Scott Miller Blog :: Good Stuff

Be Blessed and Prosper!

Is the desire to be blessed and prosperous a sin? Is it wrong to want my kids, my marriage, my church, my community, my job to be blessed and prosperous? NO!

I understand you've got to remain humble and balanced in prosperity. You've got to keep your heart pure and your motive clean here, but there is blessing the Lord wants to bestow on his kids!

I bring this up as the connection of getting into/doing the Word and God's blessing really hit me this week! Take 30 seconds to check this out...

James 1:25 ²⁵But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

Psalms 1:1-3¹Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.   ²But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.   ³He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

God desires us to be blessed and prosperous people in every area!  Stating the obvious here, but blessing and prosperity is about more than just the financial area!  He desires to bless you in every area!  And this blessing is directly connected to your ability to stay in and live the Word! 

As we conclude this 40 DITW series, I challenge you to stay in the Word! Take the study method that seems to fit best with you and run with it! If you miss a day, forget it and move on. JUST STAY IN THE WORD!

Don't Forget Mother's Day!

 

Crop producing follower of Jesus Christ!

Today, I'm thinking about everyone producing a crop. Isn't that what you are thinking about?

Don't tune me out here…follow me…My intake of Scripture, is not simply meant for my own spiritual development, but to produce a crop! Meaning, my study of Scripture should result in me being more peaceful, joyful, faith-filled, patient, etc., but it doesn't stop there! Mark 4:20 says that when I'm good soil, and hear the Word and accept it, there ought to be a crop produced! There ought to be a result of reproduction in my life. My kids ought to be further discipled in Christ b/c of what's happening in my life. There ought to be other people in my life who are drawn closer to Christ and discipled further in their faith b/c of what God is doing in my life.

The life of someone who is serious about being a Christ follower has to include producing a crop of other people joining them in their journey; otherwise we are really not fulfilling the Gospel! We call it Loving a REAL world in our slogan/purpose statement thing here at Pathway.

How are we doing? How am I doing? How are you doing?

What I’ve been reading…Extravagant by Bryan Jarrett

Three quick thoughts - Great book…easy read…powerful stories!

Bryan and I went to college together, so it is kind of interesting reading a book by a classmate! For instance, in chapter 16, he talks about his speech class his freshman year with Coach Lynn Hanson. I was there, in that class! Except I was not prophetically tapped on the shoulder to be the future commencement speaker…hah! Actually, due to a well meaning heart, but overzealous presentation in one of my Homiletics courses, I was not even allowed the opportunity of speaking in the coveted Senior Chapel…but that's for another blog post on stupid things I did in my youth.

Probably the most powerful story I walked away from the book with is the one interwoven throughout the whole book. Several years ago, the Lord challenged Bryan to give up his salary for a year, and simply live by faith. Crazy faith! I'm not saying I've heard the Lord tell me to do the same thing! But, I understand the angst of hearing a prompting from the Holy Spirit and stepping out in faith to get it done. The stories of provision in this season of his life are very cool.

His personal story and testimony throughout was also a great encouragement to God's power. Bryan is the real deal. He was back in the early 90's at Central Bible College, and is today.

I Love My 2 Year Old

This is why I love having a 2 year old. You never know when Horse the flashlight is going to mysteriously end up next to the Nutella and Skippy...or a polly pocket will be in your shoe...or a little finger will get curiously shoved up your nose. Ah the joys of fatherhood.

Get You A Bible

Last night Tate tested me on the 66 books of the Bible.  I did suprisingly well, stumbling a bit with the prophets of the OT, but flew through the NT.  Reminded me of how I first learned the names of each book. 

Ok...you've got to put this into context.  It was the late 80's, early 90's, and rap music was the thing.  Christian rap was in it's infant stages, and I latched on to a few of the ealy artists.  One of which was PID (Preachers in Disguise).  On PID's The Chosen One's album, they did the following song entitled "Get you a Bible."  As I finished up with the book of Revelation, I so wanted to finish with, "66 books and oh so fresh, rapping 'bout God's righteousness...", but I spared Tate the limited exhibition of my rapping skills.  Enjoy...

