Rev. Dr. Todd A. Biermann

No Thumb

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Todd Biermann

I recently encountered a man who claimed he was fine spiritually without a regular relationship with Jesus. He felt he had no need for worship or Bible study. He was just fine as he was.

However, when troubles arose with his spouse and children, his life fell to pieces. He became irate when they refused to be there for him on his terms. He stormed and fumed, even threatening litigation to make them do what he wanted. When these threats didn’t work, he walked away and refused to even talk with the rest of the family.

The best way for me to describe this scenario is to say that this was a man without a “Thumb.” I’m saying this in reference to the “Thumbs Up” illustration of relationship priorities. The “Thumb” represents a relationship with Jesus. Like the thumb that touches all the other fingers and makes it possible to grasp things, so also Jesus touches all the other relationships in life and enables us to keep a grasp on them. If we have no relationship with Jesus, it’s very difficult to maintain any lasting hold on our other relationships. And, if we try to fill the place that Jesus should have in our life with family, we will be let down and lose our grip on life.

Jesus gives us the peace and comfort of stability when others let us down. He forgives us when we hurt others and drive them from our lives. He leads us to humbly seek forgiveness from those we have hurt. He moves us to patiently reach out in love rather than hostility and coercion. Jesus enables us to maintain or restore the grasp we have on our relationships with others.

We may claim we’re fine without Jesus. Living without him is even more difficult than living without a thumb.

With the love of Jesus at the center of our life, we’re able to get a handle on all our other relationships. His love enables us to maintain a healthy and hopeful hold on life.

Posted in Family Life, Marriage, Relationship Priorities, Worldview | Tagged family, Jesus, priorities, Thumbs Up, worldview | Leave a comment

Sorry…

Posted on February 8, 2016 by Todd Biermann

I apologize I didn’t catch that my posts were not linking to my Facebook page for a few weeks. Just caught it and fixed the problem. You may have missed several of my posts since the start of 2016. If so, I’d encourage you to check them out. In particular, I’d appreciate your feedback from the one I posted last week. Don’t forget you can go directly to my blog at www.LifeinGodsWay.com.

THANKS and God Bless!

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

About My Book

Posted on February 4, 2016 by Todd Biermann

Last week I finished writing a book that summarizes the teachings that I share on this blog regarding marriage and relationships in God’s way. In my last blog post I commented on my struggle with the decision about a publisher. I thank the Lord for bringing me to a peaceful conclusion on that matter. Three days ago I signed a contract with a publisher and the process is under way to get my book into print. I’m truly excited to see what God has in store for this sharing of His gifts regarding relationships. I’m eager to be doing what the title of my book talks about; Handing Out Life.

One step toward the publishing of my book is that I need to come up with a catchy summary of what the book is about. This short summary will appear on the back of the book and in other PR pieces. I’ve decided to invite you, my blog readers, to lend me your feedback. Below is what I’m proposing as my “About the Book” summary. I’d really appreciate you sharing any feedback you have before it goes to print a few weeks from now. Please, let me know if this summary inspires you to want to read the book. THANKS!

About the Book…

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.

Posted in Witnessing, Worldview | Tagged Simple, Thumbs Up, witness, worldview | 1 Comment

Decisions

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Todd Biermann

Making big decisions can be nerve-wracking, frustrating, overwhelming and frightening. Buying a car. Which job to take. Whom to marry. Where to live. Which health treatment to utilize. Continuing life support. These are just some of the decisions that can paralyze us with fear. I’ve made my fair share of such decisions, but they can still tie me up in knots.

Photo by Dario Cogliati

This past couple of weeks I’ve found myself running in circles in my head as I’ve been trying to decide how to continue with the publication of the book I just wrote. Writing the book didn’t take too long…just a few weeks once I made the time. I’ve been thinking about this book for years as it summarizes the key thoughts on marriage and relationships that I’ve shared in blogs, papers, seminars and sermons. Now, however, I’m overwhelmed with all the factors to consider about the best route to take for publication. There are factors of control, costs, marketing, distribution, trust and more.

Finally, the Holy Spirit reminded me of my own teaching. Keep my “thumb up” to Jesus. Gathering facts and figures is important. In the end, though, I need to trust the Lord who said these words in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (ESV)

Jesus loves me. He wants what’s best for me. My first steps in this and every decision are to call upon Him in prayer and seek what He has taught in His Word. Then, I study the matter as best as I can. I talk to people I trust. Finally, I make the best decision I can…and move on. Sometimes things won’t turn out as I had hoped. Sometimes I will second guess my decision. But, I know it’s all in the loving hands of Jesus. He freely forgives any mistakes I make. He will bring good even from what seems bad. He will guide me with His peace.

“Thumbs up” to Jesus. With that priority clear, we can be sure He will bless every decision we make along the path of life in His way.

Posted in Character, Family Life, Worldview | Tagged comfort, decisions, God's way, Thumbs Up, worldview | Leave a comment

The Hunger Games

Posted on January 15, 2016 by Todd Biermann

I just finished listening to the last book in The Hunger Games series. The overwhelming response from my family is that this book series was very sad and depressing. We understand that there’s violence and evil in the world. We understand that people are mistreated all the time. We understand that such things need to be addressed. We understand that books like these are useful in causing people to step back and look at the failings of our society right now. None of these things were the root cause of our sadness at the conclusion of listening to this series.

Our sadness is that Suzanne Collins, the author of The Hunger Games, either does not understand or chose not to mention how there is real hope in this evil world. It’s a hope that goes far beyond the attempts of man to set things right. If this is our only hope, we truly are perpetually doomed to live in the hopeless world described so graphically for us in The Hunger Games.

Our sure and certain hope lies in Jesus. As we put our Thumbs Up to Jesus, He gives us direction for decisions, meaning for our existence and hope that goes beyond death. No matter how evil man is and how many atrocities he concocts, he can not stop the love of Jesus. Man can not take away the forgiveness Jesus freely gives in the face of all our failures. Poor Katniss Everdeen sure could have benefited from the message of unconditional forgiveness, love and life that is ours in Jesus.

Sadly, many people are living in the same hopelessness and fear felt by Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games. That’s part of the reason this series was so popular. Now is the time for all of us who know the hope that Jesus gives to share this Good News with such hopeless and fearful souls. Jesus has won the victory over all evil and now the fire of the Holy Spirit burns within us and compels us to fight for the proclamation of this Truth throughout all of America and beyond.

Posted in Witnessing, Worldview | Tagged hope, Thumbs Up, witness | Leave a comment

Chamber of Commerce Presentation

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Todd Biermann

This morning I had the delightful privilege to be the featured speaker for the Grand Blanc (Michigan) Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast meeting. I attend these meetings regularly, but this is the first time I’ve spoken to the group of about 50 people.

Although it was a “secular” setting, the entire group was welcoming and attentive as I spoke about interpersonal relationships. It reinforced what I’ve said many times before. Relationships are at the heart of EVERYTHING we do in life. Those who work regularly in the business sector are especially aware of the value in having positive relationships.

Also evident this morning was that the concepts Jesus has taught about relationships are applicable to anyone. I didn’t preach a sermon, but I pointed to Jesus as the source of the wisdom I was sharing. Even if you don’t call yourself a Christian, Jesus has a lot to teach you. The audience this morning reinforced this.

I’m thankful that I had this opportunity to teach about relationship priorities and the three key elements to good relationships. I’m also thankful for the many words of appreciation afterward along with some requests for further conversation. I know that it was simply another instance of God doing what He loves to do. He loves to guide everyone to the joy of life in His way. I spoke of it. The Spirit planted it. Jesus empowered it. Lives were changed…in God’s way.

P.S. If you would like me to come share the same message with your group…chamber of commerce, Rotary Club, City Council, business team…let me know. I’d be eager to discuss this possibility.

Posted in Witnessing, Worldview | Tagged community, God's way, priorities, relationships, Thumbs Up | Leave a comment

Still

Posted on December 23, 2015 by Todd Biermann

“A Place to Rest” by Sonja und Jens

Still. “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) Hard to do for most of us. This was made clear as I read the editorial in my local paper this week. The editor noted that she did a very unusual thing the other day…she just sat in silence for a few minutes…no phone, no computer, no radio, no television, no noise. In that stillness, she was amazed that she actually had some time to collect her thoughts. She could actually ponder life for a moment. Of course, with such quiet pondering can come worry and fear about all the ills of life. I believe that’s why many people FEAR silence and do all they can to fill every moment with some sort of external stimulus. However, we need not fear the stillness. Our gracious and loving God calls us to turn to Him in our stillness. Take time to remember that He’s STILL in charge.

It struck me as I pondered that word “still” that I often use it to say things like, “Are you still with me?” I’m checking on the continuation of someone’s attention. Using the word “still” in this sense is a good way to express the continuation of God’s love. He ALWAYS remains STILL. He does not move away from us. He does not shake in fear at anything. He doesn’t fade away after a while. He doesn’t break down like all the technology we use regularly. He is constant, stable, unmovable, reliable, comforting and loving…STILL!

This Christmas I look forward to pausing long enough to be STILL and know that God is STILL there for me. The baby born in Bethlehem grew to be the Savior who died, rose and STILL lives for me. He STILL loves me. He STILL walks with me each day. He STILL gives me the sure hope of heaven. He STILL gives me a good reason to calm down…relax…and…be…still.

Posted in Character, Worldview | Tagged Christmas, comfort, crisis, silence | Leave a comment

What if…

Posted on December 17, 2015 by Todd Biermann

So often I find myself worrying about the “what if” possibilities in my life. What if I get sick, maybe even with cancer like so many others? What if someone I’m relying on for help is suddenly taken away? What if new government regulations complicate life or require a change from the status quo? What if a disaster wipes out my financial stability? What if a loved one dies? What if …?

In the midst of all these “what if” considerations, there’s really only one worth the brain and heart time. What if Jesus hadn’t come at Christmas to live, die and rise in payment for my sin? That’s the only “what if” that should ultimately send a shiver down my spine. If that “what if” were true, all the other “what if” options would be truly frightening as well because there’d be no truly reliable help in the crisis. Loss would be devastating. Suffering would be unrelenting. Death would be final.

Photo by amanderson2

BUT, the ultimate “what if” is NOT true! Jesus DID come to fulfill God’s salvation plan. I am forgiven. I am loved. I am free from hell. I am alive forever. I am filled with JOY! This reality takes the teeth out of all the other “what if” worries in life. They lose their power. Satan can’t whisper them in my ear and fill me with instant fear. Illness, loss, tragedy, disaster and death have all lost their power. NOTHING can separate us from the love of God that is ours in Christ Jesus, our Lord!

As I’m running frantically from one thing to another during this Advent-tide, it’s very tempting to fill the tiny gaps of consciousness with “what if” worries. Such worries become more prominent and powerful when I’m tired and not spending as much time with the Lord as I should. So, I’m praying today-and invite you to join me-for the Spirit to continually remind me that the greatest “what if” threat is non-existent. Jesus has come! ALL is good in His loving hands! No “what if” about it! No worries! Only endless joy in Jesus.

Posted in Worldview | Tagged Christmas, comfort, crisis, Jesus | 3 Comments

Politics

Posted on December 11, 2015 by Todd Biermann

As I listen to the latest banter from those who would be president, I can’t help but shake my head. So much of what is being said is so far from what God calls good and right. It seems like a candidate must give up on the ways of God if he or she wants to gain political clout, gain votes and win an election.

Going back to the “Thumbs Up” illustration of relationship priorities, I’m reminded that politicians are not an independent category of importance among the relationships in my life. Jesus is still my first and most important relationship. My spouse is second. My children and other family members come next. Then, my fellow believers in Jesus. Finally, there’s everyone else in my life. Politicians may fall into any one of the four human relationship categories, but they’re not so important that they’re a class unto themselves.

Since Jesus is still on top, I’m not so worried about what any politician might say. God is still God and He is still working all things together for my good.

Photo by Gilbert Mercier

Politicians are just ordinary people with the ordinary sin that afflicts us all. I’ll try to love them, encourage them and pray for them as I would anyone else. In spite of their faults, God can and will use them for His good purposes. It’s a good perspective to keep in mind and it’s much more conducive to peaceful sleep at the end of the day.

May God grant you such a “Thumbs Up” perspective as you tolerate the incessant bombardment of political banter that’s assailing us!

Posted in Character, Relationship Priorities, Worldview | Tagged politics, priorities, Thumbs Up | 1 Comment

CONTROL!

Posted on December 4, 2015 by Todd Biermann

Photo by bottled_void

CONTROL! That one word summarizes the source of a lot of my stress, especially during busy times of the year like now. I really believe it’s a problem for ALL of us.

I like to be in control of things. It’s in our nature to want to be the master of our life. We want to control where we go and what we do. We also want to control others around us.

The problem is that we don’t always make good decisions about control. We try to control things in a BAD direction. We try to control things that are not in our area of responsibility or ability. We try to control others who are, at the same time, trying to control us. This leads to real conflict and stress.

I have a special problem with trying to control the technology in my life. This week I’ve been trying to get a new cell phone to replace my wife’s dinosaur. It’s turned into one of those not so simple issues. And, since the inner workings of cell phones and “invisible” networks is far beyond my ability to control, it leads me to great frustration. And, the bigger problem is that when I lose control in this area of my life, I sometimes…sad to say…try to regain control in my life by overcompensating in an area that’s easily accessible…my family. So, I become extra demanding and controlling over Heather and the kids. If they aren’t doing exactly what I want and when I want then I’ll let them know. Yes, I’m still a sinner who foolishly hurts others in my quest for…CONTROL!

So, I humbly confess my fault to the one who IS in control of everything; my Lord, Jesus. I plead for His forgiveness. I then rejoice that He freely gives it. He has chosen to use His almighty control to love me unconditionally. I also leave more of my life in His perfect hands, knowing He can control things much better than me. When it comes to cell phones…I’ll leave it up to Him because I’m convinced that only God knows how all of that is supposed to work.

How blessed we are to be able to give up control to our loving Bridegroom, Jesus.

Posted in Character, Family Life, Worldview | Tagged control, family, forgiveness, stress | 1 Comment