Spiritually Fit Today

What Caregivers Need to Hear Today - SFT

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie is joined by Rick Small for a candid conversation honoring the hidden volunteers—the caregivers whose quiet acts of love often go unseen. Using Galatians 6:9 as our memory verse (“Let us not become weary in doing good…”) we explore dementia care, meeting loved ones “where they are,” the practical burdens of paperwork and benefits, the importance of family teamwork, prayer, patience, and avoiding resentment while serving those who once served us.4 R Action StepsRead — Read Galatians 6:9 (and the surrounding verses) slowly. Let the promise of a harvest settle in.Reflect — Ask: Where do I feel weary? Who in my life is serving without notice? How does this promise change my view of service?Respond — Do one concrete thing this week: send a note of recognition, pray for a caregiver, offer a specific task (errands, a meal, paperwork help), or set a small boundary to protect your own strength.Reveal — Demonstrate the truth by publicly or privately honoring a hidden volunteer: share their story with permission, bring a small gift, or simply say, “I see you and it matters.”Contact: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: caregiving, caregivers, hidden volunteers, dementia care, Alzheimer’s care, family caregivers, elder care, caregiver burnout, Galatians 6:9, Christian podcast, spiritual encouragement, volunteer appreciationSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

God Uses Your Past for Purpose - SFT

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Rick Small. Rick shares how a childhood dream of being a cowboy, a 40-year career in financial services, and family experiences led him to volunteer at Stillwaters Equestrian Academy, Arnie's therapeutic riding ministry for kids and adults with disabilities. Hear how God can weave childhood dreams and life wounds into service that blesses others and brings joy. Memory verse: Galatians 6:9 — "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."4 R action steps- Read: Read Galatians 6:9 and meditate on perseverance in service.- Reflect: Ask: What childhood passions are tucked away? How does the "invisible backpack" of my past shape my willingness to serve? Who around me is hurting in a way I can understand?- Respond: Do the three-column inventory: (1) What I loved as a kid, (2) What I’m hurting over right now, (3) Who in my world is hurting in a way I’d understand and could help. Where columns intersect, try one concrete volunteer step this week.- Reveal: Share your inventory and your next step with a friend or mentor, invite someone to serve with you, or demonstrate love through consistent acts of service.Contact: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Rick Small, Galatians 6:9, volunteer, equestrian therapy, disability ministry, serving others, Christian podcast, spiritual growth, childhood dreams, stewardship, faith in actionSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Don't Underestimate One Conversation - SFT

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie speaks with Rick Small, a financial advisor turned volunteer, about how two ordinary believers showed up when Rick’s marriage fell apart. We explore how God uses ordinary people to rescue broken lives. Memory verse: Galatians 6:9 — "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." 4 R Action Steps- Read: Read Galatians 6:9 slowly and Ecclesiastes 4:10. Sit with the phrases “do not become weary” and “one can help the other up.”- Reflect: Ask: Who has steadied me in hard times? Where do I need to keep doing good even when it’s tiring? Spend 5–10 minutes journaling one specific person who needs stability now.- Respond: Send a simple, non-judgmental text to that person — “I’m thinking of you. I’m praying for you. How can I help?” — or invite them to coffee or a short Bible study.- Reveal: Look for gentle ways to share the gospel: ask loving questions about eternity, offer to pray, share your story, and be patient and consistent.Connect: Email Arnie Cole at arnie.cole@bttb.org for questions or resources. Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Rick Small, testimony, Christian podcast, Galatians 6:9, Ecclesiastes 4:10, discipleship, evangelism, Bible study, encouragement, pastoral care, outreach, volunteer service. Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

When My Marriage Ended, God Changed Everything - SFT

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie interviews Rick Small about being brought to his knees after his marriage fell apart, how God met him in the wreckage, and how the people who served him in that season helped lift him back up. We explore what it means to find new life and an unexpected harvest when life breaks the plans we made. Memory verse: Galatians 6:9 — “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”4 R Action Steps- Read: Read Galatians 6:9 and Psalm 34:18 this week.- Reflect: Ask yourself, Where in my life am I tempted to give up? When have I seen God work through brokenness?- Respond: Practice the “Name the Wreckage” exercise — before bed, spend 60 seconds finishing the sentence: “God, the place I’m most broken right now is...” Don’t fix it; simply name it and bring it to God in prayer.- Reveal: Share one honest thing from that exercise with a trusted friend, small group, or mentor. Let your vulnerability invite someone else into hope and service.Prayer : Father, thank you that you meet us in the broken places. Be close to those who feel like the bottom has dropped out. Amen.Contact: Arnie Cole — arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Rick Small, Galatians 6:9, Psalm 34:18, finding God in the wreckage, Christian podcast, faith after divorce, spiritual recovery, brokenness, Christian encouragement, prayer, spiritual growthSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

One Day at a Time: God's Plan for Change - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie talks with Bruce about why lasting change rarely runs on willpower and how change really runs on two rails: grace and accountability. Drawing on Philippians 1:6, they explore habits as guardrails, the power of Christian community, daily practices (Scripture, prayer, gratitude), and practical steps to move from white-knuckling to relying on God one day at a time.4 R action stepsRead — Read Philippians 1:6 aloud. Write one short phrase that stands out to you.Reflect — Ask: Where am I trying to finish what God began? Spend 5 minutes journaling your answer.Respond — Take one concrete step today: divide your life into 24-hour chunks; choose one daily habit (read Scripture, 5 minutes of prayer, list three things you’re grateful for); invite one believer to pray for you or hold you accountable. Name one area you’ll stop striving and start asking God to work.Reveal — Share this episode or the verse with one person and tell them your soul-pump assignment; ask them to pray or to be your accountability partner.Need prayer or want to connect? Email Arnie Cole at arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: grace, accountability, lasting change, Philippians 1:6, spiritual growth, prayer, gratitude, Christian community, habits, willpower, spiritual fitness, soul pump, Spiritually Fit TodaySubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

What You Hide Controls You - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to the podcast Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Bruce. In this episode they explore why secrecy blocks change, how confession opens the door to mercy and transformation (Proverbs 28:13), and why honesty—before God, ourselves, and at least one trusted person—is a key predictor of lasting spiritual growth. Bruce and Arnie draw on recovery practices, the power of community, and biblical wisdom to show practical steps toward healing.4 R Action PlanRead — Read Proverbs 28:13 (and reflect on Galatians 6 about bearing one another’s burdens).Reflect — Ask: What am I hiding? How has secrecy kept me stuck? Journal 5–10 minutes on one specific area where you need truth and light.Respond — Tell God the whole truth out loud, no editing. Then tell one trusted person this week and ask them to pray. Consider a rigorous inventory or a small accountability circle to help carry the burden.Reveal — Demonstrate the truth by sharing your progress with one safe person, offering to help another bear a burden, or giving a brief, honest testimony of how confession led to mercy and growth.Resources and contactHave thoughts or feedback? Email Arnie Cole at arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: honesty, confession, transformation, Proverbs 28:13, Christian podcast, spiritual growth, accountability, recovery, community, small group, prayerSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Why Your Daily Habits Matter More Than Big Moments - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and his guest Bruce. In this episode we unpack 1 Timothy 4:7-8 and explore how small, repeated spiritual habits—“reps”—build godliness over time. Bruce and Arnie discuss practical habits (scripture reading, brief prayer, gratitude, Scripture memory) and the 24-hour “win the day” approach to reshape identity and steady the soul through pain and hardship.Four R action plan:- Read: Read 1 Timothy 4:7-8 slowly. Notice the word “train.”- Reflect: Ask: What one tiny habit would shape my next 24 hours? Which inner story resists it?- Respond: Choose one daily rep (2–10 minutes)—read a verse, pray, memorize a line, or name three things you’re grateful for—and do it every morning.- Reveal: Tell one person what habit you’re starting, invite them to join or ask them to check in, and let your consistent practice show the change.Want to follow up or share feedback? Email Arnie: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: spiritual fitness, spiritual habits, 1 Timothy 4:7-8, train yourself, daily devotion, spiritual formation, Bruce, Arnie Cole, Christian habits, prayer, scripture memorization, gratitude, soul pumpSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

The Hidden Purpose of Your Suffering - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Bruce. In this episode we explore why painful seasons often produce spiritual growth when comfort cannot. Drawing on Romans 5:3–4 and Bruce’s personal testimony, Arnie and Bruce discuss how suffering can reveal unbelief, refine character, and draw us closer to God when we refuse to waste the pain.4 R Action PlanRead — Read Romans 5:3–4 slowly and aloud. Let the phrases “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” sit with you.Reflect — On paper answer three questions: (1) What is this teaching me about myself? (2) What is this teaching me about God? (3) What one change is it inviting me to make?Respond — Pray over your written answers, journal daily, choose one concrete change to practice this week, and invite God to form perseverance, character, and hope in you.Reveal — Share your reflections with a trusted friend, small group, or mentor; tell one person how God is using this season in your life and ask them to pray with you.Connect: Email Arnie Cole at arnie.cole@bttb.org for feedback or prayer requests.Keywords: suffering, pain, spiritual growth, Romans 5:3-4, perseverance, character, hope, Bruce, Arnie Cole, Christian podcast, faith, Scripture, spiritual formation, suffering theologySubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

The Dangerous Lie Christians Believe About Growth - Spiritually Fit Today

Why doesn’t knowing better always lead to doing better? In this episode of Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole and Bruce explore why information alone rarely transforms us. Drawing from James 1:22, they discuss the gap between knowledge and action, the importance of habits, and practical steps to move from insight to real change in your spiritual life.4 R Action Steps- Read: Read James 1:22 slowly and the surrounding verses. Note one command or conviction you already know.- Reflect: Ask where you hear truth but fail to act. What belief breaks down under pressure or pain?- Respond: Pick one thing you already know you should do (forgive, apologize, reach out, or take a concrete step) and do it today.- Reveal: Share what you did with someone, invite accountability, or model the change by telling a friend and asking them to watch your growth.Contact: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: James 1:22, doers of the word, faith and works, Christian discipleship, apply Scripture, spiritual growth, habits of grace, Arnie Cole, Bruce, Spiritually Fit TodaySubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

The One Thing You Should Do This Week - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Paul Abbott. In this episode we tackle living faith (not dead faith) through James 2:14-17 and practical next steps you can start this week. Paul challenges ordinary Christians to leave comfort behind, notice the opportunities Jesus places on your block, and begin serving through simple, sustainable actions like volunteering or internships.4 R Action Plan- Read: Read James 2:14-17 slowly. Note phrases about faith, deeds, and physical needs.- Reflect: List 3–4 nudgings or opportunities you’ve felt recently. Ask: Who near me needs practical help? Where could I be the hands and feet of Jesus?- Respond: Pick one item from your list. This weekend, Google local volunteer or internship options, then commit to one first step (call, sign up, or show up) by Monday. Pray: “Lord, help my faith show itself in action.”- Reveal: Tell one friend or neighbor about your plan and invite them to join or observe. Let your small, consistent acts demonstrate faith to others.ContactFor notes or questions: arnie.cole@bttb.orgShare this episode with someone who needs practical encouragement to move from belief to action. Celebrate the steps you take—spiritual fitness is about showing up. Join us Monday for another Spiritually Fit Today workout.Keywords: living faith, James 2:14-17, faith and works, practical Christian service, volunteering, internships, local outreach, homeless ministry, spiritual fitness, Arnie Cole, Paul Abbott, discipleship, everyday discipleshipSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft