As of October 17, 2011, I will be posting my blog directly to the church's web page. Please visit newgenerationschurch.com. They will be posted on the home page. Thanks.
-Ken Hubbard
Monday, October 17, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
GODSPEED
LUKE 10:40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made...
As a church planter it is easy to become distracted with the preparations. Wait that's a little self serving. Let me start over. Living in todays world of hurry up get it done, deadlines, full schedules, its easy to become distracted from our time with God trying to make ends meet. Maybe we miss the majority of Gods blessings because we are to busy to notice them. The reality is that we allot time for anything that is important to us. The old excuse "I don't have time" is really just is saying that something isn't important enough to me for me to allow time in my schedule to get it done. The fact of the matter is that I cant do everything I want, but I do have enough time to do everything God wants me to do. Maybe I am getting wiser or maybe just older but I enjoy life more when I am traveling GODSPEED. I enjoy my mornings with God by my fireplace before anyone else is up. Walks with my wife after dinner, Dates with my daughter to the local coffee shop, a sleepy Sunday afternoon of football watching with my son. All things that I could miss when I am traveling my speed, " distracted by the preparations". GODSPEED, This expression is used especially when someone is leaving on a journey for a specific purpose. That is, it is not just a general wish for a safe journey, or generic 'good luck', but a wish/prayer that they will have success in what they are setting out to do. Thus, though used mainly when someone is literally setting out, it can also simply be used to wish someone well in a VENTURE they are embarking on, even if it does not involve a physical journey. Planting a new church is an amazing VENTURE! For my sake and others I must travel GODSPEED! not myspeed. For those of you That took the time out of your venture to read this I want to encourage you to watch the sunset, enjoy someones company, make time for God, dont get so distracted by all the preparations, and my prayer for you is GODSPEED!
JUST A THOUGHT
As a church planter it is easy to become distracted with the preparations. Wait that's a little self serving. Let me start over. Living in todays world of hurry up get it done, deadlines, full schedules, its easy to become distracted from our time with God trying to make ends meet. Maybe we miss the majority of Gods blessings because we are to busy to notice them. The reality is that we allot time for anything that is important to us. The old excuse "I don't have time" is really just is saying that something isn't important enough to me for me to allow time in my schedule to get it done. The fact of the matter is that I cant do everything I want, but I do have enough time to do everything God wants me to do. Maybe I am getting wiser or maybe just older but I enjoy life more when I am traveling GODSPEED. I enjoy my mornings with God by my fireplace before anyone else is up. Walks with my wife after dinner, Dates with my daughter to the local coffee shop, a sleepy Sunday afternoon of football watching with my son. All things that I could miss when I am traveling my speed, " distracted by the preparations". GODSPEED, This expression is used especially when someone is leaving on a journey for a specific purpose. That is, it is not just a general wish for a safe journey, or generic 'good luck', but a wish/prayer that they will have success in what they are setting out to do. Thus, though used mainly when someone is literally setting out, it can also simply be used to wish someone well in a VENTURE they are embarking on, even if it does not involve a physical journey. Planting a new church is an amazing VENTURE! For my sake and others I must travel GODSPEED! not myspeed. For those of you That took the time out of your venture to read this I want to encourage you to watch the sunset, enjoy someones company, make time for God, dont get so distracted by all the preparations, and my prayer for you is GODSPEED!
JUST A THOUGHT
Saturday, October 8, 2011
SETBACKS
JOSHUA 1:2
Moses my servant is dead NOW then you and all these people get ready to cross over.
Finally! Joshua wanted to cross over 40 years prior, but he had a pretty major setback. A 40 year setback, because of what someone else had done. Have you ever had a setback? How do you overcome it and move forward? Joshua stayed faithful! He choose to use this setback as an opportunity to trust God and stayed prepared should his opportunity ever come again. It seems that all great achievers have to overcome setbacks somewhere along their journey. Sometimes we get to see the miracles of God, and other times we get to be the miracles of God. Maybe setback are only an opportunity to see or be. Because Joshua stayed faithful he did get another opportunity, and this time he was leading the charge. Now get these people ready! God used the setback to prepare Joshua for this moment. Lead the people into the promise of God. I have had a few setbacks myself. I am only now seeing the benefits of the setback and I am living in my NOW moment, crossing over into the thing the setback prepared me for. If you are in a setback stay faithful, God has a "Now cross over" moment for those who dare to move forward
JUST A THOUGHT
Moses my servant is dead NOW then you and all these people get ready to cross over.
