BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

Jesus came to them. In the middle of their deep disappointment, He appeared to them. He spoke to them. He made His resurrection real to them. Many believers who are suffering from disappointment today need that same kind of experience. Not a literal physical appearance of Jesus, just a fresh authentication of His power and presence in their lives. In other words, they need to spend some time with Him. There is so much exhortation about protecting our time with the Lord that I almost don't want to mention it. It's so basic yet it is the most powerful antidote for the poison of disappointment. When you leave your prayer closet just as the disciples left that room, empowered by the presence of Jesus and a conviction that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you, disappointment simply won't be able to keep its hold on you. Overcoming Disappointment The Apostle Paul reveals another important key to overcoming disappointment. Paul probably had more opportunities to be disappointed than anyone in the New Testament. He was stoned, shipwrecked, betrayed by false brethren, imprisoned, yet he never gave up. In Philippians 3:13-14, he wrote, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." If you dwell on the past you're going to stagnate. It doesn't matter how many disappointments you've had or how many failures you've experienced, you must be willing to forget them. Forget the injuries. Forget the failures. Forget your past successes too. Don't live today against the backdrop of yesterday. Turn the page! Then press forward. Press—that's the word Paul uses. If anyone ever told you walking with God is easy, they misled you. It takes focus, determination and energy to walk with God. You have to continually press toward the mark of the high calling of God. How do you do that? You press by renewing your mind with the Word of God. You don't allow yourself to think the way you used to think. Instead, you frame your world with His Word, even when circumstances look contrary. And, no matter what happens, you don't give up.You don't give up because you never are finished. Paul said, “I count not myself to have apprehended." You always have more to learn from the Word, more spiritual insight to gain, more victories to win. No matter how far you've come, you're just getting started. When disappointment tries to tell you life is over, you've gone as far as you can and things aren't working out, say, “No, praise God, there's more for me to apprehend!" Then keep right on pressing. God has a dream, a high calling, for your life, my friend. It's just as unique to you as your personality is in the Body of Christ. And the Word says there's a prize in store for you if you'll reach for that dream. I believe the prize is the experience of Zoe, the life of God Himself flowing in and through you. What else could be more precious? Don't let disappointment rob you of that prize. Don't let it poison the abundant life Jesus died to give you. Protect your heart by putting these powerful antidotes to work. Spend time with Jesus. Forget the past. Press on. You'll soon be experiencing the glorious prize and promise of God all over again. V Mac Hammond is senior pastor of Living Word Christian Center, in Brooklyn Park (a suburb of Minneapolis), Minn. For more information go to lwcc.org. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Watch Mac on bvovn. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tribute From the Hammonds Dear Kenneth and Gloria, On behalf of our entire family and the congregation of Living Word, congratulations on 50 years in ministry! What an amazing accomplishment! Your faith, patience and perseverance in pursuing the Lord has truly blessed the Body of Christ. People around the world have had their lives changed as they have learned from your teaching and followed your godly example. Lynne and I are both truly grateful for your friendship. Your commitment, integrity and honor inspire us regularly. In fact, it is impossible to adequately express our heartfelt gratitude or the significance of your ministry to us, the congregation at Living Word and the Body of Christ. Your faith and joy have encouraged and strengthened the Body of Christ in ways that we will never fully know. May everything you have seen during 50 years of faithful service serve as inspiration as you continue to “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Know that the best is yet to come. You haven’t even begun to imagine the future God has in store for you and your ministry. Keep pursuing Him and we know the rewards will be great. Congratulations again on such a milestone. We remain grateful to God for your lives and ministry. In Him, Mac and Lynne FOR MORE ABOUT MAC AND LYNNE HAMMOND AND TO SEE A VIDEO TRIBUTE TO THE COPELANDS, GO TO: KCM.ORG/MAC. BVOV : 25

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