Dawn's Early Light

On the Right Side

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:06:00 +0000

News headlines often capture the worst side of mankind. One that broke my heart this week was about a man leaving a stadium who was beaten to a pulp. Why? He was wearing a jersey supporting the team he was rooting for. Fans from the opposing team didn't like his choice of teams nor his wardrobe. Their solution was to almost kill the guy. I shake my head and wonder what causes evil to prevail in the heart of man. I just can't understand why someone roots for evil. I pity the parent who has family members playing on opposing teams. To sit in a stadium and try rooting for someone on the other side would cause utter chaos and most likely end up with blood splattering everywhere. Perhaps cheering from a distance would be the best case scenario here.

Last night I watched a movie about a child whose parents were murdered in front of her by a mob. She devoted the rest of her life to hunting the mobsters down and killing each one of them with brutal methods. While I thought what she was doing was wrong I found myself rooting for her to get the creeps who had caused so much pain to her as an innocent child. For a moment I got caught up in blurring right from wrong. The ends justifies the means is the world's mantra. I forgot my side of the stadium is for peace and a justice that does not belong in my hands. I had quickly switched allegiances and joined forces with the evil side. A gentle nudge reminded me that I needed to keep my mind from evil lest I act out on my thoughts.

In the fourth chapter of 1 Chronicles, the man Jabez prayed and asked God to keep him from evil and to not cause pain to himself or God. Every day I wake up I pray that prayer. I do not want to be an "pain spreader." I do not want to be on evil's side of the stadium rooting for victory. Like Jabez I want to pray against spreading evil and pain. This requires daily surrendering my thoughts and words to the only One who can keep me on the right side. So today, I surrender to Him.

2011 Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 22:28:00 +0000

Isaiah 6 Ministries Newsletter
A Mooring for the Moorings
A hardbound dictionary will never go out of date for me. I love pulling the one off my desk to either look up an unfamiliar word or to see how Mr. Webster defined a familiar term. This year I looked up our last name- mooring. It comes from the root word moor. Some of the definitions for moor are - to secure a boat by mooring: ANCHOR; to be made fast.
2011 was a defining year of the mooring to the Mooring’s. 2010 had been a year of some deep highs and lows. Our hopes for 2011 had been for a smoother sailing kind of journey. God had different plans for us.
In the Spring, Mark’s dad took a turn for the worse. After a month long hospital stay he finally went to be with His Savior. In July my body started producing strange lumps and painful extremities. I saw just about every kind of specialist, had MRI’s and CT scans, and donated most of the blood in my body for research. The culprit was a herniated disc pressing on the spinal cord thus causing extremity problems. Physio- therapy has helped immensely. In August we received a new granddaughter, Joy Canaan Overholser.(She lives up to her name bringing much awaited joy.) October brought Mark a new awakening. No job is permanent. He was downsized after 17 years with AIG.
So what has been the mooring for the Mooring’s? Our God. He is an anchor for our souls, our minds, our bodies. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Oh how I want to be preserved blameless! I want the God of peace to be our peace. Job or jobless I want my peace to remain in Him. In life and death and birth and health I want the Prince of Peace to be our mooring.
I have had some ministry changes. I stepped down from teaching my ladies Sunday school class in March. I am now working in a young singles class. I serve as a mentor to the young women who desire an “older woman” to disciple them. At 55, I guess I am truly an older woman, though I still feel very young at heart! I had many speaking engagements over the Spring months and some in the Fall. My heart’s desire still burns to teach women the Word of God as their anchor, their mooring. 2012 already has some filled up dates with several pending. This excites me as I study and prepare. I am also working on a new study on the heart, mind, and MOUTH connection. As I look up verses I see my need to be careful with my mouth, my lips, my words. My desire is to teach believers how to edify one another and glorify God with what pours out. I am still needing God’s help and grace in this area of my life. Please pray for me as I finish this assignment God gave me awhile back.
Please pray for Mark and I as we decide what to do with our lives and ministries. We are at pivotal places in how we spend the second half of our journeys. Through it all we want to be obedient and honorable as kingdom builders. We pray the same for you with love!

Sole Survivor

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:35:00 +0000

About 15 years ago I participated in a "Right to Life" march. This event took place in the latter part of January.The weather that day was below freezing. In fact, the weather prior to the march had hovered around the freezing point all week long. I bundled up to stay nice and toasty, to keep from becoming a popsicle before the day was over. Unfortunately, I put fashion before reason with my shoe choice. Flat leather Keds were quite the rage of the times. So.... that is what I wore. I thought thick socks would keep my feet from getting cold. Wrong! Oh so wrong! The march lasted for hours and miles (or so it seemed.) About half way through the day, the soles of my feet were numb. I picked up my legs and hoped the appendages were still attached. If a lead ball had been dropped on my feet I would not have noticed. Thoughts of frostbite and amputation raced through my mind. Yet when the day was over the soles of my feet had carried me to march for a cause I believed in. Down in my soul there was peace. I stood up ( marched) for what I believed to be right. Before night fell both my soles and my soul were warm.
Listen to what Luke 1:78-79 says. "Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace."
I pray my soul's desire be for the soles of my feet to be guided in the way of peace.

