FEAR NOT! GIVE THANKS!

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Todd Biermann

Terror and death may be all around us, but our Lord Jesus says FEAR NOT!  He would have us remember…

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Gen. 1:1 ESV)    God’s STILL in control as the Creator of all.

“For the wages of sin is death…”  (Rom. 6:23a  ESV)    All WILL die, so it should never surprise us.

“…but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  (Rom. 6:23b  ESV)    Jesus freely gives us victory over death.

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”  (Isa. 43:1  ESV)    Our call by Jesus sets us free from fear.

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”  (Gen. 2:24, Matt. 19:5,Eph. 5:31  ESV)    Marriage in God’s way will endure at the heart of His creation.

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”  (Matt. 24:35  ESV)    Every promise from Jesus is sure!

And so, in the midst of all that sin and Satan will send our way, we need not fear, but we have the joyful confidence to GIVE THANKS!

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The 3 R’s

Posted on November 12, 2015 by Todd Biermann
Photo by urban_lenny

Photo by urban_lenny

You may have heard someone refer to “The 3 R’s: Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic.”  I’m proud that my son, Micah, has put a new twist on “The 3 R’s.”  Like all of us, he’s struggled with temptation.  In particular, it’s challenging for him to stay focused on his school work and resist the temptation to do…almost anything else.

Last week Micah shared with me a plan he devised to overcome temptation in many aspects of life.  He said he likes to think of “The 3 R’s: Recognize, Resist and Refocus.”  It’s been helping him a lot to RECOGNIZE when he’s being tempted.  To stare Satan in the face and say, “I know you!”  Then, to RESIST the temptation.  To say, “Get behind me, Satan!”  Then, to REFOCUS on something productive, worth-while, good and God-pleasing.  To say, “I’m living God’s way.”

I’m really impressed that Micah came up with this plan on his own initiative.  I’m even more impressed that he’s following through with it.  I’ve seen the difference.  He’s making a genuine effort to stay on task with his work.  He’s resisting temptations in many parts of life.  All by the grace and power of Jesus.  Even though it doesn’t fit with his “3 R’s,” I know it’s there.  He also uses prayer to Jesus through the whole process.

I shared Micah’s “3 R’s” with someone else facing temptation this week.  The response was, “That’s great.  Do you have a pen so I can write it down?”  I owe Micah my thanks.  He’s helping me do my job while he’s staying better focused on his job…and God’s receiving the glory!

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Prayer Partners

Posted on November 5, 2015 by Todd Biermann

Last week on vacation I wrote a book.  May not sound like a lot of fun, but it was something I’d been trying to get to for the past three years.  Ever since I finished my doctorate, I’ve had people asking me for my “material” in a concise, usable form.  It really seemed the Lord was saying, “You need to get this out there.”  But, I could never find the time to sit down and put together my thoughts in a brief period of time so they’d all flow together.  Going into the week, I knew it would be hard to stay focused and committed.  I asked several trusted friends and family members to cover me in prayer.  I can honestly say, it paid off.  There were a couple of times I was overwhelmed with self-doubt.  “Where did you get this crazy idea you could write a book in one week?”  “What makes you think anyone will read it once it’s done?”  I’d then say a quick prayer and start typing.  Pretty soon, a few more pages would be done and I’d be on a roll.  The Holy Spirit was clearly in charge.  Those faithful prayer partners were clearly being heard.

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I’m not one of those who thinks that if we start praying God will be obligated to give us what we want.  But, I truly believe prayer can keep us on track with what He’s trying to do through us.  My book writing wasn’t something I necessarily wanted to do, but it was what I truly believe God wanted me to do.  I also believe the prayers of those who were joining me in saying, “Thy will be done,” helped immensely in leading my writing to a fruitful conclusion.

I highly recommend prayer partners.  It’s a comfort to have others joining in asking God to show us His will.  When we truly seek where He’s leading and have trusted Christian friends praying for us to stay in line with His will, amazing things can happen.  God’s power can get through in spite of us.  Keep on praying!

 

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Paul Ryan’s Family Priority

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Todd Biermann

Paul Ryan, Toledo Airport-1435

Headlines in the news this week have been featuring the debate over whether Representative Paul D. Ryan would be willing to serve as the new Speaker of the House.  I’m not going to weigh in on whether he should be the next Speaker, but I will comment on something that came through the news today.  An article this morning said that among Mr. Ryan’s conditions for serving was that he would not give up time with his family.  In his own words, “I cannot and will not give up my family time.”  Some believe that this position by Ryan is significant.  It’s making a statement that high profile and high demand jobs for men should not force them to give up their important roles of husband and father.

I cheer such a stance!  It’s showing that some people are catching on to the fact that family is more important than work.  Following the principles of the “Thumbs Up” illustration of relationship priorities, spouse and family rank above the work we do for the rest of the people in the world, even if we hold a position of global influence.  If you can’t keep your own house in order, you’re not fit to keep the rest of the world in order either.  But, if you have a healthy godly family life, you’ll be able to pass along the love in your home to others you meet in your work.  What a blessing that would be to the world of politics!

We can debate motives and veracity of statements made by politicians all day.  But, whether you trust Paul Ryan or not, his words today are worth celebrating.  I pray that more and more individuals in politics and other high-influence public roles will practice what he’s preaching.  By holding up the important priority of quality family time, we’ll see untold blessings for families, American society and the whole world.  It’s just one more benefit of truly living life in God’s way.

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Jesus!

Posted on October 16, 2015 by Todd Biermann

This week I listened to Carl Medearis as the featured speaker at a pastors’ conference.  Carl lives his life for one purpose … to speak of Jesus!  Although he grew up in Denver, the Lord has been using Carl to speak of Jesus primarily to Muslims, especially in the Middle East.  This has led to persecution along the way, but it has never deterred him from continuing to do what Jesus has called us to do … make Him known to ALL the earth.

I could resonate with Carl and was inspired by him as well.  Speaking of Jesus is the whole point of the “Thumbs Up” illustration of relationship priorities.  Our most important relationship is with Jesus.  Our most important job is to lead others to a relationship with Jesus.  That’s why we speak the Word of Jesus.  His Word is power.  His Word breaks down barriers.  His Word leads hearts to repentance.  His Word heals broken hearts with grace.  His Word brings joy to ALL who are drawn into a saving relationship with Him, Jesus.

Life is much less complicated when we keep our priorities clear.  Know Jesus.  Show Jesus.  That’s all that really matters.  I thank Carl for modeling this in a powerful way.  I pray that I can keep this prioritization clear.  I pray that you can do the same.

Jesus!

Photo by Art4TheGlryofGod

Photo by Art4TheGlryofGod

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God Calling?

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Todd Biermann

I just recently had a Call from a church in Illinois, asking me to come and be their senior pastor.  I have to admit that such a contact is, at first, an ego booster.  It’s nice to know that somebody wants you.  But, then the reality of discerning God’s will pops that ego bubble and reminds you it’s NOT about you.  The only path for real contentment and joy in life is to give up any thoughts of self-glorification and humbly follow where God’s leading, even if it’s not where my ego would take me.

balance scale

The hard work of spiritual discernment involves Bible study, prayer, introspection, conversation and logical analysis.  God’s Word reminds me to put Jesus first in all decisions (Thumbs Up to Him!).  I want, most of all, to go where I can be used to bring the most people into a close relationship with the Bridegroom, Jesus.  Where do my gifts fit best to help achieve this?  I also want to go where my next most important relationship, that with my wife, can grow deeper in the Lord.  In addition, I need to consider the impact on my relationships with my children and other family members.  Will a move help or hurt such relationships?  Will a move help them grow closer to Jesus?  Of course, I need to discern which congregation seems to be the best fit for me at this time.  I need to reevaluate my current Call while also closely considering the new Call.  Finally, how would a move impact my relationship with the world beyond either congregation?  What doors of opportunity for witness would open or close?  THAT’S A LOT TO CONSIDER!  It can, indeed be overwhelming.  That’s why it’s essential to remember the words of John the Baptist, “I am not the Christ!” (John 1:20)  Honestly, Almighty God can work good through me or sometimes in spite of me, in either Call.  After this “grace” check, I humbly continue in prayer for wisdom and peace.  Then, I turn to what I have found to be the best route in big decisions like this.  I go in the way that causes the least spiritual distress.  I don’t look for the perfect answer.  This side of heaven, there will never be perfection.  No path will be trouble free.  But, instead, I seek the path that leaves me with a sense of inner calm at the end of the day.  If I choose a certain path, will I be able to close my eyes and go to sleep calmly, trusting that I’m going in God’s way?

It was such a discernment process that led me to decline the Call to Illinois.  Following the “Thumbs Up” process of prioritization in a context of prayer, conversation and analysis, I determined I should continue in my current Call, at least for the time being.  This gave me peace.  It also gave me renewed vigor to continue serving my Lord, Jesus here.  Will it be easy?  No!  Will it always be where I belong?  Only God knows.  But, for now, I’m excited to keep following God’s calling in this place.  I truly believe it’s my path for ongoing joyful life in God’s way.

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Video of Sacrificial, Unconditional and Incarnational Love

Posted on September 27, 2015 by Todd Biermann

In this video I explain how marriage in God’s way is marked by sacrificial, unconditional and incarnational love.  I use a a simple, memorable and Christ centered “hand” illustration that will be useful in marriage and every other relationship.

I’d appreciate any feedback you may wish to offer on whether this video was helpful to you or how the message might be improved.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyeesQCZrMo&feature=youtu.be

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Video of “Thumbs Up” to Relationship Priorities

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Todd Biermann

A key concept of Life in God’s Way is the “Thumbs Up” illustration for prioritizing relationships.  It’s a SIMPLE, MEMORABLE and CHRIST CENTERED way to remember what God teaches about keeping our relationships in order.  In the VIDEO below, you can see me share the “Thumbs Up” illustration.  I entreat your questions or feedback.

http://youtu.be/HMIDPNX46iM

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Video of “Marriage as a Gospel Witness”

Posted on September 12, 2015 by Todd Biermann

Thanks to assistance from Seth at the Michigan District office of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, I now have videos of me talking about some of the key teachings of Life in God’s Way.  These videos are also being shared on the District’s website as part of the work produced by a task force on how to speak Good News to those who are dealing with questions related to homosexuality and other sexual identity issues.

In this post, I’m highlighting the first video.  The topic of this short video (under 3 minutes) is recognizing “Marriage as a Gospel Witness.”  Watch it. Share it.  Repeat it in your own words.  Give me feedback.  I really would appreciate your input on whether the video is useful to you and if/how I might make it better to serve your needs.

https://youtu.be/ByIFZOcEMCI

 

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Crucial Conversations

Posted on August 29, 2015 by Todd Biermann

This week I spent 3 days with my core staff members from Faith Lutheran Church on a retreat.  We were trying to get ready for the busy fall schedule ahead.  To do this, we spent lots of time in prayer and devotion around God’s Word.  We had a lot of great conversations together about our shared mission and vision. We also looked at a book titled Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking when Stakes are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler.  We all agreed that this is an excellent resource for anyone who ever talks to another human being!  We found it particularly useful for our context in the work of the church.

The basic premise of the book is that regular conversations can quickly move to a “crucial” level when the stakes are high, opinions differ and emotions are strong.  When we enter into a crucial conversation, it’s tempting for us to go in two unhealthy directions … toward various forms of silence or violence.  If not recognized and averted, these reactions can cause miscommunication at best and serious harm at worst.  However, it’s possible to recognize our propensity toward silence and violence.  A useful assessment tool in the book seemed to be right on target as we all agreed it accurately identified some of our bad communication habits.

The book also offered help in overcoming our dangerous behaviors in crucial conversations.  We began to put our learning into practice right away at the retreat and we look forward to applying it in all our future communication.  This is definitely a useful tool as we seek to live out all our relationships in God’s way.  I highly recommend it to anyone who ever talks to other people and would like to avoid the destructive pitfalls that can trip us up.

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