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...]
CONFLICT NEEDS GUIDANCE
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...]
FAITH THROUGH THE DARK
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...]
STEERING A MOVING OBJECT
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...]
‘STILL WATERS’ OF GOD’S GUIDANCE (3)
Precisely how and through what means God will direct his people is in his sovereign, all-powerful hands. But I am determined not to miss anything he wishes to do for me or to give to me, simply because I did not believe it possible, or wasn't looking, or refused to listen when he spoke. "My sheep know my voice," said Jesus, "and they follow me." Certainly the Bible is the ultimate source for universal, eternal, general truth. It is the Church's "canon," a Greek word meaning "measure" or "rule." That means that it is a reliable norm, by which all other messages thought to be from God are to … [Read more...]
‘STILL WATERS’ OF GOD’S GUIDANCE (2)
Recently I was impressed, on reading Psalm 23, with the statement that God leads us beside the quiet or still waters. He does not require us to live frantically, to pick desperately between alternative paths, or to choose our course in a panic. Sometimes God provides guidance in extraordinary ways, such as by "illuminating" a particular Scripture, sending dreams and visions, or by giving an inner impression or nudge. He might direct through an angel, or speak in a divine voice (either silent or audible), or through some inspired word of prophecy or wisdom or knowledge. The Bible provides … [Read more...]
‘STILL WATERS’ OF GOD’S GUIDANCE (1)
Recently I was impressed, on reading Psalm 23, with the statement that God leads us beside the quiet or still waters. He does not require us to live frantically, to pick desperately between alternative paths, or to choose our course in a panic. Divine guidance often comes in very undramatic shapes. We might draw insight from a biblical story, or admonition or promise. We might see a light shining through from some past personal experience with God, or find new direction by reviewing the path he has brought us thus far. We might obtain guidance through specific research, or by talking … [Read more...]