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Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Douglas Vandergraph. In this episode they explore what happens when independence and physical strength are taken away (how pride, rehab, depression, medication dependence, and faith intersect) and how Paul’s words in Philippians 4:11–13 reshape our understanding of strength and contentment in hard seasons. Read - Read Philippians 4:11–13. Reflect - Ask: How does Paul’s contentment in suffering challenge my definition of strength? Name one area where you currently rely on yourself rather than God. Respond - Tonight, write down a single area you’ve been depending on your own strength; pray and hand that one thing to God. Reveal - Tell one person this week how God helped you through a hard season and offer to pray with them about a specific need. Contact Arnie: [email protected] Subscribe to get each episode daily: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft Keywords: spiritual fitness, faith and recovery, stroke recovery, dependence on God, Philippians 4:11-13, contentment, prayer, rehab, Christian podcast, spiritual growth, resilience

What happens when the strength and independence you have always relied on suddenly disappear? Today on Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole talks with Douglas Vandergraph about the physical crisis that changed his life and forced him to recognize that he could not face everything on his own. Through Douglas’s story and Psalm 73:26, Arnie explores how acknowledging our weakness can become an opportunity to depend more deeply on God. Read - Read Psalm 73:26 and focus on where the psalmist finds strength when his own flesh and heart fail. Reflect - Ask: What is one area of my life where I am struggling to admit, “I can’t do this on my own”? Respond - Say one honest sentence to God today: “Lord, I can’t ______.” Name the struggle instead of hiding it, and entrust your weakness to the One who is the strength of your heart. Reveal - Encourage someone who is facing a limitation, illness, or difficult season. Remind them that needing help is not the same as giving up and that God remains present when our own strength fails. Keywords: Psalm 73:26, God is my strength, trusting God, weakness, dependence on God, physical limitations, Douglas Vandergraph, Arnie Cole, Spiritually Fit Today, spiritual fitness, faith in hard times, Christian encouragement, spiritual growth, relying on God

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie helps you prepare spiritually for the high odds that many of us will face major illness or physical decline, grounding hope in 2 Corinthians 4:16: though our bodies fail outwardly, God renews us inwardly day by day. Expect honest stories, practical encouragement for grief and recovery, and a call to keep showing up spiritually even when life changes. 4 R Action Steps Read - Read 2 Corinthians 4:16 slowly and aloud. Reflect - Ask: Where is my body or circumstance “wasting away,” and where have I noticed inward renewal? Write two brief examples. Respond - Tonight, start a simple nightly “day-by-day” journal: one sentence recording one way you depended on God today. Reveal - Share 2 Corinthians 4:16 and one short example of inward renewal with a friend, family member, or caregiver; invite them to pray with you. Want to connect or need coaching? Email Arnie at [email protected] Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft Keywords: spiritual fitness, Christian podcast, 2 Corinthians 4:16, faith during illness, coping with sickness, grief and faith, spiritual growth, dependence on Jesus, recovery, spiritual formation

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole, spiritual fitness researcher and coach. In this episode Arnie explores how worry and fear pull us away from Jesus, why silence keeps us from being healed (James 5:16), and practical ways to turn the arrow back toward spiritual growth. Read - Read James 5:16. Reflect - Ask: What one worry or fear most shifts my focus away from Jesus? How has keeping it silent affected me? Respond - When worry hits, use the next 10 seconds to pray one short sentence that hands the worry to Jesus (for example, “Jesus, I bring this worry to You”), then refocus on Scripture or a truth about Christ. Reveal - Demonstrate this truth by briefly telling one trusted person the single word or worry you named and asking them to pray for you once, then listen when they share theirs without trying to fix it. Contact - Questions or coaching: [email protected] Keywords: spiritual fitness, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, worry and fear, James 5:16, confession, prayer, healing, spiritual growth, accountability, faith practice Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Braden Pedersen. In this episode they tackle worry and anxiety from a scriptural and practical perspective: why worry keeps returning, what to do in the first 10–15 seconds after it appears, and how prayer, gratitude, community, and nighttime rhythms help you move closer to Jesus. Scripture discussed: Psalm 16:8 and 1 Peter 5:7. Read - Read Psalm 16:8 and 1 Peter 5:7. Reflect - Ask: When today did I stop “keeping my eyes on the Lord”? Identify the moment and the trigger that led to worry. Respond - The next time worry appears, within 10–15 seconds say a one-sentence prayer (aloud or silently) giving the worry to God and add one short sentence of gratitude. Reveal - Share the practice with one person: invite them to join a 24-hour trial (each time worry shows up, pray and record the result), then compare notes and encourage each other. Connect with Arnie: [email protected] Keywords: worry, anxiety, prayer, Psalm 16:8, 1 Peter 5:7, spiritual fitness, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, Braden Pedersen, gratitude, faith, mental health Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie talks with Braden Pedersen about fear, worry, and the harm of hiding anxiety. Using Psalm 56:3–4, they explore how David expects fear and intentionally "puts" his trust in God. Braden shares how a pastor’s death, staff turnover, and internalized fear led to burnout, and how community and honest confession opened the way back to spiritual life. Read: Psalm 56:3–4. Reflect: Notice David’s two key words, “when” and “put.” Expect fear, then decide where you’ll place it rather than letting it run you. Respond: This week, tell one trusted friend or mentor one specific fear you’re carrying and ask for their prayer or accountability. Reveal: Share with someone how naming a fear and redirecting trust to God changed one choice you made; offer to pray with them or lead a short conversation about fear and faith. Connect with Arnie Cole: [email protected] Keywords: spiritual fitness, fear and faith, worry, Psalm 56, trust in God, Christian podcast, pastoral burnout, vulnerability, community, Braden Pedersen, Arnie Cole Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Braden Pedersen. In this episode Arnie and Braden wrestle with worry: what to do when it feels like you’ll fail at your job, when circumstances aren’t your fault and fear moves in. Using Philippians 4:6–7 and Matthew 6:33, Braden shares how the sudden loss of his mentor tested his faith and how he learned to choose trust and trade worry for prayer. (Four in ten Christian women and three in ten men say they struggle with worry.) Read - Read Philippians 4:6–7 aloud and then Matthew 6:33. Reflect - Identify one recurring worry and ask, “Is this pulling my focus off Jesus?” Name it as the arrow it is. Respond - When you notice that worry, present that specific concern to God in a brief prayer with thanksgiving. Reveal - Tell a friend one worry you handed to God and invite them to pray with you; observe any shift in peace as evidence of God’s presence. Connect: [email protected] Keywords: worry, anxiety, Philippians 4:6-7, prayer, spiritual fitness, trust God, Matthew 6:33, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, Braden Pedersen, Spiritually Fit Today Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie shares his lifelong struggle with worry and fear, explains how these distractions pull our focus off Jesus, and offers practical steps from Hebrews 12:1–2 to help you refocus on Him. Read - Read Hebrews 12:1–2 slowly today. Reflect - Ask: What habit or worry is entangling my feet as I try to run toward Jesus? Spend 2–3 minutes visualizing your eyes fixed on Jesus instead of the struggle. Respond - Tonight, write down one worry, pray a short surrender over it, and place the paper somewhere visible as a reminder to refocus on Jesus tomorrow. Reveal - Share that one worry with a trusted friend or small group and pray together, showing how turning a named struggle toward Jesus changes perspective. Contact Arnie: [email protected] Keywords: spiritual fitness, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, worry and fear, Hebrews 12:1-2, overcome anxiety, spiritual growth, faith, Christian coaching, daily devotion Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie grounds us in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and calls us to move what’s on our hearts into ordinary home rhythms by offering a genuine gift of affirmation, then asking a courageous question and receiving the answer with gratitude. Read Deuteronomy 6:6-7. Reflect Ask: Is this teaching lodged in my head or on my heart? Notice everyday entry points (coming home, sitting, walking, lying down, rising) where gospel truth can shape how you relate to the people who live with you. Respond Simple step: Give one honest, face-to-face affirmation of who someone in your home is (not what they do). Later this week ask, briefly and calmly, how it feels to live with you in the first few minutes after you come home—and when they answer, just say “Thank you.” Reveal Model the pattern for someone else: demonstrate giving a plain affirmation, asking the question, and receiving the response with humility so others can see a gospel-shaped way to hear hard truth. Contact Questions or feedback: [email protected] Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Deuteronomy 6:6-7, spiritual fitness, household discipleship, heart to home, gospel in daily life, gratitude practice, family conversation, humble listening Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie talks with Jason Hietbrink about the “landing zone” — the short, intentional transition between your workday and your home life — and why those minutes matter for presence, marriage, and parenting. Anchored in Psalm 127:1–2, Jason outlines how trusting God as owner and practicing simple habits at the threshold can transform how you show up for your family. Read Read Psalm 127:1–2. Reflect Ask: “Where am I acting like the owner instead of a steward?” Spend 60 seconds naming one worry or control impulse from today and consider whether God is asking you to entrust it to Him. Respond Tonight, choose one household moment (a bedtime, a chore, a short conversation) and do it as an intentional act of stewardship—offer a quick prayer of surrender before you start and notice your heart as you serve. Reveal Share Psalm 127:1–2 and the stewardship action you practiced with one family member or close friend. Explain briefly how trusting God changed the way you showed up. Connect with Arnie: [email protected] Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Jason Hietbrink, landing zone, presence, parenting, marriage, Psalm 127, spiritual fitness, Christian podcast, faith and family, transition routine, trust God Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie interviews Jason Hietbrink about the four words that set him free as a husband and father: “you are not adequate.” They center the conversation on John 15:4–5—abiding in Christ rather than performing from fear—examining how contentment, motive, and ordered priorities reshape marriage, parenting, and leadership. Jason contrasts two common patterns in marriage and urges presence and love over fixing or proving. 