 

What I’ve been reading…Steve Martin: Born Standing Up

Interesting autobiography of the comedian Steve Martin. From his start at Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland, all the way through SNL, his comedy has been making people laugh nonstop.

I don't know why I so enjoy hearing the story behind people's lives, but I do. Learning interesting tidbits about people's history can explain a lot of why they are the way they are. (just re-read that previous sentence and the one thought came to my mind – DUH!)

No quotes to share from this book…and I'm not sure I'd even suggest you read it cover to cover…but parts are very funny.

What I’ve been reading…Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas

In Mark Driscoll's book, Real Marriage, I read a quote in there that made me think twice. It was actually a thought borrowed from author Gary Thomas, who wrote Sacred Marriage. The idea was this – what if God meant for marriage to make us holy, not so much happy.

This book is more about a theology of marriage (if there is such a thing) than a 'do this' type of marriage book. This isn't bad, but it caused me to drift off into la la land a few times.

My take is that marriage is definitely there to make us righteous and holy…but not at the expense of happiness! You can and should have both/and! Maybe that's what I'll use for the title of my marriage book: Both And by Scott and Megan Miller. Hah!

What I’ve been reading…Spirit Rising: Tapping into the Power of the Holy Spirit

Great book…as with all Cymbala books, full of amazing testimonies of God's grace and power in the lives of those in his church. This one focuses specifically on the power of the Holy Spirit being in everyday life.

A few quotes I liked:

I sometimes wonder, if the early Christians were around today, would they even recognize what we call Christianity? Our version is blander, almost totally intellectual in nature, and devoid of the Holy Spirit power the early church regularly experienced. How much loss do we suffer because we don't expect the Spirit to show up as promised? Everything we read about the church in the New Testament centered on the power of the Holy Spirit working in the hearts of Christian believers. Sadly, for many of us, this has not been our experience. I believe

Cymbala, Jim (2012-02-21). Spirit Rising: Tapping into the Power of the Holy Spirit (Kindle Locations 313-317). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

"Tarry [literally 'sit down'] … until you are endued with power from on high"1 (Luke 24:49). If all believers were full of the Holy Spirit, if everyone in the community were Spirit-controlled, the apostles wouldn't have laid down such a qualification. In fact, it would be downright silly. Imagine them saying, "Choose seven people who are breathing." Being a Christian does not necessarily guarantee that a person lives a life controlled by the Spirit.

Cymbala, Jim (2012-02-21). Spirit Rising: Tapping into the Power of the Holy Spirit (Kindle Locations 545-547). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

The apostle Paul told the church at Ephesus: "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit" (Eph. 5:18). If all Christians were already filled with the Spirit at all times, why would there be this strong command from Paul?

Cymbala, Jim (2012-02-21). Spirit Rising: Tapping into the Power of the Holy Spirit (Kindle Locations 569-570). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

Charlotte and Jonathan

Ok, I usually don't get in to such things...but when I saw this video, this was crazy...this is Susan Boyle-esk...

 

What I’ve been Reading…Bob Hope: A Life in Comedy

Very interesting and thorough book on the life of comedian Bob Hope. I've always liked The Road to… movies that Bob Hope starred in, along with most of his classic comedy. Really was a brilliant man, who wasn't perfect of course.

I think the most intriguing things I read had to do with the back story on most of his major films and such. The on again off again friendship with Bing Crosby was interesting to read about, along with Bob's journey's oversees to entertain our troops.

40 Days in the Word…

Over 90% of our congregation have plugged into a Life Group as we dive into this next message series. These Life Groups will further discuss our Sunday morning 40 DITW message series! Would love to have you join us for our Sunday 10am services, and/or our weekly LG's!

April 15        Why Can I Trust the Bible

 

April 22        How the Bible Changes Us

 

April 29        Seeing What God Wants Me to See

 

May 6        How to Study a Bible Passage

 

May 13        Understanding the Meaning of a Text

 

May 20        Integrating God's Word Into My Life

Life in Egypt

I thought this video was really interesting about life in North Africa with our friends! Enjoy...

 

More video's like this can be seen on their blog site...

What I’ve been reading…Choosing to See: A Journey of Struggle and Hope by Mary Beth Chapman

I've wanted to read this book for some time now, but simply didn't take the time to do such. Mary Beth is the wife of Christian musician, Steven Curtis Chapman. Over all, the book is heart wrenching as she shares their story of losing one of their children, and the journey toward a new normal. Although it sounds a bit cliché-ish, she did have me laughing one minute, and biting my lower lip the next, trying not to cry. I've experienced deep hurt in the loss of both of my parents at the same time as a teenager, but I still think losing a child would have to be the most pain a person could ever go through.

The book is sprinkled with 'stories behind the music' from Steven Curtis, which I found really interesting. For instance, the sung at every Christian wedding song in the late 80's and early 90's, "I Will Be Here," was written after Steven Curtis' mom and dad shockingly and out of nowhere got divorced. It was a love song of commitment written to Mary Beth.

Now for some who are reading this, you might think this is a stupid observation, but I think it is worth noting – Mary Beth Chapman is a female author. Duh! Not that hard of a conclusion to come to. Personally, and I'm not saying this is good or bad, 95% of what I read comes from a male author. A few times I had to stop for a few moments to collect myself as the further I read I had a feeling I was sitting in a group of women, at Starbucks, talking life together. I'm all for women getting together at Starbucks talking life, but it would make for an awkward couple of moments for a man sitting with them given some of the female natured discussion. Anyhow - just an observation and a heads up for any male readers who may read this book.

Trying to think of any quotes or whatever that really stuck out to me…I think the most powerful quote I found was actually a chapter heading from C.S. Lewis –

"We're not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be." Wow…that will make you think…

As with any books, certain parts moved along better than others, but I would recommend it. I would especially recommend it to a parent who they themselves have dealt and are dealing with the loss of a child.

Devoted Themselves

I can't stop thinking about these 2 words from Acts 2:42… "They devoted themselves to the…"

Devoted – this went beyond 'I like Jesus'…this went beyond 'Yah – I'm a Christian'…this was a deep commitment to doctrine (discipleship), fellowship, worship, ministry, evangelism… they were devoted to the things Christ was into...

Themselves – they took personal ownership and responsibility for their faith…they devoted themselves...their devotion went beyond having to be motivated by a pastor or leader to do what they ought to already be doing…they were at a level of devotion where they took the teaching of Scripture seriously and allowed that to motivate themselves to do it!

Imagine if everyone who called themselves a Christ follower devoted themselves! Well…imagine if Scott Miller lived 24/7 as someone who fits in the camp of one who – devoted themselves.

 

Matt Holloway the great donkey-ball rider

Pathway's own Matt Holloway represented us well tonight at the community Donkey-ball basketball game! Notice the action shot (he's the green blur in the middle)!

Rick Warren, Islamic faith, and Chrislam

There are talking blogging heads all over the internet spreading rumors and lies about someone that I highly respect and esteem, Pastor Rick Warren. If you have heard of any of these, please take a minute to read through this Q and A that Rick and one of his staff have put together. Thanks!

I really have no desire to debate any of this with you…just trying to get the truth out there. Please take your debating comments to another blog. Thanks!

What if Worship was like an NBA game?

Funny...

 

2012 Middlebury Community Lenten Services

If you are interested, here is the schedule for this years lenten services in Middlebury.  All Sunday night services start at 6pm, Good Friday Services are at 12:30pm and 7:30pm, and Easter Sunrise is at 7am.

Download 2012 Lenten services

What I’ve been reading…Through my Eyes by Tim Tebow

I'm a little over half way through Tim Tebow's first book. I really like Tim Tebow…liked him ever since I saw the first ESPN interview on him before he won the Heisman. His book is, well, informative. So far, he has a little biographical information, and a whole lot of re-living many of the college football games of his career. I find myself getting bored a bit, but there have been a few interesting stories interspersed.

One of my favorites is from the FSU game during his sophomore season I believe. He stiff armed a guy with his right hand, and at the same time, someone missed tackling him which pinned this right hand between two helmets. Tim knew something happened to his hand, but did not want to come out of the game. So the trainer sprayed a cooling spray on it every time Tim came to the sideline, and it seemed to help keep the pain and swelling down. After the game, an X-ray showed that his hand did have a clean break and would need attention. Tim asked the trainer what the cooling spray was that seemed to work so well, and the trainer responded – "Bactine antiseptic spray." Hah! No medical value for breaks at all!

The mind and will is a powerful thing!

My Friend Patrick

This is my friend Patrick standing inside his unfinished auto parts store in the small village of Source Matelas, Haiti (see 'A' on map below).  I first met Patrick last year as we painted and roofed a new house for his mom and siblings.  Patrick is the children's pastor at Mission of Hope Church in Titanyen, a student, a new husband, and soon to be (maybe already) a new dad!  In order to support his family, Patrick has started to build this little store in his village.  As you can see, the structure is up, but he needs about $500 US to finish the job. 

I have continued to stay in contact with Patrick, and I can tell you he is the real deal.  He loves Jesus, and God is going to use him to touch the Haitian people with the Gospel.  All I'm asking is that you would consider joining Megan and I in giving something to help him finish his store so he can have a way to continually supply for his family.  Thanks!

All gifts can be given through Pathway's online giving portal here, or dropped in an offering at Pathway.  Of course your gifts will be receipted for tax exempt purposes as this will be an official project of Pathway AG!

Thanks again for helping me help my friend Patrick!

 

View Larger Map

UPDATE 3-14-12

Here are a few picks of construction!

Doors are on!

Interior is painted!

Wild hogs in Middlebury

Not sure what's more odd - the fact that the closest news organization reporting on this is in Fort Wayne, or the fact that we actually had wild hogs in Middlebury? Wild feral charging hogs experienced in Middlebury!

http://www.wane.com/dpp/news/indiana/wild-hogs-found-in-elkhart-county

The Bridge Project - Paris

Here's the latest and greatest from The Bridge Project in Paris, France! Todd and Amanda are doing a great job leading the team in bringing Jesus to Paris!

Playing Mr. Mom

It's been a half vacation/half work week for me this week. Megan is out of town with Ashton (my oldest), so that leaves me, Tate (8), and Hayden (2). I've learned you really don't know what it's like to take care of a 2 year old 24/7 until…well…you take care of a 2 year old 24/7. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed having the one on one time with my younger girls! But this darling 2 year old has driven me to create a few Mr. Mom's guiding principles. When dad is the main care giver of a 2 year old, the following guidelines will be adhered to:

1. Thou shall not expect thine hair to ever look as good as when mommy does it.
2. Thou shall not have a cookie until you finish your supper…even if you continue to ask 163 times.
3. Thou shall not live on green beans alone. Though shall eat everything else put before you. One cannot live on milk, green beans, and Cheez-it's alone.
4. Thou shall crawl up into your dad's lap at the end of the night and fall asleep as he lightly rubs your back. This would take the place of flopping around like a fish out of water as your dad attempts to calm you and get you to sleep.
5. Thou shall not fill thine pants unless we are at OUR OWN HOUSE. I will not be changing diapers at Walmart, or any public place for that matter. Men's restrooms are some of the most disgusting places on the planet. I ought to know as I am one.

Glad Megan and Ashton will be back Friday night!