Reading: Luke 24:13-35

Devotional: Just as Jesus opened the eyes of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, He longs to open our spiritual eyes today. We often walk through life blinded by our disappointments, grief, and limited understanding. But Jesus meets us in our journey, even when we don't recognize Him. Reflect on areas in your life where you may be spiritually blind. Ask God to open your eyes to His presence and work around you. Remember, sometimes it's in the breaking of bread - in intimate moments of surrender - that we truly see Jesus. Today, invite Jesus into every aspect of your life, allowing Him to reveal Himself in new ways.

Reading: James 1:22-25

Devotional: The disciples' hearts burned within them as Jesus spoke, but it was only when they acted on that passion that they fully understood. God's revelation in our lives should lead to action. What has God been stirring in your heart lately? Have you felt a burning passion for something, but hesitated to take action? James reminds us to be doers of the word, not just hearers. Today, identify one area where God has been speaking to you and take a concrete step of obedience. Remember, understanding often comes through obedience, not just knowledge.

Reading: Proverbs 3:5-6

Devotional: One of the biggest hindrances to experiencing God's full revelation is our tendency to cling to control. The disciples only recognized Jesus when they invited Him to stay, surrendering their plans for the evening. What areas of your life are you still trying to control? Where have you been reluctant to fully invite Jesus in? Proverbs reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. Today, practice surrendering control in a specific area of your life. It might feel uncomfortable, but it's in this space of surrender that God often reveals Himself most clearly.

Reading: 1 Peter 2:9-10

Devotional: When we truly encounter Jesus, it doesn't just change how we see Him - it changes how we see ourselves. The disciples went from defeated wanderers to empowered witnesses. Peter reminds us that we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. How does your current self-perception align with how God sees you? Are you living as a defeated wanderer or as a child of the King? Today, meditate on your identity in Christ. Speak God's truths over yourself. Let His revelation of who you are in Him redefine how you walk through the world.

Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Devotional: Just as Jesus broke bread to open the disciples' eyes, sometimes God needs to break us open to set us free. This breaking isn't to harm us, but to release us from what holds us back. Where in your life do you need to be "broken open"? Are there areas of pride, fear, or past hurts that are keeping you from fully experiencing God's freedom? The Lord promises that where His Spirit is, there is freedom. Today, invite the Holy Spirit to do His transforming work in your life. Allow Him to break open any areas that have become hardened or closed off. As you do, trust that He is revealing more of His glory and transforming you into His image.

We encourage you to continue the discussion with a few friends within your HOW Church Community.  Here is a short discussion  guide based on Pastor Free's sermon "Walking Out of What Tried to Hold Me".

Key Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Opening Prayer:
Begin the session with a prayer, asking God to open our hearts and minds to His message and for the Holy Spirit to guide our discussion.

Key Takeaways:

1. Jesus breaks bread to break you open - He feeds you to free you.
2. A burning heart means it's time to move - Fire in your heart should lead to movement in your feet.
3. Understanding comes from surrender - You recognize Him when you release control.
4. When you see Jesus, you see yourself differently - Revelation redefines you.

Discussion Questions:

1. The sermon talks about "cognitive narrowing" during times of stress or trauma. Have you experienced this in your life? How did it affect your ability to see God working?
2. Pastor Free used the analogy of breaking bread to illustrate surrender. What areas of your life do you find hardest to surrender to God? Why?
3. The sermon emphasizes that "revelation flows in surrender." Can you share a time when surrendering control to God led to greater understanding or clarity in your life?
4. How has encountering Jesus changed the way you see yourself? What old labels or identities have you shed, and what new ones have you embraced?
5. The message talks about being a "revivalist" in everyday settings. What might this look like in your workplace, home, or community?

Practical Applications:

1. Daily Bread Breaking: Set aside time each day this week to "break bread" with Jesus. Invite Him into your plans, concerns, and decisions.
2. Identify Control Areas: Write down 2-3 areas where you're struggling to release control. Pray over these specifically, asking God for the strength to surrender.
3. Revivalist Challenge: Choose one environment (work, home, etc.) where you'll intentionally act as a "revivalist" this week. Share your experiences with the group next time.
4. Identity Affirmations: Based on biblical truths, write down 3-5 statements about your identity in Christ. Repeat these daily to reinforce your new self-perception.
5. Burning Heart Action: If there's something God has been nudging you to do, take one concrete step toward obedience this week.

Closing Prayer: Thank God for opening our eyes, ears, and hearts. Ask for the courage to walk out of what has held us back and to live as redefined, reignited, and reactivated followers of Christ.