This is the second of a 5-part series on spiritual growth.

This week's topic: ACKNOWLEDGE

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:6

acknowledge

[ ak-nol-ij ]

verb (used with object)

ac·knowl·edged, ac·knowl·edg·ing.

1. to admit to be real or true; recognize the existence, truth, or fact of: to acknowledge one's mistakes.
2. to show or express recognition or realization of: to acknowledge an acquaintance by nodding.

Our second step to spiritual growth in 2024 after trust (last week) is acknowledging God in all our ways. 

In other words, faith seeks to latch on to God for salvation, but also to the many “ways” in our life. 

It can be easy to compartmentalize your faith just to Sunday or on an as-needed basis. We all can “forget” God when we struggle with anxieties, conflicts, needs, and difficult people.

The good news is that you don’t need to figure everything out. 

Instead, God calls you to relationship with him. He wants you to be conscience of Him as you live your life and He will make your paths straight.

He will bless you. 

He will give you wisdom to make decisions.

He will go before you and prepare your way in your career, in your finances, in your family, in your relationships. 

All of this is another way to say, “pray as you go” and “trust him for the results” even when things look bleak. And especially when things are going good.

When we live a life of prayer

(aka acknowledging Him),

He makes our path straight.

He carries us, guides us,

blesses us, redirects us,

loves us, and relates with us.

Here are 6 of our “ways” we can acknowledge him:

• Thought life: Worry, negativity, judgmentalism, hope, negative self-talk, pride
• Personal life: Money, free time, possessions, health, devotional life, spiritual life, prayer
• Home life: Family, living space, living conditions, marriage, parenting, roommates, living alone
• Extended Family/Friendship Life: Social life, relationships, dating, generosity, service
• Work life: work ethic, loving co-workers, humility, reasonableness, attitude
• Rest and recreation: Sleep, Sabbath rest, hobbies, vacation, entertainment, activities 

In all these things and others acknowledge him and then watch the fire of your spiritual life grow. You will experience God. You will go deeper with him, which leads to calmness, clarity, courage, creativity and connectedness.

Homework: 

Take 15 minutes to lift your life to God. Pray your way through the 6 “ways” above and ask God for his perspective and blessing.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Harvey