4 R action guide - Read: John 15:4–5 - Reflect: Ask: Where am I trying to prove my adequacy? How would my choices change if I were motivated by love, not fear? - Respond: Today, schedule one focused 15-minute conversation with your spouse or a close friend—listen without fixing, defend, or offering solutions; simply be present. - Reveal: Share John 15:4–5 with one person and explain one specific way you’ll practice abiding this week, then follow through. Contact: [email protected] Keywords: spiritual fitness, abide in Christ, John 15:4-5, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, Jason Hietbrink, marriage, spiritual growth, Christian leadership, faith and adequacy Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Jason Hietbrink. In this episode Arnie and Jason discuss the pressure high-achieving Christian men feel to “do more,” as well as the counselor’s question that pierced Jason’s sense of failure as a husband and father. They explore work-family balance, presence versus providing, and the courage to admit limits so grace can work. 4R action steps - Read: Read 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 pausing on the phrase “my grace is sufficient.” - Reflect: Where are you trying to prove your worth by doing more? Name one situation this week where you feel “not enough.” - Respond: Turn off devices and spend 10 uninterrupted minutes tonight actively listening to one family member. - Reveal: Share the verse and one honest admission with a trusted person Jason Hietbrink coaches high‑achieving Christian men and is the author of Never Enough. Questions or feedback: [email protected] Keywords: spiritual fitness, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, Jason Hietbrink, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, grace in weakness, work-life balance, fatherhood, marriage, presence over provision, spiritual growth, Christian men, counseling, confession, faith practice Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole, spiritual fitness researcher and coach. In this episode Arnie explores Mark 8:36 — what we gain versus what we forfeit — and why your presence at home is a clearer sign the gospel has moved from your head to your heart than church attendance or correct theology. 4 R action steps Read — Read Mark 8:36 (any translation): “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Reflect — Focus on the words gain and forfeit. Ask: What am I winning that costs my soul or my family? Where have I accepted an unexamined exchange rate? Respond — Choose one concrete boundary for the next week (for example: silence work notifications or close your laptop for the first hour after you arrive home) and honor it as family time. Reveal — Tell one trusted friend or family member the verse and your chosen boundary, then invite them to check in with you after one week to see how the change affected your presence. Contact: [email protected] Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Mark 8:36, presence at home, work-life balance, Christian living, spiritual growth, family ministry, gospel in practice, Christian leadership Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Sarah Bolden. In this episode they reflect on grief, what actually helps, and how Lamentations 3:21–23 redirects a grieving heart toward hope by remembering God’s unchanging mercy and faithfulness. Arnie and Sarah explore the power of the single word "yet" in Lamentations 3:21–23 — how calling God’s faithfulness to mind turns despair into hope. They discuss practical spiritual preparation for loss: holding earthly things loosely, anchoring life in Scripture, cultivating hope in Jesus, and trusting God’s protection between heaven and earth. 4 R Action Steps Read — Lamentations 3:21–23. Read slowly and notice the phrases: “yet I call to mind,” “compassion never fails,” “new every morning.” Reflect — Ask: What does “yet” change about my situation? Spend two minutes naming one truth from this passage that counters your current fear or grief. Respond — For seven days write a one-sentence “Yet” prayer each morning (start with “Yet” and name one way God’s faithfulness gives you hope today). Reveal — Share one of your “Yet” prayers with a friend or family member and offer to pray for their hope this week. Contact Questions or feedback for Arnie: [email protected] Keywords: grief, Christian grief, Lamentations 3:21-23, hope, spiritual fitness, faithfulness of God, grieving well, pastoral care, listening, Scripture practice Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole with guest Sarah Bolden. In this episode Arnie and Sarah talk honestly about grief—why you can't go around it, how leaning into it helped Sarah survive, the comfort God provides, the gift of finding her mother’s prayer journals, and practical permission for facing holidays and traditions after loss. Read: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Reflect: Ask: Where have I experienced God’s comfort in loss, and how might that comfort equip me to be present for someone else? Notice how grief can isolate you, especially around holidays. Respond: Pick one upcoming difficult date, put a block on your calendar for that day, and invite one trusted person to be with you (in person or by phone/video) so you don’t face it alone. Reveal: Show the passage’s truth by sharing a brief memory or a short prayer with someone who’s grieving, then listen—offer presence and comfort rather than advice. Contact: [email protected] Keywords: grief, holiday grief, Christian grief, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, comfort from God, prayer journals, coping with loss, grieving during holidays, spiritual comfort, Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Sarah Bolden Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft