Quick Drop. I’m sorry this is underhanded but I’m counting all this again towards my count. I’ll keep going better moving forward. -jb
Leadership Summit
Day 1, Session 1 / Pastor Marco – Leadership in Genesis
Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
Genesis 2:18
First point: Leaders seek fellowship.
And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. Genesis 1:11
And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds—livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so.Genesis 1:24
Second point: Leaders produce after our own kind.
Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.”Genesis 11:1-4
Third point: Leaders encourage and foster unity.
Post message thoughts (but to be honest, Pastor Marco was closing as I was doing this reflection):
It is NOT good for man to be alone. As leaders, we seek fellowship. If we aren’t seeking out helpers and companions, we’re also producing after our own kind through discipleship. But wherever we are in the process of celebrating out not being alone, we are inevitably drawn to start and continue… in unity. Because we are reminded of how God would not let us go, with such conviction that He sent Christ for us to be reconciled – THIS is the motivation for us to stick together.
After all, this is why we’re called the Kingdom of God, or the Body of Christ. Through Christ we have been created, and in Christ, we are held together. We may not like each other, and that’s okay – in fact, we’re actually brought to realize, that’s normal, at least in this fallen world. We may not LIKE each other, but this does not stop us from loving each other…
AS CHRIST LOVES US, SO WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER. That’s what brings us to do what the rest of the world would consider insane – love our enemies, love one another.
Day 1, Session 2 / Pastor Marco – Fathers And Sons
The fathers needed to repent to have the New Testament Mindset of the children.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. Psalms 51:12-13
The dividing line between the Father’s mindset and the Children’s mindset… is DESTROYED by the joy of salvation. Fathers need to tell the Children the joy of their salvation. They conquer, by their testimony and the blood of the Lamb. WE conquer, by our testimony and the blood of the Lamb. Christ, and his finished work.
Day 1, Session 3 / Chairman Steve – The Importance Of Sustaining Connection With God
3 Essentials of Sustaining Connection with God (sic):
- Our connection to God makes us clean, grow and bear good and much spiritual fruits
- Our connection to God’s words lead to life (sic)
- Our connection to God’s plans lead us to clear vision of eternal inheritance
Day 1, Session 4 / Pastor Noel – A Testimony, And A Call
I can tell by your eyes you’ve probably been cryin’ forever
And the stars in the sky don’t mean nothin’ to you, they’re a mirror
I don’t wanna talk about it, how you broke my heart
If I stay here just a little bit longer
If I stay here, won’t you listen to my heart
Oh, my heart
Pastor Noel talks about black, and the darkness… but the stars that still shine in the sky, testifying of the goodness and greatness of God. He’s reminded of the greatness of God being seen, and how a great revival was to follow – and how he needs to share this message to us here today. And this is the first time he’ll be sharing this message.
This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2
- Integrity
- The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.Proverbs 11:3
- Pastor Noel spoke of scams and how Pastors got involved in them, only to be let down and swindled themselves. Greed fractures integrity.
- But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.1 Timothy 6:9-11
- Take note of that second verse, and take in: The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. – Proverbs 10:22
- Stand in integrity, and be made rich. Seek His righteousness, and all things shall be added unto us.
- Purity
- Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”1 Peter 1:13-16
- We’re already holy! What does this mean? Pastor Noel acknowledges that we have been made justified through Christ and His finished work. Sanctification has 2 sides as a coin has – First, we’ve already been sanctified by Christ and His finished work, set apart for His use. We are already saints! This is instantaneous sanctification.
- To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:1 Corinthians 1:2
- But Pastor Noel explains that the second sanctification we have is progressive.
- For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7
- // The idea of timeless purity transcends definition of instantaneous and progressive sanctification? //
- Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”Hebrews 13:4-6
- Humility
- Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.Philippians 2:5-11
- Pastor Noel points out: There is no humility without obedience.
- I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.Galatians 2:20-21
- For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.Jeremiah 29:11-14
- // There is no response without humility, and there is no humility that is without obedience. //
- Another case for how we should take time and intentionally seek the Lord. But that’s the thing – there’s no seeking without intention.
It’s simple. We seek God, we are brought into Integrity, Purity and Humility. We are brought to appreciating our unbreakable Connection with Him. As ministers in the body of Christ, this is what we’re called to do.
