We also learned that the way the early believers lived was joyful and attractive to outsiders.

During our discussion time, we chewed on this question:

There is a credibility that comes if you are consistent in your behavior, there is a credibility that comes if people see the gospel transforming you. Do people notice your lifestyle and that of your community? Do they appreciate it, even if they don’t understand it?

What does who you are say to others about what you believe?

Apparently I passed the test and had the privilege of leading Bible study for the group.

I picked Luke 9:57-62, which says:

The Cost of Following Jesus

57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”60 And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.”62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

This story happens as Jesus is making his way to Jerusalem, where the series of events leading to his arrest and execution will be set into motion. I realized after selecting the passage that it’s particularly timely, since during Lent we remember the days leading up to and including his death and resurrection.

For today I just want you to read the scripture a few times. Read it a few times at different times of the day: when you wake up, again during the craziest part of your day, and then again when things settle down and it’s quiet at night.

That’s all I want you to do for now. I’ll devote a few upcoming posts to examining how this passage speaks into our lives today.

In the meantime, we’re taking in some stand-alone messages.

Yesterday we watched Scott Harrison’s talk from the Catalyst Conference. In the talk, Scott talks about his life’s work, charity: water.

I also mentioned that I’d love for as many of you as possible to experience Catalyst this October in Atlanta. Someone mentioned it would be fun to get a group together. Let me know if you’re interested.

At the end of the passage, Jesus tells the one leper who returned:

“Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

Why do you think Jesus said “your faith has made you well” instead of “I have made you well”?

What do you think?

Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers

11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee.12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers,t who stood at a distance13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.”14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed.15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice;16 and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

I’m curious about a lot of things when I read this. But let’s grab one thing and discuss it a bit.

When the one realized he was healed, he returned to Jesus praising God with a loud voice.

Has God ever moved so clearly in your life that you turned back to Him and praised Him? If so, what were the circumstances?

Here are the six areas of character that John Townsend says we need to pass on to our kids:

1. Relationship – relationship is the best place to go when we are in need
2. Responsibility – at age appropriate time, kids learn “my life is my problem”
3. Reality – dealing in healthy ways with mistakes, failure and sin
4. Competence – learning what passion and skill they have to contribute
5. Morality – learning to make wise and ethical choices
6. Worship – teaching and modeling dependence on God

There you go. I hope that’s helpful.

Living a Good Story, An Alternative to New Years Resolutions

Living a Meaningful Story, Pt. 2: Creating Memorable Scenes

Happy reading!

But I do think the end of each year is the perfect time to reflect and make adjustments for the upcoming year. Here are some links to what I feel are some great posts that I hope will help you as you ring in 2010.

Seven Questions to Ask About Last Year

Get Your Mojo Back

Seven Years Gone

Seven Margin Maxims

Personal Development Plan – Part One

Happy New Year!

Why do we do the things we do? Why do we go to church or give money away? Because we’re supposed to or because we think God needs it? Do we honestly put on our best clothes for an hour once a week, stand and sit at all the right times, and sing all the appropriate songs for God’s sake, or because it’ll make us look better to the world around us? We’re tired of all the empty rituals and routines. And so is God. God hates it when we call ourselves Christians but ignore all the things he really cares about. He hates it when we go through hollow religious routines out of some feeling of duty or obligation. God doesn’t want the meaningless rituals. God wants our hearts.

Mary Craig and  I previewed the video last night and we’re excited for you to see and to create a conversation around it. I hope you have a great week!

This afternoon I’ll post the topics for the first two NOOMA discussions. I hope you can join us!