ACT Ministries Blog

Absorbing God’s Word

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3

Applying God’s Word

The value of the dollar has changed, but the value of a person’s hard work hasn’t changed.

It’s not unusual for me to carry around a pocket full of $5- or $10-dollar bills. God places folks in my path all the time that need a small reward for their hard work.

Louise and I were in a restaurant the other day quietly rewarding a few dishwashers, bussers and waitresses for their hard work. When we asked for our check, our waiter smiled and said, “Someone already paid it.” I looked around and saw a man at the register with two checks. I approached him and said, “Thank you. That was very generous.” He said, “You are very welcome.” We stepped outside and ended up sharing all that God has been doing in our lives.

Generosity is contagious and it doesn’t have to have anything to do with money.

Accounting of God’s Word

Am I generous? Have I paid for someone’s bill lately or has someone paid for mine?

Absorbing God’s Word

“Again, Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:21-22

Applying God’s Word

I just stopped for a snack and a quick cup of coffee. “Hello. My name is McKayla and I will be serving you.” Each time Mckayla came to my table, we shared a little bit of our lives. She teared up while sharing that she lost her mom two years ago. I asked if she was part of a support group at church. She said she hadn’t been introduced to religion or a church growing up. I handed her my ministry card and told her I could help her, should she want to move in that direction.

These kinds of encounters are always so sweet and choreographed by God. Sometimes God uses me to sew seeds. Sometimes He uses me to water seeds already planted. Other times He asks me to harvest. Every day is Pentecost, though. God says to us, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Then He breathes on each of us and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

Accounting of God’s Word

Am I available for sewing, watering or harvesting?

Absorbing God’s Word

“Challenge” “I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8

Applying God’s Word

At the time of this writing, 360 million Christians live in nations with high levels of persecution or discrimination because of their faith. That’s 1 in 7 Christians worldwide.

There is a list of the top 50 countries where it’s hardest to follow Jesus. The top ten are: North Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Eritrea, Yemen, Iran, Nigeria and India. America is not on that list, YET!

It’s easy to say “I love Jesus” in this country, since there’s no obvious threat of being martyred, beaten, jailed or enslaved.  People will say that the persecution occurring in the above places will never happen in America. If that changes, though, would I stand with Jesus like my fellow Christian brothers and sisters are doing in other countries?

Accounting of God’s Word

“Challenge” Do I know and love Jesus well enough to die for Him? Would He be pleased with the depth of my faith, if He returned today?

Absorbing God’s Word

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26-27

Applying God’s Word

Doris Marie Welter McCall was born May 19, 1924 in the town of Morgan Minnesota, the fifth of ten children. Their family farmed 320 acres, which meant there wasn’t much time for rest. She was thirteen when they got electricity, but still had to use the two-hole outhouse for taking care of business.

I loved her to bits and, yes, I was a mama’s boy. Although, I walked in the shadow of a very talented older brother, she assured me that sooner or later my day to shine would come.

I enjoyed hanging out with my mom. What a gifted woman. She liked to sing, whistle and/or dance to “oldies but goodies” and she always grabbed me to dance with her. She taught me to crochet, sew, iron, bake, sing, whistle, dance and to do everything else my older brother didn’t like to do. Much of what she taught me became money-making side-hustles, which helped pay for most of my clothes in high school. The most important thing she taught me though, was the importance of praying for others.

She didn’t remember me the last five years of her life, but she would still dance with me and whistle the tunes she no longer remembered the words to. When she forgot how to whistle, she still hummed.

Accounting of God’s Word

Happy Mother’s Day Mom. I love you. Happy Mother’s Day to moms everywhere!

Absorbing God’s Word

“As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them.” Luke 24:15

Applying God’s Word

I love the story about the two people Jesus walks with on the road to Emmaus. It’s a reminder to me that Jesus wants me to not only bring Him up in my conversations but, to also glorify Him by sharing the impact He has on my life.

The other day, I grabbed a bite to eat at our club restaurant. Two young men who work in our facilities department came up to say hello. Both men are named Christian and both love the Lord. I shared my testimony with them and then we prayed together.

