Spiritually Fit Today

Spiritually Fit Today

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Spiritually Fit Today episodes

  • The Shocking Reason Most Christians Don't Finish Strong - SFT

    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie welcomes longtime ministry leader Wayne Pederson to discuss how to "finish well" using 2 Timothy 4:7 ("I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith"). Drawing on Robert Clinton’s sobering study of ministry leadership and Wayne’s experience leading at Moody Radio, NRB and Reach Beyond, they explore common dangers in the fourth quarter of life.


    Practical 4 R action steps
    - Read: Read 2 Timothy 4:6–8 and reflect on Paul’s finish-line perspective.
    - Reflect: Ask: Where am I vulnerable—materialism, pride, burnout, or discouragement? What patterns from youth or midlife might threaten my later years?
    - Respond: Recommit to spiritual disciplines (Bible reading, prayer), build accountability, simplify commitments, “retire to” meaningful influence (serve, mentor, board work), and invest in family and relationships.
    - Reveal: Share this verse and your reflections with a friend or mentee; model transparency about struggles and invite someone to walk with you toward finishing well.

    Connect with Arnie Cole: [email protected]

    Keywords: spiritually fit, finish well, finish strong, 2 Timothy 4:7, Arnie Cole, Wayne Pederson, Christian leadership, ministry longevity, Robert Clinton study, spiritual disciplines, retire to something, mentorship, faithfulness

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

    13 min
  • Be Proof That Good Christians Exist - SFT
    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and Cara Whitney. In this episode Arnie and Cara reflect on 2 Timothy 2:13 — "If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself" — and offer a practical, pastoral response for anyone burned by the church: become the living proof that God is faithful by overcoming evil with good.

    Act on the 4 R’s
    Read: Read 2 Timothy 2:13 and let its promise of God’s faithfulness stand against personal hurt.
    Reflect: Ask how past wounds affect your trust in God and whether your faith is based on people or on Christ alone.
    Respond: Take one deliberate step this week to be the contrast — one visible act of kindness or grace where people expect nothing good from a Christian (no strings attached).
    Reveal: Let that action be a tangible demonstration of the gospel — share your testimony briefly when appropriate, or simply show consistent, sacrificial care that points others to Jesus.

    Resources & contact
    Have questions or want to share how this exercise went? Email Arnie at [email protected]

    Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Cara Whitney, 2 Timothy 2:13, church hurt, evangelism, Christian podcast, overcome evil with good, testimony, spiritual growth, discipleship

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    12 min
  • Christians Need to Hear This About Forgiveness - SFT

    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and Cara Whitney. In this episode they wrestle honestly with forgiveness—what it is and isn’t—how to set healthy boundaries without bitterness, and how God’s faithfulness (2 Timothy 2:13) steadies us when we’re faithless. Practical examples and pastoral wisdom guide listeners through forgiving without becoming a doormat, protecting your heart, and blessing others even as you keep appropriate distance.


    Read - Read 2 Timothy 2:13 all week. Memorize the phrase, “If we are faithless, he remains faithful.”
    Reflect - Ask: Where am I holding a bitter root? What story am I telling myself about this person? How does God’s faithfulness change how I view them?
    Respond - Do the “Boundary + Blessing” exercise: write one boundary you will keep with the person who hurt you, and one specific way you will wish them well (a quiet prayer, practical help, or blessing).
    Reveal - Demonstrate this passage by sharing a brief testimony of how God’s faithfulness helped you forgive, by praying for someone who hurt you, or by initiating a humble, loving conversation that models reconciliation and restraint.

    Questions or prayer requests: [email protected]

    Keywords: forgiveness, boundaries, bitterness, faithfulness, 2 Timothy 2:13, Christian forgiveness, reconciliation, spiritual growth, soul care, Cara Whitney, Arnie Cole, Spiritually Fit Today

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

    11 min
  • One Decision Could Save Your Faith - SFT
    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and Cara Whitney. In this episode Arnie and Cara talk honestly about being hurt by other Christians, the temptation to withdraw from the body of believers, and how to stay rooted in Jesus instead of settling into victimhood. They unpack the truth of the scripture “If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself” and give practical next steps for recovery, trust, and wise boundaries.

