Spiritually Fit Today

What Jesus Does With Your Hidden Shame - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today. Arnie Cole and guest John Comstock explore how Jesus entered our shame and rejection so we wouldn’t face it alone, unpacking Genesis 3, the meaning of the cross, and how Christ’s vulnerability restores our identity and gives us courage to heal in community.4 R practical practice:- Read: Read Genesis 3 and Hebrews 12:2. Notice the introduction of shame and how Jesus confronts it on the cross.- Reflect: Ask yourself: Where has shame shaped my story? How would knowing Jesus chose rejection change my sense of worth?- Respond: Prayer — Lord Jesus, you knew rejection and entered our shame. Help me believe I am seen, loved, and made whole in you. Give me the courage to trust you today. Amen.- Reveal: Share one honest moment of struggle with a trusted friend or mentor this week and invite them to listen and pray; or tell someone the truth of Hebrews 12:2 and that Jesus understands their shame.Contact: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, John Comstock, Christian podcast, shame, rejection, Hebrews 12:2, Jesus and shame, spiritual growth, discipleship, devotional, healing in communitySubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

How Shame Entered the Human Story (Genesis Explained) - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and John Comstock. In this episode they explore shame as a spiritual battle rooted in Genesis—how Adam and Eve moved from being "naked and without shame" to hiding after the serpent’s half-truths (Yahweh vs. Elohim). Looking to Hebrews 12:they show how shame blocks intimacy with God and point listeners toward running to God rather than hiding.4 R action steps:- Read: Read Genesis 3:8–10 aloud, then say: "God, I'm coming out of hiding. Here I am."- Reflect: Notice the difference between Yahweh (God who wants to be present) and Elohim (God as supreme power). Ask: Which image of God am I defaulting to, and where has shame caused me to hide?- Respond: Short prayer — Lord, when I feel exposed or unworthy, help me run toward you instead of hiding. Amen.- Reveal: Share the passage and your reflection with someone you trust; read Genesis 3:8–10 together and speak the prayer out loud. If you need support, email Arnie Cole at arnie.cole@bttb.org.Keywords: shame, Garden of Eden, Genesis 3, Yahweh Elohim, spiritual formation, Hebrews 12:2, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, John Comstock, Bible study, overcoming shame, faith, spiritual growthSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

This Is Why You Can’t Be Vulnerable - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest John Comstock. In this episode they unpack how shame builds walls, wears masks, and drives defensive behaviors—perfectionism, withdrawal, false humility, anger, addiction, and even narcissistic defenses—and how Jesus’ response to shame in Hebrews 12:2 points us toward freedom and vulnerability. Read: Hebrews 12:2 "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: Where are you wearing a mask to avoid being seen? Respond: Short prayer: Heavenly Father, you see past every mask I wear. Help me lay down perfectionism, withdrawal, and false humility. Give me courage to be honest, receive your grace, and walk in freedom. In Jesus’ name, amen.Reveal: Practical step: Pick one mask you wear and tell one safe person today. Watch how confession and vulnerability begin to loosen shame’s hold.For questions or feedback, contact Arnie Cole: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: shame, shame resilience, perfectionism, vulnerability, Hebrews 12:2, discipleship, John Comstock, Arnie Cole, spiritual growth, Christian podcast, masks, confession, Donald Nathanson, compass of shame, false humility, spiritual formationSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

The Most Dangerous Lie Christians Believe - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest John Comstock. In this episode we explore the corrosive voice of shame—how “I’m not enough” blocks love, shuts down empathy, and distorts identity—and how Jesus’ example in Hebrews 12:2 reframes our worth and belonging. John, who grew up in a Christian home, shares from his own struggles with OCD and anxiety and his work in discipleship at the Global Ministry Center (Church of the Nazarene).4 R PracticesRead: Hebrews 12:2: "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, “When did I start believing ‘I’m not enough?’ Who told me that?” and notice how shame affects your relationships and ability to receive love.Respond: Short prayer — Lord Jesus, shine your light into every dark corner where shame whispers “not enough.” Help us receive your love, remember your acceptance, and live from our true identity in you. Amen.Reveal: Share one of your top three “I’m not enough” lies with a trusted friend or mentor and ask them to remind you of God’s truth; practice listening to others without judgment.Contact: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Spiritually Fit Today, shame, spiritual fitness, Hebrews 12:2, John Comstock, Arnie Cole, discipleship, Christian podcast, faith, shame recovery, identity in ChristSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

From Fear to Faith as a Parent - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole, and guests Char, Laura, and Karmin. In this episode our panel of moms discuss how to release lifelong fears about children’s safety, mental health, and the future by trusting God, leaning on faith, and training kids in His ways (Proverbs 22:6). Practical wisdom for moms, dads, and grandparents, plus a simple soul-pump assignment you can start today.4 R action stepsRead — Read Proverbs 22:6.Reflect — Ask: What fears am I holding onto, and how would trusting God change the way I guide my children?Respond — Short prayer: Lord, you love our children more than we do. We bring our fears about safety, mental health, and the unknown future to You. Guard our kids and grandkids. Give us wisdom to guide without controlling, courage to release without fear, and unshakable hope that You are writing their stories. Amen.Reveal — Write a short blessing or Scripture promise for each child in your life and pray it over them by name every day for the next 30 days; share this practice with another parent or grandparent and encourage them to do the same.Contact: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Christian parenting, motherhood, trusting God, Proverbs 22:6, prayer for children, parental anxiety, spiritual growth, Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, family discipleshipSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Why So Many Moms Feel Lonely (Even with Kids) - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today. Host Arnie Cole is joined by Char, Laura, and Karmin for a candid panel on moms’ loneliness—how it can feel present even in a crowd, the pressure of social media, and practical ways church, friendships, and prayer can move us from isolation to thriving. 4 R Action Steps- Read: Read Psalm 68:6 slowly and reflect on what “placed in families” means for you.- Reflect: Ask yourself—Who in my life feels unseen? When was the last uninterrupted, honest conversation I had? How does social media shape my sense of belonging?- Respond (short prayer): Lord, you made us for community. Help me to reach out, receive help, and share my needs. Give me the courage to ask for prayer and the grace to listen to others. Amen.- Reveal: Put the truth into practice—text or call a mom today, invite someone for coffee, share a specific prayer request, or offer one concrete help (a meal, babysitting, or 20 minutes to talk). Consider joining or starting a small group to build ongoing support.Contact: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: moms loneliness, motherhood support, Psalm 68:6, Christian podcast, parenting encouragement, small groups, prayer, community, social media comparison, women’s ministrySubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Trying to Do It All? Watch This First - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today — practical, faith-centered conversations to help you find rest and strength in the middle of life’s demands. Host Arnie Cole joins guest Char, Laura, and Karmin for honest talk about balancing work, childcare, home, and soul-care with the promise of Matthew 11:28–30 as our anchor. They share personal stories, practical tips, and spiritual encouragement, focusing on Matthew 11:28-30. Discover how faith, self-care, and community can help moms manage stress, avoid burnout, and find rest in Jesus while juggling career, family, and personal well-being. The 4 R action steps- Read: Slowly read Matthew 11:28–30 (one or more times). - Reflect: Ask: What burden am I carrying? Where do I feel most stretched? What one small change could help today? - Respond: Short prayer — Heavenly Father, I bring this burden to You. Help me rest in Your care and give me the strength and wisdom to make one practical change today. Amen. - Reveal: Share the passage and one concrete way you’re giving a burden to Jesus with a friend or family member. Offer practical help to someone who’s overwhelmed (a call, a meal, babysitting, or listening).Host contact: Arnie Cole — arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: work-life balance, Christian parenting, spiritual rest, Matthew 11:28-30, burnout recovery, moms, faith and family, Christian podcast, soul care, practical discipleshipSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Why Moms Are More Burned Out Than Ever - Spiritually Fit Today

In this episode of Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, is joined by guests Char, Laura, and Karmin to discuss the invisible mental load of motherhood — burnout, anxiety, and the daily tug of worry — and how Philippians 4:6–7 invites moms to trade exhaustion for the peace of God through prayer, thanksgiving, and trust. Hear multi-generational perspectives and practical encouragement for carrying and releasing anxious thoughts.4 R ActionsRead: Read Philippians 4:6–7 slowly this week.Reflect: Notice one recurring worry; ask, “What would change if I handed this to God?” and journal the answer.Respond: Short prayer — Lord, I bring this anxious thought to You. Guard my heart and mind with Your peace and help me trust You today. Amen.Reveal: Share Philippians 4:6–7 and this brief prayer with another mom, offer to pray with her, or do a practical act of help (a meal, babysitting, or a listening check-in).Contact: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: moms mental health, motherhood burnout, Philippians 4:6-7, Christian parenting, faith and motherhood, anxiety relief, prayer for moms, spiritual peace, devotional podcastSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

70% of Moms Say This… It’s Breaking Them - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. This week Arnie welcomes guests, Char, Laura, and Karmin for a practical Christian conversation about the pressures moms face and how faith shapes our finances. Today we talk about the real money stresses mothers carry (childcare, groceries, housing, college and student loans), how trusting God’s provision (Philippians 4:19) helps, and simple, practical steps—budgeting, emergency funds, tracking spending, and getting on the same page with your spouse.4 R Action Steps- Read: Philippians 4:19. Read it slowly and let the promise sink in.- Reflect: Ask: Where does money fear show up in my daily life? What small step can I take this week to steward what I have?- Respond: Short prayer — Lord, I surrender my financial worry to You. Meet our needs, give wisdom for wise choices, and fill our hearts with peace. Amen.- Reveal: Write your biggest financial worry on a card, place Philippians 4:19 beside it, pray over it daily, and offer practical help or a listening ear to another mom.Contact: Arnie Cole — arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Christian motherhood, moms and money, Philippians 4:19, faith and finances, budgeting for moms, parenting costs, childcare costs, college planning, student loans, Christian podcast, Spiritually Fit Today, Back to the BibleSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
 
 

Her Life Was Falling Apart… Now It’s Transformed - Spiritually Fit Today

In this Spiritually Fit Today episode, Arnie Cole wraps up the week and talks about the powerful testimony shared by guest Carrie and her journey from loneliness, rebellion, and rock-bottom despair to encountering the peace of God (Philippians 4:7). We'll see how Carrie’s testimony shows how surrender, daily spiritual rhythms, forgiveness, and community can turn lowest places into launch pads for lasting spiritual growth. 4 R Action Steps- Read: Start by reading Philippians 4:7 each morning and spend 5–10 minutes in Scripture.- Reflect: Journal about a “rock-bottom” or lonely moment—what pain pushed your choices, and how might God meet you now?- Respond: Prayer (example): Lord, thank You for meeting us in our lowest places. Pour out Your peace, heal old wounds, help us surrender daily, and give us courage to walk in forgiveness and new rhythms. Amen.- Reveal: Reach out to one person today—text, call, or message to share a hopeful takeaway from Carrie’s story and encourage them to try the journaling step.Contact: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Carrie, Christian podcast, testimony, spiritual fitness, Philippians 4:7, faith, surrender, grace, forgiveness, daily devotion, Christian encouragementSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft