ACT Ministries Blog

Absorbing God’s Word

“He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.” Luke 2:5

Applying God’s Word

Mary, pregnant with Jesus, is said to have traveled with Joseph about 90 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. On arriving, she experienced the height of rejection and yet she filled an abandoned cave with warmth and hope. On top of all that, she labored to bring the ultimate gift into an unbelieving world.

It’s amazing, when I think of what Mary endured so that I could have a personal friendship with Jesus. Jesus is the ultimate gift and yet it took me half of a lifetime to believe it and profess it.

There are millions of people in the world that know about Mary and Jesus, but who still do not believe. Mary’s hope is that you and I will do whatever it takes to bring everyone the gift of Jesus.

Accounting of God’s Word

What am I willing to endure so that someone else can have a personal friendship with Jesus Christ this Christmas?  Merry Christmas from Jack and Louise

Absorbing God’s Word

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26

Applying God’s Word

I was speaking at a retreat years ago and there was an artist in the back of the room doing a charcoal drawing that summarized the content of that presentation. At the end of the talk the artist held up a picture of Jesus talking with two fishermen. The talk was about answering Jesus’ call to follow Him. The artist signed the back of the picture and wrote, “He took on the flesh so we could take on His Spirit.”

My friend Bob had the picture framed and gave it to me for my fiftieth birthday. It’s been displayed in my home ever since. It’s a constant reminder to me that God doesn’t just call you and I once. He calls us to follow Him multiple times each and every day.

John 14:12 says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.” Jesus took on the flesh for you and I so that we could be empowered by His “Advocate” to continue Jesus’ work. It’s not easy and yet our “Yes” to His call can produce miraculous results.

Accounting of God’s Word

How strong is my “Yes” to follow Jesus. Have I experienced the empowerment of Jesus Holy Spirit?

Absorbing God’s Word

”Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2-6

Applying God’s Word

I turned 76 last Wednesday. On my birthday last year, Louise and I went away on a three-day silent retreat. This year on my birthday, Louise and I began the day in prayer, but our time with God was cut short. We allowed a laundry-list of things to change our priorities. It sounds like I’m being too hard on myself, but I’m not. I just sensed that I took time away from the one thing that makes “My Days” better.

It’s interesting how we can easily spend one hour in the gym, an hour doing our favorite hobby, an hour having lunch with a good friend, but we resist even a few minutes reading scripture, reflecting on God’s word and asking Him how He wants us to apply the words He is speaking to us.

Accounting of God’s Word

Am I dedicating quality time each day to devote myself to prayer?

Absorbing God’s Word

“You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘Youmust be born again. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.” John 3:7-9

Applying God’s Word

A few weeks ago God had me write a “Challenge” that ended with this question, “Who is God asking me to baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?” One of my readers said, “I have never imagined, dreamed, of actually being the one baptizing a new believer.” My response is, that it’s not something I imagined doing either, however I have been doing it now for thirty-five years. 

Like most of you, I was baptized in my church and fulfilled all their requirements as well. No one talked to me about being born of God’s Spirit. I was 40 when a few Christian men prayed with me for the release of God’s “Spirit”. It was an adult decision I made. I repented like I had never done before, accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior like I had never done before and asked God to release His Spirit in me which I had never done before.

The only authority I have to pray with others to be born again is the authority given by God. Powerful? There are no words that can describe what happens when a person is born again.

Some of you are watching the series “The Chosen”. Watch this short video clip of Jesus and Nicodemus about being born again. I’ve watched it a few times and cry every time. Why? I slip into Nicodemus seat across from Jesus. Whew!    

The Chosen Jesus & Nicodemus – Bing video

Accounting of God’s Word

Have I invited anyone to be born of God’s Spirit? What if they never see heaven because I didn’t love them enough to ask?

Absorbing God’s Word

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 

Applying God’s Word

Thanksgiving was my dad’s favorite holiday. He loved that our family made every effort to be together. Last Thursday, November 24, was the 41st anniversary of my father’s death.  

When I think of my dad, I do so with a grateful heart. I think about how hard he worked to provide for mom and the five of us children. My father had a deep love for Jesus. I admired him for his commitment to following Jesus and yet I was too selfish back then to join him on that journey. 

I briefly turned away from my faith in my thirties but eventually returned to the way I should go.

Thank You Lord for all those who inspired me to follow You, especially my parents. 

Accounting of God’s Word

Who inspired me to fall in love with Jesus and follow Him? 

