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Practicing Christianity is like practicing a musical instrument. Practicing doesn't do much good unless you have a good teacher. The only teacher that can truly teach you Christianity is Jesus. Jesus teaches by example. Every story of Jesus in the gospels provides us with the opportunity to learn from Him. Let's learn from one of my favorite stories.

It had been a busy day for Jesus. He had been teaching and healing all day. It was evening and the crowd was still around him. He was so tired and weary that he was determined to find a solitary place across lake.

Jesus and his disciples headed for opposite shore. There were other boats that followed him. The crowd was still eager to see and hear Jesus.

Overcome with weariness and hunger, Jesus fell asleep in the stern. The evening was calm and pleasant. Suddenly the wind blew fiercely from along the eastern shore. A severe thunderstorm burst upon the lake. Imagine the darkness. Bolts of lightening streaking across the sky. Waves were overwhelming the little boat. Several of the disciples were experienced boatmen, but strength and skill were not enough. The boat was filling with water. The disciples felt that they had no hope.

Working so hard to save themselves, the disciples forgot Jesus was with them. Now that death seemed inevitable, they remembered Jesus. They called out to Jesus. There was no reply. Had he abandoned them? Earlier Jesus had cast out demons, was he powerless now. Didn't he know how grim their situation was?

Again they call out, "Master". There was no answer. The boat was already sinking. In a moment the sea would swallow them.

There was a flash of lightening and they see Jesus asleep, undisturbed. The disciples were amazed. How could Jesus sleep peacefully while they were in so much danger? They yelled above the shrieks of wind, "Master carest thou not that we perish".

Their cry arouses Jesus. They see him in the storm; the peace of heaven on his face. They cry "save us, were going to die." Jesus lifts his hands and says to the angry sea "Peace, Be still".

The winds did become still; they were silenced immediately. The clouds roll away, the stars shine, the moon lights the sea. The boat rests on a quiet sea.

Jesus turns to his disciples. Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith? A hush falls over the disciples. Even Peter didn't have an answer.

The little boats following Jesus had been in the same danger. They have also been filled with terror and despair. They also were saved when Jesus brought

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