Spiritually Fit Today

How to Detect Bias in 60 Seconds - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole, and his guests Bruce A., and Randy Lube. In this episode we unpack media bias—what it looks like (story selection, omitted facts, loaded language, source choices, placement) and practical ways to spot and navigate it as followers of Christ. Randy and Bruce offer concrete tips: read original speeches and records, compare multiple outlets, watch for emotional language and source bias, limit reactive social media engagement, and protect your spiritual life by prioritizing Scripture and humility.4 R steps to act on todayRead — Read 1 Thessalonians 5:21 ("but test them all; hold on to what is good") and a short Gospel passage.Reflect — Ask: Who is missing from this account? What words shape my emotions? How does this passage call me to test claims and hold to truth?Respond — Short prayer: Lord, give us clarity to detect bias, humility to examine our hearts, and courage to pursue truth. Amen.Reveal — Model discernment: share primary sources or the full speech with a friend, ask curious questions instead of posting angrily, and demonstrate humility in conversation.Contact: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: media bias, spot bias in news, discernment, Christian discernment, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Bruce A., Randy Lube, media literacy, news consumption, faith and mediaSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

The Hidden Spiritual Cost of Headlines - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole, and guests Bruce A., and Randy Lube. In this episode we examine why news skews negative—“if it bleeds, it leads”—how fear and anger drive headlines, and practical Christian ways to protect your mind and soul. Learn the memory verse: “Test them all; hold on to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Try the Mental Diet Challenge: shorten your news intake and refocus on the things you can change.4 R Action Steps- Read: Read 1 Thessalonians 5:21.- Reflect: Ask, “Which worries can I change, and which must I release?” Remember the Serenity Prayer as a guide.- Respond: Short prayer — Lord, help me resist fear-driven headlines, grant me wisdom to act where I can, and peace to let go of what I cannot change. Amen.- Reveal: Demonstrate this truth by inviting a friend to try a one-week news-limit challenge with you and share how focusing on small, faithful actions made a difference.Connect: Email Arnie Cole at arnie.cole@bttb.org to share your Mental Diet results or prayer requests.Keywords: news negativity, media bias, if it bleeds it leads, Christian podcast, spiritual resilience, mental diet, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Serenity Prayer, faith and mediaSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

The News Knows How to Make You Mad - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode, Arnie is joined by Randy and Bruce, two former journalists, to hjav a practical conversation about truth versus spin in today’s media. They explain what journalism should be (verified facts, fair representation of both sides, accountability), how modern coverage often shifts into narrative-building driven by audience preference and revenue pressure, and why this matters for Christ-followers who are called to value truth because Jesus is Truth. The episode’s memory verse is 1 Thessalonians 5:21 — “But test them all. Hold on to what is good.” Practical takeaway: don’t let one outlet form your opinion—choose one story and read it from multiple sources before deciding what you think.4 R action stepsRead: Read 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and pick one current story to review from at least two different outlets.Reflect: Ask: What’s being emphasized or ignored? Is the story verified? Is each side represented fairly (in a way they’d say is accurate)? What words or framing seem designed to push me emotionally?Respond: Short prayer — Lord, you are the God of Truth. Give us discerning hearts, help us not accept everything at face value, and guide our search for what is true. Amen.Reveal: Share one carefully vetted article with a friend or family member, explain how you compared sources, and model a calm, truth-seeking conversation.Want to follow up or send feedback? Contact Arnie: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Christian discernment, newsfeed discernment, media literacy, truth vs spin, narrative building, verify sources, compare news, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, journalism standards, Wall Street Journal, social media news, Arnie Cole, Randy, Bruce, Spiritually Fit Today, podcastSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
 
 

