Spiritually Fit Today

The Foundation That Held When Everything Fell Apart - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Brian Doyle. In this episode Arnie and Brian talk honestly about carrying grief, loss, and regret — the “walking wounded” who must still show up for life and ministry. Drawing on 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, they explore how God comforts us in suffering and how that comfort becomes the most powerful legacy we can pass on. Brian shares personal experiences of loss, cancer survival, and how faith and a solid spiritual foundation helped him minister to his family and others through pain.4 R Action StepsRead — Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 daily this week. Make it the first passage you open to and underline phrases that stand out.Reflect — Ask: Where am I carrying a wound? How has God comforted me before? Who in my life needs that comfort now? Spend 5–10 minutes journaling your answers.Respond — Write four foundational practices you need (spiritual disciplines, relationships, resources). Commit to one specific step this week: a Bible reading time, a short prayer routine, or reaching out to a trusted friend or counselor.Reveal — Share what God has taught you with one person this week. Offer presence, a listening ear, and the Scripture that helped you. Small acts of vulnerability become tools of comfort for others.Resources and contactEmail Arnie: arnie.cole@bttb.org for questions, prayer requests, or to share how this episode helped you.Keywords: grief, Christian grief, comfort, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, spiritual formation, faith and loss, pastoral care, bereavement, ministry and family, Arnie Cole, Brian Doyle, Spiritually Fit Today, coping with loss, Christian encouragementSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

The Spiritual Legacy You're Leaving Right Now - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie talks with Brian Doyle (founder, Iron Sharpens Iron) about the spiritual fitness of the American father and the powerful, often nonverbal ways fathers transmit faith to their children. Our scripture to absorb is Deuteronomy 6:6–7.4 R action steps- Read: Read Deuteronomy 6:6–7 aloud with your family or by yourself this week. Let the words be simple, frequent reminders.- Reflect: Ask: “What spiritual reflection am I actually transmitting?”; “What do my kids see when I think they're not looking?” Journal one example each day.- Respond: Take one practical step this week to normalize faith in daily life — restore the dinner table conversation, reinstate bedtime prayer, turn off your phone during family devotion, or model calm in traffic. Start small and consistent.- Reveal: Share one honest struggle or lesson with a younger person or your child. Invite them into your growth (mentoring, prayer walks, or a short family devotion you lead).ContactArnie Cole — arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: spiritual fitness, Christian father, parenting by example, Deuteronomy 6:6-7, family devotion, faith at home, fatherhood, mentorship, Iron Sharpens Iron, Brian Doyle, Arnie Cole, bedtime prayer, restore dinner tableSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Christian Men Are Lonely—and It's Becoming Dangerous - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and Brian Doyle. In this episode we unpack the “question gap” many Christian fathers face—the late-night struggles, doubts, temptations, and loneliness that drive men to seek answers online instead of in community. Using Proverbs 27:17 (“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”), Arnie and Brian encourage men to move from isolated spiritual searching to honest friendships and accountability.4 R action steps:- Read: Proverbs 27:17. Read it slowly and note where your spiritual life needs sharpening.- Reflect: Ask: What am I wrestling with that I won’t tell my pastor or group? Where am I settling for quick online answers instead of real people?- Respond: Create an “iron list” of one or two men who could sharpen you. Send the text or make the call this week and set a time to meet in person.- Reveal: Share one honest struggle with a trusted brother and invite him to pray with you or meet regularly for mutual sharpening.Connect with Arnie: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Christian fathers, spiritual growth, loneliness, question gap, iron sharpens iron, Proverbs 27:17, men's ministry, accountability, discipleship, mentoring, faith, Christian podcastSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

