janetanje

[janetanje]

How I feel about the Christ

When Jesus saw me and wanted to choose me as His disciple, I actually wanted to go with Him, but at that time, I waited until He called me because I knew He is so much great that I wasn’t even worth it! But Jesus chose me! I was extremely happy!

After following Jesus and seeing so many teachings, and miracles that are so GREAT. I witnessed many special things with Jesus. And how He reacted to people who were almost dead and circumstances, like the raising of Jairus' daughter from death to alive! He had compassion to them. Most importantly! He gives thanks to God what He had done every time, prays and trusts in God. He died for us and run with hope to learn for ourselves that the Lord lives. He loved us forever! We can all rest in the arms of His love.

We had a meaningful time with Jesus. For me, we emerged as the closest! Jesus was like a Master Teacher, my Father and personal friend of the Lord!!

I always like to lean my head on Jesus' shoulders, I feel so safe! During the Last Supper, I sat just next to Him at the table! I am SO BLISSFUL! It reflected not only my honor but also my closeness with Jesus.

I engage many close conversations with Him on this journey. He always speaks the truth. He always showed His kindness and unfailing love to us. Jesus always forgives us even though Judas betrayed Him, Jesus always at our sides no matter what happens! Judas was so ungrateful and guilty. Jesus also likes to help others. He shares the word of God, without feeling ashamed. Witnessing the truth and fulfilling whatever calls until the Lord comes again.

And Jesus always takes care of us. We all had been with Jesus on most of His significant trips. And we had a special place in Jesus’ heart! Jesus always shared with us many valuable lessons! He always told us, "God’s UNCONDITIONAL LOVE always encourages us so much and gives us hope!!"  Be loved by the Lord and then gained our own witnesses, then share with others!

The depth of Jesus' love for humanity is very deep. If we want God to help us in our daily life, we must show our faith with conviction and sincerity! FAITH is very important and powerful! In each of the miracles that Jesus performed, I saw that FAITH IS NEEDED!

For example, I remembered there is one time, a priest in the Roman Empire. I asked him what he could do to take away his anger. And the priest challenged me to drink poison! If it did not hurt me, the priest would believe in God.

Can you imagine yourself in this situation? Would you dare take on such a challenge, for Christ’s sake? To be honest, I WOULD!! I believed in God, for He has proven many things in my life! Surprisingly! the drink didn't poison me at all! Can you believe that!? It was so INCREDIBLE!!

Finally, I saw that Jesus allows us to show ourselves into His experiences! We all witnessed the work of creation and God’s wisdom, mercy, power and glory! Thank you Jesus! I am so glad to have You in part of my life! I am looking forward with God in my life and will never forget about You, my Jesus Christ.

435 words 

[janetanje]

The Last Supper with Jesus

Yay! Today is a meaningful day with Jesus! We had a scrumptious meal with Jesus and the disciples!  Now, the Festival of Unleavened Bread arrived when the Passover lamb is sacrificed! Jesus sent Peter and me ahead and said, “Go and prepare the Passover meal, so we can eat it together.” “Where do you want us to prepare it?” we asked Jesus. “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. He will take you upstairs to a large room that is already set up. That is where you should prepare our meal. "Alright, Jesus!” I replied, and we went off to the city and found everything just as Jesus had said, we prepared the Passover meal there.

When the time came, Jesus and the disciples sat down together at the table. Jesus said, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.” 

OH NOOO, this can’t be happen!! At this moment when I heard what Jesus said, I was afraid.. I don’t want to lose Jesus. But I knew that Jesus came into the world to die for us.

As we were eating together, Jesus said, “One of us, would soon betray Me.” After hearing this, we looked at each other and reacts in horror, shock, and anger!!! I was very angry about which of them would ever do such a bad thing!!

We questioned Jesus one by one, "I'm not the one, am I, Lord?" And Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. For it has been determined that the Son of Man must die. But what sorrow he need to face for he betrays the Son of Man! None of us want to be a betrayal of Jesus.

Then Judas, he asked Jesus, "Rabbi, am I the one?"

