stephen wayne hammond

I Will Rise

I am not a huge Christian music fan, but Chris Tomlin moves me in a way that many artists don't.  

This song has been spinning in my brain over the past few days.  Great song!  Download it and be encouraged.

I Will Rise (Chris Tomlin)

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing, 
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart, 
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the voice of many angels sing, 
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart, 
"Worthy is the Lamb"

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

Time Alone with Christ

As a leader it's imperative I get time alone with Christ so that I can be refreshed, encouraged and ready to hear His voice to direct my life, family and ministry into the future.

Often I find myself too tired, busy or worried to make some time to get up early and pursue Him (I encourage people to get time alone with God in the early mornings b/c the house is usually quiet plus this time allows you to be focused to live a full day for Christ and others). Sometimes I miss time with God altogether, while other days I will be up earlier than I thought in anticipation for what will be an exciting time alone with my Creator.

As you and I journey together in seeking God let me encourage you to come to your time alone with a few ideas in mind:

Make it Personal- don't try to get your messages done in this time, seek wisdom for another or even try to catch a vision for the future of your 'thing' but instead get with God to deal with you.

*Make it Simple- all you really need for some great times alone with God are: 1) Scriptures you can easily understand, 2) Notebook/Journal and Pen to document what He is speaking to you and 3) Maybe an iPod to listen to some tunes to prepare your heart, mind and soul to be together with Him (although some would substitute the music for an early morning run or walk in the park, or something similar)

*Make it Holy- simply meaning use this time to allow God's Spirit to show you the areas in your life that are not pleasing to Him and then take the appropriate actions of repentance.

*Make it Memorable- don't be afraid to keep a journal close so that you can write down what God is speaking to you (if you are like me you will forget most of the things you don't document)

*Make it Missional- whatever God gives you in your times alone with Him needs to be implemented not only for your life but for the lives of others around you meaning that God wants to help and change your life so that in turn you can go help and change others.

*Make it Consistent- try to meet with God regularly (same time each day and same place) as to build a 'stabilizing meeting' into your life and schedule (next time you are really stressing you will actually find yourself saying "I can't wait until I get some time alone with God tomorrow at _____")

These are just simple suggestions that I need to be reminded of regularly to keep a consistent journey with God fresh and exciting. Hopefully it will help you as well.

Let me know of other ways you find it helpful to connect with Christ alone that make you the human God dreams about!