Walking On Water

“Come. Be Not afraid”

-Mark 14

Picture yourself in the middle of the ocean and in the distance there is a man. Not just an ordinary man. A man that is walking on the water. What would be your first reaction?

                The disciples of Jesus Christ had this very experience. When they first saw Him, they thought He was some type of spirit and they were very afraid. Jesus answered them and said, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” (Matt. 14:27) Peter exercised great faith when he asked the Lord to, “bid me to come unto thee on the water.” (28) I often wonder what I would have done in that same situation; if I would have been afraid like the others or had the faith to venture out on the storm tossed waves to go unto Christ.  Christ answered Peter and told him to simply, “Come.”(29)

How wonderful it must have been to have Christ have the faith in Peter in that he would be able to come unto Him, and walk on the water.  Peter did not only have the faith to go out on the water, he had the faith to stay on the top of the water, for a time. Peter was distracted by the boisterous waves and wind and began to sink. It took just one moment and Peter looked away from Christ and he fell into the water. Peter cried out to Christ to “save him.” Immediately, Christ reached out His hand to him. How swift the Lord was to save Peter. He was there as soon as He was called upon.

                In Doctrine and Covenant section 88, verse 67 it reads:

“And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.”

Peter had a moment when he completely had his eye single to the glory of God. He was filled with that light and it comprehended all things. John had the faith to enable him to walk on water, because he had a firm foundation in the testimony of Jesus Christ. Peter’s mistake came when he took his eye off of Christ and let fear enter in. He regained his faith when he trusted that Christ could and would save him.  This very same principle can be applied to our everyday lives. If we have exercise the faith in Christ and keep our eye single to His glory, I think we would be surprised at what we could do. It is also important to remember that while we might not all be able to walk on water, if we try and put forth the effort, we cannot fall so deep that Christ won’t be there to lift us back up where we belong.  If we are doing what we need to be doing, if we are coming unto Him and trying our best to keep our eye single to His glory, He will meet us halfway. Christ does not want to see us drown. He doesn’t want to see us down. If we call upon Him, He will come. He will lift us out of the stormy waves and take us to safer ground. When we start to take our eyes off of Christ we get under our problems. All that Christ asks is that we step away from the darkness and come unto his light. The light that comprehendeth all the things. His saving light.  No such faith has been recorded in the history since than that of Peter. In the scriptures it does not clarify whether or not he lost faith in Christ or if it was a lack of faith in himself. Christ obviously had enough faith in Peter to beckon him to come. From this we can also learn that while we are exercising faith in our Savior, He is exercising faith in us. We also need to exercise that same faith in ourselves. If the Lord commands us to “come,” He will make it possible for us to do so. 

“For I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepares a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.” (Nephi 3:7) 

How wonderful it would be to know that my Savior and Redeemer would have enough faith in me to beckon me to come walk with Him on the water in the middle of a storm. I hope that one day I might be able to say, like Peter can also say,

“I walked today where Christ walked.”

John the Baptist

“Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

--Matt. 11: 11

Mary and Jesus, with John.

While John the Baptist was in prison he sent two of his disciples to Christ. When they came to Christ they asked him, “…Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” (Matt. 11:3) They were answered by Christ and He told them to return. Had I been with these men I would have probably testified to John that it was indeed the Savior of the world. I would have told him to have faith in Christ and that the prophesies were being fulfilled.

                To some it is speculated the John did not have the faith in Christ and that is why he sent his disciples; however this is not true. For a long time John had told his followers that they should not follow him anymore and they should go follow Christ. The disciples were very loyal to John and did not want to leave him. It was they who lacked the faith. John sent them to Christ as a trial of their faith. He sent them to see for themselves that Jesus was indeed the Son of God, and He was who they should be following. In the Bible Dictionary it states,

“Many have thought this event reflected a lack of confidence in John’s own mind. However, Jesus took the occasion to bear testimony of the great work John had done, emphasizing he was unwavering and true.” (pg. 714)             

From this it is acknowledged that John was faithful to the end, and carried out his mission of “preparing the way for Christ,” unlike any other man could have.

                When speaking of the greatness of John the Baptist Joseph Smith expressed,

“How is it that John was considered one of the greatest prophets? His miracles could not have constituted his greatness. First, he was entrusted with a divine mission of preparing the way before the face of the Lord. Whoever had such a trust committed to him before or since? No man. Secondly, he was entrusted with the important mission, and it was required at his hands, to baptize the Son of Man. Whoever had the honor of doing that? Whoever had so great a privilege and glory? Thirdly, John, at that time, was the only legal administration in the affairs of the kingdom there was then on the earth, and holding the keys of power. The Jews had to obey his instructions or be damned, by their own law; and Christ Himself fulfilled all righteousness in becoming obedient to the law which he had given to Moses on the mount, and thereby magnified it and made it honorable, instead of destroying it. The son of Zacharias wrested the keys, the kingdom, the power, the glory from the Jews, by the hold anointing and decree of heaven, and these three reasons constitute him the greatest prophet born of a woman.” (Smith, Teachings, pp. 275-76)

In John 3, verse 30 John said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John was speaking of the Savior. By this verse we see how John was telling the people that they needed to follow Christ and stop following him. They believed John to be more than a prophet and weren’t quite following Christ yet. He was telling them to go follow Christ. When I read this verse I could just feel the love John had for Christ. He could have easily went on being the one the people followed, but he was humble and above all he knew that Christ was the Savior of the world. We can also apply this into our everyday lives. By recognizing the power within ourselves and by preparing the way, but when we come to that place where we know we need to hand over the credit, we must do as John and decrease, so that Christ may increase.

“He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.”

--John 5:35

Miracles: Faith and God's Power

" To comprehend the works of Christ, one must know Him as the Son of God; to the man who has not yet learned to know, to the honest soul who would inquire after the Lord, the invitation is ready; let him 'Come and see.' "

--Talmage, Jesus the Christ, pp.148-149

Reference	Miracles of the Lord	Who Demonstrated Faith
Matthew 8:1-4	Jesus heals the leper.	The leper and Christ.
Matthew 8:5-13	Jesus heals the servant.	The centurion/master and Christ.
Matthew 8:14-15	Jesus heals Peter's mother- in-law.	Peter, the mother-in-law, the wife and Christ.
Matthew 8:16	Jesus casts devils out.	The possessed and Christ.
Matthew 8:23-27	Christ calms the sea.	Christ.
Matthew 8:28-34	Christ casts out evil spirits into the pigs.	Christ.
Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34	Christ heals the woman with the blood issue.	The woman and Christ.
Matthew 9:27-31	Christ restores sight to the blind.	The two blind  men and Christ.
Mark 2:1-12	Christ heals the sick of palsy.	The sick, the  friends/family that lowered the sick through the roof. Christ.

Knowing that my Savior Jesus Christ, has this kind of power increases my faith. I have been witness to many miracles in my life. It is through my faith in Christ that I know such miracles occurred. 

Not very long ago my younger sister was very sick. I remember that night like it was yesterday. I remember as soon as I knew, I ran outside in the quiet night and prayed. I prayed the most sincere prayer I have ever prayed. Looking up at the stars in that huge night sky I prayed. With tears streaming down my face I begged for my sister's life. I begged for comfort, for both myself and my family. I begged for a reassurance that everything would be okay. I remember walking into her room and seeing her lying there so lifeless. As my father asked her if she wanted a blessing I recall just screaming in my head to please, please give her a blessing. I knew that if he did, she would be alright. I had the faith that she would be okay.

After the doctor came and took her away I went outside with a dear, dear friend to meditate and pray. As I laid there beneath the stars I thought of all the many blessings and miracles I have had in my life. I pondered all the great miracles Christ has performed. I prayed most of the night away for my sister. I thought about how blessed I had been to have had a sister. How blessed I was to have shared everything with her. Then I thought of how much I had taken it for granted. As I laid there pleading for another chance, I had a calm come over me that everything would indeed be alright.

My sister came home later that night. She was going to be alright. Relief flooded over me. Gratitude burst from my spirit. A miracle had been performed. My Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ had saved my sister. What joy filled my heart knowing that my prayers had been answered. No words can express how I felt knowing that she would be alright.

The next day my two little cousins, ages 4 and 6, that had been staying the night came up to me. They looked up at me and said, " We prayed that Lindsey would get better." Oh, the faith of little children. In the midst of everything that went on that night, they had sensed something amiss and had prayed. It amazed me how faithful they could be at such a young age. The knew that if they prayed, their prayers would be answered.

It is through this experience and so many others that I believe in my Savior Jesus Christ. I know that He lives. I know that He watches over us, each and everyday. I know that He knows what is best for us. He did and still does perform miracle today. I am a firm believer in that. Knowing this makes life so much sweeter. This knowledge allows me to go through life knowing that I am never alone. He will continue to comfort, support, love and perform miracles in my behalf, if I meet Him halfway and exercise the necessary faith.

"...Be not afraid, only believe."

-Mark 5:36

The Samaritan Woman at the Well

“But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” “…Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.”

                                           --John 4:14-15

During the ministry of Christ, the hatred for Samaritans was at its highest. When Jesus stopped to talk to the woman at the well, she was very confused because Jews did not associate themselves at all with Samaritans. Not only did Christ talk to her, but also he treated her with love, which was very surprising to the woman. In both Colossians 3:25 and 2 Nephi 26:33, it expresses that Christ is not a respecter of persons. In Nephi it addresses the fact that Christ does not deny any one to come unto him, no matter who or what he or she is. Here Christ was setting the greatest example, for later in His life we would direct the apostles to take the gospel to all nations. By all nations, Christ was including Samaria. Through this interaction with this woman, Christ was preparing the way for His disciples in the coming years.

The woman at the well started to change her attitude toward Christ the longer she talked to him. In the beginning, she was very standoffish. Once she realized that Christ was not an ordinary man she began to open up and even went so far as to go tell others whom she had been talking with. She had come to the realization that Jesus was the Son of God. He loved everyone and was willing to treat everyone that same, regardless if she was a Samaritan. Once she realized this, she got others to come and listen to Christ. This Samaritan woman and her faith and belief in Christ resulted in many also believing in Christ and being converted.

This same lesson can be applied into my life today. As I have come to better know Christ, my love for Him has deepened. I know that He is my Savior. Knowing this allows me to open up more to Him. I know that I can go to Him with any of my thought, feelings, problems or any other matter in my life. Through His love, I know that he will always be there. I know that what ever I do, He will always love me and has provided a way for me to return unto Him. I feel a great responsibility to share my testimony with others because of what I know. Like the disciples, I know that I am charged with the same responsibility to spread the gospel to all people.

The Savior offered the woman “living water.” The Savior has been quoted as saying that, “men cannot live by bread alone” (Matt. 4:5). It is through His words that we are nourished with His living water. The “living water” is the word of Christ, the gospel. Jeremiah said that some people are prone to rejecting the “living water” and instead “broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” Not only are they rejecting the word, but they are also rejecting the ability to hold onto that word.

“…Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, The Savior of the world.”

--John 4:42

The Childhood of Jesus Christ

“Without a doubt, Jesus came into the world subject to the same condition as was required of each of us—he forgot everything, and he had to grow from grace to grace. His forgetting, or having his former knowledge taken away, would be requisite just as it is in the case of each of us, to complete the resent temporal existence.”

-- President Joseph Fielding Smith

When Jesus was born He also had to go through the veil of forgetfulness. Unlike us, He was able to overcome this veil. When I think about the childhood of Christ the primary song, Jesus Once was a Little Child, comes to mind.

Jesus once was a little child,

A little child like me.

But he was pure and meek and mild,

As a little child should be.

 

Although Jesus was a child like us, His “capacity was greater than that of any other” (Manual pg. 24). From the beginning, He was to become, the Only Begotten Son. Christ had to overcome the veil, which He did. He faced more trials and overcame more temptations than that of any other man that has or will ever live. With His great capacity, came great temptations. The power that it took to overcome these trials and temptations did not come all at once. He grew grace by grace, “line upon line, precept upon precept” (D&C 128:21). Until it was said of Him, “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him” (Luke 2:40).

At a young age, Jesus was about the will of His Father. At age twelve He was preaching in the temple. When His mother found Him, He simply answered, “How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2: 49) He knew His purpose and He was eagerly going about to finish the work He had been sent to do. The Prophet Joseph Smith said of Him:

“When still a boy, He had all the intelligence necessary to enable Him to rule and govern the kingdom of the Jews, and could reason with the wisest and most profound doctors of law and divinity, and make their theories and practice to like folly compared with the wisdom He possessed; but He was a boy only, and lacked physical strength even to defend His own person; and was subject to cold, t o hunger, and to death.” -- (Teaching, p. 392.)

Though Christ had so much power and understanding He never once attributed it to Himself. All the glory was to His Father.

In the manual, I found a quote that I think sums up what Christ would have us do in our own lives to pattern them after His.

“Thus, a man must take his temptations in their turn and conquer them. This is what Jesus did, step by step, degree to greater degree, grace by grace, and this is what Jesus would have you do.”

                                                                                                                        -- (Manual pg. 25)

First Boy

First Boy by Gary D. Schmidt

Read by Jesse Berns; An Unbridged Production
 
Summary: After the death of his grandfather, his only guardian, Cooper has all responsibility thrust on him. With no one to help him Cooper must run the dairy farm. Soon a politician comes into town and ask Cooper to be part of his campaign. Cooper has his responsibility at the farm, but the politician seems bound and determined to have Cooper on his campaign, but why?

Personal Review: This was my first time listening to an audio book. I am not going to lie I had a hard time staying focused. I really thought the story was good, and the plot was interesting. I just wish the narrator would have had a more exciting voice.

WARNING: If you have ADD stay away. Boring voice might put you to sleep. 

Bound

Bound by Donna Jo Napoli
Published by Simon Pulse

Summary: Bound is the retelling of the Cinderella story, only in China. Xing Xing's father has died and she must put up with her stepmother and her daughter. She is always talked down to and treated like dirt. Her only happiness is the white carp, that Xing Xing thinks is her mother. When the stepmother kills the carp, Xing Xing recovers the bones and hides them. She then discovers a gown and slippers from her mother. Will Xing Xing find her prince?

Personal Review: This book was so good. I loved this story better than the original Cinderella story. The setting in the China, the binding of the feet, the prince...I loved it all! This book comes highly recommended from me. Read it!

WARNING: Foot binding, evil stepmother

Inexcusable

Inexcusable by Chris Lynch

Published by Ginee Seo Books

Summary: Keir is a highschooler that thinks he is a good guy. Everyone thinks he is the good guy, but is he? Did he really do what Gigi said he did? There is no way he would have done such a thing. Keir goes through his whole senior year, coming up with evidence in his defense of being a good guy. Is Keir really who he thinks he is, or do his actions speak louder than words?

Personal Review: I really enjoyed this book. At first I was too sure about it, but once it got going I could not put it down. I thought the writing was brilliant. I really got into this book.

WARNING: Rape, Language, Drinking and Partying

Love Changes Everything

Love Changes Everything Arlynn Presser
Published by Bantam Books

Summary: Gigi has always dreamed of having Jack Chandler in her life. Ethan has always wanted Gigi, secretly. Gigi is bound and determined to be with Jack. Once they are together it isn't quite like she thought it would be. Gigi must try and deal with the conflicting ideas of love and lust. She has to do some soul searching to find out what she really wants, and what will really make her happy.

Personal Review: This book was interesting. It is the typical story of a girl who falls for the bad guy when there is the good guy right there in front of her. This book was pretty predictable, but it provided me with some laughter.

WARNING: Mushy mushy love story.

Princess Diaries

Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
Published by Harper Trophy

Summary: Mia Thermopolis is just an ordinary teen living an ordinary life. She has a huge crush on the hottest guy in school, and she is just trying to pass Algebra. Suddenly her father comes and reveals to her that he isn't just a politician but a prince of a small country, Genovia. Now Mia has to take lessons from her crazy grandma, "Grandmere" on how to be a princess.

