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Listening to God in Times of Choice: The Art of Discerning God's Will Paperback – March 21, 1997

by Gordon T. Smith (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 41 ratings
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All Christians yearn to live at the center of God's will. But how to discern his will is an art that eludes many of us. And the advice we get often conflicts. Some tell us to look for a divine "blueprint"-the one perfect plan for our lives that we need to find. We are encouraged to search the Scriptures and hunt for signs, trying to uncover the map of our lives that God has drawn. Others have rejected the blueprint school of guidance for the "wisdom school." With minds renewed by the teaching of Scripture, we are to develop the wisdom necessary to make wise choices. We are told not to expect that there is just one answer to God's will for every decision we face. Several may be possible. The difficulty with both approaches, writes Gordon Smith, is that they minimize the presence and voice of God in times of choice. Instead, he argues for a third way. He suggests that we develop discernment as a spiritual discipline. By stressing the personal aspects of growing in our relationship with God, we can understand his will, not just in times of crisis but throughout our daily lives. This book provides no magic formulas, no recipes for guaranteed success-just a lot of insight, gleaned from centuries of lived Christian experience, that will guide and encourage you in the art of discerning God's will.

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  1. Print length
    153 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    IVP
  4. Publication date
    March 21, 1997
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.5 x 8.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0830813675
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0830813674
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gordon T. Smith is the president of reSource Leadership International, an agency that fosters excellence in theological education in the developing world. He also teaches spiritual theology part time at Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia. He is the author of Beginning Well, Listening to God in Times of Choice and The Voice of Jesus.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ IVP (March 21, 1997)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 153 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0830813675
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0830813674
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.5 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 41 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
41 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Stephen
5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless reminder for all seeking to discern
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2018
Verified Purchase
Clear, concise and to the point. Reading this while having been in ministry for 17 years, the guidance from this uncovers most "rocks" that we need to look under as we make decisions in our lives. Highly recommend no matter what season of life you are in as a follower of Christ!
One person found this helpful
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Sher
4.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2022
Verified Purchase
I am enjoying reading this book and has been very insightful into hearing our Lord's voice.
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Ms. Rosa Lin
5.0 out of 5 stars clear-headed, well-rounded, in-depth practical wisdom
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2016
Verified Purchase
Smith offers a holistic set of applied wisdom that taps all of our cognitive resources: heart, mind-intellect-memory, soul, spirit, relationship with God, personality, history, circumstance, relationship with a community of wise and mature decision-makers... He clearly lays out subtle yet important slippery areas and makes this a great handbook for those who treasures decision-making as an important responsibility. I will read his other books on vocation and calling.
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Charles D.
5.0 out of 5 stars No better book for learning how to properly discern God's will
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2017
Verified Purchase
Dr. Smith lays out the keys to proper discernment of how we can know when God is prodding and leading us, and equally importantly, how to tell when He is not. The only book that may possibly be better on this subject is his sequel, "The Voice of Jesus."
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timmydy
5.0 out of 5 stars great guide
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2011
Verified Purchase
great guide to help you through every decision in life. read this book even if you don't have a big decision looming over you.
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KJ Adan
4.0 out of 5 stars Gentle reminder that God is God
Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2019
Verified Purchase
This is a short but effective reminder that discernment is not some psychological skill or trick of divination, but the act of mature decision making steeped in prayer and scripture and wisdom.
One person found this helpful
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Gwasmith
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2016
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Loved it
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Alisa Bair
5.0 out of 5 stars most helpful reading
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2000
I found this, as well as another book by the author, Courage and Calling, practical and insightful help in discerning some heavy choices in my life over the last two years. Particularly helpful was the "Clearness Committee" concept. My husband and I recently implemented this, and received some (hard) but excellent input from discerning friends. A great book on a most critical issue--learning to discern God's best for your life.
10 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Emily Baxter
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 11, 2018
Verified Purchase
Great book. So insightful and helpful to me.
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