28. August 2009 by PawBill.

I am an optimist by nature, but a pessimist by trade.  I enjoy studying prophesies of end time events, and I truly believe the end time is near.  The end time for the America those of us from an older generation remember, that is.  As our parents and grandparents endured periods of uncertainty during their time, it is now time for us to endure ours. 

But is it?  Our parents and grandparents faced wars and economic hardships, not the collapse of their country at the hands of those who sought to destroy it by destroying its Constitution.  We could very well be at the precipice of allowing a minority of intellectuals and leaders of fringe elements (Socialist, Communist, community organizers and haters of America) to seize control of our government without any resistance. 

Not many seem to care or to even be apprehensive.  Americans are facing something new.  Most main stream news programs are quiet and are refusing to even consider the possibility of a change in our system of government. Both Democratic and Republican representatives and congressmen are too far removed from their constituents to hear any concerns and when questioned refuse to listen.  Worst still, they are oblivious to the many warning signs that surround them.

Yes, there are a few who, like Paul Revere of Revolutionary times, are calling out a twenty-first century message—“the enemy is here, the enemy is here.”  Soon, however, they will be silenced.  They are already being portrayed as a fringe element bent on inciting turmoil against President Obama and the Democratic Party.   What do you think or have you given it any thought?

Recently I was having some repair work done at my home, and I tried to engage a construction worker into a political conversation by asking, “What do you think about the political mess we have in Washington?”  I was somewhat surprised when he did not embark on a tirade against President Obama.  I pretty much knew what his response was going to be, but I was somewhat taken back when he replied, “I don’t vote so I don’t really have an opinion!”  Men in his profession usually have an opinion and are not shy in vocalizing it. I generally know what that opinion is, but for some reason he did not want to reveal it.  Strange, “I thought.”  Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think so.  His smile gave him away.

Much like the first century church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22), neither hot or cold but lukewarm,  America’s churches have been lukewarm to God and have embraced the ways of the world.  Therefore, God is allowing America to be a nation of fools.  America did not see a need for God, the Ten Commandments, and now its Constitution so God has no use for America.  Think about it.

So, should you be concerned?  I do not find comfort in a scripture verse from Micah 7:13 NIV, “The earth will become desolate because of its inhabitants, as a result of their deeds.”

Either get up, repent, return to God and start defending the Constitution or return to your television and await the end.  Enough said!

Please direct comments to bt@northloopcottage.com.  Visit www.twitter.com/closetchristian when time permits.

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24. August 2009 by PawBill.

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13. August 2009 by PawBill.

I had lunch with an acquaintance recently, and he wanted to talk about his marital problems. He was considering an affair, but I cautioned him that this would not solve his problem.  “Maybe”, I said, “your wife is frustrated and just needs you to listen.”  He never acknowledged that he might be the problem, and he only talked about her constant complaints.  After only a few minutes I began to suspect he was suffering from PPCCS.

Persistent Perceived Constant Criticism Syndrome (PPCCS) is the psychiatric medical name, but it is commonly referred to as “chronic bitch slapping” by men who like complaining about their wives. It is a leading cause of divorce, and 82.3% of married men suffer from it according to the latest informal poll taken at a local drinking establishment; 14.1% refused to discuss the issue, and 3.6% needed to discuss it with their wives before they could comment.  It is a perceived problem that if allowed to go unrecognized and treated will bring disastrous results and harm to a marriage.

But, where did this syndrome first appear?  The first recorded incident of a man’s view and thoughts on this syndrome was some two thousand plus years ago.  King Solomon who ruled over Israel for some forty years chronicled the first written record. 

Among many references that you will find written in the book of Proverbs are the following: “A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day; restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand;” Proverbs 27:15. “Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife;” Proverbs 21:19, and “Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife,” Proverbs 21:9.

Yes, I believe King Solomon was an authority on women. In 1 Kings 11:3 we learned,  “He (Solomon) had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray.”  Solomon had the pick of the best.  More than likely they were all virgins, beautiful, and intelligent. Not your everyday girl on the street; there might be some knowledge to be learned from this.  Maybe beauty is only skin deep, but as Red Foxx use to say, “Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes all the way to the bone.”   

You can read about the riches of King Solomon’s splendor in 2 Chronicles chapter 9.  He indeed had it all but his wives and their “gods” were his downfall.  He tried to please them by bowing to their wishes and desires but was ultimately led astray.  Unfortunately he allowed himself to be enticed into worshiping false gods like many in today’s world.

Although you can find disparaging remarks about the character of a class of women in the book of Proverbs, you can also find a description of what a “real” woman from a man’s perspective would be like.  “The Wife of Noble Character” is indeed a superwoman, and her description is found in Proverbs 31:19-31. A man would be fortunate to have such a wife, but in reality no such woman could ever exist if she had to be a “mother” to a husband and family. 

I would encourage you to read the book of Proverbs for some great insight in daily living.  When you finish Proverbs the next book over is Ecclesiastes, a man’s search for the meaning of life, followed by the Song of Songs, a lover’s love for his beloved.  If you are a seeker, you will not be disappointed.

Solomon’s gives us one more look into his apparent frustration with women in Ecclesiastes 7:27-28 where it is recorded, “Look, says the teacher, this is what I have discovered: Adding one thing to another to discover the scheme of things–while I was still searching but not finding—I found one upright man among a thousand, but not one upright woman among them all.”

Maybe that is why God only intended for a man to have one wife (one at a time, that is) because God knew man would not be happy otherwise.  But wait; maybe the Islamic suicide bomber going to be with seventy virgins is not heaven after all.  Maybe it is pure hell.  I am glad I am not going there.

In the culture of Biblical times most women were viewed as property and had no rights.  In today’s world Islamic women are still treated as property.  Jesus Christ elevated women and taught otherwise.  In the true Christian religion, women are men’s equals and partners in marriage.  Men and women should seek Christian partners for a truly happy and sustainable life.  When married partners treat each other as equals you truly have a marriage made in Heaven.

I wish I could claim originality for the term “Bitch Slap.”  It is a term a man could laugh about, but women probably do not see the humor.  While tuning across the TV channels I heard a man refer to his wife using this term.  I believe it was a comedy show, and the wife had been making wifely remarks; men, you know what I’m writing about.  The husband finally responded with, “quit bitch slapping me around, woman!” or something to that effect.

I am sure that in most arguments between a husband and wife the term has been used.  Likewise I am sure the wife has used the “donkey term.”  Although this has been written for humor, it is a two way street.  Women can likewise suffer from both physical and mental abuse by their husbands. If you are a woman and are in an abusive situation, seek help immediately before you are severely injured.

There is hope if you are a believer in Jesus Christ and will be going to the Heaven He promised, and you have not had a happy marriage or marriages while here on earth.  Jesus said in Matthew 22:30, “At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.”

If you have enjoyed your marriage here on earth you may be disappointed in not continuing your marriage in Heaven.  I know I will, but God knows best and I will trust Him and His plans for my future.  What about you?  

Disclaimer:  I do not suffer from PPCCS, but I know a lot of men who perceive they do.  For those of you who do suffer (both Christian and non-Christian), seek counseling from a Christian counselor with your spouse before it is too late to save your marriage. 

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2. August 2009 by PawBill.

I surf various radio station broadcasts while I am driving to avoid advertisements.  As soon as a station goes to a commercial I punch one of the preset buttons.  It is convenient now that most functions are on the car’s steering wheel.  Finding good content, however, is getting harder. 

Anyway, I tuned in a Jewish talk show host who was answering a young callers question.  I did not hear the question, but the host was certain of his answer.  The question must have been about who would be going to heaven because his answer was “anyone, no matter what their religious belief, would be going to heaven if they had lived a good life.”  I may not have quoted his words exactly, but his belief was all you had to do was be good and do good things.   

Jesus Christ is the Jewish Messiah whose life was prophesied and fulfilled as described in the biblical writings of the Bible. The Jewish people rejected him while he was on earth, and He is still rejected by a large percentage of today’s Jews. They believe in the book of Isaiah, but not chapter fifty-three. Read the chapter for yourself if you have an interest. 

If you believe in the heaven described in the Bible, you can only go there if you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  Jesus made this very clear in his teaching.  Do you believe He lied?  I do not, but If you believe in another way then you will not be going to the heaven of the Bible.  Read Jesus’ words for yourself in the Gospel of John.

You may be going to another heaven, and I wish you well.  I would be interested in hearing from you about your god and your heaven.  Where does your god live?  Does he or she have commandments? Do you have to do good works or deeds? Do you have an image that you worship? Do you have writings about your god? I want to know.  Write me and let me know.

Jesus Christ offers you salvation by grace.  No works or good deeds are required.  What is so hard about believing in Him? Let me know. 

Contact me at bt@northloopcottage.com.

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