Water. I think about water sometimes. We live in a time and a place where we get crystal-clear, fresh, clean, cold water right in our homes. And if we want hot water, we get hot water. Access to clean water makes a difference in whether a community will survive and prosper or be overcome with diseases. I believe access to clean water is one of the greatest blessings we have and one that is easy to take for granted. We're just so used to good water. The water we use to wash our cars is safer and cleaner than the water most people in this world (including in history) have had available to drink. I really love water. So, it's a great thing that water is used throughout the scriptures as a symbol for the Lord.
Jesus approached a well and asked a woman to give him a drink. They had a really beautiful conversation. Jesus taught her about the living water.
"Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
"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" (John 4:13-14).
As with the promise of the bread of life, the promise of living water is eternal. I think we all know what it is to thirst. It is so easy to get dehydrated. There's a simple comparison to things spritual: It is easy to get thirsty and even dehydrated. The solution is easy: drink.
Through Isaiah, the Lord gave us this invitation: "Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters" (2 Nephi 9:50).
When we come to the Savior, accept His sacrifice for us, and choose to live righteously, we are filled with the Holy Ghost and our thirst is quenched.
I find great peace and enlightenment in the promises of God for our future. In Revelation, John wrote about what Christ's disciples would experience during the Millenium: "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
"For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes" (Revelation 7:16-17).
Isn't that beautiful? Doesn't it fill your heart with hope and peace? It does mine. The amazing thing is that we can begin to partake of the Living Water right now.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
The Bread of Life
I made some lovely French bread today. I'm not great in the kitchen, but breads are my friends. It's probably because it's my favorite thing to eat that I learned to make it. Three sentences in and I'm already way off subject.
I once spent a significant amount of time studying the references to hunger, thirst, bread, food, and water in the scriptures. The symbolism related to what we need to maintain temporal life and what we need to attain eternal life are incredible. I'm having a lot of trouble summarizing this topic and making sense of it. I'm going to share some scriptures and try to tie them all together.
Like so many others, I marvel at the miracles of Jesus. One of my favorites is when he fed 5000 people with five loaves and two fishes (John 6). I love this story for many reasons, but one is because Christ recognizes the physical needs of his followers. Sometimes our physical needs for food or sleep make us feel weak. I get really hungry and it bugs me. I also get really tired when I have important things to do. But it shouldn't bother me. The Lord knows that our temporal needs are important and He helps us in all things.
The day after this great miracle, the people sought Christ again.
"Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled" (John 6:26).
This part of the story always makes me a little sad. The people had seen the miracles, but instead of developing more faith in the Savior, they just wanted more food. Christ responds by teaching them eternal truths about His mission:
"And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst" (John 6:35).
The people bring up the manna that was given to the Israelites in the wilderness. This was a great miracle they attributed to Moses. Christ gently corrects them by explaining that it wasn't Moses who sent the manna, but their Father in Heaven. And then comes the great learning experience:
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
"I am that bread of life. "Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
"This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
"I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my which I will for the life of the world" (John 6:47-51).
The miracle of manna, or the miracle of feeding the 5000, is temporal. Those who eat bread will get hungry again. The true miracle is the Atonement, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. In performing these acts for us, He gave us the opportunity to partake of the bread of life and never hunger again. We can live forever because He gave His life for us. Sometimes we hope for temporal blessings (which the Lord does give, in His own way) as evidence of His love for us. When I do this, I'm like the people in this story who seek food instead of seeking to be fed the word of God at the Savior's feet. Our quest, my quest, should always be to seek righteousness.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ said, "And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost" (3 Nephi 12:6).
I once spent a significant amount of time studying the references to hunger, thirst, bread, food, and water in the scriptures. The symbolism related to what we need to maintain temporal life and what we need to attain eternal life are incredible. I'm having a lot of trouble summarizing this topic and making sense of it. I'm going to share some scriptures and try to tie them all together.
Like so many others, I marvel at the miracles of Jesus. One of my favorites is when he fed 5000 people with five loaves and two fishes (John 6). I love this story for many reasons, but one is because Christ recognizes the physical needs of his followers. Sometimes our physical needs for food or sleep make us feel weak. I get really hungry and it bugs me. I also get really tired when I have important things to do. But it shouldn't bother me. The Lord knows that our temporal needs are important and He helps us in all things.
