Go Home

My Childhood Home

If I told you to go home, where would you go? When my parents went to heaven, many referred to it as “going home.” The Bible says that this world is not our home so I know that I will never be completely “at home” on earth. Nonetheless, I often confuse my friends by saying, “I’m home.” I have a house in Jacksonville, Florida and an apartment in State College, Pennsylvania so since I get confused about home, I understand their confusion. In Jacksonville, I have many churches that welcome and love me but I’m visiting. My home church is Calvary in State College, Pa. My church is as close to “home” as I can get while on earth. That means when I get back to my church, I breathe a sigh of relief. It is more than corporate worship – it is being members together of God’s household - studying the Bible, praying for each other, serving together, and being there spiritually, emotionally, and physically for each other.

Not all that carry the name “church” are happy “homes.” I hear many tragic “home” church stories. Some of you come from abusive “homes” – your supposed “church family” was just mean. Your “home” may have neglected, ignored, or judged you. Did you come from a broken “home” who fought constantly and then split up? Did your church have “pet sins” that they used as an excuse to be self-righteous and practice hateful prejudice? Some of your “homes” may have been dreary – boring, no fun or laughter, no joy of the Lord. Others preached fear – fear of sin and sinners and of displeasing God. If that is the kind of “home” you grew up in, it would be no surprise if you ran away from “home.” Here is the thing – this world is not our “home” and while we are here, we will always be restless as we long for our true “home.” The only antidote for that restlessness is finding an earthly “home” that will give us a glimpse of our final “home” with Jesus.

Calvary in State College, Pennsylvania - My Church Home

 So I beg you – Go Home! Join a church “family” who loves you unconditionally while having a vision of who you can become in Christ. When picking a “home” listen for laughter. God gives us the delights of our hearts. You aren’t “home” unless people are demonstrating the joy of the Lord. Make sure your “home” is the real deal – that they worship God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, believe in the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and make the Bible the final authority for life on earth. Listen – do they preach and practice loving God with their entire heart, soul, mind, and strength and loving they neighbors as themselves? Do they greet you and seem glad you are there? Are they interested enough to check up on you? They won’t be perfect – no “home” is – but you will know when you are “home.”

Once you find “home,” jump in with your entire heart, soul, mind, and strength – become an active member of the family of God. Support “home” with your money and time. Discipline your thoughts about what is “lovely” and build your family members up. Respect and support the leadership of your “home.”

Go Home! The rewards are magnificent.

Scripture

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. Eph 3:10-12

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Eph 2:19-22

Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. Heb 13:17

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.  Ephesians 4:11-16

Topic: Being Members of God’s Family

• The manifest Wisdom of God is made known in church – Don’t miss it
• Enjoy being fellow citizens with God – join God’s household
• Work together with your church family to become the dwelling in which God lives by His spirit
• God sent our church leaders to watch over us – let them.
• It isn’t good for us when we make our church leaders miserable – be kind to church leaders
• God sends family members with various talents to teach us – learn from them
• Be unified as a family – otherwise you feel like you are being tossed about by waves
• Build family members up

Evangelism Tip: Invite People Home

When you meet people who have run away from their church home, listen to their reasons. Don’t try to explain or defend the church. Simply apologize on behalf of the family of God for what happened to them. Invite them to your church.

Evangelize America

Shiloh the Shepherd's Sheep Dog - Helps Me Give the Gospel

 This has been what I’m calling “church week.” I went to two Bible Studies, a worship service, and lunch with a fellow sister. Every Divine Encounter I had was with Christians who have run away from their church home for one reason or another. I’ve had the pleasure of inviting several people to worship services and programs at my church. Shiloh the Shepherd’s Sheepdog was also very helpful this week. She performed her tricks perfectly and helped open the doors for conversation. I think she will be ready for the summer missionary journey. Bonnoroo is coming up in June and we still need funding. Pray about it.

