I was in Dallas, TX, on the morning of September 11, 2001, attending technical training on a new fiber communications system our company had recently purchased. The rumors started circulating about an aircraft having crashed into a building in New York City. We heard that it was a cargo aircraft. The class went on, but attendance started dwindling and our attention was being drawn to the only small TV set at the training facility.
By mid-morning we knew what was going on. It was all over the TV. I don’t recall fear, but I did have a sense of calm uncertainty. Somehow, I knew God had this under control and that everything would work out according to His will. I just wasn’t sure how it would all play out or how I would get back to my family in Chattanooga.
Interestingly, one of my friends, who was in our group, and I had visited over the previous weekend the site of another national tragedy, the assassination of President John Kennedy. If we had any doubts that a lone gunman could have killed Kennedy, they were erased on that visit. The guy had a clear field of vision, and his target was about 30 yards away. Conspiracy theories notwithstanding, it was no problem for a skilled marksman. But, I digress.
Back in those days I did not carry a cell phone, so the calling card was the only option. I remember calling my supervisor back in Chattanooga. We spoke for a few moments. He indicated that security measures were being ramped up, especially at the nuclear plants, but we had to keep our noses to the grindstone and do our jobs. What else could he say?
I’m not sure we learned much about fiber communications for the rest of the day, but we went through the motions. What drove it home for us was going outside on break and seeing no contrails in the sky. Some people were crying because they had obviously lost friends and acquaintances in the World Trade Center. We heard about folks on our company Trading Floor who had been on the phone doing business with people in the Trade Center at the time of the impacts. Some escaped. Many died.
The first contact from home was a voice mail on my hotel phone from our daughter, Ginger. She wanted me to come home. My first call home was to my wife, and we had a nice conversation. I told her we would get back home after the training was over, but at that point I had no idea how that would happen. One of the guys in our group had driven his pickup truck to Dallas, so he offered to take the rest of us back to Chattanooga when the time came. Five guys in a pickup for 1200 miles? Hmmmm.
The rest of the week went on pretty normally with the exception of the incessant reruns of the buildings coming down. In a way it reminded me of watching a Titanic movie. You hope for a different outcome, but the ship always sinks in the end. At that point we knew that a lot of ships were going to sink for a very long time.
There were some discussions about who we were going to “nuke” or where we were going to create a new parking lot, but most of the images on TV looked like somebody had already done that. Next option.
With people camped out at Dallas Fort Worth Airport waiting for the resumption of flights we decided we were going to drive. The rental car company (Avis) graciously allowed us to take one of their rentals to “wherever we needed to go” with no drop charge.
Finally, Friday arrived and we cut out early. With light traffic on the road (and some heavy foots on the pedal) we made it back to Chattanooga before dark. And, the rest, as they say, is history.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Why Does Bad Stuff Happen?
How do you make sense of the death and destruction we saw on Wednesday, April 27, 2011? As is my custom, I was reading Scripture and commentaries in a serial fashion, just as they were given by God’s Holy Spirit (the Scriptures, that is), on that day. Having previously read through Job, I am currently reading Dr. Henry Morris’s great commentary on that book. On April 27, this is what I was reading:
From Dr. Henry Morris – “Then the blow fell. In just one day, Job had all his wealth destroyed, all his servants slain, and his ten children killed in a sudden tornado. Job received the tragic news from different sources within a few minutes of each other (Job 1:13 – 19). . . Not all such phenomena are directly caused by Satan. The natural processes of the world entail occasional storms and holy angels and God himself can control any of the processes that the fallen angels can. We see here, however, that on some occasions these phenomena can have a Satanic cause, if God allows. The same applies to our own reasoning and decision-making processes, so we need to consider all these possibilities prayerfully when difficult circumstances arise in our own lives.” – The Remarkable Record of Job, pp. 59, 60
Right now we don’t know why, but we do know that God is in control, and He does care. That is the message we need to give people, not some “God loves you” sentimentality. Sentiment doesn’t save and it doesn’t do anything practical. So, as we continue to minister by giving money, blood, water, food, or whatever, let’s be prepared to answer questions in an honest, Scriptural fashion, telling people Who God is, who we are, and what Jesus did.
I remain yours, in the Name of Jesus,
Mr. Phil
From Dr. Henry Morris – “Then the blow fell. In just one day, Job had all his wealth destroyed, all his servants slain, and his ten children killed in a sudden tornado. Job received the tragic news from different sources within a few minutes of each other (Job 1:13 – 19). . . Not all such phenomena are directly caused by Satan. The natural processes of the world entail occasional storms and holy angels and God himself can control any of the processes that the fallen angels can. We see here, however, that on some occasions these phenomena can have a Satanic cause, if God allows. The same applies to our own reasoning and decision-making processes, so we need to consider all these possibilities prayerfully when difficult circumstances arise in our own lives.” – The Remarkable Record of Job, pp. 59, 60
Right now we don’t know why, but we do know that God is in control, and He does care. That is the message we need to give people, not some “God loves you” sentimentality. Sentiment doesn’t save and it doesn’t do anything practical. So, as we continue to minister by giving money, blood, water, food, or whatever, let’s be prepared to answer questions in an honest, Scriptural fashion, telling people Who God is, who we are, and what Jesus did.
