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Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today. Join your host, Arnie Cole, spiritual fitness researcher and coach, as he explores why it's so hard to turn good intentions into real spiritual growth—especially as the New Year approaches. This episode features special guest Jason Hietbrink, a business coach who has journeyed from burnout to breakthrough, building successful franchises and now helping others set and achieve meaningful goals.
Together, Arnie and Jason discuss the "intention-action gap"—the space between what we want to do and what we actually do. They share practical wisdom on why we often struggle with follow-through, the importance of starting small, and how to overcome shame and guilt when we fall short. Jason offers insights from his coaching experience, emphasizing that spiritual discipline is about incremental change and embracing God's grace in the process.
This week’s focus verse is Matthew 26:41: "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Discover how to move from intention to action, and why God’s posture toward us is one of love and patience, not disappointment.
Take action with the 4 R’s:
Read: Spend time in Matthew 26:41. Let the words remind you that God understands your struggles and is ready to strengthen you.
Reflect: Consider where you’ve experienced the intention-action gap in your spiritual life. What small step could you take today to close that gap? Remember, God delights in your desire to grow, and change happens one step at a time.
Respond: Pray—"Lord, you know my heart and my intentions. Give me courage to move from intention to action, one small step at a time. Help me trust your grace in my weakness."
Reveal: Share your intention with someone you trust—a friend, spouse, or family member. Let them know it’s okay to struggle, and encourage them to take a small step too. Demonstrate the truth of God’s grace by supporting each other in your spiritual journey.
If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope and strength. For questions or to connect, email Arnie at arnie.cole@bttb.org. Join us tomorrow for another Spiritually Fit Today workout—because what you do today truly matters, and tomorrow you’ll be glad you did.
Keywords: spiritual growth, intention action gap, New Year’s resolutions, spiritual discipline, overcoming shame, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, Jason Hietbrink, Bible study, Matthew 26:41, daily devotional, goal setting, faith habits, Christian encouragement, spiritual fitness, back to the Bible
