S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Don’t Settle For An Answered Prayer

  • September 24, 2026
Scripture
Luke 7:6, 10 – “So Jesus went with them. But just before they arrived at the house, the officer sent some friends to say, ‘Lord, don’t trouble yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor.’
“‘And when the officer’s friends returned to his house, they found the slave completely healed.’”
Observation
This centurion is often lauded as an example of great faith—and indeed, Jesus himself marveled at his faith. But, the further truth is that this man missed out! He had called for Jesus, and Jesus was on his way. But the centurion stopped Jesus from arriving, and settled merely for an answered prayer…instead of an encounter with the Savior.
He settled for a healing, but Jesus had planned a visit.
Application
Where am I settling for less than God’s best? God does answer my prayers—but is it possible that I’ve interrupted His travel plans, when He was on His way for a divine encounter?
The centurion had great reasons. For him, it was his humility—“I’m not worthy!” But the result was the same: Jesus was willing to do more than He was allowed.
In my life it could be humility…or pride…or busyness…or distractions…or any number of things. But the results are the same, and I prevent God from fulfilling that which He was willing to do.
Today, I choose not to cancel Jesus’ invitation! I choose to give Him the freedom to do all that He is willing, rather than limiting Him to merely that which I’ve asked from Him.
Prayer
God, you have a standing invitation. You are welcome in my life—not merely to do what I want you to do, but to do all that you are willing to do! I welcome your presence, not merely your power!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Supporting and Strengthening

  • September 23, 2026
Scripture
Daniel 11:1 – “And as for me, in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to confirm and strengthen him.”
Observation
What an interesting statement Daniel makes here! Darius was not a Hebrew king, indeed he was ruler of the nation that held the Israelites captive! Yet Daniel says that he “stood up to confirm and strengthen him.” Daniel gave public support and encouragement to the leader over him, despite not being in agreement with all that Darius stood for.
Application
How do I interact with the leaders over me? Do I only show up when I have a problem or complaint to drop in their lap? Do I only voice support when I agree with every decision they are making?
Like Daniel, I want to be a blessing and encouragement to those in authority over me. I choose to show support where I can, and to strengthen them where I am able.
Prayer
God, give me wisdom and discernment to be an encouragement and a blessing to those in authority over me! May my life build others up, instead of constantly wearing them down.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Blessing My Father

  • September 15, 2026
Scripture
Psalm 145:1-3
I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.
Observation
God blesses His people, but His people also bless Him. Not by supplying Him with something that He lacks, but by giving Him what He deserves–Praise!
Application
It seems almost arrogant–the idea that I could bless God. I have nothing that He needs, and I cannot give Him anything that He did not already give me! But when I think about Him as my heavenly Father, the idea becomes clearer.
My sons have nothing that I need. They cannot pay my mortgage, they cannot afford to put food on the table, and they cannot do my job for me. Yet when they bring me a drawing that they sketched, or when they show me gratitude, or when I hear them bragging about me to one of their friends…it blesses me! Not because I lacked something, but because I value their love.
I want to bless my heavenly Father’s heart like that!
I want to give Him my very best.
I want Him to overhear me, telling someone how amazing He is.
I want to let Him know how grateful I am for His love.
Not because I can give Him anything that He lacks, but simply because I am grateful for His love.
Prayer
God, thank you for loving me as my heavenly Father! You have been so good to me, over and over again! You have supplied all that I need. You have proven yourself capable and strong. There is no one like you, and I want the world to know how amazing You are!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

When He Speaks

  • September 14, 2026
Scripture
Ezekiel 36:4
“Therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Sovereign Lord: He speaks to the hills and mountains, ravines and valleys, and to ruined wastes and long deserted cities that have been destroyed and mocked by the surrounding nations.”
Observation
God spoke into the void and created the universe. But He also speaks to the things that once hummed with life, and now are silent and dead. God doesn’t lose interest or become discouraged when things fall apart! He is still the universe-speaker, the life-breather, and one who replaces hopelessness with certainty.
Application
A blank canvas is exciting. It carries the scent of limitless possibility, and the promise of something new. But a torn and water-damaged painting abandoned in the corner is a very different thing. Instead of excitement, it carries the weight and the grief of what used to be, but which is no more. But it is to these places of discouragement and failure that my God speaks!
He sees my defeat, and speaks victory.
He sees my discouragement, and speaks hope.
He sees my failure, and speaks His strength.
He sees my sin, and speaks His righteousness.
Today I choose to hear what my God is speaking.
Prayer
God, there are places in life that look dead, and it’s hard to see a future. But you are the God who breathes life, and speaks hope! Help me to hear you when you speak, and to believe your voice instead of accepting present reality. I know that in You, there are always better things ahead.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Judgement and Hope

  • September 9, 2026
Scripture
Obadiah 1:16-17
16 For as you have drunk on my holy mountain, so all the nations shall drink continually; they shall drink and swallow, and shall be as though they had never been. 17 But in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape, and it shall be holy, and the house of Jacob shall possess their own possessions.
Observation
Today’s reading from Lamentations, Obadiah, and Revelation is heavy! Judgement is the main theme–but although these passages are heavy, they carry such a vital reminder: Sin is a big deal! Decisions carry consequences, and the wages of sin is death.
This realization is what brings grace into perspective. Without an awareness of sin, grace would have no meaning or value. Without a looming debt owed, the price that was paid would have no context.
And here is the beautiful reminder in these heavy passages: “In Mount Zion there shall be those who escape, and it shall be holy.”
Application
Today’s reading reminds me of the cost of sin. It carries such a high price tag! Yet the point is not to merely be aware of the price–the point is so that I will be more aware, more grateful for the payment that was made on my behalf.
What a God I serve! What a Savior, who would pay my unpayable debt!
I choose today, to keep His payment in perspective.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder of the cost of my sin! You are merciful–but you are also just and righteous. Thank you for your unfathomable love, which is greater than my worst sin. Thank you for making me aware not only of my sin, but also of your grace!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

I Wanna Know What Love Is!

  • August 26, 2026
Scripture
2 John 1:5-6
“And now I ask you, dear lady–not as though I were writing a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning–that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.”
Observation
John says that the commandment “from the beginning” was to love. But then he goes on to explain what it means to love one another. It’s not open to personal definition: true love can only be found and expressed through following God’s commands.
Application
I need to keep learning what real love looks like! My opinions and my best efforts are not enough, apart from God! I can only show love in the right way, by staying aligned with Him. I can’t love my sons, without learning how a Godly father operates. I can’t adequately love my wife, if I don’t learn how Christ loved His church. And I can’t love my neighbor, if don’t treat them as the Creator commands.
True love is not blind agreement. It is not enablement. True love is expressing the unchanging nature of God’s character to those around me, by following His commands in my life.
Prayer
God, teach me to love! Help me to learn what real love is, by following your commands and knowing your heart.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Alignment vs. Location

  • August 11, 2026
Scripture
Jeremiah 7:9-10 
9 Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known, 10 and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, ‘We are delivered!’—only to go on doing all these abominations?
Observation
The people of Judah had a dangerous misunderstanding. They thought that their location at the temple of God would deliver them from judgement, though they continued to go out and do the same things that had already brought judgement on them! 
They confused their coordinates, with consecration.
God told them that they had been deceived: What mattered was not the location of their body, but the orientation of their heart!
Application
I’m so grateful for a church where I can fellowship, grow, and worship! But the critical thing is not the location where I place my body each week–the critical question is, what direction is my heart oriented?
I may be in God’s house each week–but is my focus straining outward, away from His presence? I may be around God’s people daily–but is my heart aligned with this fallen world?
Today I choose to keep my heart aligned with the King. My feet will follow where my heart is.
Prayer
God, thank you for the way you feed my soul each day! Help me today to keep my heart aligned with you. It’s not enough to merely spend time in the right location–I choose to orient my life in the right direction!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

The Decision And The Certainty

  • July 10, 2026
Scripture
Micah 7:8
Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me.
Observation
There are moments when the enemy seems to have reason to celebrate. The prophet Micah was in one of those moments–He was bruised from the fall, disoriented by the darkness that surrounded him. Yet he told his enemy, “Don’t celebrate just yet!”
Micah knew that there will be moments of falling down–when everything collapses around, leaving bruises and pain.
Micah knew that darkness was real–when there is no path forward, and when you’re not quite even sure where you are.
But with the same certainty, Micah declared “I SHALL rise, and the Lord WILL be a light to me!”
He knew: Present problems are powerless to prevent God’s promise.
Application
The ‘down’ moments happen–and sometimes they last a lot longer than just a moment! The enemy loves to seize these opportunities to rob joy, and steal hope. But like Micah, I must face these moments honestly and with courage. It doesn’t help to deny the darkness and the fall! 
There are two keys to overcoming these seasons: First, a non-negotiable determination to keep getting back up over and over again. Second, an unwavering confidence that God will supply enough light for the next step, when I need it. There are times that He chooses not to give enough light to see the next three steps…but He’ll give me enough light for the next step.
Today I choose to get back up, no matter how hard I’ve been knocked down. I choose to take the next step forward, trusting the amount of light that God has given me for this moment.
Prayer
God, thank you for your faithfulness in the difficult moments! Give me the courage to get back up when the enemy knocks me down, and I’m so grateful for the unwavering light of your Word which guides me step by step!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

The Value of Friendship

  • May 19, 2026
Scripture
1 Kings 4:5
“Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers; Zabud the son of Nathan was priest and king’s friend;”
Observation
What a fascinating detail to include in this list! Amid the names of King Solomon’s officers, leaders, and administrators, comes the name of Zabud: A priest…and the friend of the king.
Solomon’s father, King David, also had a friend: Hushai, the Archite.
These men were not just passing mentions in the historic record–they were the known and trusted inside circle. They were the one that the king could be open and transparent with, the one that the king could bounce ideas off of, before making a public decision. They were the one that the king could count on to be loyal, when the tide of public opinion turned.
Application
If the king of Israel needed a specific and intentional friend to rely on, how much more do I need to be intentional in the circle that I place around me! Our world places a high value on social interaction–but the king placed value on friendship.
There’s a difference! My social circle may be large, but it is not always stable or worthy of deep trust. My social circle plays an important role–but my friends are those that I can truly count on.
It’s amazing to me that out of an entire kingdom (…and all the surrounding kingdoms of allies!), King Solomon lists one friend. He undoubtedly had healthy interaction each day with many people who played a vital role–but he had one friend.
Friendship doesn’t happen by chance. It takes wisdom, courage, boldness, risk, commitment, and a long-term investment of time. The cost is high–but the payoff is incalculable!
This week, I choose to invest in specific and intentional friendships. They are not many in number, but they are priceless in value.
Prayer
God, thank you for friendship! Give me wisdom in navigating the friendships I hold dear–to take the risk of letting those into my inner circle who belong there, and discernment to allow those into my larger social circle to remain in the right role for them. You created me to live in relationship, and in community!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Seeing Value, Lending Momentum

  • May 14, 2026
Scripture
1 Chronicles 22:9-10, 19
9 Behold, a son shall be born to you who shall be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his surrounding enemies. For his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days. 10 He shall build a house for my name. He shall be my son, and I will be his father, and I will establish his royal throne in Israel forever.’
19 Now set your mind and heart to seek the LORD your God. Arise and build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy vessels of God may be brought into a house built for the name of the LORD.”
Observation
David and his son could not be more different! David was the giant-slayer, Solomon was the wise scholar. David was a man of decisive action, Solomon was a man to stop and consider. David’s kingdom was defined by conflict and conquest, Solomon’s kingdom would be defined by rest and peace throughout the land.
But David doesn’t use these differences as an excuse to disrespect his son, or to try to force Solomon to be more like him. He calls out the differences and names them, then sets up Solomon to thrive as the next king, uniquely as God created him to be. In fact–David exerts his own influence while still on the throne to lend extra momentum that he knows Solomon will need, by stockpiling wealth and resources for the temple that Solomon will someday build.
Yet David also sees the accompanying weaknesses in Solomon. He sees the tendency toward inaction, and the necessity of Solomon not using his God-given personality as an excuse in life. David tells him “Arise! Build! Set your mind and heart to seek God!”
Application
It can be hard to relate to people who thing very differently from me, and who are built very differently than me. I see places where my own personality and strengths have led to good outcomes in my own life–so therefore, everyone else should do the same things…right?
But my natural strengths also define my natural weaknesses–and like David, I must be intentional to appreciate those who are strong in areas where I am not. They may not be called to fill the same role as me–just as I am probably not called to fill the same role as them. But the question is, do I value them enough to help set them up for success? Do I invest myself, and lend my own influence to give them the momentum they need in order to succeed?
…and when the moment is right, do I call them out in areas where they need to grow?
I’m grateful that God saw value in me, despite my own issues. I choose to see value in others today.
Prayer
God, thank you for seeing value in me! Help me to see the value that you have instilled in those around me, instead of merely wishing they were more like me. What a boring and ineffective world that would be! Help me today to speak encouragement when needed, and corrective inspiration when necessary. Help me today, to lend momentum to the success of someone around me.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/
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