2026 Week 6 GraceMen Weekly Update

This Week:

1. Prayer

2. Meditation

3. Quote

4. Events

5. Book Recommendation
6. New Blog Posts

Grace and Peace to you brothers.

Coming off our January Men’s Breakfast this past Saturday, our hearts are full. The room was packed with good food, good laughter, and the kind of encouragement that only comes when men open Proverbs together and share real testimonies of how Christ is at work through Every Man a Warrior. As we step into Week 6, we’re leaning into that same spirit of brotherhood, asking the Lord to use other men to sharpen us, even when that sharpening brings some sparks. Scripture reminds us, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17, ESV), and that is at the very core of learning to renew our minds together in Christ.

Prayer:

Father, as iron sharpens iron, use the men in my life to sharpen my character. (Proverbs 27:17)

Proverbs 27:17  - Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Meditation: 

 "Sharpening" implies friction and sparks. Are you willing to endure the discomfort of accountability to become a sharper instrument for God?

Quote:

J. C. Ryle: “This world is full of sorrow because it is full of sin. It is a dark place. It is a lonely place. It is a disappointing place. The brightest sunbeam in it is a friend. Friendship halves our troubles and doubles our joys.”

Events:

Thursday - February 05, 2026

• Morning Bible Study - 6am thru 7:15am 
• At the Church in The Loft
• Continuing our new series "Everyday Wisdom: Walking with Christ & One Another through the Book of Proverbs"
• Cleve Powell will be facilitating " The Pursuit of Wisdom: Going after God."

Saturday - January 24, 2026

• Morning Bible Study - 7am
• At the Church in the Prayer Room
• We will be in Week 4 of our 10 Week study on John Calvins "On the Christian Life"
• Facilitator: Eugene Allen
• Let Eugene Allen know if you are interested in joining in.

Book Recommendation:

Side by Side: Walking with Others in Wisdom and Love by Edward T. Welch

In an era when men increasingly struggle with isolation, vulnerability, and the burden of projecting constant strength, Edward Welch's *Side by Side* offers a counter-cultural vision of masculinity rooted in biblical truth rather than cultural stereotype. This book is essential reading for men seeking authentic brotherhood and meaningful spiritual growth.

The fundamental insight—that "those who help best are the ones who both need help and give help"—directly challenges the masculine myth of self-sufficiency. Welch demolishes the false ideal that real men should never admit weakness or ask for support. Instead, he presents a biblical framework where acknowledging neediness becomes a mark of wisdom and strength, not shame. For men conditioned to hide struggles behind competence and self-reliance, this permission to be honest about pain, confusion, and sin can feel genuinely liberating.

Beyond personal healing, the book equips men to become the kind of friends and brothers other men desperately need. Welch notes that "friends are the best helpers" because they come prepackaged with love—they just need wisdom. Most men have learned to maintain relationships at superficial levels: sports talk, work updates, generic "how are you?" exchanges. *Side by Side* teaches men practical skills for deepening conversations, listening for what truly matters, and praying together—fundamentally masculine acts of courage that require vulnerability rather than armor.

The book's emphasis on prayer, accountability, and truthful confrontation about sin resonates particularly with men's desire for genuine brotherhood. Rather than viewing these as soft or emotional, Welch presents them as essential spiritual practices that strengthen character and faith.

For pastors, small group leaders, and fathers wanting to foster spiritual maturity in men, *Side by Side* provides both the theological vision and practical tools necessary. It demonstrates that the church's greatest need isn't more professional counselors but transformed friendships where men walk together toward Christ with radical honesty and persistent love.

New Blog Articles:

A Year of Biblical Manhood: Introducing Our 2026 Content Strategy

Taking Every Thought Captive: 2 Corinthians 10:5 for Modern Men (Part 1)

Taking Every Thought Captive: 2 Corinthians 10:5 for Modern Men (Part 2)

Taking Every Thought Captive: 2 Corinthians 10:5 for Modern Men (Part 3)

Coram Deo,
GraceMen