Miracles Today

"And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, 

teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, 

and healing every sickness and every disease among the people."  

(Matthew 9:35)

This week we read through Matthew 8-9 and focused on the miracles Christ performs. He goes from city to city as the Son of God and preaches the gospel, witnesses of the Father, and heals those who come unto him. 

One of my favorite stories is found in this section:

Matthew 8

23. And when he entered into a ship, his disciples follow him.

24. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

25. And his disciples came to him and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

26. And he said unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm."

I love this story because there are plenty of times in my life where I am amidst a storm and feeling so troubled and hopeless. Many unfortunate times, I have turned to the Lord and asked "Where are you? Save me from this pain. Why is this happening?"  With my pride, I feel that the Savior is asleep and not paying attention, or that he needs me to suffer in order to learn, no matter how scared I am.

But then comes the faint voice of "why are ye fearful, o ye of little faith?" And from above, I can finally see and recognize the Lord's hands in my life, calming the storm around me and rebuking the seas and easing my burden. Is the storm gone? No. Will I never experience a storm again? Of course not. Difficulties will still arise, troubles are still surrounding--it's part of mortal life--but I never have to doubt if my Savior is there and I can know and trust that He will ALWAYS step up and protect me, prepare me, and strengthen me.

It amazes me that, even with a lack of faith or my weaknesses, my Savior is still there for me, paying attention to the details and waiting for me to call upon Him and trust in His help to come.

Now, imagine the power of the miracles that could come with solid faith in the Lord! Obviously something to work on throughout this life and one that comes and goes with the ups and downs of spirituality and experiences, but how amazing and powerful faith can be as to bring about miracles in this life still! This concept fascinates me, and I came across such a scripture that inspires me to move forward towards trusting faith, not fearful.

Mosiah 8:18, "Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings."

I've learned, and am learning, that the Lord will work mighty miracles in ours lives according to our faith.

Temptations and the Beatitudes Strategy

"The beatitudes give us the formula for coming unto Christ.

We can sue them as a foundation as we seek for a Christ-centered life."

- Elder Robert E. Wells

This week we studied a topic that is always one I come back to: temptations and the power to overcome them. 

We read in the New Testament about Christ's childhood and his baptism. We also discussed about his journey fasting and communing with the heavens, to come back and be tempted by Satan. We then studied his Sermon on the Mount. The coolest thing I got from all this, though, was how they all tie together.

To start, we know that in this life we have short term struggles with long term rewards in store. We are promised many blessings and are blessed--aka the power and  future promises of "enjoying happiness, enjoying the bliss of heaven, and bringing pleasure or contentment." ♥

However, we also know that in mortality we will be challenged and tempted. Satan uses such doubts, fear, and confusion to suck us in to his "if" scenarios. Satan offers short term, instantaneous gratification in exchange for long term regret, misery, and burden -- however, it is difficult to see these things because he is subtle and the choices are not always all at once. Satan also works in such a way as to make us feel as if work is not worth it and consequences don't need to be worried about.

And even though we may do our best to make good choices and be disciples of Christ, we are mortal and we make mistakes. Our Heavenly Father and Savior knew this, and that is why they came up with the Plan of Salvation. Though we may fall to temptations and Satan's snares at times, we always have a way back -- through repentance. Though we may not be the best we can right now and we are not perfect, there is always a way to become better. What matters most is what we are striving to become and what our desires are!

We learn this in Matthew 5, when Christ shares the Beatitudes we all know and love. But this time, we're going to look at it from a different perspective:  the Beatitudes are also the steps and process of becoming better through repentance. They are advice directly from Christ of how we can overcome our weaknesses and temptations, so that over time in the eternities we will be prepared to become like him. Right now we only have the potential to become such, and he gives us those key desires we should have.

So, here we go, follow along in Matthew 5, or 3 Nephi 12.

Steps to becoming a better disciple of Christ:

1.) I recognize that I am not who I need to be yet. 

"Blessed are the poor in spirit"  

Think: Who are the poor in spirit? We are -- there is always more we can do to have a more constant companionship with the Holy Ghost and a closer relationship with the Godhead. 

