Spiritually Fit Today

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What is prayer, really? In this episode of Spiritually Fit Today, host Arnie Cole and special guest Dr. Chuck Lawless dive deep into the true meaning of prayer. Many of us talk about prayer, but few can define it clearly. Chuck helps us cut through confusion and get practical about how to pray, why it matters, and how to overcome common obstacles. Together, they explore questions like: Why pray if God already knows everything? Does God answer every prayer? How do we discern God’s voice in prayer? And what about relying on others to pray for us?

Our scripture focus is James 5:16: "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." Discover how prayer is more than just talking—it's participating in God's power.

Take action with the 4 R’s:

Read: Spend 10 minutes today reading James 5:16 and reflect on its meaning.

Reflect: Consider what obstacles keep you from praying and how clarity can help you move from intention to action.

Respond: Pray, “God, help me to understand the power of prayer and to trust that you hear me. Remove any confusion or fear, and guide me to grow closer to you through honest conversation.”

Reveal: Share with a friend or family member one thing you learned about prayer today, and invite them to join you in a short prayer.

For more spiritual fitness tips, questions, or to connect, email Arnie Cole at [email protected].

Keywords: prayer, how to pray, Chuck Lawless, Arnie Cole, Spiritually Fit Today, James 5:16, Christian living, spiritual growth, Bible study, prayer obstacles, practical prayer, faith, daily devotion, spiritual fitness, Back to the Bible

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Why is prayer so important, yet so challenging for many Christ followers? In this episode of Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, your spiritual fitness researcher and coach, is joined by Dr. Chuck Lawless, author of "The Potential and Power of Prayer." Together, they explore why so many believers struggle to pray consistently, despite knowing its significance. Through personal stories and research insights, Arnie and Chuck discuss the obstacles that keep us from prayer and offer practical steps to overcome them.

Our scripture focus is Colossians 4:2: "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." This episode emphasizes not just believing in prayer, but being devoted to it—making prayer a daily habit that strengthens your spiritual life.

Take action with the 4 R’s:

Read: Open your Bible to Colossians 4:2 and read the verse slowly.

Reflect: Consider what keeps you from praying regularly. What obstacles stand between your intention and action?

Respond: Pray, “Lord, teach me how to pray today. Help me overcome the barriers that keep me from spending time with You.”

Reveal: Share with a friend or family member what you learned about prayer today, and encourage them to join you in a three-minute daily prayer challenge.

Your spiritual workout for today is simple: set aside just three minutes to pray. Choose a consistent time—while brushing your teeth, brewing coffee, or sitting in your car. Remember, prayer grows with repetition, not perfection. Celebrate each step you take, and come back tomorrow as we continue to learn not just why to pray, but how to pray in a way that transforms your life.

For questions or to connect, email Arnie Cole at [email protected].

Keywords: prayer, spiritual fitness, Arnie Cole, Chuck Lawless, Colossians 4:2, Christian living, daily prayer, spiritual growth, how to pray, Bible study, devotion, Back to the Bible, spiritually fit today, Christian podcast, prayer challenge, faith, overcoming obstacles, spiritual habits, Christian encouragement

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Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today. Join host Arnie Cole and special guest Jason Hietbrink, a respected spiritual and business coach, as they share five key steps to help you grow spiritually in the new year. This episode focuses on practical ways to move forward in your faith journey, emphasizing that it’s God’s love—not your own strength—that holds you. Jason distills the week’s conversations into actionable takeaways, encouraging you to start small, define your desired outcomes, and pursue habits that bring you closer to God.

Verse Focus: Galatians 6:9 – "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Take Action with the 4 R’s:

Read: Galatians 6:9. Take a moment to read and absorb this verse, letting its message of perseverance and hope sink in.

Reflect: Consider how God’s love, not your own efforts, is the foundation for lasting change. What small step can you take today to align your life more closely with God’s purpose for you?

Respond: Pray, "God, thank you for every small beginning this week. Strengthen me to keep going, even when I feel weak. Make these habits holy."

Reveal: Share your journey with someone else. Tell a friend or family member about the small step you’re taking and invite them to join you. Accountability and encouragement can make all the difference.

If you have questions or want to connect, reach out to Arnie Cole at [email protected].

Key Takeaways:

- It’s the strength of God’s love for you, not your love for God, that holds you.

- Define the outcome you want before setting your goal.

- Start small and build habits incrementally.

- Remember, the goal is to get more of God, not just to complete a habit.

- Don’t go it alone—invite others to join you on your journey.

Our mission is to help you move one step closer to Jesus today than you were yesterday as a fully scripture-absorbed disciple maker. Take today’s daily rep and turn your good intentions into actions that can transform your life and the lives of others, one step at a time.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope and strength. Join us next week for another Spiritually Fit Today workout—because what you do today truly matters.

