Spiritually Fit Today

Spiritually Fit Today

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Spiritually Fit Today episodes

  • A Flight Nurse's Secret to Peace Under Pressure - Spiritually Fit Today
    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with host Arnie Cole and guest Katlyn, a helicopter flight nurse who regularly steps into some of the most traumatic and chaotic moments imaginable. In this powerful conversation, Katlyn explains how prayer becomes an anchor before the chaos even begins. Instead of allowing fear to dominate her thinking, she learned to surrender control and trust that God remains present even in the middle of uncertainty.


    4 R Action Steps
    Read — Read Psalm 46:1 aloud: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Repeat it slowly and personally.
    Reflect — Ask yourself: When crisis hits, where do I instinctively run first—fear, panic, control, or prayer? What situation do I need to surrender to God today?
    Respond — Choose one area of your life that currently feels uncertain, stressful, or out of your control. Instead of immediately trying to fix it, spend five quiet minutes surrendering it to God in prayer. Practice replacing panic with trust by repeating Psalm 46:1 throughout the day whenever anxiety begins to rise.
    Reveal — Encourage someone facing stress or uncertainty this week by sharing Psalm 46:1 or telling them how prayer has helped you through difficult moments.

    Questions or feedback: [email protected]

    Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Katlyn, helicopter flight nurse, Christian podcast, prayer in crisis, trusting God, Psalm 46:1, faith under pressure, spiritual growth, overcoming fear, emergency medicine, peace in chaos

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    13 min
  • He Was 85 and Still Climbing Mountains - Spiritually Fit Today
    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. Arnie interviews Gary Dunker about renewing your life, claiming the hill God calls you to, and using later seasons of life to multiply impact for Christ. Gary reflects on Caleb’s example in the Book of Joshua, how no season is wasted, and practical next steps: name your hill, step out in faith, and use your experience to reach others.

    The 4 R action plan
    Read — Read Joshua 14:6–15 (focus especially on 14:10–12). Notice Caleb’s age, posture, and request.
    Reflect — Ask: What is my hill? How have past seasons prepared me for this? What gifts or experiences point to this next mission?
    Respond — Write your hill down, pray about it, and take one concrete step this week (set a short-term goal, start a simple habit, or begin mentoring). Tell one person and ask them to pray with you.
    Reveal — Share your hill with someone and invite them to pray and hold you accountable. Live it out through ordinary acts of friendship, mentoring, and faithful witness.

    Resources
    Email Arnie Cole: [email protected]

    Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Gary Dunker, Joshua 14, Caleb, claim your hill, spiritual fitness, Christian podcast, faith in later life, mentoring, share the gospel

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    8 min
  • Why You’re Never Too Old to Start Something New - Spiritually Fit Today

    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Gary Dunker. In this episode they tackle the lie “Am I done?” and remind us that purpose doesn’t retire. At 75 Gary is “speeding up” — pastoring, acting, and writing Christian-themed Western novels. Our scripture to absorb: Philippians 1:6 — “I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”


    4R action steps:
    - Read: Read Philippians 1:6 aloud and let the promise sink in.
    - Reflect: Ask, Where have I believed my best days are behind me? Journal three gifts God still wants to use through me.
    - Respond: Choose one concrete next step this week (start a creative project, volunteer, join a ministry) and pray, “Lord, use the years I have left.” Email Arnie for prayer or support: [email protected]
    - Reveal: Share Philippians 1:6 and your chosen next step with a friend, small group, or social post to live out this truth publicly.

    If this encouraged you, subscribe, share with someone who needs hope, and refuse the lie that it’s over.

    Keywords: purpose doesn’t retire, Philippians 1:6, Christian podcast, spiritual encouragement, senior ministry, Christian authors, Gary Dunker, Arnie Cole, writing after 70, Christian Westerns, don’t quit, spiritual growth

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

    10 min
  • He Lost His Job… Then God Rewrote His Story - Spiritually Fit Today

    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Gary Dunker. In this episode Gary opens up about job loss, grief, restarting life, and how Genesis 50:20 — "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good..." — helped him reframe setbacks into a season of purpose. Listen for practical wisdom on avoiding bitterness, focusing outward, and trusting God when plans unravel.


    Four practical R actions to make this real:
    Read — Read Genesis 50:20 and the surrounding Joseph story. Let the truth sink in that God can redeem what others intend for harm.
    Reflect — Reframe "Why me?" to "Why not me?" Pick one season you’ve labeled wasted and ask God, What were You doing here that I couldn’t see? Journal three things you learned (skills, character, faith).
    Respond — Choose one small obedience step you can do today (reach out to a neighbor, update a resume, join a local service opportunity, or commit to daily Bible reading). Take that step even if its purpose isn’t yet clear.
    Reveal — Share your story or the reframe exercise with someone who’s hurting. Pray with them, tell a trusted friend what you learned, or offer practical help—show how God redeems hard chapters.

    Need to connect or have a question? Contact Arnie Cole: [email protected]

    Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Gary Dunker, Genesis 50:20, Joseph, setbacks, starting over, layoff recovery, faith after loss, Christian podcast, devotional, spiritual growth, resilience, grief, reframe rep

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

    11 min
  • The Cure for Loneliness Might Surprise You - Spiritually Fit Today
    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie welcomes guest Gary Dunker to explore the shift from self-focused living to others-focused service — especially when success leaves you feeling lonely. Together they unpack Philippians 2:3-4 and share practical steps Gary used as he transitioned from a career in radio and sales into pastoral ministry and community service.

    Read - Read Philippians 2:3-4 slowly. Notice phrases like “do nothing from selfish ambition” and “count others more significant than yourselves.”

    Reflect - Ask: Where am I inward-focused because of success, fear, or loss? When have I felt loneliness even while “succeeding”? Reflect on one recent decision: was it made for you or for someone else?

    Respond - For the next few days, count decisions made for you versus made for others. No judgment—just observe. Then pick one skill you used when helping others and practice it once a day (a phone call, a small helpful task, teaching or mentoring). Pray: “Lord, quiet my ‘me’ and open my eyes to people and opportunities.”

    Reveal - Share the truth of Philippians 2:3-4 with someone: invite a neighbor or friend for coffee, tell them one way you’re trying to serve, or lead a short conversation or Bible study on humility and service. Let your actions demonstrate the passage—serve in a tangible way this week.

    Contact
    - Questions or feedback for Arnie: [email protected]


    Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Gary Dunker, Philippians 2:3-4, humility, serve others, midlife pivot, loneliness and success, Christian podcast, spiritual growth, discipleship, pastoral ministry, faith in action

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    11 min
  • Your Best Years Aren’t Behind You - Spiritually Fit Today
    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie talks with Gary Dunker — pastor, author, former teacher and broadcaster — about stepping into a new season later in life, how past work and hard seasons prepared him for pastoral ministry, and why your best chapter may still be ahead. They reflect on Psalm 92:14 (“They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green”) and offer practical steps to recognize God’s preparation in your past and your assignment now.

    4 R action steps
    Read — Read Psalm 92:14 (and the surrounding psalm). Let the “evergreen” image sink in.
    Reflect — Ask: Which seasons felt wasted? Where did I learn resilience, skill, or a story I now carry?
    Respond — Take 3 minutes to list three hard or “wasted” seasons; beside each, write what it taught you and name one skill, relationship, or story gained. Make this a daily or weekly practice to reframe past pain as preparation.
    Reveal — Share one of those stories with a friend, family member, or your small group. Use it to encourage someone facing a late transition or to model how God repurposes pain into purpose.

    Contact
    Questions or feedback for Arnie: [email protected]

    Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Gary Dunker, Psalm 92:14, spiritual growth, midlife calling, second career, pastoral ministry, Christian podcast, faith and purpose, bearing fruit in old age, encouragement, resilience, life transition, Christian teaching

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    11 min
  • How Suffering Builds a Faith That Actually Lasts - Spiritually Fit Today
    In this episode of Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole and Bruce explore how to develop a deeper, more vibrant faith when God feels silent. Reflecting on Romans 5:3 and the way suffering can produce perseverance, character, and hope. You'll hear honest testimony about disillusionment, practical rhythms for staying faithful in the tension of unanswered questions, and a clear exercise to build steady trust.