2.) I feel bad that I am not better

"Blessed are they that mourn"  

Think: Who are they that mourn? Those who desire repentance and to become righteous sons and daughters of God, who wish to do better.

3.) I'm willing to do what God wants me to do

"Blessed are the meek"  

Think: Who are the meek? Those who humble their will to God's in order to fulfill His plan and move forth His work in His way.

4.) I take action.

"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness"  

Think: Who are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness? Those who desire nothing more than to be in the presence of God and will do all they can in order to gain that promise. They will take action, no matter how difficult, to fulfill His word. 

5.) I will forgive myself

"Blessed are the merciful"  

Think: Who are the merciful? Those who forgive even the hardest of people to forgive: themselves. They will trust in the promise of the Lord that they have been made clean and can move forward with faith.

6.) I will forgive others

"Blessed are the pure in heart"  

Think: Who are the pure in heart? Those who are kind, humble, loving, and accepting to others.

7.) I'm will change my ways and continue to strive to become better

"Blessed are the peacemakers"  

Think: Who are the peacemakers? Those who strive to become the best they can be and be an example of their Savior -- as caretaker, friend, advocate, example, disciple, etc.

8.) I will stay true and be prepared for the challenges and opposition that will com

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake"  

Think: Who are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake? Those who take a stand in their testimony and share the truth with love.

Anyway, I loved this perspective -- that our personal growth and righteous desires truly are what matter. All we have to do is ask "what lack I yet" and take the action to continue on!

The Condescension of Christ

This week we began discussing the condescension of Christ. Majority of my life, this topic has gone over my head, especially when I was younger. But as I've grown and strengthened my testimony, this big word of "condescension" means a lot more to me than just a describing factor of Christ's atonement and purpose. 

In class we learned about Christ's gospel -- how the gospel is the overall everything of everything, and the doctrine is what makes it up, it's what we do.

From there, we began to study Christ's life from the beginning. We read through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John's accounts on Mary and Joseph and the birth of Christ. We also touch upon how the condescension of Christ is the act of descending to a lower and less dignified state -- in this case, Christ waives his privileges, honor, and glory to come to earth and perform the Atonement to carry through the Plan of Salvation. 

"from His magnificent throne, Jesus Christ descended 

to face the most extreme humiliation and suffering

that mortality could inflict" 

- Bishop Edgley

Because this topic interests me so, I decided to go and research some more via lds.org. There, I found an amazing talk, which I'm going to use here and add a few of my personal insights. I suggest everyone read it though, because it answered a lot of my questions and strengthened my testimony (read more here). 

Anyway, for this quick insight I want to start off sharing a few verses in the Book of Mormon, when Nephi sees the birth of Christ and asks the Lord for more knowledge on the condescension of God -- because even he didn't know all things (1 Nephi 11:13-17). However, I loved the question Nephi is asked, and like to ask it to myself: "Knowest thou the condescension of God?"

Knowest thou that the Only Begotten Son of God descended from above, leaving the his heavenly family and presence, to come down to this chaotic, sinful realm of mortality, just to be an Example, a Leader, a Teacher, but most importantly, a Savior. Christ knew that by coming down to this world, he would be scolded, rejected, and crucified. However, He also knew that He would be able to establish His church, teach the true gospel, and be resurrected for all mankind. He knew of the suffering he would bear and endure. He knew of all the sins, fears, worries, burdens, and tragedies he would carry on his shoulders so he would be able to succor his people, understand them, and aid their personal aches. 

Knowest thou that the Redeemer Jesus Christ, did all this for you?

"Here we have a glorious thing. Here we have exalted, noble beings

on a plane and status so far above our present circumstance

that we have no way of comprehending their dominion and glory,

and we have one of the, God our Eternal Father,

through the condescension and infinite love and mercy

that he has for us, stepping down from his noble status

and becoming the father of a Son after the manner of flesh.

We have that Son being born, that Son who was his firstborn in the spirit,

who had like power and omnipotence with the Father.

We have each of them performing a work that there is no way for us

to understand as far as magnitude and glory and importance is concerned." 

- Elder Bruce R. McConkie

The more I study the condescension of Christ, the more I realize how much we have to personally know our Savior and Heavenly Father. And the closer we become, the more often and deeper we ponder and search.