Jesus said, "You have just said it." Wait.. WHAT! So it was Judas?? We looked at each other, remain silent. Everyone was so angry and staring at Judas.

Then Jesus took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.” And He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. He broke it into pieces and gave it to us. And Jesus said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” We were very sad and sorrowful because this was the last meal with Jesus before his crucifixion.

After supper, Jesus took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people, an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.” Then He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to us, and we all drank it.

Jesus told us, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” 

In the end, after we sang a hymn,  all of us were crying... Jesus hugged the disciple. And I hugged Jesus too, and Jesus smiled. I knew He loved me so much as I loved Him too! And we went out to the Mount of Olives. 

Scripture reference: Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26

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[janetanje]

Jesus healed a blind man on the Sabbath!

Dong, dong, dong.. Jesus was walking with us. Just as we turned back around the corner. Ahhh! I screamed, suddenly! A blind beggar sat infront of us. I didn’t realised that and I almost step on him! We saw a man who had been born blind. And Matthew asked, “Rabbi, why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” Jesus answered, “Of course not, it wasn’t because of his sins or his parents’ sins. This happened so the power of God could be seen in him! Then He said, “We must quickly do the work assigned to us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world!”

After saying this, Jesus spit on the ground. Then I asked, “Jesus, what are you doing?” Jesus turned back His head and saw me but He didn’t respond to me. Then I saw Jesus made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the blind man’s eyes. And Jesus told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam” So the man went and washed and came back seeing! The man was shocked, he had never seen anything before! I was stunned! WOWW! I said, “Jesus, was it because of the power of your saliva??” Peter looked at me, he looks like he was speechless, like I’m so dumb haha. Jesus replied, “Noo, it was the power of God, He healed the blind man!!” 

After the man went back. His neighbours and others who knew him as a blind beggar asked each other, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?” Some said he was, and others said, “No, he just looks like him!” But the beggar kept saying, “Yes, I am the same one!” And they asked, “How were your eyes opened? Who healed you??

He replied to them, “The man they call Jesus made mud and spread it over my eyes and told me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash yourself.’ So I went and washed, and now I can see!” And his neighbours seemed not to believe what the man had just said and they asked “Where is He now?” “I don’t know,” the man replied.

Then they took the man who had been blind to the Pharisees because Jesus healed on Sabbath, they said is considered work. The Pharisees asked the man all about it. The man told them, “He put the mud over my eyes, and when I washed it away, I could see!” Some of the Pharisees said, “This man Jesus is not from God, for He is working on the Sabbath.” Others said, “But how could an ordinary sinner do such miraculous signs?” I think they thought that if Jesus was the Son of God, He wouldn't be breaking the Sabbath laws. So there was different opinion among them..

But they questioned, again and again, they were not satisfied and they called his parents to confirm it’s true. Then Peter murmured to me, “Why they need to call his parents, he was already an adult.” I responded,” Shhh, let’s watch what happens first” 

And suddenly! the Pharisees interrupted and said, “Give glory to God by telling the truth!” “We know this man is a sinner!” The man was annoyed, he shouted, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know! But I know! I was blind but now I can see!” The man argued back again with the Pharisees. But the Pharisees shouted, "You were born a total sinner!” Are you trying to teach us?” And they threw him out of the synagogue. WHAT an UNREASONABLE MOMENT!    

After that, Peter and I quickly went to Jesus and told Him what had happened. When Jesus heard, he found the man and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?" The man answered, “Who is He, sir? I want to believe in Him.” “You have seen Him,” Jesus said, “He is speaking to you!” “Yes, Lord, I believe!, Praise the Lord!!” The man screamed. 

And Jesus told him, "I have come into this world for judgment and to show those who think they see that they are blind.” Then some Pharisees were nearby heard Him and asked, “Are you saying we’re blind?” Jesus replied, “If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty.” “But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.” 

How can they don’t believe in God! The WONDERFUL MIRACLE JUST SHOWED infront of them! Jesus called them spiritually blind! Scripture reference: John 9:1-41

Word Count: 620 words

[janetanje]

Jesus healed the 10 lepers!

Today, we were AMAZED by what Jesus did!!