I remain yours, in the Name of Jesus,
Mr. Phil
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Marriage Is Honorable
From Days of Praise, August 21, 2010
Marriage Is Honorable
by Henry Morris, Ph.D. | Aug. 21, 2010
"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." (Hebrews 13:4)
Ever since the divine union of Adam and Eve, the institution of marriage has been between a man and woman. However, the "bed" has often been defiled, with all kinds of sexual perversions. Homosexual behavior is often mentioned in the Bible, and always explicitly condemned, even being called an "abomination" by the Lord (Leviticus 18:22). Adultery, fornication, prostitution, incest, bestiality, and all forms of sexual practice outside of heterosexual marriage relations are also condemned. Indeed, "God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions" (Ecclesiastes 7:29).
Yes, but times have changed, we are told. The so-called "gay" lifestyle is now a normal option, they say, and even "same-sex" marriages are acceptable. Premarital sex, as well as adultery, are very common today, all over the world, often even impacting Christian homes and churches. Indeed, the world has changed!
But God has not changed, and His commandments and purposes have not changed. "For I am the LORD, I change not" (Malachi 3:6), He says. In the last book of the Bible, the glorified Christ said that "the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death" (Revelation 21:8).
The Greek word for "whoremongers," incidentally, includes anyone who practices or promotes illicit sex of any kind and the Bible says that "whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." However, God will forgive and purge away any of these sins when they are repudiated and Christ is accepted as Savior. HMM
Marriage Is Honorable
by Henry Morris, Ph.D. | Aug. 21, 2010
"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." (Hebrews 13:4)
Ever since the divine union of Adam and Eve, the institution of marriage has been between a man and woman. However, the "bed" has often been defiled, with all kinds of sexual perversions. Homosexual behavior is often mentioned in the Bible, and always explicitly condemned, even being called an "abomination" by the Lord (Leviticus 18:22). Adultery, fornication, prostitution, incest, bestiality, and all forms of sexual practice outside of heterosexual marriage relations are also condemned. Indeed, "God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions" (Ecclesiastes 7:29).
Yes, but times have changed, we are told. The so-called "gay" lifestyle is now a normal option, they say, and even "same-sex" marriages are acceptable. Premarital sex, as well as adultery, are very common today, all over the world, often even impacting Christian homes and churches. Indeed, the world has changed!
But God has not changed, and His commandments and purposes have not changed. "For I am the LORD, I change not" (Malachi 3:6), He says. In the last book of the Bible, the glorified Christ said that "the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death" (Revelation 21:8).
The Greek word for "whoremongers," incidentally, includes anyone who practices or promotes illicit sex of any kind and the Bible says that "whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." However, God will forgive and purge away any of these sins when they are repudiated and Christ is accepted as Savior. HMM
Thursday, August 5, 2010
On Human Marriage
Marriage can only exist between a man and a woman. We know this because God made the woman from the man and brought her to him so that they could become one flesh (Genesis 2:18 – 25). Jesus Christ, the Son of God, confirmed this when He said, speaking of marriage, that in the beginning God made them male and female (Mark 10:2 – 9). Since both God the Father and God the Son have already ruled on this, no earthly judge or panel of judges can change it. Nor is it open to “majority rule.”
Because the primary purpose of marriage is procreation (Genesis 1:28), logic dictates that marriage can exist between a man and a woman only. It is impossible for two individuals of the same sex to produce a child. This is against nature (Romans 1:26 – 32).
Some may argue that marriage should exist between a man and a woman because of “societal norms” or “traditional family values.” These are false reasons because they change. However, God’s standard never changes.
Any judge or panel of judges who arrogantly attempt to overrule the Lord God concerning marriage should be impeached. God has the final word on human marriage.
I remain yours in the Name above every Name, Jesus Christ,
"Mr. Phil"
Because the primary purpose of marriage is procreation (Genesis 1:28), logic dictates that marriage can exist between a man and a woman only. It is impossible for two individuals of the same sex to produce a child. This is against nature (Romans 1:26 – 32).
Some may argue that marriage should exist between a man and a woman because of “societal norms” or “traditional family values.” These are false reasons because they change. However, God’s standard never changes.
Any judge or panel of judges who arrogantly attempt to overrule the Lord God concerning marriage should be impeached. God has the final word on human marriage.
I remain yours in the Name above every Name, Jesus Christ,
"Mr. Phil"
Saturday, July 24, 2010
What’s Wrong With America?
Our “christian” culture is the way it is because our “christian” families and churches are the way they are.
The Problem
Rather than quote a long string of statistics, we can firmly state that we just somehow KNOW that things are broken. Peruse these articles for various viewpoints regarding the decline of our culture:
http://www.christianinformation.org/article.asp?artID=88
http://allanturner.com/article14.html
http://www.brutallyhonest.org/brutally_honest/2005/02/whats_wrong_wit.html
http://www.christianpost.com/blogs/christianity/2009/05/something-is-wrong-with-the-church-04/index.html
The Solution
Discussion of the solution to the problem assumes that those who profess to be followers of Christ are being true to their profession. “9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9, 10) One who is not a true follower of Christ is said to be “dead in trespasses and sin.” A dead person cannot influence family, church, or culture.
Very simply, we must begin operating with a renewed mind. “ . . . be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
The Christ we claim to follow tells us we are to be the salt and light in the culture. “13Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13 – 16)
Thankfully, we still have many pastors / teachers who are willing to run counter to the culture and encourage Christian families to build stronger churches and positively influence the culture. See the following resources for a small sample:
http://www.redbankbaptist.org/resources.html
http://shop.churchandfamilyreformation.org/What-He-Must-Be-If-He-Wants-to-Marry-My-Daughter-BKWHMBVB.htm
Conclusion
Our “christian” culture is the way it is because our “christian” families and churches are the way they are. What will you do to create positive change?
I remain yours in the name of Jesus Christ, the Name above every name.
“Mr. Phil”
The Problem
Rather than quote a long string of statistics, we can firmly state that we just somehow KNOW that things are broken. Peruse these articles for various viewpoints regarding the decline of our culture:
http://www.christianinformation.org/article.asp?artID=88
http://allanturner.com/article14.html
http://www.brutallyhonest.org/brutally_honest/2005/02/whats_wrong_wit.html
http://www.christianpost.com/blogs/christianity/2009/05/something-is-wrong-with-the-church-04/index.html
The Solution
Discussion of the solution to the problem assumes that those who profess to be followers of Christ are being true to their profession. “9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9, 10) One who is not a true follower of Christ is said to be “dead in trespasses and sin.” A dead person cannot influence family, church, or culture.
Very simply, we must begin operating with a renewed mind. “ . . . be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
The Christ we claim to follow tells us we are to be the salt and light in the culture. “13Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13 – 16)
Thankfully, we still have many pastors / teachers who are willing to run counter to the culture and encourage Christian families to build stronger churches and positively influence the culture. See the following resources for a small sample:
http://www.redbankbaptist.org/resources.html
http://shop.churchandfamilyreformation.org/What-He-Must-Be-If-He-Wants-to-Marry-My-Daughter-BKWHMBVB.htm
Conclusion
Our “christian” culture is the way it is because our “christian” families and churches are the way they are. What will you do to create positive change?
I remain yours in the name of Jesus Christ, the Name above every name.
“Mr. Phil”
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Hell Invading Helena?
You decide:
http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=37368
http://www.helena.k12.mt.us/images/documents/curriculum/HealthCurriculum/K12FinalHealth.pdf (See Page 45 ff)
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/07/09/montana-school-proposes-controversial-sex-education-program/
Good reasons to home school!
http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=37368
http://www.helena.k12.mt.us/images/documents/curriculum/HealthCurriculum/K12FinalHealth.pdf (See Page 45 ff)
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/07/09/montana-school-proposes-controversial-sex-education-program/
Good reasons to home school!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Every Believer a Witness (1)
My life before I met Jesus:
I was born in Winchester, VA, the youngest of four siblings. My sister and two brothers are still living there in my hometown.
I was very sad when my parents divorced when I was ten years old. School was a great way for me to lose myself in academics. I also remember watching the Washington Senators on TV with my mother. I learned to play a clarinet in school.
My mother sent me to Sunday School, but I stopped going when I turned ten. My life as a teenager was wrapped up in school. I especially enjoyed amateur radio in those years. I thought I had everything going my way until I went off to college.
After high school graduation, I went off to state university, but that did not last long. Although I had been brought up in a non-religious home, I had received moral teaching. My morals and state university did not mix. So, I went off to a Christian university.
Next installment: How I came to accept Jesus into my life
I was born in Winchester, VA, the youngest of four siblings. My sister and two brothers are still living there in my hometown.
I was very sad when my parents divorced when I was ten years old. School was a great way for me to lose myself in academics. I also remember watching the Washington Senators on TV with my mother. I learned to play a clarinet in school.
My mother sent me to Sunday School, but I stopped going when I turned ten. My life as a teenager was wrapped up in school. I especially enjoyed amateur radio in those years. I thought I had everything going my way until I went off to college.
After high school graduation, I went off to state university, but that did not last long. Although I had been brought up in a non-religious home, I had received moral teaching. My morals and state university did not mix. So, I went off to a Christian university.
Next installment: How I came to accept Jesus into my life
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)