God is not holding out on you! (Pt.1)

(Part 1)

“For the Lord God is our sun and shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing form those who do what is right.”-Psalm 84:11

This passage conveys a wonderful truth about God: God is not holding out on you! The reason that so many people never fully live for God is because they have believed the lie that God, is some way, holding out on them. A scheme the devil has been using since the dawn of humanity.

“ The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.”-Genesis 3:1-7

The serpent was shrewd! Isn’t it interesting that the devil never focuses on the many blessings that God has given us, he simply focuses on what he believes that we are lacking. Notice how Satan carefully crafts his question: “Did God really say you may not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”

Eve replied that they were allowed to eat from all the trees in the garden, except for one tree in the middle of the garden. That’s the only one God had told them not to touch or they would die.

Satan was able to get Eve to acknowledge that there was one tree off limits and we all know that the quickest way to get some people to do something is to tell them not to do it. How, often do we fall into that trap? We overlook every other good thing that God has given us and fixate on the one thing He has not. Satan was able to deceive Eve by sowing seeds of doubt. First, he tempted Eve to doubt God’s Word. He asked questions like; “Did God truly say?”. Then he tempted to her to doubt God’s character by suggesting that He was holding something good back from them.

Genesis 3:6 tells us that Eve became convinced! Convinced of what? She was convinced that God had something more to give and was not giving it to her. Author John Piper commenting on this passage wrote:

“Satan was able to tempt Adam and Eve into sin by drawing their focus to the one thing “missing” from their life. He convinced them that God was ruining their life by withholding the one thing that would actually make them happy: “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. (Genesis 3:5)”

However, if we re-read Psalm 84:11, we see that it doesn’t say that God will not withhold anything from you. It says that He will not withhold anything good from those who do what is right.

That means that there will be some things that are not good for us that God intentionally withholds from us for our benefit. It also means that He may even, at times, withhold what is good because we will not do what is right with it.


Pastor Scott Burr
Dayspring Community Church

The Message in the Miracle (Pt.2)

(Part 2 of 2)

“Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”-Mark 4:38

How often when we face challenges do we begin to believe that God has left us or is not with us? The presence of wind (adversity) is not an indication that God is not with you. The disciples were facing some pretty heavy stuff and Jesus was right there with them in the boat. In fact, how would we ever know if our faith is genuine if there is never an opportunity to have it tested.

However, I find it interesting when God doesn’t respond to our situations the way we think He should or in the timing we think He should; we assume that He doesn’t care about what we are going through.

“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be Still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.”-Mark 4:39

With just a word Jesus calmed the storm and then He turned to the disciples and asked: “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”-Mark 4:40. I feel like, in a way, Jesus was saying: “The wind and the waves have died down, but why haven’t you?” What a great thought. How long does it take for you to “calm down” once Jesus has voiced HIs authority over your life?

There is a beautiful song by Scott Krippayne called “Sometimes He Calms the Storm.” One of the lyrics in that song communicates this truth perfectly: Sometimes He calms the storm, and other times He calms His child.” Let’s take a moment to think about something. Where is it written that God promised to deliver us out of every adverse situation? I can’t seem to find that verse in the Bible. What I do find nestled in the pages of Scripture are promises like: He will never leave us or forsake us and that He will be with us always even to the end of the age.

Old Testament men of faith like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego did not get sparred the fiery furnace. All three went in. However, we also read that God went in with them. Daniel did not get sparred from being thrown into the lions’ den, but God sent angels to shut the lions’ mouths. God told Joshua, just as I was with Moses, I will be with you. That’s the promise we hold so tightly to: God is with us! In fact, that is the name given to Jesus at His birth, Emmanuel, God with us.

Nevertheless, after seeing Jesus rebuke the wind and waves, the disciples were terrified. One might think that they would be overjoyed by the fact that they were safe from harm, but instead they were shocked and confused:

 “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and the waves obey Him?”-Mark 4:41.

Doesn’t it seem like they were answering their own question? Who is this? Even creation obeys Him! If creation obeys Him, that would make Him the Creator. I wonder how many situations we face in which we recognize Jesus is with us, but don’t have the full revelation of who He is.  It is important to remember that with every parable, teaching, miracle, and act of compassion Jesus is revealing Himself to us so that our faith can be strengthened if we will look for the message in the miracle.

Pastor Scott Burr

Dayspring Community Church

The Message in the Miracle

(Part 1 of 2)

“As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”-Mark 4:35-41

The New Testament is packed full of miracles that Jesus performed. Miracles played a crucial role in Jesus’ life and ministry. Miracles were more than just an opportunity for Jesus demonstrate His power and authority. Miracles helped to support Jesus’ claim to Deity (John 10:37,38; John 14:11). Miracles were, also, expressions of Jesus’ compassion towards hurting people (Matthew 14:14). Miracles even helped to bolster faith (Luke 7:22). 

However, woven into every miraculous act Jesus performed was also a message. A message about the character of God, but also how we should perceive and live life based on the revelation of His character. 

As evening came, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.”- Mark 4:35. This wasn’t a suggestion but a directive. However, soon a fierce storm arose, high waves were breaking into the boat and it began to fill with water. 

Have you ever been stuck in a boat when a storm comes up suddenly on you? It is a horrible feeling and I am certain that the disciples were feeling the strain and stress of it. The skies were dark, the wind fierce, the waves high and intimidating, not to mention the boat filling with water coupled with the fear of drowning. Here is my question? Didn’t Jesus know? Wasn’t He aware of what was coming? I find it hard to believe that this storm caught Him of guard. Yet, how often do we talk to God in prayer and explain to Him the situations we find ourselves in, as though He is unaware of our circumstances. 

