends. The air was clear, and the colors breathtaking. The tropical storm last week had washed the air clean, and we were able to see the whole island spread out before us as the light faded. As the sky darkened, the stars began to come out and the milky way glowed brightly. Meteorites flashed by above us, and distant galaxies twinkled and glimmered.  My friends and I talked the next morning about how clearly we had seen the power and majesty of God on display there on top of the mountain. I can’t watch the glory of God’s handiwork, without acknowledging the glory of the One who created it all!
God wants me to see Him at work. He is actively at work in my life- saving and sustaining me so that I would be a witness of His greatness. Although I will never fully grasp the magnitude of my creator, He desires for me to glimpse His majesty–not just for my own enjoyment, but so that I can worship Him as He deserves.
 
This week, I need to take time to recognize what God is doing. I need to put the busyness on ‘pause’, so that I could worship the Creator as He desires. I need to direct the attention of those around me to what God is doing–not merely living life as a passive ‘observer’, but actively testifying and attesting to the greatness of the God who created me and saved me.
Prayer
God, thank you for showing me glimpses of your greatness. Thank you for actively working in my life–not merely to make my life ‘better’, but to bring glory to yourself. You deserve the glory, and you deserve my worship!
Give me boldness to be a witness of and to your greatness, that I would daily point those around me back to you, so that your glory would be revealed in their lives also. 
 
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Perishable

The wealth and trappings of this world become as perishable as a pack of Costco romaine lettuce when viewed next to eternity.
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Scripture
1 Peter 1:17-19
“Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” 
Observation
Faith in God changes our perspective. Life without a knowledge of God gravitates to a self-absorbed scramble toward personal gain and accumulation of that which our world views as having value…because this world is the sum total of all that matters.
Life with God sees this world as nothing more than a temporary dwelling place–and all the wealth and trappings become as perishable as a pack of Costco romaine lettuce when viewed next to eternity. 
Application
True and living faith in God is not merely an added upgrade to the life I already live. Faith in God is a reverent acknowledgement of His supremacy over all things, and a surrendering of my desires and views to His way instead.
The only way I can experience that transformation is through the precious blood of Christ. His blood is the only thing that can change the outcome of my eternal future–not gold, silver, stocks, real estate, or bitcoin…but the blood of Christ.  All of these other things are merely the temporary things I use on the journey toward my destination. Like a tray of microwaved food on the airplane, it accomplishes a useful purpose–but if I become obsessed with accumulating crates of airline dinners, it will merely slow me down on my way to my destination.
Prayer
God, thank you for the transformation that you bring! Thank you for not leaving me as I was before I knew you, but instead transforming me daily to become more like you. Thank you for your precious blood, which paid my own debt and changed my eternal future! Help me to live with a proper perspective on the journey–to use the blessings you give me in a way that honors you, without getting weighed down by the temporary and perishable things of this world. 
 
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Unity and Accountability

Unified purpose and mutual accountability open the door for Kingdom growth.
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Scripture
 2 Chronicles 29:34
“But the priests were too few and could not flay all the burnt offerings, so until other priests had consecrated themselves, their brothers the Levites helped them, until the work was finished—for the Levites were more upright in heart than the priests in consecrating themselves.”
Observation
The people of God were turning back to Him, and a huge spiritual awakening was underway. The house of God was being cleaned, prepared, and consecrated, and the sacrifices were once again being offered to God. What an amazing moment for the king, the Levites, and the priests as they led the people back to their God!
Unfortunately the priests were caught unprepared. They didn’t expect that magnitude of a response from the people, and they didn’t expect to be truly needed for what was about to take place. Their casual and careless attitude led to a real problem, as their lack of planning began to hinder the move of God which was taking place. Their cavalier mindset hindered the worship of the people, and caused an unfair and improper load to be placed on the Levites.
The Levites stepped in to assist, but they held the priests accountable. They kept the process rolling, but they didn’t bend the rules or relax the expectations that God had set for the priests–instead they challenged the priests to step up their game. 
 
