“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

What a gift that we have the written Word of God at our finger-tips each day!  So many people in our world, even today, would risk their safety just to have a piece of the Bible that they could cherish daily.  They have had to commit what they could to memory and rely on their recitations to feed their hearts.

A woman who discipled me instructed that I should memorize Scripture in case I were ever sentenced to prison and had no access to the Word.  She said it lightly, of course, because in American, even prisoners can receive Bibles.  Six months after challenging me to memorize Scripture, she had a stroke and was unable to read.  In her good humored way, she noted that here she was, in her own form of prison, unable to read the Bible, and dependent in so many ways on the Scriptures that she had stored up in her mind.

I confess that many days my time in the Bible becomes perfunctory.  I never intend for it to be, but if I’m running late or feeling exhausted, even my questions of “Who are You, Lord?” and “What am I to do?” become an academic exercise.  Recently, however, I remembered how living and active Scripture is when it is read with an expectant heart, a silenced mind, and a focused spirit.  God speaks to those who listen.

Lord, please forgive me for half-heartedly trying to hear You.  Forgive me for my busyness and my distractions, and help me to cut them out.  I long to hear You.  I desire Your Word to be something I cherish, savor, and crave.  Wake me up earlier or bring me into deeper solitude so that I would be available for Your Word, living and active, to penetrate my soul and spirit, to search my heart, and to bring me closer to Your presence.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lindsay T. Hall

As promised, CCN magazine has been following up with camping events during the carnival holidays and bring news first of the Pentecostals who are at the Castlebruce Primary School, this weekend.  According to camp co-coordinator Kathy Pascal, they will be engaged in various activities around their theme ‘Refining the Diamond’ based on Malachi 3:3.

The Deliverance Baptist youth are presently camping at the Goodwill Primary school and sessions are being carried out with Clinton Minnis, President of the Caribbean Baptist Youth from the Bahamas, who is placing special emphasis on their theme ‘Shine in the darkness.’

The Berean churches have made their getaway to their usual camping site.  Each Carnival they head to the Dominica State College for family retreat.  This year’s sessions is being facilitated by Professor Andrew George of Blue Water College in St Thomas USVI.  Pastor of the Assembly, Peter Thomas said, in his interview with CCN, that he is hoping that families will have a great time of learning and sharing at their Camp which runs under the theme ‘The battle for the Family’.

We move to the Roseau CUC which is camping as well and is at the Mahaut Primary School until Tuesday.  Camp Coordinator Missy Henderson said this year they are concentrating on building moral and spiritual values among both youth and adults as they observe and reflect on the current chaos brought about by the issue of violence.  Adding flavor to camp this year Pastor Marcus Francis of Roseau CUC have specifically asked  families to carry laptops in order to be taught how to surf the net in a wholesome and spiritual way

Meanwhile the Canefield Gospel Mission youth have found a safe haven in St Joseph at the Isaiah Comprehensive Secondary School, where they are socializing with their peers and expanding their knowledge in the Scriptures.   An invitation is extended by camp organizers to all to get away from the hustle and bustle and spend some time of refreshing at Camp this Carnival holidays.

We certainly can’t end camping news without making a stop at the Abundant Life Ministries of Point Mitchel presently at the Mahaut Pentecostal Church for their Youth camp under the theme ‘Enduring Trials Through Grace, Results in Blessings’.

Community News 

Over the past years, handicraft has been proven to be a good source of income whether done as a sideline or as full employment.  This culturally diversified and traditional skill has certainly not gone unnoticed by UNESCO as it is now offering Artisans in Dominica the opportunity to enter the UNESCO Award of Excellence for handicrafts competition.

This award aims to encourage Artisans to produce handicrafts using traditional skills, patterns and themes in an innovative way in order to ensure the continuity and sustainability of these traditions and skills.

The types of products for submission include decoration, home ware, accessories and stationery, musical instruments, toys and games among others.  These will be judged based on excellence, authenticity, innovation and marketability.  According to a press release, from the Dominica National Commission for UNESCO, successful Artisans will have the opportunity to display their products not only at regional exhibitions but also at International fairs.

