ACT Ministries Blog

Absorbing God’s Word

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8

Applying God’s Word

Last week Louise and I watched a video titled “The Latest Scientific Evidence of God”. It was brilliant. The presentation was incredible as the content was filled with truth and new scientific findings. The presenter talked without notes because he is blind.

Robert Spitzer is a priest, philosopher, educator, author, speaker and the retired President of Gonzaga University. He has appeared on Larry King Live discussing creation and the universe with Stephen Hawking, Leonard Mlodinow, and Deepak Chopra. He has appeared on the History Channel, Today Show and PBS and also has a television program on EWTN called “Father Spitzer’s Universe.

Most of us probably know someone who is a non-believer or skeptical about the existence of God. We do and we are sending them this video to watch. This isn’t an opportunity to say “I told you so”. It’s an opportunity for them to have eternal life.

Accounting of God’s Word

Do I want heaven for my family, friends and coworkers who are non-believers? Will I watch this video and then share it?

Absorbing God’s Word

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31

Applying God’s Word

Life is crazy busy, right? There are so many responsibilities and demands on my time. Keeping God as my first priority is not always easy, but when I do the rest of my life seems to fall into place.

Besides finding quality time with God each day, I also look for opportunities to go away with Him. The men’s (and/or women’s) retreats available through Christians in Commerce/WorkLight offer that opportunity.

I try to attend one or two a year. I’ve attached two short video links below. One is by our National President Wes Farrow, who talks about our ministry. The other is a testimony from a young man, Josh, that I met at our last annual Conference/Retreat. Josh is married with five children and is a 911 emergency dispatcher in Arizona.

https://youtu.be/ux7ouH5N6kY            

https://youtu.be/YybflDXj-0c

Consider signing up for a Challenge Weekend and the call to “Come With God” to a quiet place. https://worklight.org/

Accounting of God’s Word

When was the last time I spent a couple days with our Lord?

Absorbing God’s Word

“Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.” Luke 15:6

Applying God’s Word

She’s a beautiful young lady who is married and living in California. She happened to invest in a genetic test from 23 & Me, which generates a report of each customer’s ancestry.

Recently, the young woman cautiously contacted our family looking for her biological father. Based on the details we were given, one of my younger brothers recognized her mother as a woman he dated briefly. After taking a similar genetic test, the results showed that unknowingly he was her father. My brother was thrilled, because he doesn’t have any children.

Last weekend, our family came together to have dinner with this courageous young woman and her husband. Talk about a time of rejoicing over finding lost sheep. It was so wonderfully moving. Thank You Lord.

Accounting of God’s Word

Have I entertained any lost sheep lately or tried to help someone who is lost find their way?

Absorbing God’s Word

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Ephesians 4:11-12

Applying God’s Word

I spent three years on a submarine called “The USS Sea Cat”. The communication capabilities back then were antiquated compared to now, which meant I had to memorize the coded alphabet to send and/or receive messages.

Example: M– O −−− R ·−· S ··· E ·    C −·−· O −−− D −·· E ·

I had to learn to type, therefore, I spent hours listening to coded messages, typing them and sending them. It became second nature for me. I wasn’t real fast, but could receive and send about 40 words per minute.

God has blessed me with a number of gifts that serve His people. Looking back though, I realize that God also equipped me for works of service to His people through the simple gift of typing.

Accounting of God’s Word

What has God equipped me with for works of service?

Absorbing God’s Word

“Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong! Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.” Proverbs 20:22

Applying God’s Word

Recently I was blocked from reserving vacation weeks with my time-shares for non-payment of the annual maintenance fees. Honestly, I have never failed to pay those fees.

After inquiring, I was told  I was delinquent on the fees, owed additional money for late fees and needed to pay up or else face foreclosure on the properties I own. Grrrr!  There was no warning letter, email or phone call to inform me of this supposedly unpaid bill. I was frustrated but remained calm, confident that God was in my corner. I quickly wired the money to stop foreclosure. 

Over the next few weeks and numerous calls to multiple people who didn’t seem to care, I discovered that the bill went to an address I lived at eight years ago. Thankfully, God led me to Barbara, the Customer Advocacy Manager for my timeshare group. After reviewing the situation, she apologized, reimbursed the late fees and unblocked my account. She said, “Mr. McCall, you have been very kind and pleasant throughout this ordeal, and it was a pleasure to assist you.”

