Acknowledge

<<recognise, admit, agree with>>

Denying, making excuses and blaming someone or something else is not owning up to our personal responsibility and it doesn’t resolve the issue. This approach did not work for Adam and Eve, or Saul and won’t work for us either (Gen 3:12,13; 1 Sam 15:8-14, 15:13-21). It’s only as we own up to our weaknesses and sin, admitting we are sinners and can't save ourselves that these issues can be addressed resulting in spiritual wholeness – we can depend on His forgiveness for confessed sin and receive salvation as we trust in Him (Ps 51:3,7; Jas 5:16; 1 Jn 1:9).

It is our task to show people their need of a Saviour and then their responsibility to acknowledge and respond accordingly as no-one can be saved unless they admit they are sinners and accept Christ’s forgiveness (Rom 10:9,10). The problem must be acknowledged before considering the remedy. The pagan King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged, “Your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings…” (Dan 2:47). Later he gave recognition of God’s sovereignty stating, “Everything He does is right and all His ways are just” (Dan 4:34-37).

The Bible instructs, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don’t rely on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths” (Prov 3:5,6). “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the son of God, God lives in them” (1 Jn 4:15). These are not just words, they speak of knowing Him, recognising that God is the

Do I readily own up, especially when the Holy Spirit convicts me?

One who is worthy to be followed as He works in our lives in power, wisdom, goodness, and justice (Eph 3:20; Phil 2:13). Our acknowledging that we are His children and He is our Lord must be backed up by a lifestyle of commitment, for even the devils agree but they will not be saved, nor will those who think they are Christians yet are not doing His will (Mt 7:21-23; Jas 2:19).

Acknowledging Him indicates our trust in His unfailing love, the acceptance that everything He allows is for our ultimate good and so we can thank Him for His intimate involvement in our lives that is reflected in His guidance and blessings (Rom 8:28,29). Like self-fulfilling prophecy what we focus on, we seem to receive more of. Rather than

Does my speech acknowledge I am under God or Satan's control?

explaining to everyone who will listen about your aches and pains together with how the devil is attacking you (which only depresses them and you), why not give the glory to God for the gift of salvation and how He is working in your life? The Israelite soldiers were paralyzed in fear of the enemy; meanwhile David was in-tune with God and he gained the victory over Goliath (1 Sam 17:11,24,32,45,47,50). What do my words and actions portray about me and who I acknowledge is working in my life? Don't declare the devil's words, speak the Word of God; as believers we are to promote the Kingdom of God to which we belong. Acknowledge that you are but a channel through which God works to accomplish His good purpose (Phil 2:13).

Jesus said if we are open about our Christian faith with those who don’t know Him, He will speak of us freely before the angels (Lk 12:8,9). Later the Bible declares those who are victorious over the enemy and whose names are in the book of life would be acknowledged before God (Rev 3:5). The day is coming when every person (saved and unsaved) will bow before Jesus and confess His authority and right to rule, and even to send those who are not believers to the lake of fire (Isa 45:23; Phil 2:10,11).