Finally! Joshua wanted to cross over 40 years prior, but he had a pretty major setback. A 40 year setback, because of what someone else had done. Have you ever had a setback? How do you overcome it and move forward? Joshua stayed faithful! He choose to use this setback as an opportunity to trust God and stayed prepared should his opportunity ever come again. It seems that all great achievers have to overcome setbacks somewhere along their journey. Sometimes we get to see the miracles of God, and other times we get to be the miracles of God. Maybe setback are only an opportunity to see or be. Because Joshua stayed faithful he did get another opportunity, and this time he was leading the charge. Now get these people ready! God used the setback to prepare Joshua for this moment. Lead the people into the promise of God. I have had a few setbacks myself. I am only now seeing the benefits of the setback and I am living in my NOW moment, crossing over into the thing the setback prepared me for. If you are in a setback stay faithful, God has a "Now cross over" moment for those who dare to move forward
JUST A THOUGHT
Thursday, September 29, 2011
THE BIG BROTHER SYNDROME
LUKE 15:29 Look! all these years I have been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. If you have been following my blogs you have probably figured out that I am writing them for my own benifit, therapy I guess. Lessons I am learning and still learning in my own journey, but thanks for coming along for the ride. I have preached many messages on the prodigal son, perhaps missing an equally important message with the son who stayed home. I have been serving God my whole life so I never totally related to the prodigal son, but this second son guy, he is a totally different story. He had become arrogant about how well he was doing (performance).
His stressing and striving had made him bitter, and missing the blessings that come freely from the father. He felt his hard work entitled him to rewards. I have seen many Christians, including the one in the mirror, caught up in a performance style of Christianity. For me it was my insecurities that drove me to perform, work harder, do better, etc. Missing the revelation that God simply loves me for who I am, not what I do. Because he loves me there is already an inheritance (blessings) for me, not based on what I do.
This Sunday I am launching New Generations Church, It is so freeing and life giving not to be stressing or striving, but just being one of his sons. Don't get me wrong we have done some work! But my self worth comes only in the fact That I am his son!
This Sunday I am asking for the Fat calf to be slaughtered, because I am planning a party with my friends!
JUST A THOUGHT
His stressing and striving had made him bitter, and missing the blessings that come freely from the father. He felt his hard work entitled him to rewards. I have seen many Christians, including the one in the mirror, caught up in a performance style of Christianity. For me it was my insecurities that drove me to perform, work harder, do better, etc. Missing the revelation that God simply loves me for who I am, not what I do. Because he loves me there is already an inheritance (blessings) for me, not based on what I do.
This Sunday I am launching New Generations Church, It is so freeing and life giving not to be stressing or striving, but just being one of his sons. Don't get me wrong we have done some work! But my self worth comes only in the fact That I am his son!
This Sunday I am asking for the Fat calf to be slaughtered, because I am planning a party with my friends!
JUST A THOUGHT
Thursday, September 22, 2011
PERHAPS
1 SAMUEL14:6
Jonathan said to his young armor bearer, " come lets go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows,' PERHAPS' the Lord will act on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving..."
If I am the armor bearer I am not sure I want to follow such a double minded, uncertain,fear filled, lack of faith, leader!
I feel the need to confess, that I woke up this morning in a PERHAPS mindset. I am 10 days away from planting New Generations Church. The biggest opportunity of my life. I have heard from God, We have the most incredible launch team anyone could ever ask for, we are on day 16 of a 21 day fast, God has done some miraculous things, everything is in place. Then the What ifs set in. What if nobody shows up? What if you cant pay the bills? What if? What if? What if? The monster of PERHAPS, Have you ever met him? I Know this confession doesn't exude a lot of confidence, but instead of allowing PERHAPS to condemn me I thought I would bring him out in the open and talk about him. Maybe, just maybe, PERHAPS isn't so bad after all. Maybe he is more friend than foe. Think about it, if PERHAPS wasn't there, than what would be the need for faith? If I was 100% sure of everything why would I need to trust God? And we all know that without faith its impossible to please God!