It’s unfortunate, but I’m bumping into more and more service issues these days. 

Accounting of God’s Word

Am I patient when I am wronged or do I wait for the Lord to avenge me?

Absorbing God’s Word

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

Applying God’s Word

For years, our entire family has supported the fight to find a cure for Alzheimer’s. My mother, my mother-in-law and my sister’s mother-in law all suffered with Alzheimer’s. I personally have been to a number of fund raisers and auctions for Alzheimer’s, but I have never participated in the annual Alzheimer’s walk.

My sister Patti, on the other hand, has walked for Alzheimer’s every October for the last ten years. She will walk again on October 7^th to honor our mom, Doris, and all those suffering with Alzheimer’s. Last year, she raised $65,261, ranking her the 12th highest fundraiser in the nation. Her total for the past 10 years is $252,082! Patti still volunteers at the Alzheimer’s senior community where mom lived out her last days. To say that I’m proud of my sister would be an understatement. God is proud of her, too.

Here’s a touching 4 minute video titled WHY I WALK. It’s about our mom, Doris, and Patti’s mother-in-law, Fern.

Accounting of God’s Word

Have you considered a donation to Alzheimer’s? If you would like to donate, here’s PATTI’S DONATION PAGE.

Absorbing God’s Word

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Mark 1:35 

Applying God’s Word

I shared in a recent “Challenge” the daily routine that Louise and I use in spending time with God. It involves praise, worship, intercession, scripture, meditation, reflection and journaling. Showing up to spend time with God is challenging, but such a meaningful way to begin our day.

Recently, we decided that we were not spending enough quiet time with God in a solitary place. Therefore, we started going to church one afternoon during the week to just sit in the presence of the Lord. It’s not easy to leave the world behind to give God our undivided attention. It’s humbling and at the same time very rich.

Accounting of God’s Word

Am I practicing how to spend quality time with God in a solitary place?

Absorbing God’s Word

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1

Applying God’s Word

Jesus shares a parable with his disciples about the Persistent Widow who never gives up pestering the judge.

I’m a pest when it comes to praying for others. Last week I shared two stories about praying with/for two people who experienced incredible healing. Today, however, is the funeral for a good friend of mine. I prayed with and for Jim for the past two months. Was I disheartened by the news that he died? Yes. Will it stop me from pestering God for others who need prayer? No!

When I pray with someone, I trust that God is healing them one way or another. My prayers often focus on spiritual healing, because more times than not spiritual healing precedes the physical healing. God does all the healing and the credit is all His. We are just vessels of His mercy, compassion and love.

Accounting of God’s Word

Am I a pest when it comes to praying for others? Is my attitude to never give up?

Absorbing God’s Word

“Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Luke 17:17-18

Applying God’s Word

I petition God to heal others, a lot. Today I’m returning to Him to say “Thank You, Lord” in this writing.

Eighteen months ago, my granddaughter Caramia was hospitalized with a swallowing condition called (ARFID) Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. After a long and concerted effort, she no longer takes any medication. She has introduced a variety of foods back into her diet, has a part-time job at the local swimming pool, is raising a goat in 4H, and this fall will begin her freshman year in high school. Thank You Lord and all those who took time to pray for Caramia.

Five weeks ago, my cousin Ron had a stroke. He had no movement on his left side. We gathered around his bed, laid hands on him and prayed. With each visit, his healing has progressed and this week was no exception. He is moving both arms, both legs, his fingers and toes. He also took his first steps using both legs. Thank You Lord!

Accounting of God’s Word

Have I returned to God lately to say, “Thank You, Lord?”

Absorbing God’s Word

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1

Applying God’s Word

I once read that the heart of religion is worship and the heart of worship is sacrifice. The quote challenged me. I used to pat myself on the back for doing such a great job of worshipping God. Then I started to take a closer look at how I failed in the area of worshipping Him.

My daily appointment with God is so important. I love singing and praising Jesus. I love worshipping God as I digest His word and how He asks me to apply it to my life throughout the day. Sacrifice, though, is the area I am weak in.

I know God is asking me to spend more quality time with Him, which means turning off electronic devices and freeing myself from all distractions. It is not easy, but I know that it is really the ultimate way to worship God.

Accounting of God’s Word

What is the heart of worship in my life? What am I willing to sacrifice to worship Him?