    Take action with the 4 R's:
    Read — Read Romans 5:3 (and the surrounding passage). Let the language about suffering producing perseverance and hope sink in.
    Reflect — Journal about one area where God has felt absent. Write a one-paragraph declaration of trust based on today’s verse.
    Respond — Put faith habits in place even when you don’t feel faith: pray, read Scripture, stay connected to others, resist quick fixes (money, cynicism, escapism). Read your declaration out loud daily for a week to root it in your life.
    Reveal — Share your declaration or what you’re learning with a trusted friend, mentor, or small group. Offer empathy to someone else who is suffering and testify later to what God has revealed in hindsight.

    If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope and strength.

    Keywords: spiritually fit, spiritual fitness, faith and suffering, Romans 5:3, perseverance, hope, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, Bruce, unanswered prayer, durable faith, spiritual growth, discipleship

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    9 min
  • What to Do When You Don’t Feel God Anymore - Spiritually Fit Today
    In this episode of Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie and Bruce explore gospel-centered habits, obedience when feelings lag, and the slow, disciplined work of spiritual recovery. Bruce shares personal steps he took and offers hope: small daily practices, repeated over time, reorder the heart toward God.

    4 R Action Plan
    - Read: Read James 1:22. Aim for a short daily reading (5–10 minutes) each morning.
    - Reflect: Ask: How does this passage expose what I truly desire? Where do my habits reveal my trust or lack of trust in God?
    - Respond: Choose one small daily practice for the next seven days (scripture reading, gratitude journaling, short prayer, or a simple obedience action). Track it each day no matter how you feel.
    - Reveal: Share what you’re learning with one trusted person this week—send the verse and one sentence about how you’re responding, and invite accountability.

    Resources and contact
    - Email Arnie Cole: [email protected]
    - Quick tip: Start each day by turning to Scripture and prayer, then follow one simple habit through the day to keep momentum.

    Keywords: spiritual growth, rebuilding faith, God silent, James 1:22, gospel-centered habits, spiritual disciplines, faith recovery, devotional podcast, daily habits, prayer, Bible reading, Arnie Cole, Bruce, Spiritually Fit Today

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    9 min
  • The Subtle Shift That Slowly Destroys Faith - Spiritually Fit Today
    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole, joined by Bruce. In this episode we confront the hidden danger of quiet cynicism—how faith can slowly erode when God feels silent, what it does to prayer and relationships, and practical steps to recover. We ground our conversation in Hebrews 3:12 and the biblical pattern of lament, honesty, and renewed trust.

    Read - Read Hebrews 3:12.

    Reflect - Spend 5 minutes listing quiet doubts or resentments you carry. Notice whether your prayer has shifted from faithful lament to accusing God or seeking only earthly fixes.

    Respond - Speak each doubt to God, confess cynicism, and ask for renewed trust. Recommit to honest prayer, invite a trusted friend or pastor into accountability, and seek professional help for trauma or substance concerns if needed.

    Reveal - Share one honest insight or struggle with someone who can pray for you, and demonstrate trust by serving or encouraging someone else this week.


    Keywords: quiet cynicism, spiritual dryness, Hebrews 3:12, prayer, lament, faith and doubt, Christian podcast, Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Bruce, spiritual recovery, faith encouragement

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    8 min
  • Control, Distraction, Numbing: The Trap We Don’t See - Spiritually Fit Today
    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Bruce. In this episode Arnie and Bruce unpack common—but subtle—coping mechanisms, the gap between what we say we believe and what we actually live by, and practical steps to remain grounded in the gospel amid silence and suffering.

    4 R Action Steps
    Read — Read Jeremiah 2:13 slowly. Note words or phrases that stand out.
    Reflect — Ask: Where have I dug my own broken cisterns? What patterns do I reach for when God feels distant?
    Respond — Identify one substitute you lean on; for the next 24 hours, each time the urge comes, pause and speak one honest sentence of dependence toward God.
    Reveal — Share your insight or the 24-hour practice with a trusted friend, small group, or mentor; invite prayer and accountability.

    Contact Arnie: [email protected]

    Keywords: spiritual coping, God feels distant, Jeremiah 2:13, Christian podcast, faith during suffering, spiritual disciplines, Arnie Cole, Bruce, coping mechanisms, trust God

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    7 min

About Spiritually Fit Today

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today, where every day is a workout for your soul—one step, one choice, one spiritual rep at a time. Join Arnie Cole and guests as we talk about how to improve how we behave as a Christ followers. Because how we act tomorrow depends on getting spiritually fit today.