The Destination

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:58:00 +0000

If you own a GPS (global positioning system) you have experienced a love/ hate relationship with an inanimate object. You rely on a device to direct you to a necessary address. In full confidence you proceed in obedience to a voice you have no idea how it is generated. You trust in something which you do not have a relationship with. The relationship with your plastic/metal object is purely conditional. If it steers you correctly you love it and cherish it. If it lands you at the wrong place you get angry. You feel defeated at being lost with no clue as to how to get where you need to be. You may toss it in the back seat or possibly out the window! Perhaps like me your device has told you that you have arrived at your destination. You look out your car window to see an abandoned building or a dead end road. The "voice" keeps repeating, "You have arrived at your destination." You know you are lost.
We humans have the tendency to rely on the wrong voices to steer us where we think we need to be. Perhaps family, friends, or even a spouse can tell us we need to head in various directions that do not take us where we truly need to be. So where do we go when the voices of so many sound right? Where do we turn when an inner voice tells us to go a particular way but the popular vote tells us to go down another path?
Those who listen for directions from heaven won't get lost by this world's distractions. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God has plans for us and they are good. Proverbs 3:5-6 says that when we trust God and acknowledge His ways, He will direct our paths. Isaiah 30:21, "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
The voice you and I need to heed is God's. The directions and destination may be unfamiliar but they lead us to the exact spot we need to be. Obey the One who's voice that is never wrong!

Shattered Pieces

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Have you ever dropped a glass that seemed to shatter in a million pieces? You sweep endlessly thinking the floor is clear. Then a small piece in a corner reflects the light shining on it. Out comes the broom once more. Absentmindedly you walk barefoot across the floor and a shard of glass penetrates your foot. You wonder how such a small fragment could cause that much pain and even blood.
Note the similarity between a crystal goblet and stream of words. Both can enhance the beauty of time spent around the dining table. An empty goblet may be worth much by book value but at a table the glass is worthless without contents to enjoy. Empty words are like that, a wind without end. In Scripture Job spoke to his friends who had given him both useless and hurtful counsel. He admonished them by saying, "Shall words of wind have an end?" (Job 16:3) Long winded speeches often leave the recipient dry, like an empty goblet. However, a goblet filled with strong drink can pack a powerful punch. So can words. Listen to Job in verse 4 of the same chapter. "I could heap up words against you." Translation - I could knock you out with painful words just as strong drink knocks a person out.
In Job 19:2 he questions his counseling friends, "How long will you torment my soul and break me in pieces with words?"(Painful words that cut like glass. Words that leave a heart broken and bloody.) Job's friends had words that affected him like shattered pieces of glass. Their words hurt.
Our words can easily hurt as well. A bride-to-be carefully selects goblets for her wedding registry. Our words should be chosen as carefully. Words can be useful gifts or leave others empty and dry. Worst of all we can shatter people with words. Proverbs 25:11 states, " A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver."

Still Waters

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:01:00 +0000

My husband got a new cell phone. I inherited his old one. I have to be one of the least technical people on the planet. So with all the features of my inherited phone I pretty much only know how to answer and talk on this thing. I'm flustered! As I was driving down the road yesterday the phone randomly starts playing this song (no it wasn't a ring tone!). I looked down and listened. The words played out loud,"Break my plans...." over and over these words just played. I was wondering if God was trying to get a message to me. I hadn't picked up the phone or hit any buttons. The song came on by its own. I knew this was no accident. I am generally very busy with plans to stay on the go. For now though, God has led me beside still waters. At first I felt nervous. I don't like the stillness for too long. I tried to enjoy the stillness but felt fidgety. A friend chastened me and said they were meant to be enjoyed, not fretted over. I wanted to get up and start going again after a few weeks of the still waters. Yet there was no hand to lead me, no path to walk on and no compass to direct me. So for now I stay by the still waters. The song reminds me to let my agenda, my plans, all be broken before God. Still waters are peaceful and meant to refresh. I want to learn to drink from them and not begrudge them. In today's quiet place I wait.

Comfortable or Comforted

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:08:00 +0000

If I were to ask the richest man in the world if he would like access to my checking account he would laugh hysterically (especially after seeing the amount in there). If I were to offer a meal to an executive chef of a notorious restaurant most likely he'd decline. If I were to offer a chic dress from my wardrobe to the up and coming Princess of England her answer would be a definite "No thank you!"
Why list such preposterous scenarios? To prove that those who have no need of a gift will decline offers of what they have an abundance of. Unless a person is greedy, gluttonous, or generous to give away what has been offered, too much is precisely that ~ too much! Who are the needy? Who are those truly insufficient, inadequate, incapable? Do I fall in the category of comfortable or needy? What about you?
In John 16:7 Jesus stated, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you." Jesus knew the disciples were quite comfortable having Him around. They marveled at His miracles, enjoyed meals around the fireside with Him, and drew strength from His daily encouragement and exhortation. Yet Jesus said, it would be better if He left their presence. Absence would make the heart grow fonder. "Alone-ness" would create a void that had to be filled. Familiarity often breeds carelessness, a taking for granted the invaluable around us. Jesus knew for the disciples being uncomfortable without Him would prove just how much they needed Him. He also knew for the rest of time those who need Him would yearn for His presence. His presence would be present for all eternity in the person of the Holy Spirit.
The disciples had the privilege of physically walking and talking with the God man. However, the Scripture is clear what would be better, to the advantage, was for Jesus to physically leave the earth and leave in His place, the Holy Spirit.
Has my life, your life been so comfortable that we have no need of the Comforter? Are we doing life in our own strength or in utter dependence of the Holy Spirit. Does my comfort come in the form of food, money, relationships, circumstances? Where does my help, my shelter, my comfort come from? Psalm 121 proclaims, "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth."
May we never become comfortable without the Comforter!

