Category: Personal Reflections

Articles of general interest, personal observation from a unique vantage point.

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Our Divine Heritage

Timothy R. Berman

Trust begins with understanding who we are in relationship to others. In our relationship with our Heavenly Father, we come to know the absolute reality of our own divine nature and heritage. We are created in the image and likeness of our Heavenly Father (see Genesis 1:26-27). As we come to understand our divine heritage, the Holy Spirit works in and through us to become more like Christ. Our trust in God also includes understanding that we are in the similitude and likeness of His only Begotten Son - Jesus Christ (See Moses 1:6). And there is a real, deep, personal connection with God when we come to understand our divine heritage.

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Day 1 – Center on Christ

Timothy R. Berman

True, and authentic Christian faith and living, rests on the pure doctrine of Christ where life is about letting our Heavenly Father use us for His purpose and not for our own gain and sense of satisfaction. The Apostle Paul taught that for those who are carnally minded are set against the true things of God. However, those who are spiritually minded are such because they have set their hearts and minds on God for life and peace (Romans 8:6).

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Seek After Pure Revelation

Timothy R. Berman

Seeking after personal and divine revelation is our way of searching the horizon for God's divine wisdom, counsel, and safe passage. It is our pillar of cloud by day and our pillar of fire by night (See, Exodus 13:21-22). It never departs from us and is a constant reminder that our Heavenly Father is always with us - never forsaking us.

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40-day Challenge: Go Forward with Purpose

Timothy R. Berman

Observe that the Lord instructed us to do two things. First is to deny ourselves. Second is to take up our cross. The call to take up our cross is the call to separate ourselves from anything that may distract or influence our hearts and minds away from the will and purpose of God.

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Our Call to Go Forward with Faith in God

Timothy R. Berman

Today, we have faced the challenge of a pandemic that impacted our world. A pandemic that seems to have changed the course and fabric of the way we live our lives. This came on the heels of the end of chaos, violence, and protests that had occupied our society and culture the previous year. To say the least, we are ever living in times of increasing uneasiness,

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“In the Similitude of Mine Only Begotten”

Timothy R. Berman

When our Heavenly Father called Moses - we are to understand that this prophet was one of the many noble spirits Abraham saw (Abraham 3:21-23). Abraham himself was also one of those noble spirits chosen before he was born. There are some practical spiritual truths and applications that are for our learning and understanding today.

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Moses – Much More than a Prophet of God

Timothy R. Berman

Reason we want to have a better understanding of who Moses was is so we are able to grasp a better understanding of who our Heavenly Father is. Grasp a better understanding of who Jesus Christ is. And the central and pure doctrines of Christ. Such doctrines that pertain to God's purpose - our immortality and eternal life

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The Power of Faith in Jesus Christ

Timothy R. Berman

Our faith in Jesus Christ also gives us the confidence in knowing that the Lord will strengthen us and help us face whatever challenges we are to face. We need not hesitate to do what our Heavenly Father calls us to do (1 Nephi 4:1-3). Thus, our attitude ought to be one of assurance and confidence in knowing that we will be successful in whatever the Lord calls us to do - and we ought to realize that we are constantly engaged in the Lord's work.

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Scripture Motivation: “A Mighty Change of Heart”

Timothy R. Berman

Have you personally experienced a mighty change of heart from reading, understanding, likening, and applying the scriptures to your life? If not, what is preventing you from experiencing this mighty change of heart? If you have, is this something constant or have you stopped experiencing a mighty change of heart from active scripture study?

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Scripture Motivation: Lay Hold Upon the Word

Timothy R. Berman

When it comes to reading the scriptures, we are able to come to know of their worth and truthfulness. By careful study and understanding of the scriptures, we are able to come to know them. How we liken the scriptures unto ourselves is through visualization of the people, the events, and situations. What is the situation? How does it relate to my own circumstance? By likening the scriptures, we grow, learn, and receive personal insight and inspiration. Nephi shares this with us when he said: I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning” (1 Nephi 19:23). Through likening the scriptures - we also learn the principles and truths from our Heavenly Father. Finally, we want to ponder - or meditate - upon those things that are revealed through our scripture study. By meditating, we ask questions, look for the practical applications and solutions.

