Room Enough

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

Just because you have opposition doesn't mean God isn't with you. 

...because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.

1 Corinthians 16:9 NIV

DAVID

When David was annointed he wasn't sent a mentor, he was sent a giant  (an obstacle). No one celebrated David after he was annointed but his victory got everyone's attention. (When you beat the cancer, pay the house off, etc...people will see God's favor on your life.) The giant will establish you and give you a new level of influence.

ISSAC

• The philistines saw how successful he was and got jealous...they clogged his wells and the king banished him so he had to start all over. The blessing is not on your location it's on you. So when you make adjustments to keep the peace good things will happen. When you do the right thing when the wrong thing is happening good things will happen.

...But the herders of Gerar quarreled with those of Isaac and said, "The water is ours!" So he named the well Esek, because they disputed with him.

Genesis 26:20 NIV

• One day, as Isaac's servants were digging in the valley, they came on a well of spring water. The shepherds of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's shepherds, claiming, "This water is ours." So Isaac named the well Esek (Quarrel) because they quarreled over it. They dug another well and there was a difference over that one also, so he named it Sitnah (Accusation). He went on from there and dug yet another well. But there was no fighting over this one so he named it Rehoboth (Wide-Open Spaces), saying, "Now God has given us plenty of space to spread out in the land." From there he went up to Beersheba. That very night God appeared to him and said, I am the God of Abraham your father; don't fear a thing because I'm with you. I'll bless you and make your children flourish because of Abraham my servant.

Genesis 26:19‭-‬24 MSG

• Some battles aren't worth fighting.

• We're not called to straighten everyone out. Most arguments are distractions.

• To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either.

Luke 6:29 NKJV

• Ignore critics, maintain your dignity, and rise higher.

• A crow could never fly as high has an eagle. The only way to argue with a crow is to sink down to their level. A crow could never go where you're going.

• God opposes those who oppose you.

• Taking the high road is a sign of strength even though some see it as weakness.

• Some people know what buttons to push in order to set you off. Do yourself a favor and turn those buttons off.

• It is to one's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.

Proverbs 20:3 NIV

Where there's strife and division little things will turn into big things. 

Victoria Osteen @ Lakewood Church

Restlessness

• Sometimes you dont feel satisfied even when we're moving in the right direction.

• Looking to feel our spaces in all the wrong places when Jesus is our strength...not alcohol, not social media, not food. Now all of those things can be good and fun unless you're using it for the wrong reason.

• The line of success is always moving so we shouldn't chase it because it will never fulfill us. We shouldn't give up on success either especially if we're doing it for the wrong reason.

• I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:11‭-‬13 NIV

• Paul didn't let prison take him captive.

• Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6‭-‬7 NIV

• Contentment is not complacency. If you can't enjoy what you have and where you are then you're missing out. 

• Don't miss the now to get to the later.

• Contentment is a state of mind and has nothing to do with where you are.

• All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

Proverbs 15:15 NIV

Had to leave at the end so I'll have to add to these notes later!