ACT Ministries Blog

Absorbing God’s Word

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  1 Thessalonians 5:18

Applying God’s Word

As another Thanksgiving comes to a close, I want to thank all of you for your friendship and support of the weekly “Challenge”. I also want to share a “Thank You” note from Aloysius Mugisa who is back home in Uganda. At the beginning of November, I wrote a Challenge about him visiting with Louise and I. What an incredible blessing that week was.

Here’s his thank you note to all of us; Dear brethren, our US family. I’m writing this email on the plane back to Uganda. I’m glad to return home to rejoin my family. My wife and my daughters are coming to the airport to receive me. I want, from the bottom of my heart, to thank you brethren for loving me, loving Uganda. On behalf of my country, thank you so very much. I was very warmly welcomed and treated awesomely wherever I went. In the homes I stayed, I was accorded incredible hospitality. Many people pledged financial support for our ICIC ministry in Uganda, and others donated water wells. What love! God’s abundant blessings on you all, brethren.            Aloysius 

Here’s a link to ICIC’s webpage, if you want to subscribe or keep up with what’s going on in Fort Portal, Uganda. www.INTLCIC.Org

Accounting of God’s Word

What am I most thankful to God for right now?

Absorbing God’s Word

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.”  Proverbs 13:22

Applying God’s Word

I’m posting this “Challenge” on November 22, the wedding anniversary of my grandparents (Johann and Julia). When they married in 1924, she was a dancer, and he was a baker. Grandma became a stay-at-home mom while grandpa continued a career in baking. My family lived with them when I was 4 years old, which gave me the opportunity to get to know them much better. 

My grandfather worked hard. When he died in 1955, there wasn’t much of an inheritance for his family. His death hit me hard. He was a quiet man, but his acts of kindness toward me are still very memorable. He worked nights and yet managed to stop every morning to bring me a donut. That doesn’t seem like much of an inheritance, but I paid that kindness forward to my daughter and granddaughter’s. If we left on time for school, we stopped for donuts.

Many times, the inheritance a person leaves behind isn’t monetary. Often it can be something memorable.

Accounting of God’s Word

What kind of inheritance has been most memorable to me?

Absorbing God’s Word

“Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.” Psalm 128:3

Applying God’s Word

Back on July 21^st, I wrote a “Challenge” about Mark and Eva Valencia. Eva was pregnant with life threatening complications for her and their soon to be little girl, Mary. They had to leave Idaho for Ronald McDonald House in Salt Lake City for the care Eva needed to deliver their baby. They flew their other four children to San Jose Ca. to stay with Eva’s parents. Miraculously, both Eva and Mary survived the grueling day in and day out treatments needed to save their lives.

With Mark and Eva both missing work the last four months, they are faced with a mountain of unpaid bills. They were able to rent a car to get them and Mary home but still need help to bring their four children back home from San Jose. I’m forwarding their request for help to some of you that may be able to assist. They need help financially, but they need your prayers even more.

Donate to Support Eva’s Life-Saving Pregnancy Needs, organized by Eva Valencia

Accounting of God’s Word

Both Mark and Eva are fruitful vines in their house and yes, their children will be like olive shoots around their table.”

Absorbing God’s Word

“And He said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3

Applying God’s Word

What will it really take for me to enter the kingdom of heaven? When I think about the innocence and purity of a child, the word “Purification” comes to my mind. Now let’s be real, I’m a sinner saved by God’s grace and the process of purification is impossible without His grace. In a perfect world I would have Jesus and the Holy Spirit present in my life 24/7. I’m far from perfect, though.

As I age, I do find myself sinning less, but I realize that I probably won’t be without sin when I die. The Lord knows this, right? So, what do I say when I come face to face with my Lord? He already knows the good, the bad and the ugly about me. If I’m able to speak at all, I hope to say, “Lord, you lived and died for me. I’ve tried my best to live and die for you.”

 Accounting of God’s Word

Have I begun the process of purification? What will I say when I come face to face with God?

Absorbing God’s Word

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.” John 17:20

Applying God’s Word

It’s one thing to believe that Jesus is our Lord and Savior, but it’s another to proclaim it to others.

Our friend Aloysius Mugisa from Uganda stayed with us last week. We hadn’t seen him for about ten years. What a blessed time it was. When entering our home he smiled and said, “I could put my whole house in your living room.”

Nineteen years ago, Aloysius made the Christians in Commerce retreat in Fort Portal, Uganda. Then the power of the Holy Spirit led him and his friends to form Christians in Commerce in Uganda. CIC in Uganda is now called International Christians in Communion (ICIC).

Since taking the reins, God has used Aloysius and a team of 20 people to lead thousands of men, women, and children to the heart of Jesus. In partnership with a ministry called “Flowing Waters” CIC here in America has helped Aloysius dig wells in over 200 villages. Our ongoing support has enabled Aloysius to launch a Christian Radio Station that reaches 500,000 people each week. That radio program in turn feeds their ministries for the Workplace, Marriages, Families, Bible Studies, Christian Leadership, and Service to the Poor. The web page for ICIC tells more of the story. Talk about believing and proclaiming that belief in Jesus to others!

Pics/video of Aloysius, Louise, and Jack. Click link & scroll down to Palm Desert Picture. https://tinyurl.com/2025-Aloysius

Accounting of God’s Word

If you have a heart for ministries, you can trust outside of America, check out their webpage.  www.INTLCIC.Org

Absorbing God’s Word

“Praise Him with timbrel and dancing, praise Him with the strings and pipe.” Psalm 150:4

Applying God’s Word

I have worshipped in numerous churches and at different Christian events over the years. In the beginning, I had a difficult time with worship. I wanted to trust the urging of the Holy Spirit, but was too concerned about my worldly image. We are raised to be in control and to not make fools of ourselves. Then the Holy Spirit comes along and says, “Praise the Lord with all your might, Jack.” Uninhibited worship requires a surrendering and letting go of control.

There’s a difference between showboating and worshipping due to the outpouring of God’s joy. I’m not always able to find a church that has great worship, but it doesn’t stop me from praising Jesus by singing and dancing at church and at home. It’s incredible.

Accounting of God’s Word

Am I inhibited when it comes to worshipping the Lord? Do I praise Jesus by singing and dancing at church and at home?

Absorbing God’s Word

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15

Applying God’s Word

Last Tuesday, my flight from Phoenix to Palm Springs was delayed. Instead of waiting one hour at the gate, it would be two hours. I raised my spiritual antenna and looked for a place to sit. Too many people in a small area and they all seemed to be hiding behind phones, air-pods, laptops or books.

The Lord directed me to a seat next to a gentleman staring out the window. As I sat down, I asked, “Is Phoenix home?” He smiled and said, “No. I’m hear on business and then home to Raleigh.” Wow! Someone who actually wanted to carry on a conversation. God had us talking about everything from soup to nuts; wives, kids, families, work and most importantly our faith in Jesus Christ. In the presence of God, we talked to each other with gentleness and respect.

Where did that two hours go? :>) As we stood up to say goodbye he said, “You really blessed me today.” I replied, “God blessed us both.”

Accounting of God’s Word

Am I too busy in my own world to talk with others? Do I talk with gentleness and respect?

Absorbing God’s Word

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24

Applying God’s Word

Which is it, Jack? Do you love God or money? There was a time in my life when money and success were my God. I knew how powerful chasing money could be, but had no idea how powerful chasing Jesus could be. I hadn’t given Jesus a chance.

I decided to turn to daily prayer, reading the Bible and contemplating how the scriptures could be applied to each and every area of my life. About twelve months into that process, it became very clear to me that chasing money didn’t hold a candle to chasing Jesus.

The difference was that money brought instant gratification which quickly faded. Having an intimate friendship with God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit is far more gratifying and important than anything else in life.

Accounting of God’s Word

Am I chasing Money or God? Which one do I give more of my time to?

Absorbing God’s Word

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands.” Psalm 91:11-12

Applying God’s Word

October 1^st  1995  is a day I will never forget. I was at the Oakland Coliseum with 50,000 men, but it wasn’t for a sporting event. We were attending a Christian Promise Keepers event where the men present were challenged to live a life committed to Jesus Christ. At one point, we were asked to close our eyes and be totally silent for one minute. Powerful! When I opened my eyes, I saw huge angels standing outside the stadium looking down at us. I looked around to see if anyone else saw them, but it seemed I was the only one. I’ve never shared it for fear of pushback.  

Sixteen years later, October 2011, a dozen pastors and ministers, including myself, were asked to pray with a survivor of a workplace shooting that took place at the Permanente Cement Quarry in Cupertino, California. While we were praying I saw the angels again, surrounding the quarry and looking down on us like those at the Promise Keeper’s event. Again, I remained quiet. Then, as our van exited the quarry, one of the pastors looked at me and asked, “Did you see the angels?”. I smiled and nodded yes.  

How big are angels? Evidently, they are big enough to lift us up in their hands. :>) 

Accounting of God’s Word

Do I have an angel story to tell? Am I afraid to share it

Absorbing God’s Word

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27

Applying God’s Word

Do I have to be one of God’s sheep? No, but I get to. Do I have to know God? No, but I get to. Do I have to follow God? No, but I get to. Do I have to listen to God’s voice? No, but I get to. All I really have to do is tell God, “I want to follow You.” At that point all of the many times I said, “I don’t want to” become a lifetime of “I Get To”.

I’ve done some pretty remarkable things in the last 79 years, but nothing more remarkable than following Jesus. No day with Him is the same. I never know what He has planned for me, who He’s going to introduce me to or how my day with Him will play out. We go everywhere and do everything together. Scary? It can be a little unnerving at times, but then life is like that anyway.

Accounting of God’s Word

Do I have to follow God? Do I get to follow God?