News and Updates
April 1, 2012
David Copeland · April 1, 2012
Newsletter · Volume: 12 Issue: 4
A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to minister with Pastors Carl & Tracey Thomas at The Mission Delray, now located in Boca Raton, Florida. They have an exciting Spirit Filled congregation that is bringing revival to South Florida!
In praying for those meetings, this passage in Hebrews 12:1,2 exploded in my spirit:
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NKJV)
The first thing I notice in this passage is the writer identifies with others by saying, “…let us…” So often when we are in the middle of a battle or difficulty, we think we are the only person in the middle of a mess. Paul reminds the Corinthian church there is no temptation overtaken you, but the common temptation…1 Corinthians 10:13
Secondly, the writer tells us to lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us…
One of the greatest weights we battle in today’s life is distractions. How do we really overcome all the distractions we face on a daily basis? It has been said the average person has to deal with over 35,000 different messages a day. Facebook, Twitter, emails and text messages, phone calls, TV & radio; most people will have over 1,000 different voices calling for their attention on an average day. Multi-tasking is not a paid job; it has become a way of life for all of us!
I have noticed in my own life when distractions won’t let up, it can produce a lot of frustration. I begin to get irritated over my inability to get things accomplished. I can never seem to get to the end of my to do list. This frustration can then lead to a fear of never getting to complete the important things we feel God has called us to do.
I know many people who have been close to me over the years who are now in the sunset years of their lives, frustrated and bitter over not accomplishing what they felt God had called them to do. One of the reasons they are now bitter and angry is they became distracted by the problems and circumstances of life…and had nobody to encourage them to push through.
The answer to overcoming distractions is in your focus! The writer in verse two in the Amplified states: Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus…
Many years ago, my friend Steve Pettis preached a message that greatly impacted my life on Fighting For The Focus. That message title reminds me regularly that the battle of your life will be for your mind, and the battle of the mind will be for focus. The only reason men fail is broken focus. I know this is absolutely true.
The answer to overcoming distractions is re-focus! Take your eyes off the situations that have become distractions. You can’t fix them anyway. Put your focus back on the only answer we have, Jesus. He will not only help you overcome distractions that keep you from His Presence, He will also see to it you finish the race with joy.
Pam and I are now in Kenya for ministry until April 24th. We will be leading our Spring session of the Maasai Vocational Training; we will also be taking part in a Youth Camp as well as leading some Leadership Seminars in several towns around Kilgoris. Thank you to all our friends and partners for sowing a special offering toward the expenses of these meetings. The Pastors and Leaders across Kenya say Asante’ Sana! (Thank You!)
Your faithful giving is not only helping us touch Kenya with the Gospel, but also many other countries of the World that have opened their doors to us. We will be leading two different teams into Nicaragua, one in May and another trip in July. We are also ministering across the US, believing that God is setting America up for another Great Awakening.
Thank you for helping us reach souls for Jesus. Thank you for helping us go and encourage pastors and leaders all over the world.
And thank you for helping us fulfill our part of the Great Commission!
David & Pam