Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Nephi delighted in the words of Isaiah and he has tried to teach his children concerning the judgments of God.  2 Nephi 25:5-6 "Yea, and my soul delighteth in the words of Isaiah, for I came out from Jerusalem, and mine eyes hath beheld the things of the Jews, and I know that the Jews do understand the things of the prophets, and there is none other people that understand the things which were spoken unto the Jews like unto them, save it be that they are taught after the manner of the things of the Jews. But behold, I, Nephi, have not taught my children after the manner of the Jews; but behold, I, of myself, have dwelt at Jerusalem, wherefore I know concerning the regions round about; and I have made mention unto my children concerning the judgments of God, which hath come to pass among the Jews, unto my children, according to all that which Isaiah hath spoken, and I do not write them."

In the Old Testament we read that Shimei, from the house of Saul, cursed and threw stones at David.  2 Samuel 16:5-7, 13 "And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.  And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.  And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill's side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the story of Peter walking on water.  This took much faith to even attempt to do such a thing.  But then when Peter took his eyes off Jesus and started noticing the wind and the waves surrounding him, he became afraid and began to sink.  He called out to Jesus to save him and Jesus stretched forth His hand and rescued Peter. They walked to the boat together and Jesus chastised him for not having more faith.  When we're in the midst of troubles and challenges of life, if we'll have faith and keep focused on the Savior, we'll be okay.  But if we take our eyes off the Savior and concentrate on the troubles surrounding us, we're going to sink.  But, like Peter, we can cry out to the Lord and He will rescue us.  Matthew 14:22-32 "And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.  And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.  But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.  And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.  And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.  But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.  And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.  And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.  But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.  And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?  And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased."