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The latest PEW study shows belief in God down while atheists & believers of nothing are up. It was a statistical study which means they don't look into why, the effects, nor what might happen in the future. I realize collage students can't do a professional study but you can do a non scientific survey that asks why this happened. I'm not being silly because me and a classmate did such a survey back in 1973-74. We asked, Do you believe in God? We found a majority did, earning ourselves A's and B's for that class. I'm challenging some of you to create a similar study and earn a good grade also. The PEW study focused on millennial aged people, which many of you know well. Some of you may even be millennial's. You don't need a lot of questions, I seem to remember our survey had only 20 questions. Your professor can tell you the minimum needed to get a good grade. I think this is a subject many of you probably know a lot about. The point is to learn about surveys, get a good grade, and possibly even why this happened. I have a hunch, but it is also my basis from 30 to 40 yrs ago. Back then I was down on couple's who had kids, and that called themselves believers because they did not show their children what a real person of God is like. A common excuse was, "kids don't know anything. They believe whatever we tell them. Their only real concern is toys, or maybe television." I always knew this was false. Children are quite bright and they watch everything their parents and other adults they know do & say. What children lack is the wisdom to process what they see & hear. They misunderstand much so they necessarily come to erroneous conclusions. Although, they may be right about their parents but wrong in how they reacted to it. Wrong from our POV of course. Many of you are millennial aged, what is your hunch, we should discuss this. It's important and now you are either soon going to become parents or you are already. If we can get an educated guess as to why this happened maybe you can save your children from further falling away. I always did like helping people and I know some of you do as well. I sincerely hope some of you take this challenge to heart. But even if none of you do, I still think we should discuss this. You can start, I'll be back tomorrow. I had a very tiring day. God Bless

Hello brothers and sisters in Christ! I just wanted to ask what are every day challenges to do to get better at public speaking, socializing and be selfless? If you know any challenges your welcome to post some links( if it's allowed here) Thank you Brother in Christ Kenny

I am considering, hosting a trivia event. I have not yet determined, if it will be strictly Bible trivia, or maybe some other things, but it will be more about the Bible, than other things, for sure. I have not figured out all of the details, but I am trying to arrange it, where this will be a live event in the chatroom, for the sake of not only enhancing our knowledge of the Word, but to have some fun just answering questions in the heat of "competition". However, I know that it is not convenient enough, that everyone can attend that event, so to encourage broader participation, and make it "fair" to all, the chat event, will not be the place from which, the prize winner will be drawn. Let me rephrase that just a little. It could well be, that a participant in the chat version, turns out to be the winner, but the winner will be determined another way. I cannot tip my hand here, because there is nothing in the hand yet. Never-the-less, it could be, that those participating in chat would have a small edge, maybe not to win, but to do so more easily. However, anyone could get all of the answers right, without being in chat. Similarly, those who are doing the daily readings here, will also have it easier, at least in the Bible related questions, since all of the Bible questions, will come from material in our Bible club reading assignments. Now, just to make it more that fair . . . anyone with access to a Bible, or the internet, will be able to easily research the answers to the questions. The winner will come from among the top respondents (in terms of accuracy). In the case of a draw, which is likely if people actually try, then a winner will be chosen - probably by some random means. As I said, this is still in planning at this point. Stay tuned.

Any guys up for a Love Your Wife Better Challenge in October? I'm thinking our daily goal would be to PREEP: 1) Pray for {your wife and marriage} 2) Read {the Bible} 3) Engage {your spouse} 4) Connect {with other men} 5) Pray with {your spouse} “Deep in his heart, every man longs for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.” ― John Eldredge, Wild at Heart John 13:34-35 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Here are the daily engagement challenges I’m thinking of... Day 1. Ask her: How can I help you today (or this week)? Day 2. Go a whole day without correcting your spouse. Speak Life! Day 3. Hug your spouse 3-5 times today. Day 4. Kiss your spouse the first time you see them in the morning. Tell her she is beautiful and that you love her. Day 5. Give 3 reasons you appreciate your spouse. Say: “I appreciate you because __________________, _______________________, and _____________________ . Day 6. Write your spouse a hand-written or typed up letter. It can be as long or short as you’d like. Mail it off today so they get it hopefully no later than next week. Day 7. Determine what your spouse’s primary love languages are today: Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, or Acts of Service. This is how your spouse likes to receive love. Day 8. Since yesterday you determined what your spouses’ primary love language(s) are, use this information to do something for them today. Day 9. Plan a surprise date with your wife for later on this month. Doesn’t have to be expensive. If money is tight free dates or inexpensive dates are good too. If you want to go even further plan a romantic getaway this year or early next year. Day 10. Turn off all electronics and spend at least 30 minutes to one hour talking on the couch/bed. Try to really listen to your spouse and ask engaging questions. Day 11. Watch your spouse’s favorite movie, sport, or TV show today without interrupting. No mocking or negative comments. Note: This is HER favorite not yours. Day 12. Today focus on being patient with your spouse. Day 13. Three times today say: “I love you because ___________________ “ Describe something about her character, intellect, actions, physical beauty, or personhood in Christ. Day 14. Leave your spouse a note before work. Day 15. Today focus on being kind to your spouse. Day 16. Thank your spouse today for 3 specific things: ____________, _____________, and ____________ . Day 17. Build your spouse up today by complimenting your spouse in front of your children, relatives, or friends. Feel free to compliment her more than once! Day 18. Ask your spouse’s opinion on a subject that interests him or her. Turn off all electronics, remove all distractions, sit on the couch/bed, and engage her for 30 minutes to an hour. Day 19. Bring your spouse some flowers, a token gift, or their favorite dessert. Day 20. Spend some extra time praying together. It can be an extra 5-10 minutes. Or it could be more if you are so led. Day 21. Choose one: Do the dishes, do the laundry, gather the trash, or do some other chore for your spouse today without complaining and without them asking. See a need and fill a need. Day 22. Spend 10-30 minutes reading the Bible together. Or it could be more if you are so led. Day 23. Today determine to speak softly and avoid getting angry with your spouse. Day 24. Give your spouse a massage. Day 25. Today get out your wedding album to look through pictures, watch your wedding on video, or take time to think back to your wedding day with your spouse. What were your wedding vows? Day 26. Ask your spouse what are 2-3 of their goals or dreams for this year and/or next year. Day 27. Ask your spouse: “Where do you see us 10 years from now?” Day 28. Go on a date this weekend that you planned earlier this month. It can be at home or out some place. It can be free or it can cost a pretty penny. Put some thought into it based on the preferences of your wife. Day 29. Talk to your spouse about their favorite things. Think for example heroes, authors, books, or activities. Day 30. Talk about finances with your spouse. Ask her to review your budget together, make a few changes, and revisit your giving together. It doesn’t have to be a long conversation maybe 5-20 minutes. Day 31. Talk to your spouse about a place they would like to visit someday. Since October has 31 days I added another one. Feel free to provide feedback or to suggest days to be switched around or challenges to be replaced. What are your thoughts? God bless, GE

One Sunday morning, as I was on my way to Church I encountered a big and vicious looking stray dog. It started to run towards me, while barking and forcing. I was so terrified that I did not know what next to do. As the dog got about 4 feet close to me, instantly I shouted, "Jesus help me"! Immediately, the dog stopped, turned around and ran away in fear. His name is above all names, and at the mention of His name every knee must bow.