The Distinctive Testimonies of the Four Gospels

So this week we learned more of a history, as far as dispensations of time and the records of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. I found it very interesting, because the professor was able to simplify the timeline to the point where even I could understand it. I figured I'd share these insights as well.

Obviously, it all starts with Adam and Eve -- this is the first dispensation of times (dispensation: "a period of time in which the Lord has at least one authorized servant on the earth who bears the holy priesthood and the keys, and who has a divine commission to dispense the gospel to the inhabitants of the earth" lds.org).

What's cool is, Adam is the prophet, which makes Eve--his equal, his wife, his helpmeet-- the first prophetess. She has the power as a witness of Christ as well! Anyway, side-note.

The next dispensation is opened by Enoch, until his city is raised into the heavens. Noah takes it from there, then on to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Tribes of Israel). After a 400 year "Egyptian apostasy" Moses comes and gives the people the Law of Moses (the "lesser law") until Christ comes in His time and brings and teaches the higher law.

So, obviously, these teachings are accounted in the New Testament records of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

I learned this week, in a simplified way, the purpose of their individual accounts and who their audiences is -- by knowing this, I can read what they have to say as not only stories or records, but as testimonies, witnesses, and significant events to each of them personally. 

Mark writes to the Romans, to convince Gentiles that Jesus is the Christ.

Matthew writes to the Jews and takes many sayings from Mark and expands on them. He uses many speeches and sermons.

Luke also expands on Marks' sayings, taking a more balanced approach and showing more emotion and being more personalized. 

John takes a different approach from the others, as he focuses on the Judean ministries of Christ and writes what he witnesses personally. 

Anyway, it changes my perspective as I read through their accounts now that I understand them more and what the background information and witness is. I invite you all to do so as well! :)

"And the twelve did teach the multitude; and behold, 

they did cause that the multitude should kneel down upon

the face of the earth, and should pray 

unto the Father in the name of Jesus.

And the disciples did pray unto the Father also 

in the name of Jesus. And it came to pass that they

arose and ministered unto the people.

And when they had ministered those same words

which Jesus had spoken--nothing varying...--

behold, they knelt again and prayed to the Father 

in the name of Jesus.

And they did pray for that which they most desired;

and they desired that the Holy Ghost\should be given unto them."

3 Nephi 9:6-9

Jesus Christ & His Gospel

"And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, 
and hearken unto his great commandments; 
and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, 
according to the will of his Holy Spirit" (2 Nephi 2:28)

I learned something super cool this week -- well, not learned, so much as understood. It's like a little light bulb went off,  just like in the cartoons. 

We were studying in Moses and Genesis this week, reading and learning more about the Fall in depth. It amazes me how much we adore and appreciate Mother Eve, I love how much we can look up to her and find her exemplar. In other religions, such gratitude is not frequent for the choice Eve and Adam made. But with modern revelation, translations, and living prophets, we know that the Fall was part of the Lord's plan and is something we are eternally grateful for -- because without it, we wouldn't be here today, becoming like our Father in heaven through mortality.

"And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, 

but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. 

And all things which were created must have remained in the same state 

in which they were after they were created; 

and they must have remained forever, and had no end. 

And they would have had no children; 

wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, 

having no joy, for they knew no misery; 

doing no good, for they knew no sin." (2 Nephi 2:22-23)

What a difference it makes to have more records, witnesses, and revelations of why the Fall occurred and the how -- now we are able to understand more so, how "all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things" (2 Nephi 2:24).

Anyway, that's just a side note -- we learned a lot this week. What blew my mind the most, is the understanding of a temporal law and an eternal law. 

"Don't eat the fruit" is a temporal law in Eden. It does not determine salvation -- Adam and Eve will still be able to achieve Celestial glory despite having ate the fruit. It is also temporary because it was only a law in the Garden of Eden. 

"Multiply and replenish the earth" is an eternal law. It is a commandment passed down through all generations of time. It is the higher law -- the law Adam and Eve must fulfill. The commandment we still have today.

The choice between these two laws is agency building. The Lord is saying that if they want to stay in the garden, they cannot eat the fruit; but if they want to enter mortality, then the choice to eat the fruit is given to them. 

