Proverbs 27:17 Archives - Dennis Conrad Author

Iron Sharpens Iron!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know that iron sharpens iron and the importance of support from like-minded brothers. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Decades ago, when the Promise Keepers Movement was first beginning, I went to an event at Dodger Stadium. The first night, I could not locate any of my friends from church. The next day, I did connect with my friends.

The night I was alone, I took time to reflect on all Christ was doing with the men in the stadium. It was dynamic to think there were that many active believers from all over southern California in one place.

The next day, I had a greater feeling of personal accountability when I was among friends.

Fellowship with other men was a key ingredient of what made Promise Keepers so dynamic.

Proverbs 27:17 (ESV) was quoted often during that era.

“Iron sharpens iron,
and one man sharpens another.”

Are you in fellowship with other believers?

If not, seek out a few faithful men. Ask them to join with you as accountability partners. Sharpen each other with God’s holy and inspired word.

Keep the faith.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

The All-of-Me Check to God

Around 2004, I attended His Surrender, a church-sponsored, men’s program with Christian teaching and small group interaction. The purpose was to get men to surrender all aspects of their lives to God.

We challenged each other, and all of us grew as believers and followers of Jesus. It was a case of Proverbs 27:17 (ESV): “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” I relied on what is says in Philippians 4:13 (ESV): “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

At one point, I realized I had not fully surrendered to God. I could do more. I needed something tangible to seal my commitment and totally surrender.

What better way to do that than to write out a check to God. I sat down with a book of oversized business checks. I prayed. And I started writing my check. On the pay-to-the-order-of line I wrote, “God.” In the amount section, I wrote, “All of Me.” I then dated the check and signed my name.

But, that was not the end of it. Surrender needs to occur daily. William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, asked, “Will you go to His feet and place yourself entirely at His disposal?”

The day I wrote my check, I did. Will you do the same?

Pray with me and others during the daily Wisdom Prayer Challenge.