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I received this message from a FB friend who brought some students to a camp I spoke at this summer. I loved hearing it and thought you might as well.

Your message on shame completely changed the lives of 2 girls in my youth group. They have both been suicidal for about a year now and its been nearly impossible to show them how much God loves them and how much they mean to everyone around them. No one knew except for a few people because they always seemed so happy. But now they are both doing great and have found help, peace, love, and comfort. The friday night before camp one of the girls was ready to end it but decided to wait until after camp, she said the knife would still be there, so a week away from home and family couldn’t hurt anything. God radically changed her life that week and she said she hasn’t thought about death or suicide or anything along those lines since. She said she can feel God’s arms around her everywhere she goes and can finally see how much He loves her. She knows now that she is good enough and that He loves her more than she can imagine. I just thought you would appreciate that testimony.

When was the last time that you were truly blown away by God’s hand in your life?

While reading through the Old Testament, I am continually amazed at the ways God moves mountains for His people. He destroys indomitable cities, overpowers bigger-stronger armies, and overcomes miraculous odds all because He has great plans for His kids, He wants them to know victory, and He wants society talking about Him.

Gotta tell you, I feel like I am living in that time right now. I sense God’s favor in such a strong way as He flings open what seem like impossible-to-open doors. I have to say that eight years ago, I never thought mainstream radio stations would let us talk about Jesus openly. Never thought God would show us how to reach 13 million people a week on those stations. Never thought that MTV and VH1 (TV stations that youth ministers hate because of their ungodly influence) would carry the message of Christ.

In proving Himself faithful God has answered the aggressive prayers I and many others have prayed. He has gone above and beyond, and that is just the beginning.

God is stirring in my heart. More is on the way. Can’t wait to share with you what those things look like as they become more clear. He is doing something great…let’s open our eyes, recognize His hand, and give Him the honor, praise, and glory that He deserves and desires.

Been to two graduations in the past 18 hours…one for my daughter from 8th grade and one for my son out of Kindergarten. As I watched them with pride, I wondered how God views our achievements.

Just as my children are on a journey from pre till 12 we are on a journey from selfish, ignorant, trying to figure it out till we get to be mature, Kingdom focused, Christ like, and focused on the right things. On occasion we make a leap forward. Either we learn how to love someone that is difficult, we overcome a temptation, we defeat our anger, or we have a spiritual epiphany that makes God and His grace more clear. When that happens…when we grow…when we graduate, I wonder if God gets excited and starts bragging about us.

Maybe he calls over some angels and begins to share our story with them, “She did it…she finally figured out how to rely on me. I am so proud.”

Watching my kids and knowing what was in my heart…and watching other parents as they beamed with pride, I couldn’t help but think about the Father heart of God who has promised to stay with us through the entire process.

I think He’s proud…and even though there is more to do (my kids aren’t anywhere near done with school, but I am still thrilled they are continually making progress) He is pleased with how far you have come.

I was reading in a leadership book this morning and I was inspired. A thought laid out in the book reminded me of the vision we have been entrusted with.

Check it out:

“From 1923 to 1955, Robert Woodruff served as president of Coca-Cola. During that time, he wanted Coca-Cola to be available to every American serviceman around the world for five cents, no matter what it cost the company. What a bold goal! But it was nothing compared to the bigger picture he could see in his mind’s eye. In his lifetime, he wanted every person in the world to have tasted Coca-Cola. When you look deep into your heart and soul for a vision what do you see?”

Woodruff was a bold man. He believed in his company and wanted his product to have success. But, what struck me is that our “product” is so much greater. Coke might quench your thirst, but God’s grace and mercy rescues a soul from hell.

As I was confronted with a man’s bold vision, I was reminded of Jesus. He wants everyone to come to a knowledge of the truth and be saved. He wants all men, women, and children to hear the truth and know they are loved. Jesus’ vision was that everyone would taste of His goodness and enter into a relationship with Him. As a person who is focused on seeing Christ’s vision fulfilled on the earth I am going to keep my eyes and ears open for opportunities to lovingly share of His love. I hope you will join me.

