54/365: How To Keep Your Edge

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. ~ Proverbs 27:17

God said, "it is not good for the man to be alone." In response, he built us a suitable mate. The holy trinity is made of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The apostle paul wrote to churches, not individuals.

Jesus called a group of disciples to build a ministry. He hung out with an even closer group of 3.

God's message is clear - we are designed to work as a team. He built you to run in packs. You are stronger, sharper, and more effective when you are with others.

GO DEEPER: Ecclesiastes 4: 7-12

NEXT STEP: Look around. Is there anyone you could call at 2am to help you out of trouble? Is there anyone who feels comfortable calling you?

Omar A.

on 02/24/2023 at 09:04 PM

I’m praying for you Chris! Join Bible study groups or men’s groups through church. If your church doesn’t offer them look in another church. It’s a vital part of growing your relationship with God and it’s a blessing to have those relationships too.

Ethan Rogers

on 02/24/2023 at 03:24 PM

I am reminded to let others know that I am there for them. I just stopped writing and texted that to several people. God bless us all brothers, grateful I have this resource to help my Christianity. God's love shines through this.

dixonsoccer

on 02/24/2023 at 11:15 AM

Dear Admin, it’s awesome to see all our brothers online here. Can we have a feature that allows us to connect better virtually? This will never replace the in person small group, but I wish there were a way we could be there for our brothers when they need coaching encouragement or prayers. We’re all in this together. It’s a spiritual battle right now to lead a godly life for myself and my family. I need as many brothers as I can to strengthen my faith and be a leader of my house.

Chris S

on 02/23/2023 at 09:07 PM

Hey guys, this is my first time responding to the chat, but I've been apart of doing these devotions with you all since late December last year. I'm currently 19 years old, and to be honest, I don't have anyone I can call at 2am. The main reasons for this is because of not having any close friends. I do have friends, but not anyone who I feel would be there for me in a heartbeat. Infact oftentimes it takes them multiple days if not weeks to respond back to a call or text. I often do feel encouraged though by reading your responses to these devotions, and it lets me see that I'm not alone in feeling the ways I do. Thank you for the wisdom you've shared, and for the experiences you have told. It does truly make a difference, I can testify to that personally. I just ask for prayer though, because I know from God's word and from experience, that it is good for us as men to have community with other men who will be there for us. It's something I've been searching for, for many years now, though I haven't found it yet. So prayer for me to find guys who can pour into me, and who I know will be there for me when I need someone. Thank you all

Kevin Miller

on 02/23/2023 at 07:26 PM

I have a Celebrate Recovery great where we are pretty close. It’s good having some to journey through this life with. I would encourage everyone to do get into a small group of people just to do life together.

Omar A.

on 02/23/2023 at 05:39 PM

I think you said it perfectly Ashley! That’s exactly how to build your core group. Thank you brothers for being part of our group here. I’m praying for those of you seeking brothers near you.

Old Dude

on 02/23/2023 at 05:10 PM

@Michael F Vinning - Praying for you and your bride. 🙏🏻

Nick W

on 02/23/2023 at 03:58 PM

This has been something lacking in my life for a long time now. I have a small group of best friends who all now live in another state. one of them tried going to church for a few years because I pestered him to do it, and then stayed for a while because he met a girl he liked. But he hasn't gone in years. My church has some good men, but most are much older and they meet at times that I can't attend. I have my wife, of course, but when it comes to Christian brothers that I can reach out to for prayer and support, you Bold bunch are it.

Todd

on 02/23/2023 at 03:56 PM

So true and powerful. I know so many Christians who, because they felt they were “offended” or “wronged” at a church, stopped attending. This is not what God wants. The truth is people will falter and fail you. Although it is important to fellowship, even your friends may fail you. You reasons for attending a church and becoming involved should be to glorify our God, not seeking perfect relationships with people. There was only in perfect person in the history of mankind…..and he died on a cross for us. Learn to adapt and forgive others who may not have fit into your definition of “acceptable Christians”…..if you feel there are issues, address them and become part of the solution, vs becoming another church-hopper.

joe meyers

on 02/23/2023 at 03:25 PM

Delray, glad you joined a new church with desire to get involved. Plant yourself in a good mens small group and you’ll be surprised where you are in a year. Ive been in my group for almost 5 years now, couldn’t imagine life without the mutts! Praying for you, pal.

Ashley Jarvis

on 02/23/2023 at 03:12 PM

I am so blessed to be in community with so many believers. All around, whether I know their names or not, there are people who believe and do their best to follow Christ. It starts with me, and my willingness to be open about my Faith when the opportunity presents itself. These opportunities are my prayers answered when I pray, “God, show me where I can be of service today. Show me who I am to be of service to today, and give me the strength and courage to do so, amen 🙏🏻”. This is how I’ve met many of those I call friends today. I must be willing to sign up for the small groups at church. I must be willing to volunteer, where I’ll be placed best to others. I must be willing to share my faith with another who opens up to me about their struggles. I, must face my fear of being laughed at or questioned. I must be willing to stand up for being a Christian, even more than I would stand up for being American, and my brethren will increase. It falls on us, to build this kingdom. This is not a passive process, it is in action that we grow, and grow those around us. I’m thankful for all of you here, and the relationship I feel I have with each of you. Thank you God, amen 🙏🏻

Elliott

on 02/23/2023 at 02:29 PM

I am blessed today because of God's love and Grace, my beautiful 12 step recovery family. They helped me figure out that all I need to do is find my own conception of a higher power which led me to Jesus. no matter where I go in this WORLD I have friends that will be there for me. And I will help in any way for you!

Delray Sheen

on 02/23/2023 at 02:26 PM

I see the wisdom of God's intent for us to support one another. Personally I don't have any men of God around me. The deeper my walk gets the more I realize no one around me takes God seriously. That's how my life has been, no examples of God, just people to are Christians in talk only. In times where I need help there is no one but God. But the more steadfast I push I feel God blessing me even more so because of the more difficult path I'm walking. I find myself being the light for others, their example of God. The old me would say that's unfair but Gods will is perfect. I joined a new church last week so I plan to get more involved there. Please pray that I find what so many of you are blessed to have.

Brandon Pembleton

on 02/23/2023 at 02:00 PM

I used to think being alone was the most alpha thing ever. Like I was so strong I needed no one. The truth - it was a defense mechanism with fear at the root of it. Fear others may betray me and fear I would have to actually help another out. This was before surrendering to God though. I now know just how important it is to have a tight knit group of friends that all look to God. That's real council there and real accountability too. Not only does it keep me on track but I am blessed that I get to help others stay on track and occasionally help another make the u turn before going of the cliff. We are blessed brothers to come here every morning and share and read from each other. It makes us rich in God's light before we set out for the day. I am so grateful for this way of life and so amazed at how much love God gives us. I love you God amen 🙏

Boyce Moses

on 02/23/2023 at 01:51 PM

We each need the one, or several people we can call on. But of course we need to be that person they can call on also. Be a true brother, not just a convenient one. Love you Jesus! 💛💜🤎💙

michael f vinning

on 02/23/2023 at 01:16 PM

I dropped out of my mens group when the worst of the mineare’s disease symptoms started with the wife…she had a couple good weeks then it came back with a vengeance, currently trying new adjustments to get back to better but it’s a slow process…I am thankful to have everyone here but it’s not like anyone could come to my physical aid at 2am if needed-however, this guy isn’t doing anything at 2am except sleep-so…lol. But I have noticed my group of guys getting older, most I’ve been engaged with for 20 years now and developing health issues so I couldn’t really depend on them at 2am regardless…

Adam C.Morales

on 02/23/2023 at 12:37 PM

I have everyone here.

Barry Percival

on 02/23/2023 at 12:25 PM

I recently moved and started a new church. I count you guys my holding place until I find some new ones. I have old friends in another state but like some said they tend to help others more than me. God is faithful, all things work in His time!!

Scott A

on 02/23/2023 at 12:24 PM

I have a group two that I meet every other week and a second group that does obstacle mud races. That is a great way I have found to build comradery. And of course May daily journey to this site. Cheers y’all

Robert McFaddin

on 02/23/2023 at 12:10 PM

I meet every other week with a group of guys. Those who come fluctuate, but there are a few regulars. The leader of this group I can talk to about almost anything. I have a friend that we’ve started meeting together every few weeks. We are reconnecting. I think I can talk to him about almost anything. I just don’t know if there is anyone I could call or would/could call me at 2am.

on 02/23/2023 at 11:36 AM

I’m blessed and fortunate to have a group of men

Tommy Williamson

on 02/23/2023 at 10:52 AM

I’ve never had a lot of friends over the years in part because of trust issues built up after getting stabbed in the back so many times over the years. However, even with that I do have a few out there that I feel I can can call on in times of need. A couple I have known for the majority of my life and now a couple of very new ones it always helps to know there are those out there when you need them?

dixonsoccer

on 02/23/2023 at 10:40 AM

Yes I do have a small group of guys that would be there for me. We have built this team together for the very reasons stated in the lesson. Good read.

54/365: How To Keep Your Edge

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