Tag: Lord I Need You

Posted on

THE TWELVE STEPS TO VICTORY™ || Step Ten || Staying Honest with Ourselves

In The Twelve Steps to Victory column, we’re reframing the traditional 12 Steps with a focus on victory vs continually looking back at our missteps and failures. Each Step aligns with the months on the yearly calendar. This series publishes on the first Friday of each month in 2025.

We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it, seeking victory in constant self-examination. ~ Step 10

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life. —Psalm 139:23–24 (NLT)

We’ve come a long way on this victory journey. By Step 10, we’ve faced the truth, made amends, and begun walking in freedom. But victory isn’t a destination—it’s a daily decision. Step 10 reminds us to stay honest with ourselves and God, one day at a time. This simple but powerful step protects the progress we’ve made and keeps our hearts tender and teachable.

At its core, Step 10 is a daily practice of spiritual honesty. It comes from the traditional wording: “Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.” In our journey toward spiritual victory, it means we remain open to correction, quick to confess, and eager to stay aligned with God’s truth. We don’t wait until we’ve drifted miles off course—we check in daily to make small course corrections, keeping our hearts in sync with the Holy Spirit.

Without ongoing self-examination, old patterns can creep back in. Resentment, fear, or pride may resurface if we’re not paying attention. But grace gives us the courage to face ourselves honestly. This isn’t about shaming ourselves—it’s about inviting the Lord to shine His gentle light into our hearts. When we respond to conviction instead of resisting it, we grow stronger in truth and steadier in grace.

Whether through journaling, prayer, or a quiet moment before bed, these questions keep our hearts soft. If something needs to be made right, we take care of it promptly. If all is well, we give thanks and rest in peace. Step 10 is less about perfection and more about staying responsive—keeping short accounts and open communication with the Lord.

Victory doesn’t come from getting everything right—it comes from staying honest and humble. When we commit to living this way, we walk in the freedom Jesus died to give us. Step 10 invites us to live with nothing hidden, hearts wide open before God, walking one honest day at a time toward lasting spiritual victory.

🕊 Step 10 Reflection: Staying Honest with God and Myself

A Simple Evening Examen for Victory

Step 1: Ask God to bring to your awareness the moment today for which you are most grateful.
✧ If you could relive one moment from today, which one would it be?
✧ When were you most able to give and receive love today?
✧ What was said or done in that moment that made it so good?
→ Breathe in the gratitude you felt and receive life again from that moment.

Step 2: Ask God to show you the moment today for which you are least grateful.
✧ When were you least able to give and receive love?
✧ What was said or done that made that moment difficult?
✧ How did it feel—emotionally, physically, spiritually?
→ Take deep breaths and let God’s love meet you there, just as you are.

Step 3: Offer it all to God.
✧ Thank Him for walking with you through it all.
✧ Ask for grace where you need healing, courage, or change.
✧ If helpful, share your reflections with a trusted friend or sponsor.

I know I’ve shared this song earlier this year, but it still captures the cry of Step 10 better than anything else I’ve found. I pray it speaks even deeper to your heart this time around. Be blessed! ❤️

Posted on

THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES :: CONFESSION

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DIFFERENT FRIDAY OF THE MONTH.

In The Spiritual Disciplines series we’ll be learning 12 disciplines that will guide us as we grow deeper in our walk with God. These columns will post on the second Friday of each month in 2020.

Spiritual Disciplines are not a list of religious duties. But rather habits that nurture and mature our spiritual growth. They are inward, spiritual attitudes walked out by behaviors and actions. These habits are critical for lasting spiritual growth and true life transformation.

CONFESSION: Sharing our deepest weaknesses and failures with God and trusted others, so that we may enter into God’s grace and mercy and experience His ready forgiveness. ~ The Life With God Bible

Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.~ James 5:16

The Spiritual Discipline of Confession is a difficult one for most of us. We’d rather hide our sins and weaknesses from ourselves, our friends and God. We think if we ignore them maybe they will go away.

We’re Not Alone In Our Sin

We often believe we’re alone in our sin. Satan whispers in our ear that we can’t possibly tell our secret to anyone. We feel if someone knows the truth about us they won’t like or love us anymore. This is when we need a friend or counselor who will listen to our heart in confidence without judgement.

“We are sinners together. In acts of mutual confession we release the power that heals. Our humanity is no longer denied, but transformed.” ~ Richard Foster

Release Your Burden to God

When we’re living under the burden of hidden sins, it holds a power over us. Rather than carrying this burden alone we must ignore the devil’s taunts and cry out to God and share our weaknesses, pain and heartache.

If we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away. ~ 1 John 1:9

We mustn’t be afraid of offending God with our confession. After all He already knows about it. Confession is more for us than for God. It is a great opportunity for deep internal and spiritual growth.

*For a good confession three things are necessary:

      1. An Examined Conscience: Invite God to move on our hearts and show us where we need His healing and forgiving touch.
      2. A Sorrowful Heart: A deep regret at having offended the heart of our Father. Being sorrowful in emotions without a godly sorrow will destroy our confession.
      3. A Determination to Avoid Future Sin: In confession we seek the will to be delivered from sin. We must desire to be ruled by God. If we do not desire it, ask for the desire to desire it. This desire itself is a gift of grace from God.

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. ~ Philippians 2:13 

Following the steps above. Prayerfully examine your heart and conscience. As you listen to this beautiful song by Chris Tomlin lean in to the Lord. Ask Him to give you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. God is here for you.

*These three points on Confession are taken from Richard Foster’s excellent book Celebration of Discipline.