In All Your Ways, Acknowledge Him | Charles Blake II | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

In All Your Ways, Acknowledge Him

Charles Blake II

West Angeles Church of God in Christ • Nov 10, 2024 • 99 min

Start a Devotional

Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this sermon, Pastor Charles Blake II contrasts the tragic downfall of King Saul with the triumph of King David to illustrate the vital importance of seeking God's guidance. While Saul fell into spiritual ruin by seeking public approval and inquiring of a medium, David flourished because he made it a constant practice to inquire of the Lord in every situation. Believers are encouraged to stop relying on human opinion or worldly advice, but instead trust in God completely and acknowledge Him in all their ways so He can direct their steps.

Themes

Seeking God's GuidancePeople Pleasing vs. ObedienceTrusting God in UncertaintyConsequences of UnfaithfulnessPatiently Waiting on GodDivine Protection and Refuge

Key Points

1.
Seeking public approval and fearing the opinion of others compromises our obedience to God and leads to spiritual downfall.
2.
King Saul's tragic story demonstrates how an insatiable appetite for human approval can turn an anointed leader into a desperate man consulting mediums.
3.
Leadership carries a heavy weight of responsibility, and trying to lead in human strength or by pleasing crowd demands cuts us off from hearing God's voice.
4.
King David succeeded and was known as a man after God's own heart because he made it a constant habit to inquire of the Lord before taking action.
5.
In uncertain times, believers must resist turning to social media or worldly advice for guidance and instead inquire of the Creator of the universe.
6.
When we patiently wait on God and cry out to Him in times of distress, He delivers us, establishes our footing, and puts a new song of praise in our hearts.
7.
God promises His presence, strength, and sustaining help to all who acknowledge Him and trust Him as their refuge.

Sermon Moments

“Why look to the stars to tell you what to do when you can have a personal relationship with He who created the stars?”

“Even though God has put something special and great inside of you, sometimes you still have to shovel some manure.”

“Saul had an insatiable appetite for public approval; he was intoxicated by applause and wanted more likes on his page.”

“God's assessment and acknowledgement is truly the only assessment and acknowledgement that matters.”

“Heavy is the head that wears the crown.”

“You can't look to Instagram and Twitter to see what you should do about your marriage or life's big decisions.”

“David went from being public enemy number one to being the king because he was always inquiring of the Lord.”

“We might not have all of the answers, but we know how to ask the One who does.”

This Week

Pray and ask God for clear direction before making any significant career, family, or personal decision this week.

Identify areas in your life where you have sought human applause or social media approval over God's commands, and repent of them.

Replace looking to social media, cultural consensus, or daytime advice shows with seeking God's Word when facing uncertainty.

Practice patient waiting on the Lord in quiet daily prayer, bringing your distress directly to Him.

Commit Proverbs 3:5–6 to memory and recite it daily to remind yourself not to lean on your own understanding.

Pray for leaders in your church, workplace, and government, recognizing the heavy burden of responsibility they bear.

Praise God daily for being your stronghold, refuge, and deliverer, trusting Him to direct your paths.

Remember This

In every circumstance and decision, continually acknowledge God and inquire of Him rather than seeking approval from people or guidance from the world.

A Challenge for You

Inquire of the Lord today about what you should do with your life, your relationships, and your future, placing your total trust in Jesus Christ to direct your paths.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.