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Blessings,
Cheryle M. Touchon

Let's Leave the Lights On

What does it mean to be salt and light in the world? I’ve been pondering this since visiting a Bible Study on this topic. As I listened to salt and light examples being tossed about, I grew more uncomfortable by the moment. Some turned their wine glasses upside down at weddings to be clear that they were avoiding the “devil’s brew.” Others suggested stands on moral issues like homosexuality and pro-life. Laments went up about high divorce rates and marital infidelity among Christians. I suggested that possibly love was what demonstrated salt and light but this since group didn’t know me any better than I knew them, their discussions continued and I quietly grew pensive.

That thoughtful sadness continued throughout the week as I finished emptying my childhood home and walked around letting memories flow. It will soon belong to someone else. As I stood on the corner double lot staring at the two-story white and green frame home, I pictured it lit up as it had been every night I returned from a date. My parents believed in “leaving the lights on” for me. The house and its residents were an unchanging light on a corner in a ever changing neighborhood. Generations of neighborhood children – many latchkey kids- grew playing in that yard, eating popsicles from their freezer, and calling my parents Ginny and Granpap. Just two blocks from our church, our house was the “after church” young gathering place. I remembered dances, barbeques, and majorette practices in the side yard and slumber parties and dates inside. The lights greeted us on prom night as my friends gathered for a late night breakfast. My brother and I left home but the lights stayed on.

They Sat Here Daily Greeting Schoolchildren

Mail carriers looked forward to the encouragement they would receive there. The house is ½ block from an elementary school and Mama sat outside daily before and after school handing out treats, returning restored toys, and offering words of wisdom and encouragement. When Daddy cut his grass, that riding lawn mower continued into the neighborhood. My parents loved their church and God and everyone knew it. They were private people who didn’t tout their good deeds so they were uncomfortable when I used them as an obvious example for the world. Daddy told me once not to bother helping people if I wasn’t going to enjoy it or expected a thank you.

To me, that is salt and light – quiet demonstrated love, leaving the lights on, and glorifying God right up to the end of an earthly life. No, I never saw my parents drink at weddings. The thought of abortion broke their hearts and there was no divorce or marital infidelity, but that wasn’t why people from preschoolers to the aged wept like babies at their funerals. They wept because the lights went off at 1110 Wolfe St. I may never live up to that humble legacy but I ask all of you to join me in using their example to leave the lights on for the world.

Scripture

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16

Topic: Salt and Light

Be the salt of the earth.

Make sure your salt stays salty.

Be the light of the world.

Don’t put your light under a bowl.

Give light to everyone so people can see your good deeds and glorify the Heavenly Father.

Evangelism Tip

Let the world know you are Christians by demonstrated love.

Is your home a happy place where people want to visit? Do you neighbors see your demonstrated love? Do people look forward to your smile? Will people weep at your funeral? Do your loving deeds glorify God? There is no better way to evangelize.

Evangelize America

This has been a week of evangelizing and ministering through social media and e-mails to people literally all over the world. Right from the beginning, a major part of this ministry has been evangelizing on the web and I feel a responsibility for the growing number of people this ministry touches through this. The world is changing and the effectiveness of electronic venues for helping a struggling world is growing. I would ask a favor. Help us minister to others electronically. Would you repost our posts and post links to our blogs? Forward this Moment to friends and family and suggest they subscribe on their own. Suggest me as a “friend” or someone to “Tweet” with, like The Pocket Full of Change Ministries and the Cheryle M. Touchton Auther Facebook pages, and ask to be added to the Facebook Evangelize America group. These take an enormous amount of time to maintain but the resulting salvations and discipleship growth makes it worth it. If your friends and family reach out, I promise to respond.

Allow the Joy of the Lord

Abigaile

Have you heard the expression, I want to be the person my dog thinks I am? I want to be the person my 5-year-old granddaughter, Abigaile, thinks I am.

“Gigi,” she asked. “Do you ever run out of adventures?” I assured her that when you love God and people, adventures abound. May I always remember that.

The fact that I am directionally challenged and am often lost is a long-standing family joke. Loyal Abigaile, who has been with me when I was lost, insists that her Gigi is the best “finder” ever because no matter how lost Gigi is, she eventually “finds” her way. May that be true spiritually and physically.

Abigaile loves Jesus and giving the Gospel. On Saturday, we went to a children’s evangelism event. As we listened, she whispered excitedly, “Gigi, he is speaking The Gospel!” May we always share the thrill of the Gospel.

