The Azusa Pacific Blog
Thoughts, ideas, and information from APU students, faculty, and staff
Archive for the ‘Student Life’ Category
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
Grace Around You
Kevin Mannoia Monday, November 26th, 2012
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving break. I also hope that you found some brief, but special moments for centering yourself in the love of God. Especially as you considered the many blessings God has given you. During the remainder of the year, there are lots of opportunities to be reminded of God’s goodness to you. Advent, Christmas, New Year’s — all occur within the next few weeks. As you go forward, one day at a time, make note of the grace of God all around you. Let that bring you confidence and deep thankfulness even when things aren’t as you had hoped. Praise God for the relationships that are in your life that give encouragement and fulfillment to you. And mostly, for His care and presence that will surround you.
Let me know if you have prayer requests. I will be sure to have our Prayer Partners pray for you.
Blessings,
Kevin
Never As Bad As It Seems
Kevin Mannoia Monday, November 19th, 2012
The middle of the night is probably the worst…you wake up and the thing that is most weighty seems to occupy your whole mind. And it grows larger with each passing moment. In the dark silence of the night, the Enemy has a heyday. Your burden gets heavier and the whole situation – whatever it is – looms larger and overwhelms you. A wayward child, a low grade, loss of a job, growing debt. You name it and it gets unbearable. When your whole disposition seems to crumble under the weight of it all, remember this: “I will never leave you nor forsake you!” Those are Jesus’ words to you. Implicit within them is the deep and motivating love He has for you. So much that He will be with you in every situation. And frankly, in the lonely moments of the night when things overtake your heart, knowing that Jesus is with you makes you realize it’s never as bad as it seems!
Should you have a prayer request, reply to this note and I’ll be sure our Prayer Partners pray.
And feel free to check in on other students at: www.facebook.com/groups/apusoulquest.
Blessings,
Kevin
Invitation
Kevin Mannoia Monday, November 12th, 2012I really hope your week went well. For many of you, it was a break between terms and a new one is beginning. As you step into this term, I hope you will see the invitation that is before you. Oh, yes, the profs invite you to learn, and listen, and take notes, and take tests… But God also invites you into His love. It is an invitation, not condemnation. It is welcoming, not judgmental. And in the center of that love, you will find confidence, quietness, and deep fulfillment. May I encourage you to accept the invitation by faith in Christ to receive more deeply the love of God for you. There is the place your heart will call home.
If you have a prayer request, please feel free to email me and I will get it to our Prayer Partners. And join us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/groups/apusoulquest/
Blessings,
Kevin
Tethering Yourself
Kevin Mannoia Monday, October 29th, 2012It is so tempting to take lots of advice and try to reshape our lives to conform to what those giving advice ask of us. Most of the time it’s really great advice. But the question is this, “Where is your life tethered?” We are all tethered somewhere. And that tether will become our anchor. You can either choose to tether your life to external sources — like other people — or you can choose to tether your life to Jesus Christ. In that case, the advice you get from people will be good, but will be just that — advice. In the case where you tie yourself to external sources, soon they will begin to be your defining anchor. And all that advice will begin to overwhelm you, pressure you, and pull you apart. The alternative is an anchor that will center you and deepen you. Tether your life to Jesus Christ and find the anchor that gives you confidence.
If you have prayer requests, just let me know and our Prayer Partners will be happy to pray for you this week.
www.facebook.com/groups/apusoulquest.
Blessings,
Kevin
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