Join us on
Saturday, November 1 at 8:00AM
for our next Men’s Breakfast
MEN’S BREAKFAST NOTES
SATURDAY, October 11 // 8:00AM
We Are the War Department
Outline of Pete Hegseth’s “Secretary of War” Speech
I. Introduction and Context
Formal announcement: the return to the War Department (from Department of Defense)
“Those who long for peace must prepare for war” (Peace through Strength)
II. Mission and Ethos of the War Department
Core Mission: Warfighting, preparing for war, and preparing to win
Not because war is desired, but because peace is
Rejection of pacifism as naive and dangerous
Clear warning to enemies: readiness to use overwhelming force if necessary
III. Call to Urgency and Preparedness
Growing global threats and the need for:
More troops, munitions, drones, submarines, AI, cyber, etc.
Strengthened industrial base and onshoring of key components
U.S. must lead but cannot bear the burden alone; allies must contribute
IV. Focus on Culture and Leadership
Personnel is policy – the importance of good leaders
Required leader traits: competent, professional, innovative, apolitical, faithful
Cites Eugene Sledge: war is brutal; only redeeming factor is devotion to each other
V. Diagnosis of Cultural and Structural Decay
Decades of misguided priorities, including:
DEI policies
Politically correct distractions
Promotions based on identity politics over merit
Rejection of “woke” ideology and a call to return to warfighter culture
VI. The Golden Rule Test
“Do unto your unit as you would have done unto your own child’s unit”
Restoration of high, uniform, gender-neutral standards
Reversal of lowered physical standards for combat roles
VII. Directive #1–3: Physical Standards and Fitness
Return to male combat standards
Addition of combat field test across all branches
Mandatory PT and height/weight standards enforced across the force
Rejection of grooming exceptions (beards, long hair, unprofessional appearance)
VIII. Redefining Toxic Leadership
High standards ≠ toxic leadership
True toxic leadership: low standards, quota-based promotion, ideological conformity
IX. Directive #4–6: Command Empowerment
Review and restoration of standards
Implementation of the “1990 Test” and “E6 Test”
End to “zero-defect,” risk-averse culture
Reform of IG, EO, and MEO processes to stop abuse and restore commander authority
X. Directive #7–8: Merit-Based Promotion and Leadership Turnover
Promotions based on merit only (colorblind, gender-neutral)
Fast-tracking high performers and dismissing poor performers
Removal of senior officers who are entrenched in the previous “woke” culture
XI. Directive #9: Training and Maintenance
Cut mandatory training to restore time for real-world mission readiness
Emphasis on combat readiness and maintenance
Restoration of “scary, tough, and disciplined” basic training
Drill sergeants empowered to instill healthy fear
XII. Directive #10: Return to Combat-Minded Culture
Reinforcement of the military’s combat identity
No more overbearing rules of engagement
Leaders empowered to fight without political constraints
Reference to the “Liberation Day” for America’s warriors
XIII. Closing Inspiration and Vision
Reference to the Commander’s Prayer: Serve and lead sacrificially
Final charge: “Move out and draw fire—because we are the War Department. Godspeed.”
MEN’S BREAKFAST NOTES
SATURDAY, August 1 // 8:00AM
How Weak Men Can Ruin Their Lives
1. Joseph’s Life in Summary
From Genesis 37 (age 17) to Genesis 50 (age 110)
Betrayed, enslaved, falsely accused, imprisoned
Rises to power and forgives those who harmed him
2. Three Key Themes That Mark Joseph’s Life
Forgiveness, God’s sovereignty, and God’s anointing.
3. God’s Sovereignty Over Joseph’s Life
Scripture: Genesis 50:20-21
You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…
God’s sovereignty doesn’t mean He causes all things—but He uses all things.
Even in your pain, God is preparing you.
The antidote to anxiety is God’s sovereignty.
Sovereignty tests your pain tolerance
Joseph endured betrayal, injustice, prison, false accusations
If you want influence, you must increase pain tolerance
Sovereignty leads to a different life than you planned
Joseph thought he’d be a shepherd in Israel, but became a ruler in Egypt
Let go of your vision and receive God’s vision
Sovereignty requires waiting on God’s timing
13 chapters = 93 years
Don't get ahead of God's timing
Sovereignty means not trying to be sovereign yourself
Repent of trying to control what only God controls
4. Forgiveness: The Core Test of Joseph’s Life
Joseph repeatedly had to forgive:
His brothers (multiple times)
Potiphar’s wife and Potiphar
The men who forgot him in prison
8 Aspects of Forgiveness:
Forgiveness is first private, then public
Joseph forgave before he ever saw his brothers again
Forgiveness does not require an apology
They may never apologize, but you must forgive
Forgiveness is both an event and a process
Ongoing grief often means repeated forgiveness
Forgiveness is canceling someone’s debt
I will eat the loss. You owe me nothing.
Forgiveness is not:
Denial, bitterness, vengeance, victimhood
Forgiveness ≠ Trust
Forgiveness is based on God’s character. Trust is based on theirs.
Blessing is the test of forgiveness
Can you bless the one who hurt you?
Joseph provided for his brothers and their children
Forgiveness keeps your heart tender
Bitterness hardens the heart—and hurts those who love you
5. God’s Anointing on Joseph’s Life
Genesis 39:2–3 — “The Lord was with Joseph…”
Genesis 39:23 — “The Lord made it succeed…”
Genesis 41:38–39 — “In whom is the Spirit of God…”
Joseph’s success came from the Holy Spirit
Even Pharaoh noticed the Spirit of God in him
The secret to Joseph’s life = Spirit-filled manhood
If you lose everything but your anointing, you’ll be okay. If you keep everything and lose your anointing, you’re not okay.
What makes a man great is that he’s surrendered to the Holy Spirit.
Encouragement
God blesses men who place themselves in the place He blesses—under His Word and authority
You may be in a season of testing now, but God will honor obedience and surrender
ACTION STEPS
Forgive from the heart—don’t wait for apologies
Bless those who’ve hurt you (if only in prayer)
Release control—trust God's sovereignty
Stop living as a victim—stand as a victor
Ask for and live under the anointing of the Holy Spirit
Live in obedience—where God’s blessing rests
PRAYER:
Father God, thank you for forgiving me. I forgive those who have wronged me—from the heart. I release them from debt. I ask You to bless them. I don’t need an apology or repayment. I bless them in Jesus’ name. Holy Spirit, anoint me. Empower me to live like Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
1. What did the Holy Spirit highlight for you in the teaching?
2. What is the next step you need to take to become the man God is calling you to be?
3. How can we pray for you?
MEN’S BREAKFAST NOTES
SATURDAY, June 7 // 8:00AM
How Godly Men Lead Their Families
1. Understanding the Problem
Many men want to lead but are asking the wrong questions.
Bad teaching often leads to a distorted view of leadership, authority, and responsibility.
Misused Scripture can wound rather than heal.
2. Leadership That Reflects Jesus
Jesus is both Lion and Lamb:
Lion for His people: protector, provider, warrior.
Lamb with His people: gentle, kind, safe.
Ask: Am I a lion to my family, or for my family? Am I a lamb with them or absent/passive?
3. Driving vs. Drawing
Driving: performance-based, harsh, causes fear.
Drawing: loving, relational, builds trust and safety.
“Jesus drew people, especially broken women and children. They felt safe with Him.”
4. Headship & Leadership
Singular Headship: the man takes first responsibility.
Plural Leadership: husband and wife lead as co-laborers and co-heirs.
“It’s not good for man to be alone.” Genesis 2:19
“If it’s not good to be alone, then why make decisions alone?”
5. Relational Wisdom Requires the Holy Spirit
Headship without the Holy Spirit leads to abuse, control, legalism.
True leadership must produce fruit of the Spirit:
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).
6. Healing Begins With Repentance and Humility
Men need to confront:
Their upbringing
Their assumptions about leadership
Their emotional wounds
Seek healing, relationship with the Holy Spirit, and mentorship from godly men.
Evaluation Questions
Do I tend to drive my family or draw them? How can I tell?
What do my wife and kids experience more—my strength or my tenderness?
Have I ever used Bible verses to manipulate instead of serve?
When was the last time I asked my wife or children what it’s like to be led by me?
Am I leading my family out of fear and control, or faith and relationship?
Practical Action Steps
Ask the hard questions
Go to your wife and kids this week and ask:“What’s it like being married to me?”
“What’s it like having me as a dad?”
Then… listen without defending yourself.
Identify and replace false teaching
Write down 2–3 beliefs you’ve had about leadership in the home.
Compare them to the example of Jesus in Scripture.
Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your mind.
Embrace the Lion & Lamb dynamic
Lion: Stand against evil, protect the home, take responsibility.
Lamb: Be approachable, safe, gentle, especially with wife and kids.
Pursue relational health
Schedule time to connect emotionally with your spouse and kids.
Repent where needed. Ask for forgiveness.
Invite another godly man to speak into your life as a mentor.
Walk in the Spirit
Begin each day with prayer: “Holy Spirit, help me love and lead like Jesus today.”
Meditate on Galatians 5:22–23.
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
1. What did the Holy Spirit highlight for you in the teaching?
2. What is the next step you need to take to become the man God is calling you to be?
3. How can we pray for you?
MEN’S BREAKFAST NOTES
SATURDAY, May 10 // 8:00AM
LEAD
Worldview is destiny. Character is the symptom—worldview is the cause.
I. Keep Your Worldview Intact
Everything starts with a faith statement. What you truly believe shapes your thinking, your behavior, and ultimately your legacy.
Romans 12:2 – "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."
Every law is moral law. There is no such thing as “secular.”
Someone will always rule. Something will always be worshiped.
It is not hypocritical to keep trusting God when you feel like quitting—it’s called discipleship.
II. Leaders Take Initiative
Male headship is about responsibility, not privilege.
Genesis 3 – God calls Adam, even though Eve sinned first.
Stop being passive.
Take initiative. Don’t wait. Err on the side of action.
Examples:
Call your kids.
Be the first to apologize.
Show up for school board meetings—don’t just watch Monday Night Football.
III. Leaders Take Calculated Risks
God honors faith-filled obedience, not safe comfort zones.
Matthew 25:14-30 – The parable of the talents
Very few things are accomplished by settling.
Start at the destination and work your way back.
IV. Masculinity = Protect, Defend, Provide
These are the core functions of biblical masculinity.
1 Timothy 5:8 – “Anyone who does not provide... has denied the faith.”
A man is someone who doesn’t always do what he wants, but does what’s right out of love.
Protect. Defend. Provide. Then do it again.
Final Charge: Finish the Race
2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight...”
Goal: That your children and grandchildren will say: “He wasn’t perfect, but he finished the race.”
You may have failed, but God hasn’t. Start now. Finish well.
Discussion questions
What opportunities is God calling you to?
What did the Holy Spirit point out to you in this message?
How can we pray for you?
MEN’S BREAKFAST NOTES
SATURDAY, April 5 // 8:00AM
Stay in the fight
The Story of Joseph (Genesis 40–41)
- Joseph's life is a series of tests that shape him into a man of destiny.
Will You Stay in the Fight Until God Shows Up?
- Genesis 40–41 covers Joseph’s life from age 17 to 30.
- 13 years of suffering, betrayal, and testing before elevation.
The Joseph Journey
- From Home → Pit → Potiphar’s House → Prison → Palace
- Betrayal by brothers → False accusation → Forgotten by those he helped
The Tests Joseph Faced (and Every Man Will Face)
The Betrayal Test
- Betrayed by family, employer, friends.
- Will you become bitter, or stay faithful to God?
- If Jesus was betrayed, why are we surprised when we are?
The Integrity Test
- Will you do the right thing even when it doesn’t benefit you?
- Will you tell the hard truth like Joseph did to the baker?
The Faith Test
- Faith is not passive.
- Faith = Waiting on God + Working on your problem
- Joseph asked the cupbearer for help—he wasn’t passive.
The Godliness Test
- Will you be godly even while serving the ungodly?
- Joseph honored God in Pharaoh’s palace.
- Your work is your witness.
The Control Test
- Will you trust God with the outcome?
- Joseph didn’t try to control the situation—he trusted God's sovereignty.
When Destiny Arrives
- Genesis 41:37–57 — Joseph’s moment of elevation.
- Pharaoh recognizes the Holy Spirit in Joseph.
- From prisoner to Prime Minister of Egypt.
- Marries, has two sons: *Manasseh* (God made me forget), *Ephraim* (God made me fruitful).
Forgiveness is the Path to Anointing
- The deeper the forgiveness, the higher the anointing.
- Joseph forgave his brothers, Potiphar’s wife, her husband, and the cupbearer.
- Forgiveness is proof of character—and key to receiving God’s favor.
Personal Reflection & Application
- What test are you in right now?
- Who do you need to forgive?
