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Tragedy in Tuscon

January 11, 2011 by Anna Mangeni

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

This past weekend a man started shooting at a shopping center where Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was meeting her constituents.  The man killed six people and wounded 14 including the congresswoman.  It is a tragedy and many are questioning the political rhetoric that has been taking place in the media and during the political campaigns.  This past year we have heard a lot of negative speech.  Some of the rhetoric has been full of hate.  So many are questioning if this type of speech led to this man’s shooting spree and targeting Congresswoman Giffords?  We may never know.

The bible says that a harsh word stirs up anger.  So we have to take responsibility that what we say does effect others.  Our words have consequences and can affect others.  So politicians and the media have to realize their negative speech is taken to heart by many and can stir up anger in people.

Since the shooting many in politics and the media have said that the political rhetoric needs to be toned down.  It is time to really watch what is said and know that it can cause others to do crazy things like go on a shooting spree.

We can disagree but we do not need to use negative words or hate to attack one another or tear each other down.  A gentle answer can also have a profound effect on a person; a gentle word can actually cause a person to turn away from their anger.  As Christians we should always look to have a gentle answer for someone, even an angry person.

Posted in Love, The Righteous | Leave a Comment »

To Be Watchful…

January 6, 2011 by Anna Mangeni

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1:7-8

It is a New Year and usually there are groups claiming that this is the year Jesus will return and rapture the church.  They warn people to watch and pray because Jesus can return any day.

In 2000, I was very involved with the end time theories and actually did believe then we were living in the last days and thought there would only be a few years left of the world.  In 2000 I didn’t imagine us being in 2011.  I was so consumed by the end times teaching that I found it difficult to really focus on anything else and found myself in angry debates, attacking anyone who disagreed with me.

Because I was so fixated on the rapture and the day Jesus would return I found it very difficult to hear from God and His plan for my life.  Eventually, I came upon this scripture and realized that it was not for me to know the day and hour of Jesus’ return, but I was responsible for being a witness for Jesus.  So I prayed for God’s will in my life and for the past ten years God has continued to guide me and direct my steps.

I would now argue that watching and praying involves hearing from God and doing what He says.  Every Christian has been given the mandate to take the gospel to the world.  It does not mean everyone has to become a missionary but we should be witnesses for Jesus wherever we are; including our schools, jobs, homes, families, etc.

When the disciples received Jesus’ last instruction before His ascension they believed they would see Jesus return in their lifetime.  They spent their days and lives spreading the gospel and doing the things they saw Jesus doing.  After the Holy Spirit came and empowered them they were able to go out and preach the gospel, heal the sick, raise the dead, plant churches and make more disciples.  The Kingdom of God spread as anticipated the Lord’s return.

This is our same mandate.  As we wait for Jesus’ return, we are to be doing the same things Jesus did.  We have been given charge to spread the Kingdom while we are here on earth.  It really is not about looking out for ourselves and making sure we will be raptured when Jesus comes; all believers have that promise.  Instead we are to be witnesses for those that do not know Jesus.  The Kingdom of God is not about mere talk but of power.  Jesus told the disciples that the Holy Spirit would come and empower them and the Holy Spirit is present now to empower us to preach the gospel and make disciples in the entire world.

We do not know the exact day Jesus will return but when He does my prayer is that He will find us doing the work He left us to do; that we will be able to testify that we took the gospel to the ends of the world.  Let us have the same compassion Jesus had for the people, and in these last days be true witness of Jesus and His love for the world.  Let us remember it is God’s desire that none should perish but all should come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Posted in Jesus, Salvation, The Holy Spirit | 2 Comments »

Power of the Cross

January 5, 2011 by Anna Mangeni

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

On January 4, 2011, the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial in San Diego was declared unconstitutional by a federal appeals court because of the 43 foot cross on top of the memorial.  The court ruled that the cross violated the constitutional ban on government sponsored religion.  This court case has been brewing since the 1980s.  More and more courts are finding public places that display the cross, bible or ten commandments as government sponsored religion.  I find this interesting because I thought the constitution protected religious freedom.

