Tag: Discipleship

Come Follow Me 2023, Come Unto Christ, Devotional, Mindful Christian Living, Personal Reflections

He Knows Our Hearts and Minds

Timothy R. Berman

The journey toward spiritual maturity lasts a lifetime. As mindful Christians, who are crucified with Christ, we are able to grow in love and knowledge of our Savior as long as we live according to His truths. When we cease to grow; either emotionally or spiritually we do ourselves a profound disservice. But, if we study the scriptures, if we walk faithfully in obedience to His teachings and commandments and live in His will - we may not be stagnant. Instead, we shall possess healthy Christian attitude and character.

Come Follow Me 2023, Come Unto Christ, Devotional, Mindful Christian Living, Personal Reflections

Cleansing of Our Temple

Timothy R. Berman

When we deal with our personal faults and imperfections, we are essentially dealing with being human. These faults, imperfections, weaknesses of our humanity may cause us to become bitter and cynical about life. Our frustration in seeing the imperfections of others as a reminder of how imperfect and incomplete we feel. It is only when we begin the personal journey of living a mindful crucified Christian life that we are coming to realize that spiritual perfection is not something that happens overnight. It is a process of growth. A process of grace. A process of faith. It is also a process where we need to cleanse our hearts and minds of those things that inhibit our own spiritual growth and faith in Jesus Christ. And it is something we are not able to do of our own volition.

Come Follow Me 2023, Come Unto Christ, Devotional, Mindful Christian Living, Personal Reflections

“Whatever he says to you, do it!”

Timothy R. Berman

Living a crucified and mindful Christian life only occurs with the help of my Heavenly Father. It only occurs when there is unity in purpose and intent as I fellowship with others. I have personally come to believe that my focus on gaining and maintaining control left little room for the healthier things needed in my life. Where there was a lack of self-worth and identity - Christ restored this. Where there was significant imbalance, He restored it. Healthy relationships that are enriching and full of kindness, compassion, and charity - He provided a way to show me how such is achievable. Where I thought no available opportunity afforded me a way through my personal struggles and dilemmas - He guided me through them. All because I learned this truth: "Whatever he says to you, do it!"

Come Follow Me 2023, Come Unto Christ, Devotional, Mindful Christian Living

Proclaim the Gospel of God

Timothy R. Berman

When John the Baptist was taken into custody - Jesus Christ began His ministry and preached the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. Calling forth all to believe and repent. To come unto Him and follow Him. And the invitation to repent and believe requires each person an opportunity to give up our compulsive escapes from life. Whether these escapes are co-dependent relationships, substance use, pornography, greed, sex, gluttony, lust, or emotional binges. Giving these up is what Christ meant when he called forth each person to deny themselves and to take up their cross in order to properly follow after Him. It is a call and invitation toward living a mindful crucified life through Christ where we begin to experience true feelings. Finding greater joy in life and experience the pain and suffering that comes with addressing the sins and transgressions that have separated us from God.

Come Follow Me 2023, Come Unto Christ, Devotional

Full of Grace and Truth

Timothy R. Berman

In choosing the mindful and crucified Christian life means we are choosing a life where we find strength and hope. Find the capacity to grow and learn how to live with peace and joy in a world full of despondence and despair. We are learning to become full of grace and truth by applying the principle truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ into our own lives. It is not an easy process either. It requires personal sacrifice and daily discipline. However, how great shall be our reward when we come before Christ and know of a surety, we are like Him - full of Grace and Truth.

Come Follow Me 2023, Come Unto Christ, Devotional

Behold – the Lamb of God

Timothy R. Berman

A mindful and crucified Christian life presents each one of us with a choice: deny ourselves and take up our own cross to follow Christ. Or continue feeling hopeless and engage in self-blame and shame by not measuring up to our own (and others) expectations. By choosing to deny ourselves and commit to living a mindful and crucified life, we are letting go of those personal expectations, disappointments, resentments, and discouragements. One also becomes aware that this type of life of discipleship is one of an unfolding process and experience.

Come Follow Me 2023, Come Unto Christ, Devotional

“Savior, who is Christ the Lord”

Timothy R. Berman

Our spiritual perception changes as a result of a deep enriching truth. Through our Heavenly Father's grace, we strive to work faithfully in cultivating a rich and meaningful life through Christ. Truth is won when we have the courage to feel the spiritual pain of being separate from the love of Christ, and that of our Heavenly Father. It is this hunger and thirst we strive to satisfy knowing that Christ is our Lord and Savior.

Come Follow Me 2023, Come Unto Christ, Devotional

“I Bring Good News … of Great Joy”

Timothy R. Berman

Spiritual growth is quite a risk that we want to avoid. It is this that causes stagnation in our belief and experiencing the promised blessings. The mindful and crucified Christian life that the good news and great joy offer is one of possibilities and options. This does not mean we will attain those personal desires and outcomes. What it means that we move from a life that is without any sense of meaning and purpose. A life that is without any sense of true joy and peace.

Come Follow Me 2023, Come Unto Christ, Devotional

Pursuing After Christ

Timothy R. Berman

Even in the smallest and minute details of everyday life causes frustrations. And it may require one to take a step back and take a deep breath. Lifting our hearts and minds toward our Heavenly Father. The more we pursue after Christ in fellowship and discipleship, the more we rise above those distractions and struggles of the day. Knowing we are not alone for Christ is here - faithfully guiding us through the power of the Holy Spirit. He is patient with us. His love for us knows no bounds. So, if we consistently pursue Christ - He will bring sweet peace to our troubled heart and soul.

Come Follow Me 2023, Come Unto Christ, Devotional, Mindful Christian Living

Immanu El – “God is With Us”

Timothy R. Berman

The Savior's invitation for us to follow Him by denying self and taking up our own personal cross means we are willing to surrender the care of our lives and will over to Him. By doing so avails us of His power whereby He works through us to do miraculous things. It is not something forced because our Heavenly Father wants us to use our moral agency to choose to be fully invested in our discipleship with Christ. And it is something we make willingly.