Rating: 
Summary: This book may change your preconceived notions
Review: I think discovering God's will is one of the most difficult tasks any Christian must experience, and there are always doubts whether or not we are in the "center" of this "nailing jello to the wall" will. This book might just change the way you view the way we can follow God in a godly manner. Friesen takes a view that God sometimes gives freedom in decisions. We might be given several possibilities, both of which God can work in our lives. He does not force the issue, but through circumstances and other criteria, we can make wise, biblical decisions and realize that we have made godly decisions. This book has been a great help in my life, as I am a Type A personality who too often tries to figure out every nuance of God and the way He works. Forget it, it just can't be done. By changing my persepective, it has helped me to be more free so that I can experience God completely and have the abundant life as so promised by Christ Himself. If nothing else, the book will make you think through your preconceived notions.
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Summary: This book will save you much heartache
Review: I wish I would have know about this book a year before I read it for the first time. I used to believe God lead through inner impressions. I was always told prior to reading this book that the Bible taught we should NEVER make a decision on the basis of what our hearts desire, (even if on the surface the options were not unbiblical or unwise) but always "seek the leading [still small voice] of the Lord". God (under this system) was always testing our faith by asking us to give up our hearts desire. When searching for a mate in the early 80's I thought God was ordering me to give up one of the best christian girls I've ever known (she had everything I wanted a christian girl to have- godliness, brains, a sense of humor, the right personality and demeaner, same interests and ,yes, good looks too). I did give her up. At the same time I thought God was ordering me to marry (through "the leading of the still small voice") a girl I had no interest in. I was in absolute misery. By the time I read Friesen's book the girl I had desired to marry was already engaged to someone else. The one girl I didn't want to marry I thought God was ordering me to marry later confessed to being an unbeliever. She was even thinking of joining a cult. I'm still single today. The doctrine of "following inner impression" has cost me dearly. It shows that even "spiritual sounding" doctrines can have a devastating impact when not in conformity to true doctrine. Reading Friesen's book has saved me from further heartaches. The Word of God really teaches freedom. If God gives us liberty we should enjoy his blessing. The "still small voice/ inner impressions" view of decision making makes non-sinful decisions into sinful ones in the mind of the believer, because one one always has in the back of his mind that God will always ask him to give up the things which bring the believer happiness (on a human level). Biblical freedom as taught in Friesen's book (properly understood) never gives a license to sin or to ignore the needs of a brother, but allows the christian to make full use and ENJOYMENT of the blessings God which has alloted to each. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! (Especially before you make a decision on who to marry!)
Rating:
Summary: Decision Making and the Will of God
Review: Outside of the Bible no other book has impacted my life in the way Decision Making has. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know know how God relates to the decisions we make everyday. From choosing a college, finding a mate, joining a church, or deciding where to eat lunch, this book will show you how truly free God wants you to be. Friesen does excellent exegesis and uses simple logic to present his case. Its easy to read and you probably won't be able to put it down. Give this book a try!
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Summary: This is a life changing book
Review: Outside of the Bible no other book has impacted my life in the way Decision Making has. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know know how God relates to the decisions we make everyday. From choosing a college, finding a mate, joining a church, or deciding where to eat lunch, this book will show you how truly free God wants you to be. Friesen does excellent exegesis and uses simple logic to present his case. Its easy to read and you probably won't be able to put it down. Give this book a try!
Rating:
Summary: Finding God's Will
Review: So you've prayed and prayed and you still don't know what God wants you to do. Isn't God listening? Doesn't God care? How does one discover the will of God? Do you look for writing in the sky? Strain your ears for the still, small voice? Seek a sign? Read this book. Gary Frieson understands your dilemma and answers these and other questions. His answers may seem prosaic -- even unspiritual -- but he addresses our common experience. Well worth reading -- more than once!
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Summary: The truth comes out-- what a relief!
Review: This book cuts through a lot of culturally developed [information] about the "will of God". It makes such a difference to have what scripture says-- not just a lot of cultural or traditional hot air-- on the subject.
Friesen's straightforward, to the point writing is right on the mark, and is really quite liberating (it is for freedom He set us free...).
Another wonderful book on the same subject is by Gerald Sittser, "The Will of God as a Way of Life" (what a wonderful title). Sittser has essentially the same perspective, but his book is less academic/apologetic in style, and is more like reading the great inspirational works of Philip Yancey or others.
Rating: 
Summary: Sensible, practical advice on God's Guidance
Review: This book has helped many people to have the courage to use their sanctified common sense, trusting that God is guiding them. A number of reviewers have said that the book teaches that God doesn't have a plan for your life. He does ... but he's not about to tell you what it is! You *can* discover God's plan for your life, but only afterwards! It is wonderful to look back and see God's hand. [I don't think what I am saying here detracts from what the authors are saying.] This is an important book, but it is rather tedious to read. I think that the same material could have been presented in 200 pages, without leaving out any of the important points being made. It is a great book to have read! I recommend the book, with the above proviso. Another excellent book on Guidance is Jensen and Payne: Guidance and the Voice of God. The authors of both books are in substantial agreement.
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Summary: Clear, easy to read, covers topic well
Review: This book is (in viewpoint) very similar to Jensen/Payne's 'Guidance and the Voice of God', but their approach is very different. Jensen's book is very short and basically 'assumes' the 'Wisdom view' that he presents - not much attention is given to other views. But this book (by Friesen) presents the 'Wisdom view' as a (better) alternative to what he calls the 'traditional view'. The structure of the book is as follows: * Part 1 - The Traditional View Presented - This discusses 'Individual Will' and how it relates to God's Will. * Part 2 - The Traditional View Critiqued - This discusses the weaknesses of the traditional view, especially from a scriptural standpoint. * Part 3 - The Wisdom View Explained - Explains the 'alternative' view, in light of issues such as God's sovereignty. * Part 4 - The Wisdom View Applied - Applies the wisdom view to life's big decisions - marriage, vocation, ministry, giving etc. The topic coverage is excellent. The only potential downside is the length - for those unaccustomed to reading 400 page books 'Guidance and the Voice of God' may be more appropriate. But I personally found 'Decision Making and the Will of God' a more satisfying read.
Rating: 
Summary: Good thoughts, but swings the pendulum too far
Review: This book is a must-read for anyone interested in seriously studying God's Will from a Biblical perspective, but the authors swing the proverbial pendulum too far away from the "Traditional View". Read this book with a critical mind and it will help you wrestle with the topic.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding!
Review: This book is necessary for anyone wishing to know the "Will of God" and it's place in one's life! As opposed to the traditional view which suggests that God has an individual plan for our lives, Dr. Friesen presents his life-changing, thoroughly researched, and Biblically-supported view on knowing what God expects us to do when we're faced with making a decision. Find the true "Way of Wisdom" explained in Dr. Friesen's book - and don't let it pass you by!
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