Remember, He told them to go to the other side. It was His plan. It’s good to remember that Jesus’ plan and purpose is never thwarted by the world’s adverse conditions. In fact, Jesus’ entire disposition should give us pause and great comfort:

“Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”-Mark 4:38

Jesus’ response to the chaos around Him was not fear, apprehension, or concern. He was not troubled or panicked by the trouble that seemed to be surrounding them. He was experiencing everything they were experiencing, however His response was to not to worry, but to rest. I am wondering if that is a word of encouragement for somebody reading this today. Jesus is with you! He is experiencing with you everything you are experiencing, but rather than worry about it, you need to follow His lead and rest. 

Pastor Scott Burr

Dayspring Community Church 

Oh, yes He is (Pt. 2)

(Part 2) 

“When I was in Jerusalem, the leading priests and Jewish elders pressed charges against him and asked me to condemn him. I pointed out to them that Roman law does not convict people without a trial. They must be given an opportunity to confront their accusers and defend themselves. “When his accusers came here for the trial, I didn’t delay. I called the case the very next day and ordered Paul brought in.  But the accusations made against him weren’t any of the crimes I expected. Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive. I was at a loss to know how to investigate these things, so I asked him whether he would be willing to stand trial on these charges in Jerusalem.”-Acts 25:15-20

King Festus became aware of Jesus’ existence, not from Paul’s testimony, but from the testimony of his accusers, who came to have Paul punished. They made the case that Jesus existed, but they communicated to the court that he was crucified and died. They didn’t deny His life or existence, they denied His deity and His resurrection. 

The problem is, you might convince Festus that Jesus is dead, but it is impossible to convince someone who has had an encounter with the risen Savior of it! Paul was convinced! Funny thing, people have no problems with you insisting Jesus died. Why? Because a dead Jesus can’t see you, a dead Jesus can’t hear you, a dead Jesus can’t correct you, and a dead Jesus can’t judge you. However, a living Savior? 

I think there are a lot of Christians who serve a dead Jesus. They worship the One that died on the cross for their sins, but they don’t serve a risen Savior. People who serve a dead Jesus can appreciate His teachings, find value in and adopt His moral positions, even enjoy gathering with others believers to fellowship. However, watching their lives you’d be hard pressed to believe that they serve a living, risen Savior by the things they say, the things they do, and the way they think. 

Notwithstanding, It is impossible to be saved and not believe that He is alive:

“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”-Romans 10:9

It is not enough to believe that the tomb is empty, but we must believe Jesus is alive. That is what the angel at the tomb told the women who came there looking for Jesus, “Why do you look for the living, among the dead? He’s not here. He’s alive.”

Paul would go on to preach that message the rest of his life:

“But tell me this—since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.”-1 Corinthians 15:12-14

Festus and King Agrippa agreed that Paul could have been set free if he had just kept his mouth shut. If he had just stopped antagonizing the religious folks and quit insisting that Jesus was alive. Paul had an encounter with Jesus that convinced him that Jesus was very much a live. Perhaps we need to learn this lesson from Paul and stop serving a dead Jesus and place our faith in a risen Savior. 

Pastor Scott Burr

Dayspring Community Church 

Oh, yes He is!

(Part 1 of 2)

“A few days later King Agrippa arrived with his sister, Bernice, to pay their respects to Festus. During their stay of several days, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. “There is a prisoner here,” he told him, “whose case was left for me by Felix. When I was in Jerusalem, the leading priests and Jewish elders pressed charges against him and asked me to condemn him. I pointed out to them that Roman law does not convict people without a trial. They must be given an opportunity to confront their accusers and defend themselves. “When his accusers came here for the trial, I didn’t delay. I called the case the very next day and ordered Paul brought in. But the accusations made against him weren’t any of the crimes I expected. Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive.”-Acts 25:13-19

The Apostle Paul is seen here standing in a courtroom in Caesarea before Governor Festus and King Agrippa. Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem and was transferred to Caesarea for trial after it was learned that there would be an attempt to ambush and kill him. Paul was transferred and left in prison for two years before we see him get his day in court; plenty of time to think about why he is there and what he believes. 

It is during this time that King Agrippa visits Caesarea and Festus invites him to hear the case. Festus sums up the case to King Agrippa in Acts 25:19 like this: “But the accusations made against him weren’t any of the crimes I expected. Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive.”

After hearing all the evidence, Festus confesses that the reason Paul is sitting in jail is because he keeps insisting that Jesus is alive! That word insist means to demand something forcefully, not accepting refusal. So the louder his accusers tried to make the case that Jesus was dead, the louder Paul got insisting He was alive. 

Even after two years of sitting in prison, Paul still insisted that Jesus was alive. That is really what separates those who are saved from those who are lost; you either believe Jesus is dead or believe that He is alive. Too many people stop at the Cross. Their knowledge of Jesus stops there and for many their faith stops there. 

Why did Paul (even after two years in prison) not back off his story and keep insisting that Jesus was alive? He tells King Agrippa in Acts 26:8: “Why is it incredible to any of you that God can raise the dead?”

Paul had previously been known for persecuting Christians until he had an encounter with Christ:

“One day I was on such a mission to Damascus, armed with the authority and commission of the leading priests. About noon, Your Majesty, as I was on the road, a light from heaven brighter than the sun shone down on me and my companions. We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic,  ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against my will.  “‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked. “And the Lord replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. Tell people that you have seen me, and tell them what I will show you in the future. And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’”-Acts 26:12-18

The reason Paul insisted that Jesus was alive was because he met Him on the road to Damascus. He had a personal experience with Jesus that changed his life forever. There was no convincing Paul that Jesus was dead when he had already experienced Him very much alive! 

Pastor Scott Burr

Dayspring Community Church