Spiritually Fit Today

Spiritually Fit Today

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Spiritually Fit Today episodes

  • Denial Is Draining You - Spiritually Fit Today
    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and Braden Pedersen. In this episode we wrestle with the dark side of our thought life: how denial drains us, why fear keeps sin hidden, and how Scripture restores vitality (Psalm 32:3; Ephesians 2:10). Practical takeaways include the cost of unacknowledged sin, the power of confession and repentance, replacing destructive thoughts with Scripture, and the role of accountability.

    4 R action steps:
    Read — Read Psalm 32:3 and Ephesians 2:10.
    Reflect — Ask: What am I hiding? How does silence affect my spiritual life and relationships?
    Respond — Prayer: Lord, meet us in truth; give us courage to confess, the humility to repent, and the strength to replace destructive thoughts with Your Word. Amen.
    Reveal — Share honestly with a trusted friend, pastor, or accountability partner; invite them to pray with you and walk through Scripture together. For support you can contact Arnie Cole: [email protected]

    Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Braden Pedersen, denial, temptation, pornography, repentance, Psalm 32, Ephesians 2:10, accountability, spiritual growth, Christian podcast, Scripture engagement

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    14 min
  • The Slippery Slope of Curiosity (It’s Not What You Think) - Spiritually Fit Today

    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today. Arnie Cole and digital architect Justin explore how innocent curiosity about technology can become a slippery slope into self-imposed captivity—how algorithms, passive scrolling, repetition, frequency/recency, and speed normalize temptation and make interruption harder. Practical guidance includes: don’t use social media to “unwind,” be actively aware, and choose nourishing online habits.


    4 R Action Steps
    Read — Read James 1:15.
    Reflect — Ask: Where has soft curiosity pulled me into patterns I didn’t intend? What online habits are becoming normalized for me? Which behaviors feed my soul and which deplete it?
    Respond — A short prayer: Lord, interrupt what’s forming before it controls us. Give us awareness, strength, and discipline to choose what nourishes our souls. Amen.
    Reveal — Share James 1:15 and this episode with one friend, set an accountability check (daily or weekly), and demonstrate one concrete change (turn off autoplay, set screen-time limits, or reserve social media for purpose-driven moments).

    Questions or feedback: [email protected]

    Keywords: digital temptation, technology addiction, curiosity, algorithms, social media habits, passive scrolling, James 1:15, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, Justin, spiritually fit, digital discipleship, soul care, online discipline, temptation prevention

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

    12 min
  • Why Willpower Fails (And What Actually Works) - Spiritually Fit Today
    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and Pastor Braden Pedersen. In this episode we unpack the willpower myth and show how regular engagement with Scripture rewires our resistance to temptation. Pastor Braden explains why willpower alone often fails and why internalizing God’s Word—“Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11, KJV)—becomes a lifelong defense. Research shared here finds that people who engage Scripture four or more times a week are dramatically more likely—about two‑thirds—to say they can usually resist temptation.

    4R Action Steps
    - Read: Open the Bible today—start with Psalm 119:11 and a short surrounding passage. Aim for brief, regular reads (4+ times/week).
    - Reflect: Ask: What lie or temptation is this passage countering in my life? Where have I relied on willpower instead of Scripture? Spend 2–5 minutes journaling one specific application.
    - Respond: Short prayer you can use—“Lord, hide Your Word in my heart; strengthen me by Your Spirit to resist temptation and follow You. Amen.”
    - Reveal: Share the verse and one personal application with a friend or family member; offer to pray with them or invite them to read and discuss Scripture with you this week.

    Want to go deeper or share feedback? Email Arnie Cole: [email protected]

    Keywords: willpower myth, Scripture memorization, Psalm 119:11, resist temptation, Bible study, spiritual formation, Scripture absorption, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, Braden Pedersen, Holy Spirit, daily Bible reading, meditate on Scripture

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
     
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    13 min
  • What Constant Stimulation Is Doing to Your Faith - Spiritually Fit Today

    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Justin. In this episode Arnie and Justin unpack how personalization algorithms feed our weaknesses, train our desires toward temptation, and weaken self-control—contrasting fleeting engagement with lasting spiritual growth. They ground the conversation in Proverbs 14:12: "There is a way that appears to be right, but the end of it leads to death," and offer practical, faith-centered steps to reclaim attention and reshape desires.


    4 R Action Steps
    - Read: Read Proverbs 14:12 slowly and prayerfully.
    - Reflect: Ask: Where is my attention being trained by algorithms rather than by Scripture? When have I traded growth for quick gratification?
    - Respond: Short prayer — God, reclaim our attention and reshape our desires to honor you in everything we do and say. Amen.
    - Reveal: Practice the half-hour "scroll and move on" exercise today; share the experience and Proverbs 14:12 with a friend and discuss concrete habits to protect attention (e.g., app limits, digital fasts, accountability).


    Keywords: algorithms, social media addiction, digital wellness, attention economy, spiritual growth, Proverbs 14:12, screen time, temptation, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, Justin

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

    12 min
  • When Temptation Pretends to Be Good - Spiritually Fit Today

    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie and guest Pastor Braden Pedersen explore how temptation can masquerade as light (2 Corinthians 11:14), why we so often justify harmful choices, and how discernment, Scripture, and outside accountability help us refuse disguised bondage. Drawing on Daniel’s example of “purposing in his heart,” practical pastoral counsel, and research showing temptation is one of the weakest areas in many believers’ spiritual lives, Arnie gives clear steps to recognize, resist, and recover from temptation.


    4 R action steps:
    - Read: 2 Corinthians 11:14 and Daniel 1:8–16. Read them slowly and note what attracts and what repels you.
    - Reflect: Ask—Where is this leading me? Am I rationalizing or planning ahead? Would this honor God and my commitments?
    - Respond: Short prayer—Lord, sharpen my discernment, help me see beyond appearances, give me courage to flee what is impure and wisdom to make preemptive plans. Amen.
    - Reveal: Share the passage and your plan with a trusted, spiritually mature friend or mentor; invite accountability and offer to pray with someone struggling in the same area.

    Questions or feedback: [email protected]

    Keywords: temptation, discernment, Daniel, 2 Corinthians 11:14, Christian living, spiritual growth, accountability, Bible study, sexual purity, cohabitation, pastoral counsel

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

    13 min
  • How Your Scrolling Reveals Your Heart - Spiritually Fit Today

    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Justin. In this episode we dig into how algorithms and your smartphone reveal hidden desires, shape temptation, and influence your habits—then discuss practical steps to reorient your digital life toward spiritual health using scripture.


    Summary
    Arnie and Justin explore how digital patterns expose what we truly value, why human self-awareness often lags behind our online behavior, and concrete ways to reshape algorithms and attention toward nourishing, faith-centered content.

    Take action — The 4 R’s
    Read: Read Jeremiah 17:9. Notice what it says about the heart’s tendency to be deceitful and the need for honest self-examination.
    Reflect: Ask: What do my digital habits reveal about my heart? Track one recurring pattern this week (time spent, lingering on images, or types of content) and note what that pattern suggests about your desires.
    Respond: Short prayer — Lord, give me honesty about my heart, courage to change my habits, and wisdom to choose content that builds my faith. Amen.
    Reveal: Demonstrate this truth by sharing one encouraging Christian video or devotional with a friend, discuss what you observed in your digital habits, and invite accountability to pursue healthier online rhythms together.

    Resources and contact
    For questions or feedback, email Arnie Cole: [email protected]

    Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Justin, Christian podcast, digital temptation, algorithms, smartphone addiction, faith and technology, Jeremiah 17:9, Bible study, spiritual disciplines, Christian encouragement, online habits, digital wellness

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

    16 min
  • How to Interrupt Temptation Early - Spiritually Fit Today

    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Pastor Braden Pedersen. In this episode we explore how temptation begins in the mind, why noticing mental warning signs matters more than only treating outward behavior, and practical ways to intercept harmful thoughts before they become sin (James 1:14; 2 Corinthians 10:5).


    Listen, then act using the 4 R’s:
    Read — Read James 1:14 and 2 Corinthians 10:5 to see how Scripture describes temptation and taking thoughts captive.
    Reflect — Ask: Where do my thoughts drift? When am I most vulnerable (tired, stressed, hungry)? What justifications do I use?
    Respond — Short prayer: Lord, give me clarity before conflict. Help me notice thoughts as they arise, take them captive, and choose truth over impulse. Amen.
    Reveal — Share your observations with a trusted friend or accountability partner; invite them to pray with you and practice noticing mental warning signs together.

    Questions or feedback? Email Arnie Cole at [email protected]

    Keywords: temptation, thought life, take captive every thought, James 1:14, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Christian podcast, spiritual growth, discipleship, Bible study, prayer, mental warning signs, temptation prevention, Arnie Cole, Braden Pedersen

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

    13 min
  • The Truth About Echo Chambers & Christian Faith - Spiritually Fit Today
    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie talks with Brad Davies (Vice President, Salem Media) about digital echo chambers, how search and social algorithms shape what you see, and practical spiritual disciplines to resist groupthink and protect your witness.

    Take action — The 4 R’s
    - Read: Galatians 1:10 — “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man?” (Galatians 1:10)
    - Reflect: Where am I letting my feeds shape my identity or decisions? What one habit feeds my echo chamber, and what could replace it?
    - Respond (brief prayer): Lord, help me not to chase human approval. Open my ears to Your voice, give me wisdom to step back from persuasive feeds, and center my heart on You. Amen.
    - Reveal: Try a one-day social media sabbath this week. Read and share Galatians 1:10 with a friend, invite them to do the sabbath with you, and discuss how digital habits affect your walk with Christ.

    - Connect with Arnie: [email protected]

    Keywords: spiritual fitness, spiritual health, groupthink, echo chamber, algorithms, social media detox, Christian podcast, digital discipleship, Galatians 1:10, Arnie Cole, Brad Davies

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    15 min
  • The Danger of Outsourcing Your Faith - Spiritually Fit Today
    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Brad Davies. In this episode Arnie and Brad discuss how echo chambers, groupthink, and AI influence what Christians hear and believe, and how those forces interact with sound theology. They reflect on Galatians 1:10 and the challenge of seeking God’s approval instead of human praise. Practical discernment—not abandoning digital tools—is the focus.

    4 R action steps:
    Read — Read Galatians 1:10 (and the surrounding chapter). Consider the verse: “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
    Reflect — Ask: Who am I trying to please? Which voices shape my theology? Do my feeds reinforce curiosity or shut down alternate, well-researched viewpoints?
    Respond — Short prayer: Lord, forgive us for listening only to what flatters us. Give us discernment to recognize sound teaching, humility to accept correction, and faithfulness to your Word. Amen.
    Reveal — Find one thoughtful Christian perspective this week you wouldn’t normally read or listen to. Discuss it with a friend with humility and prayer, and share one insight that points others back to Christ, not to a single teacher.

    Hosts: Arnie Cole ([email protected]) and Brad Davies. For feedback or resources, contact Arnie at [email protected].

    Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Brad Davies, Galatians 1:10, echo chamber, groupthink, theology, discernment, Christian podcast, Christian media, Salem Media, AI and religion, spiritual discernment, Bible study, Christian discipleship

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    13 min
  • Testing the Spirits in a Viral World - Spiritually Fit Today
    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Brad Davies. In this episode we explore how to discern whether viral Christian content and online movements are truly from God or simply digital momentum and groupthink. We discuss testing the spirits, the danger of confusing popularity with revelation, watching for signs like absent worship or missing fruit, and cultivating a personal, first‑person relationship with Jesus.

    Memory verse: Galatians 1:10 — "For am I now seeking the approval of man or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."

    4 R Action Steps
    - Read: Read Galatians 1:10 and the surrounding chapter for context.
    - Reflect: Ask whether this teaching aligns with Scripture, displays the fruit of the Spirit, encourages worship and humility, and benefits Christ’s body or someone’s brand.
    - Respond (short prayer): Lord, give me discernment to recognize Your voice above the crowd, humility to test what I hear, and courage to pause before sharing. Amen.
    - Reveal: Share a Scripture and a short, honest question with a trusted friend or mentor and ask them to help test the spirit before you forward or endorse content.

    Questions or feedback: [email protected]

    Keywords: discernment, Christian discernment, digital echo chamber, test the spirits, Galatians 1:10, viral Christian content, online ministry, spiritual discernment, fruit of the Spirit, Christian podcast

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    13 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.