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General Conference October 2021 – The Greatest Possession

Timothy R. Berman

Are we willing to pay the cost of coming unto Christ and following him? Willing to pay the cost of walking in the process of repentance in order to be reconciled? Ready and committed in putting to death our former self? How does the rich young ruler represent you? What are some of the great possessions that you have whereby it may interfere with you committing to immerse yourself in following Christ?

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General Conference October 2021: A Time of Personal Reflection and Revelation

Timothy R. Berman

As President Russell M. Nelson provided his opening remarks to the October 2021 General Conference - we learn that the focus of our attention is to understand three things: Pure Teaching, Pure Doctrine of Christ, and Pure Revelation. Reflecting on this message, how have you come to understand these three principle truths? What are you struggling with when it comes to your faith in Christ? Faith in the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ? and where do you feel lacking when it comes to revelation and the ministering of the Holy Spirit? Knowing that personal revelation comes through our daily commitment to scripture study, prayerfully reflecting and meditating on teachings from Church Leaders and those within our own community, and through personal fellowship and service toward others: how does this help build up your faith and testimony? Please share your comments, thoughts, and feel free to ask any questions in the comment section below. Share this with others through your social media platforms as well.

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Scripture Motivation: The Power of the Word

Timothy R. Berman

The scriptures are filled with gripping stories and challenging exhortations. People read and study from them because they are central to their lives and faith. Scriptures provide answers to the big issues in life - Who God is, Christ's infinite atonement and the plan of salvation, Life, death, love, sin, moral guidance, resilient and bold faith, overcoming and enduring persecution and times of despondence.

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All that Thou Commandest Us We Will Do

Timothy R. Berman

Each one of us ought to devote our time and energy in studying the standard works every day. This is accomplished by establishing a study schedule that best serves our personal needs. And is something we are motivated and committed to following consistently. Developing an understanding and love for the scriptures will greatly help in the challenges and responsibilities we have in our lives. Helps us be of service toward others. Improve our ability to relate and communicate with others.

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Sharing the Restored Gospel Message in Truth and Love: A Personal Spiritual Journey and Mindful Approach to LDS Apologetics

Timothy R. Berman

Yes, we want to give a defense of our faith and the hope the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ brings to each one of us - we also want to share that message of God's divine purpose: to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of all through the infinite atonement of Jesus Christ. To give an informed answer and response to the many questions, criticisms, and misinformation about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints one is required to answer from the power and authority of scripture, personal revelation, and established teachings where we derive truth and light.

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James 1:16-18 | Genuine Faith and Spiritual Awakening and Birth

Timothy R. Berman

All these teachings helps us understand the central truth of the Gospel - Jesus is the Christ by whom we are saved. Salvation comes when we place our initial faith and trust in Him. It comes when we humble ourselves and enter into the waters of baptism for the remission of our sins. This is accomplished when we come to the awareness of our natural state and disposition. Through repentance, we receive the first principle ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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James 1:12-15 | Genuine Faith and Temptation

Timothy R. Berman

The world offers us all the desires and appetites that leave our bellies full and our flesh satisfied. Unfortunately, it is only temporary and we continue to remain hungry and thirsty for more of those things of the world. When we are tempted, it may come in guise of satisfying some desire. We develop an appetite for it. Eventually, it leads us to experience death of our sense of self through Jesus Christ.

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James 1:9-11 | Genuine Faith, Poverty, and Prosperity

Timothy R. Berman

Genuine faith stems from genuine humility. Our humility and faith is shaped from those trials we face in our lives. We are richly blessed beyond measure. The challenge is to keep ourselves humble regardless of how blessed we are. I also want to add that humility is the means in which we shore up treasures in heaven and not here on earth (see Matthew 6:19-20). It is not one of many Christian Virtues. It is the root of all Christian virtues. Humility is the root of genuine faith in God.

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The Beginning of Great Sorrows and Lamentations for American Liberty and Freedom

Timothy R. Berman

The message and hope is found in the Book of Lamentations written by the Prophet Jeremiah. There is not going to be a complete or understandable explanation for what we are most likely going to endure in the next few months. Maybe within the next few years. We already are seeing the silencing of certain voices, censorship on an unparalleled scale. We will be standing as witnesses to greater human suffering and sorrow that past generations may not have ever seen. Many Christians are appearing to be blindly led toward false hopes and securities with the claims that Christ's coming is on the threshold of human history.

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James 1:1-4 | Genuine Faith and Trials

Timothy R. Berman

My profession of faith was more of an outwardly expression of how I wanted to be seen and thought of. It was not until realizing that the inside of me was still full of filth and grime. What needs to happen is that the cup needs to go through the process of cleansing before it is able to be filled and used. This takes faith and patience because of Christ's infinite atonement. We may be redeemed and justified before God. However, our work begins by cleansing ourselves of ungodliness. We endure. As our faith increases, so does our ability to become resilient. Spiritual maturation does not happen overnight. It takes work. It takes obedience.

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Psalms 1:1-6 – The Two Paths Before Us

Timothy R. Berman

Today, we do well to focus on the teachings of our Heavenly Father. Work to walk in faithful obedience to His divine and righteous council. Stand firm on the truth of His personal revelation and will for our lives. Sit with those who are working out their faith with fear and trembling and fighting the good fight (See, Philippians 2:12 and 1 Timothy 6:12, KJV).

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Healing is a Mindful and Spiritual Journey Toward Transformation and Restoration of Godly Masculinity and Manhood

Timothy R. Berman

The greatest desire is for us to attain a high level of masculinity that is influential, impacting, and inspiring. By becoming a man of influence we are cultivating a true attribute of Christ-like integrity. This significant attribute provides a means by which we are able to influence our family, workplace, and community at large.

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Cultivating Joy Through Repentance

Timothy R. Berman

True repentance, living the Gospel of Christ, experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit, and being transformed into Christ's image and likeness is a process we all experience in this life. In order for this to occur, we are asked to do three powerful things.

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A Sense of Peace During Times of Grief

Timothy R. Berman

Because grief may be powerful and overwhelming, many of us have attempted to avoid experiencing it. This may come when we experience a sense that our faith is lacking in God. However, our Savior understands the depths of our own sorrows. It is the cost of our love toward other people. And it is sadly unfortunate that our society today teaches that we need to get over the loss and move on. One simply does not get over or move on after a significant loss of someone they love.

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Stand a Little Taller with Resilient and Bold Faith

Timothy R. Berman

We stand a little taller against the growing wave of immorality. We stand a little taller in the spirit of truth and light that is Jesus Christ. We stand with bold and resilient faith and courage to be the light by which those truly seeking refuge and sanctuary are able to come into the fold of God's kingdom. Each one of us, through our faith and commitment to the Gospel Principles established, are able to speak wisdom into those with broken hearts. We are called to serve and minister to those in need. Just as Christ served and ministered to the lowly and broken.

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Trust in Christ for a Useful Spiritual Life

Timothy R. Berman

Prayer is our connection to our Heavenly Father where we can receive divine guidance for our life He that followeth me, walketh not in darkness  ~ 1 John 8:12, KJV ~ Read: Genesis 1-2:25; Psalm 1:1-6; Proverbs 1:1-7; and Matthew 1:1-25 These are the words of Christ, by which we are admonished , how we… Continue reading Trust in Christ for a Useful Spiritual Life

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Our Divine Heritage

Timothy R. Berman

~Genesis 1:26-27~ When God created us, He made us like Himself; therefore we have the capacity for close, personal fellowship with Him. We can count on Him to meet our need for deep personal connection.  ~ Charles Stanley - Life Principles Daily Bible, NASB, 2011 ~ Read: Genesis 3-4:26; Psalm 2:1-6; Proverbs 1:8-9; and Matthew… Continue reading Our Divine Heritage

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Consider the Teachings

Timothy R. Berman

Photo by Oladimeji Ajegbile on Pexels.com ~ Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things ~  2 Timothy 2:7, KJV Whether it is listening to a favorite broadcast, sermon, or a daily devotion - immersion into the word of God is not merely a chore to be accomplished. It requires… Continue reading Consider the Teachings

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When Trolls Respond – You Don’t Have too

Timothy R. Berman

I have personally dealt with my share of internet slander over the years. Whether it is discussing politics, religion, or even merely commenting on particular issues being buzzed about on various social media platforms. Someone, or multitude of individuals, will always mock and ridicule. Sometimes by not even responding to your comments and simply use emoticons inappropriately.

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Educated or Institutionalized by Propaganda?

Timothy R. Berman

Saw a friend share this meme to her Facebook Social Media profile and it got me to thinking about apologetics and how we approach certain topics. Do we come from a place of education and understanding? Or, do we springboard from being institutionalized by propaganda? Whether it is politics, social issues, current affairs, religion, or… Continue reading Educated or Institutionalized by Propaganda?