Tag: Suffering

Awareness, Come Follow Me, Come Unto Christ, Devotional, Inspirational, Jesus the Christ, Latter-day Saint Living, Scriptures, Spirituality

The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil

Timothy R. Berman

In Word: The Tree of Life is symbolism of the Plan of Salvation. The love of God who is Jesus Christ. The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil is the representation of moral agency. It stands in opposition to the tree of life. It represents mortality. Adam and Eve remained in a state of spiritual existence. A state of innocence. A state of perfect union and harmony. Yet, to bring about the reality of the Plan of Salvation - humanity needed to make a choice. That choice led to the temptation and partaking of the forbidden fruit. The Tree of Life represented immortality and eternal life. The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil represented mortality and moral agency. All that encompasses human liberty and freedom of choice comes suffering, adversity, and sorrow. Yet, our Heavenly Father has prepared a way for us to overcome and endure temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Awareness, Come Follow Me, Come Unto Christ, Mindful Recovery, Psychology, Social Issues, Spirituality

How Substance Use Counseling Ignited my Understanding of Salvation

Timothy R. Berman

The greatest deception of one who is living an active and sinful lifestyle is one who is imprisoned by their own denial. In essence, we lack the awareness and fortitude to admit there is something wrong with us. Because of this, we build systematic defenses to protect ourselves from the reality of our condition. For the alcoholic and addict, this defense system protects them from an awareness they have an inherent problem with drugs, alcohol, and/or other addictive behaviors.

Awareness, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality

Why is God on mute?

Timothy R. Berman

Scripture doesn't skirt tough issues like suffering, struggling to believe in God's goodness in tough times, and God's silence. Biblical authors often didn't find resolutions to their struggles, but lived in tension, destruction, and bereavement. The Psalmists' doubts, despair, and depression; sorrowful books such as Job, Ecclesiastes, and Lamentations; Habakkuk's complaints; John the Baptist's questions… Continue reading Why is God on mute?

Awareness, Psychology, Self-Help

Suffering in silence

Timothy R. Berman

Depression forces the individual into a feeling of sadness that persists for long periods and significantly interferes with one’s ability to perform everyday tasks, at home, school or work. ~ Krishnee Appadoo It is a very dark place to be. At least when it comes in like a flood. Suffocating any sense of reason. Once… Continue reading Suffering in silence

Awareness, Come Follow Me, Come Unto Christ, Devotional, Spirituality

He Strengthens Us in Our Sufferings

Timothy R. Berman

When we trust in our own strength, understanding, and will to make it through our suffering - we may inevitably become lost, hurt, betrayed, bitter, and resentful. This leads to us being separated from God's divine love and grace. Through the Gift of Faith that is offered through Jesus Christ, accepting this offer, we need to put aside our own will and desire. Surrendering to God's will and trusting in Him to strengthen us and walk with us through our struggles is where we find peace that surpasses all understanding.

Awareness

The Suffering Servant: Christ in Gethsemane and its Significance to the Cross

Timothy R. Berman

  Modern Evangelical Christians have long accused members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as placing more emphasis on the Garden of Gethsemane rather than on the nature and power of the Cross. This is evident from a conversation through a social media forum where the question is posited:Mormonism shifts attention from the… Continue reading The Suffering Servant: Christ in Gethsemane and its Significance to the Cross

Addiction, Awareness, Come Follow Me, Come Unto Christ, Lifestyle, Mindful Recovery

Shake off the Chains With Which Ye are Bound

Timothy R. Berman

There is an awakening that occurs in the heart and minds of every person who is suffering and perishing. Those who awaken to their awful condition and state of being see the destruction for what it really is. We see ourselves as unclean. Filthy. And, a great burden is on our back that weighs us down. As much as we do not want to face this truth - we must face it or continue to suffer and perish. This is where we find Christian. Faced with the reality of a coming destruction. The reality of the burden he bears.

Awareness, Devotional

Clothe Ourselves with Compassion

Timothy R. Berman

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. ~ Colossians 3:12, ESV ~ Developing compassion means we have a deep feeling of sympathy and sorrow for ourselves, and others, who are hurting, in pain, or has misfortune. It is also a strong desire to help… Continue reading Clothe Ourselves with Compassion

Awareness, Devotional

For there must needs be opposition in all things

Timothy R. Berman

For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things... ~ 2 Nephi 2:11 ~ Through our spiritual journey, and growth, we are faced with the reality of pain. We are also faced with the reality of sorrow. Disappointments, heartaches, misery are all emotional experiences of humanity. As men and women in recovery, we… Continue reading For there must needs be opposition in all things

Religion, Spirituality

Questioning a Sovereign God

Timothy R. Berman

Questioning a Sovereign God Read Genesis 18:16 - 19:29  ~ Focusing on 18:22 - 26, ESV Last week, our study focused on Abraham and the visitation of three messengers. As we continue in our study of the life and person of Abraham, let us reflect on the nature of God's sovereignty. So the men turned… Continue reading Questioning a Sovereign God