As Jesus and the disciples continued on toward Jerusalem, we reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. When Jesus entered a village there, we saw ten men with leprosy standing at a distance, crying out to Jesus, “Jesus, Master, please have mercy on us!! I had pity on them because they had leprosy and they need to be quarantined. And they were a group of people excluded from community life, people think that they are 'unclean', they don’t want to get infect. There was no cure.. so people with leprosy had no hope...

We heard the lepers called out to Jesus by name, they seem to have some previous knowledge of him. The lepers were showing their faith!

Jesus heard them and He looked at them, calming, and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” The 10 lepers immediately show their faith by following Jesus’ instruction even though they still have their disease! 

As they are on their way, Jesus healed them and they found out they were cleansed of their leprosy! Then I said to Jesus, "WOW! Jesus, how can you heal them even though they are not near to you?" Jesus replied clearly, "Just have FAITH in God! they cried for mercy, and draw from them the act of faith, then they were healed!" I 

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, he came back to Jesus, and shouted, “Praise God!!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done! This man was the Samaritan who was more excluded from the community because of his ethnicity! We, the disciples were shocked, because we were all thinking, “Wow, can’t believe out of 10, there was only 1, the Samaritan came back!”

Jesus looked slightly angry and asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine?? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner??” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you." 

After I saw Jesus’ miracle of healing, it was so AWESOMEE!! I saw that God waited to heal the lepers until they acted in FAITH and turned to head to the priest. And God values gratitude! Only one of the 10 lepers turned back, fell at Jesus' feet, and thanked Him with a loud voice!! Therefore, we should always give thanks to God for what He had done for us!! 

Scripture reference: Luke 17:11-17 Word Count: 441 words

[janetanje]

Jesus feed 5000!!

WOW! Today is a wonderful day! Jesus did a UNBELIEVABLE MIRACLE!!! 

At the morning, a HUGEE crowds was following Jesus near Bethsaida! They knew Jesus was healing for the sick! Jesus saw the huge crowd, and He had compassion for them, Jesus told us, “They were like sheep without a shepherd and I’ll began to teach them many things!” “We will listen too!” I responded.

After many hours, the time grew late, I came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the time is now very late, we should send them away so that they may go into the surrounding villages and buy something for themselves to eat.” But Jesus answered me, “Hmm, I have an idea” He looked at me and I felt like Jesus would call me to do something not easy. And He said,”How about you all give them something to eat.” I was shocked and replied, “WHATT, Jesus, how in the world am I going find so much food to FEED 5000 plus people??”

Jesus was like hmm, then He asked Phillip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" Jesus knew what he was going to do, but He asked Philip to test him. Philip replied, “Even eight months' wages would not be enough to give each person even one bite of bread!” And Andrew who had more faith in Jesus. He brought forward a little boy who had five small loaves of barley bread and two small fish. He whispered, “But even I wondered how that could help.” 

And Andrew said to Jesus, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two small fish. But what are they among 5000 people??” Jesus was calmed and responded, “Make the people sit down on the grass.” So we let the crowds sat down on the grass.

Then Jesus took the loaves and the two fish, He looked up to heaven and gave thanks to God His Father, and passed them to the disciples to be distributed. He did the same with the two fish. Jesus MIRACULOUSLY multiplied the loaves and fishes so there was more than enough!! Everyone, men, women, and children had eaten as much as they wanted!

When the crowds were satisfied, Jesus said to the disciples and I, “Gather up the leftovers so nothing was wasted.” So we gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten. Then we took up what was left over of the broken pieces, and guess what?? 12 baskets were filled!!           

When the people saw the sign that Jesus had done, they were so overwhelmed by this miracle! They said, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world!” God wants you to trust that He will take care of you! 

After seeing this miracle Jesus had done, I was surprised!! I saw that God can solve the situation in your life that you cannot solve. Nothing is too small for God to use it, even a little boy’s lunch! Like us, we could not see how the child’s lunch could be of help, but God can!!! This miracle tells us that all things are possible with God!

Scripture Reference: Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:31-44 

Word Count: 543 words

[janetanje]

Jesus teaches the disciples about Serving Others!