Personal Review: I personally loved this book. It was pretty funny. Mia is so comical, and reminds me of myself sometimes. Although this book is really fluffy and girly, it kept me entertained the whole time. I would highly recommend this to all.

WARNING: Mild language, sexual humor

Cherry Ames: Army Nurse

Cherry Ames: Army Nurse by Helen Wells
Published by Springer Publishing Company

 Summary: Cherry Ames is at is again! She is just graduating and now she has a big decision to make. Should she stay home and practice her nursing, or should she enlist in the military. After analyzing every option Cherry enlists in the army without knowing where she will be sent. After some very intense training Cherry is shipped off to Panama City, where many new and wonderful adventures await her!

Personal Review: I am not going to lie, I had a hard time staying focused on this book. It was very humorous, and I know it was not intended to be. It was interesting to read and it made me be more appreciative of the talent writers have today. I would not recommend this book to people with ADD.

WARNING: Exclamation marks!!!!!!!!!!!

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Published by Scholastic Press

Summary: In a place called Panem there are twelve districts. In each of these districts one boy and one girl are chosen to participate in the "Hunger Games." In the games each tribute must fight one another to the death, the last tribute standing wins fame and food. After taking the place of her sister, Katniss becomes one of those tributes. Also from her district is Peeta, the boy who saved her life. A rule change comes into effect and if gives Katniss and Peeta the opportunity to win together, but first they have to survive the games and the others that are after their lives.

Personal Review: My new favorite book!!! Need I say more? This book kept me on the edge of my bed the whole night. I could not put it down. I even cried in this book. The whole night I dreamt of fighting for my life. This book is really intense and everyone should have to read this!

WARNING: Killing, Violence, Graphic images in a mind like mine.

Artemis Fowl

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Published by Disney-Hyperion

Summary: At age twelve, Artemis is a criminal mastermind. Artemis and his two accomplices in crime deceive a plan to steal the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. They plan to steal one of the fairies and hold her ransom for the pot of gold. Little does he know that the other fairies, dwarfs, and trolls are not going to give up without a fight.

Personal Review: I really enjoyed this book. It had be laughing the whole time. I really loved all of the characters. I especially liked the Butler. I thought this story should be read by everyone. It is a quick read, and full of adventure and fun.

Warning: You might start devising evil plots of your own.

Godless

Godless by Pete Hautman
Published by Simon Pulse

Summary: Jason Bock decides that his parents religion is a bunch of bogus and that he doesn't believe in it. Searching for something to believe in Jason turns to the town water tower and makes it his new god. Jason starts gathering some worshippers and they start their own church. The new god starts out as just something to believe in, but with the new followers and new ideas things start to change. The harmless water tower god, begins to be a dangerous game.

Personal Review: I really enjoyed reading this book. I could really relate to these kids. I could even imagine me coming up with some new religion. (Don't worry I'm not going to.) I thought it was interesting the whole theme of faith in the book. It really made me think about my faith and where it is. I would recommend this book to everyone.

WARNING: Dangerous stunts, and you might question your own faith.

Touching Spirit Bear

Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen
Published by Harper Trophy

Summary: Cole is a teen with some serious anger problems.After he gets tattled on for a robbery, Cole beats up the kid that told, Peter. He gets the option of going to prison or the Native American Circle Justice. Not wanting to go to prison, Cole chooses the Native American Circle Justice. Cole finds out that he will be spending a year in isolation on an island in Alaska. Cole is determined to show up all those that "don't care" about him. A few days into his stay he is attacked by a bear and almost dies. The near death experience gives Cole the desire to live and to change his life.

Personal Review: I thought this book was very good. I was so mad at this kid and I just wanted him to get what he deserved. I found that after he got attacked by the bear I kind of felt sorry for him. As I watched him make a total change of heart I was so happy. I thought this was an excellent book. I would highly recommend this book! I especially think that young adult boys would find interest in this book.

WARNING: Violence