Decisions Determine Destiny

What is your destiny? Where are you headed? People tell us that we should set goals, deadlines, benchmarks. Like water, what you decide to do today, will ripple through eternity. It never stops. Every action today has a reaction tomorrow, so it is wise to heed their advice.

What about your spiritual life? People set goals for their physical life like exercising, eating healthy and losing weight. We set financial goals like getting out of debt and saving for retirement. We even set goals for our children, business and ministry, but what about our spirit?

Are your spiritual goals just to get through this life without harm? Just to connect with God daily? If so, you aim too low, you are too short-sighted. The spiritual goals you set for yourself should have eternal gains. For example, the goal is not just to read the bible daily, but to study it and be able to teach it to others who can then teach others.

Our God is big. Set bigger goals. Aim higher. Reach further. Think broader. Eternity starts NOW!

Prayer: Father, help me to make wise decisions today, tomorrow, this week and the months and years to come. Let me not waste time, but invest in eternity in Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Action: Write out your life goal. What do you want to accomplish before it is all over. Morbid...I know, but purposeful!

Watch the Scope: https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1YqxowwRQNBxv

What Authority?

I am a lover of words. One of my first thoughts when hearing the word Authority is Author. It reminds me then of this scripture:

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 KJV

Authority is for our edification, to build us up. He is writing our story. Since He has the power to do that, it is at His discretion to empower us and to make us an authority, a representative of Him. Acts 1:8 speaks of the power that we have to witness for instance. The Lord will give us everything we need to accomplish His will in our lives. We have everything that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

The authority that Jesus had on earth came from God. The power Jesus gives us is through His Spirit. Claim your rightful authority as a child of God. 

1. The name of Jesus gives you authority.

2. You have authority over satan and evil spirits.

3. Authority over the flesh is yours.

4. God gives you authority over your thoughts.

There are others, but these are a good starting place. What God gives you authority over, He can maintain and finish.

Prayer: Lord, You are the authority in my life. Help me to claim my rightful authority as one that belongs to the Most High King in Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Action: Pray for those in authority over you.

Watch the Scope: https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1BRJjkagzlLxw

Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution. Reconciliation. It is a very biblical issue. Matthew 18:15-18 gives us direction as far as how to address these types of problems.

First, go the the person who has offended or sinned against you. If you have no basis or proof of this issue, it may not be a conflict at all. Go get the scripture that proves your point or have evidence of the sin. Think about if this is truly worth your time. Sometimes when emotions surrounding an issue are de-esculated, you find out that it was not a big deal at all. If that is NOT the case, proceed to the next biblical step.

Second, tell someone in authority at church if the person does not hear you. You need to widen the circle and have reasons for your accusation against someone. Obviously, this is an important move. Do not ignore the situation or look to this world for justice. If you do not trust your Pastor or Minister at church, there is even a bigger issue. The Church is a hospital, but it is also a courtroom. Let's resolve our issues in the Body of Christ. Prayer and surrounding yourself with good counsel works. Be ready to accept that you just MIGHT be wrong. Be ready to forgive!

Thirdly, make a separation between the two of you. If this person cannot receive that they committed error and ask for forgiveness, they should be treated as a "tax collector"...lol! In bible days, those who collected tax were not honorable, honest and respectable. It may be hard, but pray for wisdom to guide your affairs with discretion if you have to deal with them. The Bible never instructs us to put our trust in people. It is wisdom to put a difference there.

Prayer: Lord, teach me to be a peacemaker and one who reconciles relationships. Show me how to forgive and to receive forgiveness in Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Action: Ask the Lord to reveal to you any relationships in need of conflict resolution then take the steps needed to put things in order biblically!

Watch the Scope: https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1yNGaeybBAdGj

Roadtrip conflicts happen...too often!!

Thank You for 20K!!

We are so super grateful for the readers of our blog. Who ever thought that anyone would ever give a hoot about reading about our married lives, ministry and family adventures? Obviously some of you consider us worth your time and we are appreciative!

