by Nap Cajipe | Jul 18, 2026 | Devotional Lessons
Title: Bloom Where You’re Planted
Song of Solomon 2:1-2 KJV
“I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns…”
From the Temple carvings to the fields of Israel, the lily has always held a special place in God’s creation. And in Song of Solomon, it becomes a picture for us.
1. The PLACE of the Lily: In the Valley
Lilies don’t grow on mountaintops. They grow in valleys — low, dark, overlooked places. Life has valleys, too. But God can make beauty grow even there.
2. The PRESSURE on the Lily: Among Thorns
Thorns mean pain. Thorns mean trials. The lily is surrounded by them, yet it still blooms. Paul knew about thorns. He prayed three times for relief, but God answered with grace instead. “My grace is sufficient for thee” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV. God’s grace helps us bloom right in the middle of the hurt.
3. The PURPOSE of the Lily: To Shine
The Lord Jesus Christ told us to “Consider the lilies of the field…” — Matthew 6:28 KJV. Even Solomon’s royal robes couldn’t compare to one lily. Why? Because the lily doesn’t let its dirt define it. It stays beautiful and gives off fragrance no matter where it grows.
I read an article about a coal mine visitor in West Virginia who once saw this: everything was covered in black dust — walls, machines, people. But one white lily was growing there, perfectly clean. The dust couldn’t stick to it.
We are called to be like that lily.
When God’s people were in Babylon, it would’ve been easy to quit. But through Jeremiah, God said:
“…plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them… seek the peace of the city… and pray unto the LORD for it” — Jeremiah 29:5,7 KJV
God was saying: Grow there. Bless there. Bloom there.
So, the question for us is:
Will we shrink, or will we increase?
Will we wither, or will we grow?
Will we fade, or will we bloom?
If you’re in a valley today, or surrounded by thorns, remember: You are planted on purpose. God sees you.
“…shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” — Matthew 6:30 KJV
BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED!
by Nap Cajipe | Jul 17, 2026 | Devotional Lessons
Title: GREAT PEACE
Text: Psalm 119:165 “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.”
The first question we ask is: “How can I obtain this great peace?”
In this stanza, David gives us practical instruction. This “great peace” is within reach of every person who has a Bible and loves God’s Word.
1. IT IS A MATTER OF FOCUS
Peace comes from focusing on God and His Word.
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee” — Isaiah 26:3
David was under heavy persecution. Yet his heart stood in “awe” of God’s Word — Psalm 119:161.
Knowing that God is working all things together for our good gives us peace — Romans 8:28.
Jesus also said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended” — John 16:1.
People with a Scriptural view of themselves cannot be shaken by what others say.
2. IT IS A MATTER OF CHOICE
When difficult days came, David had to make a choice. It’s the same choice you and I must make: How will we respond to problems?
Our decisions determine our actions.
David chose to make the Word of God the focus of his life. He took definite action.
He faced terrible circumstances, but he chose to respond in a right way — by staying focused on God’s Word.
The “peace of God” comes through the Word of God. Because David chose God’s Word, he found that sweet peace which sustained him and delivered him from the frustrations of life.
3. IT IS A MATTER OF NOT BEING OFFENDED
Notice the second part: “and nothing shall offend them.”
There are people who are constantly getting their feelings hurt. Around them it’s like walking on eggshells. You’re afraid to say or do anything that might set them off.
That is often proof that they do not love God’s Word, but only focus on themselves.
When a man truly loves God’s Word and has the peace of God ruling in his heart, he will not be easily offended by what others say or do.
Let us continue to indulge ourselves in His Word by reading it daily.
Let us cultivate a prayerful habit in our lives.
When we love His law, we get His peace.
When we focus on His Word, nothing can offend us.
“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” — Psalm 119:165
God bless you all 🙏
by Nap Cajipe | Jul 14, 2026 | Devotional Lessons
Today’s devotion reminds us that we often act like Ananias. When assigned a task, we might complain, perhaps because we focus on our own capabilities. Our service shouldn’t be centered on people; people will always let us down, including ourselves. Instead, if we focus our service on God, nothing can keep us from serving the Lord.
Bible Reading of the Day
AM – Job 16-18
PM – Acts 9:1-22
Title: Our Prejudice Limits Our Effectiveness
Acts 9:13 KJV
Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem.
I remember a time when the late Pastor Selva and I used to distribute tracts near the Farrer Park MRT station. Suddenly, I heard a loud argument between Pastor Selva and another man. Pastor Selva was about 6.2 feet tall, and the other man was a bit taller. I quickly ran to them and heard my pastor say, “Here, my pastor will talk to him.” I looked at him, and without a word, he winked at me, indicating that he wanted me to share the gospel with the man.
This man looked furious, and aside from his height, I felt like a dwarf standing between two giants. Even though I was afraid to speak with him, I gently asked what he was arguing about. I learned that he was arguing about truth. He then told me that if I believed the gospel was true, I shouldn’t stop spreading it until the whole world knew. I was shocked, but I composed myself and began sharing the gospel with him. Although I don’t remember his exact response, I’m sure he professed acceptance of Christ as his Saviour.
I just finished preaching at a Bible Conference here in Fiji, and the subject was “Soulwinning.” One of the topics I discussed was that many Christians are hesitant to share the Gospel because of fear of rejection. Some even think that, because they are Fijians, they are unlikely to listen to a foreigner like me. I rejected that notion right away and told them that we need to get rid of that kind of prejudice. What is needed is a willing heart and our availability to be used in the ministry of soulwinning. The Word of God knows no races! In fact, the command given to us is to go and preach the Gospel to every creature.
Many times, we behave like Ananias, knowing the person and afraid to minister to them. But little do we know, they’re just waiting for us to approach them and tell them the wondrous story of Christ’s marvellous work on the Cross of Calvary – that He died for all, and whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. Yes, we may ask, “Why me, Lord?” We may not get the answer today, but one day, when we see Him face-to-face, we’ll thank Him for the ministry and work He entrusted to us!
Let’s go and tell the world that Jesus Saves without prejudice!
by Nap Cajipe | Jul 10, 2026 | Devotional Lessons
Today’s devotion challenges our faith. While our struggles may not match Job’s suffering, he provides valuable lessons on managing adversity.
Bible Reading of the Day
AM – Job 13-15
PM – Acts 8:26-40
Title: Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him!
Job 13:15 KJV
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
When faced with extreme difficulties and hitting rock bottom, maintaining integrity becomes difficult. However, Job’s trust in God guided and directed him through these hardships. Job exemplifies qualities similar to Christ in many ways. Notably, it is important that Job’s “heel” was specifically targeted and marked.
The earliest reference to a “heel” in the Bible appears in Genesis 3:15, where God delivers judgment on the serpent’s seed: “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Christ’s heel was symbolically bruised when He defeated the devil at Calvary.
Just before Christ’s crucifixion during the Lord’s Supper, Jesus quoted Psalm 41:9 about Judas: “He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me” (John 13:18). Jesus labeled Judas as “a devil” (John 6:70) and “the son of perdition” (John 17:12). Satan, operating through Judas, sought to deliver a preemptive strike to defeat Christ before Christ could defeat him.
Job engaged in spiritual warfare with Satan, who afflicted him with boils from head to foot. Satan tempted Job to curse God (Job 1:11; 2:5, 9). However, when the conflict ended, Job remained steadfast in his integrity (Job 13:15). Though Satan’s boils bruised his heel, Job did not give in to Satan’s schemes, and Satan was ultimately defeated. The same was true with Christ! Praise God!
Every now and then, we face challenges and difficulties. There are three reasons we suffer. First, we live in this sinful world. As Christians, we are pilgrims on this earth. Second, we suffer because of our sins and rebellion against God. The suffering we may be going through is the consequence of our rebellion. Third, we are engaged in a spiritual war against the devil.
Regardless of the reason for our struggles, remember Job’s words: “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” This is a challenging claim. We need to have the right relationship with the Lord. To see this path clearly, we must have the right relationship with God. Without that, it won’t work for you.
I would like to encourage you to put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour. His promise is that He will give you rest, the rest for your weary soul. From there, you will experience the peace that no one can ever provide, the peace that comes from God and passes understanding.
by Nap Cajipe | Jul 9, 2026 | Devotional Lessons
Today’s devotion highlights how believers remain committed to sharing the Word despite intense church persecution. Sadly, in some churches, apathy towards ministry can develop even without external persecution.
Bible Reading of the Day
AM – Job 10-12
PM – Acts 8:25
Title: Remain committed to preaching the Gospel
Acts 8:4 KJV
Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.
I once heard a preacher say, “The Lord gave us a command in Acts 1:8, and if we fail to follow, we have Acts 8:1.” In ministry, people often relax once they’ve begun to grow, sometimes thinking they’ve reached the mountain top. However, this attitude is risky, as it can lead to complacency in the ministry.
The Lord Jesus Christ explicitly commanded the church to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. When giving this command, He also assured them of His promises, including His perpetual presence with the church. Additionally, He granted them the authority to continue preaching His Word and provided them with the power to operate effectively in any situation they face.
Stephen the Deacon was killed, but beforehand, he delivered a compelling sermon. In verse 1, Saul devastated the church and persecuted believers. It was a difficult day for the believers, who were scattered everywhere. However, what stood out to me is that these believers never allowed anything to hinder their mission of preaching Christ.
Recently, Missionary Ian told me that an AOG leader rebuked the young people participating in our mission work in Tavua, and his anger also affected his entire family, including his father, Joe. They were warned not to attend AGBC Tavua. I explained to Missionary Ian that in the book of Acts, believers faced persecution, and this is a powerful opportunity to demonstrate that our God is real, unlike the gods of cultist churches.
Many of us can discuss it, but experiencing actual persecution is different. Sadly, the willingness to suffer for Christ seems to have become rare among believers today. Consider what the text states: “They were scattered abroad, went preaching the word.” Despite their circumstances, they persisted in preaching the Word!
Although we don’t have much experience with this kind of persecution, many so-called Christians tend to get distracted or quit when facing difficulties. Brethren, let’s pray for global ministries, including ours in Singapore. Persecution or opposition could arise at any time, but we should be like the early Christians—steadfast and unwavering in our faith.
What causes you to slow down or consider quitting God’s calling? May this devotion encourage you to keep sharing His Word!