Today is interesting and thankful day! As Jesus predicted that the Son of Man would be handed over to the elders, the priests. Jesus told us he will die for human sins and came back to life 3 days after he died on the cross. We were all stunned and our mood turns down.

My brother James and I came over and spoke to Jesus. “Teacher, we want you to do us a favor.” we said.

And He asked “What is your request?” We replied, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.” But Jesus was kinda pissed, He responded to us, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?” “Oh yes,” we replied confidently, “we are able!!”

Then Jesus told us, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup and be baptized with my baptism of suffering. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. God has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen!”

When the other 10 disciples heard what James and I had asked, they were indignant. So Jesus called us together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you, it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else!  For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many!” And he said, “It’s an atoning sacrifice to pay for sins and to restore human beings to a right relationship with God!”

 At the end, we believed that Jesus would not only die on the cross, but also resurrect and reign again as the king and restore the kingdom of God!! And Jesus said, “I knew that He came to earth to serve others, not to be served. We can serve the Lord by serving people around you. You don't have to do big things to serve others! A smile can make your friend's heart happy! Speaking a kind word, helping your brother or sister, obeying your parents, all are ways you can serve! When we are willing to serve, we become more like Christ and our faith grows!!” And we were all smiling with each other. 

Scripture reference: Mark 10:35-41 Word count: 443 words

[janetanje]

The teaching of Jesus about Revenge

Hmm… I wondered why Jesus clearly stated He hates anger, but he said He will not like us to take revenge in anger. So I asked nicely to Jesus, "Jesus, why can't we revenge to our enemies? They have done something bad to us." And Peter spoke, " Ya, my brother has always done something bad to me, and why I should not revenge on him?" Jesus responded, " You have heard that the law says the punishment must match the injury, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.”

At this moment, I was a bit confused, then I asked, “Jesus, what should we do to the person who hurts us?” Jesus said, “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” And He continued and said, “It is for our good that God is not permitting us to take revenge. This is because God does not permit us to judge others.”

 Then Peter don’t understand what Jesus said and asked, “Jesus, why we should not judge or condemn others? Jesus replied to Peter, “Peter, listen, God knows everything, He only knows why a person is doing something wrong against us. Therefore, God is the best judge so we are not supposed to judge others, we have to leave this part to the Lord!” And Peter replied, “Jesus, now I understood why we should not judge and revenge on others” Jesus grinned and said, “Glad you understood it, Peter. And He continued speaking, “And If we judge someone and our judgment goes wrong then we will become eligible for condemnation! Hence, let's not judge others and obey what God had asked us to do.”

I was thinking about what if the person was very wrong and we still forgive? So I said to Jesus, “Jesus, but it’s hard to let someone who did something wrong against us.” Jesus responded, “John, I know it's tough to just let go someone who has done something very wrong against us. So what should we do in this situation? We have to tell all our problems to the Lord and He will do what is needed!” And the crowds clapped and shouted, “ Amen! Praise the Lord!!”

In the end, I understood we do not repay anyone evil for evil. God wants us to trust in the Lord and tell Him all the problems that we have in prayer. He is the best Judge and will take care of everything wisely at the right time!!

Scripture reference: Matthew 5:38-42 Word Count: 447 words

[janetanje]

Jesus teaches about Prayer to the crowds together with the disciples

             “Have you ever wondered how to pray to God or make your request?” Jesus questioned. And Jesus said to the crowds and us, “Some people do not know how to pray to the Lord. Today I am here to teach you all how to pray and what to do when you are praying to the Lord.”

            Jesus stated, “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others.” Jesus said He wanted everything to happen just the way Heavenly Father wants it to, just as it is in heaven. And I asked, “So what should we do when we are praying?” Jesus responded, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Jesus explained to us, "Don’t show off. Synagogues are places of worship where many people gather to pray." And He spoke against those who prayed loudly just to be seen and praised by others. Then Jesus said, "I called such people hypocrites." And the crowds were nodding their head and understood the true meaning of praying.

