Archives for 2012

A gracEmail subscriber writes to say that he took a job which seemed to come in answer to prayer, but that he never felt assured that it was God's will. He finds it fulfilling and lucrative, but it takes him away from his family and church far more than he wishes. How can he discern the Lord's leading in this matter? * * * You suggest that you never had firm assurance of God's will in taking the job, although you sensed that it was the correct choice at the time. You do not say how your wife (who, I hope, is your spiritual partner) feels about this situation. And you are apparently having … [Read more...]

He faced a career decision, the young professional said, and he wondered if I could offer any spiritual wisdom. His years of hard work were paying off financially. Now another company was dangling a golden carrot to entice him to join them. The move would mean more money and less managerial responsibility, but more hours away from home and family. "My family," he told me, "is more important to me than anything else on earth." "It sounds to me that you already know what you want to do," I said. "But what if I turn down this opportunity now, and my own business goes sour some time in the … [Read more...]

A Christian sister writes: "I attend a United Methodist Church. We have raised our children and are now empty nesters. I continue to feel God's call to professional ministry. Why do I feel the call if it does not mean I am supposed to pursue it? I thank God for that call and hope to fulfill it as the Lord wishes. My gifts seem to always revolve around exhortation. My pastor is extremely busy as our church is growing dramatically and he doesn't have time for any personal mentoring. Any practical suggestions?" * * * I commend you for wanting to serve God with the gifts he has given to you. It … [Read more...]

A college Bible professor expresses doubt whether God will actually guide us in our everyday choices and decisions. He believes that is "micromanaging" and far too "individualistic," although he believes that God somehow guides the larger Christian community. * * * I would not call it "micromanaging" or improperly "individualistic" to think that the God who sees a sparrow fall, and who knows the number of hairs on our heads, is also both able and willing to provide guidance as to whom a believer marries, where she lives, or which career path he follows. While I am waiting in airports, I … [Read more...]

A sister in New Mexico asks for comment concerning Psalm 139:16, in which the Psalmist writes: "Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance. In Thy book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them." * * * This ancient text assures us that God who made us also knows us intimately. God knows the number of our days and our months (Job 14:5). Our times are in his hand (Ps. 31:15). We were known to God before we were born -- even by name, according to some biblical examples. God knows those who take refuge in him (Nahum 1:7). Everything in our … [Read more...]

A gracEmail subscriber enjoys his work as a teacher and counselor but can barely pay his bills. He has been offered a more lucrative sales position for which he does not feel particularly suited. "Should I continue to rely on the Lord's faithfulness," he asks, "or should I find a way to earn more money?" * * * As you pray and seek God's guidance, you might conclude that the new offer is a temptation to pull away from the job which God has called and gifted and equipped you to perform -- and which gives you great satisfaction. You might conclude that God's provisions, though unscheduled, are … [Read more...]

A gracEmail subscriber enjoys his work as a teacher and counselor but can barely pay his bills. He has been offered a more lucrative sales position for which he does not feel particularly suited. "Should I continue to rely on the Lord's faithfulness," he asks, "or should I find a way to earn more money?" * * * I know what it means to have a family, a job that barely pays the bills and no light at the end of the financial tunnel. That described my situation from 1972-1982, when God appeared to open a door for me to move from North Alabama to a new career in Texas. I think you are asking the … [Read more...]

Fifty years ago American churches purchased property in Southeast Asia, and the missionary evangelist placed title in his own name. The evangelist now claims 50% personal interest in the property, which the local church disputes. The original donors say they intended to benefit the Asian church and not the evangelist personally. Should the church take legal action to claim its property -- which would be a public scandal -- or is that forbidden by Scripture? * * * I cannot imagine the justification for placing title to church property in an evangelist's name -- and it seems especially wrong … [Read more...]

A gracEmail reader in Texas writes, "Hebrews 11:20 says that 'by faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.' Yet in Genesis 27, in which Jacob disguised himself as Esau to mislead his blind father and cheat his brother, Isaac's blessings seem more the result of deception than of faith. What about this?" * * * Apparently old Isaac believed "that God is, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him" (Heb. 11:6). In that confidence, fully aware of God's prior promises to his father Abraham and to himself concerning their descendants, Isaac "blessed" Jacob and Esau -- … [Read more...]

There are seasons to our lives, as the Preacher observed more than 3,000 years ago, then went on to name 28 different ones (Eccl. 3:2-8). I add two more, since there are also times for change and for remaining the same. The decade 1972-1981 was a season of many changes for Sara Faye and me. At one point when we were intensely seeking God's guidance, I asked a friend his thoughts about how to balance our own efforts and waiting on divine intervention. He smiled, said he had no clear answer but observed that he thought God found it easier to guide a moving object. He meant, of course, that … [Read more...]