Dave Miller

Here is how dictionary.com defines McCarthyism: The practice of making unfair allegations or using unfair investigative techniques, especially in order to restrict dissent or political criticism."  Those in power, in an effort to crush those who disagree, who hold differing values or views, make unfair accusations against the dissenters. When Joe McCarthy was accusing people of communism  back in the 50s, conservative Christians were likely to cheer him, because he was attacking something we hated. Now, the tide has turned and we are counter-cultural. We are the despised minority standing … [Read more...] about The Rise of the New McCarthyism

A seminary class taught by Dr. Howard Hendricks was a treasure trove of one-liners. If you are around another disciple of the Prof, you can start one of these cherished cherries and they will finish it for you. Not only were they memorable, but also biblical and powerful. He told a story about a friend of his who was complaining about preachers and their tendency to try to amaze the congregation with their Greek proficiency and exegetical mastery. He told Dr. Hendricks, “You preachers are long on exhortation; short on explanation.” We tell people what they are supposed to do, but we often fail … [Read more...] about Anger: A Growth-killing, Soul-Chilling Sin (Pt. 3) “Biblical Strategies for Dealing with Anger”

In late September of 1993 I attended an associational pastors’ conference out in the sticks somewhere in Eastern Iowa, where we watched the “Fresh Encounter” Series by Henry Blackaby. It was a night of personal revival for me. The Spirit of God held a mirror up to my heart and soul and showed me who I really was. It was not a pretty sight, but it was life-changing, as God called me to a life of holiness and spiritual passion. I went home with great expectations as to what God might do at Northbrook Baptist, assuming that if he brought me a personal revival he was going to do something … [Read more...] about Anger: A Growth-Killing, Soul-Chilling Sin, Part 2 “Anger’s Deadly Effects”

I am woefully late on this one, but we are nearing the end of our Fat Pastor, Fit Pastor Challenge. Some months ago, a number of our regulars committed to trying to lose some weight. We've been weighing in and checking our progress. The Challenge ends on December 31. So, anyone having success? Some of you (like me) finding the stuggle overwhelming? I've been doing a lot of walking recently, but the last week hasn't been quite as good. I need to be consistent in exercise - that is a key for me. So, guys, how's it going? You still have a few weeks, but the holiday battle is great  - … [Read more...] about Fat Pastor, Fit Pastor: Down the Holiday Homestretch

I have offended more than one of my good friends by my unwillingness to address certain topics, issues and people through the years. Some have wondered if I lack conviction or am afraid of confrontation. The first is seldom true - I'm a pretty opinionated man, more often described by those who know me as dogmatic (even belligerent) than wishy-washy. The second is a possibility. I do not enjoy conflict and I think the tendency to avoid conflict, while generally a good thing, has been one of my biggest struggles as a pastor. But I do not believe that my unwillingness to address certain issues … [Read more...] about It’s NONE of My Business!

I am really angry about something. No, it has nothing to do with anything here at SBC Voices or with any of my social media interactions. Those sometimes raise my blood pressure, but usually only for a moment. The specifics of my anger are unimportant and will remain secret. In general terms, some people I thought were my friends did something that hurt me pretty deeply and made me realize that they evidently did not share the respect I had for them. Sometimes, I will start stewing about this, and my blood pressure rises until I think it is going to boil over. I think about whether I should … [Read more...] about Anger: A Growth-Killing, Soul-Chilling Sin

One of the signs of advancing age is growing nostalgia. I no longer ridicule those who say, "back in my day" since I'm often now the one saying it. Oh, I'm not anti-technology, nor do I automatically think that things were better back in my day. But I am convinced that there was one thing dramatically better back in my day. Thanksgiving. We would have a large gathering of family and friends; the meal started around noon. Turkey. Dressing. Mashed potatoes. All the expected delicacies! Grandma made ambrosia with fresh Florida oranges  and shredded coconut. After the food came the football. … [Read more...] about “Black Thanksgiving”: It Is Time to Draw the Line

Have you ever flown on a dreary, rainy day? You taxi down the runway and everything is gray, dark and damp. You pick up a little speed and the front of the plane points up just a little. It tilts a bit more and you feel the wheels come off the ground. The plane rises into the sky and things get worse. As you enter the clouds, you can’t see a thing as the fog closes all around you. That is when it happens. You burst out of the clouds and suddenly, the sun is shining brightly all around you. It is no longer dark or dreary, it is beautiful, cheerful. Everything that seemed to be true as you … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving: Rising above the Clouds