            Then Peter asked, “How should we request our needs for our Father??” Jesus responded, “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them! your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” And suddenly one of the men from the crowds shouted, “But I requested the Lord for a new shoe but after 5 days, I still haven’t received my shoe!” Then Peter walk softly towards me and murmured, “Wait What.. People ask the Lord for shoe??” I replied, “Ya, it’s a bit weird.” And Jesus questioned back "Instead, are you requesting it the right way, or are you trying to get it without doing anything? Are you just trying to ask the Lord for it? But this is not the way to ask the Lord for something." Jesus was serious at that moment.

            Then the man responded, "Jesus, how should I ask the Lord?" Jesus immediately answered, "If you do not know how to pray in the right way, this is how you should pray “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." And Jesus mentioned, "If we forgive others sins, our heavenly Father will also forgive you! But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins!"

            In the end, Jesus told the crowds and His disciples, “When you are praying, do not use a lot of meaningless words. The Gentiles' prayers were often long because they thought this would impress their many gods, hoping to attract attention.” And Jesus stated importantly, “Prayer should be a private time between God and the worshipper. It doesn’t mean that it is wrong to pray with others, but the prayers should be sincere and for the right motives!” And Jesus showed us the gesture we should do when we’re praying.

            After Jesus finished His teaching about prayer, I learned that we should not show off when we are praying to our Father because it’s a private time to pray and communicate to God. I also learned how to pray to God! We should ask for His will for our lives, recognize His provision for our basic needs, ask for forgiveness of our sins and finally request His strength to resist the temptations we face in our lives!!

Scripture reference: Matthew 6:1-14

Word count: 600 words

[janetanje]

Teaching of Jesus about Salt and Light

Yawned...As I woke up in the morning, Jesus said “Let’s go to the Sermon on the Mount in Galilee”. So we followed Jesus early in the morning. On the way to the location, I was like Hahh,Hahh..I was gasping for breath as we almost reached. Suddenly! I saw large groups of people gathered around there. Wow! I was amazed, the number of people exceeded my expectation! And Jesus said “Follow Me to the mountainside.” We sat down and the crowds were gathering around Jesus. He started His teaching to the crowds.

Jesus started His message at the bottom of the way up. He said “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, can you make it salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” And Peter was always first to ask questions, he asked, “What is this sentence meant?” Jesus explained, "Salt is an important ingredient in many foods. Salt is used for flavouring and preserving. When salt is added to food they taste much better.” Then Peter said, “YESS! I AGREED!!” People around him looked at each other, baffled. It was a little awkward at that moment.

Jesus continued speaking “Just like God put Christians in this world so that we can make the world better.” And He stated deeply, "What I’m trying to say is I want my followers to be like salt in the local community." Then Peter asked again “How can we ‘be salt’ in the community??” Jesus replied, “To 'be salt' means we can influence people's life by showing them the unconditional love of Christ through GOOD DEEDS!!” And I understood what Jesus said and I said, "We can be a force for kindness and bring improvements to people’s lives!!" The crowds were all agreeing.

Jesus shared another message with us. He said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house!” I thought to myself, “Does it means we should share the word of God?” And then I was about to question and Matthew snapped, “So we should show faith in our societies?” Jesus smiled and responded, " Yes! Light is important to guide the way, especially in darkness. I want my followers to show their faith in the societies where we live, like a light shining visibly!!”

And Jesus pointed out, "There is no use lighting a lamp and then hiding it! Many people in this world do not know about God. They need someone to give them some light so that they can see." And He told to the crowds, "When Christians obey God then it is like a light is shining! People see Christians doing good things and it makes them want to follow God!" And the crowds were supporting what Jesus said and clapping.

Jesus concluded saying, “Both salt and light have properties that affect things around them, just like Christians should be visible and effective in the society so others will be led to God! I shouted to the crowds, "Yes! If we are ashamed to do good things then it is like putting our light under a bowl!"

After hearing what Jesus had taught us, I learnt we should spread the Gospels and not hide or feel ashamed to let others know we are Christians!! This lesson was very significant to us! Thank you Jesus!!

Scripture verse reference: Matthew 5:13-16 Word Count: 551 words