Making Lemonade From Lemons

By Cheryle M. Touchton
The Pocket Full of Quarters Lady


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. Rom 8:28 NIV

Lemons start out sour. If you squeeze them and add sugar, they turn into wonderful delicious lemonade. Logic would have it that when a sour, squeezed life meets the sweetness of Jesus, that life would turn as sweet as a tall icy glass of lemonade. The sad reality is that it doesn’t always work that way.

Today, Day 2, of our Mardi Gras experience, my best friend Nancy and I stood and watched some sour faced Christians using an amplified bullhorn and vile posters to shout obscenities and condemnations to Mardi Gras attendees. To add insult to injury, they did it standing on the steps of the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral that Nancy and I had enjoyed so much yesterday.

They weren’t alone in their heckling. Because this wasn’t their first year of torturing party goers, non-Christian members of the crowd came prepared with bullhorns and nasty signs of their own. I apologized to Jesus as Nancy and I listened to the loud and sometimes obscene insults being tossed back and forth.

“I’m so sorry,” I told an angry man yelling into a bullhorn and wearing a t-shirt with a picture of Jesus pictured profanely. “I’m a Christian. Jesus is about love. Those people yelling at you are not representing the Jesus I know and love.”

“No kidding,” the man said. “They come every year. They stand on the stairs of a church we love and say horrible things.”

“I’m so sorry,” I said. The irate anti-Jesus crowd gathered around us and Nancy and I apologized to all of them, lacing scripture with our apology. We listened to their frustrations until they seemed to settle down. Other Christians walked by and added their apologies.

Are you wondering where the lemonade comes in? I was furious with those sour faced Christians until I remembered that all things worked together for good for those who love God and have been called according to His purpose. Those sour Christians had handed us opportunities to evangelize. Those opportunities led to at least 1 salvation, many presentations of the Gospel, two commitments from “atheists” to ask Jesus to reveal Himself, and a chance to be Jesus to an angry mob.

All things today did work together for our good. Nancy and I had a good day. We worshiped and prayed together and shared Jesus with many people. 4 of those conversations resulted in salvations. That makes a total of 8 salvations for Mardi Gras. I must also confess that Nancy and I also took time today for a 20-minute much needed foot massage, watched some amazing street performers, and visited fun shops. After all, we are female and best friends.

Tomorrow, I’d really like to meet those sour faced Christians again and thank them for providing us the opportunity to apologize for their hostility. I suspect that thought isn’t from God so instead, I’ll focus my attention on demonstrating love to a lost and dying world. For tonight, I’m just going to enjoy the lemonade.

Heaven Came Down

By Cheryle M. Touchton
The Pocket Full of Quarters Lady


It isn’t unusual for best friends to go to Mardi Gras together. In fact, everywhere my best friend Nancy Edwards and I looked, friends were partying hearty together at the 2011 Mardi Gras. Nancy and I have been best friend for over 40 years so naturally, we want to be together any time we can. What is unusual is the reason we went. Nancy and I were at Mardi Gras to lead people to Christ.

Day 1 started out slowly. It was raining as heaven literally came down. Cold, wet, grumpy people huddled together under the awnings that decorate the French Quarter. They were not in the mood for friendly conversation.

To stay warm and dry, Nancy and I ducked in to two museums and the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral. We felt like God gifted us with a few moments to just be girlfriends enjoying the history and beauty of the city of New Orleans. Realizing the rain was there to say, we bought $3.99 ponchos and begin our work.

We walked and walked and walked. We handed out a few tracts but mostly we started conversations. We heard one young man say, “I look 21. I can get away with it.”

I touched his arm and said, “No you don’t. You look 19.”

“Did you hear me say how old I was?” he asked, looking surprised.

“No,” I said. “You look 19.” That was our door opener to tell the group about Jesus. No one from that group prayed to receive Jesus but we encouraged them to stay safe because we knew they had mothers that cared about them.

Then, in park overlooking Jackson Square with St. Louis Cathedral as a back drop, heaven came down and glory filled our souls. Nancy noticed a man taking a picture of 5 beautiful young women. She offered to take the picture for him so he could be in the picture and he told her that he wasn’t with them. After he took the picture, he moved on but Nancy and I stayed and struck up the conversation that resulted in 3 of them praying to receive Jesus. Look in the photo gallery and notice the smiles on their face right after they bowed their heads and invited Jesus into their lives.

Nancy and I continued on. We talked to many people. We passed a jewelry store, and being female, we had to go in. We hadn’t gotten 5 feet into the store before heaven came down again. Nancy says my eavesdropping is a spiritual gift. I overheard a young woman saying to her friend, “I love my mother but…”

I turned to her and said, “You can stop right there. You love your mother. You don’t have to add the but.” She and her friend both went to laughing.

She answered, “My mother is wonderful. She prayed with me before I came.”

“Are you a Christian?” I asked.

“I am,” she said.

“If something happened to you tonight, do you know where you’d go in the next life?”

“Heaven,” she said. “My name is written in the book of life.”

“What about you?” I asked her friend. Three minutes later, her friend’s name was written in the book of life, as she prayed to receive Jesus.”

Nancy stepped back to take a picture and the sales girl said, “I’m not really supposed to let you take pictures in here but I overheard what was going on and wanted to let you capture the moment.” The sales clerk told us she was a Christian.

We arrived back to Providence House at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary bedraggled, tired, and wet but excited to “Give'em Heaven in 2011.”

Give 'em Heaven in 2011

Picture yourself standing on street corner. Waiting with you is a tattooed, pierced young woman with spiked multicolored hair and wearing a black and white polka dotted short skirt that makes it clear there is nothing underneath. Earbuds seem to have grown into her head. How could she chew gum with that tongue ring? The tiny white dotted traffic light man signals it is safe to walk. This young woman automatically steps off the curb. You don’t trust the electronic man so you look both ways. A car is barreling through the intersection, determined beat the red light. What do you do?

Should you “mind your own business?” Maybe the driver is male and will notice the short skirt in time to stop. You could hope someone else will tell her about the speeding car. She’s listening to music and not paying attention. Does she deserve what happens next? Personally, I think you’d reach out and snatch this woman to safety, caring little about what she looks like, deserves, or thinks of being so roughly handled.

Now, mentally return to that same curb. You look at her and suspect she does not have the promised peace that passes all understanding. She doesn’t look like her body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Does she know there is heavenly host that makes music more beautiful than what is blaring from the earbuds? What if she steps from that curb and a speeding car ends her life. Where will she go next? What do you do?

You could “mind your own business.” After all, if you talk about Jesus, you might offend. Maybe she already knows Christ. You could pray that someone else tells her about Jesus. Do you ignore her because she seems hell bent and probably deserves what she gets? Based on what Christians across America tell me, most will just look away, cross the street and do nothing. What would you do? Would you ask if she knows your beloved Jesus?

In Matthew 28:18-19, Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.” The eternal destiny of the world is our business.

Most of you probably agree that spending a life without Christ and an eternity in hell is worse than having a speeding car careen into you. The point of our campaign, “Give ‘em Heaven in 2011” is to encourage all of us to speak up and share our faith with that level of urgency.

If you don’t know how, contact us and we’ll help. We offer free teleconferences called “The Secret to Witnessing.” Ask for our Pocket Reference Guide for Witnessing and some tracts. In 2010, 132 strangers prayed with me to receive Jesus. I participated in or led events where many Christians with various spiritual gifts led thousands to Christ, using a simple process. I’d be honored visit your church, class, or organization and share salvation stories and the process we use. Join me – Give ‘em Heaven in 2011. It is easier than most think.

Would You Like to Know the Secret to Everything?

Join Cheryle Touchton and Pocket Full of Change Ministries for a free teleconference and on-line Bible Study
The First Tuesday of Every Month Beginning on February 1, 2011
7:00 EST

How many times have you said, “I’m a Christian? I shouldn’t feel this way.” Are you confused about what to do next? Are you restless? Does your best not seem good enough? What if there were an ancient, secret formula that contained the key to a new freedom and peace beyond your wildest dreams? Wouldn’t you want to know the secret?

The good news is that there is such a formula. God offered this secret formula many thousands of years ago. Generations who embraced it, soared as if on eagle’s wings and those that did not, crashed to the ground. Learn secrets like how to guarantee good self esteem, how to heal broken hearts, and how to feel the presence of the God who loves you so much that He sings over you. Join us the first Tuesday night of every month for an action packed multimedia teleconference and on-line Bible Study and discussion based on Cheryle Touchton’s newest book The Secret to Everything. It is free but Cheryle offers you double your money back if you don’t find yourself laughing out loud and crying real tears as you discover the five simple words that will change your life and give you focus and direction.


