Archive for December, 2012

Messiah MY King!

Kevin Mannoia Monday, December 17th, 2012
It’s really easy to celebrate the coming of the Messiah – Jesus Christ – as THE King.  Scripture is replete with references to Him coming as the King of Kings, Lord of Lords.  And we even hear it in Handel’s masterpiece, “The Messiah.”  How could we not celebrate such a King who brings love, upsets political structures to introduce the Reign of God in Peace and Grace?  But my question to you is this: “At what point does ‘Messiah THE King’ become ‘Messiah MY King?’” It seems that Jesus came to be not just THE King of Kings, but to be YOUR King.  That calls for more that celebration, it invites passionate surrender to the Love of God who came to bring Peace, Grace, and wholeness.  So my wish for you is simple…”May the Messiah be more to you this season than a holiday concept.  May He be YOUR king bringing peace and deep love to your heart and home as you give yourself completely to HIM!”
May your Christmas be truly blessed.
Kevin

What Does Your Advent Do?

Kevin Mannoia Monday, December 10th, 2012
This is the Advent season.  Christmas is coming soon.  Advent means, “the appearance” or “the coming.”  Usually it has to do with a significant moment or experience – and of course the coming of the Son of God to the world was a significant moment.  During advent we focus on anticipating the appearance or coming of Jesus the Christ.  We have that pretty well defined.  You’ve heard countless sermons, lessons, devotionals, and songs that depict the coming of the Messiah and the impact that had on the world.  Now here’s the hard question…what about your own advent?  When you show up, when you appear, when you come into a place what is the impact?  Does everything stay the same?  Or when you appear is there a greater measure of the presence and grace of Jesus Christ that impacts your surroundings?
If the Living Christ is in you, when you appear the moment should be impactful. The effect will make a difference as the gentle grace, love, forgiveness and quiet confidence of Christ is reflected in you.  What’s your advent?
Let me know if you have any prayer requests.  Our Prayer Partners will pray for you.
And I hope you will join us at: www.facebook.com/groups/apusoulquest
Blessings on your Christmas!
Kevin

Just A Part

Kevin Mannoia Monday, December 3rd, 2012
They put the whole car on the tow truck and drove off to the mechanic.  It wouldn’t shift into “drive.”  It would start; the lights worked; the engine ran perfectly; the brakes worked; everything was fine – except it wouldn’t shift into “drive.”  So the whole car went to the mechanic for repairs.  It didn’t go to the junk yard because it was just a part of the car that was broken.  A lot was right.  But that one thing needed attention.
You may come to points on your journey when you feel like you want to “junk it all.”  It seems like the one thing that is broken keeps everything else from happening.  Your life is on hold; your heart is on edge; your dream is just beyond reach.  But wait, there’s a lot right. While you focus on that one thing, God is always there to help you see your life the way He sees it – whole.  Sure the Holy Spirit will help you with that one part, but never forget that God’s view of your life sees the breadth and perspective of the whole.  Perhaps you may ask Jesus to give you that perspective as well!
If you have any prayer requests, let me know so our Prayer Partners can pray for you.
And feel free to join others at:  www.facebook.com/groups/apusoulquest
Blessings,
Kevin