Chamber-Take 2

Posted on May 10, 2016 by Todd Biermann

Back in January I wrote about my experience as I spoke to the Grand Blanc Michigan Chamber of Commerce.  Attendees were eager to learn about relationships as modeled and taught by Jesus.  That presentation led to several follow-up conversations and meetings.  One local realtor had me come and speak to her whole team.  They were so engaged that the scheduled 30 minutes turned into 90.   I’ve also attended two “happy hour” nights for clients sponsored by the realty team.  These both opened the door to dozens of great conversations about Jesus’ way for relationships.  GB Chamber Logo

With the recent publication of my book, Handing Out Life, my contacts through the Chamber of Commerce are continuing to grow.  The realtor I mentioned before is giving the book to clients.  Not only is she helping them find a new house, but she’s giving them a gift to help them have a great home.

Last Friday I spoke briefly to the Chamber of Commerce about my new book.  The reception was, again, very positive.  I had several requests for copies of my book on the spot.  I had many deep conversations lasting well beyond the meeting time.  Jesus was able to touch many lives with His Word of forgiveness, hope and guidance for relationships.  It was awesome to see what the Spirit of God was able to do when I made myself available to this community group.

One final praise story on the matter.  Later in the day after the Chamber of Commerce breakfast, I received a call from my realtor friend.  She had to share that she had just given a copy of my book to two women at a house signing.  As she shared with them her personal story of how the lessons in the book had impacted her, one woman began to cry.  When my friend began to apologize, the woman replied, “Don’t apologize!  That’s just the best story I’ve ever heard!”

Yes, the story of Jesus and His love IS the best story EVER heard!

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Networking

Posted on May 6, 2016 by Todd Biermann

Yesterday I attended a power networking event sponsored by an area Chamber of Commerce.  It’s a pretty crazy experience.  48 people facing each other in two lines.  You get 30 seconds to share your story with the person across from you before you rotate.  You make contact with 47 people in less than an hour.  It was tiring but rewarding.  I made several contacts with members of the community who were excited to hear about Life in God’s Way and my book, Handing Out Life.  I’m eager to follow up with these new contacts to share more of what Jesus has to give.

Taking part in this event caused me to ponder on the name “networking.”  This is a big buzz word today.  I believe it’s very fitting for the work of God.  In business, people network to build their business.  Jesus does “net-working” to build His kingdom.  What I mean relates to the commission Jesus gave to His disciples to go and be “fishers of men.”  Followers of Jesus are to cast the net of Jesus’ love.  The Holy Spirit uses that net to draw souls into the ship of the church.  All believers in Jesus are sailing in that ship together to the eternal shores of Paradise.

Photo by Sam Cox

Photo by Sam Cox

Networking also brings to mind the fact that Jesus and His love are woven throughout all of the Bible like a giant net.  His love criss-crosses Scripture from beginning to end.  The powerful message of His love catches sinners and draws them into a relationship with Him.

At my networking event yesterday, I was truly networking in the fullest sense.  I was casting the net of Jesus’ love.  I was sharing the message of Jesus that criss-crosses Scripture.  I was giving opportunity for the Spirit to catch more souls with that message of unconditional love.  I thank God for this opportunity to do some networking.

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Book Released

Posted on April 23, 2016 by Todd Biermann

Handing Out Life CoverHanding Out Life is now available for purchase (CLICK HERE TO SEE IT ON AMAZON).  This is the book that I’ve been thinking about for over 10 years and that I put to paper last fall.  It summarizes the key concepts I’ve been sharing in this blog and through various seminars, papers and sermons on the topic of marriage and all relationships in God’s way.  Here’s the summary of my book as it appears on the back cover of the book and on the Amazon listing:

Simple. Memorable. Timeless wisdom. The keys to every relationship in life. These distinct features make Handing Out Life a book for anyone, anywhere, at any time. Unlock the mystery to rewarding relationships with God, family, friends, work associates, and even enemies. Remember what you learn with two simple illustrations that are as clear as your hand in front of your face. Be prepared to hand out life.

The book starts off with a parable of real life.  It puts all the concepts into practice in a setting that will have a connection to everyone to some degree.  The next part of the book explains the concepts of life in God’s way clearly and concisely.  The final part of the book is an eight-lesson Bible study that shows the biblical foundation for everything in the book and applies it to real life.  The study is designed for personal, small group, large group or congregational usage.  It’s perfect for couples preparing for marriage, those going through marriage struggles, singles, step-families, broken families, broken congregations and healthy congregations that want to unite in sharing Jesus more effectively.

I invite you to read and review the book.  Even if you have a great understanding of how to live out marriage and every other relationship in God’s way, you’ll enjoy the way the book summarizes everything concisely and provides very applicable illustrations.  If you’re looking for some relationship guidance, this is a great place to start.  If you are about to give up on a relationship, I plead with you to read this first.  If you know anyone who fits any of the above descriptions (which is everybody!!!), then I encourage you to get them a copy of the book or show them how to get their own.  If you’re interested in a bulk discount, let me know.

I firmly believe the Holy Spirit will be able to use the words He gave me in Handing Out Life to change lives for good.  Let Him start with you!

Posted in Bible Study, Character, Congregational Life, Family Life, Living Single, Marriage, Relationship Priorities, Sex, Step-families, Teen Life, Witnessing, Worldview | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Marriage in God’s Way Seminar

Posted on April 7, 2016 by Todd Biermann

For the past ten plus years, Heather and I have been hosting our Marriage in God’s Way seminars all across North, Central and South America.  We’ve had thousands of couples join us to prepare for or grow in a rewarding godly marriage.  It’s been a true joy to see the enthusiastic participation and to hear the positive feedback.  The most rewarding seminars have been those we’ve hosted at our own congregation.  We then have the privilege to see the real change in couples’ lives as they actually put into practice what they’ve received in our seminars.  The results ARE visible and enduring!

Once again, we’ll be hosting one of these local seminars at Faith Lutheran Church of Grand Blanc on Saturday, April 30th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  This event is open to engaged couples as well as those who’ve been married for any amount of time.  Think you don’t need this because everything’s going okay?  You’d be amazed at how much more God has in store for you if you give Him a chance.  He is the God of MORE grace, MORE gifts, MORE love, MORE joy and MORE delight in marriage!  One couple married for over 60 years recently attended one of our seminars.  They participated eagerly and did every activity.  At the end of the day, they said to the other 40 couples attending, “This is great stuff!  We wish we would have had this 60 years ago.  It would’ve made things a lot easier and lot better.  But, better late than never.”

Heather and I invite you to join us for this awesome time to focus on your best friend (or the one who is about to become your best friend once God starts doing His work).  We won’t make you talk in front of anyone.  We won’t be exposing all your problems.  We won’t make you do anything you don’t want to do.  We WILL share some wonderful insights from God’s Word.  We WILL speak words of forgiveness and fresh beginnings from our Savior, Jesus.  We WILL give you simple and memorable tools you can put into practice immediately.

Sure hope you’ll join us if you’re anywhere near Grand Blanc.  If you have questions, give me a call at 810-771-8837.  To register, CLICK HERE.

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Germany & Switzerland Tour ’17

Posted on April 1, 2016 by Todd Biermann

In 2017 we will be observing the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.  On October 31st, 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses for debate on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany.  This was the start of a renewed understanding of the rich Gospel treasures freely available to us in God’s Word.  Luther and others with him proclaimed the joyous news that we are saved freely by God’s grace for Jesus’ sake.  Luther also had a keen insight into the application of God’s Word to real life relationships.  He provided much that directs us down the path of life in God’s way.

In celebration of the Reformation, my wife, Heather, and I will be hosting a tour of the lands where Luther and his associates lived and served.  From May 10-20, 2017 we will be visiting many sites in Germany and Switzerland including: Berlin, Wittenberg, Eisleben, Leipzig, Eisenach, Erfurt, Augsburg, Munich, Oberammergau, Neuschwanstein, Lucerne, Heidelberg and the Rhine Valley.  Our tour, organized by reputable tour company NAWAS International Travel Inc., will start and end in Detroit.  All transportation, lodging and most meals will be included in the cost.  Through the month of April 2016, the very special rate of $3799 per person will be available.  After that, registration will still be open as long as space allows, but costs may rise as Germany will be a prime destination in 2017.Wittenberg

I invite you to consider being a part of this once in a lifetime opportunity.  It will bring to life the blessings of the Reformation in a visible and tangible way.  Even if you’re not a particularly avid historian, you’ll still enjoy the magnificent scenery of the German and  Swiss countryside, towns and cities.  You’ll also be able to enjoy the experience of fostering deep friendships with your fellow travelers.  As we travel, we will be practicing life in God’s way.

If you’d like to register for the tour or simply receive more information, I’d be eager to chat and/or provide all you need.  Just drop me an email at tabiermann@gmail.com or call me at 810-771-8837.  I hope you’ll be able to come along for this awesome time of remembrance and celebration in the lands of Luther.

 

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Easter…in the Flesh

Posted on March 24, 2016 by Todd Biermann

Easter is the most important day to our faith in Jesus.  On Easter, Jesus rose in the flesh to show that He had conquered death completely.  Death and hell could not hold Jesus down in body or soul.  He is fully alive with a real body.  In the flesh, He continues to rule the universe.  In the flesh, Jesus will return on Judgment Day to raise every human being from the dead…in the flesh.  All those who have received the gift of free salvation from Jesus will rise to live with Jesus in heaven forever…in the flesh.  Those who have rejected Jesus as their Lord and Savior will rise to spend eternity apart from Him in hell…in the flesh.

Our physical bodies are very important.  God made them wonderfully in His image.  He promises we will rise from the dead with perfect bodies in His image.  That’s why we also value the flesh right now.  We care for our own bodies.  We care for the bodies of others around us.

This is the reason why incarnational love is so important in marriage and every other relationship.  This kind of love cares for the physical well-being of others.  It sees them as beautiful beings made in God’s image.

Jesus-Easter-ResurrectionEaster is a time to celebrate that Jesus is alive in the flesh.  A great way to honor Jesus is by loving others in the flesh.  Give a hug.  Share a meal.  Commune together.  Eat some chocolate (my personal favorite)!  All are ways to enjoy life with the ones we love in the flesh.  Then, look forward to rising from the dead with those who claim Jesus as Savior to enjoy eternity together in the flesh.  That’s the AWESOME JOY of Easter…in the flesh!

Posted in Family Life, Marriage, Sex, Worldview | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Keys to Communication

Posted on March 18, 2016 by Todd Biermann

I like to follow posts that appear on the FamilyLife webpage.  I keep some of them handy because I find them to be especially useful.  One particularly good post on communication that first appeared in 2005 was titled 5 Communication Tools That Saved My Marriage.  It was written by Rob Flood.

Photo by: UnknownNet Photography

Photo by: UnknownNet Photography

The five key principles highlighted by Flood were these:

1. The Principle of First Response: The course of a conflict is not determined by the person who initiates, but by the person who responds.

2. The Principle of Physical Touch: It is difficult to sin against someone while you are tenderly touching him or her.

3. The Principle of Proper Timing: The success of a conversation can be maximized if the timing of the conversation is carefully chosen.

4. The Principle of Mirroring: Understanding can be enhanced if we measure it often throughout a conversation.

5. The Principle of Prayer: Success in communication is more likely when we invite God to be an active participant and guide.

I found these principles to be in line with God’s guidance for our relationships.  Keep them in mind in your communication and you’ll certainly benefit.  These will be especially helpful in marriage.  To see a further explanation of these five principles go to FamilyLife’s website and do a search for the title.

In closing, I’d like to bring special emphasis to the fifth principle.  If you and the person with whom you are communicating will practice regular time with Jesus FIRST in your daily life, the probability of success in your communication increases exponentially.  Daily read God’s Word together.  Join in prayer to Jesus for His free forgiveness and wise guidance every day.  Be at peace in the arms of Jesus as you both lay your concerns on Him before you go to sleep every night.  I’m not just flippantly throwing out those words “daily, every day and every night.”  It DOES make a difference when you keep your “thumb up” to Jesus EVERY DAY!  It will pay off tremendously when those crucial points of communication arise.  It may even save your marriage.

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New Logo

Posted on March 10, 2016 by Todd Biermann

Due to the wonderful generosity of a new friend, Heather and I now have a new logo for our Life in God’s Way ministry and this website.  Below you’ll see the logo in both “black and white” and full color.

This new design reflects some important things about our ministry.  The “Thumbs Up” at the start shows the importance of having our relationships in the right order according to the “Thumbs Up” illustration (Jesus on top, all human relationships after that as represented by the other fingers).  Directly after the thumb is the word “Life” to reflect that having a proper “Thumbs Up” worldview leads to true life now and eternally.  A proper “Thumbs Up” perspective shapes every aspect of life.  Of course, such life is possible because of God’s guidance, power and grace.  Thus, “God’s” stands out as the most important word of the title, furthest out in front in the logo.  Apart from God, healthy relationships and true life are not possible.  But, in God’s way, all relationships prosper even to our eternal relationship with Jesus.  The word “way” at the end is de-emphasized by its location and lower case.  It simply indicates that life in God is an ongoing process that requires a continuing walk with God.  This ongoing walk with God is also emphasized by the “swoosh” that flows from “way” back to the “Thumbs Up”.  Life in God’s way is a “circular” process that requires us to continually return to Jesus at the top of life.  The “Thumbs Up” points our eyes to Jesus as the one who forgives our relationship failures and gives us a fresh start to life again.  As we walk on through life, trying to live in God’s way, we will fail.  But, the grace of God in Jesus renews and refocuses us.  Starting with Jesus gives us the joy and inspiration to continue living life in God’s way.

That’s the thinking behind the logo.  Hopefully, it’ll be catchy enough without any explanation to prompt people to take a second look.  And, prayerfully, it will draw people to learn the meaning behind the logo and the way to true life in God.  Please pray that the logo will serve to that end.

If you have any comments or other feedback about the logo, I’d love to hear it!

Live in God's Way7 bw
Live in God's Way7

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Front Line Witnesses

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Todd Biermann

Football LinemenI admire those who are on the front line as witnesses for Jesus.  I don’t have this opportunity as often as many others who are disciples of Jesus.  As a pastor, I’m often “preaching to the choir.” When I do interact with those not in the church, they usually sniff out pretty quickly that I’m a pastor and they predetermine that I have nothing of value to say to them.  That’s why I appreciate those who are living daily “in the world” and taking advantage of their contacts to be effective witnesses for Jesus.

Two great examples have stood out for me in the last few weeks.  The first is a woman who heads up a local realty team.  She daily interacts with at least a dozen work associates and many clients.  After hearing me speak about relationships in God’s way at a local Chamber of Commerce meeting, she’s been on fire with telling others about what she received.  Her sincere and enthusiastic witness has been getting attention.  She’s introduced me to many contacts who want to know what I said that “changed her so much.”  It’s been AWESOME to have the opportunity to come in as the back up man to pick up where she left off at the front line.  I’m awed and inspired by her winsome testimony to the blessings of putting Jesus first in all our relationships.

The second great front line witness I’ve seen recently is a young man from my congregation who works as an accountant for a medical clinic.  He’s daily modelling and teaching everyone he meets about God’s perfect plan for relationships.  He’s changing lives regularly!  When he recently approached me about ways to better serve the Lord with his life, he asked if I thought he should become a pastor.  Our conversation and prayer together convinced us both that we needed to take seriously the awesome things God is already doing through him where he is on the front line.  Is it meant for him to be a pastor?  Maybe.  But, he should never under-estimate the importance of using his wonderful talents as he is right now.

Front line witnesses.  They’re essential in the Lord’s plans.  If you are one, I thank God for you! If you know some, thank, encourage and pray for them.

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Simple Hope for LCMS Families

Posted on February 25, 2016 by Todd Biermann

Joe Isenhower Jr. wrote the following in the LCMS (Lutheran Church Missouri Synod) News for 2-23-2016, “A clear message emerged from the Feb. 12-13 meeting of the LCMS Board for National Mission (BNM) here — the need to strengthen Lutheran families.”

Photo by Hendrik van Leeuwen

Photo by Hendrik van Leeuwen

I couldn’t agree more!

Lutheran families are no different from any others in the ways that sin and Satan have caused them to be assaulted, corrupted and broken.  All families suffer under the lies of Satan and our own sinful selfish nature.  It’s hard to hear God’s way for families; the ONLY way to healing and hope, growth and joy.

I’m eager to join with any others who will rally together to make known Jesus’ way of life for families.  Jesus forgives our failures.  Jesus shows us truly sacrificial, unconditional and incarnational love.  Jesus empowers us to show such love.  Jesus is the way for every family, including Lutheran families, to thrive.

This message of life in Jesus’ way must be proclaimed in a simple and memorable way for all to hear and follow.   Lengthy books and lectures on all the great theology for families will go unheard by most.  Simple.  Memorable.  Jesus centered.  Those are the keys to change.

I will continue to declare the power of a “Thumbs Up” approach to life with Jesus at the heart of all rewarding relationships.  I will continue to proclaim the power of love marked by sacrifice, unconditional commitment and physical care.  As these simple truths from the Word of God are declared in every way possible, Lutheran families and all families will be abundantly blessed.  They will survive, thrive and shine as bright witnesses to the world.  Life in God’s way will bring healing and hope in the LCMS and to the ends of the earth.

 

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