ALIVE TO WONDER

Capture the Wonder #4

Pastor Dennis Clanton

Woodland Church

Sunday, May 7, 2023

(Luke 24:35–45, NLT) “Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost! “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet. Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he ate it as they watched. Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.”

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1. SIMPLIFY.

(Hebrews 12:1–2, Message) “Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed….”

(John 6:27, NLT) “But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food.”

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2. FOCUS.

(1 Timothy 4:13, NLT) “Focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.”

(Matthew 6:6, Message) “Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.”

(Deuteronomy 10:21, Message) “He’s your praise! He’s your God!”

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3. CONNECT.

(Hebrews 10:24–25, NCV) “Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds. You should not stay away from the church meetings, as some are doing, but you should meet together and encourage each other. Do this even more as you see the day coming.”

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4. FINISH.

(Philippians 1:6, NLT) “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

(1 John 3:2, NLT) “Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.”

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GROWTHWORK

1. Focus on one thing at a time.

2. What one thing could you simplify to improve your life? Mental, financial, toxic relationships, house, car, time, etc.

3. Who encourages and holds you accountable in your walk with Christ?

4. How intentional are you in choosing your friendships?

5. Who, What, Where, When, and How do you want to finish well with God, your family, your church, your friends, etc.?

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Further Reading

1. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stewart

2. Listen to the First and Last by Hillsong

3. Listen to Be Still by Bethel Music