The Azusa Pacific Blog
Thoughts, ideas, and information from APU students, faculty, and staff
Archive for the ‘Student Life’ Category
Goals
Kevin Mannoia Tuesday, January 29th, 2013
When you began your academic program, you had some kind of goal in mind. A new job, a promotion, a larger pay check or some intrinsic desire to know more or develop personally. I suppose there are even some who simply like the idea of having letters after their name. That’s okay. It’s an image they seek to live up to. Whatever the reason, I do hope that your program and experience here at APU will help you to achieve those goals – whatever they were. More than that, though, I pray that you will be open to the possibility that in addition to goals that YOU have for your life, God may also have some goals for your life. I do not presume to tell you what those are, but I or any of our chaplains would love to explore that with you if you are not sure. In any case, I hope that you will consider the possibility that God has some goal in mind for you. What a wonderful journey to discover and embrace that too.
Please let me know if you have a prayer request. We will pray for you.
Blessings,
Kevin
www.facebook.com/groups/apusoulquest
Object of Your Affection
Kevin Mannoia Monday, January 14th, 2013
He went car shopping and found one that was absolutely cool! And to make things even better, it was actually within reach financially. From that point on for a few days he could think of nothing but that car, what it would be like to drive it, how it would shape his image, and what he needed to do to get the financing and buy it. It became the object of his affection. His daily routine revolved around the task of making it work; his conversations quickly slid into discussions of the process of purchasing it. His life seemed to revolve around his affection.
So what’s the object of your affection these days? Of course there will be times when it changes – perhaps today it’s your new job, or the pay increase, or the upcoming vacation, or even a new home. These are all temporary and one will quickly give way to the next. While they are wonderfully fun, they are only a shadow of the constancy of Jesus Christ. Above all the other passing things, set your affection on Jesus. Amazing how your conversation, schedule, priorities and thinking will soon point to Him – the object of your affection!
If you have prayer requests, send them to me and our Prayer Partners will pray for you!
Blessings on you today,
Kevin www.facebook.com/groups/apusoulquest
Kevin www.facebook.com/groups/apusoulquest
One Missing Piece
Kevin Mannoia Tuesday, January 8th, 2013
The mother and daughter spent part of their vacation time working on the 2000 piece puzzle. After the daughter went back to work, the mom completed it – except for one piece that she could not find anywhere! And the puzzle wasn’t finished without it. A few days later, the daughter texted her, “Oh, by the way, I hid one piece of the puzzle!” She proceeded to provide the last piece that finished it and made the picture complete.
Your life is like 2000 pieces of a puzzle. And at times you may wonder how it all fits together. And there’s a piece that seems to elude you. Then Jesus shows up and puts the one missing piece in place – and it all fits. Not that He’s hiding it from you, but perhaps faith is built in the times where the piece is missing. Can you trust Him to bring that one piece to connect it all? Whether you see the complete picture of your journey or not Christ is walking with you and in unexpected ways puts the one missing piece in place to make things come together. Keep walking in faith!
If you have a prayer request, please hit reply and our Prayer Partners will pray for you.
And join others in SoulQuest at: www.facebook.com/groups/apusoulquest
Blessings,
Kevin
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
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
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