    4 R action steps
    - Read: Read 2 Timothy 2:13 (“If we are faithless, he remains faithful…”) and sit with the assurance that God’s faithfulness doesn’t depend on human perfection.
    - Reflect: Ask, Where am I tempted to walk away? How does this verse shape my trust in God amid disappointment from others?
    - Respond: Pray about the hurt, journal one honest reflection, and take one small step this week toward healing — reach out to a trusted believer (text, call, or coffee) and set appropriate boundaries.
    - Reveal: Share one honest part of your story with a safe person, demonstrate forgiveness when possible, and model humility by acknowledging your own need for grace.

    Connect with Arnie: [email protected]

    Keywords: hurt by Christians, Christian community, spiritual resilience, 2 Timothy 2:13, faithfulness of God, forgiveness, boundaries, recover from church hurt, Cara Whitney, Arnie Cole, Spiritually Fit Today

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    12 min
  • Don't Blame God for What Christians Did - SFT
    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and his guest Cara Whitney. In this episode Arnie and Cara explore a common spiritual trap: confusing the messenger with the message. Using 2 Timothy 2:13 ("If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself") they unpack how the enemy uses hurting or hypocritical Christians to push others away from Christ, how to protect your faith, extend grace without being naive, and set healthy boundaries when believers fail.

    4 R Actions to apply this episode
    - Read: Read 2 Timothy 2:13 aloud. Then draw a line down a page — left column: write only the facts of what the person did; right column: write who God actually is and what He has done for you.
    - Reflect: Ask yourself which wounds were caused by people and which affect God’s character. Consider your role in the conflict and where grace is needed.
    - Respond: Commit to forgiveness as a choice, set appropriate boundaries, and journal one practical step you will take this week to protect your spiritual life (prayer, counseling, or limiting contact).
    - Reveal: Share the two-column exercise and 2 Timothy 2:13 with one friend or small group; model forgiveness and explain how separating messenger from message strengthened your faith.

    Need to reach Arnie: [email protected]

    Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Cara Whitney, faith, forgiveness, Christian hypocrisy, 2 Timothy 2:13, don't confuse the messenger with the message, spiritual resilience, boundaries, evangelism

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    16 min
  • Church Hurt Is Real… But Don't Leave Jesus - SFT
    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and his guest Cara Whitney. In this episode Arnie and Cara talk honestly about Christians behaving poorly, the real pain of church hurt, and how losing faith because of other people doesn’t have to be the end of your story. They center on 2 Timothy 2:13 — “If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself” — and explore how God’s faithfulness outlasts human failure. Cara shares personal stories from growing up on a cattle farm, a career in radio, and coming to faith as an adult, and offers practical ways to move forward without abandoning faith.

    Take action with the 4 R’s:
    Read — Read 2 Timothy 2:13 aloud and sit with the phrase “he remains faithful.” Journal what God’s faithfulness means to you today.
    Reflect — Name the wound: privately write down one specific hurt caused by a fellow believer and who was involved. Don’t fix it now; just tell the truth to yourself and to God.
    Respond — Pray the truth of 2 Timothy 2:13, set healthy boundaries where needed, and take one small step toward healing (confide in a trusted friend, join a support group, or seek pastoral/counseling help).
    Reveal — Share the verse and your short, honest story with one person this week. Use your vulnerability to point someone else to God’s faithfulness and to model grace in action.

    Want to connect or request prayer? Email Arnie at [email protected]

    Keywords: church hurt, Christians behaving badly, spiritual abuse, 2 Timothy 2:13, faithfulness of God, forgiveness, healing from church hurt, Cara Whitney, Arnie Cole, Christianity podcast, spiritual growth, faith recovery, evangelism, pastoral care

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    15 min
  • God Says You're Not Who You Think You Are - SFT

    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Bruce. In this episode we move from naming the false, hidden, painful, shameful, and stuck stories we tell ourselves to embracing the truer story God is writing about us. Grounded in Ephesians 2:10, we’re reminded that we are God’s handiwork, created for good works prepared in advance, and given practical steps—Scripture, prayer, daily reminders, trusted books and people, and “stacking days”—to replace lies with truth.


    4 R action guide
    Read: Read Ephesians 2:10 aloud each morning.
    Reflect: Ask, “What false story am I believing about myself? How does Ephesians 2:10 recast my identity and purpose?”
    Respond: Write a “truer sentence” (false story on top, God’s true story beneath), pray it back to God daily, stack faithful days, and find one book, podcast, or friend to support the change.
    Reveal: Share your truer sentence and one specific truth from Ephesians 2:10 with someone who needs hope; invite them to try this daily practice with you.