Ah, I just love that. What a settling truth to help expand and strengthen our testimonies of the fall.

Also, another quick side note:  Ever wonder why Christ is called "Son of Man?" Because it is shortened from the Adamic language, "Son of Man of Holiness." ♥

Jesus Christ & the Creation

"Behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things."

2 Nephi 2:24

I love this painting -- Adam and Eve are leaving the Garden and walking in to a whole new world of life full of pain and joy, good and evil. Adam, right beside Eve and lovingly guiding her, as Eve looks back to what they chose to leave. Ahead of them, the purpose of this life unfolds. What courage and confidence in the Lord and His detailed planning. That's the only way His Plan could have worked, with salvation as the ultimate, righteous gift. Purposefully planned, prepared, and carried out by trustworthy and noble children of God, the Lord placed Adam and Eve on the Earth He created. 

The Plan of Salvation was known in full to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as they carried out the Creation. As they placed Adam and Eve upon the Earth, they were sure to give their children the guidance and knowledge necessary. Angels were sent to teach Adam and Eve of the Plan, and as they went about they learned. With no transgression, all things would have stayed in the same state as they were created (2 Nephi 2:22) -- with no progression nor regression, with no opposition nor righteousness, with no sadness nor joy (2 Nephi 2:11). By partaking of the fruit, Adam and Eve successfully helped the Lord "bring about His Eternal purposes" (2 Nephi 2:15), for "all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things" (2 Nephi 2:24). The Fall was part of the Plan of Salvation from the beginning -- that's why the Atonement was planned and why choices matter. That is how each one of us will one day be able to return to our Father in Heaven, our Savior Jesus Christ, and all our loved ones. 

The Creation was part of a Plan of Happiness. Happiness you will have.

"You were created 'that you might have joy.' Joy you will feel when you worthily return to your Heavenly Father and Savior and step in to their warm embrace" -Elder Randall K. Bennett

I know that we are spiritual children of a loving Father in Heaven and He has an extensive, beautiful plan for each one of us. He wants us to be happy, in all that we do. To have good lives, full lives, and eternal joy. Though a difficult life, full of ups and downs, our Lord is all-knowing, all-loving, and desires nothing more than our eternal life to be full of joy and rejoicing. As part of His plan, we have the opportunity to come to know Him and our Savior and all that they have done for us.

"And in that day Adam blessed God and was filled, and began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying: Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God." (Moses 5:9-11)

What a miraculous blessing, knowledge, and comfort.

The Cosmic Christ & Coming Forth of the Bible

This week I was reading in the Pearl of Great Price, more specifically in the book of Moses. Though there are many perspectives, doctrines, and principles within the chapter, a certain few verses caught my attention. Many focus their attention on where Moses has conversations with the Lord and with the Devil, when he is called Son of God verses man. I love these scriptures and they speak truth to my heart and mind, however, this time around I focused more on the conversation later in the chapter,rather than what Moses is called. When the devil is speaking to him and clearly berating the conversation Moses just had with the Lord,  Moses' response is clear: "I can judge between thee and God" (Moses 1:15). 

Just as Moses, we have (and can have) the power and gift of discernment. We'll be able to judge between what is of God and what is evil. As we come to know and recognize the characteristics of our Father in Heaven, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Spirit, we will be able to recognize their presence and guidance throughout our day to day lives. Though we will still be temped, we also have the follow-up response Moses used, "Get thee hence, Satan; deceive me not" (Moses 1:16). These are statements of truth and testimony, and with their powerful words and the faith to support them, we too can have these gifts of the Spirit to discern and protect. We, too, must "lift [our] eyes unto heaven, being filled with the Holy Ghost" (Moses 1:24). We know, through many experiences and records (see 3 Nephi 17:24), that as we lift our eyes toward heaven seeking guidance, direction, and comfort, it WILL come.

I'd like to close with one of my favorite quotes, because let's be honest, what would my writing be without a quote.

"Through His counsel and our prayers, we can reach into the heavens and personally commune with the infinite. Through faith, heaven itself can be moved in our behalf. Doors will be opened and answers received." --Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin