DWW,

First, I do not accept the premise of a "permissive Will of God". He has ONE will and that is perfect. Anything outside of that may well be His permission but it is not His will.

Second, as to His will, I belive it is simple and singular. It is interwoven throughout His testaments, both Old and New. It is stated many different ways but it is ALL about the coming of HIS Kingdom through the redemption of men. I can tell you what His will is not for it is not His will that any should perish but that all should come to eternal life. Good instruction regarding the Will of God would be, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus!" The will of God begins and ends in submission! Let your light so shine among men!

So, my view is that if what I am doing is not focused on the redemption of men and the furtherance of His Kingdom then it is not the will of God. I actually use this as a measure of my actions. Does this mean that I have a life script that keeps me constantly at the church or knocking doors or teaching Bible studies? No, but it does mean that every action I take is first measured against these questions: Is there any way that what I am doing can further the Kingdom and can it in any way offer the sinner a glimpse of the power and beauty of His redemptive grace!

That's my take and I may be way off base but it has certainly given my life purpose and allowed me to walk without fear of failing to fulfill His perfect will.