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About the Author

About the Author





My name is Jim Phillips. I'm a retired executive, cancer survivor, proud father, and loving husband - not necessarily in that order. I've been a Christian since the age of 14. Over the course of 48 years, I have belonged to multiple congregations, led countless Bible studies, and am currently serving as a deacon in my church. My life story encompasses tension, conflict, and physical pain - but also unconditional love and the grace of God. The guidance of the Holy Spirit through these personal experiences is what led me to write this book.

For more about what led me to write this book, click here.

Coming to Christ


I became a Christian in a time of great turmoil at the age of 14. My family was in a continuous crisis. There is more about that in the account of my conversion at the beginning of the book. Since then, I have been involved in evangelical and disciple-making ministries as a layman during and after college. I received an accounting degree, with honors, from the University of Texas in Austin. I also studied Classical Greek, which has been helpful in studying the scriptures. (The New Testament was written in Greek.)

Making Disciples


While in college, I taught Bible studies in my secular fraternity. When I was involved in the food and beverage business, I made devotional tracts available to bartenders. I remember seeing one of the bartenders setting up in the morning with a devotional tract in her hand. She held it up and said, "This is how I get through the day."

No Stranger to Stress



For more than 40 years I have worked in small businesses. I have served in oil and gas exploration, food and beverage, real estate development and financial publication industries... in various capacities including vice president, president and director. There was a high degree of tension in my work as I handled conflict resolution, arbitration and litigation. I have spent quite a bit of time in the witness stand including federal, state, civil and criminal courts.

By the Grace of God





I've been through many financial crises over many decades. There were many times when I concluded there was no way to survive. One time in particular was when the price of oil fell to $9 and our real estate sales fell 95%. Almost all of the banks in Texas failed in that crisis. One dark day I went home, knowing we would not be able to make a debt payment the next day, thereby committing default on one of our debts and possibly bringing about the death of the company. The next day I walked into the office and everyone was happy. Confused, I asked why and was immediately told that a mystery check was received for nearly the exact amount as the debt that was due that day. It was a very large sum of money. No one in our company knew that money was owed to us until the check appeared. That was when I began to believe that, possibly, God does interact in the affairs of men.

I've seen my boss go to federal prison, participated in a corporate coup, and been fired more than once. In recent years I have endured cancer and severe prolonged pain to the point I asked God to take my life on two occasions. And by the grace of God, I'm here with you today.

His light, life and power came into me in a dark room, in a dark time when I could no longer bear the burden of life.  To read about my conversion, click here.

My name is Jim Phillips.
4/22/20