While not a requirement to attend and benefit from the Bible Study, Cheryle encourages you to order her book, The Secret to Everything, and come prepared to discuss the questions in the chapter entitled “Parley.” After all, it shouldn’t be hard since you’ll have an entire month read each short chapter. Each session works as a standalone Bible Study so you can attend as many sessions as you wish. Since the sessions are recorded, you can listen to any you miss and people can join and catch up at any time. However, the only way to participate in the live discussions is to attend each session as it is presented live. The sessions are as follows:

• February 1: Preparation and Promise
• March 1: Progress to Mind Matters
• April 5: Progress to Heart Helps
• May 3: Progress to Soul Soothers
• June 7: Progress to Strength Solutions
• July 5; Progress to Neighbor Needs
• August 2: Perseverance: The Next Step

Class Size Is Limited So Ask Barbara For the “Secret” To Enrolling Now

Enrolling is easy. E-mail Barbara and she’ll send you the “secret” telephone number to listen and the “secret” website to view the presentation. When you call in, Cheryle will give you the “secret” key code.

The Eyes of the Christ Child

Day 2: The Eyes of the Christ Child



Meditation (3-5 Minutes)

Begin by being still before God. Read Isaiah 9:6 and meditate on the words.

Isa 9:6 (NIV)
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

1) Be still and know he is God.

2) Think about Jesus as a child.
a) What can you imagine him doing?
b) Do you think he enjoyed getting and receiving gifts?
c) How do you think the Christ Child would experience Christmas?
d) View this Christmas through the eyes of the Christ Child.

3) Let him be your Wonderful Counselor.
a) Surrender your problems.
b) Seek his wisdom.

4) Let him be your Mighty God.
a) Feel his power.
b) Surrender to his power.
c) Claim his power.

5) Let him be your Everlasting Father.
a) Bask in his love.
b) Feel his arms around you.

6) Let him be your Prince of Peace.
a) Release all contentious thoughts or worries.
b) Experience his peace.

Prayer
1) Ask God to speak to you during this worship time.

2) Requests of the Christ Child

a) Pray specifically for those that need to experience Christmas through the eyes of the Christ Child.
i) Specifically name those in emotional or physical pain.
ii) Specifically name the non-Christians in your life.
iii) Add them to the list.

b) Prayerfully update the list with new requests and any answers from God.

c) Praise God for his answers.

3) Gifts from the Christ Child
a) Praise God for his blessings.
b) Update the list.

4) Gifts to the Christ Child
a) Ask God to give you his spirit as you give gifts to others.
b) Prayerfully, update the list.

5) Ask God for knowledge of his will for you and the power to carry it out.

6) Ask the Holy Spirit to interpret the scriptures you are about to read.

Bible Study


Jesus came to earth as a baby. Like other babies, people gave him gifts and celebrated his birth. As far as we know, he had to learn to walk, talk, and dress himself. He grew up loved by his earthly mother and father. As an adult, Jesus loved children. He instructed us to let children be our teachers.

Background Scripture
Matthew 9:13-15, Mark 10:13-16, and Luke 18:15-17: Read the background scripture carefully. Jesus took time to be with children. How did he treat these children? What did he do for them?

What lesson was Jesus trying to teach his pious and impatient disciples?

The Faith of a Child
Lauren is eight years old. “I can’t wait for Christmas. It is my first Christmas as a Christian.” Earlier this year, Lauren asked Jesus to be a part of her life. “I was baptized,” she excitedly told me.

Lauren lives in a Godly home. She has been in church all of her life. Jesus has always been part of her life in some way. I questioned her further. “You already knew about Jesus. Why is this Christmas different?”

“Christmas has to be different because everything is different now. Jesus is my friend. I need him this year because two of my other friends moved away. Jesus will never move away.”

“What do you do with Jesus?” I asked.

“I talk to him. My brother is sick so I ask God to help him. My Daddy needs a job. I tell Jesus.”

“What is your favorite part of Christmas?” I asked.

“Church is fun at Christmas. I love singing the Christmas Carols. I get to go upfront and light a candle.” I asked about her favorite Christmas service. “Christmas Eve,” she said. “We turn off the lights and light candles.”

“What about the Bible? Do you have favorite verse?” I prompted.