The day after this great miracle, the people sought Christ again.
"Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled" (John 6:26).
This part of the story always makes me a little sad. The people had seen the miracles, but instead of developing more faith in the Savior, they just wanted more food. Christ responds by teaching them eternal truths about His mission:
"And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst" (John 6:35).
The people bring up the manna that was given to the Israelites in the wilderness. This was a great miracle they attributed to Moses. Christ gently corrects them by explaining that it wasn't Moses who sent the manna, but their Father in Heaven. And then comes the great learning experience:
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
"I am that bread of life. "Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
"This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
"I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my which I will for the life of the world" (John 6:47-51).
The miracle of manna, or the miracle of feeding the 5000, is temporal. Those who eat bread will get hungry again. The true miracle is the Atonement, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. In performing these acts for us, He gave us the opportunity to partake of the bread of life and never hunger again. We can live forever because He gave His life for us. Sometimes we hope for temporal blessings (which the Lord does give, in His own way) as evidence of His love for us. When I do this, I'm like the people in this story who seek food instead of seeking to be fed the word of God at the Savior's feet. Our quest, my quest, should always be to seek righteousness.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ said, "And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost" (3 Nephi 12:6).
Saturday, December 3, 2011
My Advocate
"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
"But I have prayed for thee, that they faith fail not..." (Luke 22:31-32)
In these verses, Jesus Christ issues a warning to his faithful disciple, Peter. After warning him about Satan's desires, he offers this comfort: "I have prayed for thee." I love those words! There is something enormously comforting when I know others are praying for me. I feel buoyed up and strengthened. I feel more peace and hope. I compare that with knowing that Christ has prayed for us that our faith fails not. It makes each of these feelings so much more intense.
Jesus prayed for each of us while in Gethsemane. "I pray for them. ...
"I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil." (John 17:9, 15)
I could have typed out the entire chapter of John 17, but I didn't. What a beautiful thing to read and to know--
"Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst, and am your advocate with the Father; and it is his good will to give you the kingdom." (Doctrine and Covenants 29:5)
How could we not be glad with Jesus Christ--the Son of God and the Savior of the world--as our advocate?
Mirriam Webster lists at least three definitions for advocate :
1: one that pleads the cause of another; specifically: one that pleads the cause of another before a tribunal or judicial court
"But I have prayed for thee, that they faith fail not..." (Luke 22:31-32)
In these verses, Jesus Christ issues a warning to his faithful disciple, Peter. After warning him about Satan's desires, he offers this comfort: "I have prayed for thee." I love those words! There is something enormously comforting when I know others are praying for me. I feel buoyed up and strengthened. I feel more peace and hope. I compare that with knowing that Christ has prayed for us that our faith fails not. It makes each of these feelings so much more intense.
Jesus prayed for each of us while in Gethsemane. "I pray for them. ...
"I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil." (John 17:9, 15)
I could have typed out the entire chapter of John 17, but I didn't. What a beautiful thing to read and to know--
"Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst, and am your advocate with the Father; and it is his good will to give you the kingdom." (Doctrine and Covenants 29:5)
How could we not be glad with Jesus Christ--the Son of God and the Savior of the world--as our advocate?
Mirriam Webster lists at least three definitions for advocate :
1: one that pleads the cause of another; specifically: one that pleads the cause of another before a tribunal or judicial court
2: one that defends or maintains a cause or proposal
3: one that supports or promotes the interests of another
Doesn't it make you excited to know that Christ is an advocate for you? He simply asks us to believe, repent, and follow Him.
"Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him---
"Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;
"Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life." (Doctrine and Covenants 45:3-5)
I am profoundly grateful to know that Christ is my Advocate, that He loves me and is pleading my cause. Knowing this gives me joy and fills me with energy.
Doesn't it make you excited to know that Christ is an advocate for you? He simply asks us to believe, repent, and follow Him.
"Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him---
"Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;
"Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life." (Doctrine and Covenants 45:3-5)
I am profoundly grateful to know that Christ is my Advocate, that He loves me and is pleading my cause. Knowing this gives me joy and fills me with energy.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Light
Do you know what one of my favorite things is? A sunny winter day. I love it when the ground is covered with snow, the sky is blue, and the sun is cheerful and bright. Sunshine always seems a little brighter when it's reflecting off the snow. First thing in the morning, I open the blinds and drapes to let the sunshine in. It makes me happy. It is only fitting to me that light, which is essential for life, has its spiritual counterpart: Jesus Christ is the Light, and He is essential for eternal life.
I believe that everyone of us has a little light within. We have ways we can freely give of ourselves to others. But our light is limited. If left to ourselves, we will run out of light that we can give to other people. Happily, we don't have to run out if we are always seeking His light.
"Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow." (Isaiah 50:10-11)
Isaiah asks the question who can be following the Lord and still be in darkness? If this is how we feel, we should trust the Lord a little more. And then he creates this amazing imagery of kindling a fire and walking by the light of our own fire--which is sparks. It's not a bright, cheerful image to me.
Isaiah teaches us a better way by invitation: "O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord." (Isaiah 2:5)
Instantly, in my mind's eye, I see myself walking not in sparks but in brilliant sunshine.
Christ's followers are expected to share light. "Ye are the light of the world. ... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14, 16)
I believe that the closer we are to Jesus Christ, the true Light, the more light we will have within us to share and let shine. It's important to always remember that this isn't my light; it's the Savior's. At a different time, Christ taught clearly where we can find light: "Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up..." (3 Nephi 18:24)
This brings me to what is, perhaps, my favorite scripture. A prophet, Abinadi, was teaching the reality of the resurrection. He said, "He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death." (Mosiah 16:9)
If you know me very well, you have probably heard me talk about how much this scripture means to me. There was a very specific time in my life that I (finally) recognized that the Atonement does more than help me repent of my sins (although, it certainly does that). The Atonement can help me through everyday trials and tribulations. Because of His Atonement, Jesus Christ can give me strength when I am weak. He can give me peace when I am agitated. And He can fill me with His light when I am dim. Although my light is limited, His light can never be darkened. I hope to walk in His light and, as He instructed, hold up His light for others to see.
I believe that everyone of us has a little light within. We have ways we can freely give of ourselves to others. But our light is limited. If left to ourselves, we will run out of light that we can give to other people. Happily, we don't have to run out if we are always seeking His light.
"Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow." (Isaiah 50:10-11)
Isaiah asks the question who can be following the Lord and still be in darkness? If this is how we feel, we should trust the Lord a little more. And then he creates this amazing imagery of kindling a fire and walking by the light of our own fire--which is sparks. It's not a bright, cheerful image to me.
Isaiah teaches us a better way by invitation: "O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord." (Isaiah 2:5)
Instantly, in my mind's eye, I see myself walking not in sparks but in brilliant sunshine.
Christ's followers are expected to share light. "Ye are the light of the world. ... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14, 16)
I believe that the closer we are to Jesus Christ, the true Light, the more light we will have within us to share and let shine. It's important to always remember that this isn't my light; it's the Savior's. At a different time, Christ taught clearly where we can find light: "Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up..." (3 Nephi 18:24)
This brings me to what is, perhaps, my favorite scripture. A prophet, Abinadi, was teaching the reality of the resurrection. He said, "He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death." (Mosiah 16:9)
If you know me very well, you have probably heard me talk about how much this scripture means to me. There was a very specific time in my life that I (finally) recognized that the Atonement does more than help me repent of my sins (although, it certainly does that). The Atonement can help me through everyday trials and tribulations. Because of His Atonement, Jesus Christ can give me strength when I am weak. He can give me peace when I am agitated. And He can fill me with His light when I am dim. Although my light is limited, His light can never be darkened. I hope to walk in His light and, as He instructed, hold up His light for others to see.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
The Truth
As we approach Christmas this year, I want to write a little of my thoughts and beliefs about Jesus Christ. I'm hoping this will help me focus my mind on the Savior as we prepare to celebrate His birth.
After hearing Jesus speak about the many mansions in His Father's house that He is preparing for His disciples, Thomas asked Him, "Lord, ...how can we know the way?" (John 14:5).
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).
As I have studied and pondered Jesus' words in this verse, I thought that I could separate the way, the truth, and the life, and each could become a title for the Savior. I've thought a lot about Jesus Christ's role as the Truth. It's more than truth, as in telling the truth. He is perfect Truth.
Recently, I was sitting in Sunday School learning from 2 Timothy. In chapter 3, Paul describes apostasy and perilous times in the last days. He describes many and varied sins that will plague mankind and then he wrote this: "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 3:7).
The Sunday School teacher didn't focus too much on this verse, but the Holy Ghost very plainly reminded me that sometimes in scripture "the truth" can be a title. I began to think about what it would mean if I could substitute another of Christ's titles in the verse: "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the Savior."
I have watched as people I care about have struggled with their personal faith. I have read their words or listened in conversation as they've explained their search for truth. A few months ago, I heard one friend relate her tale of searching to find peace in her life. She told me all she was doing to find solace to her soul and attain inner peace. It was something she had not found in her years as an active church member. I prayed for her and I wondered. What was she missing? The answer came plainly: Jesus Christ. Her search had been to find peace within herself. To find comfort and happiness from herself. But she need not have looked to all those sources nor to tear herself apart. She was and is ever learning, and not yet able to come to the knowledge of the Truth. In different ways, we all are in her shoes. We search and search, and the answer is plain and right before us.
Jesus Christ is "the way, the truth, and the life." It is in Him we find real peace and real purpose.
Another current trend is the phrase "my truth" or "your truth." It is common in our quest to tolerate others' beliefs and lifestyles to assume that what is true for me may not be true for you. While this attitude is the case in opinions such as whether or not to homeschool, it is not the case when it comes to the Truth. There is One who is Perfect Truth. And His Way is for all people.
At another time, Jesus spoke to His disciples and said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32).
This verse is another instance when I believe the word truth can be a title Truth. As we strive to be His disciples, we shall know Him, and Jesus Christ shall make us free. It is only through Jesus Christ that we can find real truth, find real freedom, and everlasting peace.
After hearing Jesus speak about the many mansions in His Father's house that He is preparing for His disciples, Thomas asked Him, "Lord, ...how can we know the way?" (John 14:5).
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).
As I have studied and pondered Jesus' words in this verse, I thought that I could separate the way, the truth, and the life, and each could become a title for the Savior. I've thought a lot about Jesus Christ's role as the Truth. It's more than truth, as in telling the truth. He is perfect Truth.
Recently, I was sitting in Sunday School learning from 2 Timothy. In chapter 3, Paul describes apostasy and perilous times in the last days. He describes many and varied sins that will plague mankind and then he wrote this: "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 3:7).
The Sunday School teacher didn't focus too much on this verse, but the Holy Ghost very plainly reminded me that sometimes in scripture "the truth" can be a title. I began to think about what it would mean if I could substitute another of Christ's titles in the verse: "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the Savior."
I have watched as people I care about have struggled with their personal faith. I have read their words or listened in conversation as they've explained their search for truth. A few months ago, I heard one friend relate her tale of searching to find peace in her life. She told me all she was doing to find solace to her soul and attain inner peace. It was something she had not found in her years as an active church member. I prayed for her and I wondered. What was she missing? The answer came plainly: Jesus Christ. Her search had been to find peace within herself. To find comfort and happiness from herself. But she need not have looked to all those sources nor to tear herself apart. She was and is ever learning, and not yet able to come to the knowledge of the Truth. In different ways, we all are in her shoes. We search and search, and the answer is plain and right before us.
Jesus Christ is "the way, the truth, and the life." It is in Him we find real peace and real purpose.
Another current trend is the phrase "my truth" or "your truth." It is common in our quest to tolerate others' beliefs and lifestyles to assume that what is true for me may not be true for you. While this attitude is the case in opinions such as whether or not to homeschool, it is not the case when it comes to the Truth. There is One who is Perfect Truth. And His Way is for all people.
At another time, Jesus spoke to His disciples and said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32).
This verse is another instance when I believe the word truth can be a title Truth. As we strive to be His disciples, we shall know Him, and Jesus Christ shall make us free. It is only through Jesus Christ that we can find real truth, find real freedom, and everlasting peace.
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