The Azusa Pacific Blog

Two People

Kevin Mannoia — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 21:27:35 +0000

Everybody is looking at you in some way — what you are wearing, what you are doing, how you are speaking, how you interact with others, how you do your job, even what you eat. Everything they think about you is based upon what they see. There are two people, though, who see farther — you and God. An audience of two. The two of you are the only ones who know whether what others see is really a reflection of what is inside. And God is interested in helping you be sure that what is inside is strong, healthy, and Christ-like. If it is, then what everybody else sees will reflect that. Remember that who you are is more important than what you do.

If you have a request for prayer, let me know so our Prayer Partners can pray for you.

Blessings,

Kevin

www.facebook.com/groups/apusoulquest

Pause

Kevin Mannoia — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 17:25:03 +0000

Moments of pause are often thought of as what follows a crisis. Something dramatic happens and it “gives you pause.” If often means something bad, or heart-stopping. Mostly, though, it is a break, a diversion, a moment when you can center your thinking, your emotions, your spirit and be reminded of what is truly important. Obviously life must go on, but don’t lose the opportunity to take a breath, do something different, and reflect on the love of Christ for you. Let that pause deepen you. It may only be for 5 or 15 minutes, but don’t overlook the power that it can have in your soul. Take 15 minutes and go to a park, sit in your easy chair, wait in your car, walk on the beach — something that is different. And in so doing let Christ fill the pause with His love for you, and the grace that feeds your spirit.

Please let me know if you have any prayer requests. Our Prayer Partners are happy to pray for you.

Blessings,

Kevin

www.facebook.com/groups/apusoulquest

Goals

Kevin Mannoia — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 23:02:46 +0000

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 — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 21:39:23 +0000

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

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One Missing Piece

Kevin Mannoia — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 22:11:10 +0000

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 — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 21:24:01 +0000

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 — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:11 +0000

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

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Just A Part

Kevin Mannoia — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 20:11:06 +0000

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 — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 15:00:06 +0000

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 — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 18:40:18 +0000

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

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