ACTS International Inc, PO BOX 73545, San Clemente, CA (2026)

06/04/2026

Overcoming Distractions

When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said: “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses. “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’ “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king.1

When Nehemiah was cupbearer to the king, he was concerned about the situation of the Israelites and their city. With the king's permission, he set out to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. Despite numerous obstacles, he did not allow anything to distract him.

From this story, we can learn the importance of:

1. Being at the center of God's will. When Nehemiah cried out to God for his people and his land, the Lord showed him what to do.

2. Remembering what the objective is. Nehemiah understood that his Lord-given priority was to rebuild the city's defenses. Likewise, God has plans for us, and His work is always valuable.

3. Accomplishing every task. By keeping the Lord's purpose in mind, we are better able to stay in our God-appointed place, carry out every step, and stay on track.

4. Accurately identifying distractions. Those who seek to disrupt our work, lead us astray, or attack us personally do not come from God. Identifying situations that may distract you will help you stay focused.

Every believer has God-given tasks (Ephesians 2:10), and Nehemiah's example is a model to follow in fulfilling them.

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help me detect the distractions that keep me from You. Sometimes distractions can be so subtle and go unnoticed. Help me to remember that everything is by You and for You. Beloved Father, be the center of my agenda. All glory be to You. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1. Nehemiah 1:4-11 (NIV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.

06/03/2026

God is Sovereign

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.1

No one likes to wait, but why? Perhaps because it reminds us that we are not in control, instead someone or something else decides the timing of things. Whether the cause is a traffic light or the line at the store, ultimately the Lord governs all delays. He is Sovereign over heaven and earth, and our time and schedules are in His hands.

This means that, in every delay, we are actually waiting for God in some way. You may have thought that the expression “waiting on the Lord” only applies to seeking His guidance or an answer to prayer, but it can encompass much more by remembering that He controls all the little inconveniences and frustrations of our daily lives.

In the Christian life, learning to wait is important because until you do so, it will be difficult for you to walk in obedience to God, have an effective prayer life, or experience the peace of resting in His loving sovereignty. We must learn to trust in His judgment, in all things (Psalm 27:14).

The next time you have to wait, remember that nothing is a surprise to God. He wants to use these moments to teach you patience and strengthen your faith.

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I come into Your presence acknowledging that You are Holy and Sovereign. Thank you for the inconveniences of life, because You use them to teach me patience and strengthen my faith. Thank You, Lord, that You’re still in control. You have taught me that waiting is important, but not only waiting, but waiting on You. Thank You that I can experience Your peace and rest in Your loving sovereignty. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1. Proverbios 16:9 (NIV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Rosina N.

06/02/2026

Steadfast Like the Tortoise

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.1

We all love to accomplish things. It feels rewarding to look around and see tasks completed, deadlines met, and a job well done. We thrive when we strive for accomplishment and it helps us learn steadfastness. Even though we can’t always see the outward progress of our character development, our growth is reflected in our attitude. Bad attitudes usually reflect unfinished tasks and incomplete projects because we are frustrated with the feelings of failure that begin to seep in. On the other hand, a joyful attitude comes with being good stewards of our time.

One of Aesop’s most famous fables is “The Tortoise and the Hare”, a story about an energetic rabbit who loses the race to the slow and steady turtle. In the beginning of the tale, the Hare had been relentlessly mocking the tortoise for being slow, to which the tortoise responds by challenging him to a foot race. Amused, the Hare accepts and at the shout of: “GO!”, the Hare speeds far ahead, leaving the tortoise far behind. Feeling as though he has plenty of time, the Hare decides to take a nap. In the meantime, the steadfast Tortoise has marched along at a steady, yet unceasing, pace and eventually passes up the sleeping Hare. The Hare wakes just as the Tortoise is nearing the finish line. He takes off running as fast as he can to make up for lost time, but it’s too late! The Tortoise triumphantly finishes first!

The word steadfast means fixed in direction, firm in purpose, unwavering, resolute in faith, and firmly fixed in position. The Tortoise was steadfast. He never wavered from his direction and was resolute in the belief that he could indeed accomplish this task before the Hare. Yes, the world may cheer on the Hares of this world—they’re exciting to watch as they hurriedly move from task to task, going places—fast. But if we look closely, the more detailed and difficult tasks are left behind, to be picked up by the Tortoises who will take the time to work steadily through the more meaningful and, oftentimes, more important tasks. God wants us to be diligent, steadfast in our task no matter the size, and always strive to do our work as unto the Lord. A joyous attitude is ours when we’re steadfast and unceasing—like the Tortoise!

Suggested prayer: Dear Lord, let the work of my hands bring honor to you. Give me the strength to remain steadfast in my tasks so that I can see the fruit of my labor and the growth in my character as I strive to be more like you. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.

06/01/2026

Back To Life

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.1

He lived among the graves in the cemetery. He spent his days crying out and his nights cutting himself with stones. His life was filled with fear and desperation—and then one day, hope walked by. Mark chapter 5 begins with the story of the man possessed by a “Legion” of demons. When he saw Jesus in the distance, he recognized him immediately. He ran to Him and even in his bo***ge, he fell on his knees before the Lord acknowledging Jesus as the “Son of the Most High God” (v. 7) knowing that it was only through Jesus that he could be saved from the misery in which he found himself. As Jesus looked upon the possessed man, He commanded the demons to leave him. Recognizing the Son of God, the demons obeyed. He had been a dead man walking and was brought back to life. The man who had long been tormented by this host of evil was finally free of his heavy chains. But, it didn’t end there. The man who had been possessed now had the desire to follow Jesus, to be with Jesus, but instead Jesus urged him to go tell others what the Lord had done for him! (v.19). God took this man’s life and transformed it. People no longer recognized the man he had become because God’s light, that now shined through him, overpowered any darkness manifested by the devil.
I can imagine the man’s overwhelming joy and singing:

“The enemy thought he had me, but Jesus said, “You are mine!”
No longer I who live, but Christ in me;
For I’ve been born again, my heart is free
The hope of Heaven before me, the grave behind
Hallelujah, You brought me back to life”2

There are no chains too heavy, no bo***ge too great, and no night too dark that Jesus can’t save you from. Run to Him today, just as you are, with your load of sin and feelings of desperation. Jesus is waiting to give you new life!

Suggested prayer: Dear Lord, “How can I begin to thank You For all that You’ve done for me? Jesus, to fully praise You It will take all eternity Just like Lazarus Oh, You brought me back to life”. Amen.

1. Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV).
2. Back to Life, song by Bethel Music and Zahriya Zachary. 2021.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.

05/29/2026

Do Not Worry

Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.1

With everything happening in the world around us these days, it is only natural for people to start feeling a sense of worry and anxiety. I get frequent notifications about attempted kidnapping or robbery. It is easy for worry and fear to creep in! While these emotions and feelings are part of our human nature, we should never let ourselves be dominated by them.

As Christians we have the certainty that God is faithful. He will provide all we need according to His will when we seek Him first. He cares for us and calls us to cast our anxiety (worry) on Him. Let us choose to trust the One who holds the future and may we actively live out our faith by being a presence of peace to others.

Suggested prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, during times of uncertainty I choose to seek you first above all else, knowing that you are with me and you care for me. You alone are my Rock and I trust in you. Even when times seem uncertain, you remain our steadfast foundation and hold the future in your hands. I praise you and thank you. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

1. Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.

05/28/2026

Listen Slowly

My son, pay attention to what I say, turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart.1

Writer Charles Swindoll once found himself with too many commitments in too few days. He got nervous and tense about it. “I was snapping at my wife and our children, choking down my food at mealtimes, and feeling irritated at those unexpected interruptions throughout the day,” he recalled in his book Stress Fractures. “Before long, things around our home started reflecting the patter of my hurry up style. It was becoming unbearable. I distinctly remember after supper one evening, the words of our younger daughter, Colleen. She wanted to tell me something important that had happened to her at school that day. She began hurriedly, ‘Daddy, I wanna tell you something and I’ll tell you really fast.’ Suddenly realizing her frustration, I answered, Honey, you can tell me, and you don’t have to tell me really fast. Say it slowly. I’ll never forget her answer: ‘Then listen slowly.’“2

How many times do we find ourselves overwhelmed by all of the different commitments we have on a daily basis? Far too often, we allow the busyness of life to consume our time, energy, and attention making us lose sight of people or things that are truly important. This includes the most important thing… spending time with our Heavenly Father.

God longs for a close relationship with His children. He enjoys the time we spend talking to Him through prayer and listening to Him through Scripture. But if we are focused on the busyness, we will easily miss what He is telling us. He speaks to us constantly, not only through His Word, but through His Holy Spirit which is always with us.

The next time you find yourself rushing from here to there, working on deadlines, or just doing what needs to be done, stop and take a moment to listen slowly.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, please help me make time for what is truly important, especially my time with you. I want to cherish the moments you have given me with the people I share life with. Keep me from falling in the trap of busyness and miss out on all the blessings you have for me. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1. Proverbs 4:20-21 (NIV).
2. Bits & Pieces, June 24, 1993, pp. 13-14.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.

05/27/2026

The Will for Self-Control

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”1

The story is told of Raynald III, a 14th century Duke in what is now Belgium. Grossly overweight, Raynald was often called by his Latin nickname, Crassus, which means “fat”. After a violent quarrel, Raynald’s younger brother Edward led a successful revolt against him. Edward captured Raynald but did not kill him. Instead, he built a room around Raynald in Nieuwkerk castle and promised him he could regain his title and property as soon as he was able to leave the room. This would not have been difficult for most people since the room had several windows and a door of nearly normal size, and none was locked or barred. The problem was Raynald’s size. To regain his freedom, he needed to lose weight. But Edward knew his older brother, and each day he sent in a variety of delicious foods. Instead of dieting his way out of prison, Raynald grew fatter. When Duke Edward was accused of cruelty, he had a ready answer: “My brother is not a prisoner. He may leave when he so wills it.” Raynald stayed in that room for 10 years and wasn’t released until after Edward died in battle. By then his health was so ruined that he died within a year — the prisoner of his own appetite.2

We all struggle with different temptations. While for some it may be food, for others it may be the distractions of the digital-age, overworking, procrastination, gossip, or lying, to name a few. We fall into the trap of believing that we’re lacking or missing out on something. But what we are truly lacking is the will to step away. It seems much easier to stay stuck and become “fat” with sin than to be brave and stop giving in to temptation. We become the prisoner of our own temptation. God has given us an out; an unlocked door and unbarred windows to step through and live in victory from our temptation. He has given us the power of self-control!

Suggested prayer: Dear Lord, forgive me for the times that I allow temptation to replace you in my life. Thank you for giving me the power to defeat these distractions and return my focus to You. Help me to have the will for self-control. In Jesus’ name, Amen

1. 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV).
2. “The Three Edwards”, Thomas B. Costain, 1962.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.

05/26/2026

Prayer As Our First Resort

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.1

When you face a problem, what is your first reaction? God works through prayer, but we often leave it as a last resort. With the example of Elijah, James shows what the effective prayer of the righteous accomplishes. The passage above has to do with healing, but it is not the only request that God answers. Many areas can be transformed by the power of prayer:

Temptation. Christ told His disciples that prayer was indispensable to fight temptation (Mark 14:38).

Praise. After being beaten and thrown into prison, Paul and Silas prayed and praised God (Acts 16:25).

Spiritual warfare. Paul teaches us to access the power of God by "praying without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Transformation. When we pray according to the will of God, He transforms our minds, character, and actions (Colossians 1:9-12).

Testimony. In prayer we pray that the Lord will open doors to spread His Word (2 Thessalonians 3:1).

Protection. God is faithful to answer requests for protection and strength against the enemy (2 Thessalonians 3:2-3).

The next time you face challenges, remember that prayer is powerful. Share your needs and see God at work.

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that prayer is powerful. I want to be a person who prays at all times with perseverance. Lord, I want to pray with thanksgiving, recognizing that the plans you have for me and my family are far better than I can even imagine. Thank you that I can pray and cry out to you at all times. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1. James 5:16-18 (NIV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Rosina N.

05/25/2026

The Patience of a Farmer

But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.1

Much patience is required from a fruit farmer. Consider the growth of a new crop of apple trees. In the first year, the trees are becoming accustomed to the soil and there are no apples. In the second year, there are still no apples, but the trees have shown growth in height and fullness. In the third and fourth years, the trees begin to show signs of maturity as their branches blossom with little white and pink flowers, but usually, it is not until year five or six that a full apple harvest is realized. It may be 25 years until a healthy, standard apple tree yields its best fruit and in that time the farmer remains patient. Throughout those quiet, barren years, the farmer does not tear the trees out of the ground in frustration. Instead, he waits patiently because he has an assured hope in the invisible harvest he knows will come.

Our lives are filled with moments of waiting and anticipation that require the patience of a fruit farmer. Often, we face the difficult challenge of waiting for answers to our prayers. We know God has heard and is moving on our behalf per His plan for us, but the waiting can lead us to feel discouraged and maybe even take back our request, settling for whatever is in our reach. But when we wait for God’s time, not only have we grown steadily in patience, but we are also rewarded with a full harvest of blessing! If you are going through a silent season, where you are patiently (or impatiently!) waiting to see God move, place your cares in the hands of the Almighty and trust Him to fulfill His promises. Rest in the hope for the invisible blessing that is coming!

Suggested prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the promise of knowing that I can trust in you in every circumstance. Help me remain faithful in prayer and patient in waiting while I watch you move in my life. Thank you for the growth I will gain in you! In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1. Romans 8:25 (ESV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.

05/22/2026

Choosing Praise Instead of Complaints

“It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done.”1

When we are encountered with less than desirable circumstances in life, it is easy to become praise-less. Instead of speaking praise, we sometimes speak complaints. We find it difficult to focus on what the Lord has done and continues to do when things are not going as we had planned.

During the past few months, the Lord has reminded me of the importance of praise and that has changed my perspective on the situation at hand. This change in my attitude is also something I am practicing with my children when they feel stressed or anxious. When we choose to give God praise despite our circumstances, He fills our hearts with peace. If you, like me, have noticed times of negativity in your home, be the change by choosing an attitude of praise.

One of the ways we have been intentional about giving praise and glory to God is by writing down the blessings God has given us and choosing to be thankful for everything God has done. Whether the blessings are big or small, we are going to praise Him. Another way we can help keep an attitude of praise is by spending time in God’s Word daily. The Bible is full of people who faced hardships and stories of God’s faithfulness to them. Reading these stories will restore our hope, strengthen our faith, and help us find ways to choose praise instead of complaints.

There are several other ways to practice being thankful and developing an attitude of praise, but the important thing is that we do it. God is good and his faithfulness endures forever. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever and His promises still stand true. For this we can choose to praise the Lord and sing for joy at the work of his hands.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for your faithfulness in every circumstance. Give me a thankful heart for the blessings, both big and small, that you give me daily. I praise you for your goodness, grace, and love towards me. Keep me from complaining when things seem uncertain, but instead allow me to trust you completely. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Psalm 92:1-4 (NIV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.

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