And Jacob was left alone. Those words really gripped me as a bunch of us jumped into an online study and dug into that infamous wrestling match with God.

He behaved himself into a really bad spot and had to behave himself out. That’s not always easy but it is necessary and finally he was going hard after God for some help.

But then on Tuesday I got together with a group of men at church to pray. It’s later at night but I make myself go every week and am glad that I do.

When we broke into small groups one of the guys asked about my ministry here at BV2U and the book project. “What’s the biggest impediment to men [people] getting in the word more?”

It’s a great question and the answer is sad yet all too common. I wrote about that here.

On Wednesday, another group of men I love and enjoy get together for an hour of fellowship and study. We talked about what Solomon said in Eccl. 4:9-10.

“Two are better than one”.

I’ve come by that truth the hard way too many times.

A good part of the discussion leaned into how we too often prefer to go it alone or for whatever reason find ourselves feeling alone and what we can do about it.

Isolation is an invitation to your biggest enemy – Not Satan, your Self.

Self-talk. That relentless voice in your head.

Self-indulgence. That relentless invitation to your favorite temptation.

Self-pity. That relentless deceiver that keeps you discouraged.

Self-sufficiency. That relentless boast that you can go it alone and it will work out fine.

But self makes for a really poor companion. I like how Paul said it.

It’s no accident that in three groups the same topic came up in different ways.

If I were left to having it my way, I’d stay home, keep busy and make a hundred excuses for why “it’s all good” and then keep to myself.

So I make myself go to the Monday evening BV2U deeper dive online Bible study 🙂

Okay, it’s really not hard. I started it, it’s great fellowship and we make time for each other! You’re invited too (details below). We’re doing other events you can join as well.

I refuse to miss the Tuesday night prayer meeting. I need other men.

I get involved online with groups of men outside of my normal circles to challenge and edify one another. They’re everywhere. Here’s mine.

For years I behaved myself into isolation, now I’m behaving myself out.

I know with Jesus I’m never alone. But He said that’s not enough. We need each other. Two are better!

If it can’t be in-person, it can be online. 

Here’s my question for you: What will you begin or join to get involved with other believers so you’re not going it alone. Reply and let me know. I love hearing from you.

We’re doing our part here at BV2U to make that easier. Will you do your part and jump in? If not, let me know what’s keeping you. You’re welcome here so take that next step.

Who do you know that could use today’s read? Forward it before you get busy again. Check out some of the ways you can get more from this ministry with our online fellowship 👇🏼

PS. If you’d like your Bible reading made easier, more enjoyable and understandable this free one-hour webinar is for you. Choose your day and time here.

I’m hosting 10 free Bible Reading Made Easier and Enjoyable webinars this month to help you get more from your Bible every time you read it and encourage you to read it more.

These live one-hour events are being offered free for the May 9^th– 28^th events only. And hey, it will also be a good chance for us to finally meet. Choose your event here.

12-Week Bible Confidence Cohorts Are Back: Sunday Evenings OR Tuesdays @ Noon. Register Today!

Or check out the one-hour webinar that makes Bible reading easier, more enjoyable and understandable. Several May events are free. Choose your day and time here.

Pray with me for more readers who benefit from this ministry enough to support it

🧔🏻‍♂️For the men in your life. This is a good place for men to open up. I’ve been a part of this ministry to men for a while and highly recommend it.

🛐 How can I pray for you? Please let me know here.

📫 Forward this email to friends & family and encourage them to subscribe

♥️ Follow on Instagram | Facebook | Threads for more biblical encouragement.

📈 Quick Favor? I hope you benefit from these emails. You can help spread the word about this free ministry by inviting others and sharing BV2U to your social media.

💬💡Feedback? Let me know how to improve BV2U or how it impacted you. Reply to this email or use [email protected]. I read every email.