1. Encourage. What sunshine and rain do for flowers, encouragement does for humanity. Regardless of one’s position in life, everyone needs to hear words of encouragement.
“Three billion people on the face of the earth go to bed hungry every night, but four billion people go to bed every night hungry for a simple word of encouragement and recognition.”    — Robert Cavett

2. Compliment Sincerely. You can compliment someone for a job well done or on an admirable characteristic you have noticed. If you can’t do it in person, don’t hesitate to use another means like a card, thoughtful email, or text message.

3. Praise Publicly. Boost someone’s confidence by commending their efforts in front of others, either verbally or in writing. You can also do this with people who serve you, such as a store clerk, waitress, or receptionist who has gone the extra mile to assist you.

4. Listen Thoughtfully. Focus on listening, not just hearing. When you are an attentive listener, people sense your care and concern and are comforted that their feelings and experiences are validated.

5. Serve Willingly. The next time you notice that a co-worker is under the gun and needs a hand, volunteer to help. Or offer to assist someone who has a task to do that they don’t want to do.  In doing so, you will help them see themselves as worthy of your efforts and attention.

6. Show Genuine Interest. Ask about something important to them and concentrate on what they have to say. Remembering and commenting on their hobbies, sports, vacations, or family at a later date will prove that you have a sincere interest in their lives.

7. Express Love Unselfishly.  Every person has a primary love language that dictates the ways they prefer to be loved. When we understand and love people the way they need to be loved (not just the way that satisfies our needs), it draws them closer to us and us to them. See a post from my wife Joy about this subject here.

8. Make a Friendly Call. It doesn’t have to be important or a special day, just call to let a friend or family member know you are thinking of them.  Asking how someone is doing is always appreciated.
“The deepest principle of human nature is a craving to be appreciated.”   —William James

9. Give a Gift. It doesn’t need to be expensive. It can be a small bouquet of flowers or a card. In this department, it’s most definitely the thought that counts. Hallmark has captured the essence in their advertisement: You cared enough to send. . .”

10. Smile Often. A sincere smile never goes out of style; it can mean different things to different people. A smile can brighten people’s day in an instant, and they’ll appreciate that you made the effort to acknowledge them.

Author Credit: Todd Smith

Worship is therefore what we give or offer to God.  It brings out the meaning of prostrating, adoration and gratitude to the Sovereign God or being lost in wonder and amazement at the greatness and goodness of God.  It was like what was depicted by Abraham’s servant, who, when he had fulfilled his master’s mission by finding a wife for Isaac, the bible states in Genesis 24:52: “…he worshiped the Lord, bowing himself to the earth.”

It must be noted however, that God must not only be worshiped when he has done something special for you, but he must be worshiped all the time and every moment and every day.  We must however, guard against worshipping God with our mouths and our hearts are far from him (Mark 7:6-7).

In this closing age we would be advised to review our method of worship since our focus is not so much on prostrating and adoring God, but more on physical emotion which is more in keeping with celebration.

Excellence in worship requires that we remain humble while God is lifted up and honoured.

Author Credit: Elder Matthew George, Gospel Mission Assemblies of Dominica

However, in light of the words of the poem, “There is one life and it will soon be past, but only what is done for Christ will last…”

It is right to conclude that God’s priority interest is not so much in the position in which one functions, but in the service itself.  Rewards are always given primarily for faithfulness in service, and not for the position or office which one holds (1 Cor 4:1-2; 1 Tim 5:18).

In the case of David (1 Sam 17:17-29), see the young lad tending his father’s sheep (v. 20).  It is quite evident that he performed his lowly task faithfully and with a degree of commitment and responsibility as indicated by the phase stated in verse 20: “…and left the sheep with a keeper…”.

These days we see pastors and elders taking temporary leave of their congregation which they head without putting things in place for continuity.  Furthermore, some even leave the assembly permanently without informing the members.  We must look out for hirelings.

Dorcas is our final example of excellence in lowly service.  Acts 9:36 states: “And there was at Joppa a certain disciple, names Tabitha which by interpretation is called Dorcas; this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.”  Verse 39 indicates the area of her ministry- she apparently ministered to the needs of the widoes and the underprivileged by making garments and coats.  She apparently was a seamstress.

It is certain that Dorcas was known for her wonderful ministry with the poor and underprivileged.  What are you known for?

It is said of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:29: “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.”

Author Credit: Elder Matthew George, Gospel Mission Assemblies of Dominica

An excellent spirit is developed on the premise of humility.  This quality of humility should be envied by all and sundry since it is also the basis for exaltation, progress and prosperity.

In the case of Daniel, it is obvious that his home training was excellent since it is stated that he was one of the three (3) “youths in who was no blemish, but well favoured…” (Dan 1:4).  Proper home training is important for developing good character at an early age.  Timothy was privy to such early home training even though his fatehr seemed not to be living in the home.  His mother and grandmother did a very good job.

When a sense of character is instilled in a child from an early beginning, there is usually the tendency to overcome negatives and excel in the positives.  Daniel demonstrated his maturity and sense of character by not partaking the king’s food nor the king’s wine- these were offered to idols and as such defiled (see Daniel 1:8).

Daniel truly demonstrated an excellent spirit and as such the Lord was with him, and he was promoted in King Nebuchadnezza’s Kingdom.

An excellent spirit will cause you to excel in life (Daniel 5:12, Daniel 6:3).

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

Firstly, let us note that man’s days on this earth are basically three score years and ten (Psalm 90:10).

Psalm 90:1-6 also stresses the brevity of man’s life on earth, and compares it as grass which flourishes in the morning and in the evening it is cut down and withers.

Having regard to the aforementioned brevity of life, it behooves us to live one day at a time giving glory and honour and power to God for he created us for his pleasure (Rev 4:11).

In living a life that is pleasing and acceptable to God, one must take into consideration the things that God hates as stated in Proverbs 6:16-19:-

“These six things doth the Lord hate, yea, seven are an abomination unto Him: A proud look, a lying tongue; and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imagination, feet that are swift in running to mischief, A false witness taht speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”

In counteracting these negatives, it is important that we walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise (Eph 5:15).  We need to redeem the times because the days in which we live are evil (Eph 5:16).  It means that we must make up for the time that we have wasted.  yes, we have wasted our time because God designed or created us for his pleasure.  He also created us for his worship and service (Matt. 4:10).

It must be notes that these are the fundamental things that God hates, but there are lots of things that God hates that are classified as sin.  However, God takes pleasure in righteous acts for He says in Prov 14:34.

“Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. ”

The Apostle Paul had wonderful words of encouragement for his reliable helper, Titus in Titus 2:11-13.

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world.”

It means that in an effort to number our days, we should refrain from idle words since we shall give account of them in the day of judgement (Matt 12:36).  Our speech should therefore be wholesome or prudent or promoting good morals (Prov 15:4; 1 Tim 6:3-6).

It must be noted that our Teacher in respect to numbering our days is the Lord Himself and He teaches us through His Word.

In Psalm 119:130 God’s Word says:-

“The entrance of thy words giveth light, it giveth understanding unto the simple.”

In Psalm 119:103 we read:

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

In numbering our days, we must learn to totally rely on the Word of God since it is infallible.

Psalm 119:128 says:-

“Therefore. I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right, and i hate every false way.”

I pray that we will allow God through His Spirit to teach us to number our days in this life, and to act wisely so that we may make the best use of our lives for his pleasure, Amen.

We are here exhorted to consider or think about where we go and the reason for our going.  It is important that we examine where we go.  This is where the spirit of discernment shows us the right from the wrong so that we can make the right choices and decisions.  We are alerted of the feet of the wicked (the sinner) in Proverbs 1:1:16:-

“For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.”

Here we will note taht the emphasis is not so much on where the wicked goes with his feet but the condition of the heart.

