Why We Need Scripture

We are learning so much about the evolution of Christ's Hope Int'l and the ministry of Choose to Wait, now called Genesis Design (Manhood, Womanhood, Sexuality, and Marriage). I find myself doing what I have always done...I want to get involved with all of it and my pride makes me think I can do it all skillfully, so I want to become an international trainer.

On the other hand, I have been humbled by the depth which Sylvia and Helen have thought things out; they have seen things in Scripture that were always there, but are now being revealed in a different way to these two who are ready to help others see it to, you might say. Christ's Hope is what I hoped it would be. The real deal. Not perfect. Not able to fix every problem or save every child, but a God centered and God powered group of people being faithful, accountable, and real.

The fact that the ladies writing the Genesis Design curriculum are seeing 'new things' in the Scriptures has me thinking. Many people over the years have argued that the Bible is all up for interpretation. I thought that, until I started reading it. It's not interpretation that is the issue. It is how it is a living document that speaks to a person's soul directly. It is so practical and useful and personal. There are different versions. I believe in the ones verified by the oldest texts found like the Dead Sea Scrolls and from the original languages.

As we pray and study, it is not God who is 'directed' by prayer, it is us who are changed and brought in line with His character. It even keeps you safe from other people who call themselves believers or Christians or pastors.

For example, our son, Nolan, struggles with Bipolar Disorder. It is one of the most difficult things I could have imagined. He said I could share this with you.

Nolan has always had an amazing and sweet faith in the Lord Jesus. I will always remember how, as a little kid, he used to start each prayer with a heartfelt, "Lord, I love you!"

It can be so confusing when chronic issues have such a huge impact on our lives. As believers in Scripture and the Living God, we know that healing can, and does, happen. God is not a formula though and, trusting that He really does want what is BEST for us, healing is a mystery.

One day, Nolan went to a friend's church. The pastor prayed for Nolan and told him that he was healed. Nolan, fortunately the honest and open guy that he is, came home to tell me about it. He was 17. I listened and hoped he was right but I knew that the medications Nolan takes can be very dangerous if stopped abruptly -- mostly they can bring on seizures.

We talked about being careful about cutting the meds down slowly. The next day, the pastor had asked Nolan to come to his office. When Nolan got there, this 'pastor' told Nolan that all disease was actually taken away when Jesus died on the cross and that, as long as Nolan believes, he is healed.

Nolan was curious about where this man was getting his authority to say this and asked to see it in the Bible. The man told Nolan he had lost his study Bible so he couldn't show him right then. Nolan immediately knew something was wrong with this 'new interpretation' of Scripture. God can heal but the truth was being bent here and Nolan knew it because he knows what Scripture says and has the spirit of God inside him as a believer to help him remember and know.

Working with Nolan's doctor, we tried to reduce the medications Nolan takes and it was my sweet and wise son who realized he still needed them. He was saved from a possible catastrophe because he could discern between real teachings from God's Word and those of a person who, for whatever reason, thinks he can add to or subtract from what God's 'manual for living' teaches us.

Today it came very clear to me that, by my culture's standards, my Bible knowledge and focus on God has been pretty high. In Truth, I have been lazy and very unfocused. Again and again I find myself thanking Him for the way He has blessed my tiny efforts to follow Him thus far.  He has taken each step I've made in His direction and exponentially used it. It is the most amazing thing in my life.

It's time for me to grow up, though.