Joy of the Lord
"Joy"

On Friday, I bought a new car. It is tiny, inexpensive, and practical – a Nissan Versa Note – but to Abigaile, it is the greatest car in the world. When discussing car names, she suggested, “Gigi, you have joy in the Lord. We could call her Joy Of the Lord. Her nickname could be Joy. It’s perfect.” May driving that car help me live up to what Abigaile thinks of me – that I have the joy of the Lord.

I am human and sometimes I confuse Abigaile. A rude driver cut in front, almost causing an accident. I expressed my frustrations aloud and she asked, “Gigi, doesn’t he just need Jesus? We need to pray he finds Jesus.” Ouch. Once, she overheard Bob and I having marital “discussion” about something that probably didn’t matter. She asked, “Are you fighting with GrandBobby?” “No,” I answered. “It is just a discussion.” She said matter-of-factly, “It sure sounds like a fight.” Ouch.

The influence I have over Abigaile is precious – a holy honor. I have to wonder how many times I can confuse her before she decides that having joy in the Lord is just a false hope. She is human and needs to see my humanness because I want her to understand redemption, but I also want to model that joy in the Lord is possible in all circumstances. I can’t “fake it” because little Abigaile would see right through it. No, if I want to be the person Abigaile already thinks I am and help her mature in the joy of the Lord, I have a responsibility to keep my relationship with God so intimate and alive that having the joy of the Lord is as easy as breathing. I also have a responsibility to confess and ask for forgiveness when I forget. For our sake and for the sake of people watching us, may we all allow the joy of the Lord.

Scripture

This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength. So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them. Neh 8:9-12

Allowing the Joy of the Lord

Grandbobby and Frederick
Making Merriment

 

Let the words of God teach and convict you - the people wept when they heard the words of the law

Go your way and enjoy the gifts of God as in eat the fat and drink the sweet
Share your gifts (portions) with people who are not as blessed.

Do not allow things to upset you – hold your peace.

Make great mirth – mirth means great merriment. Have Fun!

Allow the joy of the Lord to be your strength

Evangelism Tip

Demonstrate Joy of the Lord
Keep your relationship with God intimate and alive so you can demonstrate the joy of the Lord to your lost friends and family. They are watching and it cannot be faked. When they see the difference, they will want what you have. Make sure you give Jesus the credit or they will just think you are a naturally joyful person.

Evangelize America

It is confirmed – six people are willing to travel to hot Manchester, Tennessee in June and spend four days walking many treeless acres of dusty former cow pastures among the unwashed, undressed, painted, and pierced. They will hear loud music and endure decadent behavior to share Jesus with 100,000 young people longing for Jesus without even understanding what they are longing for. Typically, many invite Jesus to be Savior – hundreds even. The event is June 12-15. Pray for us and ask God to prepare hearts. Each person costs about $1,000. Will you help with the cost?

Donate Now For Bonnaroo 

They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love

The Lesson

This is a plea from an evangelist. People wonder why I write so much about the Great Commandment to love God and people. It’s because it is the secret to evangelism. If we love God with our entire heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbors as ourselves, nothing could stop us from sharing that love. When we don’t, no training can make us share the Gospel. When people know we are Christians by our love, we will share that love and people will follow that love anywhere.

I am in the unique position of visiting different churches. Lately, I’ve been burdened by what I see. Recently, I attended a Bible Study on a Proverb written by a father wisely teaching his son about dangers in the world. Our teacher encouraged us to write the names of sinners we knew next to the scripture containing the sins they committed. Over the next hour, she indicted all young people, those who watched two particular television shows, an entire race, and a segment of society. The worship service was the same. As the animated preacher worked up a head of steam, he even began belittling other Christian denominations and Christians exercising Biblical spiritual gifts. The hateful sermon and lesson were rants about non-believers and believers who interpreted God’s word differently. I wept for unsaved people who crossed their path and for members missing the joy of loving the lost and the benefits of reading scriptures for their own edification.

Gospel means good news. God is love. God’s word warns that Biblical words are foolish to the lost. Most Biblical instruction is to believers so shouting condemnation about and to nonbelievers does grave damage. Scriptures warn believers about the temptations and wages of sin, teaches us how to live in love, and tells us why and how to share the sweet Gospel. Jesus was firm with religious people and gentle with unbelievers trapped in sin. When we give the Biblical Gospel, demonstrate love, and invite people to meet Jesus, the Holy Spirit convicts them of sin. Once people know Jesus, the Bible changes them. When you read the Bible, allow it to change your heart. Don’t cheat yourself by using it to judge others. Certainly, like Jesus, hold believers accountable but understand that lost people act like lost people. When you see sin in the world, if you become enraged rather than broken hearted, my plea is to keep your mouth closed until you feel the life changing love and compassion of Jesus. Life is sweet when people know we are Christians by our love.

 

The Scripture

He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

 "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." Luke 10:27-28

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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. John 3:16-17

Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. Matthew 23:13

 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. Luke 23:24

Let Them Know We Are Christians

Love God with our entire heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Love our neighbors as ourselves.

Believe that Jesus came to earth because He loved sinners.

Jesus did not come to condemn the world and we should not either.

Don’t shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in men’s faces.

Love the way Jesus loves.

When you see people sinning, pray as Jesus prayed, “Father forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.”

Evangelism Tips

Share the ABC Gospel with Children

A: Admit that they are sinners. Explain sin and ask them to give examples. Quote: All have sinned and fallen short. The wages of sin is death.

B: Believe with their heart that God sent Jesus to earth for them and that Jesus died on a cross and rose from the dead. Quote: The gift of God is eternal life.

C: Confess: Confess Jesus with our mouths. Lead them in a prayer confessing that Jesus is Lord, that He came to earth and died for their sins. Lead them in asking for forgiveness of their sins and inviting Jesus into their life as Lord and Savior. Quote: All who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Evangelize America

Inviting people to meet Jesus works. Over the last week, I’ve found out that three children met Jesus last Saturday where I was the guest speaker at North Jacksonville’s Pirate and Princess Party. Heaven is throwing a party that is even more fun that that Pirate and Princess party and I’ve been celebrating too. I’ve heard that children are sharing the ABC’s of becoming a Christian. Pray for me as I plan my evangelism schedule. For now, I’m grounded as I wait on a small but slow healing wound to heal. I am not diabetic but the doctor says that sometimes this just happens. I need to be patient and follow directions. I’m not contagious but can’t lift so camping is impossible. I feel good and am still speaking, writing, and coaching. Major events start in June so pray for healing. I would love to come to your children’s event and share the ABC’s of becoming a Christian.

By Cheryle M. Touchton

Pocket Full of Change Ministries copyright

Intercessory Prayer Is Hard Work

The hardest work I do is intercessory prayer. I’m not talking about prayer requests like those I keep on my iPhone prayer app. That list is long and I pray for the list daily during my morning time with God. I rejoice in answered prayer and move it to “answered” in the app. I’m talking about being a true intercessor. I enter these situation emotionally and spiritually, walk their road metaphorically, plead and even wrestle with God, celebrate when God says yes, and weep and struggle to accept it and even rejoice in it when God says no. It shouldn’t surprise me that intercessory prayer is hard. After all, didn’t the Biblical Jacob end up with an injured hip socket? Jesus sweated blood and poor David cried before God on behalf of his dying son, only to receive a no to that prayer. Serious prayer isn’t for wimps. In the last week, friends have suffered great loss and/or are facing serious health concerns. In this day of instant information, I can text prayers, encouragement, and scripture and receive updates, which meals I ride the roller coaster even more. Unbelievably, it is easier for me to minister to people physically because it deceptively feels like I’m more in control of the outcome. As an intercessor, I’m required to fully trust God on someone’s behalf. I must rejoice in the situation even if my human side wants to surrender to the relief of despair. I must guard my thoughts to think on what is lovely and admirable in the person and situation. When I pray at that level for someone, I fall in love with them for a lifetime even if I’ve never met them. Fortunately, I have people willing to prayerfully cover the situation and care for me when I enter this season of prayer. I must pray Jesus’ prayer, not my will but yours be done while having faith that God answers prayers and can bring good out of anything. Yes, intercessory prayer is hard but it is also a privilege to be trusted as an intercessor.  