Day 2, Session 5 / Pastor Joedy – Seek, Part 1 – Be Still, And Know That I Am God
Seek To Know God And Rise Up In Your Potential
He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.Isaiah 40:29-31
Potential is powerful! Potential is having or showing the capacity (dunamis) to become or develop into something in the future. As a noun, it’s latent qualities or abilities that may be developed to lead to future success or usefulness.
It’s our responsibility as leaders to find potential. Tied in to our not being alone… We find potential, keeping in mind that we can’t be alone. God gave power and potential in all of us. And when we find good in others, that’s when our best will come. This is what we call empowering – we see and draw out potential in others.
But here’s the thing. Is our greatest potential in each and every one of us? No! Pastor Joedy vehemently stresses – Our greatest potential is God and His love for you and us! We ultimately overcome not of our strength, but when we seek the Lord, we will always rise again – We are more than conquerors through His love, and His perfect love casts out our fear.
It’s God’s love that was the reason that David reached his highest potential, which made him bold as a lion, secure in his identity. God’s love made David a giant killer, and a great captain and a king… but also, a sweet psalmist, and a shepherd leader. Even when David failed, he had the sense to seek God’s heart and His presence. Knowing God’s love is a great start.
Friends, it’s not just David. You, too, are God’s beloved child – rise up in your greatest potential! The Lord is with you, and HE LOVES YOU! Let this be our prayer:
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD!
I have fled to you for refuge.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!
Psalms 143:8-10
Day 2, Session 6 / Pastor Joedy – Seek, Part 2 / Seeking The Lost
If the love of God is our greatest potential, the kingdom of God is our greatest blessing // and both the kingdom and the love of God are seen in Jesus Christ //… therefore, seeking the kingdom of God is seeking the greatest blessing.
// We who were once lost, were those who lost their dominion. As Adam was, so were we. // Just as Jacob ran and ran and ran, only to encounter and even wrestle with God face to face… So Pastor Joedy mentions that we and our children would be sought by Christ and encountered by Him face to face! As Jacob did not let the angel go until he was blessed, so Christ will not let us go… Because He HIMSELF is our blessing!
Luke 15 shares 3 parables, which also gives a picture of why people get lost. The Parable of the Lost Sheep shows how we lost our way because of (1) curiosity. The Parable of the Lost Coin shows we lose our way because of our (2) carelessness.Finally, the Parable of the Lost (Prodigal) Son shows that we lose our way, because of our (3) choice.
Now take note, we aren’t talking about these things for us to condemn each other. No, it’s for us to know that Heaven rejoices when we are saved, in spite of our curiosity, our carelessness, and our choices! That’s the difference we make as preachers grounded in grace – We emphasize the reconciliation, because it truly is the only thing that matters!
So much to see in God’s great heart, through the words of Christ: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Let’s not give up on anyone! Let’s keep coming back to the heart of Christ, and take in that righteousness to seek.
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”Matthew 13:44
Sunday Anniversary Observations
Pros
- Well Organized / Well Planned/Coordinated
- No need to say what needs to be done / Initiative / People rise to the need / People, even visitors helped in cleaning
- Congregation was willing to wait / Compassion kids
- Unity / People knew where they needed to be
- Didn’t need to try / Effortless
Cons
- Food serving needs to be further sharpened
- People who only showed up during anniversary / Unexpected increase in headcount
- Unfinished Banderitas / Suggest quick adjustments to overall layout if pressed for time
- People who want to take out before dine in – Eat first before take out!
- Headcount system
Recommended
- Servers stay in their post
- Servers by batches
- Proper food placement
The Sunday After – Ohana Last Minute Message Call
Thrown off my game, this first Sunday, first day of October. Woke up earlier than usual, preaching earlier than usual.
Pastor Alvin: Speak on the Kingdom, and establishing a Kingdom Mindset
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”
So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
The Parable of the Lost Coin
“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
“Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
Luke 15
Pastor Joedy: The Parable of the Lost Sheep shows how we lost our way because of (1) curiosity. The Parable of the Lost Coin shows we lose our way because of our (2) carelessness.Finally, the Parable of the Lost (Prodigal) Son shows that we lose our way, because of our (3) choice.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33
To the Fathers: Before you sought the Kingdom of God, the King forsook all things to seek you.
To the Children: Seek the Kingdom of God, and find the King.
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
“For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?”
“Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Romans 11:33-36
JB's Personal Brain Defragmenter 
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