REVIEW “Handing Out Life”

Posted on March 10, 2017 by Todd Biermann

Thank you to everyone who has voted to make Handing Out Life the 2017 book of the year in its category among Christian small publishers. If you haven’t had a chance to vote, you can still do that before March 31, 2017 by following my directions HERE. Every vote helps to spread the news that this is a great resource for everyone in every relationship.

Another way to help spread the word about Handing Out Life is to review it on its Amazon sale listing. Click HERE to go to it. Then, just offer your review (5 stars and positive words would be appreciated, but your honesty is most important to me). If my book receives 50 reviews, Amazon will feature it in its newsletters and promotions. That helps put Jesus’ way for relationships in front of more eyes. It increases the potential for God’s Word to bring guidance, hope and joy to more and more people.

If you can help by simply saying something like “Thumbs up to Handing Out Life!”, I’d really appreciate it. And, if you have a chance, share this post with your friends and encourage them to do a review as well.

THANKS SO MUCH!

amazon-reviews

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Sabbatical Tour 2018

Posted on February 20, 2017 by Todd Biermann

The leadership of my congregation, Faith Lutheran Church, Grand Blanc, MI, has just agreed to join me in a grand adventure for the summer of 2018. Together, we will seek God’s blessing on a time of sabbatical renewal. Now that I’ve been serving at Faith for 10 years, we want to join in thanking God for guiding us to His way for awesome relationships with Jesus and everyone else. During these years, I’ve completed my DMin degree on marriage and family relationships. Heather and I have expanded our teaching about marriages in God’s way through seminars and speaking engagements throughout North America, Central America and South America. I’ve been able to publish my book, Handing Out Life.  Faith has grown in its understanding of living out every relationship joyfully in God’s way. The congregation was instrumental in fine-tuning all that I teach on this subject, especially helping make my book a reality. Now, Faith is having an impact in the world as a model congregation for shaping all of our ministry within and to the world around healthy and joyous relationships. God has given us tremendous blessings throughout these past ten years. Together, we want to thank and praise Him!

To do this, we’re planning for a shared “sabbatical” from May 9 through July 31, 2018. In this period of rest and renewal, we will all step back to reflect on God’s blessings. We will also refocus for the next steps God has in store. Leading up to the sabbatical period, the entire congregation will join me in a 9-month focus on the theme of  “WAVES!” It’s based on Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” In 2016/2017, the congregational theme has been “Ripples.” We are to be covered by the “ripples” of love that God continually sends our way through His Word and Sacraments and then respond by “casting” His love into the world to make “ripples” into the lives of others. In 2017/2018 we hope to step the theme up one notch and not settle for just “ripples.” We want to recognize the ABUNDANCE of God’s grace that continues to roll over us in WAVES. Then, we are to share that abundance with the world by making WAVES of love everywhere we go. This is the “path of life” wherein we receive “FULLNESS of JOY!” His WAVES fill us to overflowing.

Photo by Kacper Gunia

Photo by Kacper Gunia

Applying this theme to the sabbatical, the title will be: “WAVES of JOY: Ride some. Make some. Ride MORE! Make MORE!”

I want to thank God by riding some waves of love that have shaped me, my family, and my ministry at Faith and beyond. Heather and I will travel in an RV back to three places that have most influenced us with God’s love…the sites of my first two Calls into the ministry in Parma, OH and Brooklyn Park, MN along with the area where my dad and many relatives live in northeast Nebraska. We will make some waves in these places by sharing free “marriage and family” seminars and counseling, using concepts that we are living out at Faith, Grand Blanc. We will then pick up Hannah and Micah to go on a tour of the northeast U.S. and southeast Canada. This will be a time to ride more waves of God’s love that we have enjoyed as a family for the past 18 years and have “fullness of joy” together. This will give us time to also prepare for both of our children being away at college in the fall of 2018, facing it with God’s strength, guidance and peace. In addition, along the way we will make more waves by simply sharing the love we have from Jesus with everyone we meet. I will personally keep a DAILY BLOG ON THIS SITE to recount my experience of receiving “fullness of joy” from meditation on God’s Word (memorizing one Bible verse on “joy” each day), the beauty of creation (at least 10,000 steps each day) and my interactions with others. The blog will also share the opportunities God gives us to make more waves by sharing His love in the activity of RV living. This will provide a model for the Faith family and many others of how we can make more waves with God’s love wherever we go in daily life.

The entire sabbatical will also provide an opportunity for Heather and me to “test” a ministry opportunity that we may pursue when I move into retirement in the future. We may sell all we have, move into an RV and travel wherever the Lord leads, sharing Jesus’ way for marriage and family relationships. This is a dream we would like to consider even though it may not reach “fullness” for another 15 years.

Regardless, it is our prayer with the Faith, Grand Blanc family that this sabbatical period will renew us for the greater things God has in store. God will certainly continue to bless relationships as we model, teach and enjoy living out all of our relationships in His way. Please join us in the following as we prepare for this great wave-riding adventure:

  1. Pray for the sabbatical planning to be according to God’s good and gracious will.
  2. Contact me if you have any leads on an RV that we can borrow, rent or purchase at “missionary cost” for at least the period of 5/9/2018 through 7/31/2018.
  3. Watch for more information on ways in which you can financially support the sabbatical.
  4. Plan to travel with us “virtually” through our blog posts and daily prayers from May 9 through July 31, 2018.
  5. Seek guidance and inspiration for how YOU might make waves of your own using ideas that this sabbatical will stimulate.
  6. Courageously go out EVERY day to make waves in the world with the love of Jesus that leads to JOYOUS relationships in all of life!
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Let’s Talk Male & Female

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Todd Biermann
Heather and Todd speaking at the "Let's Talk Male & Female" symposium on Feb. 11

Heather and Todd speaking at the “Let’s Talk Male & Female” Theological Symposium of the LCMS Michigan District on Feb. 11, 2017

Heather and I had the privilege to speak at a Theological Symposium for the Michigan District of the LCMS in Lansing, MI this past Saturday. The theme for the symposium was “Let’s Talk Male and Female.” Four keynote addresses (with Q&A) covered various aspects of our identity as male and female. Special consideration was given to many current perspectives popular in society that run counter to God’s plan. The focus for the talk given by Heather and me was on the way in which God’s plan for marriage gives us identity, purpose and joy in all our relationships.

You can see a video recording of the entire seminar (our presentation starts at 4:47:45) on YouTube by CLICKING  HERE or entering this link in your browser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4V_W0qJyQk

Join me in praying that all people can see that God’s plan for sexual identity, marriage and relationships is the ONLY plan that gives us lasting freedom, purpose, hope and joy. In God’s plan, Jesus is the focus. Jesus gives us perfect love. Jesus guides us through life. Jesus forgives our failures. Jesus gives us a joy that cannot be contained.

Posted in Bible Study, Community Life, Family Life, Marriage, Sex, Witnessing, Worldview | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

VOTE FOR “Handing Out Life”

Posted on February 2, 2017 by Todd Biermann

cover-thumbnail-photoVOTE NOW for Handing Out Life to be book of the year! The book I wrote to highlight the teachings of “Life in God’s Way” has been nominated for book of the year, 2017, among Christian small publishers. To encourage more to receive Jesus’ guidance and blessings for their relationships, I’d really appreciate your vote. Just click HERE or type in this address: http://www.christianpublishers.net/17votes/ .  Fill in the two lines at the top and either vote in every category or just scroll 2/3 of the way down to “NONFICTION – RELATIONSHIPS / FAMILY. ” Click the bubble above Handing Out Life. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “Submit Votes.” Once you’ve voted, please pass this invitation along to any person or circle (school group, sports team, work associates, blog group, whoever) that might vote as well. Voting ends March 31st. Let’s share the good news about Jesus’ gift of life that we get to freely hand out to everyone!

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Life OUT THERE in God’s Way

Posted on January 29, 2017 by Todd Biermann
Photo by Sonny Abesamis

Photo by Sonny Abesamis

So often we confine our expression of faith within the walls of the church building or, if we’re a little edgy, in the walls of our home. But, my experience of late has shown that we’re surrounded by a world that’s EAGER to learn more about anything “faith” related. This was made clear last Tuesday when I attended a happy hour for a local realty company at a microbrewery. I went as a friend and guest of the lead realtor. I had no “agenda” such as planning to “save 10 souls” or anything else of my making. I just went with an open mind, an open heart and a hand reaching out with the true love of Jesus. This was about my 5th time attending one of these happy hours. Just like the other times, I was overwhelmed by the number of guests who wanted to ask questions or chat about spiritual matters. They were not at all offended by my honest words of faith in Jesus. In fact, they were eager to hear more. I was delighted by what the Lord was doing through me as I was handing out life.

Also with me this week was a friend from church, Ryan. This was his first time attending. It was a thrill to see his wide-eyed expression of delight over how friendly and open everyone was. He had several faith conversations of his own. His excitement on the way home couldn’t be contained. He was filled with the joy of having the love of Jesus flow through him to others. I was filled with the joy of my own interactions as well as the joy of seeing Ryan experience a taste of the same.

I challenge you to go OUT THERE wherever you can in this big world and simply be open to share the love of Jesus. Look for opportunities to talk about what your faith means to you. Tell others about the joy you receive from the Lord of life and love. As you pray for open hearts and open conversations, you’ll be thrilled by what the Spirit WILL do…in His way and in His time. It is an awesome privilege to be able to live OUT THERE in God’s way.

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To Africa with Love

Posted on January 20, 2017 by Todd Biermann

It was a delight this past weekend to host the Rev. Dr. Mandla Khumalo and his dear wife Lindiwe from St. Peter Confessional Lutheran Church in Middleburg, South Africa. Mandla shared his fascinating life story of how God brought him from a troubled childhood under an oppressive government to become a bold proclaimer of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, now to a gathering of believers numbering more than 21,000. His message in our time of worship was truly inspiring as he reminded us of our important task to tell the story of Jesus and His love.

Biermanns with Mandla & Lindiwe Khumalo

Biermanns with Mandla & Lindiwe Khumalo

What struck me most about my time with the Khumalos was that the love of Jesus bound us together as instant friends…or, even better, family. Regardless of skin color or nationality, we are truly one in Christ Jesus. I felt like I had known Mandla for years. I’m sure that when I see him again, our relationship will be warm and close.

As I shared the “Thumbs Up” illustration of relationship priorities with Mandla, he immediately agreed with its truthfulness and value as a simple way to remember what God teaches. He also greatly appreciated the “marriage triangle” illustration that features sacrificial, unconditional and incarnational love as learned from Jesus. In fact, Mandla was so inspired by these tools that he immediately asked for Heather and me to bring the message to South Africa. As we parted, he declared that he would be working with his leadership team to make our visit a reality as soon as possible. “We need this in our country! Families are hurting. This will also be eagerly received by people in the community who don’t even come to our church at this time.”

I’m excited that the Truth of God’s Word will have this opportunity to cross another boundary and bless more people. Please join me in praying for this opportunity to come to fruition and that all of the finances, logistics and relational details will work out smoothly. May more people know the joy of Jesus in all of their relationships…all to the glory of God!

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Friends Forever

Posted on January 13, 2017 by Todd Biermann
Sunset at Hilton Head Island 1-1-2017

Sunset at Hilton Head Island 1-1-2017

Back in my summer camp counselor days, a favorite song at camp was “Friends Are Friends Forever” as sung by Michael W. Smith. The key line to that song is what follows the title…”Friends are friends forever, if the Lord’s the Lord of them.” In Jesus, friendships can, indeed, last forever. What a JOYOUS message that is!

I experienced a taste of the enduring power Jesus gives to friendships on my family’s recent vacation to Hilton Head Island, SC. We had a great time just hanging out, playing games, walking on the beech…and taking long quiet moments to pray and listen to the Lord. A highlight for all of us was our time in worship at Island Lutheran Church on New Year’s Day. As we entered into a new year, it was a true joy to meet up with a dear friend and brother pastor, Rev. Larry Eckart, who is now pastor of Island Lutheran Church. It had been seven years since we’d seen each other, but it felt like no time had passed at all. Our friendship picked right up where it had left off. We shared our joy in what the Lord has been doing in our lives. We rejoiced that the new year and every year is clearly in the hands of a gracious and loving God.

Larry and I may not see each other again on this side of heaven. There’s a bit of sadness in that. But, the joy in our shared faith in Jesus is far greater than any sorrow. We KNOW we will spend eternity together. With our “thumb up” to Jesus, we are sure He will take us to be together with Him in paradise for eternity. How awesome it is to remember that “friends are friends forever, if the Lord’s the Lord of them.”

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Time Well Spent

Posted on January 7, 2017 by Todd Biermann

I recently finished teaching an eight-week online class for the Family Life master’s degree program of Concordia University, Wisconsin. It was a VERY tiresome task in the midst of all my other responsibilities, especially in the season of Advent. There were times during the class when I caught myself asking, “WHY am I putting myself through this? Am I just a glutton for punishment?” But, in the end, I’m so glad I did it. The feedback from my students at the end of the course made it all worth while. They really grasped the concepts of life in God’s way as summarized in my book Handing Out Life. They all expressed their eagerness to utilize what they’d learned to better serve the needs of marriages and families. I’m thrilled that what I passed on to them from the Lord will now have an exponential impact in the world as each of them will pass it on to countless others.

To celebrate what God was able to do through this course, let me share the following beautiful testimony from one student (used with permission)…

“This course has been wonderful both professionally and spiritually. Reading Handing Out Life affirmed and strengthened so much of what I already believe and know. This was extremely refreshing and encouraging. Going through Marriages & Families was also encouraging because I found that there are many facts given through secular forces that do in fact support what we believe and teach biblically. All too often in the world it feels as though Christians today are standing alone, when really, whether unbelievers like it or not, there are statistics that actually line up with Biblical teachings. Knowing this has fortified my beliefs even more. Overall I have been challenged to take a closer look at my own priorities and relationships on a deeper level spiritually. I have been thinking more about what I can do both in my personal and professional life to show that perfect love Christ offers for us. Where am I going to make changes that will help me and those around me grow in Christ’s love?”

Photo by Art4TheGlryOfGod

Photo by Art4TheGlryOfGod

 

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The “Biermann Brief” 2016

Posted on December 12, 2016 by Todd Biermann

As I have since Heather and I were married, I again composed the “Biermann Brief” as a summary of what’s been happening in our family over the past year.  The Lord has, again, been abundantly gracious to us.  Writing this “Brief” helps us remember that.

Many of our regular readers comment on how they look forward to reading the “Brief” each year.  It seemed fitting to post a link to the “Brief” here so you can join us in thanking God for His gracious gifts.  If you’re not interested in our personal news, that’s fine.  Don’t open the link.  But, I encourage you to reflect over the year and consider the ways that God has graciously supplied your need.  You may think that the bad has been much greater than the good.  Yet, in the midst of the darkness, don’t forget the shining Light of Truth … that Jesus is the Light who has brought us eternal life.  This gift is greater than any evil the world can put in our way.  It’s greater than all our doubts, fears, worries and troubles.  Keep your “Thumb Up” to Jesus at this Christmas time.  His coming into our midst gives us a reason for joy, thankfulness and hope.  May that Light brighten your day as it has ours.

Here’s the link to  •   THE BIERMANN BRIEF   •  for 2016.  Enjoy it if you wish.  Or, simply join us in thanking and praising God for the gift of Jesus!

Micah, Hannah, Heather & Todd in the Black Hillls in 2016

Micah, Hannah, Heather & Todd in the Black Hills in 2016

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Commitment!

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Todd Biermann
Photo by Moyan Brenn

Photo by Moyan Brenn

For the past five weeks I’ve been teaching an online masters level class on “Marriage and Family” for Concordia University, Wisconsin/Ann Arbor. I’m using this post as a way to commend my ten faithful students. Every one of them is trying to maintain an incredibly busy schedule while also taking this eight week class. It’s clear they have a strong passion to help marriages and families improve. Otherwise, there’s no way they’d subject themselves to such a grueling schedule. Their level of commitment is incredible. It’s obvious the Lord is blessing them with stamina and balance as they are seeking to serve Him well.

I’m also thankful that these students are practicing what they’ll be preaching. They’ll be teaching couples and families about the importance of commitment. Good relationships don’t just happen. They take committed effort. My students certainly understand the need for commitment and will be able to encourage those they serve to practice it.

Those of you reading this blog are probably saying, “Man, do I know about busy schedules and the need for commitment!” You’re probably someone who’s committed to serving the Lord well and fostering strong, committed relationships. If so, I commend you as well! Do not be discouraged. The Lord sees your struggle to use His time well. He WILL guide you, strengthen you and bless you in the effort. Your relationships will thrive and you’ll lead others to thrive through commitment to Jesus.

Thanks for your commitment! I commend you!

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