PERHAPS true faith isnt the absence of fear or doubt after all, but the willingness to move forward when your uncertain of all the answers. Maybe this is just my own pep talk, but I have decided to feel the fear and move forward anyway! Its not wrong to feel fear, Its wrong to allow fear to stop me from doing the great things God has planned for me!
Could it be that those who feel the most fear are exercising the most faith and accomplishing the most for the cause of Christ? I choose to believe YES! Faith doesn't eliminate fear or doubt but it paralyzes them one step at a time. So come on lets go face our fear and PERHAPS God will give us the victory.
I know God can! I am pretty sure he will!? Lets try! its better than sitting around doing nothing, wishing we had.
JUST A THOUGHT
Jonathan said to his young armor bearer, " come lets go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows,' PERHAPS' the Lord will act on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving..."
If I am the armor bearer I am not sure I want to follow such a double minded, uncertain,fear filled, lack of faith, leader!
I feel the need to confess, that I woke up this morning in a PERHAPS mindset. I am 10 days away from planting New Generations Church. The biggest opportunity of my life. I have heard from God, We have the most incredible launch team anyone could ever ask for, we are on day 16 of a 21 day fast, God has done some miraculous things, everything is in place. Then the What ifs set in. What if nobody shows up? What if you cant pay the bills? What if? What if? What if? The monster of PERHAPS, Have you ever met him? I Know this confession doesn't exude a lot of confidence, but instead of allowing PERHAPS to condemn me I thought I would bring him out in the open and talk about him. Maybe, just maybe, PERHAPS isn't so bad after all. Maybe he is more friend than foe. Think about it, if PERHAPS wasn't there, than what would be the need for faith? If I was 100% sure of everything why would I need to trust God? And we all know that without faith its impossible to please God!
PERHAPS true faith isnt the absence of fear or doubt after all, but the willingness to move forward when your uncertain of all the answers. Maybe this is just my own pep talk, but I have decided to feel the fear and move forward anyway! Its not wrong to feel fear, Its wrong to allow fear to stop me from doing the great things God has planned for me!
Could it be that those who feel the most fear are exercising the most faith and accomplishing the most for the cause of Christ? I choose to believe YES! Faith doesn't eliminate fear or doubt but it paralyzes them one step at a time. So come on lets go face our fear and PERHAPS God will give us the victory.
I know God can! I am pretty sure he will!? Lets try! its better than sitting around doing nothing, wishing we had.
JUST A THOUGHT
Saturday, September 17, 2011
WHATEVER HAPPEN TO THE MAN OF STEEL?
EPHESIANS 4:11-13 IT WAS GOD WHO GAVE SOME TO BE APOSTLES, PROPHETS, EVANGELISTS, PASTORS, AND TEACHERS. TO PREPARE GODS PEOPLE FOR THE WORKS OF THE MINISTRY, SO THAT THE BODY OF CHRIST MAY BE BUILT UP, UNTIL WE ALL REACH UNITY IN THE FAITH. I wounder sometimes if we don't put spiritual leaders in the wrong category of our lives. It seems to me that in our societies need to have heroes, we often look for, in mere humans or organizations, only what God can bring. Is it possible that we want Pastors or churches to fulfill the needs and wants that only God can fulfill? Is it possible that's why we become disappointed, or in some cases angry at our churches and spiritual leaders when we realize they are really just Clark Kent and dealing with their own kryptonite
Superman had disappeared! Some years later we find him married to Lois Lane under the name Jordan Elliot. Working as a mechanic living happily ever after as an ordinary husband and father. Declaring "Superman is overrated, he was way to wrapped up in himself." Maybe he tried to hard to be what everyone wanted him to be, maybe he began to believe his own press, Could the real kryptonite be the pressure of trying to be the man of steel? Did he get caught up in his own mythology? Did he loose his real source of power? Did he let things become to personal? Was he simply tired of fighting off bad guys for everyone else when he had some of his own to fight off?
I guess even Superman can loose his way.
The Villains that keep him grounded, and hiding? Lex Luthor, Armorgeddon, Bizarro? Not a chance. I think its the judgement, cynicism, and unforgiveness of others that keep him living as Clark Kent instead of leaping tall buildings and helping those in need.
Well I am no Superman! I do know that wearing tights or capes wont make us strong, its only in our weakness that God becomes strong in our lives. We dont need Superman after all, We need God! The real master of the universe. However it would be nice to be friends with Clark Kent, you never know when you might need to be stronger than a locomotive, and faster than a speeding bullet that only comes from the power of true friendship
NUFF SAID
Superman had disappeared! Some years later we find him married to Lois Lane under the name Jordan Elliot. Working as a mechanic living happily ever after as an ordinary husband and father. Declaring "Superman is overrated, he was way to wrapped up in himself." Maybe he tried to hard to be what everyone wanted him to be, maybe he began to believe his own press, Could the real kryptonite be the pressure of trying to be the man of steel? Did he get caught up in his own mythology? Did he loose his real source of power? Did he let things become to personal? Was he simply tired of fighting off bad guys for everyone else when he had some of his own to fight off?
I guess even Superman can loose his way.
The Villains that keep him grounded, and hiding? Lex Luthor, Armorgeddon, Bizarro? Not a chance. I think its the judgement, cynicism, and unforgiveness of others that keep him living as Clark Kent instead of leaping tall buildings and helping those in need.
Well I am no Superman! I do know that wearing tights or capes wont make us strong, its only in our weakness that God becomes strong in our lives. We dont need Superman after all, We need God! The real master of the universe. However it would be nice to be friends with Clark Kent, you never know when you might need to be stronger than a locomotive, and faster than a speeding bullet that only comes from the power of true friendship
NUFF SAID
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
ITS NOT ABOUT ME!
JOB 38:4-6
Where were you when I laid the earths foundation?... Who marked off its dimensions?... On what were the footings set or who laid its cornerstone?
There are times in life that I get stressed and worried over the things I am trying to accomplish. Even though Philippians tells me to be anxious for nothing, and rejoice always.(Phil 4:4-6)
It easy to forget That everything is not about me, especially when things aren't going my way. This is Gods world he created it and everything and everyone for his pleasure (Psalms 24:1). I am just a small part of his world, He isn't there to serve me, I am here to serve him and his plans and purposes. I wasn't there when he laid the earths foundations, He didn't ask for my input or help. When I start stressing out I am in essence saying that my circumstances are more important than his command to rejoice and not be anxious, worry implies that I don't quite trust God, You know,the one who laid the earths foundations, who walks the recesses of the deep, cuts the channel for the rain to fall in, lightening reports to him! You get the picture
Somewhere between forty five billion and one hundred twenty five billion people have lived on this earth and there is Still only one God. My prayer today was that I would bring glory and honor to God. I do this by trusting him, rejoicing and not being anxious. This is Gods world its about Him! Its not about me.
NUFF SAID
Where were you when I laid the earths foundation?... Who marked off its dimensions?... On what were the footings set or who laid its cornerstone?
There are times in life that I get stressed and worried over the things I am trying to accomplish. Even though Philippians tells me to be anxious for nothing, and rejoice always.(Phil 4:4-6)
It easy to forget That everything is not about me, especially when things aren't going my way. This is Gods world he created it and everything and everyone for his pleasure (Psalms 24:1). I am just a small part of his world, He isn't there to serve me, I am here to serve him and his plans and purposes. I wasn't there when he laid the earths foundations, He didn't ask for my input or help. When I start stressing out I am in essence saying that my circumstances are more important than his command to rejoice and not be anxious, worry implies that I don't quite trust God, You know,the one who laid the earths foundations, who walks the recesses of the deep, cuts the channel for the rain to fall in, lightening reports to him! You get the picture
Somewhere between forty five billion and one hundred twenty five billion people have lived on this earth and there is Still only one God. My prayer today was that I would bring glory and honor to God. I do this by trusting him, rejoicing and not being anxious. This is Gods world its about Him! Its not about me.
NUFF SAID
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