- Are you staying in the fight?
- Are you faithful in your prison season?
- What destiny might God be preparing you for?
Joseph’s Example for Men Today
- Faithful to God, faithful to his wife, faithful as a father.
- He didn’t waste his 20s—he invested them.
- His 30s were fruitful because his 20s were faithful.
Memory Verse:
Genesis 50:20 – “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
Discussion Questions
1. How are you being tested you to trust God’s providence in this season?
2. What did the Holy Spirit highlight for you in the teaching?
3. What is the next step you need to take to become the man God is calling you to be?
4. How can we pray for you?
MEN’S BREAKFAST NOTES
SATURDAY, March 1 // 8:00AM
HOw TO BATTLE SATAN
I. A Biblical and Effective Tactic
Requires courage, vulnerability, and a desire to make disciples
We live in the most epic story ever told
God created mankind for relationship with Him
Jesus came on a rescue mission
II. Understanding Our Story
Why We Love Epic Stories
Our story includes:
Creation
Angels & demons
Prophecy being fulfilled
Christ’s return
III. The Reality of Warfare
Unconventional Warfare in the Military & Spiritual Life
SEAL teams use unconventional tactics to defeat stronger enemies
Example: Booby-trapping enemy weapons to destroy them from within
The enemy’s morale collapses when he realizes his own weapons are harming him
IV. Recognizing the Real Enemy
Every great story has a villain – because ours does
The Bible describes Satan as:
A serpent (Genesis 3)
A roaring lion seeking to devour (1 Peter 5:8)
A red dragon (Revelation 12)
Satan's mission is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10)
We must be alert & prepared
V. The Impact of Wounds on Men
Being born into this world is like landing on Omaha Beach
Everyone gets wounded, but most don’t deal with it
Common wounds men carry:
Abandonment, betrayal, neglect, abuse, loss
Most men bury, hide, medicate, or build walls around their wounds
VI. Do You Want to Be Well? (John 5:6)
The lame man at the pool had been waiting decades for healing
Jesus asked, "Do you want to be well?"
Many men stay stuck because they don’t take intentional steps toward healing
VII. The Power of Weaponizing Wounds
Joseph: What was meant for evil, God used for good (Genesis 50:20)
Jesus: His wounds saved the world
VIII. Turning the Enemy’s Weapons Against Him
Most ministries stop at healing – we must go further
Weaponizing wounds = helping others with what hurt us
IX. Call to Action
Step 1: Get real about your wounds
Step 2: Seek healing & let God father you
Step 3: Use your story to help others
Step 4: Be bold & vulnerable to reach brothers in need
Step 5: Fight back – Take the fight to the enemy!
MEN’S BREAKFAST NOTES
SATURDAY, February 1 // 8:00AM
4 Laws of Marriage for men
Genesis 2:24 - Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.
God made marriage - 1 man, 1 woman
1. Covenant
2. Consummation
Law of Priority
“A man shall leave his father & mother”
Young men – half step
Single men – differentiation & responsibility
Married men – new family is your priority 1. Wife 2. Kids
Fathers – coach 1. Kids 2. Mom
Grandfathers – coach 1. Parents 2. Kids
Law of Pursuit
Hold fast/cleave to his wife (passionate energy)
Young men – preparing yourself for marriage
Single men – friends, intentional dating, engagement, marriage
Married men – new family is your priority 1. Wife 2. Kids
Fathers – your wife is your priority & responsibility
Grandfathers – model & coach
Law of Partnership
One “echade” (Deut. 6:4)
Young men – you are selfish
Single men – you are not one with anyone but your wife
Married men – ONE – new one, not which one
Fathers – 1. Wife 2. Kids
Grandfathers – 1. Sync meeting 2. Date Night
Law of Purity
Naked w/o shame
Bible teaches chastity before marriage, fidelity in marriage.
Young men – self-control needed before & in marriage
Single men – you cannot be the leader of the relationship if you are fornicating
Married men – keep dating & pursuing your wife
Fathers – everyone is depending on you
Grandfathers – set the example & help the marriages
Discussion & Prayer
Which of the 4 laws is your priority right now?
How can we pray for you?
MEN’S BREAKFAST NOTES
SATURDAY, January 4 // 8:00AM
BUILT FOR WAR
LEADING YOURSELF IN TOUGH TIMES
God created men to lead.