Yesterday it came to my attention that a couple of atheists got there feathers ruffled and posted something declaring that every Atheist’s mission should be to stop Groundwire.net. Not totally disappointed that we are making them nervous. God is doing something. The truth is getting out there to hundreds of thousands every day, and lives are being transformed. I love it.

So, in response to the mission they posted, I want to propose a mission to all of us who want the the hope of Christ to cross paths with as many who are in need as possible. It is three-fold.

1. Pray that God’s Word would go forth in its various forms. Pray that His truths would be impossible to ignore, His people would be bold, and His love undeniable.

2. Tell someone that God is crazy about them and wants to meet their needs. There are people all around who are hopeless and discouraged. People in need of Christ. Allow God to show you which one/ones need your words, your prayers, and your kindness.

3. Give a gift that will help spread the gospel. It might only be $5, but do something. Groundwire is one tool you can utilize to share the truth with others, but there are so many other great ministries out there. Don’t put it off, but do it now.

The devil is angry, God is pleased, and we need to partner with God to see HIs purposes move forward.

Every Christian’s mission should be to advance the gospel of Christ.

Last week while I was sitting with a friend in California I had a mild epiphany. I began to understand that when it comes to service, I (and most people I know) focus on one point. For instance, if I help the widow down the street with her house, I met her need. If I send money to an orphan I help him eat. But there is much more there.

Some might think linearly. Their service may connect two distinct people (i.e. when you pray for someone you connect that person’s need with God who wants to meet it). But, even that is not where it starts.

I was challenged to think triangularly. When I serve, it isn’t just about the person I give to. And, it is not simply about their need and God’s desire to heal or bless them. There is a third party that benefits from this type of offering. I do. Whenever I give, serve, pray, love, or bless others, I am rewarded in return.

Seeing the triangle of benefit really helped me understand my need to serve. Yes, I want to see others blessed. And, yes, I want God’s goals to be achieved. But, I also want to grow in my faith, experience God’s best, and understand His faithfulness…and all that happens when I serve.

Philemon v. 6 actually speaks to this. “I pray you will be active in sharing your faith so you will have a better understanding of every good thing you have in Christ Jesus.”

So, get out there and serve faithfully because you know that the triangle is at work.

Yesterday I was in the airport returning home from Tampa, FL and I noticed a song was stuck in my head. It was amusing to me as it was definitely a Christian oldie from 1988 (I didn’t know the release date by heart; had to look it up). Anyone remember, “Thank you for giving to the Lord.”?

Well, as I was walking down that warm and fuzzy road of fond memories, I was struck by the message of that song. In effect, it was saying that every positive choice you make produces results. Although you may never see the effects of the prayers you pray, people are being touched and God’s Kingdom is being built. Every kind and loving gesture is being observed by people and it impacts them. Every selfless gift you give will result in something eternal.

As the song echoed through my skull (you know how it is…just can’t get it to go away), I was overwhelmed with gratitude. I found myself amazed by the silent investments made by so many…maybe even you.

You might serve from the sidelines out of the goodness of your heart never knowing who you are impacting. You may pray in silence never getting to see the results. Or, you may give to your church, a ministry, or to the poor/orphaned never seeing the pictures of hearing the verbalized “thanks” that are being expressed.

If that is you, I want to say “thank you.”

The orphan in Africa that you care about and give to help feed says, “Thank you.”

The wounded teenager down the street that you have accepted and loved, says, “Thank you.”

The person seeking for meaning and purpose that is going to find it through Christ because of your financial support says “thank you.”

Although I couldn’t get the song out of my head yesterday, I now realize that I never want its themes to leave my heart. Looking back, I guess if I am going to have a song stuck in my brain, I would prefer it be that as oppossed to the Hannah Montana song that was stuck last week. lol.

Well, on behalf of the ones you have touched, but you won’t meet until you reach Heaven, let me just say, “Thank you.”

If you are too young to remember “Thank you” by Ray Boltz and would like to check it out, go to .