Albemarle Tradewinds February 2020 Web Final

New Life of Currituck
by Pastor Dan Bergey
Most conversations these days seem to stem from the current
political landscape we are observing. So, I thought it
might be helpful to share some thoughts from the book of Proverbs
in the Bible. Proverbs was written to help us gain wisdom
for avoiding struggles that want to trip us. Its goal is to give the
naive the ability to self-discipline in a very practical way. The
wisdom we gain is based on knowing and living for Jesus. First
let me break this down in the simplest of terms. This article is
not a political conversation but a human one. One of the trends
that can frustrate me today is the lack of attention to the world
around us. Maybe it is just me, but I see and sense a lot of
selfishness. Whenever I see an act of kindness and service, I
will try to give the person a compliment. Whether we like it or
not God designed us to be generous towards each other.
“From the fruit of a man’s mouth he enjoys good, but the desire
of the treacherous is violence.” Proverbs 13:2
This verse describes an important clue connected to our words
about life that many of us do not want or care to think about.
Many times, in the Bible food is used as an analogy to our
words. Harsh and critical words are to us and others as rotten
food that causes sickness in our lives. Words that encourage
and build us up are like food that strengthens our body and
provides energy for our soul. In a recent paper I wrote about
this thought I noted that discipline and correction in proper
context and relationship creates opportunity to grow. I say that
because there are times when words are said in the right way
but received wrong due to the heart of the person receiving
them. I do not have the time or space in this article to go in
depth about the differences.
I do however want to talk about two important thoughts that
go along with this verse that will help us today. Regardless of
what side you come down on through this impeachment that is
going on, I think we all must admit that this country has lost its
ability to communicate properly. I am not here to say whether
it comes from the top down, meaning from our government
leaders, or from the bottom up, meaning our leaders are simply
communicating the same way we do in everyday life. I personally
think all of us need to change, and I know the language
change Jesus Christ asked of me when I asked Jesus into my
heart. But please remember that body language and facial
expressions are 90% of our communication. So often I see individuals
that change their words, but their heart is still holding
grudges and they continue to serve bad food to others.
Now back to the two important thoughts of this verse. One,
what you say has an affect on others. I wonder if we ever
take time to look and think about how our words affect others.
Would you intentionally hand a plate of bad food to someone
else hoping they will eat it and get sick? That is what happens
more than you think it does. The worst part of is that we often
do this most to the ones we say we love. In communication we
say that feedback is the breakfast of champions. Asking ourselves
whether the person was hurt by our words might be a
good start. Being vulnerable and strong enough we might need
to ask the other person if we hurt them by what we said. The
other day I had to get down on my hands and knees to crawl
underneath a partially opened garage door that was stuck.
The homeowner heard my moaning and as they were walking
back into the house they said, “It sounds like you are to old to
be doing that.” I went on about my repair and when I got done
and was getting paid for the work the homeowner apologized
for the statement. We had a short laugh, and I said no worries
because they did not hurt my feelings, I did think it was funny.
Why? Because I choose everyday to enjoy life and relationships
due to the emotional healing and health that Jesus has
given me. We all need this desperately. The second thought
is a bit more serious. Scripture tells us that what we say to
others will come back and reside within us. Read the very next
verse in Proverbs “the one who guards his mouth preserves
his life, the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” So,
my encouragement to you is the next time you wish to feed
someone some rotten food and make them sick, ask yourself
this question. Am I willing to eat this food too? May we choose
to ask Jesus to help change our menus.
So, in the coming months if you would like to hear encouragement
from a verse in the book of proverbs please send me an
email to newlifecurrituck@gmail.com.
newlifecurrituck@gmail.com
Office - 252-453-2773
Church website - newlifecurrituck.org
Dan Bergey - Senior Pastor
pdbjar5@gmail.com
In Him I Am
by Ron Ben-Dov
Copyright all rights reserved
How do you answer,
When you are asked
How are you doing?
Do you complain,
All mealy mouthed?
Spouting all the minutiae,
The minor problems;
The ones you think you have;
Or do you break out in praise;
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah,
Praising the, Lord God, Almighty
For I am blessed and highly favored;
Saved by the blood of Jesus,
The mighty blood of Jesus,
And in Him, I am.
53rjbd@gmail.com
The author was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, December 12,
1953. Moved to New York at the age of five, and became
a U.S. citizen at the age of eleven. Graduated from
George Washington High School in New York City. In
1972, I enlisted in the U S Navy and was discharged in
1975. I was a merchant seaman from 1982 through 1988.
In between I dug ditches, washed dishes, sold used cars,
and even drove a cab. I graduated from Elizabeth City
State University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
I was a Motor Fuels Tax Auditor for the State of
North Carolina, an IT Control Specialist for Gateway Bank/
Bank of Hampton Roads and retired at the end of 2015.
Author of the following books:
Faith Based Poetry
Inspiration by God, Perspiration by Ron
Inspiration by God, More Perspiration by Ron
Inspiration by God, Even More Perspiration by Ron
Inspiration by God, Perspiration by Ron, Volume IV
Inspiration by God, Perspiration by Ron, Volume V
Inspiration by God, Perspiration by Ron, Volume VI
Inspiration by God, Perspiration by Ron, Volume VII
Inspiration by God, Perspiration by Ron, Volume VIII
Inspiration by God, Perspiration by Ron, Volume IX
Inspiration by God, Perspiration by Ron, Volume X
Secular Poetry
School of Life
buymidway.com
252-335-9800
Other
American Legion Post 126 – Photo collection of members
and activities of Hertford’s Post 126
Hertford’s Causeway, Turtle Log, and “S” Bridge
– photo collection
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