Fulfillment

Let me preface this with I'm completely aware what that last blog says I plan on blogging throughout the summer, obviously that didn't work... better 8 months late then never I suppose!

For the past few years God really put an urge on my heart to live for God. Not the I have a quiet time, study my bible, and teach Sunday school "live for God" But the whole hearted I'm on fire cant hold it in passion that we all know we should have, but rarely do except for those special few. So like any good Christian, I've been praying that God gives me that passion to share, logical right? Well as I'm discovering its not. Yeah, having a passion for those that have needs (ultimately salvation) is great, a desire to see others change isn't enough, you have to be willing to get out and make that change.

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to go to an retreat for college students called Passion with some awesome friends of mine. it was such an incredible chance to see God move in some awesome ways, but one thing really stuck out to me. That was the underlying theme that we need to do something; not in a a few years when we graduate or reach the next stage of life, not when the times right or the circumstances are perfect, but do something now! During one of the sessions Francis Chan told this story, take a look and see what you think...

Untitled from Daniel Doak on Vimeo.

Sad story right? As I listened to that story, and questioned how anyone could be that insensitive to the lost it hit me, I'm the guy in that story! I'm that guy sitting in that pew on Sundays as thousands of people drive by, eventually heading to there certain death, and all I do is sing louder content with worshiping the creator of the universe that they might never know. Its easy to stop at that point and feel like a bad Christian, but nevertheless still be content with it. its so easy to give into those feelings of inadequacy and to not do anything. But that's whats got to change, we all know theres so many issues with the church today and it all come from that complacency to not move from where we are.

The solution... not sure I have one. Sure there countless ideas and tips we can all try to help "improve" our willingness to join in the life we were all meant to live. But in the end all it is is ideas, merely possible solutions to our difficult problem at hand. However, the good news is that true fulfillment in that aspect of our lives can be found in that humbled servant position, that position we are more then equipped to be in.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20

So while I have no step by step plan to be a devoted sharer of the gospel, nor can I even begin to say Ive come close or started to master that area of my life. I can say that I no longer want to live by the status quo, I don't to merely have a desire to see the lost changed but have actions to back up that desire. Most importantly though, I want to rejoice in the amazing fact that I have been fearfully and wonderfully made and equipped by the Father who has enabled me to do infinitely more the I could imagine all for his name!

Its all about me?

I was doing a little devo time last night after doing some camp prep and found what is definitely one of my new favorite verses...

As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross [or because of him],my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. Galatians 6:14 (NLT)

The main reason I found this verse intriguing was because of that first part, "...may I never boast about anything except for the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." This struck me, because in the planning for camp I had just finished I found myself saying "I" countless times "oh the kids will like it if I did this. "Wow, this is a good idea I just had" Or "Whoa, I am so cool!"...ok maybe not the last one. However, the point still remains my planning became what can I do to make camp good.

The more I thought about it the more it began to bother me, rightfully so. See the thing is, like so many other situations in life, a thing that is all about God and completely centered around him turned into all about me. As Christians we are called to "die to the interest of this world" and die to the interest of ourselves, not to simply maintain the head knowledge that all things should be for God's glory, but turn that into a genuine heart knowledge where all things ARE for God's glory.

I guess the challenge I got from this was, how could I ever expect to successfully do camp (or anything in my life God has called me to do) if I attempt to receive the praise. When God places a calling on any ones life, whether it be to say hey to a person at the store, or spend the rest of your life in a shack in India; That calling is God saying "I want to use you to bring people too ME." Its simply a request from an amazing God that gives you all your talents and abilities in the first place, to use those gifts in obeying his call on your life. That since of humility is what it takes to be a true and genuine servant of God.

Sweet summertime!!

22 Days from now marks the day I've been waiting for since August 7... CAMP!!! And my increased boredom level from a lack of friends and a life since I have returned home has made my anticipation level even higher. I have the awesome privilege of working Centrikid again this summer. In case your wondering, its a camp for 3-6th graders, and judging by the high anticipation level from me and other staffers, it might just be more fun for the staff then the kids! It was incredible to see God work in the kids lives and probably even more so in my life as we shared the gospel last summer. As we finish up preparation for camp be in prayer for all the CK Staff, the 4 others I will be working with this summer (Jonathan, Bethany, Meredith, and Hillary) as prepare for a long busy but fun summer all over the country, but most importantly the kids that we will come into contact with. Pray that God already begins to work in their hearts as they get ready for what will be an incredible week of camp for them.