Without hesitation, she answered, “Genesis 1:1. I can say it. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. This was the first verse I memorized. It reminds me that God made me. My favorite verse in the New Testament is John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” I wondered if she understood and asked her about it. “This tells me I will live forever with Jesus.”

Read John 3:16 and Genesis 1:1.

Since Lauren is just eight, I knew there had to be more to Christmas for her. “What about gifts?” I quizzed. “What was your favorite gift?”

Her face lit up. “I love gifts. When I was three, I got a toy car that fit over my legs. I sat the ground and pretended to drive. It had a steering wheel and a gearshift. Driving this car made me feel like a grown up. When I got older, what I liked changed. I gave that toy car to a girl in my church. Now I like Barbie Christmas gifts. Wearing a Barbie nightgown makes me feel pretty. I want a new Barbie for Christmas.”

“Lauren, why do you think we celebrate Christmas?” I was expecting her to say we celebrated the birth of Jesus. Her answer was better.

“We celebrate God’s gift to us. Christmas reminds me of a song I sing in church. This song says that we do not have to go looking for the gift of Christmas. Jesus is the gift that comes to us.” In what way does Lauren have the eyes of the Christ Child?


Luke 18:17: How are we to receive the kingdom of God?

A footnote to Lauren’s story is that her brother got well and her father found a job.

Application (5-10 Minutes)

1) Making It Personal
a) Name and pray for your favorite Christmas celebration.
b) Write your favorite Bible verse.
c) What was your favorite Christmas gift? Thank God for it.
d) Think of a child that you know well. Pick someone who is sweet, innocent, and bright with the joy of a child.
e) How will this child react to life today?
f) What areas of your life need the eyes of the Christ Child?
g) Ask God to help you have a childlike spirit throughout the day.

2) Praying Continuously (1 Thessalonians 5:17):
a) Stop and briefly pray when you feel strong emotions (i.e. impatience, anger, excitement, frustration, or joy).
b) As you feel each of these emotions, ask yourself this question: “If I were experiencing this with the faith of a child, how would I be reacting?”
c) Ask for the faith of a child.

Ending the Day

a) Thank God for the children in your life.
b) Did you have the eyes of the Christ Child today?
c) Confess if necessary.
d) Ask God for the eyes of the Christ Child.

Godly Fellowship At Christmas

Day 1: Godly Fellowship At Christmas



Morning Meditation (3-5 Minutes)

Begin by being still before God. Read Psalms 46:20 and meditate on the words.

Psalms 46:10 (NIV) Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

• Be Still.
o Clear your mind.
o Breathe deeply.
o Sit quietly.

• Know He is God.
o Feel his presence.
o Let his presence envelop you.

• He is exalted among the nations and on the earth.
o Feel his power.
o Surrender to his power.
o Claim his power.

Prayer (5-10 Minutes)

Ask God to speak to you during this devotional time.
Requests of the Christ Child

• Pray for the Christmas season.
o Pray for the Christmas worship services and celebrations in the community.
o Pray for your church and your Christmas celebrations.
o Pray for our Nation during this holiday period.
o List any specific events/concerns that need continued prayers.

• Pray for needs.
o Pray specifically for the people in your lives.
o Pray for your church.
o Tell God your concerns and needs.
o List any specific requests that need continued prayers.

Gifts from the Christ Child
• Think about your blessings this Christmas.
• Praise God for his blessings.
• List your top three blessings.

Gifts to the Christ Child
• Ask God to help develop that gifts given to anyone is a gift to the Christ Child.
• Ask God what gifts he wants you to give this Christmas.
• Prayerfully, fill it any gifts you plan to purchase between now and Christmas.

Ask for knowledge of his will for you this Christmas and the power to carry it out.

Ask the Holy Spirit to interpret the scriptures you are about to read.

Morning Bible Study (10-15 Minutes)

Christmas is a time for fellowship. We fellowship with God, families, friends, and our church. God tells us, “It is not good for you to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18) Healthy loving hearts need fellowship. If we fellowship with God and open our eyes and look around, God will send us people with whom to have deep and intimate fellowship. We read his word to learn about Godly fellowship.

Background Scripture
The background Scripture is Luke 1:1-56. Open your Bibles to the familiar passage. Today’s devotion studies the fellowship between the two Godly women God chose to begin the very first Christmas. We will study how Mary and Elizabeth fellowshipped with God and each other. We will study the following aspects of their fellowship: Love, the Holy Spirit, God the Father, and Jesus Christ.