In honor of this blessed event, we would like to have a little contest :) We are hoping to continue to expand our readership, so when we hit at least 10 subscribers, we will send out a "thank you" package to the follower who leaves the most comments on the blog from now until August 8th (Anita's birthday!!). You must be following the blog, so leave your email on the bottom right of the blog or send us a message that you are entering our contest :)

So, read on and may the best comment-er win!!

Fifteen Things We Know about Marriage!

Our African themed celebration. See social media for more pics!

On July 21st at 11:30am we were officially celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary. It has been a rollercoaster in many ways. We wanted to share with our readers just a few words of advice from one couple to another and pray that it encourages you to your 15th year and beyond! 

1. Laughing together is important. We have learned to laugh in good and bad times. We realized that we both have this nervous giggle...and we think it's funny. Laughter is like medicine for your marriage! Proverbs 17:22
2. Be your spouse's biggest cheerleader. When we do well at something, we congratulate each other. We also spur each other on to do even more. Hebrews 10:24, 1 Thessalonians 5:11
3. Have a grace space. Let your spouse talk to you and you talk to them. We all need to listen and give each other time to share what is on our hearts. We try to do this weekly and going to bed furious with your spouse never works well. James 4:7-10, Ephesians 4:26
4. Forgive quickly. It really does heal your heart and that of your mate. James 5:16
5. Pray with and for each other. You will not meet all of the needs of your spouse, only God can do that; so ask for His wisdom in how to love them best in a way they understand. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
6. Children are a blessing, but not your first priority. Your marriage relationship requires time and effort. Make sure the kids understand this and they will be better prepared for marriage as well. Amos 3:3
7. Eat together. There is nothing like the bond formed over a shared meal. The Church ate together and marriage is a picture of Christ and His Church. You have to eat, so eat together at least once a day! Acts 2:46
8. Date whenever and however you can! Get creative. It is important that you keep the flame lit. You are not dating to get to know each other per se, but it is to have fun together & make memories. 
9. Find at least 2 things in common that you both enjoy. Lots of couples are opposites, but when the kids are gone, you do not want to be strangers. Find a new hobby or gain some mutual interests.
10. Keep folks out of your business. We learned that not everyone has our best interests at heart. Keep your marriage between the two of you unless you are speaking with a Godly marriage mentor (like us) or a counselor.
11. Be the peacemaker. When we argue (yes, it happens), we try to be the first one to make peace. Matthew 5:9
12. Have LOTS of sex and touch often. Intimacy happens all day every day even if you don't actually do the deed. Touching like hugs, kisses and a slap on the butt or holding hands keep you "in the mood". Proverbs 5:19, Song of Solomon
13. Common courtesy goes a long way. Don't treat strangers better than your spouse. Saying thank you and excuse me go a long way when you live with someone. Love is not rude. 1 Corinthians 13
14. Learn how to help in sickness. It is important to take care of each other even if one of you is not a nurse...lol. We have learned to serve each other and comfort in sickness. It is seldom discussed regarding marriage, but important! Jeremiah 31:4
15. Encourage other couples. Wherever you are in your marriage, you can edify another couple. Let's decrease the rate of divorce by being open and willing to share our hardships and our victories. No marriage is an island!

Churchy

When Jesus established His Church it was down a very hard path. The Church was founded on blood not brick and mortar. It was the responsibility of the disciples to continue to build and expand it. It was not enlarged with finances, loans and mortgages, but with the power of the gospel and their testimonies.

When we hear the term "churchy" today, it has a negative connotation as if something is wrong with being a part of God's Church. Some feel as though too much church brings a disconnect from earthly things...well, that may be correct actually. Where in the Bible are we told to fit it, assimilate and imitate the world. How is making Church more worldly a good thing.

Let's really think about this. Lovers of the world are enemies of God. Trying to make church more suitable for the residents of this world seems like an oxymoron.

The gospel is offensive. It was never meant to make us comfortable in this wordly environment, so why do we expect people who are not in the family of God to understand things of the spirit?  