Mouthful

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:18:00 +0000

Webster's defines mouthful as "a comment or a statement rich in meaning or substance." I have met people who took a lifetime to utter a mouthful. On the other hand I have been acquainted with those whose every mouthful was a mouthful. There used to be an advertisement for the investment firm E.F Hutton that stated, "When E.F Hutton speaks, people listen." Certain individuals have earned the respect of earnest ears and receptive minds to drink from their rich verbiage. I have to ask myself about the quality of my "mouthfuls." Recently I heard the term "verbarrhea." We all know what diarrhea is. "Verbarrhea" would have to be to much mouthful with no quality substance. I stand guilty as charged with this condition at various times. As a speaker and a writer I have been told to limit my wordiness. I remember one critic as saying my speech and writing were just one long run-on sentence. I have since taken some courses to improve these areas of my life. How often I have rehearsed speeches and letters to be eloquent, not offensive, not demeaning or too commanding. I fear being a cesspool of mindless meandering that pours out and spills onto innocent ears. Numerous times I have opened my mouth when the shut position would have fared me much better!
Exodus 4:10-12 states, "But Moses said to the LORD, "Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue." Then the LORD said to him, "Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak."
Wow! What a thought - the Lord God being with our mouths. In Psalm 139 we are told that before a word is ever on our tongues that He knows it altogether. I have been memorizing this to remind me to honor God and others with my words. The mouth either builds up or tears down the heart of our listeners. A mouthful can encourage another to soar to higher heights or plummet into a bottomless pit.
So today let's listen to our "mouthfuls" and evaluate if they are indeed rich in meaning and substance, worthy of an audience at all.

Broken Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:03:00 +0000

I remember my first broken heart. Eighth grade, Bobby G. He dropped me for another girl. I was rejected, heartsick, and could barely eat or sleep. Honestly, I thought I'd never recover! That was the first of many heartbreaks. They all seem silly now. Teenage tears brought on by rejection. Arrows to a passionate heart.
Webster's defines passion as "the suffering of Christ between the night of the Last Supper and his death." Christ's passion was for us. He loved us so much He was unwilling to leave us stranded in our sin with no hope of recovery. He would rather die for us than to live without us. He experienced true rejection, true heartbreak. He agonized in the Garden with no sleeping or eating, just prayers, tears, and sweats of blood. Our sin broke His heart.
Why does my own sin not always break my heart? Sin is rejecting God in a moment when I choose my desires over His ways. Why am I so sensitive when someone hurts or rejects me, yet callous when I grieve my Lord and Savior? What measure of love does it take before rejection of the One I love breaks my own heart? I pray to have a heart that is more sensitive to God than self; that counts the cost of fleshly desires over heavenly gain; that is willing to suffer long than indulge in a lustful momentary pleasure.
In a moment Jesus could have left us rejected and heartbroken. Instead He bore both for me and for you.

2010 Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 19:02:00 +0000

Isaiah 6 Ministries 2010 Newsletter

Babbie Mason and Eddie Carswell wrote a song entitled “TRUST HIS HEART”. I have enclosed some of the lyrics in hopes they will speak to you as they have to me this past year:

“All things work for our good. Though sometimes we don't see how they could.
Struggles that break our hearts in two, sometimes blind us to the truth.
Our Father knows what best for us. His ways are not our own.
So when your pathway grows dim, and you just don't see Him
Remember you're never alone.
God is too wise to be mistaken, God is too good to be unkind.
So when you don't understand, when you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart”

These words carried me through a year filled with highs and lows. If I had known last year what the coming year beheld, I may have just skipped the whole year. I certainly would have missed out on some major blessings. Growth is often painful. Yet it yields abundant fruit if we submit to the One who desires to grow us into His likeness. Two words – longevity and brevity. My mom went to be with Jesus at the ripe age of 91 after being in Hospice Palliative care for eight months. Longevity. My daughter and son-in-law delivered a stillborn at six months. Brevity. These two events happened within eleven weeks. Through it all, I saw God’s graciousness. Both of these loved ones needed to be with their Creator more than they needed to be here. Trusting this conclusion came after tears flowed heavily. Sandwiched between these two events God shipped me to China to teach at an underground church and seminary. When I got there I was told by my host family that I needed to stay underground too. Almost any option I decided on could very likely wind me up in prison. Once again I was glad this was not foreknowledge! So I asked God should I go back home for safety or hide under blankets in the back of a truck (in 90 degree weather) to travel to and from my destination. What if communist guards found me? They seemed to be everywhere I went. As I prayed all night that first night, God showed me if my faith wasn’t worth dying for it wasn’t worth living for. I thought of all my supporters. Could I go back home and tell them the mission was too risky so I just became a tourist for nine days? I was reminded of Eugene Peterson’s words, “We do well to remember that God has created us not to be tourists who seek instant and intense gratification, but to be pilgrims on a long journey.” So I decided to be a pilgrim. Then God rose up a Chinese believer who offered up an empty apartment where both I and the students could meet daily without suspicion. ( No hiding under blankets!) He is too wise to be mistaken! I will never forget God’s provision and protection. I had just written a new Bible study entitled “Running from God, Reflections of Rebellion.” To have left the work undone would’ve been disobedience (rebellion). So for 2011, I pray to leave no work undone that God has already mapped out for me. Please pray for me and with me that He finds me, us, faithful.