Bible Study

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Phil 4:4-9

Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome. Genesis 32:28

Then David got up from the ground. (this is after his beloved son died) After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate. 2 Sam 12:20

Being an Intercessor

• Rejoice in the Lord
• Refuse to be anxious
• Offer God your prayers and petitions with thanksgiving
• Be willing to struggle with God and allow the pain of that
• Only allow yourself to think about what is “lovely, pure…” about the person and/or situation
• Enlist others to join you in prayers and personal support
• When you receive your answer, regardless of the outcome, worship and return to normal life.
• Enjoy the peace of God which transcends all understanding.

Evangelism Tips

Make Evangelism a Family Affair

When children share faith alongside their parents, they know that the faith of their parents is real. When they see the Holy Spirit enter a life, their faith in the power of the Holy Spirit grows. Statistics prove that a child seeing their parents share and live out their faith with others is the single biggest thing parents can do to assure that their children will raise their grandchildren in faith and church. The tip this week is to do it. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be giving specific tips on how to evangelize as a family.

Evangelize America

Princess Abgaile (yes - my granddaughter) Shared the Gospel With Over 200 Children and their Parents

 Donate to Help Us Share Jesus With America

In South Carolina, Bob and I had the privilege of leading our server to Jesus. Sweet Jasmine believed in Jesus and knew she was sinner. She was terrified she wasn’t “good enough” to go to heaven. We shared the only way to heaven and she joyfully asked Jesus to be her Savior. On Saturday, I had so much fun at North Jacksonville Baptist Church. It was their annual Pirate and Princess Party and I was asked to share with over 200 parents and children how to evangelize as a family. You didn’t have to ask me twice. It was a thrill when the parents and children truly listened. I’ve been busily planning evangelism trips to the Bonaroo Music and Arts Festival and Freedom Fest in DC. They will be here before we know it. I invite you to join us. Email me, Cheryle

IF YOU NEED A BLESSING, BLESS PEOPLE WITH YOUR TONGUE

Have you ever had an aggravating week where small things kept piling on? I have. Bob was out of the country. I was lonely and dealing with things that he was better at handling. My e-mail and website went down, a URL expired, and there were house repairs. His plans kept changing so I couldn't plan. My publishing house went out of business and my books are not available until I figure out what to do. I was behind on what I call ministrivia and confusing tasks from my parents estate were increasing.

I called my best friend Nancy to whine, which didn't help because whining never does. What helped was a call from her later asking me to pay a visit to her grieving mother. I was so blessed by visiting her mom that I should have learned the lesson then but not yet. I kept whining and my misery increased until I got an e-mail from my friend Cathy who said my Facebook post made her sad and that she prayed for me. She suggested I go evangelizing.

Her prayers were answered as the light started to dawn. I have good friends. I watched a TV Christian speaker who talked about the power of words. She asked if our words brought people down or blessed them. She reminded us that when we blessed others with our words, we were blessed. She said that when we claim the words of the Bible through our thoughts and words, they manifest in our lives. I needed an attitude adjustment both for me and for the poor people who love me.

I confessed to God and wrote an apology e-mail to to Cathy for making her sad. I promised to go evangelizing. I'm confessing to you and hopefully my lesson will bless you. My website went down again but this time I reminded myself that nothing was too big for God. I sent off a help request to my hosting company and trusted them and God. It was back up in an hour. I was better the next day because I was speaking God's blessings. Bob called that night to say he was coming home. Bless people with your tongue and you will be blessed.

Scriptures

Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food? Job 12:11

May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. Psalms 119:172

Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food? Job 12:11

May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. Psalms 119:172

A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. Proverbs 11:12

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18

The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:4

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. James 3:9

Blessings With the Tongue

• Ears test words the way the tongue tastes food. Are your words sweet or sour?
• Our tongue was made to sing of God's word.  
• Using our tongue to criticize and complain shows poor judgement.  
• Reckless words bring people down - piercing their hearts.
• Wise words bring healing.  
• A deceitful tongue crushes the spirit of both others and our own.
• If we believe the word of God and tongues speak differently, our tongue is deceitful.  
• The tongue can praise God or curse men (both others and us). The choice is ours.