1 Corinthians 11:3, 8-9
• Jesus is THE AUTHORITY
• Men are leaders from creation (Genesis 1-3)
1. God made Adam first, said it was not good for Him to be alone.
2. God made Eve as Adam’s “helper.”
• Single men, only marry a woman who will follow your leadership.
• Married men, if you don’t lead your family, Satan will.
When Eve sinned first, God held Adam accountable first because he was the leader.
Genesis 3:9, Romans 5:12
Despite sin, men are still supposed to be the leaders
Genesis 5:2
Men who lead, battle a demonic oppression of fear
2 Timothy 1:7 “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
• #1 command Bible - “fear not”
• Nearby ”fear not” is “for the Lord is with you” – Leaders need to find God when they fear.
• Leaders live in the future & can become false prophets .
• When the spirit of fear comes on you, you cannot let it in you.
1. Fearful men become angry men.
2. Fearful men become controlling men.
3. Fearful men become anxious men.
Anxiety or joy? You choose because you are the leader!
Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
As a leader, men determine if the domain of their dominion or anxious or joyful.
• Men try to manage fear/anxiety – 1. Alcohol 2. Drugs 3. Porn 4. Food = comfort
Anxiety is like a gas leak waiting for anyone/anything spark it.
Anxiety Assessment
1. What triggers my anxiety and am I aware of it? If not start an anxiety journal.
2. Am I allowing technology to bring anxiety into my home?
3. Am I allowing unhealthy people to bring anxiety into my home?
4. Am I bringing the spirit of fear and anxiety home from work with me?
5. How quickly can I return to joy and help those I lead to the same?
• People were made for joy.
• Fear/anxiety did not come until sin occurred.
• Bible – over 200X (e.g. Php. 4) “rejoice” = return to joy
Discussion Questions
1. Who and where is God calling you to lead?
2. What did God the Holy Spirit highlight for you in the talk?
3. What is the next step you need to take to become the man God is calling you to be?
4. How can we pray for you?
MEN’S BREAKFAST NOTES
SATURDAY, November 2 // 8:00AM
ACT LIKE A MAN - Part 2
Getting to Know God as Father
2 First things to learn
1. Who God is (Father)
2. Who God says you are (son in Christ)
The Father wants to have a close relationship with you
John 14:6 - Jesus said…“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
The Holy Spirit brings you to Jesus – Jesus brings you to Father.
Many men know Jesus (saved), but not much about the Father (healed).
The Father wants to forgive you, and teach you to forgive others
Mark 11:25 - “…whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
You: Stop hiding. Stop blaming/making excuses. Stop living in past.
Others: Unforgiveness and bitterness are a doorway to the demonic.
The Father wants to help you
Matthew 7:7-11 - “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”
1. Pray godly
2. Pray first
3. Pray specifically
The Father is seeking worshippers
John 4:22-24 - “…the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Everyone was made to worship. Everyone worships.
Worship – who/what is your priority?
What do you make sacrifices for (time, energy, money)?
1. We worship our way into trouble, and out of trouble.
2. We become like what we worship.
3. How can I be a good son right now?
Discussion Questions
Who are you? Briefly introduce yourself.
What did God the Holy Spirit highlight for you in the talk?
What is the next step you need to take to become the man God is calling you to be?
How can we pray for you?
MEN’S BREAKFASt Notes
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 // 8:00AM
ACT LIKE A MAN - Part 1
Satan’s Attack on Men, & 3 Ways to Punch Back
Satan’s Attack on Men #1: Men are not Launching into Masculinity
Government cannot raise a boy to be a man. Only a man can raise a boy to be a man.
Satan’s Attack on Men #2: Men are not Launching into the Workforce
If you will not work, you are not a man.
Satan’s Attack on Men #3: Men are not Launching into Marriage
Attack your selfishness. Awaken your servant.
Satan’s Attack on Men #4: Men are not Launching into Fatherhood
General Social Survey: “A good marriage and family are THE greatest boosters of happiness — far more than a pay raise. And it’s not even close.”
Satan’s Attack on Men #5: Launched men are crashing their families.
Ways to Punch Back #1: Be in Christ
Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Ways to Punch Back #2: Be in Church
Hebrews 10:24-25 - Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…
Discussion Questions
Who are you? Introduce yourself in just a minute or two.
What did the Holy Spirit highlight for you in the talk?
What is the next step you need to take to become the man God is calling you to be?
How can we pray for you?