Attractive Addiction

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:08:00 +0000

I was just perusing a certain website when a pop up appeared on my screen for a site called "Attractive Addiction." The site was for bargain deals on all sorts of products. I have no clue as to whether the company is aware of the schemes of our adversary, Satan. One thing I know for sure though is, that Satan makes everything that lures us into addiction very attractive. Rarely do we buy items that are ugly or make us look bad. Most of us don't keep eating food that tastes rotten or looks like canned dog food. We are drawn to the ads for items so wonderful, life would seem pitiful if we didn't own at least one. I find myself thinking,"I really need that" or "That would make tasks so much easier." There's nothing wrong with a "That would be nice!" but when the thought turns into a desire that has to be satiated every time it raises its hand, then problems begin to arise. The bar, the bakery, or the bargain barn can lure us by being attractive. The repeat trips can lead us into temptation and addiction. Advertisers are very aware of this and play on our weaknesses. The devil is very aware of our weaknesses as well. He shoots his arrows into our soft spots, or unprotected places. He whispers, "Just this once!" How often I have fallen for that lame line!
Recently there have been ads on television called "Don't Try Meth Just Once." They are frightening and very sobering. An individual sees them self saying they will only try the drug just once. Next they see the progressive destruction after taking the drug. The ad is so powerful as to how harmful attraction can really be. I really want to applaud that ad developer as most ads are designed to appeal to our wants. This one discourages the"want" factor.
The truth is - addictions start off as attractive, never destructive. Just one look, one bite, one drink, one swipe of the credit card can lead down a slippery slope.
Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the full armor of God that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."

Efficacious Love

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 21:14:00 +0000

Recently I attended a wedding where the pastor challenged the couple to love each other efficaciously. That's a mighty big word and I had no idea what it meant. The dictionary defines efficacious as the power or capacity to produce a desired effect. The couple was being challenged to love in such a way that the results would be manifested in building the other person up, in making them a better person, a better spouse. The one loving efficaciously would receive proportionately to the degree they poured in love. This sounds great and many times efficacious love works to the benefit of both parties and the glory of God. Yet, there are those times when one person loves as efficaciously as they can, but the recipient just can't receive that kind of love or takes advantage of it. I guess that would be a love gone wrong song for sure.
What a blessing it is to love and be loved efficaciously. I have experienced this kind of love in my marriage. It has made me a better wife and partner.
I have experienced this kind of love by God. He has loved me unconditionally. His efficacious love has produced a life in me, and around me, and for me, that I would never have known. His love has caused me to love when I didn't want to, help when I didn't want to, take hurt when I didn't want to. There is not enough space here to fill what God's efficacious love has done in my life. People often love to get something back. This is a self centered love. But God, He loves because that is Who He is. When God loves efficaciously the power and the effect is more than we can fathom. His love for us, and in us, and through us, has the power and effect to change lives in our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, churches...
Who will you love efficaciously today?

Inheritance Informer

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:52:00 +0000

Perhaps like me, you allow your mind to be the cinema of many make believe stories. One I have crafted over the years is the scene where I, the leading character, hear a knock at the front door. Upon answering I am greeted by a short man who proceeds to read a lengthy legal document. The pages inform me that a long lost deceased relative has bequeathed a huge sum of money to me. I feign a bit of sadness but can hardly conceal the elation I feel at collecting this untold wealth. When do I get to collect? What do I need to do? Is there any proof I need to bring to collect? I just want to grab this little inheritance informer and hug his sweet self! At last I come out of my cinematic coma and into real life. No inheritance informer is at my door and I haven't received anything huge lately except a property tax bill.
Wait just a minute! I am sadly mistaken. I remember the day that an inheritance informer came my way in the form of a preschool director. While interviewing me for a teaching position at a church program she asked me if I was saved and going to heaven? My answer was that I was a sinner going to hell. Just months before a priest in the confessional booth had told me my plight with no way of escape. Trust me, I had searched for ways to escape doom but no one I met had the answer. My informant, a.k.a preschool director, told me of a Savior who died for my sins. There was a forgiveness that took away my sin. The Savior, Jesus Christ, secured me an inheritance of eternal life collectible upon admission of sin and acceptance of pardon.
In the theater of my mind little attention is given to the inheritance informer. In my real life story without the informant I would have remained ignorant of my heavenly inheritance and my earthly delight.
I have to ask myself these questions, "Who am I trying to inform of their inheritance? Who needs to hear about the riches that belong to those who are in Christ? Who needs forgiveness and pardon?" Quite frankly I meet people who fit in the category of my questions every day. I have already received my portion of the inheritance. I need to become an inheritance informer. Acts 28:18 says," To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me (Christ)."