Many things that are church-like are in no way related to what Jesus came to establish. It does not resemble the Bride that He is returning for. Jesus came to show us our sin and how far from God we really were. Not only that, but He also came to be the bridge needed to connect that relationship. He is our Priest and lives forever to make intercession for us. We cannot know God or be a part of the Church - the Body of Christ - without that relationship.

So if churchy means that we denounce every part of what it means to be worldly, are you ready to embrace that? Jesus did. He was born here just like us, but when questioned about His family, He identified His family as those of the faith. The Bible speaks of being born gain, not of water, but by the blood of Christ. When you are born in to the spiritual body you realize that all that you knew is changed. Church becomes a priority and you have a new family, new vision and new priorities. You learn to stand out instead of blending in. We are not home yet, this is just a lifelong journey towards eternity!

Prayer: Father, I am in this world, but not of it. Teach me to live as a stranger, a foreigner who is just passing through. Help me to understand the things of the Spirit and to help build your Church, your Kingdom in this earth in Jesus name I pray, Amen!

Action: Imagine that you are an alien. List some things that make you different or peculiar from those not born again.

Watch the Scope: https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1YqxowPedMkxv

The Response | Hope is Here

Can we just take a praise break for what God has done in my city??!

During the Republican National Convention, I was a part of a big team that did 24/7 Prayer, Worship and Bible Reading and Street Evangelism. It all culminated in a huge weekend concert in which I was able to minister. Look at God using those who say "Yes"!

Big thanks to the organizers of "The Response 2016" and "Hope is Here 2016". God did it. He kept our city safe, saved souls and lit up Cleveland for Jesus.

It is nice to minister far away, but what a blessing to serve your neighbors!

Jesus is Lord of Cleveland!

Together 2016

Jesus is the Reset!

Harp & Bowl experience w/my Messianic Jewish brothers & sisters!

People waiting in line for the concert!

Compassion

Compassion is usually a strong feeling of empathy towards someone or something. If we are to be compassionate like Jesus Christ, we need to be willing to let others touch us. Sometimes, we are so fascinated with our own lives that we do not look to see who is around us. In the biblical story of the woman with an issue of blood, she pressed her way through the crowd to touch Jesus. He did not ignore her. Compassion and virtue overwhelmed him. He looked around to see who had touched him.

Who is trying to reach out to you that you are ignoring? Who could you be sharing the love of Jesus with that you just pass by? It is important to let our hearts be hurt by the things that hurt God's heart. When we withdraw from the hurt and pain of the world we are less like Jesus. He felt every sting of criticism and every frustration. He willingly entered into pain in order to set us free from it. The Passion of the Christ started with compassion for all of us.

Obviously, we cannot be Christ, but we can bring Him into a situation and He can change it. We can introduce others to Him and their lives can be changed for the better. If we are compassionate that is.

Prayer: Lord, open our eyes to those who are hurting around us. Let us not be so self-absorbed that we dismiss the chances to show compassion.

Action: Go through your mail from the past week. Are there any chances to show compassion? Pray about what you should do then do it.

Watch the Scope: https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1OdJrbkrgmVJX

Make Disciples

My Prayer:

Lord, you said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature...(Mark 16:15)". That would be EVERYONE! What a phenomenal commission. So you mean the black, white, asian, native american and Indian people? The Alaskans and the indigenous Afrikaans, the Amish and Irish folks? Hmmm...are you sure about that God? Some people may feel like they cannot relate to you because your son was Jewish. Does that matter, really? How about the rich people? Even Jesus said that it would be nearly impossible for them to make it into heaven...but still possible?

God's Response:

Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Mark 16:15-16

And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world, Amen. Matthew 28:18-20


Prayer: Lord, I thank you for my salvation and deliverance. Help me not to keep it to myself. I want to be Your disciple and I want to disciple others to do the same. Give me the courage, boldness and determination to center my life around the Great Commission in Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Action: Make a list of those you know who need to know Jesus. Begin to pray and ask the Lord how you can share your testimony with them and an opportunity to disciple them.

Watch the Scope: https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1djGXXBjbDLGZ

Getting Close

Closer....

Pray for us. Making disciples out of these two!!

