I’ve been thinking about May a lot. It is an important month in my life. This May especially so. That’s because on the 9th I’ll be turning 40 years old. On the 22nd, I’ll be celebrating my 15th wedding anniversary. And in between those days, on the 17th (God willing), I’ll be ordained as a priest in the Anglican Mission in the America’s. I truly have much to be thankful for, and I am.
As I have been reflecting and praying about this next month, what sticks out to me is how God has always been in my life. Some of my earliest memories of are being at church. I have a vivid recollection of the first time I “asked Jesus into my heart” in February of 1972 shortly before my 5th birthday. Yes, I have had a lot of ups and downs, failures and mistakes, but God has been so good to me. He has walked with me, upheld my hand and continues to do so. He is faithful and good. His love has transformed my life.
All of this makes me think of one of my favorite Psalms: Psalm 27. In this Psalm, David expresses his desire for Yahweh his God. He states that God told him to “seek His face” and that he sought God’s face because of this. Verse 4 has become something of a “life verse” for me. It reads:
One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.
What an awesome declaration of faith! This is my desire, to be in God’s presence, to experience His beauty and worship Him. As I go into this month, I am asking for your prayers. Especially as I prepare for my ordination. May my life be one that is dedicated to “one thing”…knowing Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior.
I share with you this video presentation of Psalm 27 that was done by Work of the People.
Comments
Powered by Facebook Comments
8 responses so far ↓
1 Rev. Joshua Betancourt // May 1, 2008 at 8:39 am
Shane,
Your message–as well as your present testimony–is always inspiring. Thanks for being yourself, and for allowing God to use you in the way that He has. I’m so excited for the work that He’s doing at St. G’s–sometimes wish I were closer in order to be a part of that special work! Press on, brother. I’m sorry I won’t be able to make your ordination. I will be there in spirit.
Because He lives,
Joshua
2 Stewart Black // May 1, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Shane,
Thank you for your perseverance and patience with the process God is working in you — and in St. George’s. Please let us know time, place, etc. of your ordination.
Now, as to your impending 40th, take it from someone who will celebrate # 59 this coming Monday, 40 is young!
Grace and peace, brother!
StewB
3 Shane Copeland // May 1, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Thanks Joshua and Stew. I appreciate it.
As for my Ordination, the details are here:
http://stgeorgephx.org/?page_id=50
Shane
4 Joseph Daniels // May 1, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Shane-
I turned fifty years two weeks ago. I am reflecting on my life as you seem to be doing also. But when you turn fifty things really change more so than the young age of forty. As many people do at this age, I worry about the future. What will I do with the opportunities in the next stage of my life? I think about things such as the fact that 2/3rd of my life (roughly speaking) is now behind me. What will I do when I’m sick and cannot care for myself? Will I encounter Alzheimer disease like others in my family? I am at the peak of my career and yet I see others, the young eager lions especially, progressing beyond what I can do for the company. Yet I am paid more than they. Will the company get rid of me seeking to dispose of “dead” weight? What company would hire someone like me? I lose sleep over these things and then think about the times past when I was in trouble. Real Trouble. God took care of me then, and even blessed me more than I expected – He has never abandoned me although at many times I deserved to be abandoned. God has been so faithful. The sun comes up every day yet I do not think to myself, “Will there be a sun today?” Sometimes the sun is hidden by the clouds but, sure enough, out it comes. It would be silly to fret or doubt if the sun is going to pop up in the east tomorrow (human perspective, of course – I read that there was a Copernican revolution of some kind a while back). In the same way, should I doubt that my future, maybe not here of earth, but in heaven will be more brilliant than anything a bright earthly star could ever produce? Just pondering these things makes me bolder and more courageous, no longer fearing the same fears the world experiences. Thank you!
5 Scott Brewer // May 1, 2008 at 8:37 pm
To my brother in Christ Shane Copeland. For the short time that I have known you, I have seen the hand of God, our Father, on your life. You are a blessing to me and my family, and have been a major part in my walk toward the ministry. We have all fallen short of the glory of God, but in his amazing grace He still calls us His Children. Shane you are a true warrior in the army of Christ, and I know that you will always defend the Gospel at all costs. God has given you a gift to preach and teach the Gospel and I believe that St. George Anglican will be home to many who want to know the living Christ. I am very proud to know the man Shane Copeland and am very proud to have you as my friend. Your testimony touches lives and moves people one step closer to want to have an intimate relationship with Jesus. What else can I say, you are a good man and my brother in Christ, and hope to one day serve with you. The world needs God fearing men to lead them in truth, and I know that God has laid a path for you and your family. I will be there on the 17th for your ordination. I look forward to seeing you.
Your brother in Christ, Scott
6 Jim Pruitt // May 1, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Happy birthday, Shane! And Happy Anniversary! I will pray for you as you approach ordination.
Wow… to be forty again; what a great age when wisdom still has energy!
Love, bro.
7 Kurt Kindermann // May 2, 2008 at 5:59 am
Shane -
A landmark month for sure! Soak it in, enjoy it and celebrate in it. I am looking forward to seeing what God does here in your 5th decade.
Blessings,
Kurt
8 Sharon McNutt // May 3, 2008 at 8:52 am
Happy Birthday! Happy Anniversary! and Happy Ordination Day, Shane! What a wonderful and exciting time for you. You have persevered and God as always has been faithful and good. For “He who began the good work IN you will perfect it until the Day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1:6 — Now just relax and enjoy with thanksgiving in your heart ALL His goodness in you and through you. You are wise before your years, vulnerable to others with His love, and I still think you resemble Wyatt Earp at times.
Stay strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, and let’s press on….
Sincerely Sharon
Leave a Comment