License Plates, Black Birds, and Two-Year-Olds | Shawn Johnson | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

License Plates, Black Birds, and Two-Year-Olds

Red Rocks Church • Aug 16, 2026 • 49 min

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

Summary

When facing major life decisions, we often search for extraordinary signs, but God primarily guides us through His Word, prayer, godly counsel, and His church. When we seek God Himself first, submit to His ways, and commit to building His kingdom, decision-making becomes clear and freeing. When walking closely with God and acting in faith, believers do not need to be paralyzed by fear—we can step out and make a decision with confidence, knowing God goes with us every step of the way.

Themes

Guidance and Decision-MakingSeeking God FirstDivine Presence and ProvisionKingdom Purpose vs. Self-EmpireOvercoming Indecision and Fear

Pastor's Points

1.

Get in God's Word

2.

Get into prayer

3.

Get around God's people

4.

Get in God's house

5.

Am I putting God first?

6.

Am I submitting to His ways?

7.

Am I building His kingdom, not just mine?

Key Points

1.
God promises to instruct, teach, counsel, and keep His loving eye on us as we make major life decisions.
2.
To discern God's direction, run to four foundational places: God's Word, prayer, godly community, and God's house.
3.
Scripture serves as a lamp unto our feet rather than a long-range floodlight, providing enough light for the immediate next step rather than revealing the entire map.
4.
Seeking guidance is ultimately about seeking God Himself; clarity and answers are byproducts of an authentic relationship with the Creator.
5.
Filtering choices by asking if we are putting God first, submitting to His ways, and building His kingdom clears away confusion and clarifies the path forward.
6.
True purpose and joy come from using God's blessings and wisdom to build His eternal kingdom rather than accumulating personal wealth and success.
7.
Instead of asking "God, what are Your plans for me?", a transformative prayer is asking "God, how can my life serve Your plans?"

Sermon Moments

“A driver following the letters 'CLS' on a license plate as divine guidance to move across the country.”

“Scott Brugman seeing four ravens outside his kitchen window and sensing God calling him to move to Denver to plant a church.”

“Pastor Shawn asking his two-year-old son Ethan if he should become a doctor, and Ethan replying, 'If you're a doctor, then who's going to tell people about Jesus?'”

“"God says, 'I ain't hard to find. Seek Me, you'll find Me. Answers are a byproduct; guidance is the cherry on top.'"”

“"Flip the sentence from 'God, what are the plans You have for me?' to 'God, how can my life serve Your plans?'"”

“Like a father in a LEGO aisle telling his son to 'just pick one,' God promises that whichever path you choose in faith, He goes home with you to help build it.”

This Week

Read Scripture daily to let God's Word illuminate the immediate next step for your current decisions.

Set aside quiet time in prayer not only to bring requests to God, but to pause and listen for His direction.

Seek counsel from trusted, spiritually mature believers when navigating tough choices.

Prioritize consistent, in-person gathering at church worship rather than letting attendance become occasional.

Filter major choices by asking whether you are putting God first or prioritizing logic, feelings, and others' opinions.

Shift your prayer life from asking "God, what are Your plans for me?" to "God, how can my life serve Your plans?"

Step forward in faith on pending decisions without fear, trusting that God's presence will guide, protect, and course-correct you.

Remember This

When you seek God wholeheartedly, submit to His ways, and pursue His kingdom, you can step forward with confidence and make a decision, knowing He goes before, beside, and behind you.

A Challenge for You

"Take advantage of the God-given wisdom He has imparted to you and the Holy Spirit inside you, realize that God is going with you whichever way you choose, and step out in faith to pick a path, trusting Him to meet you at the entrance."

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