Application
My attitude toward my calling will either work in harmony with God, or in opposition to Him. If I treat my calling and responsibilities casually or carelessly, I will hinder God’s work and cause an unfair burden to be placed on those who serve with me in God’s kingdom. I must treat the Gospel of Christ with the seriousness that it deserves, and do my part to prepare myself for a God-sized move of His spirit.
There will be situations when those around me are not ready for what God is doing–and I must be ready to fill in the gaps with a heart of humility. Not to cover up or gloss over lax behavior, but rather to come alongside them and help carry their load for a short season while raising the bar of expectation. God is not honored by a ‘not my job’ attitude, nor is He honored if I enable Kingdom leaders to coast along with a careless or casual attitude.
Unified purpose and mutual accountability open the door for Kingdom growth.
Prayer
God, thank you for the privilege of serving in your kingdom! Help me to live daily with the care and intentionality that your gospel deserves, so that I would never become a hindrance to what you desire to do.
Help me to serve my brothers and sisters in Christ with humility, and consistently raise the bar of expectation in a way that glorifies you so that your purposes would be accomplished. 

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Source and Supply

I have no lack of clean water to fill my heart, I only need to choose to make use of it.
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Scripture
James 3:9-11
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?”
Observation
Inconsistent flow from a spring, indicates pollution at its source. Inconsistent speech, reveals pollution in my heart. 
Application
Scripture teaches that my mouth will speak that which my heart is full of. If I curse my neighbor with one breath and then praise God with the next, my speech is revealing a polluted catchment tank in my heart. God’s love cannot mix with hatred. His forgiveness cannot mix with unforgiveness. The self-control developed by the fruit of His Spirit cannot mix with untamed, angry outbursts.
When my speech reveals heart-pollution, I need to examine my source. God’s Word and God’s voice will not cause that pollution, so what have I been allowing to affect my heart?
Yesterday I went snorkeling with my son on a section of the Kona coast where freshwater springs bubble up from underneath the salty ocean water.  No matter how much salt water surrounds them, the springs consistently flow with fresh water.  How can they remain fresh, when surrounded by the pressure of all the surrounding salt? Their source is unpolluted–they simply have no salt within them, to flow outward.
At times life feels like those springs. The pollution of worldly ideas, values, and messages swirl around me on a daily basis. Yet even though I don’t control what surrounds me, through the Holy Spirit I can control what I allow to fill my heart.
The pure supply of God’s word is always available to me. His Spirit is alive within me, and guiding me. I have no lack of clean water to fill my heart, I only need to choose to make use of it.  This week I choose to drink from the clean water of God’s word, so that the things that flow out from me would be Christ-honoring and pure.
Prayer
God, thank you for the pure water of your Word. Reveal to me when there is pollution in my heart, so that I could choose to walk daily closer to you and daily more in tune with your heart. Thank you for the strength of your Holy Spirit–not only to resist the pollution, but also to overflow with your heart and values so that your truth could flow out of me to affect the world around me.

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Potential

Christ’s love looks beyond our present, to see our potential.
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Scripture
Isaiah 19:25
“The Lord Almighty will bless them, saying “Blessed by Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance.”” 
Observation
What a jarring passage of scripture!
Throughout the Bible we see Egypt as a force of evil–in conflict with God’s people, and consistently enduring the judgement of God. But for Egypt to be known as “God’s people”?!
Even in their Godless, sinful state, God was able to look at Egypt and Assyria and see who they would someday become through the power of Christ. 
Application
It’s often easy to see people’s present situation, and forget about who they could become. God dealt with Egypt and enacted judgement on them on many occasions…but He never forgot about their potential and the promise awaiting them in the Messiah who was to come.
I want to see people the way that God does–acknowledging reality, but never losing sight of their potential in Christ. I don’t want to lock people in a box of their worst moments, but rather point them forward to their highest potential.
This isn’t always easy, when people display their worst. I need to daily seek God’s wisdom and strength, to love people the way that He does.
Prayer
God, thank you for never giving up on me. Help me to love others with that same love, even when it’s not easy. Help me to see the potential in people, rather than just seeing them through the lens of their present state.

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