God chose two very unlikely women. Elizabeth was too old to have a child. Mary was too young and innocent to have a child. They were both a “disgrace” by their world’s standards. Elizabeth’s disgrace had been her barrenness. Mary’s disgrace was that she became pregnant before she married.

Our Holy God loves to do the unexpected. The world judged them unworthy. God judged them most worthy. He chose Elizabeth to bear the son that would tell the world about the Christ Child. He chose Mary to bear His son.

Background - Elizabeth
Read Luke 1:5-7. Elizabeth had been married for many years to Zechariah. Both Zechariah and Elizabeth were descendents of priests. They lived blameless lives. Zechariah was faithful to his priestly calling. Their religion taught them that children were blessings from God. People assumed the inability to have children was a sign of God’s punishment. Elizabeth and Zechariah were most likely the subject of gossip and/or questions. How do you think Elizabeth felt about being barren?

Read Luke 1:25: Elizabeth desperately wanted children. She pleaded with God and had faith he would answer. She waited and most likely held her breath each month. She probably felt shame and disgrace over her barrenness as the years progressed. Miraculously, God finally answered her prayers. How does she feel now?

Read Luke 1:16-17: God had planned her blessing for years. He gave more than she asked. Her child was special. What was her son’s purpose?

Background - Mary
Mary was a young woman with the same dreams that other young women had. She was faithful to God. We see from her questions to the angel that she was intelligent, confident, and faithful. She was a woman of honor and purity. Mary was engaged to a kind Jewish man named Joseph. She expected to follow in the footsteps of the faithful people that had taught her how to live and love.

Read Luke 1:29-31 and Luke 1:12-13: Again, God does the unexpected. An angel named Gabriel appeared to her, changing her plans. Gabriel had been very busy. He had also visited Zachariah, announcing Elizabeth’s pregnancy. What would your reaction be to a visit from an angel? Not surprising, Gabriel frightened both Zachariah and Mary. We can only hope Gabriel does not take our reactions personally. He seems to be used to the reactions because he had his response ready.

Read Luke 1:34: Gabriel told Mary that she was going to bear the son of God. Mary’s parents had obviously told her the “facts of life.” Why was Mary confused?

Read Luke 1:38: In the end, she humbly accepted the will of God. She even rejoiced in the news. What was her answer?

One can only imagine the conversation with Mary’s mother. “An angel said what?” Mary must have been tempted to ask Gabriel to come back and explain this situation to her mother. We do know that Mary left her home in a hurry. (Luke 1:39)
Love

Read Luke 1:43-44: Mary went straight to Elizabeth’s house. Here we have one of the most beautiful demonstrations of love that is recorded in the Bible. These women shared their faith and joy. They quoted scripture and worshipped God as they talked. They encouraged one another. Elizabeth rejoiced at Mary’s arrival. What did she say to Mary?

Baby John was not going to be left out. What did he do?

Holy Spirit
Read Luke 1:41-42: True Godly fellowship includes the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth was “filled with the Holy Spirit.” Because the Holy Sprit was a part of their relationship, Elizabeth understood the situation before Mary even told her.

God, The Father
Read Luke 1:46-47: True fellowship includes worship of the Holy Father. Mary and Elizabeth praised God together as they sang and quoted scriptures. “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God, my savor.” Enjoy the words of their worship service.
Jesus

Read Luke 1:42: The final piece of true fellowship is Jesus Christ. Jesus was the point of Mary and Elizabeth’s fellowship. What were Elizabeth’s words to Mary?

Application (5-10 Minutes)

1) Making It Personal
a) List the people with whom you will fellowship the most this Christmas. (write your answer)
b) Whom do you love? (write your answer)
c) With whom do you share Godly fellowship? Which relationships include the presence of the Holy Spirit, worship of God the Father, and the love of Jesus Christ? (write your answer)
d) Which relationships need improvement? (write your answer)
e) Ask God to help you improve your relationships.
f) What can you do to improve your relationships? (write your answer)
g) If you are lonely and need more fellowship, write a letter asking God to meet your needs. Ask God to send you one new person today. (write your answer)

2) Praying Continuously (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
a) Pray for those closest to you at lunch, dinner, and at bedtime:
b) Tell at least one friend how important they are to you.
c) Look for his answers throughout the day.

