ACT Ministries Blog

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? 

Absorbing God’s Word

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,  so that your giving may be in secret. Matthew 6:3-4

Applying God’s Word

 Twice a week, she can be seen sitting at the counter of a restaurant we frequent. She is sweet as sugar and has a Yorkie called Baby. She sits in the same spot and always orders the same thing for lunch; a tall Pepsi with a side of fries. We wink to the server and he puts her bill on our tab.

When she asks for her bill, the server tells her it’s been taken care of. Then she asks who paid for it and they tell her it’s “Top Secret”. As she exits the restaurant, she looks around the room trying to spot the gift giver. It always makes us smile.

Accounting of God’s Word

Am I looking for opportunities to secretly surprise someone?

Absorbing God’s Word

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133

Applying God’s Word

I grew up in a time when unity was a value; something handed down from one generation to another. Unfortunately, we do not see much of that any longer. We have let our rigidity, indifference, selfishness, and opinions destroy the beautiful gift of being united with one another. We let what we disagree on keep us apart instead of allowing the things we agree on to keep us together.

My cousin’s family has a tradition of coming together every Friday night. We have been to a few of their Friday night gatherings. It is a beautiful thing to experience. Okay, I am jealous.

This Fourth of July, Louise and I are praying that God will restore the value of unity in families around the world. Without unity we are lost and so is our world.

Accounting of God’s Word

Is unity a value to me? Have a safe and blessed Fourth of July.

Absorbing God’s Word

“The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10

Applying God’s Word

The number 3 is used hundreds of times in scripture. The Lord calls out to Samuel three times in the above scripture, before Samuel realizes it is God.

A good friend and pastor called me saying, “Jack. The Lord told me that today He would be sending you to pray with a man who has pain on the left side of his neck. I said, “I welcome that opportunity.”

That morning, Louise told me she had pain on the left side of her neck. I prayed with her and it left. Then we went to visit my cousin who had no feeling on his left side from a stroke. He is moving his left leg now. Finally, at my granddaughter’s graduation, I recognized an old friend who had a visible growth on the left side of his neck. He told me it was cancer and that it was very painful. I asked if I could place my hand over the growth and pray for him. He said, “Yes.”

All three situations happened that same day and they all were important, but I am very sure the last one is the one that God told my pastor friend about.

I cannot tell you how many times God has told me to do something three times. On the third time, I usually obey. I am so glad that on that day, I was obedient to God and prayed with all three people.

Accounting of God’s Word

“Challenge” Do I hear God asking me to do things? Does He have to ask me more than three times?

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

James Joseph McCall Sr. was born April 10, 1921 in San Francisco, California. During his infancy, his parents divorced and placed him in the first of many foster homes.

Prior to graduating high school, my dad joined the Navy. Growing up, he had a taste of the Christian faith, but never experienced the love of God from any of his foster parents. Therefore, his mind-set was “No love, no church.” That was until he met my mom who told him “No church, no date.” He said, “I went to church because I loved your mom.” That love brought him to the heart of Jesus.

He and my mom set the bar pretty high, when it came to having a relationship with Jesus. Church every Sunday, was mandatory for myself and my four siblings.’ My parents gave men and women retreats called “Cursillo’s.” They were busy inviting others to have a relationship with Jesus.

My dad died in 1981, when I was thirty-four. I had hoped to have him around much longer. The greatest thing he did for me was to start me off on the way that I should go. His example of loving God still impacts my journey with Jesus today.

Accounting of God’s Word

Happy Father’s Day, dad! I love you. Happy Father’s Day to fathers everywhere.

Absorbing God’s Word

“And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.” Luke 15:9

Applying God’s Word

Louise and I were traveling last week. Two flights, two TSA inspections of my laptop bag, two different hotels and a rental car. Yes, we have TSA Precheck and Clear. Crazy!

On our arrival home, I realized I was missing my I-Pad. I placed claims with TSA and the airlines at both airports, had the two hotels check the rooms we stayed in and the rental car company looked as well. Nothing! Yesterday, one of the hotels called to say they had recovered it. I was relieved for sure and rejoicing would be an understatement.

I think that’s how Jesus felt when I was lost and then found. It’s also how others who are lost feel when we introduce them to Jesus. There’s nothing like it in this world. Nothing!

Accounting of God’s Word

Do we know anyone who is waiting to be found? Are we willing to lead them to Jesus?

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?