Jesus wasn’t just walking along with me and the two Christians. He was also manifesting Himself to a number of waitresses and club members observing us in prayer.

Accounting of God’s Word

Do I talk to others about my relationship with Jesus? When was the last time Jesus came up and walked along side me?

Absorbing God’s Word

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Applying God’s Word

Last week, I made a routine business call to a customer I’ve had for almost forty years. I asked how everything was going with family and work. Ed answered, “My wife Linda passed away a few days ago, Jack.” His answer sucked all the air out of me and there was silence on both ends of the phone. The next thing to be heard was two men crying.

I wanted to be strong, but I couldn’t hold back my feelings. We both tried to talk, but our tears said it all. He and Linda had been high school sweethearts. He knew I had lost my wife Joanne and now he had lost his wife. I was finally able to compose myself long enough to pray with Ed.

The one thing that touched me when Joanne died, was the incredible love, comfort and time others afforded me. It’s so important to comfort others who are troubled with the comfort we ourselves receive from God when we have troubles.

Accounting of God’s Word

Do I make myself available to others in trouble or who are troubled?

Absorbing God’s Word

“Then Jesus told Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29

Applying God’s Word

I lived my first forty years with a truckload of doubts about God being real. After I encountered Jesus, I still had doubts. I didn’t get to put my finger in the wounds of His hands and His side, though.

It’s difficult to believe in something I can’t see or touch. For instance, I don’t see the millions of wireless messages being sent each minute but I know it’s happening. That’s how I feel about God, too. I don’t see the millions of miracles He produces each minute, but I know it’s happening.

Back when I did struggle with so many doubts, I remember saying to God, “Show Me.” He has been showing me ever since.

Accounting of God’s Word

Is my faith in God growing stronger or weaker? Am I waiting for Him to “Show Me”?

Absorbing God’s Word

“Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.” John 21:4

Applying God’s Word

There were numerous appearances of Jesus, after his resurrection. There were even times His own disciples didn’t know it was Him. Would we?

After my return to the Lord in 1987, I devoted my life to prayer and scripture. I was so thirsty for His “Word” and hungry to know Him intimately.

Later that same year, I experienced an incredible vision. I was walking on this pristine beach when at a distance, I saw a man waving to me. I waved back. As I came closer to him, I realized he wasn’t waving hello, but rather beckoning me to come and help him. I ran up to where he was and noticed he was pulling on a huge net that extended into the water. Caught in the net were hundreds of people’s faces. I grabbed hold of the net and proceeded to help him. I turned and looked into the man’s eyes and realized it was Jesus. He was showing me in advance what I would be helping Him with for the rest of my life. It was powerful!

That net has never been empty and probably never will be. I’m still fishing.

Accounting of God’s Word

What work is Jesus having me help Him with? Do I enjoy working alongside Him?

Absorbing God’s Word

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15

Applying God’s Word

April 10^th, twenty-two years ago, we mourned the loss of our grandson Niccolo. A year later, we rejoiced the arrival of a granddaughter, Alyssa. One Easter was filled with sadness and the next was filled with incredible joy.

Sometimes, our expectations during a holiday season can be disappointing. My dad died right before his favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. My mom died on her favorite holiday, Christmas. I still celebrate all holidays by including them somehow.  

I think it’s important as Christians, to rejoice with those who are rejoicing, but to also mourn with those who are mourning.

Accounting of God’s Word

Praying for and thanking God for each of you this Easter. Jack and Louise

Absorbing God’s Word

“Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept.” John 11:34-35

Applying God’s Word

I can’t count the times I’ve begged God through my tears to heal someone. Sometimes, He has healed them. At other times He has given me extended time with them.

I’m very sure that Jesus mourns when we mourn. Look at His love for Lazarus. That miracle was the beginning of the end for Jesus. It cost Him His life. Love does cost, doesn’t it? It hurts when we are not indifferent and we care enough to cry out to God for someone we love.

To love can hurt, but to live life without love is not life at all.

If you’ve lost someone, you will appreciate this 20-minute sermon by Fr. Mike.

Accounting of God’s Word

Am I living my life without love for others?