Spiritually Fit Today

By Back To The Bible

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... more

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about Spiritually Fit Today:

How many episodes does Spiritually Fit Today have?

The podcast currently has 223 episodes available.

Spiritually Fit Today episodes:

June 30, 2026 How to Help Without Hurting - Spiritually Fit Today
Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Paul Abbott. In this episode they unpack the common trap of paternalism in Christian service — when well-meaning help ends up stripping dignity and creating dependence — and point to Proverbs 19:17 as the corrective: kind, respectful help that seeks to make disciple-makers, not dependent recipients. Paul shares practical wisdom about listening, empowering local ownership, and shifting from performative giving to relational, dignity-preserving service.

4 R Actions to practice:
Read — Read Proverbs 19:17 and other passages on mercy and stewardship; meditate on what "lending to the Lord" means for your giving.
Reflect — When you encounter someone in need, note your emotions (fear, pity, guilt, indifference). Journal or pray about what those responses reveal.
Respond — Shift how you give: prioritize empowering relationships, support local leadership and sustainable solutions, ask how your help builds capacity rather than dependency.
Reveal — Model dignity in action: listen first, invite others into ownership, share what you’re learning, and recruit friends to join context-led, respectful ministry.

Contact: [email protected]

Keywords: paternalism, serving the poor, Christian service, discipleship, Proverbs 19:17, dignified ministry, empowering giving, poverty ministry, how to help effectively, faith-based charity, Christian generosity

Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
...more
13min
June 29, 2026 Most Christians Skip This Command of Jesus - Spiritually Fit Today
Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Paul Abbott. In this episode Arnie and Paul unpack Matthew 25:35–40—Jesus’ call to care for the hungry, stranger, and prisoner—and wrestle with why that command so often gets sidelined in Christian life. Paul shares stories from decades serving the poor across Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and now among the chronically homeless in Redding, California.

Action steps using the 4 R’s:
Read — Read Matthew 25:35–40 today.
Reflect — Picture one person you’ve passed recently. Ask: How have I treated people like this? What comforts am I protecting?
Respond — Pray a one-sentence prayer (for example: “Father, you see them; help me see them too”), then take one concrete step this week (listen for 15 minutes, bring a meal, give a gift card, volunteer locally, or donate to a trusted ministry).
Reveal — Demonstrate this truth by inviting someone to serve with you, sharing your story of one small step, or offering practical hospitality to someone in need.

Connect with Arnie: [email protected]

Keywords: Matthew 25, homelessness, poverty, Christian discipleship, faith in action, serving the poor, Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Paul Abbott, homelessness outreach, Christian podcast, social justice, gospel compassion

Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
...more
17min
June 26, 2026 How to Get Spiritually Fit in Just Minutes a Day - Spiritually Fit Today
Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and Braden Pedersen. This episode invites you into a free daily spiritual workout (5–10 minutes) built around the Four R’s and powered by an AI companion at bttb.ai. Try for seven days, and let small daily rhythms multiply your faith. Scripture to absorb today: Psalm 119:11 — "I have stored up your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

Four R actions to do now:
- Read: Read Psalm 119:11 slowly and aloud.
- Reflect: Ask: What word or image stands out? Where could this truth help me resist temptation today? Spend 1–2 minutes listening.
- Respond: Internalize by writing one sentence: “Today I will…” or memorize the verse and set a simple if-then plan (e.g., “If I feel discouraged, I will repeat this verse”).
- Reveal: Share the verse and your one-sentence application with one person—text, call, or invite them to join the 7‑day workout.

Get started: visit bttb.ai, enter your email, and begin your first workout in under a minute. Questions or feedback? Email Arnie: [email protected].

Keywords: spiritual fitness, daily devotional, Bible workout, Psalm 119:11, AI spiritual companion, daily scripture, faith habit, spiritual growth, Bible reading plan, devotional, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, Braden Pedersen

Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
...more
7min
June 25, 2026 Should Christians Trust AI for Spiritual Guidance? - Spiritually Fit Today
Welcome to the podcast Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and Braden Pedersen. In this episode we explore how AI can be redirected to point people back to Scripture instead of away from it. Learn about BTTB.AI — a closed, vetted library of biblical content that delivers personalized spiritual workouts guided by the four R’s: Read, Reflect, Respond, Reveal. This AI companion is designed to supplement discipleship (not replace pastors or real community) and to help you apply Scripture to everyday struggles like anger, criticism, or doubt.

Check out the librarian: bttb.ai

How to practice the four R’s today
- Read: Open Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Let this verse be your starting point.
- Reflect: Ask: Where is my path dark right now? What truth in this verse speaks to that struggle?
- Respond: Use the AI librarian to pull biblical teaching, a short scripture list, and daily practical steps (breath/prayer prompts, memory verse, simple behavioral next steps) tailored to your situation. Then do one small action today based on those steps.
- Reveal: Take what the AI pointed you to in God’s Word and bring it to a person — a friend, mentor, or small group. Share what you learned and ask for prayer and accountability.

Contact: [email protected]

Keywords: AI and Bible, Christian AI, BTTBAI, spiritual workouts, Psalm 119:105, discipleship, personalized discipleship, spiritual fitness, Bible study, digital discipleship, Arnie Cole, Braden Pedersen

Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
...more
8min
June 24, 2026 The Shocking Place Young Christians Go for Spiritual Advice - Spiritually Fit Today
Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Braden Pedersen. In this episode we explore new research showing many men in their 20s and 30s are turning to AI for spiritual questions. Braden explains why anonymity and perceived safety make AI appealing, and Arnie and Braden warn about the danger of trusting confident-sounding answers over Scripture. Our scripture for reflection: Proverbs 18:1 — "Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment."

4 R Action Steps
Read — Read Proverbs 18:1 aloud and note any phrase that sticks out to you.
Reflect — Ask: What am I hiding? Where do I turn for answers first — a person, a phone, or prayer?
Respond — Name the one question you've been carrying alone. Tell one real person you can trust that question out loud and notice how isolation changes.
Reveal — Share this passage and your takeaway with someone you trust; invite them to pray with you or hold you accountable.

Contact Arnie: [email protected]

Keywords: AI and faith, Christian men, Proverbs 18:1, spiritual questions, faith and technology, discernment, Bible study, men's ministry, prayer, Braden Pedersen, Arnie Cole

Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
...more
9min
June 23, 2026 The Dangerous Gap Between Faith and Action - Spiritually Fit Today
Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and Braden Pedersen. In this episode we tackle the common gap between believing and doing. We center on James 1:22: "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." Arnie and Braden explore why conviction often doesn’t translate to action and how scripture absorption (quality over quantity) helps close that gap.

4R action guide
- Read: Start with James 1:22 and a few surrounding verses. Make it a short, focused daily habit.
- Reflect: Ask, “What is God calling me to do today?” and “Where am I only hearing and not doing?”
- Respond: Choose one concrete action before the day ends — text someone, forgive the person who comes to mind, or make a call you’ve been avoiding. Treat reading as input and action as the output.
- Reveal: Share what you learned or demonstrate it in a tangible way (forgiveness, a helpful conversation, or sharing the verse with someone).

Contact Arnie: [email protected]

Keywords: James 1:22, Bible reading, scripture absorption, daily devotion, Christian living, faith into action, evangelism, discipleship, spiritual growth, Arnie Cole, Braden Pedersen, Spiritually Fit Today, BTTB

Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
...more
9min
June 22, 2026 You're Not Losing Faith—You're Spiritually Out of Shape - Spiritually Fit Today
Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and this week's guest, Braden Pedersen. In this episode Arnie and Braden discuss why many Christians feel spiritually drained despite regular church attendance and Bible reading — and how spiritual fitness (not just faith effort) brings lasting change. They unpack a simple, practical daily roadmap from 1 Timothy 4:7–8: Receive, Reflect, Respond, Reveal, and offer steps to build small daily habits that grow your spiritual life.

What to do next (4 R actions)
- Read: Pick a clear starting point (Matthew chapter 1, Proverbs, or a daily Bible plan) and read a short passage each day.
- Reflect: Pause and meditate on the passage. Ask what it reveals about God, yourself, and your story. Use a study Bible, devotional, or brief questions (Who? What? So what? Now what?) to guide thought.
- Respond: Turn your reflection into prayer. Ask God, “What are you asking me to change?” and commit one personal next step.
- Reveal: Share what you learned with someone else — a text, a quick conversation, a social post, or living out the truth in a practical way. Make that small step publicly count.

Contact: [email protected]

Keywords: spiritual fitness, daily Bible reading, Bible habits, spiritual disciplines, Receive Reflect Respond Reveal, 1 Timothy 4:7-8, daily devotion, Christian growth, Braden Pedersen, Arnie Cole

Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
...more
10min
June 19, 2026 The Father's Day Message Every Man Needs to Hear - Spiritually Fit Today
Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie talks with Brian Doyle (founder of Iron Sharpens Iron) about Father’s Day, the state of fatherhood, and Malachi 4:6 — “He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the hearts of the children to their parents.” They discuss how many men are still trying to become the fathers they needed, practical ways to mentor boys without fathers, and a simple soul-pump assignment to start making a difference today.

4 R Action Steps
Read — Read Malachi 4:5-6. Let the promise and responsibility settle in.
Reflect — Ask: What father did I need? Who in my life passes by unseen? How can my heart turn toward a son who needs spiritual leadership?
Respond — Name one young man (son, nephew, neighbor, kid at church). Pray for him, send a casual text, invite him for a Coke or a meal, and commit to showing up consistently as a spiritual mentor.
Reveal — Demonstrate this truth by bringing him to church, sharing your faith story, teaching Scripture with him, or introducing him to a men’s discipleship group.

Want to help or send photos/questions to the show? Email [email protected]

Keywords: Father’s Day, fatherhood, Christian father, Malachi 4:6, mentoring, spiritual father, men’s ministry, Iron Sharpens Iron, Arnie Cole, Brian Doyle, discipleship, Christian podcast, spiritual fitness

Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
...more
11min
June 18, 2026 The Foundation That Held When Everything Fell Apart - Spiritually Fit Today
Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Brian Doyle. In this episode Arnie and Brian talk honestly about carrying grief, loss, and regret — the “walking wounded” who must still show up for life and ministry. Drawing on 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, they explore how God comforts us in suffering and how that comfort becomes the most powerful legacy we can pass on. Brian shares personal experiences of loss, cancer survival, and how faith and a solid spiritual foundation helped him minister to his family and others through pain.

4 R Action Steps
Read — Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 daily this week. Make it the first passage you open to and underline phrases that stand out.
Reflect — Ask: Where am I carrying a wound? How has God comforted me before? Who in my life needs that comfort now? Spend 5–10 minutes journaling your answers.
Respond — Write four foundational practices you need (spiritual disciplines, relationships, resources). Commit to one specific step this week: a Bible reading time, a short prayer routine, or reaching out to a trusted friend or counselor.
Reveal — Share what God has taught you with one person this week. Offer presence, a listening ear, and the Scripture that helped you. Small acts of vulnerability become tools of comfort for others.

Resources and contact
Email Arnie: [email protected] for questions, prayer requests, or to share how this episode helped you.

Keywords: grief, Christian grief, comfort, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, spiritual formation, faith and loss, pastoral care, bereavement, ministry and family, Arnie Cole, Brian Doyle, Spiritually Fit Today, coping with loss, Christian encouragement

Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
...more
14min
June 17, 2026 The Spiritual Legacy You're Leaving Right Now - Spiritually Fit Today
Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie talks with Brian Doyle (founder, Iron Sharpens Iron) about the spiritual fitness of the American father and the powerful, often nonverbal ways fathers transmit faith to their children. Our scripture to absorb is Deuteronomy 6:6–7.

4 R action steps
- Read: Read Deuteronomy 6:6–7 aloud with your family or by yourself this week. Let the words be simple, frequent reminders.
- Reflect: Ask: “What spiritual reflection am I actually transmitting?”; “What do my kids see when I think they're not looking?” Journal one example each day.
- Respond: Take one practical step this week to normalize faith in daily life — restore the dinner table conversation, reinstate bedtime prayer, turn off your phone during family devotion, or model calm in traffic. Start small and consistent.
- Reveal: Share one honest struggle or lesson with a younger person or your child. Invite them into your growth (mentoring, prayer walks, or a short family devotion you lead).

Contact
Arnie Cole — [email protected]

Keywords: spiritual fitness, Christian father, parenting by example, Deuteronomy 6:6-7, family devotion, faith at home, fatherhood, mentorship, Iron Sharpens Iron, Brian Doyle, Arnie Cole, bedtime prayer, restore dinner table

Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
...more
12min

FAQs about Spiritually Fit Today:

How many episodes does Spiritually Fit Today have?

The podcast currently has 223 episodes available.