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Don’t Just Talk About It - Do Something - Part 2: Cultivating Inner Foundations · Couples’ Journey Podcast Channel

• 0:00
  What if the biggest obstacle to change isn't the effort itself,
• 0:03
  but the inner battle within our hearts?
• 0:07
  Welcome to part two of Don't Just Talk About It, Do Something,
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  where Ray and Annie dive into the challenging journey of turning good intentions
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  into lasting transformation.
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  Today, we explore how internal obstacles, biblical principles,
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  and God's grace guide us through the process of meaningful change from within out. Here's part two.
• 0:31
  There may be many thoughts that come to mind when we consider making changes
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  or updating aspects of our lives.
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  Whether it's a simple home reorganization or shifting toward a healthier lifestyle,
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  we often encounter obstacles along the way.
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  These bumps could be unexpected disruptions to our schedule.
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  And before we know it, time has passed and we end up without significant progress.
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  We have many similar stories, and often, we are in awe of God's patience and grace toward us.
• 1:00
  Even with numerous self-help books and encouraging guidelines for couples.
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  Making radical change, whether small or large, is always accompanied by challenges.
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  In reflecting on this, we realize that these challenges might be God's way of
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  showing us that true change begins from within, starting from the heart.
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  That's why the Bible warns us to guard our hearts, as noted in Proverbs 4 verse
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  23, because from it flows thoughts and intentions, leading to our will and actions.
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  As we reflected on this week's topic and our own experiences and lessons learned.
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  We identified four key points that can help us embrace the journey toward radical change. 1.
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  Reflection on communication We can't expect our spouse to join us in change
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  if mutual understanding hasn't been achieved.
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  This understanding is only possible through communication.
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  Sadly, even in this simple yet crucial step, difficulties and complications
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  can arise, especially when a couple isn't used to having intentional conversations
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  aimed at unified actions and shared goals.
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  It's a learning process for us, requiring humility and patience to reach such understanding.
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  Even if we have all the resources or information, failure to communicate effectively
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  can prevent progress, as noted in Proverbs 24 verse 3.
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  To learn more about communication in marriage, revisit week 15 blog series, Making Time to Talk.
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  2. The Challenge of Turning Words into Action There's a portion of Paul's writing
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  in Romans 7 that many of us can relate to.
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  He honestly shares his struggle with doing what is right, while sometimes failing and doing the opposite.
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  For I do not understand my own actions.
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  For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.
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  Romans 7 verse 15. While it's comforting to know the Apostle Paul faced similar struggles,
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  his reflections in Romans 7 verses 14 to 25 teach us that our battle is often
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  with our flesh, sold into the bondage of sin, as noted in Romans 7 verse 14.
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  Recognizing our weaknesses should lead us to depend on a Savior and seek continuous guidance.
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  That's why restoring our relationship with God through Jesus Christ is essential.
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  Only He can deliver us from the bondage of sin and enable transformation.
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  Galatians 5 verse 1 says, It was for freedom that Christ set us free.
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  Therefore, stand firm and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
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  A new identity rooted in Christ makes it possible to embrace change from within,
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  whether in small, everyday tasks that impact our marriage or in addressing long-standing
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  issues that cry out for attention.
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  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
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  Old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.
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  In 2 Corinthians 5 verse 17. 3.
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  Embracing Gospel Principles for Transformation We must guard against Satan's
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  temptation of self-reliance.
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  This can happen quickly, especially when we're not grounded in God.
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  Progress might seem to highlight our efforts instead of His grace, mercy, and love.
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  However, in many moments of growth, we intentionally reflect on circumstances with God in mind.
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  Challenges and setbacks remind us of our weaknesses.
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  But God's grace fills us with the strength to act.
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  It's the Holy Spirit who provides wisdom, motivation, and praise to God.
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  His power and influence are only possible because of our relationship with Christ.
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  John 14 verse 26 says, But the Helper, the Holy Spirit,
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  whom the Father will send in my name. He will teach you all things and bring
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  to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
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  It's through remembering and walking with the gospel that we continue in our
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  journey of transformation with Christ. 4.
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  Standing firm in faith. Making meaningful changes in life, rooted in faith,
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  results in the good works that are produced from that faith.
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  Even so, faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
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  As noted in James 2 verse 17.
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  There is a common misunderstanding of the term works in this verse.
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  Many interpret it as charity work or involvement in church activities alone.
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  While those are noble acts and serve as good outcomes of our faith in God,
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  the term works in this context has a broader meaning.
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  It comes from the Greek word ergon, which encompasses various meanings such as action, Behavior.
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  Deeds, Labor, Result, Task, and Effectual Work In the biblical context,
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  effectual refers to actions that have a significant and tangible impact,
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  producing a desired result or being capable of effecting change.
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  It often relates to God's power and actions, as well as the effectiveness of prayer or other deeds.
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  Therefore, the impact of faith doesn't just lead us to charity work or church
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  involvement. it. It reflects the ongoing transformation of our lives by God.
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  This is how radical change, anchored in Christ, is rooted in standing firm in our faith.
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  How we wish we could say that we have easily learned these principles or that
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  hearing one sermon or teaching about faith is enough.
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  But God has brought us on a journey of realization, moving from a need to change,
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  seeking help, and remaining focused on embracing ongoing transformation.
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  It is the gospel and the remembrance of Jesus Christ that continue to sustain
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  us and keep us moving forward to this day.
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  We highly encourage you and your spouse to reflect on the verses mentioned above.
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  Consider how your life journey has been.
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  Sometimes, we need to be reminded of our life before Christ,
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  the many wrong turns. even with sincere intentions, so that we can genuinely
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  realize the profound value of the good news, the gospel.
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  Before we close, we want to invite you to engage with us and support the Couples
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  Journey blog series podcast.
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  By following this channel, leaving comments, and sharing episodes with your
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  family and friends, you're helping us in our mission to transform marriages today.
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  Your support encourages more couples to seek God's guidance and grow stronger together.
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  Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we can make a difference.
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  Here's the final part of today's episode.
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  As we close today's episode, let's remember that genuine change begins in the
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  heart, rooted in faith and empowered by God's grace.
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  Ray and Annie challenge us all to keep pressing forward, trusting that with
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  His guidance, our efforts will bear fruit.
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  May your journey of transformation be sustained by the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit.
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  Do not grow weary, but stand firm in faith and action.
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  Stay tuned tomorrow for the third part of the series. Don't just talk about it. Do something.