Do You Have "It"?

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:46:00 +0000

Recently a guest preacher at our church spoke about the Gatorade slogan "Is it in you?". Gatorade was formulated for football players who were falling out in practices and games due to the loss of fluids. Even though the players were trying to hydrate with water, H2O just wasn't enough to keep them from keeling over. A team of researchers was assembled to find out the problem and come up with a remedy. Loss of sodium and potassium by the players due to their hard work and massive sweating was diagnosed as the problem. The cure for the problem was formulated in the drink known as Gatorade. Gatorade puts back into the players the vital nutrients they sweat out. This "miraculous" sports drink equips the player to stay in the game and play to their full potential. Thus the "it" in the slogan, "Is It in You?" refers to Gatorade.
On the ever popular television show "American Idol" beloved judge Simon Cowell tells the contestants whether they have the "it" factor or not. Is the "it" factor the ability to sing? No. Most of the contestants who land in the finals definitely can sing. The "it" factor is referring to something deep within that shines out. "It" is not good looks or talent. "It" seems to draw someone to a person, a charisma. One of Webster's definitions for charisma is "an extraordinary power given a Christian by the Holy Spirit for the good of the church." Hmm... the power of the Holy Spirit poured into for the sake of others. Gatorade poured into a player enables them to play in the game, to play to their fullest potential. The power of the Holy Spirit poured into a believer enables that person to live in this world with effect. Ephesians 5:18 refers to a continual filling of the Spirit of God to keep on living as Christ would have us. To continually be filled with this power, the "it" factor will ooze out as it is poured in. As "it" pours out of a believer others benefit. Others will desire to have the "it" factor too. Can a believer give "it" to another person? No. But a believer with "it" can be so contagious that others seek to find and to have the "it" factor too.
Do you have "it"? Are you oozing "it"? Are others drawn to the "it" in you?

Poolside Living

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:22:00 +0000

You've heard of the Pool of Bethesda. The story in John 5:1-15 tells of this place where those who needed healing came in hopes of being made whole. The word Bethesda actually means house or place of mercy. I'm reminded of the song that says,"I'm running, I'm running, I'm running to the Mercy Seat, where Jesus is calling..." The only difference between the song and this story is that most of the infirmed mentioned here probably could not run to this place of needed mercy. The"certain man" noticed by Jesus had to have someone carry him to the pool. This man's infirmity had lasted 38 years and he was too weak or paralyzed to raise up into the healing pool waters. Every day he waited for his miracle. Every day became a shattered dream. 38 years of withered legs most likely left him with a withered heart. Until one day Jesus - the living, walking Mercy Seat came to the man in need.
What a strange question Jesus asked the man, "Do you want to be made well?" Excuse what may sound like sarcasm here but the man had suffered for 38 years and Jesus asks this. Why??? Notice Jesus did not ask "Do you need to be well?" There is a big difference between needing and wanting. You may need to lose weight, give up some unhealthy addiction or add something beneficial to sustain your life. However, if the "want" is not greater than the "need", the need just stays a need and nothing is accomplished. There have been times I have needed to shed a few pounds and even said I wanted to. Then a dessert tray came my way and I wanted some chocolate cake more than I wanted to lose the weight. Need went out the window in that moment. I don't mean to imply the man did not want to be well. However I notice him doing what many of us do - make excuses for why we can't get needs met. Jesus had such compassion on the man. Perhaps the Healer saw the withered heart more than the withered legs. With eyes locked on one another, Jesus commands the man to take up his bed and walk. Trust, obedience, surrender, healing. Had the command been ignored, so would have the healing.
Are you living by some pool of want, wishing someone will dip you in and "aba cadabra" you'll be well? True healing comes from the Mercy Seat. Only you can make the choice to rise up and walk.

Infinity

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:11:00 +0000

When my daughter was growing up and increasing in vocabulary she came across a very interesting word- infinity. I tried to explain infinity meant a number that was so large no one could even count that high. We talked about an infinite number of stars, blades of grass, sand on the seashore etc. I told her that I loved her "infinity" and she echoed the same back to me. Thus began our parting words at bedtime, the words we shouted as she left for school, and later our last words in a letter. Even on the days of her worst behavior I knew I still loved her infinity.
In John 21:15 Jesus appears after His resurrection and finds Peter and some other disciples out fishing. From the shore Jesus shouts out a fishing tip to cast to the other side. Up to that point the men had caught nothing. So maybe just maybe this wise guy might be right. They did what He said and, voila, a fisherman's dream! Peter instantly knew the man was Jesus and raced to the shore. After sharing breakfast with the men Jesus asks Peter a somewhat familiar question. "Do you love me more than these?" Who or what are the "these" is Jesus referring to? Some scholars say "these" refers to the other disciples and some say the fish. Not the edible fish they had just caught but the catching of the fish that was in Peter's blood. For some the hobby or work of fishing is addictive. A true fisherman thinks of little else other than the next cast, the next catch. When fishing becomes "life" to a man instead of a way of making a living or a fun hobby, that man is headed for trouble.
I don't mean to pick on just fishing here. I don't think Jesus did either. I believe the underlying question Jesus was asking Peter was, "Is there anything you love more than serving me, obeying me, being identified with me?" Before Jesus' death He commanded His disciples to go and make disciples (Matt. 28). Was that what Peter was doing now? Had Peter and the others gotten so disillusioned after Jesus' death that they returned to what they loved - fishing? So Jesus is asking what do you love more? What do you love infinity? What are you so sold out to that you would die to do it? What would you give up to follow Christ?
Often God asks us to give up certain things, die to them so we can live for Christ. We are then faced with the same question Peter was asked, "Do you love me more than this thing, this person, this lifestyle, this hobby, this job, this bank account...?"
Jesus told Peter he must be willing to give up what he loved dearly for what loved "infinity."
I hear the Savior asking me the same. What about you?

Knock Offs

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:51:00 +0000

Several years ago my daughter went to New york and bought me a great Christmas gift - a fake Kate Spade bag. I loved it! About the same time I had quit my job to go into full time ministry. At a Bible study I was attending I gave a prayer request - my husband and I were financially strapped. We were having to live minus my income. We needed God to supply our needs. One evening at a Wednesday night church supper I saw my prayer buddies. As I sat down with them to eat (having set my Kate Spade bag beside me) I kept noticing their glances to the bag and then one another. At last one lady spoke up and asked if my husband and I were so strapped financially why was I buying designer purses. I chuckled and explained. First it was a gift and second it was a knock off. Shock covered the faces of the women who were fooled by the knock off.
People are fooled by knock offs every day. Knock off purses seem innocent enough but generally the makers are dealing in illegal activity. Knock off drugs can end up harming people and some are even deadly. So it is with knock off religions.
"In the beginning was the Word...And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us...grace and truth came through Jesus Christ...that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life..." This is the Gospel of John in a nutshell. This is the real deal. Any knock off is deadly to the soul of man. The peddler of any knock off is guilty of a spiritual crime - perverting the Truth. People are easily fooled by knock off teachers and knock off teachings. Many are led astray. Why? People are not familiar enough with the Truth. They can't spot the fake, the twisted, the perverted brand that is harmful to their living and even their eternal destiny. To recognize a fake, a phony, a counterfeit, you must first know what is real, authentic, and true.
Live and abide in the words from John 8:32, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Thrown off the Throne

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:18:00 +0000

My favorite passage in the Bible is Isaiah chapter 6. The first time I ever saw this passage it took me to a place I had never really brought myself to - the throne of God. Isaiah was a person just like you and me, real flesh and blood. He had real sins that needed a reality check for him to see those sins. Isaiah had gotten quite enamored by the great King Uzziah. Isaiah had almost begun to idolize an earthly king who was doing great and mighty things. Uzziah's great success allowed for the people to forget who was behind the success. When Uzziah was full of pride God struck him with leprosy and eventually he died. At his death Isaiah must have looked from the death of his idol to a place for some answers, the throne of God. Instead of questioning God about the Uzziah's death, he became speechless. On the throne of all thrones sat God Almighty. Uzziah was not on the throne, never was. Even the seraphim cried out, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!"
At that moment Isaiah realized how holy God was, and how unholy he, Isaiah, was. The Scripture doesn't say this but I believe this is where Isaiah realized not just the sin of unclean lips, but all of his sin - the sin of putting Uzziah on way too big of a throne and forgetting who was in control. When Uzziah was "thrown off the throne" Isaiah 's eyes and heart were set exactly where they needed to be, on God alone.
Sometimes we put people, places, and things on the throne. We even put ourselves on the throne and try to be sovereign over our own lives or the lives of others. We serve whatever or whomever we put on the thrown. When we do this God will have to throw off the throne whatever is occupying His rightful place in our lives.
A burning coal was placed on Isaiah's lips to purge him from his sins. After the conviction and the cleansing, there came a commissioning for Isaiah. Isaiah was to go and do what God would tell him to do. When Uzziah was dead, God was more present in Isaiah's life than he had ever been. Isaiah looked to the throne of God and was healed by God, set free by God, and used by God. Oh that we all would see ourselves under the throne of our God!

"Lite" Salt

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:57:00 +0000

A few years ago my friend joined one of those weight loss centers. At her first meeting she was told what foods she needed to give up and what new items needed to grace her pantry. She headed to the store and bought her required dietary items. I marveled at the tasty items she threw out and what she replaced them with. One such item was salt. She threw away her regular dark blue box of salt and replaced it with the "lite" version. Instantly the pounds melted away. Salt is full of sodium and causes water retention and bloating. By replacing the full strength, weight retention salt with the "lite" salt her scale dial was diminishing. Since I am such a salt addict I ran to the store to get my new weight loss success ticket. I did not need to pay for those fancy, confess all, weigh in meetings. No, just a few shakes of the "lite" white granules and I'd be a couple of dress sizes smaller in a short amount of time. That was until I tasted what was in the light blue box. The "lite" stuff was about as disgusting as licking the end of a matchstick. I gagged. I coughed. I spit. And I decided "lite" salt was not for me. Kudos for my friend and her weight loss but I want the real McCoy on my eggs, steak, and grits!
"Lite" salt has less flavor and maybe even a bitter after taste to those craving real salt. So it is with a "lite" Christian. We are "lite" Christians when we profess Christ as Savior but do not flavor the world we live in for Christ's sake. When we make half heart-ed commitments, when our words, our signatures, our hands shakes are easily withdrawn, we become distasteful to a world that is desiring to see real Jesus followers.
The closing of Luke Chapter 14 says this, "Salt is good; but if the salt loses it's flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
What I hear is that I do not want to be "lite" salt in a salt craving world. I most certainly do not want to end up on a dunghill. What about you?

Diagnosis: Heart Problem

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:33:00 +0000

In Luke Chapter 18 a rich young ruler meets up with Jesus. Enthralled by Jesus' popularity and teachings, this rich young whipper snapper asks Jesus how he can get a slice of the heavenly pie, invest in some stocks of this heavenly venue, or get his name on the will like the others are doing. The Gospel is not clear as to how this young man had obtained his wealth but when I read between the lines I ask myself these questions. How did the guy get to be rich at such a young age? Did he start a lucrative business right out of trade school or synagogue? Did daddy leave him everything in his will? Was he born with a silver spoon in his mouth? There is always a story between the words "young" and "rich".
Jesus tells the over grown boy to do a simple thing - sell everything he has and give it to the poor. Pretty simple don't you think? Just put everything in your front yard with a sign that says' "FREE". Before noon it will all be gone. Since the fellow was wealthy he would've put out some really nice things, even silver and gold. The first takers of the day hit the jackpot! Can you imagine going to a garage sale like that?
We quickly learn the man had a heart problem - a problem of the heart. Letting go of what rightfully belonged to him could not be easy. Perhaps the wealth he possessed did come easily to him- a hand out or inheritance. To let it all go, to watch it slip right through his fingers, now that would not be easy.
Jesus tells us to do the very same thing today. Let go. Surrender all. Come to Him not clinging to anything. Be it wealth, or family, an unhealthy lifestyle, possessions both good and bad, God requires empty hands for us to receive from Him. When we truly search our hearts we find things that are precious and dear to us. Letting go can be the hardest thing in life to do. A clinched fist cannot grasp another possession, even if the other possession is much better.
Surrender, it's the key to true wealth.

Freshly Slaughtered

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:58:00 +0000

Some years ago my husband and I went to Russia on a mission trip. One evening we went to what was considered a "nice" restaurant. After arriving and waiting outside for our seating, a gentleman pulled up in an old truck. He took out a sickly looking lamb and then disappeared out back with the animal. I wasn't quite sure what was going on but my mind was somewhat restless. Our wait to get into the restaurant was long. After being seated our tour guide ordered the meal for us all. We waited for what seemed like hours before our dinner was served. You can guess what the night's specialty was - lamb. I kept thinking how in America we have USDA graded meat. I believe that means an inspection of the animal and the way it gets to the market and then on a menu. I had never partaken of freshly slaughtered cuisine before. I could not enjoy the meal. My mind's eye raced back to the poor lamb I had seen just hours before resting on the ground.
Recently my Pastor took us to the tenth chapter of Hebrews. In verses 19-20 we find that we can have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way He opened for us through the curtain, that is the flesh. The word "new" in these verses means freshly slaughtered. For some reason that really impacted me. I tend to view the Cross as an event that happened 2000 years ago. While the Cross represents Jesus' death that paid for my sins and the sin of all mankind, to imagine Him as freshly slaughtered takes my breath away. To compare the freshly slaughtered lamb that made me feel uncomfortable at the dinner in Russia with the Lamb that was slaughtered for my sins almost seems sac religious. However there is a comparison. The lamb that was slain for my dinner was to feed me, that I could enjoy my meal and the time with friends. The Lamb that was slain on the Cross was to give me life. A life that I could enjoy because He paid for the price of my sins. Because Of Christ's death I can approach a holy God and He sees me with freshly slaughtered blood - that of His only Son! I never want the Cross to be an event that is a 2000 year old memory. I want to see myself covered in freshly slaughtered blood. Hopefully this will change my way of living!

Love At First Sight

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:04:00 +0000

Two Thanksgivings are etched in my memory banks forever. The first was the Thanksgiving I was pregnant with my daughter. During the meal my baby moved dramatically within my womb for the very first time. I jumped up with glee and announced her somersault. My brother-in-law stated it was probably just gas from the heavy meal, but I knew better. Nothing could squelch the joy I felt at her letting me know she was alive and kicking. I loved her before she was born.
The second best Turkey Day was this past year. My daughter and son-in-law invited us to Florida to celebrate the holiday with them. At breakfast my husband and I were given a little gift bag to thank us for making the trip. Inside that bag was a card. My eyes caught the inscription"Love at first sight". Next I saw a fuzzy, static laden photo with a little white dot - an ultrasound picture of my daughter's baby. My very first grand baby!!!! Truly it was love at first sight. I patted my daughter's belly that held her offspring, my offspring. The photo remains on my fridge, a frequented place in my house. I gaze upon the dot and wonder what she will be like, who she will look like, will she love me? I already love her.
Listen to 1 John 5:1 (The Message Bible) "Every person who believes that Jesus is, in fact the Messiah, is God-begotten. If we love the One who conceives the child, we'll surely love the child who was conceived." Spiritually speaking, we are all offspring of the Father if we are His children. Therefore we ought to love one another. We have been conceived by the Father through the blood of the Lamb.
Humanly speaking, I love this grand daughter (yes, it's a girl!) because I loved her mother first. Because I have loved my daughter since the moment I knew she was in me, I also love the one who is in her. I will love her no matter what. She is a part of her mother, a part of me, a part of my mother, but most importantly a creation of her heavenly Father.
Each ultrasound picture gets more clear in detailing her features. While all of that is amazing it doesn't make me love her more. I love her just because......

Naughty Corner

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:14:00 +0000

The year was 1961. The place was St. Ann's Catholic School. The teacher, Mrs. George. There were two words in her vocabulary that evoked immense fear in the lives of her kindergarten students - Naughty Corner. This was a place in the classroom housing one piece of furniture, a chair facing a blank wall. A most dreadful place! To a five year old that yellow, plastic chair with steel legs was as intimidating as an electric chair to a death row inmate.
Good old Mrs. George had plenty of patience but when tested to the limits her last resort was the Naughty Corner. Anyone sent there went with everyone's eyes watching the long mile back to the dreaded place. Lessons were learned as one sat face to the wall, backside to the class. Remorse, repentance, shame, guilt, anger at self and the teacher (or perhaps the child who didn't get sent), swirled about like the fairground's tilt-a-whirl.
The Naughty Corner was for naughty behavior. God doesn't do naughty corners. Time outs however, He does do. There are consequences when we make wrong choices. Prison may even be the consequence of a wrong choice. Yet my Bible tells me in Romans 8:1 there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Time outs may set us aside from where we want to be while we reflect on how we need to be. Time outs get us alone with God for reflection, reproof, conviction and confession. Time outs heal. Sure the healing process may be uncomfortable and even hurt - so does necessary surgery. After the healing takes place and lessons are learned, the time out can be understood and deemed valuable. Time outs are to build up, not tear down. Time outs are to bring us to a higher place with God on our journey. Time outs are not naughty corners. They rescue us from ourselves, deliver us from humiliation, and set our face on The Redeemer.

Yet

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:02:00 +0000

I'd like to give you several of the definitions of the word yet: in addition; besides; up to now; continuously up to the present or a specified time; at a future time; eventually.
Now think of the times you've said, with a hint of cynicism in your voice, that an object of desire had not happened yet. With cynicism as a companion, yet means highly unlikely. Every unmet expectation becomes another brick added to the wall of unbelief. Yet holds out little or no hope. Yet gives up on someone, something and maybe even God. Yet may be the idol of unbelief.

Now think of the times when you've stated that your object of desire had not transpired yet. But with a gleam of hope in your eye and an ounce of faith in your heart, you are waiting for the future time-- the "eventually" of your dreams. Yet does not construct a brick wall here, it destructs the concrete blocks of negativity. Yet sets it's eyes like a racehorse with blinders to keep the goal of the finish line in plain view. The finish line is there no matter how far away it may seem. You may expire before you reach it but you will die reaching and believing for the goal of yet.
Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God. Those who come to Him must believe that He is. He is what? He is a God of your yet, my yet. He rewards those that believe He is a yet kind of God. He is faithful even when we are faithless. He reaches down when we can barely look up. Yet does look up instead of around. Yet forges ahead when others stay in the box. Yet throws away the odds, the statistics, and keeps a distance from the naysayers in life. Yet hears the cheers of those on the sidelines rooting, believing and praying for your yet.
Your yet may be today, tomorrow, next week , next year or off in the distant future. Choose yet companions wisely. They will either keep you from your desired finish line or hand in hand walk with you to it!

Water Pots and Wedding Guests

noreply@blogger.com (Dawn Mooring) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:05:00 +0000

The first miracle that Jesus ever performed was at a wedding. Just about every preacher uses this story when performing a wedding ceremony. This story is endearing to a love struck couple. They know Jesus understood how special and long awaited a wedding day is.
Unfolding the details of the wedding Jesus was attending makes the plot thicken. First, Jesus' mother was at the wedding. She was only a guest and not in charge of the food and beverage. Her concern was certainly not for herself but for the parents of the bride and groom. How embarrassed they would've been if anyone went home thirsty or hungry.
Up to this point Mary had never seen Jesus perform a miracle. What did Mary know? Well, she was told some thirty years earlier by and angel she would deliver the Son of the highest, of his kingdom there would be no end. After his birth and a declaration by appearing angels and shepherds Mary is said to have pondered these things in her heart. The mother of Christ never forgot who she birthed. While she didn't understand the capabilities of her son, she trusted Jesus could help the celebration stay a celebration. No one would go home murmuring.
Mary approaches Jesus. She states, "They have no wine." No coaxing or badgering. Part of Jesus' reply to his mother when she stated the dilemma was that his time had not yet come. However, he turns around and orders water to be put into pots then turns the water into wine. This was the first manifestation of his glory. The saying,"No wine before it's time" is certainly applicable here.
Often when situations look impossible, inconceivable, insurmountable, Jesus reveals his glory. Why does Jesus wait for the eleventh hour so to speak? So only he will get the glory. So everyone will recognize no human could orchestrate what has happened. So jaws will drop. So people will tell one another. So man will see the manifestation of God's glory, done only in his time.