What Your Kids Learn From You When You Think They're Not Watching - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. Today Arnie talks with Brian Doyle (founder and National Director of Iron Sharpens Iron) about what fatherhood looks like when no one is watching. We reflect on Psalm 78:6–7 and on findings from the SALT Index about men’s spiritual fitness, the gaps in men’s ministries, and practical steps fathers can take to lead their homes spiritually.Scripture to read: Psalm 78:6–7 — “so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds, but would keep his commands.”4 R action plan- Read: Read Psalm 78:6–7 out loud this morning before your phone, news, or coffee. - Reflect: Ask yourself — What example am I leaving when no one is watching? Where do my children see my faith lived out in private? - Respond: Do the 6 a.m. test for a week: read one verse aloud, write one line of reflection, and name one small change you’ll make this week. Find one other man to be honest with about your spiritual life. - Reveal: Let your kids catch you reading; explain what the verse means to you; invite a son, daughter, or another father to join your morning habit or hear what you’re learning.Need resources or want to connect with Arnie? Email arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Brian Doyle, fatherhood, Psalm 78, men's ministry, spiritual fitness, Iron Sharpens Iron, SALT Index, Christian fathers, morning devotions, discipleship, parenting Christian childrenSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Why You Were Never Meant to Heal Alone - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie talks with his guest Katlyn about building a lifeline for long-term resilience—how faith communities, daily spiritual rhythms, and trusted people walk with trauma survivors and trauma workers long after the immediate scene. Our Scripture to absorb: Galatians 6:2 — "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."4 R action steps to apply today- Read: Read Galatians 6:2 and the surrounding passage to see how bearing one another’s burdens is central to Christian life. - Reflect: Who walks with people through the long, hard days after crisis? Consider where your community shows up (or doesn’t) and how family and close relationships are included. - Respond: Reach out to three people in your church or small group and say, "I want to be better at carrying burdens with people. How can I pray for you this week?" Start showing up and trusting the body of believers. - Reveal: Demonstrate this truth by offering prayer, presence, and grace instead of judgment—be the person who walks with someone through the long recovery, not just the immediate scene.Want to follow up or suggest a guest? Email Arnie Cole at arnie.cole@bttb.org. If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope and strength.Keywords: spiritual fitness, resilience, long-term recovery, trauma recovery, faith community, Galatians 6:2, carry each other’s burdens, Christian podcast, small group, prayer, community support, trauma workers, pastoral careSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

The Daily Habit That Protects Mental Health - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie talks with his niece Katlyn, a flight nurse, about how gratitude can be a true resilience builder—even amid pain, broken bodies, and bad news. They ground the conversation in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus," and discuss practical ways Christian gratitude differs from toxic positivity and how to make gratitude a sustaining spiritual habit.4 R action steps:Read — Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18 slowly and aloud. Let the phrase "in all circumstances" sink in.Reflect — Ask: Where have I seen God’s faithfulness? What am I tempted to ignore right now? How might gratitude shift my focus from loss to God’s presence?Respond — Start a three-in-one gratitude journal: each night write three things you’re thankful for (even on hard days) and include at least one item that points to God’s character or faithfulness.Reveal — Share your gratitude with someone: tell one person a specific way God has been faithful, pray with a friend, or model thankfulness in a difficult situation so others see hope in action.Questions or feedback: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: gratitude, resilience, Christian gratitude, toxic positivity, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, gratitude journal, spiritual growth, mental health, trauma recovery, flight nurse, Arnie Cole, Spiritually Fit TodaySubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Why Unforgiveness Is Keeping You Stuck - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with host Arnie Cole and guest Katlyn, a helicopter flight nurse who has witnessed firsthand the deep emotional aftermath of tragedy, violence, and human error. In this episode, Arnie and Katlyn discuss one of the hardest spiritual challenges people face after trauma: forgiveness. This conversation is a powerful reminder that while trauma can leave lasting scars, bitterness does not have to control our future. Through Christ, forgiveness becomes the pathway to healing, peace, and spiritual freedom.4 R Action StepsRead — Read Colossians 3:13 slowly: “Bear with each other and forgive one another… Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Reflect on the depth of God’s forgiveness toward you.Reflect — Ask yourself: Is there someone or something I’m still holding onto with resentment or anger? How has unforgiveness affected my peace, relationships, or spiritual growth?Respond — Spend time honestly naming the hurt before God instead of burying it or replaying it. Write down one step you can take toward releasing bitterness this week—whether through prayer, journaling, counseling, or simply choosing not to rehearse the offense anymore. Focus on allowing God to reshape your heart, not just your circumstances.Reveal — Encourage someone who is carrying deep hurt by sharing a verse, a testimony, or simply reminding them that forgiveness is not weakness—it is freedom.Questions or feedback: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Katlyn, forgiveness, trauma recovery, Christian podcast, bitterness, healing through Christ, Colossians 3:13, faith and suffering, emotional healing, emergency medicine, spiritual growthSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

What the Psalms Teach Us About Trauma - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Katlyn. In this episode we wrestle with the raw “Why, God?” question that rises when life falls apart. Katlyn, a helicopter flight nurse who’s seen profound suffering, talks with Arnie about the honesty of lament and how Psalm 13:1-2, 5-6 models bringing doubts and grief straight to God — then turning back to trust. You’ll hear practical examples of how Scripture can reshape suffering into resilience and hope.Four R action steps you can use today- Read: Read Psalm 13:1-2, 5-6 slowly. Note any words or phrases that name your feelings. - Reflect: Ask: What am I honestly feeling? Where do I want answers from God? How does the psalm move from complaint to trust? - Respond: Write your own short lament following Psalm 13’s pattern — name the pain, cry out, then declare trust. Read it aloud to God and save it for later. - Reveal: Share your lament or the lesson you learned with a trusted friend, small group, or someone in need of compassion; offer to pray with them and demonstrate God’s honesty and hope in relationship.Contact: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Psalm 13, lament, grief, spiritual formation, faith in suffering, Christian resilience, Bible study, prayer, trauma care, flight nurse, pastoral care, spiritual growthSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

A Flight Nurse's Secret to Peace Under Pressure - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with host Arnie Cole and guest Katlyn, a helicopter flight nurse who regularly steps into some of the most traumatic and chaotic moments imaginable. In this powerful conversation, Katlyn explains how prayer becomes an anchor before the chaos even begins. Instead of allowing fear to dominate her thinking, she learned to surrender control and trust that God remains present even in the middle of uncertainty.4 R Action StepsRead — Read Psalm 46:1 aloud: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Repeat it slowly and personally.Reflect — Ask yourself: When crisis hits, where do I instinctively run first—fear, panic, control, or prayer? What situation do I need to surrender to God today?Respond — Choose one area of your life that currently feels uncertain, stressful, or out of your control. Instead of immediately trying to fix it, spend five quiet minutes surrendering it to God in prayer. Practice replacing panic with trust by repeating Psalm 46:1 throughout the day whenever anxiety begins to rise.Reveal — Encourage someone facing stress or uncertainty this week by sharing Psalm 46:1 or telling them how prayer has helped you through difficult moments.Questions or feedback: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Katlyn, helicopter flight nurse, Christian podcast, prayer in crisis, trusting God, Psalm 46:1, faith under pressure, spiritual growth, overcoming fear, emergency medicine, peace in chaosSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
 

He Was 85 and Still Climbing Mountains - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. Arnie interviews Gary Dunker about renewing your life, claiming the hill God calls you to, and using later seasons of life to multiply impact for Christ. Gary reflects on Caleb’s example in the Book of Joshua, how no season is wasted, and practical next steps: name your hill, step out in faith, and use your experience to reach others.The 4 R action planRead — Read Joshua 14:6–15 (focus especially on 14:10–12). Notice Caleb’s age, posture, and request.Reflect — Ask: What is my hill? How have past seasons prepared me for this? What gifts or experiences point to this next mission?Respond — Write your hill down, pray about it, and take one concrete step this week (set a short-term goal, start a simple habit, or begin mentoring). Tell one person and ask them to pray with you.Reveal — Share your hill with someone and invite them to pray and hold you accountable. Live it out through ordinary acts of friendship, mentoring, and faithful witness.ResourcesEmail Arnie Cole: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Gary Dunker, Joshua 14, Caleb, claim your hill, spiritual fitness, Christian podcast, faith in later life, mentoring, share the gospelSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft