Be Resolved!

Today's writing is going to cover both New Years Eve, and New Years Day. As I start to write this, I want to take a moment to wish my brother, David Biermann, a happy birthday on December 31st.

I could not help but think, as I woke up this morning, what a huge increase there is going to be in new gym memberships, diet programs, as well as the sale of nicotine patches and nicotine gum, and E-cigarettes. It is that time of the year when we "ritualistically" make our New Year's resolutions. However, as in times past (and even from my own personal experience), how many of those gym memberships will still be active by the end of March?  If those gym memberships are for a year, how many months will they not be used in 2015?

The bottom line is this, many people will have good intentions, to which they have no power to follow through.

As we end a year, and look forward to the clean slate of a new, we often try to find ways to better ourselves. It seems, at this time of the year, we look over the past year, and we see our accomplishments, but we also see our many failings. We make a vow that this New Year will be different.

If we are honest with ourselves, on New Year's Eve, smokers, that say they want to quit, will still be smoking. People that want to be on a diet, will still be eating unhealthy food.  The list goes on.

The good part, about this annual ritual, is we take a moment to see our shortcomings. In our minds, we envision we can correct all our problems, if we simply resolve to do so. We then take a personal pledge to fix those shortcomings. Statistically though, only a small percentage will ever succeed in keeping their New Year's resolutions.

Most New Year's resolutions are based on fixing things with our human body. Some resolutions attempt to fix shortcomings in ourselves and our personality, and even relationships.  In the final analysis, many men and women will seek to drop a clothing size or two.  A small number will succeed, perhaps for a while, most will end up being the same, or perhaps a size larger by year’s end.  Many a bathroom scale will be challenged in the process.

The desire to improve ourselves is a good thing.  After all, at this time of the year we look back and ponder what we accomplished and where we failed.  We think about what needs to be different for the coming year, to make it a far better year than the one past.   

Whenever you buy a new vehicle, it comes with an owner’s manual. If you go by the owner’s manual, the vehicle will last many years longer, and be far more trouble free. The problem is, many people never look at the owner's manual, and cause severe damage to the vehicle by simply ignoring routine maintenance.

The same is true with people. When we were created by God, there is an owner’s manual that needs to be followed. That owner's manual is called the Bible. Sadly, far too few of us ever read that owner’s manual, and then we wonder why things can go so wrong.  Many also skip the “routine maintenance,” which is finding a fellowship and worshiping God in a local church.   

Real and lasting change, right down to our clothing size and the elimination of bad habits, starts with having a solid relationship with the one that made us.  He, alone, can do far more to change us, than we could ever do to change ourselves.

In 1945, Warner Brother released a film entitled “God is My Co-Pilot.”  That film is based on the autobiography of the same name by Robert Lee Scott, Jr. The film tells the story of Scott's association with the Flying Tigers and the United States Army Air Forces in China and Burma during World War II.  The film has a sentimental theme, God with us to help us, and often to this day you will find many bumper stickers on cars that proclaim that God is my Co-Pilot.   For many it sounds like a great concept, however, there is one problem with that frame of mind.  God as nothing more than a Co-Pilot implies we are always in charge, and only let God “help,” but we still keep our hands firmly on the controls.

In 2005 Carrie Underwood released a song that probably should be our frame of mind.  That song, “Jesus Take the Wheel” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lydBPm2KRaU) is the story of a person that has lived a life of troubles, mistakes and broken relationships. She comes to the point when all hope seems gone, and driving a car that goes out of control on an icy road, she cries out “Jesus, take the wheel!”   Instead of trying to keep control of something that is out of control, she gives it 100% to her Lord.   

As we end one year, and begin another, maybe you have some areas of your life that are “out of control,” and you find there is nothing you can do to make it better.  Maybe you see things that need change in your life, that though you have tried (and failed) before, they still need to be addressed.   May I suggest, instead of making a list of New Year’s resolutions you may not have the power to keep, just make one.  Let that resolution be to resolve yourself to be more like Christ in everything you do.  Let Him work the needed changes in your life, as only He can do.  I think if we make that one resolution, 2015 could be your best year ever.   

2^nd Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR & AND A BLESSED 2015!

About the author: The Rt. Rev. Robert S. Biermann is a Bishop in the Province of the Holy Spirit-Anglican Rite.  He has been a Church pastor, and church planter.  In his earlier career (and to this day) is in the broadcast industry, both in on-air and engineering, working in both medium and major markets.  He has built a number of radio stations, and for a many years was a talk show host.

Bishop Biermann now resides in Vero Beach, Florida where he works with a syndicated radio network, and is developing broadcast programming materials for sharing the good news of the gospel for both a domestic and international audience.  ©2014, Bishop Bob’s Blog    

Lessons Learned from an Ostrich

Lessons Learned from an Ostrich

The old saying that someone is "burying their head in the sand," when they refuse to acknowledge a problem, stems from the popular belief that ostriches do just that when they're frightened or facing danger. The truth is, they really don’t.  The common belief that ostriches stick their head into holes might stem from the sight of an ostrich "laying low" to the ground when it is unable to run away from a predator or some other threat. When attempting to hide in plain sight, an ostrich lies as close as possible to the ground in order to make itself less noticeable.

Ostriches are large, flightless birds that have long legs and a long neck that protrudes from a round body. Ostriches are bigger than any other bird in the world. They can grow up to 9 feet tall and can weigh up to 320 lbs., They are also fast on their legs, and generally can outrun any predator. If an ostrich really buried its head in the sand, thinking that they are safe from danger when doing so (out of sight—out of mind), they would become an easy “lunch” for a predator without ever knowing what happened.  It appears that the ostrich is far smarter than that.

The truth is, the only living creatures on earth that “buries their head in the sand” are people.  While an ostrich will generally respond to God given instinct to flee danger, human beings often attempt to rely on their own intellect.

Let me give you an actual true example of “burying your head in the sand.” A little over a year ago I was driving in a vehicle with someone I know.  I noticed that the red airbag warning light was constantly on.  I pointed that out (and knew from owning an almost identical vehicle) that meant in an accident that one or both airbags would NOT deploy.  That warning light indicated a real and potential danger that needed immediate attention. I strongly advised getting that checked, as that individual was racking up many miles on the Interstate and other driving, increasing the potential of exposure to an accident.  Without the airbags, the chances of suffering serious injury or death dramatically increase. Any passenger that would travel in that vehicle would also be at a higher risk. Now, over a year later, that light is STILL ON and has never been checked!  The irony is that same individual is far more concerned with repairing a dent on the driver’s door.  From my point of view, that person is burying their head in the sand to a real danger, while showing a poor choice of priorities in dealing with something that is only cosmetic.

Often people live their lives believing if they simply stick their head in the sand, the problem will go away.  People believe that everything will always go on as it has, and take no time to prepare for the things that might happen in life, or take the corrective action to fix things in their life that need to be addressed.  When faced with a crisis, they fail to take action, in other words sticking their head in the sand.

The same can be true in our spiritual lives.  When we live our lives doing things that (deep inside) we know are not pleasing to God, and/or openly and without repentance continue in sin, we place ourselves in real danger.  In the real world an ostrich will see danger, and find a rapid path of escape.   Far too often people will bury their head in the sand, and falsely believe that God does not see them, or notice their sin before Him.  The reality is the only one they’re fooling is themselves, and the danger is still very real and present.

In Proverbs 1:7 we find these words: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  If we truly love and desire to serve our Lord, we would always be wise (wisdom) to strive to keep ourselves out of harm’s way.  However, when we do find ourselves in danger, whether physical or spiritual, our first response should be, like the ostrich, get out of that situation without delay, and not bury our head in the sand.   The good news is this, at those times that we find ourselves in a situation where there seems no escape, we still have the hope that can be found in Jesus Christ.  God can deliver people from problems that no one else can solve. When our situation seems hopeless and helpless, when we are powerless to save ourselves that is when we need a Savior. God is the ultimate Savior. Only He has the solution to our greatest needs.  

