Dave Miller

I'm at a family reunion with my wife's family after enjoying some time with my side the last few days. We leave tomorrow for home (a depressing thought - not sure if you are aware but Florida has nicer weather these days than Iowa). So I'm not going to be around much the next couple of days. But I thought a discussion post  might be fun. What are your blessings and memories from 2013?  (Don't preacher-brag! That is annoying.) What are your goals, hopes and dreams for 2014? Talk to Uncle Davey. … [Read more...] about Reflections on 2013; Focusing on 2014

Doug posts his sermons on the internet, but some of you probably didn't know that Doug is also a talented singer. Here is his version of this Christmas classic.   … [Read more...] about Doug Hibbard Sings “O Holy Night”

Back when I lived in Virginia, we could barely get network TV in our rural area, and cable had not found its way that far into the country. So, we watched VHS tapes - generally tapes that my mom recorded in Florida and sent our way. One of those was a Christmas tape, and it had my three favorite Christmas movies. 1) It's a Wonderful Life - delightfully sentimental and sappy. No Christmas season is complete without it. 2) A Christmas Story - this was before the movie was driven into general consciousness by the 24 hour Ralphie-a-thon on TBS every year. There is barely a moment in that … [Read more...] about An SBC Voices Forum: What Is Your Favorite Christmas Movie?

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!