ACT Ministries Blog

Absorbing God’s Word

“Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.” Matthew 9:22

Applying God’s Word

Last week, my daughter, Jackie, called me noticeably upset. Her doctor indicated that she had an ovarian cyst that had a high probability of being cancerous. It’s not the kind of news any of us wants to hear. She was like the woman in Matthew 9:22 who was desperate to have Jesus heal her.

I told Jackie that I would fast and pray for her and have others join in praying for her as well. She was beyond appreciative. I could tell by our conversation that she was reaching out to touch the hem of Jesus cloak.

Friday night, Jackie had the cyst surgically removed. The surgeon told her that he was successful in removing the cyst and that the pathology report showed no signs of cancer. Her rejoicing and praise to God were exciting to say the least. I can almost here Jesus saying, “Take heart Jackie. Your faith has healed you.”

Accounting of God’s Word

Can I recall a time when I begged God for healing and received it?   

Absorbing God’s Word

“This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:17

Applying God’s Word

This Thanksgiving was the first time our family has had an opportunity to all be together since Covid. It was awesome!

More than ever, I seemed to appreciate each person in attendance a little bit more. You could sense that everyone was excited about being together again and I found myself reflecting on the many years of holiday family get-togethers.

We are a kitchen family. We have different folks checking the turkey, mashing potatoes, making dressing, stirring gravy, etc. etc. Those who are not cooking are standing in the kitchen as well and everyone is talking, often at the same time. Wonderful!

It’s never about the food. It’s all about the relationships, building fond memories and loving each other. It’s a day to be wrapped in God’s love.

Accounting of God’s Word

Praying that each of you experienced God’s love on Thanksgiving, too.

Absorbing God’s Word

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:18

Applying God’s Word

Angelina, my son-in-law’s niece, was eight months old when I began my daily prayers for her. Angelina was born with a tumor wrapped around her spine and it had to come out. The procedure worked, but it left her with a curvature of the spine. That was thirteen years ago and ten surgeries later; almost one surgery a year.

On Wednesday Angelina was in yet another spinal fusion surgery. Louise and I prayed for her throughout the day. To keep from crying, I prayed in the spirit. I do that by disengaging from my own thought process.

Prior to being wheeled into surgery, Angelina was reading a book titled “Bible Promises”. The name Angelina means trailblazer or torch bearer. Someone who shows others the way. She’s showing all of us the way by her deep faith and perseverance.

Accounting of God’s Word

How do I intercede for God’s people in prayer? Do I pray in the Spirit?

Absorbing God’s Word

”My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion.” Proverbs 3:21

Applying God’s Word

Louise and I were recently referred to a local title company to have some legal documents notarized. We were escorted into a small conference room and soon joined by a friendly young woman.

As the signing process began we exchanged a few pleasantries about the weather, work, kids, etc. Then we shared where we attended church and a little about what God was doing in our lives. At that point the signing was done, but God wasn’t.

Before leaving, we asked the notary if she needed prayer for anything. A moment of quiet was followed by her request for prayer. It became a huge blessing to all three of us.

When I apply Proverbs 3:21 to the above situation, I realize that God’s wisdom, understanding, judgement and discretion should be used at all times.

By doing so, we enter into all of our daily situations with God instead of without Him.

Accounting of God’s Word

Am I only inviting God to be a small part of my day or all of my day?

Absorbing God’s Word

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

Applying God’s Word

Up until a couple years ago, I knew nothing about Soroptimist America. It’s an organization that offers career support for young girls in secondary school. Soroptimist provides girls with access to professional role models, career education and the resources to live their dreams.

Last week, Louise and I attended their annual fund-raiser dinner. The event was hosted by women in different occupations along with a large group of enthusiastic young ladies. Louise and I were touch to say the least.

One of the ways they raise money at this dinner is the sale of tickets for “Bingo” and I won a game worth $200. When the prize money was handed to me I whispered to the presenter that I wanted to donate it back to Soroptimist. A minute later, the game caller asked the winner of the last game to please stand up (me). As I stood up she announced, “This gentleman donated his winnings back to the girls.” It was a humbling but joy-filled moment

Accounting of God’s Word

Do I follow my heart when it comes to giving? Am I a joyful giver?

Absorbing God’s Word

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Joel 2:12

Applying God’s Word

Have you noticed lately how many celebrities are coming out about their faith in Jesus. Most recently and broadly televised is Forty Niner quarterback, Brock Purdy. There are many others and some have taken their faith out a step further.

The lead actor in the series “ The Chosen” is Jonathon Ruemie. Jonathon actually has a Youtube fan base he leads in prayer. One of his most recent posts is of him walking in Italy, fasting and emotionally praying for family members who are trapped in Israel and Gaza.

Here’s the clip. You may not want to watch the entire video but I recommend the first 3 and ½ minutes and the last four minutes. It’s a reminder for each of us to return to God with all our heart, with fasting, weeping and mourning.  

Accounting of God’s Word

When is the last time that I fasted, prayed and/or wept with all my heart?

Absorbing God’s Word

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Applying God’s Word

On the evening of September 26^th the Holy Spirit prompted me to call my dear friend, Pastor Juan, who lives in Casa Grande, Arizona. When Juan answered the phone I asked if everything was alright and that the Lord told me to call him. He said he was glad I called because he was going in for open heart surgery in a couple days.

The next hour was wrapped in a prayerful discussion over a certain scripture. He said the Lord had been speaking to him through Romans 8:26-30 for a number of weeks. Our conversation was sprinkled with laughter, tears and a deep gratitude for the friendship we shared.

At 4:17am on October 28^th, Juan texted me saying, “We are on our way to the hospital.” I texted back a row of praying hands, not knowing it would be our very last exchange. Juan made it through the surgery, but his body just wasn’t strong enough to recover.

Romans 8:30 says, “And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” I’m pretty sure that God spoke this to Juan these last weeks of his life as a way of letting Juan know how pleased He was with him. It was another way of saying well done good and faithful servant.

Accounting of God’s Word

Has the Holy Spirit prompted me to call someone I haven’t talked to in a while? Am I listening to the promptings of God’s Holy Spirit?

Absorbing God’s Word

“Challenge” “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20

Applying God’s Word

Back on September 11^th, I sent a “Challenge” inviting men to attend a WorkLight retreat weekend. It filled up very fast. I’m sending out a new invitation this week for another men’s WorkLight weekend starting on Friday evening November 17^th and ending on Sunday the 19^th in the afternoon. The retreat will be held at Mission San Antonio in Jolon California (near King City). Includes two nights and all meals.

I made my original weekend at Mission San Antonio in April of 1987. It was a 2 and ½ hour drive one way. I had no idea what the weekend was about. I’ve attended over 50 of these weekends since then. All I had to do was open the door once and God did the rest. The drive will be an hour further for me, now. Is it worth it? Most definitely.

They say, “No risk, no reward.” (see attached) Questions? Contact me Jack McCall 408-472-7576

Accounting of God’s Word

“Challenge” Have I ever allowed myself to really open the door to a relationship with Jesus?

Absorbing God’s Word

“On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” Matthew 9:12

Applying God’s Word

The above scripture is such an important example for me, because Jesus didn’t discriminate. He made Himself available to everyone.

Louise and I have friends who are believers and friends who are not. Our non-believing friends know that we are not hesitant to live out our faith. We don’t force it on them, but we are not afraid to let them know we want heaven for them. God does the rest.

Four of our friends are fighting terminal cancer. Thus far, only one has accepted our offer to pray with him. One in four isn’t bad. We want heaven for all of them, though. They have to want heaven, too.

Accounting of God’s Word

Am I discriminatory when it comes to sharing Jesus with others? Do I only surround myself with those that are spiritually healthy?