ACT Ministries Blog

Absorbing God’s Word

“She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room available for them.” Luke 2:7

Applying God’s Word

It was 1976 and my late wife Joanne and I were involved in an outreach that housed unwed mothers. We were six years married and our daughter Jackie was about two years old.

Debbie was sixteen at the time, three months pregnant and an embarrassment to her parents. Although her parents asked her to leave home, she did find a room available in our home. She lived with us for the next six months, all the time weighing the thought of adoption verses parenting. Our job was to surround her with love and encouragement during that decision making process. It was an amazing experience for all of us.

Her choice for adoption pre-empted her ever wrapping her child in any kind of cloths or even holding her newborn.

Debbie remained a dear friend to us for years. We stopped hearing from her in her twenties, but we know that she married and gave birth to another child. No doubt, it was finally an opportunity to wrap a newborn in cloths and place it in a manger.

Accounting of God’s Word

Do I know anyone who needs a room?    

Absorbing God’s Word

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8

Applying God’s Word

It was a short one-hour flight. Louise and I whispered a short prayer to have someone sit next to us that needed Jesus and who wasn’t wearing air-pods. When the young man asked if the empty seat was available, I told him we had been saving it for him.

It wasn’t long before God elbowed me to share my testimony. It got quiet real fast, but that pretty much comes with the territory. Then the man said, “I appreciate your honesty and openness and want to reciprocate.”

He was the third generation in a business his father had taken over from his grandfather. He had left another career to help his father, but the business was struggling. At that point he accepted my offer to pray with him. It was a holy moment between two like-minded people.

As the plane landed, he smiled thanked me and said goodbye.

Accounting of God’s Word

Am I praying for opportunities to humbly share God’s compassion and love with others?

Absorbing God’s Word

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21-27

Applying God’s Word

I just turned 77 years young and have said, “Lord, Lord” countless times. Most of the time, I say it with incredible sensitivity and respect. There have been days though when I said it out of frustration or lack of tolerance. I’m not proud to admit that, but I’ve lead a very imperfect life.

My relationship with Jesus is very real. I’m not always polite about getting my point across in our conversations, especially when I’m beseeching Him for a miracle. The society I’ve grown older in is awash with instant gratification and that shows up in me when I’m tired and/or cranky.

Will that keep me from entering the kingdom of heaven? Probably not, but it definitely keeps me from experiencing His peace and my ability to do His bidding in the moment. Thankfully, I’ve learned to humbly return to my Lord to ask His forgiveness. He likes that.

Accounting of God’s Word

What do I mean when I say, “Lord, Lord?”

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?