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Snap-Shots of the Bible

5-Minute Survey of the Old Testament

3 Facts to get a grip
on the Old Testament

5 Common Barriers to Bible Reading

Bible Reading Survival Guide

Encouragement and Community for Men Who Read the Bible

You're Not Alone

by Dave Gillaspie

We have so many elements in our lives that compete for attention. You may be a husband, father, business owner, volunteer, or employee – then there are our special interests, sports, or hobbies. It can be challenging to keep God's Word a top priority.

My name is Dave – Pam is my wife. While I've been a follower of Christ most of my life I haven't always had a love for reading God's Word.

Growing up I never liked to read. In fact, I would go out of my way to avoid it. My favorite author was Cliff and his series of Cliff's Notes.

It was only through a time of crisis in my life that I was drawn to God's Word and developed a true love and passion for spending time with my God in His Word. I only share this to say that even if you don't like to read, God can change your heart and grow in you a desire to read – a desire to read His Word.

As men we tend to be spiritual loners. We can talk about work, sports or cars with other guys but find it hard, even unnatural to talk about our spiritual life. It's my desire for this e-mail group to be a place where we can encourage each other in our spiritual life and share what God is showing us in His Word.

Enter your e-mail address below to receive an occasional (never more than one a month) e-mail with a word of encouragement or practical tip for getting in, or staying in God's Word.

Your friend,

CLICK HERE to join the Real Men E-MAIL group.

CLICK HERE to view the Real Men BLOG.

Sample "REAL MEN" e-mail:

I Don't Like to Read

Gentlemen,
I'm working in Florida this week at a conference where we heard from a speaker named Andy Andrews. He's a good 'ol country boy with some impressive credentials. He's admittedly the most ADD speaker I've ever seen - he couldn't stand still, running from one side of the stage to the other. It was like watching a basketball game. Anyway, he had one point that I felt was worth sharing. Actually he had more than one point - but you know what I mean...

"I don't want to read. I don't like to read. I'll wait for the movie. Why
should I read?" According to Andy people who read make more money, get
promoted more often, have lower instances of divorce, have better
relationships with their kids, and more points than I could write down quick
enough. How many of us don't want all of those things in our life? Suffice
it to say that good things happen when you read.

So his response to those who tell him they don't like to read is, "what's
that got to do with it!?"

He went on to say, "what you put in your mind will be there for ever, why
not change what goes in there?"

If these points are true for reading in general, how much more so for
reading God's Word!? Is it a stretch to say that if I'm reading God's Word
I'll be a better father - a better husband - a better boss - a better
employee? Who doesn't want that!?

If you've been reading God's Word drop me a note to tell me where you've
been reading. If you haven't - why not make some time to do it - good
things will happen.

Your Friend,
Dave

Receive periodic e-mail encouragement and tips that will help you as you pursue God through His Word. Click here to learn more and join the group.

Ablaze: Igniting Spiritual Passion through Reading God's Word.

It's full of practical tips to help you get started reading the Bible.

Foreword by Jan Silvious

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