Ending Each Day With God

a) Ask God to help you with your fellowship with him and those closest to you.
b) How was your fellowship on this 1st day of the Christmas season?
c) Confess your failures and claim your victories.
d) Decide to apologize the next day, if necessary.
e) Praise God for his fellowship this Christmas.

The Secret to Surviving the Economy

By Cheryle M. Touchton
904-614-3585
Cheryle@pocketfullofchange.org

Whine, Whine, Whine. Everyone is whining about the same subject – the economy. I know because I was whining too. I felt justified. My husband’s employer eliminated the entire department that we moved across the country for him to work for. We owned houses in two cities and both were worth around 40% less than we had paid for them.

I had company with my whining. I turned on the television and heard whining within minutes. It was the most popular discussion topic at social events. I opened my newspaper and the whining began on the front page. The last time I checked, whining did not help. What I needed was an answer. I have great news – there is one and, thank goodness, I remembered it.

My answer started with knowing that God has amazing plans for me – plans to prosper me and give me a hope and a future. How did I know? God said so in Jeremiah 29:11. The trick was to discover those plans. Then I remembered. I knew an ancient secret that had been around for thousands of years.

The irony of me forgetting this secret is that I’m an author and this ancient secret is the subject of all of my books and articles. If you are Jewish, you probably wear this secret around your neck and call it the Sh’ma. If you are Christian, you know it as the Greatest Commandment. It is practical, balanced, and simple. In short, when we stop working on our problems and simply love God with our entire mind, heart, soul, and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves, the problems take care of themselves.

When my husband and I stopped worrying about the economy and refocused all energy on loving God and our neighbors, we were able to hear the plans God has for us along with how to finance them. It was not easy and we had make some difficult decisions but just two short years later, our houses are sold, we have no debt, my husband has another job, and we are gradually rebuilding our financial security. We do not make as much money as we have in the past and we are renting instead of owning a home, but we live in a lovely house and have enough money to meet our needs, give to others, have fun.

So how does this apply to the reality of unsold homes, job searches, and stressed budgets? Below are five simple steps for surviving the economy.

Step 1 – Mind Matters
First, focus your mind on what is good, lovely, pure, and admirable in your life. List them on paper. Then, get honest and answer, in writing, the following questions:
• What is the reality of your financial situation? List your income, expenses, and debt. (a spread sheet helps)
• List your risks. For example, is your job in jeopardy? Are you over/under qualified for the current job market? Has your home value decreased?
• What can you reasonably afford with the income you have?
• What can you reasonably do without?

Step 2 – Heart Helps
Whining, complaining, and self-pity are heart poison. Stop! If your financial situation has taken a downturn, don’t pout. Instead, face what you have given up and move on. If fear is worming its slimy way through your heart, stomp your feet in defiance. God of the Universe has plans for you! Reel in those rambunctious emotions.

List:
• What you had to give up
• What you lost and are grieving
• What you are afraid of losing
• Whom and what you are mad at or blame

Step 3 – Soul Solution
Economy issues are nothing for a God that can create a universe. Trust Him and pray, confess, and praise.

Ask God:
• To help you forgive anyone and any situation that has hurt you financially
• To reveal His plans for you and how you are to carry them out
• To give you wisdom to know what to do next
• To give you courage and power to carry out those plans

Thank God for everything in your life, including the economic crisis. List:
• What you need to do next
• What you want to do next

Trust what you wrote down.

Step 4 – Strength Solutions
Act immediately. Put your plan into action. This is no time for fear, doubt, laziness, or delay. Work with the energy and confidence of the determined. Work into the night. Smile while you are working because you know a secret. God has plans to give you hope and a future.

Step 5 – Neighbor Needs
If you’ve followed the above steps, you’ll be a light in this troubled time. Your financial recovery story will become hope for others. Love for your neighbors will bubble out with no effort. Let the economic stress bring you closer to others. Be generous with what you have and accept generosity. Don’t whine and walk away from anyone whining. Watch in wonder as the plans of God unfold, sometimes quickly and sometimes slowly, but always timely.

In the scheme of all eternity, unsold homes, short sales, and unemployment are unimportant but they matter to most of us. They must matter to God because He promised us a future and gave us the secret for dealing with them. When we stop worrying about the economy and focus all our energy on loving God and our neighbors, the economy crisis will serve its purpose and take care of itself. Hope will return! We will have a future. God said it and we can believe it!