Thirty Days of Prayer for our Marriages

Here are the links to the *30 Scopes of Prayer for Marriages in order. I pray that these are a blessing to marriages around the globe. We must pray without ceasing for our relationships so that God is glorified in our marriages!

1. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1jMJglLARwlxL
2. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1vAxRRvLkOXxl
3. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1MnxnjDrbvNxO
4. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1yoKMYoqPZOKQ
5. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1djGXkWROoPKZ
6. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1ypKdnbQlwNJW
7. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1RDGlwegZOdKL
8. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1PlJQjwREzqxE
9. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1YqKDVMzmLzJV
10. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1djGXwaBaQLKZ
11. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1ZkKzvgMdnZKv
12. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1nAKEqqolWgKL
13. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1vAxRppYReNGl
14. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1YpKkpoOdNrGj
15. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1OdKrwYdAYwGX
16. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1lPJqzYAjDdxb
17. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1YqGoZEnvQZKv
18. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1PlKQjZoPlqGE
19. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1jMJgnoqYDwGL
20. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1YpKkpNnmnwGj
21. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1lDGLepopzQJm
22. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1gqxvMlbDPRJB
23. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1OyKAlVYBnrxb
24. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1YqKDVgyWWAJV
25. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1nAKEqpZOoAKL
26. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1rmGPpvZWXDGN
27. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1MYGNBlqqlRGw
28. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1eaKbLbnalVJX
29. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1djGXXgdNlNGZ
30. https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1DXxylwejDWJM

*Adapted from the book "30 Days of Marriage Prayers" by Dr. Tony Evans

Practice makes Perfect?

Practice makes perfect. Is that really true. With lots of willpower and perseverance you can be and do anything you want. Is it all a matter of desire and true grit? Some people believe that what you want will come to you if you concentrate enough and will it to be there. However, without God in that equation, something just doesn't add up.

If we are all so powerful, how come after years of practice we are still not perfect? I will tell you why. Only God is perfect so anything perfected must come from Him. We read this verse in the Bible that says in Matthew 5:48:

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Perfection is always equated with God Himself. We cannot find it apart from Him. However, we should be practicing holiness and righteousness. We should strive to sin less every day. We need to practice peace, practice love, practice forgiveness and practice patience. No, it may not make you perfect, but the perfect One will be glorified in your life!

Prayer: God, thank You for being such a perfect Savior. Help me not to rely on my own efforts, but to trust you in everything. Make me like you in Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Action: What are you trying to accomplish in your own strength? Ask for God's help instead.

Watch the Scope: https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1RDGlkeBnmjKL

Object of our Worship

I remember getting very upset one time because Maurice casually mentioned that he loved a particular thing. I got offended because I just thought that the word "love" should only refer to certain people....namely, me! How dare he so effortlessly let those words fly off his tongue when my name was not in the sentence. Did he care for this something more than his wife? God forbid!

Ok, maybe, just maybe, I was a little hormonal at the time. However, I wonder what things we consider trivial that God considers important. What things might we even worship in the place where God belongs, perhaps even unintentionally?

Not sure? Well here is a sure fire test. Look at your financial accounts and tell me what you spend the most on. Analyze your time and tell me how much time you spend doing a particular activity, and with whom do you spend it? Usually, people's hearts are wrapped up in time and money.

The object of your affection may be someone or something worthwhile, but until your heart's desire is Christ, your true worship lies elsewhere.

I love my husband. I love my boys. I probably have also used the word love when I shouldn't have at times. Most likely, we all have. However, the Bible is very clear about our sacrifice to follow after Christ and it's huge!

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26

Sounds harsh, but worship is pure adoration, love and devotion. In comparison to anything we love, we must love Jesus MORE! More than family, more than money, more than our own lives. Let's carefully examine our hearts and their true motives. If Jesus is not the object of your worship, you may need to make a change.

Prayer: Jesus, I have put other things in Your place in my life. I am so sorry. You are the most important person in my life. Help me to make You the obvious priority in all that I do starting today. In Your precious name I pray, Amen!