    Contact Arnie: [email protected]

    Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Bruce, Ephesians 2:10, identity in Christ, renewing the mind, Christian podcast, spiritual growth, daily devotion, prayer practice, write the truer sentence, faith habits

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

    8 min
  • Why You Keep Repeating the Same Mistakes - SFT

    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Bruce. In this episode we unpack 2 Corinthians 5:17 and talk about why you keep repeating the same chapter of life — not from lack of willpower but because you’re still living an old script. Bruce names common false stories (I must earn God’s approval; I don’t need God; victimhood; entitlement; I’m beyond redemption), explains why insight alone won’t change the heart, and shows how habits and Christian community reshape our desires.


    4 R action steps
    Read — Read 2 Corinthians 5:17 and choose one Psalm that tells a different story than the false narrative you’re living.
    Reflect — Ask: Which old story am I believing? What partial truth is being warped? How does the “new creation” reframe my choices and desires today?
    Respond — Trade insight for a rep: pick one old narrative and one small action that contradicts it, do the rep within 40 hours and repeat it three times. Examples: if you believe “I’m too far gone,” read a Psalm today; if you believe “nobody wants me,” initiate one conversation; if you believe “I must earn God’s approval,” pray and thank God before you produce anything.
    Reveal — Demonstrate this new story to others: initiate a candid conversation, share how Scripture has reshaped you, or invite someone into a discipling relationship so you sharpen one another in Christ.

    Contact Arnie: [email protected]

    Keywords: 2 Corinthians 5:17, new creation, get unstuck, spiritual growth, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, Bruce, spiritual habits, community, discipleship, soul-pump assignment, read reflect respond reveal

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

    8 min
  • God Doesn't See You the Way Shame Does - SFT
    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Bruce. In this episode Arnie and Bruce unpack shame vs. guilt, show how the gospel removes condemnation, and point listeners to Romans 8:1 as the Scripture that reframes identity in Christ. Bruce shares personal testimony about forgiveness, the role of Christian community, and practical steps to stop living under shame.

    Read: Romans 8:1 — meditate on the promise “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
    Reflect: Ask whether you’re treating sin as something you did (guilt) or as who you are (shame). Picture Christ taking both your guilt and your shame on the cross.
    Respond: Own up to your sin—confess to God and, when safe, one trusted person who can help you experience God’s forgiveness and restore your identity.
    Reveal: Reach out to someone living in shame—offer presence, acceptance, and point them to Romans 8:1 and the good news that Christ’s work covers both guilt and shame.

    Questions or thoughts for Arnie: [email protected]

    Keywords: shame vs guilt, Romans 8:1, no condemnation, forgiveness, identity in Christ, gospel, healing from shame, Christian podcast, spiritual growth, Arnie Cole, Bruce

    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
    9 min
  • Don't Let Suffering Write Your Story - SFT

    Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Bruce. In this episode we unpack how pain can hijack your story and how Scripture can re-author meaning—using Genesis 50:20 and Joseph’s story as our anchor. Bruce shares personal insights on suffering, lament, faith, and how to hold pain as a chapter rather than your whole story.


    Take the 4 Rs:
    Read — Read Genesis 50:20 (and the Psalms of lament) and let Joseph’s perspective sink in.
    Reflect — Ask: What story is my pain telling me? Is that belief true or just loud? What might God be intending for good that I can’t see yet?
    Respond — Finish the following sentence: “What that pain taught me to believe was…” Write one sentence of truth to set beside the pain, say it aloud once today. Use this prayer: “Lord, my pain has been telling me a story, and some of it isn’t true. Help me see that. You are close to the brokenhearted. You waste nothing. Help me trust that you are writing good into this, even when I can’t see the page yet. Amen.”
    Reveal — Share your one-sentence truth with a friend, mentor, or small group and ask how you can encourage one another to live by that truth.

    Want to follow up or share feedback? Email Arnie at [email protected]

    Keywords: Genesis 50:20, Joseph, suffering, pain and narrative, faith and doubt, lament, Christian podcast, spiritual growth, Bible reflection, redemption, Bruce, Arnie Cole

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

    9 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.