Truth vs. Spin: Can Christians Still Discern the News? - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie is joined by Bruce A. and Randy Lube, two former journalists, for a frank conversation about truth versus spin in today’s news. They explain how narrative-building, audience preferences, and revenue pressures shape coverage, why truth matters for Christ‑followers (Jesus as the Way of Truth), and practical steps to avoid being misled. The memory verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:21 — “But test them all. Hold on to what is good.” Practical takeaway: choose one news piece and compare both sides before forming an opinion.4 R action steps- Read: Read 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and consult multiple news outlets on a single story (include sources across the spectrum).- Reflect: Ask where the information came from, who benefits, whether both sides are represented, and how this lines up with Scripture.- Respond: Short prayer — Lord, you are the God of Truth. Give us discerning hearts, help us not accept everything at face value, and guide our search for truth. Amen.- Reveal: Share a single, vetted article with a friend or family member, explain how you checked it, and discuss differences calmly to model truth‑seeking.Want to follow up or send feedback? Contact Arnie: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Christian discernment, newsfeed discernment, media literacy, truth vs spin, journalism standards, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Arnie Cole, Bruce A., Randy Lube, Spiritually Fit Today, podcast, verify sources, compare news, spiritual growth, Bible studySubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
 
 

Why Your Faith Won’t Grow by Accident - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Braden Pedersen. In this episode we unpack why spiritual fitness doesn't happen accidentally and how to design daily rhythms that help the light of Christ overcome darkness (John 1:5). Practical, research-informed guidance for busy lives—scripture, prayer, community, and evangelism—so you can grow in faith on purpose.Four R actions to practice today- Read: John 1:5. Make Scripture the foundation of your day—start small if needed (10–15 minutes).- Reflect: Where is darkness winning in your life? Journal one specific area (thought, habit, or routine) and ask, “Where can God’s light break in?”- Respond: Prayer—Lord, help us design lives where your light wins over darkness. Thank you for Jesus; give us the habits, courage, and community to shine today. Amen.- Reveal: Share what God is doing—invite a friend to read John 1:5 with you, tell one person how a spiritual habit is helping you, or offer to pray for someone this week.Contact: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: spiritual fitness, spiritual growth, John 1:5, temptation, prayer, Bible study, discipleship, evangelism, Christian community, spiritual habits, Scripture, Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Braden PedersenSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

The Forgotten Discipline That Destroys Shame - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today — a daily podcast with Arnie Cole and Braden Pedersen. In this episode Arnie and Pastor Braden explore daily confession as a spiritual discipline that trades shame for clarity and sustained spiritual health, rooted in 1 John 1:9. They explain why Christians avoid confession, how regular self-examination reduces shame, and offer a simple practice to try: a 60‑second daily confession.4 R Action Steps- Read: Read 1 John 1:9. Spend 2–3 minutes identifying one specific area where you felt guilt or defensiveness today.- Reflect: Ask: What led me here? Who was affected? How does Jesus’ forgiveness change how I see this?- Respond: Short prayer — “Lord, I confess [brief sin]. Thank you for forgiveness through Jesus. Cleanse me, renew my heart, and help me turn away from this. Amen.”- Reveal: Share the truth with a trusted friend or accountability partner, apologize to anyone harmed, or simply tell one person you’re practicing daily confession to create accountability. Try the 60‑second confession tonight and repeat daily.For questions or to request the book, email Arnie at arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: daily confession, spiritual discipline, confession prayer, shame and healing, Christian podcast, Bible study, self-examination, spiritual growth, Arnie Cole, Braden Pedersen, Spiritually Fit TodaySubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

How to Interrupt Temptation Before It Takes Over - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Justin. In this episode Arnie and digital architect Justin explore how temptation thrives in unbroken loops and how inserting an early wedge can disrupt its power. Justin shares practical, research-backed strategies—small environmental changes, timers, moving apps, or simple physical interruptions (like a hand exerciser)—that help you interrupt the spiral before it escalates. Scripture for today: 1 Corinthians 10:13 — “No temptation has overtaken you; God will provide a way out.”4 R Action Steps:Read — Read 1 Corinthians 10:13 and notice where you feel trapped by recurring temptation.Reflect — Ask: Where are my unbroken loops? What passive moments make me most vulnerable? What small change (move an app, set a 10-minute timer, change a routine) could insert a wedge?Respond — Short prayer: God, help us recognize the way out of the traps we don’t even see, give us wisdom to change our rhythms and the strength to follow your way. Amen.Reveal — Demonstrate the truth by changing one digital element today (move or remove an app, set a visible timer, or share the timer/hand-exerciser idea) and tell a friend or family member what you changed and why.Questions or feedback: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: temptation, break the chain, disrupt temptation, digital wellness, digital architecture, spiritual disciplines, Christian podcast, 1 Corinthians 10:13, break habits, habit disruption, Arnie Cole, JustinSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Denial Is Draining You - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and Braden Pedersen. In this episode we wrestle with the dark side of our thought life: how denial drains us, why fear keeps sin hidden, and how Scripture restores vitality (Psalm 32:3; Ephesians 2:10). Practical takeaways include the cost of unacknowledged sin, the power of confession and repentance, replacing destructive thoughts with Scripture, and the role of accountability.4 R action steps:Read — Read Psalm 32:3 and Ephesians 2:10.Reflect — Ask: What am I hiding? How does silence affect my spiritual life and relationships?Respond — Prayer: Lord, meet us in truth; give us courage to confess, the humility to repent, and the strength to replace destructive thoughts with Your Word. Amen.Reveal — Share honestly with a trusted friend, pastor, or accountability partner; invite them to pray with you and walk through Scripture together. For support you can contact Arnie Cole: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Braden Pedersen, denial, temptation, pornography, repentance, Psalm 32, Ephesians 2:10, accountability, spiritual growth, Christian podcast, Scripture engagementSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

The Slippery Slope of Curiosity (It’s Not What You Think) - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today. Arnie Cole and digital architect Justin explore how innocent curiosity about technology can become a slippery slope into self-imposed captivity—how algorithms, passive scrolling, repetition, frequency/recency, and speed normalize temptation and make interruption harder. Practical guidance includes: don’t use social media to “unwind,” be actively aware, and choose nourishing online habits.4 R Action StepsRead — Read James 1:15.Reflect — Ask: Where has soft curiosity pulled me into patterns I didn’t intend? What online habits are becoming normalized for me? Which behaviors feed my soul and which deplete it?Respond — A short prayer: Lord, interrupt what’s forming before it controls us. Give us awareness, strength, and discipline to choose what nourishes our souls. Amen.Reveal — Share James 1:15 and this episode with one friend, set an accountability check (daily or weekly), and demonstrate one concrete change (turn off autoplay, set screen-time limits, or reserve social media for purpose-driven moments).Questions or feedback: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: digital temptation, technology addiction, curiosity, algorithms, social media habits, passive scrolling, James 1:15, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, Justin, spiritually fit, digital discipleship, soul care, online discipline, temptation preventionSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Why Willpower Fails (And What Actually Works) - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and Pastor Braden Pedersen. In this episode we unpack the willpower myth and show how regular engagement with Scripture rewires our resistance to temptation. Pastor Braden explains why willpower alone often fails and why internalizing God’s Word—“Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11, KJV)—becomes a lifelong defense. Research shared here finds that people who engage Scripture four or more times a week are dramatically more likely—about two‑thirds—to say they can usually resist temptation.4R Action Steps- Read: Open the Bible today—start with Psalm 119:11 and a short surrounding passage. Aim for brief, regular reads (4+ times/week). - Reflect: Ask: What lie or temptation is this passage countering in my life? Where have I relied on willpower instead of Scripture? Spend 2–5 minutes journaling one specific application. - Respond: Short prayer you can use—“Lord, hide Your Word in my heart; strengthen me by Your Spirit to resist temptation and follow You. Amen.” - Reveal: Share the verse and one personal application with a friend or family member; offer to pray with them or invite them to read and discuss Scripture with you this week.Want to go deeper or share feedback? Email Arnie Cole: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: willpower myth, Scripture memorization, Psalm 119:11, resist temptation, Bible study, spiritual formation, Scripture absorption, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, Braden Pedersen, Holy Spirit, daily Bible reading, meditate on ScriptureSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
 
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