Yes, there is a lot we can learn from the ostrich, that in any type of trouble or danger, we should flee to a safe refuge.  Psalm 46:1-3:  “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.”

Heavenly Father, help us to learn from You how to face the challenges, dangers and shortcomings of our lives. Teach us not to look to our own understanding, but to flee to you for refuge, strength and wisdom. Show us the way to come to you and turn away from our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Forgive us, and restore us.  For this we ask in your Son’s name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Rt. Rev. Robert S. Biermann is a Bishop in the Province of the Holy Spirit-Anglican Rite.  He has been a Church pastor, and church planter.  In his earlier career he was in the broadcast industry, both in on-air and engineering, working in both medium and major markets.  He has built a number of radio stations, and for a many years was a talk show host.

Bishop Biermann now resides in Vero Beach, Florida where he works with a syndicated radio network, and is developing broadcast programming materials for sharing the good news of the gospel for both a domestic and international audience.  ©2014, Bishop Bob’s Blog    

What’s Your Priority?

What’s Your Priority?

A number of years ago I had the opportunity to meet a man who had finally gotten everything he could ever desire in life.  From the time he hit 40, he had this goal of retiring by the age of 55.  For approximately 15 years he worked long hours, plus weekends, and piled up as much money as he could into various accounts and investments.  His work kept him from virtually all family activities, and he was seldom at home.  He missed his children’s many accomplishments, and almost never had any time for his wife and family.

As the years went on, his bank account grew larger.  In fact, they even scaled back on their living to be able to even save even more.   Shortly before his 55^th birthday, he announced he would soon be retiring, and it was time to put their current house up for sale.   When the house sold, they took a trip to Florida, and he quickly located the perfect condo near the Gulf of Mexico that was close to a Golf Course.  A few months later he retired, and he and his wife made the move.

For all these years he had worked toward this single minded goal, and though he had paid a huge price by being distant from his family, and even estranged, he could always find a way to justify it to himself, that “he” deserved it for all his hard work.   

A few days after the move, and while still unpacking, the man started developing some severe abdominal pains.  For a couple of days he dismissed it to having just moved, but finally, when it got too bad, he went to the Emergency Room.  Shortly thereafter he was given the diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer.   At the time I was a Hospice Chaplain, and the wife had requested the services of a Chaplain.     I assumed I was there to provide her, their now adult children and her husband comfort, but that proved not to be the case.  When I arrived, she let me know that this man had no use for God, and he considered anyone that did “weak.”  While she had been a believer before she married, she had not been active in years, and neither had her children.

The reason she wanted to see a Chaplain was she was worried that she was not feeling any remorse or sadness that her husband would soon be gone, in fact, she was happy, relieved, and content.  It was obvious that her children despised their father, and were only there to help their mother.  I spent time with them, listening to how hurt and angry they were for all those years, as he abandoned them to seek his early retirement.   I did my best to assure them not to feel guilt, as they had been the victims of a single minded selfishness, to which they had no control.  Before I left, I did enter the bedroom to talk to the husband.  His only words to me were “If there is a god, and after all my hard work, why would he let this happen?”   He indicated he did not want an answer.   

We live in a day and age where more times than not, so many families priorities are out of order.  We have a generation that has forsaken the message of Christ, and acquiring “things,” advancing our careers, or achieving certain goals becomes dominate.  While there is nothing wrong with careers and goals, and the rewards they offer, we must have solid priorities, and those priorities need to be grounded on the solid foundation found in our Lord Jesus Christ.

We live in a connected world of technology, which can be a double edged sword.  On one hand it can connect us to those we love, or become an intrusion into our family life, and even our time with God.   It can connect us, or split us apart.       

In Luke Chapter 12, beginning at verse 16 we find this parable that Jesus shares with His disciples: “And he spake a parable unto them, saying, ‘The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:  and he reasoned within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have not where to bestow my fruits?  And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, be merry. But God said unto him, Thou foolish one, this night is thy soul required of thee; and the things which thou hast prepared, whose shall they be? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God’.” (Luke 12: 16-21, New American Version)

It was so sad that this man had only laid up his treasures on earth, without fully counting the real cost, not just to his family, but even himself. In all my years in ministry, I never saw a hearse pulling a U-Haul.

About a month later I had a phone call from the wife, indicating her husband had passed away a few days before.  I offered to do the service, but she said (that in keeping with her husband’s wishes) there would be no service of any kind. In fact, that was fine by her.  I asked how she was doing, and she said she was doing very well.  She was planning to sell the new condo, move back home, and be closely connected to her family, though she did say she would return to Florida in a few years.  She was determined to get her priorities right, and make the best of the time she would have in this life.  I wished her God’s blessings and best, and took some time to share a prayer.

I never heard from that woman again, but something deep inside says that God made a major change in her life.  She was determined to make up for all her family lost, and I’m sure, in doing so, she found genuine peace and happiness.

Heavenly Father, help us to get our priorities right - Your priorities. May our lives be more centered on You and less centered on ourselves. Amen.

Seeking Him, or seeking yourself.

For most people Christmas 2014 is now history. I am sure that many have taken their Christmas trees down, or will so shortly. This morning, I thought to myself how many Christmas cards did we see that showed the wise men at the manger scene in Bethlehem? While it makes a great Christmas card, it is historically very inaccurate.

In our modern celebration of our Savior's Nativity, we lose sight of some very important events that occurred at Jesus birth, events that should be important to each and every one of us. Biblical scholars figure the wise men traveled for a lengthy period of time, after seeing the appearance of the star that guided them to where Jesus was. Historians assume that Jesus, Mary, and Joseph stayed in Bethlehem for a period of up to two years. When the wise men arrive in the area Jesus is living, they go first and see king Herod. They tell the king that they have deduced the star indicates the birth of a great king, and give him the timeline of when that star first appeared. The king, who is an evil man at heart, request that when the wise men find this "great king," they let him know where he can be found, so he too can worship Him.

The wise men ultimately find Jesus, and bring their very prophetic gifts to him. As the wise men leave, God speaks to their hearts not to visit King Herod, and the Bible indicates they went home another way. God warns Joseph in a dream to leave Bethlehem immediately. He, Jesus and Mary flee to Egypt. When King Herod realizes the wise men are not returning, he orders the death of all male children in the region under the age of 2, in an effort to kill this great king.

The church remembers this day as Holy Innocents, though many that celebrated this Christmas have no idea of how important it is. Think for a moment how selfish King Herod was, ordering the death of children to protect his own personal interest. How often do we do things, for our own personal interest, that run contrary to what God has called us to do? How many times do we willingly violate God's commandments, and try to justify our selves?

St Paul reminds us that the wages of sin is death. Our only chance for life, is found in Jesus Christ. That requires more than just lip service, it requires true repentance, which means turning away from our sin. Repentance truly means a change. If you were a thief before you found Christ, you no longer desire to be a thief. You stop stealing, and even the thought of doing so is repugnant. That is evidence of the change that can be found in Jesus Christ. Look at any of the other Ten Commandments, if you truly love God, and you have repented, you will desire to keep each and everyone of His commandments. Without true repentance, and truly giving yourself to your Lord, there is no health, there is no life. We, as the Bible says, deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Remembering those children, that were killed for King Herod's self interest, should remind us of the damage we do ourselves with our own self interest, and the damage we often do to others. Sin never has a happy ending.

As we prepare to enter the year of 2015, let us fully seek the repentance of God, and strive to follow His commandments.