Keywords: spiritual growth, Arnie Cole, Jason Hietbrink, Spiritually Fit Today, Galatians 6:9, Christian habits, daily Bible reading, spiritual coaching, faith journey, accountability, new year goals, Christian podcast, Bible study, discipleship, small steps, perseverance, Christian encouragement, back to the Bible

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and today's guest Jason Hietbrink. In this New Year’s episode, we tackle the feeling of being “stuck” and reveal the power of starting with one tiny step. Drawing from Philippians 2:13, Arnie and Jason discuss how God works in us, even through the smallest actions, and how faithfulness in little things can lead to big spiritual growth. Whether it’s a one-minute prayer, a brief Bible reading, or simply introducing yourself to a neighbor, these small habits silence excuses and create real wins. The conversation explores genuine evangelism, the importance of authentic relationships, and how falling deeper in love with Jesus naturally leads us to share our faith.

Take action with the 4 R’s:

Read: Philippians 2:13 – “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

Reflect: Consider what small step you can take today to move forward spiritually. Are you letting the idea of “being stuck” hold you back, or can you start with something embarrassingly small?

Respond: Pray, “Father, thank you for meeting me in small starts. Help me trust that the small things you call me to do are sacred and powerful.”

Reveal: Share your commitment to a small daily spiritual action with someone else. Tell a friend or family member, or even email Arnie at [email protected], about your step and invite them to join you or hold you accountable.

Remember, what you do today truly matters, and tomorrow you’ll be glad you did. If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope and strength. Join us tomorrow for another Spiritually Fit Today workout for your soul!

Keywords: spiritual growth, tiny habits, New Year, Bible reading, prayer, evangelism, Arnie Cole, Jason Hietbrink, Philippians 2:13, Christian podcast, daily devotion, spiritual fitness, faith in action, discipleship, back to the Bible, spiritual motivation, Christian encouragement

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today, with your host Arnie Cole, spiritual fitness researcher and coach, and special guest Jason Hietbrink, business and spiritual coach. In this New Year's Eve episode, Arnie and Jason dive into the real strategies behind building lasting spiritual habits for 2026. They discuss why guilt doesn't change habits, but structure does, and how small, consistent tweaks can lead to big spiritual growth.

The focus verse for today is James 1:22: "Do not merely listen to the word. Do what it says." Arnie and Jason explore practical ways to move from intention to action, including the power of tiny habits, the importance of authentic celebration, and the role of accountability anchored in deep personal commitment. They share insights from leading habit research, including BJ Fogg's "Tiny Habits," and discuss how to make spiritual routines stick by starting small and celebrating every win.

Action Steps – The 4 R’s:

Read: Open your Bible and read James 1:22. Let the words sink in: "Do not merely listen to the word. Do what it says."

Reflect: Ask yourself, what is one small step of obedience you can take today? What habit or action would help you become the person God is calling you to be? Consider what you hope to gain from this habit and how it could impact your relationships and spiritual life.

Respond: Pray, "Lord, help me start small, stay faithful, and trust You with the growth on this road for 2026. Give me the courage to take one step of obedience today."

Reveal: Share your tiny plan with someone you trust. Tell them the one small step you’re committing to and ask them to help hold you accountable. Demonstrate the truth of James 1:22 by putting your faith into action and encouraging someone else to do the same.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope and strength. For questions or to connect, email Arnie at [email protected]. Join us tomorrow for another daily spiritual workout!

Keywords: spiritual habits, New Year, James 1:22, Arnie Cole, Jason Hietbrink, spiritual growth, tiny habits, accountability, Christian podcast, daily Bible, spiritual fitness, habit formation, BJ Fogg, Atomic Habits, Power of Habit, Christian coaching, New Year's resolutions, spiritual discipline, daily devotional, Bible study, Back to the Bible, spiritually fit today

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Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today, hosted by Arnie Cole, your spiritual fitness researcher and coach, with special guest Jason Hietbrink, business and spiritual fitness coach. In this episode, Arnie and Jason dive deep into the real struggles of spiritual consistency—even for coaches and leaders. Using Romans 7:15 as the focus, they discuss how even the Apostle Paul wrestled with doing what he knew was right, and how God’s grace meets us in our inconsistency.

Are you struggling to keep up with your spiritual habits? Do you feel disqualified by your past or your inability to stay consistent? You’re not alone. Arnie and Jason share honest stories, practical tips, and biblical encouragement to help you move forward, one step at a time.

Take action with the 4 R’s:

Read: Romans 7:15 – “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Read this passage and let it remind you that even spiritual giants struggled.

Reflect: Think about times when you’ve struggled to be consistent in your spiritual life. What gets in the way? Is your environment helping or hindering your time with God? Remember, God’s love and grace are bigger than your shortcomings.

Respond: Pray—“God, thank you for grace when I fall short. Help me to stop pretending and start depending on you.”

Reveal: Share with someone you trust that you’re wrestling with your spiritual life. Ask them to hold you accountable and encourage them with the truth that God’s grace is for the willing, not the perfect.

Remember, every day is a workout for your soul. Take today’s daily rep and turn your good intentions into actions that can transform your life and the lives of others. If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope and strength. For questions or to connect, email Arnie at [email protected].

Keywords: spiritual fitness, Arnie Cole, Jason Hietbrink, Romans 7:15, Bible consistency, grace, spiritual growth, Christian encouragement, daily devotional, overcoming failure, spiritual habits, accountability, prayer, Bible reading, discipleship, back to the Bible, spiritually fit today

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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 [email protected]. 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

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Join Arnie Cole, Laura Coppinger, and Matt Coppinger as they discuss the challenges of loving well when you’re tired, tense, or irritable—especially in the days after big events like Christmas. In this heartfelt episode, Laura shares a simple family tradition of prayer mugs that helps her refocus on love and gratitude for her children, even on the hardest mornings. Matt and Laura also talk about the importance of non-negotiable time with God and each other, and how small daily practices can lead to big breakthroughs in family life. Discover how a simple phrase, “Coppinger kids—we are loved,” helps their children remember their value and security, and learn practical ways to show up for your family with love, even when you feel like you have nothing left to give.

Take action with the 4 R’s:

Read: Dive into 1 John 3:16—“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”

Reflect: Consider how small, intentional moments—like choosing a special mug or saying a loving phrase—can remind you and your family of God’s love, especially when you’re weary.

Respond: Pray, “Lord, I bring you my not enough. Multiply it, and turn my little moments into big love in someone else’s life. Amen.”

Reveal: Show someone they are loved today—look them in the eyes, give them your full attention, or share a simple act of kindness that demonstrates God’s love.

For questions or to connect, email Arnie Cole at [email protected].

Keywords: family faith, Christian parenting, post-holiday encouragement, loving when tired, prayer traditions, 1 John 3:16, practical faith, daily devotion, spiritual growth, Back to the Bible, Arnie Cole, Laura Coppinger, Matt Coppinger, Christian family routines, showing love, Christian encouragement, Bible study, faith in action

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Join Arnie Cole, Laura Coppinger, and Matt Coppinger for a special Christmas episode of Spiritually Fit Today as they discuss meaningful family traditions, the importance of Scripture in the home, and how to keep Christ at the center of your holiday celebrations. This week’s verse focus is John 1:14, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas—Emmanuel, God with us.

Laura and Matt, parents to seven adopted foster children and four biological children, share practical ways to involve every age in family traditions so no one feels left out. From one-on-one Christmas shopping trips to nightly blessings inspired by Numbers 6, they offer heartfelt ideas for building connection and faith in a large family. Discover how even the youngest children can participate in memorizing Scripture and how these practices shape a Christ-centered family culture.

Take action with the 4 R’s:

Read: Open your Bible to John 1:14 and Numbers 6:24-26. Read these verses together as a family.

Reflect: Consider how Jesus’ presence changes your home and how you can make Him the focus of your celebrations.

Respond: Pray, “God, be with us. Write your witness into our family rhythms. Make our home a place where presence looks like love. Amen.”

Reveal: Choose a family tradition or act of kindness that demonstrates Christ’s love to others this Christmas.

For questions or to connect, email Arnie Cole at [email protected].

Keywords: Christmas family traditions, John 1:14, Numbers 6 blessing, Christ-centered home, Scripture memory, foster adoption, large family Christmas, Christian parenting, holiday faith, Arnie Cole, Laura Coppinger, Matt Coppinger, Back to the Bible, Christmas devotional, Bible reading plan, Christian family podcast

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Welcome to the Spiritually Fit Today podcast. Today host Arnie Cole is joined by Laura Coppinger, and Matt Coppinger. In this special Christmas Eve episode, we explore the power of being present with our children and families, especially during the holidays. Drawing from John 1:14, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us," we discuss how God’s love moves toward us, and how our love should move toward our families—not just by lecturing or ruling over, but by being with them in meaningful ways.

Laura and Matt share real-life stories from their journey as parents to both biological and adopted children, highlighting how presence, patience, and offering choices can turn conflict into connection. They offer practical tips for de-escalating tense moments, setting boundaries with love, and creating 10-minute habits that foster deeper relationships—like inviting kids to help in the kitchen or with household tasks, even when it takes longer.

This episode challenges us to reflect on our own habits: Are we truly present with our loved ones, or are we distracted? How can we move toward those who are hardest to love, especially during the holidays?

Take action with the 4 R’s:

Read: John 1:14 – "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."

Reflect: Consider how God’s presence with us models the way we should be present with our families. Are there moments when you lecture instead of listen? How can you offer choices and connection instead of control?

Respond: Pray, "Father, thank you for coming so close to us. Teach me to lead like you—firm in truth, rich in mercy, and always present. Amen."

Reveal: Show the truth of this passage by intentionally spending 10 minutes today with a family member or child—especially someone who is hard to reach. Listen to them, help with a task, or simply be present without distractions.

For questions or to connect, email Arnie Cole at [email protected].

Keywords: Christian parenting, family relationships, presence over control, John 1:14, Christmas Eve, foster care, adoption, conflict resolution, parenting tips, Back to the Bible, Arnie Cole, Laura Coppinger, Matt Coppinger, Bible study, Christian family, holiday stress, parenting advice, faith and family, spiritual growth, practical faith, Christian podcast, soul care, parenting with God