Iron Sharpens Iron

We have groomsmen ... for both weddings! Rob will have his brother, Anton and two friends. Anton will have his best buddy, Carter, three other friends and Kayla's brother, Tommy. So the guys are covered. Now it's tux, shoes, cummerbund, tie and boutonniere deciding time.

Like the bridesmaids, groomsmen were selected to confuse evil spirits or enemies as to who the groom was, thus they all dressed like the groom. They groomsmen would protect the bride and bridesmaids from any potential kidnappers.

Nowadays, they are pretty much responsible for supporting the groom (keeping him relaxed, having fun, running last minute errands, reminding him of what he needs), holding a bachelor party for him, seating people and accompanying the bridesmaids down the aisle. The best man is responsible for holding the wedding rings (unless there is a ring bearer) and giving a toast at the reception.

These fellows are an important part of the ceremony and reception, because guys need all the support and encouragement they can get on this special day. But not only that, guys need friends, support and encouragement throughout their lives. God has men as the spiritual heads of their home, providers and leaders. It's a tall order for men, so to have a support group of friends in these endeavors is very important.

Scripture tells us in Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another," showing how important it is to have male friends in your life that can hold you accountable, don't hesitate to correct you and can support you when you need it. A friend like that is a treasure indeed and needs to selected carefully. In Proverbs 12:26 it says, "The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." Then in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." Everyone needs a good friend.

Thankful that both Anton and Rob will be surrounded by men they count as dear friends and family.

Discussion: For the guys, who is the one person you count as your closest friend (aside from your fiance) and why? Why are close friendships important?

Prayer: Lord, we thank You for close friends that we can count on. Thank you for bringing those souls into our lives that mean so much to us. We pray that we can be the friends you ask us to be, loving at all times (Prov. 17:17). In Jesus, Amen.

Where Two or Three Are Gathered

 Every single week, Brad and I meet with our accountability groups. Called Reunion Groups, we meet to share the highs and lows of our week, when we've discipled, our closest moment to Christ, what we've studied, if we've worshiped, when we failed in our faith and what our plans are for the next week. We do this so that our friends who love us in the name of Christ hold us accountable for our faith. Are we being the Christians God called us to be?

Our small groups have truly evolved over the years. We were in small groups in TN and WI and then in Emmaus Reunion Groups in GA, WI and now AL, some couples and some by gender. We even had names from Koinonia, to Peacemakers, to Branches, to His Nails & Emails, to Fairway to Heaven, to Frozen Feathers among others. As one got too big, we split into smaller groups. As we moved, we had to join completely different groups. In some we fellowshipped. In others, we did Bible study. And in others, we did an accountability card we got on our Walk to Emmaus. All basically followed what the early disciples did in Acts 2:42 which says, "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."

But the point is, we've always needed it. While worship is necessary corporately, small groups are necessary for edification, correction and teaching. Our dearest friendships were born in these groups.

I know you both have been part of a small group and realize the value in it. And I know you've experienced change in that group. When they evolve, it can certainly leave one feeling a bit discombobulated. But every time we've had a small group change, it has opened doors to new relationships that were necessary to our spiritual growth. And we have been blessed beyond measure for it.

We recommend you are always involved in small groups, whether by gender or couples, as they are so beneficial to your faith. When you aren't in one, seek one out. If you can't find one, create one. When you are in one, participate regularly. Since you live away from family, this will become your church family, your brothers and sisters in Christ, and they will love you as such.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says "And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Praying you'll not only do this for one another, but that you'll always have a small group that can also do this for you.Christ told us in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” That's pretty good company to keep.

Discussion: What does a small group mean to you? What does it do for your spiritual journey? Share a special memory of your small groups.

Prayer: You have told us, Father, in Proverbs 27:17, as "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Father, I pray we do not neglect in meeting with others in small groups so that we man benefit from sharpening one another to live as Christ shows us. It's in His name we pray, Amen.