Rehoboam’s Pride, Elijah’s Fire & the Voice You’re Missing | 1 Kings 12-13; 17–22 CFM

June 28, 2026June 28, 2026 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

Choose This Day: Finding Christ in the Divided Kingdoms of Our Lives

Quite frankly, I am grateful for the many people who have come into my life and spoken to me directly, compassionately, and with genuine understanding. They showed patience and grace without sitting in judgment over me. They met me in difficult and messy moments, listened to what I was carrying, and helped me confront unhealthy attitudes and behaviors without condemning me.

Yet, if I am completely honest, I have also carried resentment, bitterness, self-hatred, and anger toward people whom I believed had betrayed, ignored, or abandoned me.

Every one of us is shaped—lifted, wounded, strengthened, or misled—by the voices we choose to follow.

Families may rise or fall because of those voices. Communities may flourish or fracture because of them. Our faith may deepen or drift depending on whose counsel we trust and whose influence we permit to guide our decisions.

Much of the pain we carry may be traced to someone who used influence selfishly—or to someone who possessed the ability to help but refused to use it.

The opposite is also true.

Some of the deepest healing we experience comes through Christlike leaders, mentors, friends, and disciples who choose to show up, serve, and sacrifice. They meet us in places where others might pass by. They take time to understand, comfort, encourage, and help us move forward without excusing destructive behavior or enabling us to remain stuck.

That tension between selfish influence and Christlike service stands at the heart of this week’s Come, Follow Me study for June 29–July 5: “If the Lord Be God, Follow Him,” covering 1 Kings 12–13 and 17–22.

Set the Sail – Faith Rests Upon God’s Character

May 25, 2026May 23, 2026 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

The destiny of one’s recovery is shaped by the idea of God a person carries. Traditional recovery thought teaches that newcomers enter a spiritual program where they are free to identify God “as they understand Him.” For some, this means the fellowship itself becomes a Higher Power; for others, it means any concept of a power greater than themselves.

Over time, a peculiar phrase emerged in recovery culture: “Your Higher Power can be anything — even a doorknob.” It is repeated so often that many assume it comes from the Big Book or the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.

It does not.

Neither text suggests that an inanimate object can restore sanity, guide moral change, or receive a surrendered will. The “doorknob god” appears nowhere in AA’s foundational literature.

Anchor verse – Psalm 9:10: “Those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

The idea actually surfaced in the treatment centers of the 1970s and 1980s. As addiction treatment became professionalized — especially in secular or state‑funded programs — counselors avoided religious language to prevent the appearance of imposing faith on clients. To lower resistance, some staff used exaggerated examples: “Even a doorknob can be your Higher Power if it helps you get started.”

It was never meant to be literal. It was a strategy to reduce defensiveness.

But like many exaggerated teaching tools, it escaped its context. It became folklore. It became satire. Critics of 12‑step spirituality used it to mock the idea of a non‑religious Higher Power. Newcomers repeated it without understanding its origin. And eventually, it became a kind of shorthand for the early, clumsy attempts to describe surrender without demanding theology.

How an AI‑Generated ‘Research Paper’ Attempted to Refute LDS Prophetic Authority — And the Reason It Fails

March 27, 2026March 27, 2026 Timothy R. Berman1 Comment

How do you address a supposed academic attempt to attack the Latter-day Saint Christian faith – specifically, attack one of my posts regarding A Logical and Reasonable Refutation of Bill Young’s Critique of President Dallin H. Oaks? This challenge has gained traction as it is being promoted vigorously by Bill Young through his influential Truth to Mormons YouTube Channel. In a recent episode that caught the attention of many viewers, Bill Young introduced a supposed academic and apologetic research paper authored by one of his followers, BundokCowboy, which aims to undermine the credibility of my arguments. This episode marks the fourth installment in a series intended to also discredit Chandler, a Latter-day Saint Christian content creator of Restored Truth. It is essential to critically analyze the claims made in the paper – to question the paper’s academic authenticity and credibility.

A seemingly polished looking research paper claiming Liberty University credentials, critiquing my work, and now being circulated as if it were a legitimate academic rebuttal. On the surface, it seems to look authoritative – until you take the time to read through it.

The document comes across as meticulously crafted, boasting an impressive layout and detailing concepts that may initially seem compelling. The way it references various theological arguments and includes citations from credible sources may easily mislead one into viewing it as an established academic critique. However, beneath this seemingly academic professionalism lies a collection of half-truths and misinterpretations that distort the purpose and context of my original work.

Since the posting of the video within the past hour (of writing out this blog post), the document appears to present a serious and theological takedown. The critiques highlighted within it might resonate with those unfamiliar with the intricacies of my arguments, however they do not hold up under proper scrutiny. It attempts to dissect my points selectively, often stripping them of their intended meaning or ignoring crucial nuances.

Cover Reveal: Mourning Ellyn — Launching February 28, 2026

February 6, 2026 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

Today I finally get to share something I’ve been working toward for a long time: the official cover reveals for Mourning Ellyn. This story has lived with me for years—through drafts, rewrites, and the quiet hours where Jaymes and Ellyn’s world kept tugging at me to finish what I started. Seeing the cover come together feels like watching the emotional heart of the book step into the light.

The artwork captures the soul of the story: grief, love, memory, and the fragile hope that rises even in the darkest places. Jaymes sits in the rain, surrounded by the weight of loss, embodying the struggle that many face when confronted with the grief of losing someone dear. His expression conveys a depth of emotion that resonates with anyone who has experienced similar heartache, reminding us of the complexities of love that often-come hand in hand with sorrow.

Ellyn lingers in the shadows of the back cover—present, watching, guiding. Her role as a soothing presence, even in absence, symbolizes the enduring impact of relationships that persist despite physical distance. The cover design serves as a poignant visual echo of the journey they share across the pages, highlighting the intertwining of their lives and the lessons learned through their shared experiences.

This reveal is not just a moment of pride for me as the author, but also a celebration of the story itself and the themes that it embodies. I hope that when readers see the cover, they feel a connection to the journey before them, one that is deeply layered and reflective of the human experience. It is my wish that Mourning Ellyn resonates as much with you as it has with me throughout this creative process. Your support means everything, and I can’t wait for you to join Jaymes and Ellyn on this emotional expedition.

Two Stories Reborn: Announcing the Updated Editions of Mourning Ellyn and Lost Girls: Eden’s Descent

January 24, 2026January 24, 2026 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

Every story has a season. Some arrive quietly, shaping us in ways we don’t fully understand until years later. Others burn their way into existence, demanding to be told. Over the past several months, I’ve been revisiting two stories that have shaped my own creative journey in profound ways — Mourning Ellyn and Lost Girls: Eden’s Descent.

Both books are returning in March 2026, each with a renewed vision, expanded depth, and a clearer sense of the worlds they belong to. These new editions come as a result of endless reflections and conversations with fellow writers and readers who have connected with these narratives. The process of revisiting these works has been cathartic; it has allowed me to recognize the layers of meaning embedded within the characters and their journeys.

In Mourning Ellyn, readers can expect an enriched portrayal of loss and resilience. The protagonist’s struggles will resonate even more deeply as I explore the various facets of grief and healing through her eyes. We will delve into the nuances of her relationships and how they are intertwined with her quest for understanding and acceptance.

Similarly, Lost Girls: Eden’s Descent will unveil a more expansive universe filled with complex characters and richly woven plots. The vibrant landscapes that serve as a backdrop for their adventures will be more fleshed out, drawing readers into an immersive experience. I aim to deepen the exploration of the themes of identity and empowerment that run throughout the narrative.

Today, I want to share a glimpse into what’s coming. Expect fresh insights, new characters, and enhanced storytelling that remains true to the core messages these stories convey. I am excited to bring these reimagined tales to life, inviting both loyal fans and new readers to join me on this journey. These tales are not merely sequels; they are reawakening moments, offering a chance to swim deeper into the currents of emotion and revelation that each character embodies. As the release date approaches, I look forward to sharing more about the journey of transformation these books have undergone.

CFM January 19-25 | Genesis 3-4; Moses 4-5: The Fall of Adam and Eve

January 18, 2026 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

The Shattered Vase or the Cracked Egg? A Comprehensive Theological Comparative of the Fall of Humanity

Picture a flawless porcelain vase sitting on a mantle. Now, picture a bird’s egg resting in a nest. If you break the vase, you have destroyed something beautiful; you have created a tragedy. But if you break the egg… you haven’t destroyed anything. You have birthed something alive.

For nearly 1,600 years, the majority of Western Christianity has viewed the Garden of Eden through the lens of the shattered vase—a cosmic catastrophe known as “The Fall.” But what if that lens is cracked?

Few questions carry as much theological weight as “What happened in the Garden?” The answer dictates how you view human nature, the purpose of suffering, and the very character of God.

Did Eve ruin paradise, or did she bravely open the door to human potential?
Is humanity born with a “sin nature” that requires depravity, or are we born with a “divine nature” that requires development?
Why do Jewish rabbis and Latter-day Saints vehemently disagree with the traditional Christian view of “Original Sin”?

This isn’t just another Sunday School summary. In this comprehensive 4,500-word analysis, we are going to dismantle centuries of theological assumption. We will walk through the ancient Rabbinic rejection of the “Fall,” examine the “Soul-Making” theodicy of early Church Fathers like Irenaeus, and dive deep into the distinct Latter-day Saint doctrine of the “Fortunate Fall.” Backed by rigorous scholarship and heavily annotated sources, this post invites you to look at Genesis 3 not as the moment the universe broke, but perhaps, as the moment it finally started working.

Episode 4: The Proving Ground

January 8, 2026January 18, 2026 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

Welcome fellow travelers. This is Grace and Sobriety for Latter-day Saints on a path of recovery and living a sober life through Jesus Christ and His Gospel.

Does it ever feel like the moment you decide to get sober or fix your life, everything suddenly gets harder? That resistance isn’t failure—it’s actually proof that you’re on the right path

In this episode, we’re looking at Abraham 3 to discover why God calls this life a ‘proving ground.’ We’re going to learn how to turn that intense pressure into the power you need to break your chains.

I want to share with you today how we’re going to prove that you are one of the ‘noble and great ones.’ Let’s get into it and like, share, and subscribe – following this content and all other content.

Anchor Verse:

“And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.” — Abraham 3:25

In our previous episodes, we established our nothingness without God (Moses 1), claimed our identity as His children (Moses 1), and found the courage to seek a better way (Abraham 1).

When Fiction Stops Being Fiction: Why “Don’t Kiss Me Goodbye” Belongs in This Moment

January 5, 2026January 18, 2026 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

Join the Live Virtual Book Launch at Mystique Noir Scribbler YouTube Channel, as well as on Facebook, X, and Tik Tok.

When the News Starts Reading Like Noir

Seattle just halted arrests for open‑air drug use. Critics call it “suicidal empathy,” arguing that such a policy encourages rather than alleviates the ongoing crisis. Supporters champion it as a form of compassion that acknowledges the complex struggles faced by those battling addiction. But anyone walking the streets knows something deeper is happening—something darker, older, and harder to name. As vulnerable individuals grapple with their realities in plain sight, it becomes increasingly evident that the city is caught in a web of systemic failures, where emergency interventions feel inadequate and societal stigma looms large. When the headlines start sounding like a detective novel, filled with tragedy and unanswered questions, you have to ask: What kind of story are we living in? Are we witnessing a desperate plea for help slipping between the cracks of policy and public indifference?