Spiritually Fit Today

What to Do When You Don’t Feel God Anymore - Spiritually Fit Today

In this episode of Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie and Bruce explore gospel-centered habits, obedience when feelings lag, and the slow, disciplined work of spiritual recovery. Bruce shares personal steps he took and offers hope: small daily practices, repeated over time, reorder the heart toward God.4 R Action Plan- Read: Read James 1:22. Aim for a short daily reading (5–10 minutes) each morning.- Reflect: Ask: How does this passage expose what I truly desire? Where do my habits reveal my trust or lack of trust in God?- Respond: Choose one small daily practice for the next seven days (scripture reading, gratitude journaling, short prayer, or a simple obedience action). Track it each day no matter how you feel.- Reveal: Share what you’re learning with one trusted person this week—send the verse and one sentence about how you’re responding, and invite accountability.Resources and contact- Email Arnie Cole: arnie.cole@bttb.org- Quick tip: Start each day by turning to Scripture and prayer, then follow one simple habit through the day to keep momentum.Keywords: spiritual growth, rebuilding faith, God silent, James 1:22, gospel-centered habits, spiritual disciplines, faith recovery, devotional podcast, daily habits, prayer, Bible reading, Arnie Cole, Bruce, Spiritually Fit TodaySubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

The Subtle Shift That Slowly Destroys Faith - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole, joined by Bruce. In this episode we confront the hidden danger of quiet cynicism—how faith can slowly erode when God feels silent, what it does to prayer and relationships, and practical steps to recover. We ground our conversation in Hebrews 3:12 and the biblical pattern of lament, honesty, and renewed trust.Read - Read Hebrews 3:12.Reflect - Spend 5 minutes listing quiet doubts or resentments you carry. Notice whether your prayer has shifted from faithful lament to accusing God or seeking only earthly fixes.Respond - Speak each doubt to God, confess cynicism, and ask for renewed trust. Recommit to honest prayer, invite a trusted friend or pastor into accountability, and seek professional help for trauma or substance concerns if needed.Reveal - Share one honest insight or struggle with someone who can pray for you, and demonstrate trust by serving or encouraging someone else this week.Contact: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: quiet cynicism, spiritual dryness, Hebrews 3:12, prayer, lament, faith and doubt, Christian podcast, Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Bruce, spiritual recovery, faith encouragementSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Control, Distraction, Numbing: The Trap We Don’t See - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Bruce. In this episode Arnie and Bruce unpack common—but subtle—coping mechanisms, the gap between what we say we believe and what we actually live by, and practical steps to remain grounded in the gospel amid silence and suffering.4 R Action StepsRead — Read Jeremiah 2:13 slowly. Note words or phrases that stand out.Reflect — Ask: Where have I dug my own broken cisterns? What patterns do I reach for when God feels distant?Respond — Identify one substitute you lean on; for the next 24 hours, each time the urge comes, pause and speak one honest sentence of dependence toward God.Reveal — Share your insight or the 24-hour practice with a trusted friend, small group, or mentor; invite prayer and accountability.Contact Arnie: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: spiritual coping, God feels distant, Jeremiah 2:13, Christian podcast, faith during suffering, spiritual disciplines, Arnie Cole, Bruce, coping mechanisms, trust GodSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

When God Doesn’t Answer: The Crisis of Faith We Avoid - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Bruce. In this episode we wrestle with what to do when God feels silent—when prayers go unanswered and grief or resentment creeps in. Bruce shares his personal story of crisis, honest struggle, and how the psalms of lament (especially Psalm 13) helped him persist in prayer and faith. Practical guidance is given for lamenting honestly, guarding against numbing behaviors, and holding fast to the gospel amid suffering.Read — Open Psalm 13 (or another psalm of lament) and read it slowly aloud to hear the honest cry to God.Reflect — Ask: Where do I feel God’s silence? What expectations or assumptions need realignment? Notice emotions without denying them.Respond — Set aside 10–15 minutes to write your own honest lament modeled on Psalm 13; read it aloud as prayer and bring specific needs to God.Reveal — Share your lament, prayer, or takeaway with a trusted friend, small group, or mentor; let your vulnerability point others to honest faith and hope.Resources: Email Arnie at arnie.cole@bttb.org for prayer or feedback. Subscribe for daily episodes and practical spiritual formation.Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Bruce, , Psalm 13, lament, unanswered prayer, praying in silence, Christian podcast, spiritual disciplines, read reflect respond reveal, faith in suffering, pastoral counselSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Why You Still Feel Unworthy (And How to Break It) - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest John Comstock. In this episode we confront the power of shame and the freedom of giving our wounded identity to Jesus — practical teaching on handing over the “t-shirt” label that keeps us from receiving God’s love and living as the beloved. 4 R action steps- Read: Read Psalm 34:5 and other passages about your identity in Christ (e.g., Romans 8, 2 Corinthians 5:17). Let Scripture speak into the shame you carry.- Reflect: Ask, “What label have I been wearing? Where did it come from?” Sit quietly and notice how that label filters your relationships and choices.- Respond: Pray a short prayer of surrender — for example: “Lord, I give You this label I’ve been carrying. Help me receive Your forgiveness, identity, and love. Replace shame with the truth that I am beloved in Christ. Amen.”- Reveal: Share the exercise with a trusted friend or small group. Try the practical step used in the teaching: write the shameful label on paper, pray over it, then tear it up as a physical symbol of handing it to Jesus. Encourage someone else with your story of freedom.Connect:For resources or questions, contact Arnie Cole: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords:Spiritual fitness, Christian podcast, shame and identity, give your shame to Jesus, Psalm 34:5, Arnie Cole, John Comstock, intimacy with Jesus, forgiveness, freedom in Christ, devotional, soul careSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Why Jesus Went Out of His Way for One Broken Woman - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole featuring John Comstock. In this episode they reflect on the story of the woman at the well (John 4) — a powerful portrait of how Jesus meets shame with acceptance, restores identity, and invites real, relational transformation. 4 R Action StepsRead — Read John 4 and Psalm 34:5 slowly, noting how Jesus initiates conversation and meets the woman where she is. "Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed."Reflect — Ask: Who in my life feels unseen or shamed? How would Jesus show up in that person's story? Remember a moment you felt known and let that shape your compassion.Respond — A short prayer: Lord, thank you for meeting us where we are. Help us to listen without judgment, to love as you love, and to bring healing to those who feel shamed. Amen.Reveal — Go out of your way to meet someone who is struggling. Sit with them, listen without preaching, and show acceptance. Share this story or invite them to talk about what they remember and feel.Host contact: Arnie Cole — arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: woman at the well, John 4, Psalm 34:5, shame and redemption, Jesus and outcasts, spiritual growth, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, John Comstock, Bible reflection, discipleship, listening ministry, outreach, faith practiceSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

The Hidden Link Between Shame and Addiction - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest John Comstock. In this episode we address the role shame plays in driving people toward pornography and false intimacy, why porn feels like a safe substitute, and practical first steps toward healing. 4 R actions you can takeRead — Read Psalm 34:5. "Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed." Memorize or meditate on the promise that looking to God brings radiance, not shame.Reflect — Ask: Where have I sought counterfeit intimacy to cover shame? When do I most need God’s presence? Who could safely hear my story?Respond — Short prayer: Lord, you see my shame and longings. Help me stop relying on counterfeits. Give me courage to seek healing, to confess to a safe person, and to receive Your mercy and true intimacy. Amen.Reveal — Demonstrate the truth by naming one trusted person you will tell or by sharing Psalm 34:5 with someone who needs hope. Start small: text one person to identify whom you can confess to or reach out to a Christian counselor or recovery group.Need support or resources? Email Arnie Cole: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Christian podcast, pornography recovery, shame and intimacy, John Comstock, Arnie Cole, Psalm 34:5, Christian counseling, faith-based recovery, Celebrate Recovery, spiritual growth, prayer for shame, porn addiction helpSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

How to Silence Shame Once and For All - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie talks with John Comstock about how shame can linger even after confession—and how to silence that voice by inviting Jesus into the stories that keep us stuck. They use a simple imagination exercise (Jesus at the piano) and practical truth from Psalm 34:5: “Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.”4 R action stepsRead: Psalm 34:5.Reflect: When shame rises, picture Jesus present in that moment—let him sit with you in the scene and retell the story with him there.Respond: Short prayer — Lord, silence the lies that shame tells me; remind me I am forgiven and loved. Amen.Reveal: When shame comes, say aloud the phrase: “Because I confessed, I’m not my behavior. I’m loved by Jesus Christ.” Share this practice with a trusted friend or guide someone through the imagination exercise to help them experience God’s presence.Questions or feedback: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: shame, forgiveness, Psalm 34:5, John Comstock, Arnie Cole, Christian podcast, spiritual growth, healing from shame, forgiveness prayer, Christian counseling, spiritual formationSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Guilt vs Shame: The Difference That Could Set You Free - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest John Comstock. In this episode they unpack the difference between healthy guilt and toxic shame, why many Christians struggle to forgive themselves, and practical steps to receive God’s forgiveness through self-awareness, confession, and supportive community. Read: Read Psalm 34:5 and the surrounding verses to reflect on God’s promise of restoration and radiance. "Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed."Reflect: Ask yourself — Am I experiencing guilt (I did something wrong) or shame (I am wrong)? Where does this feeling lead me: repair or withdrawal? Who can I trust to speak grace into my life?Respond: Short prayer — Lord, thank you for conviction that leads to repentance. Help me name and release the shame I carry. Give me courage to confess to someone safe, receive your forgiveness, and live in your restoration. Amen. Reveal: Choose a safe, trusted person and share your struggle; invite them to speak forgiveness back to you or to pray with you. Let vulnerability create space for community healing and mutual confession.Contact: Arnie Cole — arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, John Comstock, guilt vs shame, forgiveness, Psalm 34:5, confession, discipleship, Nazarene, Back to the Bible, Christian podcast, faith, community, self-forgiveness, grace, mental healthSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
 
 

The Cross Wasn’t Just About Sin… - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest John Comstock. In this episode John shows how Jesus publicly defeated shame on the cross and how that truth transforms our identity, worth, and ability to receive God’s love. 4 R Action StepsRead — Read Hebrews 12:2 in your Bible and let the cross speak to both sin and shame: "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."Reflect — Ask: Where does shame show up in my life? Try this: imagine Jesus urgently seeking you and simply wanting to look you in the eyes. Notice what feelings surface.Respond — Short prayer: Lord, thank You that by the cross You scorned shame. Help me receive Your love, replace my shame with Your truth, and live as one loved by You. Amen.Reveal — Tell a trusted friend one way shame has affected you, share Hebrews 12:2, and invite them to try the imagination exercise together. When shame whispers, say the verse out loud.Contact: Arnie Cole — arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Christian podcast, Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, John Comstock, Jesus and shame, forgiveness, identity in Christ, Hebrews 12:2, spiritual growth, Christian encouragement, redemption, faith, gospelSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft