SERMON NOTES:  

Israel’s old history calls us today to lives of renewed faith-full-ness to Jesus, to lives of refreshing contrast.  It is a set apart life!    

2 Kings 615 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.
16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
17 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha….
20 After they entered the city, Elisha said, “Lord, open the eyes of these men so they can see.” Then the Lord opened their eyes and they looked, and there they were, inside Samaria.
21 When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?”
22 “Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.” 23 So he prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory.

 Living a Contrast life with Jesus means we get to “Raise Our Gaze”!

We get to look at all of life through God’s-at-Work lenses.   

As we Raise Our Gaze:

·       we receive peace from God as we trust Him.  He has a lot of resources available to Him.

·       we don’t have to answer the call of fear, doubt, anxiety and the need to control.

·       the question, “Oh no, what shall we do?” is replaced with the prayer, “Open my eyes Lord,  I want to see Your MORE…”

·       we get to act differently – living in contrast with normal.  We get to act like God is real!

·       we get to receive God’s overwhelming grace and share it!

Study Guide

Solitude, Scripture & Prayer 

Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone.  Take some deep breaths… Just be… … …Ask, “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word!”

Scripture – Read slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there!  (Sermon notes may help with understanding, but don’t stop there.)

Keep asking, “Jesus, what are You saying?  Why this word this day?

What are You asking me to believe about You and about me? 

How do I join You today on Your mission and in my transformation?”

Prayer – Let your conversation with God flow from what He is saying then talk about what you notice is on your heart and also on your list.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God

The readings this week:

Monday – 2 Kings 6:8-17

Tuesday – 2 Kings 6:18-23

Wednesday – Ephesians 3:14-21

Thursday –  1 John 4:1-6

Friday – John 14:25-27, 16:32-33

Saturday – Psalm 66

Got questions?  Continue the discussion.  Follow the link @  https://goo.gl/Jd93J7