There has been a cross at Mount Soledad since 1913.  The cross was replaced in the 1920s and in 1954.  So this cross has been a symbol at Mount Soledad for almost 100 years, but today it was declared unconstitutional (“California Memorial Cross Found Unconstitutional” by Steve Gorman Reuters, January 4, 2011). 

Many are offended by the cross.  It is a Christian symbol and to us Christians it is a symbol and reminder that Jesus Christ died on the cross so that we might live.  Those who do not know Jesus see the cross as foolishness.  According to the courts, our government should not endorse nor display the cross anywhere on public property.  We know the cross represents the power of God.

We will probably see more and more cases being brought to the federal courts and even the Supreme Court regarding the use of religious symbols on public property.  It may seem as we are losing our religious freedoms but remember that the cross represents the power of God.

The court did not rule if the cross at Mount Soledad has to be removed, but even if it does come down the power of the cross is not diminished.  Nothing can nullify what happened on the cross.  It is because of the cross that we have been reconciled to God.  It is a symbol and reminder of God’s love for the world when He sent His only begotten Son Jesus to die for our sins.  Let’s pray that one day everyone will understand the true power behind the cross.

Posted in Crucified, government, Jesus, Love, Salvation, Sin, The Righteous | Leave a Comment »

What Are You Meditating On?

January 3, 2011 by Anna Mangeni

This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.  Joshua 1:8

This scripture encourages us to meditate on the word of God every day.  In today’s society it is especially important.  2011 has just begun and most people do not have a good outlook for the year.  I have been reading stories about how the economy will continue to falter, prices are going up, people are without jobs, more people will lose their homes and things will continue to get worse.  Where is the hope?  The News can be quite depressing.

There is a lot of hope in the bible.  So I encourage you to focus on what God is saying and not the people of the world.  Bless someone with a positive word and make their day.  We do not have to participate in a doom and gloom forecast of life.  We don’t have to meditate on the things that destroy but instead we focus on the Word and we build ourselves and others up.

I am always encouraged when I read the bible.  Just one word from God will change my outlook on my day.  When I begin to feel stress and not sure what to do, I turn to the Word and I have always found a word to change my mood for the better.

I hope this word encourages you today.  Meditate on what God is saying and make sure you do what His word says and you will be successful in all that you do.

Posted in The Word | Leave a Comment »

New Year and New Decade

January 1, 2011 by Anna Mangeni

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.  2 Corinthians 5:17

It is a New Year and a New Decade.  I love the beginning of the year because the year holds such promise and expectation.  Many of us make resolutions for the New Year only to find that most of the resolutions we make do not come to pass.

However, I am determined to make a new resolution and see that the Lord makes it come to pass.  My New Year resolution is to write.  The Lord is always speaking something to me or showing me something new in His word.  I also have very vivid dreams but have been lazy in not writing them down.  So my plan is to write more.

Last night I asked the Lord how I can step into my destiny and He told me “to write it down.”  So intend to write more and watch what the Lord will do.  So I encourage you to step into your destiny and resolve to do whatever you need to do to fulfill your God given destiny.

Posted in God's Glory | Leave a Comment »

Nothing New Under the Sun

December 31, 2010 by Anna Mangeni

14I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him. 15That which is has been already and that which will be has already been, for God seeks what has passed by.   Ecclesiastes 3: 14-15

What a year 2010 has been.  I hope you had a wonderful year.  I have seen God do some amazing things and I expect even more in 2011.  I want to wish you a Happy New Year and I pray that you will be more blessed in 2011.  I want to thank all my readers for your support this year and the encouragement so many have given me.

As I reflect back on this year I think how there is really nothing new under the sun as it pertains to life.  There is nothing we ever encounter that has not been experienced by others or the past.  History does have a way of repeating itself.  We can learn from others, even from our past mistakes.  I believe that God really does use our experiences to minister and bless others – this is my heart’s desire.  I am finding more and more that I minister best out of my own experiences when I share with others how God carried me through.

In 2011, my blog will be changing.  My focus will still be on the word of God but I would like to get more personal and show how the word relates to our everyday experiences.  There is a word for every situation and every problem found in the bible.  Many things we experience today were experienced even in biblical times.  Whatever God does remains forever, so what He did for those in the Old Testament, He still does today.  I have been able to always relate a scripture, a person, or a story from the bible to whatever I am going through in the moment.  So I would like to share with you how we can find answers for many of life situations in the bible.

My blog will still be titled “Reflections” but I will reflect more on my own experience and relate a scripture to what I have experienced.  I also encourage comments and questions, and I have opened up my comment section.  You no longer need me to approve your comments; post what you like, but please no profanity.  At some point I will be moving my blog to its own website but will let you know of all the changes.

As we enter 2011 may we learn from 2010; for many 2010 has been challenging, but 2010 was just a preparation for 2011.  We should always look to go from faith to faith and from glory to glory.  Hopefully, your faith is greater now than it was in 2009 and it will be greater still in 2011.  Our best days are still ahead of us.  Tomorrow is a New Day and a New Year, most important God’s mercies will be New.

Posted in The Word | Leave a Comment »

Merry Christmas

December 25, 2010 by Anna Mangeni

10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;

11for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.   Luke 2:10-11

I hope you had a very Merry Christmas.  I had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends.  As I reflect on the meaning of Christmas, I am always amazed at how people try to be their best during this season.  Even though Christmas has become very commercial, and Jesus is not discussed as much it is still my favorite holiday.

There are those that argue Jesus was not born on December 25th, that we are foolish to celebrate the holiday.  It is during this time of year people give the most of their time and money.  Retailers love this time of year because usually they do almost 50% of their business in the last quarter in holiday sales.  I love it because it really does bring people together.

I am so thankful to God for my family and friends.  I remember some Christmas’ when I was single that I either was alone or was at work.  I remember one particular Christmas that I spent all alone and I was miserable.  So I treasure these days now because I am no longer alone and find such joy in giving gifts.

What is your favorite thing about Christmas?  Jesus may not have been born on December 25th but it is important that we acknowledge and celebrate Jesus.  It is a time to celebrate friends and family.  So make sure you tell your loved ones how important they are.  Jesus was a gift given to us by God, and it is the gift that keeps on giving.

Merry Christmas!

Posted in Jesus, Love | Leave a Comment »

Gift Giving

December 22, 2010 by Anna Mangeni

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him! Matthew 7:11

This is the first Christmas that my children (6 years old and 4 years old) are excited about the holiday and have asked for a specific gift.  In the past we just bought them things based on what they liked.  My 6 year old son is asking for one gift.  Every time someone asks him what he wants he mentions this one gift.  When we purchased the gift my husband said our son will be so happy.  We are looking forward to seeing his face when he opens the gift.  He doesn’t know we have already bought it but lets us know everyday what he wants for Christmas.

I began to meditate on the above scripture because there is nothing more than I want to do is give our children the desires of their heart.  I couldn’t imagine depriving my son of the one gift he wants, or buying him something he does not like.  So if I know how to give good gifts to my children how much more will our Father in Heaven give what we ask of Him?

The fullness of the earth belongs to God.  God takes great pleasure in giving us gifts; every good and perfect gift is from God.  He even gives us gifts we do not ask for but knows what is best for us.  I think of my own children, at times they want something that is not good for them to have.  I will not give them what may hurt them but will give them something even better.  Also, there are times I wish I could fulfill all of my children’s desires but sometimes I don’t have the ability.  However, God has the ability to give us good and perfect gifts.

My son doesn’t exactly know when he will receive his gift.  He knows it will be on Christmas but doesn’t fully understand when Christmas will come or even if he will get the gift he wants.  But I know when he will get his gift and I know it is what he has wanted for the past few months.  I’m holding onto his gift until the right moment.  God does the same thing.   He has what we want and knows the exact time we will receive what He has.  He is just as excited as we are and possibly even more excited anticipating our response to His goodness.

Posted in Love, The Father, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

When Healing Does Not Come The Way We Want

December 21, 2010 by Anna Mangeni


15“For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them.

16“They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat;

17for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”  Revelation 7:15-17

This past weekend I received news that a boy we prayed for during our mission trip in Uganda died.  We met this 16 year old boy and his mother during our mission trip in Kumi, Uganda.  This boy was malnourished, mentally disabled, and had spent a lot of the time tied by the neck with a rope so he wouldn’t run away.  The Lord led us to pray for this boy, baptize him and rename him Peter.  We prophesied to Peter and His mother that God had great plans for him.  Peter gave His life to the Lord.  As we walked away God said the greater miracle of salvation took place.  I knew that even the angels in heaven rejoiced.  We looked forward to see what God was going to do in Peter’s life.  Unfortunately, sometime later Peter died.

There are times that physical healing does not come like we want.  We pray for family members to become well but there are those who do not make it.  I do not know why everyone does not get healed but I know God is a healer.

This past year, I know several people who lost their loved ones (parents, spouse, children) to sickness even after prayer and having faith that God would heal them completely.  As I reflect on Peter I am reminded about where Peter is and that is heaven.  The above scripture gives me such comfort in knowing that Peter is home.  I have no doubt that our meeting Peter was a divine moment orchestrated by God because on that day, Peter gave his life to Jesus, was baptized, and was renamed by God.  Today he sits in the very presence of God without pain, no longer hungry or thirsty, his suffering has ended.

I don’t know why Peter died.  I don’t know why others died even after the prayer of the saints.  I have learned to rejoice even in the death of the believer because their life has not ended but they simply have passed from this life to the next.

We must remember that God is always concerned most about the condition of a man’s soul.  Salvation is greater than any physical healing that can take place.  What if Peter was physically healed and hadn’t given his life to Jesus would he really be better off?  No.  That is why I rejoice because God chose to save Peter’s soul.  The day Peter gave his life to Jesus was the day death lost its hold on Peter’s soul.

Posted in Healing, Love, Salvation, The Father, The Righteous | 2 Comments »

God is Looking For You!

November 9, 2010 by Anna Mangeni

20“So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.  Luke 15:20

Often times our view of God is that He is just sitting on His throne watching the world go by, not really involved unless we engage Him.  Jesus showed us the Father when He was here on earth.  Jesus did not show us an aloof God but a Father that loves His children.  In Luke 15 Jesus tells of three parables dealing with the lost sheep, lost coin and the prodigal son.  In all three parables the person is looking for what has been lost and rejoices when they have found the thing they are looking for.

God is like the Father in the parable of the prodigal son.  When the son left with all his money, his father did not disown him but waited for him to return.  He probably looked out the door and window many times hoping his son would return.    When the son began to make his way back, the father saw him off in the distance and began to run toward his son.  God is the same way.  He is always looking for us and seeking after us to return to Him.

Unfortunately, we think God doesn’t care and many times washes his hands of us when we have sinned again and again or when we have wondered far from Him.  God loves us because He created us.  He created us in His image and breathed life into each one of us.  When we became separated from God, He sent Jesus to bridge the gap and to atone for our sins.  Through Jesus we have redemption and our relationship with God the Father has been restored.

See God is looking for you and wanting you to come home.  He doesn’t care where you have been or what you have done, just come home.  Even if you lost your way, He will find you – just call and He will come running.  As you approach God’s throne of grace, He will come embracing and kissing you just like Jesus tells us in the parable.

Posted in Grace, Jesus, Knowing God, Love, Salvation, The Father | Leave a Comment »

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