One’s feet can be used to bring blessing to God- when one witnesses to others of the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ- to do good works (Eph 2:10, Titus 2:7, 1 Peter 2:12).

Romans 10:15 says:

“…how beautfiul are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things.”

However, to be able to preach the gospel of peace effectively, you must be born again.

James admonishes in chapter 1:21: -

“Wherefore, lay aside (put away) all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”

This is the opportunity for those of you who are not saved to trust Jesus as your saviour for John 1:12 says:

“But as many as receive Him, to them gave He power to become the sons (children) of God, even to them that believe on His name.”

Let me conclude by warning you to watch where you go, for we have learnt the song in Sunday School which goes like this:

“Be careful little feet where you go, Be careful little feet where you go, there’s a Father up above looking down in tender love.  So be careful little feet where you go.”

Author Credit: Elder Matthew George, Gospel Mission Assemblies, Dominica

A parallel is drawn to Paul’s exhortation to the saints at Philippi:-

” Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.  The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Good instruction from a father, if not received and implemented by his children, is deemed to have a long erm and sometimes life time effect on such disobedient children.  Hence the reason for such wonderful words of advice. 

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right.  Honour thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise) that it may be will with thee and thou mayest live long on the earth.” (Eph 6:1-3)

v. 11- The overall responsibility of a father to a child is here stated.  Such responsibility to impart wisdom to lead his child in the right way is crucial but yet foundational.  This is the focal point of a father’s responsibility.  If he doesn’t then the children’s blood is upon his shoulders.

v.12- Fatherly advice is so important that it provides a great element of protection to the children who heed such advice- it keeps them from danger.  We need to be aware that “the devil, like a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour”. (1 Peter 5:8)

v. 13- As young people there is the tendency to readily embrace natural things and go along with natural fellings.  But it is important that you put on the spiritual man at all times lest you be led astray, hence the need to hold on to good instruction since it decides your success in life.

v.14- The story is told of  young boy names Jim who visited the home of his school friend Roy on a regular basis.  At Roy’s home lived his uncle, a drug dealer, who was known to Jim’s father.

Daily, Jim’s father warned him that he should desist from visiting Roy at his home and informed him that Roy’s uncle was a drug dealer and that he (Jim) could find himself in trouble with the police even though he was not actually involved in drugs.

Several months passed by and one day while Jim was visiting Roy as usual, Roy’s uncle gave Jim a small parcel to take to a neighbour just across the street.  Jim was happy to run the errand not realising the danger.  While Jim was crossing the street he was called upon by a Policeman who had been patrolling the area.

The police, knowing the illegal trade carried out by Roy’s uncle, decided to open the small parcel.  In the parcel was found two ounces of cocaine.

Jim was arrested along with Roy’s uncle and was made to sleep in jail for five nights.

The exhortation is “enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.” (Proverbs 4:14)  We are admonished in 1 Thessalonians 5:22:

“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

Indeed, wicked men don’t sleep until they cause someone to fall (v. 16); for they are doing the work of their father, the devil, who walk about seeking whom he may devour.

V. 23- “Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.”

This proverb is extremely important mainly because of the statement made about the heart in Jeremiah 17:9-

“…the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it?”

Mark 7:21-23 also says:- “…out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications…”

Against that background it is essential that no one (saved or unsaved) takes the heart lightly.

It is therefore evident that the heart, if not guarded with all diligence (i.e. carefully and conscientiously) is destined to put all of us to shame.

No wonder why Jeremiah himself who was sent by God to pull down and breakdown, and set things straight and right in Israel, had to request of God healing of his heart in Jeremiah 17:14:-

“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed…”

The great patriarch Job, one who was blessed of the Lord in a special way, did not take a chance with his sons’ heart condition following their family feastings.  Job said in Job 1:5:-

“It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts…”

In diligently guarding the heart we will need to ensure that with the help of the Holy Spirit, we are led to cutivate and establish a pure heart of love and understanding and a conscience void of offence.

V.26 – ‘Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all they ways be established.”