Absorbing God’s Word

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Galatians 2:20

Applying God’s Word

It occurred to me that many of my readers and/or others may want to know a little more about our ministry called WorkLight.

On our webpage at https://worklight.org/ you will find:

Challenge Weekend Video Testimonials

Small Group Meetings live or via Zoom – How to start a small group.

About WorkLight – Our Mission/Vision

Resources – Daily Reflections, Newsletter, Tools, Video series.

The stories in the monthly Flame are about what God is doing in the workplace through thousands of men and women. Each newsletter has four different stories that can be used for your own weekly fellowship group. At the end of each story there is a Prayer, Reflection question and Discussion question. I’m sending week Three from September, which was submitted by a friend and customer of mine. https://worklight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CIC22flame-sep01e.pdf – It’s a great example of what our ministry is about and how God’s love is paid forward.

If you know someone who has a small group or who wants to start one, this really helps. I would be happy to assist with that.  

Accounting of God’s Word

Is Christ living in and through me?  

Absorbing God’s Word

“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. Proverbs.” 16:32

Applying God’s Word

I see myself as a pretty patient person, but at times, when driving, I turn into a warrior.

Ever drive the route from California to Scottsdale, Arizona on highway #10? It’s two lanes in both directions, with convoys of truckers passing one another. We drove it a few weeks ago and I decided to do a little passing of my own. That meant increasing my speed and changing lanes frequently as well. To my surprise, there was a sheriff with flashing lights right behind me. I pulled to the side of the road and so did he.

The officer asked where we were headed and I told him we were going to a Christian Conference in Scottsdale. He got all excited about that, but then said, “Mr. McCall, I stopped you for unsafe lane changes.” I agreed with him. After a brief review on changing lanes he said, “Please drive safely. I want you to get to the conference alive. I’m not giving you a ticket today.”

I deserved a ticket, but I was just doing what all the other drivers were doing. That was the problem, huh? More self-control and patience, Jack! Don’t take on a convoy either.

Accounting of God’s Word

Am I easily drawn to impatience by the example of others? When am I least patient?

Absorbing God’s Word

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

Applying God’s Word

Most of you have only heard me speak about the incredible work God has done in the USA through Christian’s in Commerce/WorkLight the last 40 years.

Forgive me for not sharing more about what God has been doing in Uganda through our ministry the past 17 years. The first CIC retreat in Uganda was presented in 2005 to 32 men and women. My friend, Aloysius Mugisa, became President of CIC for men and Gertrude Kabaliisa became President of CIC for women.

Thousands have made our retreats here in the USA, with each retreat attracting between 20 and 30 participants. Thousands upon thousands have made our retreats in and around Fort Portal, Uganda with each retreat attracting hundreds of men and women.

The baptizing of all nations in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit does not have to wait for another retreat or church gathering. It can also be accomplished when each of us realizes the importance of living out our own baptism.

Accounting of God’s Word

Who is God asking me to baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?  

Absorbing God’s Word

“Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Luke 5:5

Applying God’s Word

God is constantly asking Louise and I to let down the nets to catch the opportunities that He presents to us. We do our best to be obedient to that call on our lives.

One night, while out dancing and in conversation Louise and I brought up the subject of faith to a few different people. Not even a nibble. We resigned ourselves to the reality that we were going home without a single catch. As we were leaving, a young woman stopped us and complimented us on our dancing. It was a reminder of how she and her late husband had danced. She got emotional. I extended my hand and asked if I could pray with her. She nodded yes and placed her hand in mine.

God oversees the catch and He knows exactly where and when He wants us to let down the nets.

Accounting of God’s Word

Gone fishing lately? 

Absorbing God’s Word

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit … fruit that will last.” John 15:16

Applying God’s Word

Louise and I just traveled to Scottsdale, Arizona for the Christians in Commerce WorkLight National Conference. To say it was “powerful” would be an understatement.

Christians from many different denominations were in attendance. It was and still is one big family of believers who understand the importance of making sure God’s presence shows up in all the areas of our lives, including the workplace. It also reinforces and helps us to recognize the importance of having each other’s support to live out that calling.

I’ve participated in other good ministries that, ultimately, were not right for me and when I was first introduced to CIC/WorkLight I didn’t even consider choosing it. It was God who appointed this ministry for me so that I would go and bear fruit for Him; fruit that would last.

CIC/WorkLight has challenged me to live my life much differently than I had planned. It’s a ministry that has challenged me to have an intimate friendship with Jesus first.

Accounting of God’s Word

Do I know what God has appointed me to do to bear fruit? Have I taken the time to be with God to find out?