Post-Election Comfort

Posted on November 17, 2016 by Todd Biermann
Photo by C-Monster

Photo by C-Monster

Following the U.S. elections last week, many people, all around the world, are rather unsettled, worried and maybe even fearful. This particular election process was filled with so much hostility that it seems the hurts can never be healed.

That’s why it’s more important than ever for us who know Jesus as LORD over all to make HIM known to all. Jesus is the only source of true comfort and real hope for the future. Sinful humans will ALWAYS be in conflict. The situation following the election is just one symptom of the insidious disease of sin that has corrupted us all. BUT, all hope is NOT lost as Jesus has the power to forgive our evil, heal our wounds, unite our hearts and give us hope for the future.

In my sermon last weekend I invited everyone to remember and share God’s Word of comfort and hope. I pointed out several passages from the Bible that make His wonderful Truth so clear. Here’s the Good News (all quotes are from the ESV)…

 

Psalm 147:3, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Matthew 4:23, “And [Jesus] went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.”

Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Luke 2:10-11, “And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.”

John 20:19-21, “19 On the evening of that day [Easter], the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.””

Nehemiah 8:10, “…the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

 

In His mighty strength, Jesus has “sent us” to all the world to bring His forgiveness, peace, and joy to all who will receive it. Even in a torn up world, His power IS able to heal, comfort and delight every heart. Rejoice in the opportunity to bring such gifts. Celebrate in what Jesus WILL DO as we give the “thumbs up” to Him!

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Terrific Tuesday

Posted on November 11, 2016 by Todd Biermann

This past Tuesday was a terrific day. NO, it wasn’t because of the elections in the U.S. It was because my son, Micah, turned 16 that day. It was a terrific day to celebrate God’s grace in giving me an awesome son who has grown into a mature, wise and caring young Christian man.

I don’t take any of this for granted. For one, Micah could very well have died at birth. The doctors said there was a strong probability of this since he was 3 months premature and had multiple complications including a 2-pound birth weight. But, in spite of the obstacles, to the amazement of doctors, nurses and parents, Micah not only survived, but thrived.

Also, over the years, there were times when this little boy showed the tenacity that enabled him to survive his premature birth and it wasn’t always a pleasant experience for those around him. You know, that “strong will” thing. Yet, his mom and I didn’t give up. We prayed for patience and guidance. We relied on the Spirit of God to shape that strong character into a mighty force for good. And, we have seen that happen in beautiful ways.

As Micah has moved into the teen years, we’ve continued to have some differences of opinion about how things should be done. It amazes me that my own offspring is the type of guy who is much more comfortable working at the wire than working far ahead on tasks. Drives me nuts! SO, I’ve had to learn some new lessons about respecting the way others work…since it turns out just as well most of the time…and often with less stress. Amazing! Dad has actually been learning some valuable lessons from son.

Most of all, I will never take it for granted that Micah has a heart that is clearly controlled by the love of Jesus, his Savior. Micah cannot tell a lie. He naturally seeks to help others. He feels terrible if he hurts someone. He is quick to seek forgiveness and to grant it. He longs to serve the Lord and share His love. I know these things are NOT by chance and NOT because Heather and I are such wonderful parents and NOT because the world has been such a positive influence on Micah. I attribute these things to the amazing grace of God and work of the Holy Spirit who entered Micah’s heart when I baptized him at 2-minutes after birth.

Tuesday was terrific. “Thumbs up” to Jesus for making Micah the 16-year old he is. I can’t wait to see what the LORD will continue to do in and through this young man of God who so often amazes me. As the name Micah Joshua (that’s his middle name) declares, “Who is like the LORD? The LORD saves!” Amen!

Typical Micah...supporting his sister.

Typical Micah…supporting his sister.

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Let’s Talk Male & Female

Posted on November 4, 2016 by Todd Biermann

On February 11, 2017 I will be one of four keynote speakers at the Michigan District, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod’s Theological Conference to be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Lansing, MI. The theme for the Conference is “Let’s Talk Male & Female.” The focus will be equipping pastors, teachers and every single Christian to understand and communicate what God teaches us about our personal identity and how that positively impacts marriage, every other relationship and all of life. Learn how to talk  in a helpful way about such matters as transgenderism, homosexuality, same-sex marriage and more. I eagerly invite EVERYONE to attend this conference if at all possible. For more information and to register, go to www.michigandistrict.org/events/theological17 . TheoConf2017Thumbnail300x300

The focus of my specific talk will be the following:

Our identity is not so much about WHO we are but WHOSE we are. We are the perfectly loved bride of Jesus. Three key passages from God’s Word in the Bible lay out this beautiful Gospel Truth in simple and memorable terms (Genesis 2:24, Mathew 19:5 and Ephesians 5:31-32). Ephesians 5:31-32 clearly states, “‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.” (ESV)

It’s because our identity is tied to God’s plan for marriage that we must live out and teach His way for marriage. God’s way is that marriage is to be a life-long union between one man and one woman that is marked by sacrificial, unconditional and incarnational love.

EVERY Christian is able to enjoy and hand out this love that so clearly and simply defines our identity. Two simple illustrations using our hands will help us always remember our marriage-based identity and share it in all of our properly prioritized relationships.

In the end we will clearly see that our identity isn’t just about knowing who (or, rather, Whose) we are. Our identity gives us our purpose in life: leading everyone around us in ALL our relationships to the most important relationship of all…the one with our Bridegroom, Jesus. THAT relationship, and ONLY that relationship, gives us real joy and life eternal.

Who am I? The perfectly loved bride of Jesus forever.

Why am I here? To hand out this free gift to everyone I meet.

Posted in Bible Study, Community Life, Congregational Life, Marriage, Sex, Witnessing, Worldview | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Lying’s Evil Power

Posted on October 28, 2016 by Todd Biermann

This past Wednesday I read a New York Times article about a scientific study on lying. It said, “We’ve all lied once in a while to spare someone’s feelings, but a new study looks at how fibbing could turn into serial dishonesty. The findings suggested that an area of the brain associated with emotional responses could become desensitized to lying.”

Photo by Kevin Spencer

Photo by Kevin Spencer

I was not a bit surprised. In dealing with people going through relationship struggles, lying is often a part of the problem. A lack of honesty has caused a breech of trust, a break in the relationship, and some deep pain. As I help people through these matters, it’s not unusual to find those who don’t consider their actions to be “lying.” Or, even if they admit they’ve lied, they don’t consider it to be a big deal. I have to guide them to recognize that no matter what they call their behavior or how serious they think it is, it IS a serious matter that has hurt others.

Jesus says in John 8:44 that the devil, “is a liar and the father of lies.” The devil knows the destructive power of lying. He knows it has tremendous power to break up the relationships that God intended for good between people. It’s important for us to recognize ALL lying as evil. Even little “white lies” can quickly destroy the trust in a relationship. And, as the recent study shows, it’s very easy to slide down the slope from “little lies” to a pattern of lying that seems innocent enough in our sinful minds.

Take good care of the gifts you have in your relationships with others. Don’t let the devil destroy these good gifts with the seed of deceit. Stop ALL lying in its tracks by recognizing it, confessing it, absolving it and turning away from it. The truth can sometimes be difficult, but it will set you free. After all, the truth draws our hearts to The Truth, Jesus Christ, and His forgiving love for us. That true love overcomes all lies and draws us together in beautiful relationships with Him and everyone else in our life.

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Appreciated!

Posted on October 20, 2016 by Todd Biermann

Photo by Art4TheGlryOfGod

Photo by Art4TheGlryOfGod

October is sometimes identified as “Pastor Appreciation Month.” It’s very hard for me to be the center of such attention. I truly seek to have the focus remain on Jesus, the “Thumb” in my thumbs up illustration of relationship priorities. Jesus should be the one receiving our highest words of appreciation. In that light, I really liked the words written by Pastor Matyas in the LCMS District newsletter, “Michigan in Touch.” He writes, “Seeing you listen to the Word of God and gladly keeping it, hearing your sigh of relief after receiving the Sacrament for your forgiveness, praying with you for the needs of all people, that makes my joy complete. That makes me feel appreciated. The job itself, when it’s working right, is its own reward. After all, you don’t go to church because of me, you go to church because of Jesus. And if I can serve Him by serving you, that’s all the thanks I need.”

I echo those words of Pastor Matyas and add a practical illustration. This week I had the privilege of helping a couple that was struggling with some relationship issues. I guided them to the free forgiveness we have in Jesus. They eagerly listened as I described the love of Jesus for the church as a model for their relationship as husband and wife. It was a delight for me to see the sense of freedom, comfort and hope that washed over them as they received the gifts of Jesus. They went away having encountered the AWESOME wonder of Jesus and His perfect love. They were renewed and energized for life in His way. All I did was speak the Word of Jesus. He did everything else. Seeing the power of the Holy Spirit directing this couple to Jesus and His love made me feel truly appreciated.

Sure, I’ve appreciated other gifts for “pastor appreciation month.” I remember how delighted I was to receive the gift of a romantic night away with my beloved wife. That showed me appreciation as the giver recognized the importance of my teaching about God’s way for relationship priorities. Still, the way I’ve felt MOST appreciated was when I was able to turn eyes and hearts to the joy of Jesus. All praise to Jesus!

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MY Birthday Present

Posted on October 14, 2016 by Todd Biermann

Today is not my birthday. It IS my wife, Heather’s, birthday. I want to publicly thank God for the wonderful “birthday present” he gave to me on this day. Next to Jesus and His eternal salvation, Heather is the GREATEST gift I’ve ever received. To Heather I wish to proclaim for all to hear…

My Dearest Heather,

I am filled with awe and joy at how blessed I am because you were born on this day. The Lord made you as my perfect complement. You fill my gaps and lift me to heights I could never reach on my own. Your compassion for the hurting causes my eyes to see the need I would otherwise overlook. Your generosity causes my tight fist to open and eagerly share what God has bountifully given us. Your motherly love balances with my fatherly sternness to give our children what they need to grow as children of God. Your quest for the new gives me courage to let go of the old. Your skills as a mentor give me a model to follow and to lift up for others. Your ability to make our home a sanctuary gives me the refreshment I need to go forth and offer sanctuary to the world. Your sincere faith in Jesus bolsters me when my own faith is faltering.

I could go on with many more ways in which I am truly blessed by you, my love. Suffice it to say, you are delight to my eyes, music to my ears, perfume to my nose, sweetness to my lips, tenderness to my touch and JOY to my heart. I cannot thank God enough for having made you and brought you to me as my greatest gift next to Him. I cannot thank YOU enough for willingly going where God was leading. I’m humbled and awed that you agreed to heed my humble plea and become my bride.

Truly, on this day, you are MY birthday present. I am the one who was blessed more than any other by your birth. I pray that I can always complete you and bring as much joy and delight to your life as you have brought to mine. I will strive to always give to you the sacrificial, unconditional and incarnational love of Jesus that He has first given to me.

I love you Heather!  Happy birthday!

Your continually devoted husband,

Todd

DSCN7736

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Jury Duty

Posted on October 7, 2016 by Todd Biermann

Have you ever experienced a blessing that you firmly believed was the hand of God acting for you? I had a strong sense of this in something that happened to me this week.

Photo by "j"

Photo by “j”

Last month I received notice that I was to be prepared to serve on jury duty for the Circuit Court in my area. On Monday night I checked to see if I had to appear the next day and, thankfully, no one was asked to come in. As directed, I checked again on Tuesday evening. Potential jurors are called up based on their “Panel” group. As I read the online notice, I was overwhelmed with disbelief and delight. The notice stated that for the next day, Panels “I” and “K” were to appear for jury selection. Can you guess what Panel I was on? Yup. I was on Panel “J”. Just a coincidence that they skipped right over my Panel? I don’t think so. Things like this are what I like to call “God-incidences.” Not random luck, but the gracious hand of a loving God acting to bless me.

Now, I assure you that I was willing to serve on jury duty if called up. I consider it a privilege to live in a country where we can serve in this way. It’s good to know that we have a system where a panel of my peers is involved in determining my innocence or guilt. Still, at the same time, I really did not want to serve right now as my schedule is packed. So, I prayed, “Lord, may your will be done, but I sure would appreciate it if I didn’t have to add this to my plate.”

I thank my Lord, Jesus, for His good and gracious will. I thank Him for boosting my trust in Him by acting in a pretty clear way to show me His love. I continue to keep my “thumb up” to Jesus. He DOES love me, care for me and bless me in so many ways I never see. What a gift when He lets me see it clearly.

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Daughter Date Night

Posted on September 30, 2016 by Todd Biermann

In less than a year from now, my “little girl” will be heading off to college. I can’t believe that day is drawing near so quickly. As I was looking at my schedule for this year, I decided I couldn’t waste these precious months I have with Hannah still in our home. So, I decided it was important to put a regular date night with her on my calendar. Now, I still intend to keep a weekly date night with my wife, Heather (she still holds the #1 position among all my human relationships), but Hannah and Micah are in that next priority level (the rest of my family) as represented by my middle finger. And in case you’re wondering, I’ve also scheduled one night a week especially for Micah (along with our weekly morning Bible study we attend together to keep Jesus in the “Thumbs Up” position).

Tonight I’m eager to begin a special adventure for my date nights with Hannah. She loves tactile art. So, tonight we will be starting a ten-week class of “pottery on the wheel.” I’ve always been intrigued by this beautiful art form. I’m excited to be learning it together with Hannah. I’m sure it will give us lots to laugh about and remember together for the rest of our days.

Photo by Anna-Maria Oléhn

Photo by Anna-Maria Oléhn

Don’t neglect the important people in your life, especially your spouse (forefinger) and children (middle finger). As you’re given days with them from the gracious hand of God (thumb), cherish those days by building your relationship of love. It doesn’t have to be work. In fact, it can be a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to joining Hannah in this new adventure. Plus, it will likely provide me with some comic relief for future blogs 🙂

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Wisdom vs. Violence

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Todd Biermann

The headlines are telling again of great violence in the world…civil war, displaced citizens, terrorist bombings, political clashes, and racially motivated assaults and protests…just to name a few. Nothing new in a world blinded by man-made wisdom. WE think WE know what WE need. We fight against anyone who sees things differently. Violence will always result from the corrupted wisdom of sinful people, which we all are.

Again, we must turn our eyes to Jesus and His perfect wisdom. Jesus loves ALL people the same and has saved ALL people from sin, death and hell. What we really need has already been given to ALL people as a free gift. No need for jealous competition. No need to protect what is only for me. No need to fear what others might do to me or take from me. No need for violence.

Courtesy of Art4TheGlryOfGod

Courtesy of Art4TheGlryOfGod

All we really need is to give up our own wisdom and allow the Spirit of God to grant us true wisdom. In the Bible we receive such wisdom from the Spirit. Consider these words recorded by St. Paul under inspiration of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 2:6-10:

6 Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. 7 But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But, as it is written,

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
    nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him”—

10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit.

Instead of hating others, Wisdom leads us to love Jesus (Thumbs Up to Him!). He HAS given us the treasure of forgiveness. He HAS given us peace with God. He HAS given us the sure hope of a blessed eternity with Him. He HAS given us freedom from jealousy, fear and conflict each day.

Eyes on Jesus. That’s true wisdom. That’s the ONLY answer to violence.

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The Word in Our Mouths

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Todd Biermann

Isaiah 59:21, “‘And as for me, this is my covenant with them,’ says the LORD: ‘My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children’s offspring,’ says the LORD, ‘from this time forth and forevermore.'”

The beauty of words and of heavenly language is a gift to be cherished. I was struck by this last week as I was leading a Bible class. We were pondering an Old Testament writing that had the word “LORD” in all capital letters at several points. I was explaining that this is the only way our English language is able to handle the unique Hebrew name of God that is expressed by four consonants that have the basic sound of “YHWH.” We believe this name is to be pronounced “Yahweh.” The best translation of the name is the great “I AM.” One little word. Tons of meaning. Beautiful sound.

So much of the Word of God carries much more meaning when it is read out loud. It has a poetic beauty that lends to the understanding of the content. The verse above from Isaiah 59 is a good example. The repetition of the word “mouth” reinforces the value of the spoken Word of God that flows forth from the mouth that is connected to a believing heart. The final words, “from this time forth and forevermore,” emphasize in a beautiful way that God’s Word is to always be shared with our lips…forever. The Spirit of the LORD desires to keep the Word of God on our lips.

I share this because, in a world of texting shorthand, the beauty of oral language is being taken for granted or even lost. The awe of God is being lost. I entreat each believing heart to perpetuate the flow of heavenly language from lips enlivened by the Spirit of the LORD. Above all else may our mouths contain and proclaim the awesome and exhilarating Gospel news of Jesus, the LORD who saves!

Photo by Thomas Hawk

Photo by Thomas Hawk

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