Action: How can you place Jesus higher than those you love the most? Let your loved ones know that you love them, but not more than Jesus.

Watch the Scope: https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1ynJOzEvDrVGR

Watch

Our boys are growing much faster than we anticipated these days. We wake up and they are taller, smarter and eat much more than we budgeted for! We are watching them get older, but even in doing that, it still surprises us. It takes 18 years to grow to adulthood, but it seems like a blink of an eye.

Do you wear a watch? Why? It tells you the time so that you can organize your day, tell if you are early or running late for the next event. It helps you to keep track of "when". We often hear people say "Where did the time go?". You wear a watch, yet, time gets away from you.

The Bible informs us that it is important to be aware of the time. Here are some verses:

Luke 21:36
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son.

Matthew 25:13
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Matthew 24:36
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.

There is a warning attached to knowing the time. Basically, it is short and moving faster than we could possibly imagine. The Bible tells us to use discernment in our watching. God is outside of time but eternity is set in our hearts. We always "feel" as if there is more time. There isn't! Time is fleeting and only what we do for Christ will last.

Prayer: Lord, make me a good steward of my time. You are a time redeemer. Make up for my missed moments, give me grace for the present and a blessed future in eternity with You in Jesus name I pray, Amen!

Action: Set your watch or timer and hold your breath for 1 minute if you can. Can't do it? Praise the Lord while you have breath.

Watch the Scope: https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1jMKgnRjrjYxL

Spirit-Filled

The Spirit is often compared to water in the Bible. It is everywhere. It is powerful. It is a resource that is refreshing yet overwhelming. We need it. It comes in many forms: liquid like drinking water, solid like ice cubes and gas vapor. Water has three elements, to parts hydrogen and one part oxygen - H2O, three in one. Interesting.

There is no way to tell where it really comes from and where it ends. It seeps into the smallest places and makes its presence known. It can be as big as an iceburg yet as small as a tear.

In the Word of God, the Holy Spirit is also compared to fire. It is explosive and hot, untameable and dangerous. Don't mess with Holy Spirit. He fills and possesses its host. When He is in control, you are not. You may find yourself in a foreign place, with people you used to hate, praying for your enemies and unable to not talk about Jesus. Just speaking from experience...

There is nothing like living a spirit-filled lifestyle. Ask Him to guide your study of the Word and your prayer life. You may even learn a new language. Allow him to take control. It is unlike anything you have ever known.

Prayer: Holy Spirit come and dwell with me. Fill me and use me for Your glory. Let me not quench Your fire in my life (1 Thessalonians 5:19) in Jesus name I pray, Amen!

Action: Drink water and ask God to fill you up with His Spirit.

Watch the Scope: https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1mnxengBgeYKX

Jesus is the Answer

Jesus is the answer for the world today. Above Him there is no other. Jesus is the way!

When Jesus said that He was the way, the truth and the life, He was not kidding. The way to peace is found in Jesus. The way out of depression is found in Jesus. Your joy, contentment and purpose are all wrapped up in God's gift to us - Jesus! Racial tension..yup, we need Jesus. Work issues...you betcha' Jesus is what we need. The missing ingredient to life is Jesus. He makes everything better.

When I go over math problems with our boys, I often remind them that math follows a pattern. There is only one right answer whether you do the problem frontwise, backwards or sideways. It will always come out the same. You can prove your answer every time. Jesus has proven Himself every time. He always will!

Prayer: Sweet Jesus, I look to You for the answer. Be the way I need, the door and the light for my path in this life. Thank you for your sacrifice. You are all I need.

Action: Do some math problems. Remind yourself that there is only one right answer every time.

Watch the Scope: https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1YqKDVozgowJV

Responding to Enemies

Your enemy expects you to fail, to give up, to roll over and die. Period. However, you have a choice to stand up for what is right, to recognize that you are a victor and to rejoice in that fact. People are waiting to see what response you make. Some are basing their decisions on that very response.

The thief cometh not but for to steal and to kill and to destroy: I have come that ye might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

LIfe is more abundant when you realize that the battle is not yours. It is the Lord's. You are merely a pawn on the board, not the King, and the enemy underestimates your power in Christ.

Respond to those used by the enemy  like the Bible instructs.

1. Respond with wisdom - Psalm 119:48

2. Respond with love - Matthew 5:43-44

3. Respond with joy - James 1:2-7

Prayer: Lord, help me to respond appropriately to the threats of the enemy. He is a defeated foe and I am an overcomer. Teach me to war as Ephesians 6 directs me to and not to be caught up with the advice of the world. I look to You to fight my battles, in Jesus name I pray, Amen!

Action: Love your enemies and pray for your them. Bless them that curse you. Do good to those who hate you.

Watch the Scope: https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1ZkJzvbDkWaJv

Your Invitation

There is just something special about being invited to be at an event. You feel included, a part of the action, loved even! When you are the person giving the invitations, you may know in advance exactly who you want to be there, and who you want to exclude as well. Some people RSVP and let you know that they accept and will be at the event while others just show up or "crash the party" uninvited. It used to be customary to thank your host or hostess for an invitation as well. That practice has gone out of style, but it is still a nice gesture.

The enemy of your soul also wishes to extend his invitation to you. He makes grand promises of a wonderful life doing things on your terms instead of seeking the Lord. His invitation catches your eye and is quite appealing really, and you have a choice. Two invites at the same time. Where do you really want to end up?

Jesus extends an invitation to whosoever will hear (Revelation 222:17). You are welcome at His table. You can even bring others with you. His door is always open and there is room for many more. That is what I love about Jesus. He is inclusive and leaves no one out!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I accept Your invitation into my life. My response to You is yes. Yes to whatever You desire of me, from me or for me. Thank you for preparing a place for me in Your Kingdom (John 14:3), Amen!

Action: Get an invitation and invite Jesus to your place then RSVP with Revelation 3:20 and place it in your Bible or a place to help you remember.

Watch the Scope: https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1vOxwPEbWkWKB

A Hospitable Host

Would you be considered a hospitable person? Is the party always at your house? Are people welcome at all times no matter how clean your home is? Are you willing to share what you have with others? Or, maybe you are not. Perhaps people already know that you are not up for visitors...ever. You are just "not that person". You may visit others but you would prefer to be home. Alone. What gives you that desire to extend hospitality or to withhold it?

Listen to what the Bible says about hospitality. 1 Peter 4:9 says to offer hospitality without complaining. Other verses say that leaders should have a hospitable spirit about them. Being a christian does not mean that you should be an extrovert, it just implies that you are willing to share Jesus by using what you have. You may not host 100 people, but inviting 1 person over for coffee or tea to discuss their issue in light of scripture is being a light!

Allowing the Holy Spirit into your life and accepting His invitation makes you a hospitable host as well. Your life is His home and we should make Him welcome. Give the Lord access to even the hidden, dirty, messy and unkept parts of you. Everything in your life does not need to be perfect to let Him in. He wants to clean you up and set you up as a model home! 

Prayer: Lord, make me an example of a model home for You. You are welcome into every aspect of my life. Let me use what I have available to be a light for you. All I have is Yours. My house is your house in Jesus name I pray, Amen!

Action: When was the last time you hosted at your home. Invite someone over for food and fellowship.

Watch the Scope: https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1BdGYXnalmBKX

Hubby on the grill preparing for guests

Part of our yummy spread for the outdoor picnic we hosted

Taking a moment to enjoy each other's company with my mom <3

Friends and family celebrating birthdays

Hamming it up with the guys

Searching

What you are looking at may not be what you are hoping for. Your life may not appear to be what you believe that God has for you, kind of like a shadow right? You can see yourself but it is not perfectly clear what you will be. We strive to be like Jesus and parts of our lives may be similar to what we read in the Bible, but we know that God lives within us. O what a joy it will be to put off this flesh and truly be "seen" as we are...a child of the Invisible God!

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2 

Sometimes we do not know what we are really searching for. We just know that nothing earthly is truly fulfilling. We shop, drink, party, strive for money and riches....searching for something that meets a need we have had all our lives, but what is it? Why can't we grab hold of it?

All that we ever need is in Jesus. No, it's not just a cliche, it's a fact. Every once in a while, we are right there in the right lighting of the Son to see the shadow - a figure of what God sees in us. Ever have a moment like that? God gives us glimpses of heaven's view and we want more, but God tells us to wait. Wait on Him and be of good courage (Psalm 27:14). He will give you the patience to wait until He reveals the object of your search - the very face of Jesus Christ!

Prayer: Lord, we want to see you. We want to see you in our lives, our attitudes and in our decisions. You do not reveal all things to us at once, but You are an on-time God. Help us to trust You even when all we can see is the shadow of the Son.

Action: Spend some time with a young child. Show them how to find their shadow and explain how Jesus is the light of the world.

Watch the Scope: https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1OyKAlOpQRbxb

Sound Mind

God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a sound mind.

What are you thinking about right now? Is it good, pleasant, of good report, virtuous? I need to check my thoughts often. They are not always God-honoring and good. It takes practice to develop a sound mind.

A sound mind also refers to a right mind. When we are not in our right minds, we are being controlled by some other outside force. There once was a demon in the book of Mark that no person could tame. He was out of control and out of his mind. Why? Well...there were thousands of demons controlling him. Jesus casted them all out and they ran into a herd of pigs which dove into the sea (Mark 5).

When we do not surrender our minds to the will of God, we leave them open, fully exposed, to be occupied by whatever comes along. The enemy wanders around seeking for persons that he can devour (1 Peter 5:8). You may have heard that an idle mind is the devil's playground. It's true. Let the Holy Spirit occupy your thoughts so that the enemy does not stand a chance!

Prayer: Lord, I surrender my mind and thoughts to You. Remove anything that is contrary to Your Word and fill me with Phil 4:8 thinking. Teach me to master my mind for your glory in Jesus name I pray, Amen!

Action: Practice meditation. Not the kind that empties your mind, but the kind that focuses your mind on the Words of God in the Bible. Take one scripture and fill your mind and heart with it until there is no room for doubt.

Watch the Scope: https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1mrxmzWnYOqKy

Humility = doing self....less

I am a good person. I bet you are too. I bet if anyone asked you, you would say that you deserve the decent life you live, you may have even worked very hard to be where you are today. Would you even say that you are a humble person?

Pride is so sneaky. Being proud of others is one thing, but being a prideful person is another. My goal in following Jesus is to be like Him. He was humble. He thought of Himself less and others more. He put His desires aside to do whatever His Father asked of Him. Although we was King of all, He was an obvious servant to His disciples. I want to be like Him.

It is healthy to have good self-esteem, but it should not be our aim. We should feel good about ourselves when we please the Lord. His smile is the goal. Less of me and more of you God!

Prayer: Lord, help me not to think of myself more highly than I ought to think. I do not want to be self-absorbed. Give me a sober mind and help me to see others as You see them in Jesus name I pray, Amen!

Action: Just for today, take on the role of a servant. Do what others ask of you without grumbling, complaining or arguing. Serve without being asked and give more than is required. Be self-LESS.

Watch the Scope: https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1OwGWpvEZwRJQ

Do self....less.

The Lost and Found

When you are lost you have no direction, no sense of where you are. When we are lost spiritually, we are tossed about believing all sorts of things, but we have no basis or foundation. I used to be lost and confused, but searching for something (I wasn't even sure what it was!) until Jesus found me.

Many people claim to find religion or get into God, but the fact of the matter is that God is always looking for us. He is relentless in His pursuit of those He loves. He took on the form of a man just so He could relate to us and be with us. Not only that. He died and rose again and left us the Holy Spirit so He could be IN US!

There is nothing greater than to be found by Christ. He reaches into our messy lives and cleans us up. He not only makes us clean, but shines us up and presents us as a prize possession. I don't know about you, but I find that to be extremely humbling! He not only left a donation for our cause, but He purchased our whole salvation and adopted us too. Our only response should be to give Him our all as well.

Prayer: Lord, I give you all of me because You gave Your all for me. How can I present myself as a sacrifice to You today?

Action: Meditate on the fact that God is desperate to be with you today. Do you long for Him as well? What will you do about that right now?

Watch the Scope: https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1vAGRplqLOVxl

Immaturity

No matter what I do, I cannot keep our boys small!! Lol! They are growing quickly daily. A part of me does not like that they are eating more, bigger, faster and smarter, but a part of me is grateful that all these things are happening because they are maturing. They won't be babies, or little boys or pre-teens forever. Like plants, we are simply trying to provide the right conditions. We are also trying to enjoy each challenging phase of growth. The difficulty does not lie in their ages, its just that when we get used to one age or phase, they move to the next. We want them to grow and mature and reproduce, no doubt, it can just be, well...surprising! 

The Lord does not want us to be stagnant in our spiritual development either. He wants us to grow daily, mature quickly and reproduce as well. The challenge is those in-between phases of change. We just don't fit into the clothes or habits we used to wear. We are outgrowing worldly and secular friendships and environments. We can read for ourselves now. 

We are learning to be teachers instead of students and not only grow up, but lead others in discipleship.

How have you grown in the past year? Measure your growth by your spiritual appetite and development. Are old sinful habits dying away? Do you embrace new challenges that increase your faith or do you still shy away? Have you matured to the point of reproduction? Are others learning about Jesus from you? 

Prayer: Lord, I do not want to stop growing spiritually. Show me areas in my life that need to be stretched or strengthened. Put me in the right conditions to grow into what you have planted in me. Let me not rebel against your guidance, but embrace maturity in Jesus name I pray, Amen!

Action: Find some old pictures at various phases in your life. Make a timeline of physical and spiritual growth through the years. Were there periods of immaturity or no growth at all? What can you do to provide conditions that will push you forward?

Watch the scope: https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1eaKbewYbeaxX

The End is near...now what?

The end of the world is NEAR!! It's so not a cliche anymore. Everyone is aware of the devastation happening in the world and how God is being pushed aside in all facets of life in schools, businesses and even in the Church. How are we to repond to these end-times?

Well, first we must be aware, awake and alert. I used to not watch the news at all. I was afraid that I would hear some bad news to ruin my day. However, the Lord has taught me to take another perspective. I now take those burdens to the Lord in prayer. I whisper a prayer to the Holy Spirit - my Comforter. It is an opportunity to pray over each terrorist attack, each school shooting, grieving families, homosexual movie stars and people who are lost and searching for answers.

I thought that prayer would be depressing and upset me, but as I pray I find that my burdens for all this bad news are becoming lighter. I am actually looking forward to "the end". Perspective is important. If we focus on the wrong things happening around us and do not have a place "to put them", they become a part of us and no good comes of that, but if we hand them over to God, he replaces our fears and concerns with His peace.

Although I am still not a big fan of the news, I do keep up with what is happening. God did not tell His people to run and hide from the world. He says that we should not conform to it. When things happen that disturb you and make you uncomfortable, run to the Comforter!

Prayer: Lord, we are saddened by people's lack of trust and hope in You. Let these things bring us to our knees instead of bringing us into depression. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Action: Watch the local news. Make a list of things to pray about. Attach a scripture to each one and pray the Word of God over the situation. Pray for God's peace and leave your list at the altar in your heart.

Watch the scope: https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1YqxoZMXZgXJv

The War Room in our home. The map is to pray over world news.

Mckaney Summer

When I was younger, I never went to Camp. My parents could not afford such luxuries on such a meager income. I would admire the other kids who were able to go. I wish I had their life because it seems like so much fun. I later realized as an adult that these things are expensive but I was determined to give my children think that I was not able to have.

I believe that in a way, that is the way the Lord feels about us. He went through many things as a human on this earth in order to give us not only in abundant life here but eternal life in heaven. A father always looks to the good of his children. I pray that our boys will remember these experiences and glorify their Father in heaven. I also pray that they will use the learning they have acquired for His glory!

Summer Camp 2016

Classroom Antics Tech Camp

Chay

Makaz

CAVS day at camp