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

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FAQs about Spiritually Fit Today:

How many episodes does Spiritually Fit Today have?

The podcast currently has 224 episodes available.

Spiritually Fit Today episodes:

April 22, 2026 Why Letting Go Feels So Hard (This Is Why) - Spiritually Fit Today
Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Bruce A. In this episode we examine the hidden perils of resentment and the “root of bitterness” warning in Hebrews 12:15 — why we cling to anger, how it protects identity and postpones grief, and how the gospel’s mercy frees us to release it.

Read
Hebrews 12:15 — “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God, that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” Read the verse slowly and aloud.

Reflect
Ask yourself: What is this resentment giving me (identity, moral superiority, protection from grief)? Where has this wound become my lens for new relationships? Do I need to own any part of the hurt? Spend 5–10 minutes journaling your answers.

Respond (short prayer)
Lord, reveal any root of bitterness in me. Give me the courage to grieve what’s lost, the humility to own my part, and the mercy to release others into Your hands. Teach me to replace self-righteousness with Your grace. Amen.

Reveal
Take one practical step this week: name one resentment privately, pray for the person involved, and either share a brief, vulnerable conversation with a trusted friend or perform a small act of kindness toward someone in that category. Let one visible act of mercy test the truth of this passage.

Questions or feedback: [email protected]

Keywords: resentment, bitterness, Hebrews 12:15, grace, forgiveness, grief, spiritual growth, gospel mercy, Arnie Cole, Bruce A., Christian podcast, reconciliation, soul care

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9min
April 21, 2026 When Hurt Turns Into Suspicion Toward God - Spiritually Fit Today
Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Bruce A. In this episode we explore how bitterness not only fractures relationships but reshapes our view of God — Hebrews 12:15 warns that bitterness “defiles many.” Bruce and Arnie discuss how resentment grows like a hidden root, hardens the heart, distorts prayer, steals joy and gratitude, and how gospel-centered habits and daily spiritual fitness help move us from resentment to restoration.

4 R action steps
Read — Read Hebrews 12:15 slowly. Notice the phrase about bitterness defiling many and the image of a root that grows underground before showing above ground.
Reflect — Ask yourself: Has this resentment changed how I pray? Has it made me less compassionate or more cynical? In what single way has bitterness affected my spiritual life? Write your answer down.
Respond — Short prayer: Lord, soften any hardened place in my heart. Help me release resentment, restore my trust and tenderness, and receive your ongoing grace. Amen.
Reveal — Demonstrate this truth: share your reflection with a trusted friend or small group and ask for prayer; practice one concrete act of gratitude or kindness today; commit to one gospel-centered habit (daily Scripture, brief morning prayer, or accountability) that counters resentment.

Contact: [email protected]

Keywords: bitterness, resentment, Hebrews 12:15, forgiveness, spiritual restoration, Christian podcast, spiritual fitness, Arnie Cole, Bruce A., gospel-centered habits, prayer, healing, gratitude

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10min
April 20, 2026 The Real Reason You Still Don’t Have Peace - Spiritually Fit Today
In this episode of Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole and guest Bruce unpack bitterness vs. anger, why resentment becomes a “root” that rewrites our past, and how holding grudges corrodes spiritual and emotional health. You’ll hear honest testimony, Scripture-based insight, and a simple soul exercise to begin letting go.

Read
- Read Hebrews 12:15: "See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God, that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble..." (memory verse)

Reflect
- Spend five quiet minutes and ask: Is there a person who tightens something in me when I think of them? Do I replay a story about them often? Is there a situation where I feel morally superior? Name one resentment you're carrying — not to fix it now, just to acknowledge it.

Respond (short prayer)
- Lord, search our hearts. If a root of bitterness is growing in us, gently reveal it. Give us courage to name what we’ve been carrying, protect us from shame but not from truth, and help us choose grace over grievance. Amen.

Reveal
- Share the soul exercise with one trusted friend or mentor: each of you name one resentment (briefly, without judgment), pray together, and commit to handing it over to God. Small, honest steps create space for healing.

Contact
- Questions or feedback: [email protected]

Keywords: bitterness, resentment, forgiveness, spiritual growth, Hebrews 12:15, inner peace, Christian podcast, prayer, restoration, grace

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11min
April 17, 2026 Why People Give Up on Church (And What to Do Instead) - Spiritually Fit Today
Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Paula. In this episode they explore why many people leave church, how to stay connected, and practical ways to find a worship community that fits your season of life. Paula shares her journey from long-time choir musician to serving in a house church, the role of perseverance, the tug of the Holy Spirit, and how music and community can change over time. Arnie and Paula encourage patience, gratitude, simple acts of service, and honest relationship-building as paths back into church life.

Action plan — the 4 R’s:
- Read: Psalm 139:1 — “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.” Read that verse slowly and let it remind you that God knows your doubts and hopes.
- Reflect: Ask yourself — What draws me to church? What pushes me away? Where might God be inviting me to serve, learn, or receive? Sit with those answers for several weeks rather than making quick decisions.
- Respond: Short prayer — Lord, search my heart and renew my desire for community. Help me show up with gratitude, open my hands to serve, and give me patience to grow. Amen.
- Reveal: Share this truth with someone else by inviting a neighbor or younger believer to coffee and telling one brief story of how church shaped you, or offer to serve together in a simple ministry so they can see faith lived out.

Relevant keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Paula, church community, stay involved in church, Psalm 139:1, Christian podcast, spiritual growth, worship music, house church, faith formation, church volunteering, devotional practice, Christian encouragement

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10min
April 16, 2026 You Might Not Need a Different Church—Just This - Spiritually Fit Today
Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Paula. In this episode they explore the house church experience—how a small, home-based congregation shaped connection, hospitality, intergenerational relationships, in-depth Bible study, shared service (including supporting a local food pantry), and the surprising shifts for someone used to traditional church music and roles. Memory verse: Psalm 139:1 — "You searched me, Lord, and you know me."

4 R practical next steps:
- Read: Read Psalm 139:1 aloud and sit with the phrase "You know me."
- Reflect: Who in your faith community truly knows and cares for you? How does being seen change how you serve or receive?
- Respond: Short prayer — Lord, thank you for communities where we are known, cared for, and held. Teach us to love through home, meal, and service; help us to both serve and be served. Amen.
- Reveal: Invite someone to a meal or small-group gathering, thank a volunteer by name this week, or bring someone to your next Bible study or food-pantry outreach to show them what faithful community looks like.

Want to share feedback or connect with the show? Email Arnie Cole at [email protected]

Keywords: house church, small group church, Bible study, Psalm 139, Christian podcast, spiritual formation, church community, hospitality, intergenerational ministry, discipleship, church connection, serving, food pantry, faith practice

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11min
April 15, 2026 Was Your Identity in Christ… or Your Role? - Spiritually Fit Today
Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and Paula. In this episode we explore what happens when longtime church roles disappear — Paula’s move from a large congregation to an 18-person house church, the loss she felt without music and a visible role, and the deeper question that surfaced: who am I when I’m not the one serving up front? We reflect on Psalm 139:1 — “You searched me, Lord, and you know me” — and how identity in Christ, not ministry role, anchors us.

4 R action steps
Read — Read Psalm 139:1 today: “You searched me, Lord, and you know me.”
Reflect — Finish this sentence honestly: “If this role were taken away from me, I would be afraid that I’m no longer _____.” If you’re mostly a consumer, write: “If I had a role in the body of Christ, how would things be different?” Sit with your answers and let them reveal where identity has shifted from Christ to function.
Respond — Short prayer: Lord, when my titles or ministries change, remind me that my worth and identity rest in You, not my usefulness. Help me to find belonging and purpose in You alone. Amen.
Reveal — Share one honest sentence from your reflection with a trusted friend or a small group this week. Ask how you can serve in a way that grows others rather than seeks recognition.

Questions or feedback: [email protected]

Keywords: small church, house church, church identity, serving in church, spiritual identity, Psalm 139:1, Christian podcast, Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Paula
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10min
April 14, 2026 She Loved Church… But Her Family Needed Something More - Spiritually Fit Today
Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Paula. In this episode Paula shares how church and music shaped her life — and how, while she found joy and a role in worship, her husband and children quietly longed for a more personal, relational faith. Arnie and Paula reflect on the surprise of discovering different spiritual needs within a family, the importance of listening without defending, and how congregational life can either conceal or reveal who people really are. Memory verse: Psalm 139:1 — "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me."

Four R action steps:
Read — Read Psalm 139:1–6 (start with verse 1) and notice phrases that speak to God’s knowing you.
Reflect — Ask: How might my church experience differ from the people closest to me? Where might I be assuming my experience is universal?
Respond — Short prayer: Lord, help me listen with humility. Forgive my assumptions. Teach me to love people in my church with tenderness and honesty. Amen.
Reveal — Write one name of someone whose church experience may differ, then ask them, “How’s church going for you?” — and listen without defending. Offer to attend, pray, or share a meal to show care.

Want to follow up with Arnie? Email: [email protected]

Keywords: church, family faith, relational church, Psalm 139:1, listening, Arnie Cole, Paula, Christian podcast, spiritual growth, church change, discipleship, prayer, Soul Pump assignment

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11min
April 13, 2026 Could Your Church Involvement Be Costing Your Family? - Spiritually Fit Today
Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Paula. In this episode we explore how a church experience that feels deeply meaningful to you can still leave the people closest to you—your spouse and children—wanting something more personal. Arnie and Paula talk about roles, listening well, and how Psalm 139:1 ("You have searched me, Lord, and you know me") can anchor us when family members experience church differently.

4R Action Steps
Read: Read Psalm 139:1 aloud and write it down.
Reflect: Ask honestly — Is my experience of church the same as the people closest to me? What might I be missing?
Respond: Prayer — Lord, thank you for meeting us through church life. Give me grace to listen well to those closest to me and to love honestly. Help me hold my roles loosely and seek what truly feeds their souls. Amen.
Reveal: Take one practical step this week — invite a family member to share what they need from church in a one-on-one conversation, or try a smaller gathering focused on relationship over program.

Questions or feedback: [email protected]

Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Paula, church and family, Psalm 139, church roles, faith conversations, Christian podcast, spiritual growth, listening in church

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12min
April 10, 2026 How to Finally Step Into Your Calling - Spiritually Fit Today
Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and Pastor Ricky Kennedy. In this episode we wrestle with how to break free from comfortable, boring Christianity and embrace obedience over comfort, anchored by our memory verse Luke 9:23: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Ricky reflects on breakthrough, church planting, and how a life focused on serving others—and trusting God—moves us from inward comfort to outward mission.

4 R action steps:
- Read: Luke 9:23 (read the passage slowly and aloud).
- Reflect: Ask: What comfort am I clinging to? Where is God calling me to deny myself and take one faithful step? Ask God to open one opportunity to share or serve today.
- Respond (short prayer): Lord, break us free from passive faith. Give us bold obedience. Help us deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow you wherever that leads. Amen.
- Reveal: Demonstrate this truth by initiating one hard conversation, serving where it costs you time or resources, sharing what God has done in your life with one person, and saying “yes” to something uncomfortable within the next three days.

Questions or follow-up: contact Arnie Cole at [email protected]. If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope and strength.

Keywords: spiritually fit, discipleship, Luke 9:23, break free from comfort, Christian obedience, spiritual growth, faith in action, church planting, pastoral guidance, senders church.

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12min
April 09, 2026 You’re Counting the Wrong Cost - Spiritually Fit Today
Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Pastor Ricky Kennedy. In this episode we unpack Luke 9:23 — discipleship isn’t meant to be safe or comfortable; Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow him. Ricky and Arnie talk about measuring success by faithfulness rather than numbers, the posture of surrender and dependence, and practical ways carrying your cross looks in everyday choices.

4 R’s — practical next steps
- Read: Luke 9:23 (and read Luke 9 for context).
- Reflect: Where am I holding onto control? What does faithfulness look like today in my roles (spouse, parent, friend, worker, pastor)?
- Respond (prayer): Lord, help me deny myself, depend on you, and choose faithfulness today. Teach me to carry my cross and follow you. Amen.
- Reveal: Demonstrate this truth by praying with someone, asking a neighbor or coworker how you can serve them, or sharing Luke 9:23 and your own step of obedience.

Contact: [email protected]

Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, discipleship, Luke 9:23, take up your cross, faithfulness, surrender, following Jesus, Christian podcast, daily devotion, Ricky Kennedy, Arnie Cole

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 224 episodes available.