Spiritually Fit Today

What Constant Stimulation Is Doing to Your Faith - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Justin. In this episode Arnie and Justin unpack how personalization algorithms feed our weaknesses, train our desires toward temptation, and weaken self-control—contrasting fleeting engagement with lasting spiritual growth. They ground the conversation in Proverbs 14:12: "There is a way that appears to be right, but the end of it leads to death," and offer practical, faith-centered steps to reclaim attention and reshape desires.4 R Action Steps- Read: Read Proverbs 14:12 slowly and prayerfully. - Reflect: Ask: Where is my attention being trained by algorithms rather than by Scripture? When have I traded growth for quick gratification? - Respond: Short prayer — God, reclaim our attention and reshape our desires to honor you in everything we do and say. Amen. - Reveal: Practice the half-hour "scroll and move on" exercise today; share the experience and Proverbs 14:12 with a friend and discuss concrete habits to protect attention (e.g., app limits, digital fasts, accountability).Contact: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: algorithms, social media addiction, digital wellness, attention economy, spiritual growth, Proverbs 14:12, screen time, temptation, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, JustinSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

When Temptation Pretends to Be Good - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie and guest Pastor Braden Pedersen explore how temptation can masquerade as light (2 Corinthians 11:14), why we so often justify harmful choices, and how discernment, Scripture, and outside accountability help us refuse disguised bondage. Drawing on Daniel’s example of “purposing in his heart,” practical pastoral counsel, and research showing temptation is one of the weakest areas in many believers’ spiritual lives, Arnie gives clear steps to recognize, resist, and recover from temptation.4 R action steps:- Read: 2 Corinthians 11:14 and Daniel 1:8–16. Read them slowly and note what attracts and what repels you.- Reflect: Ask—Where is this leading me? Am I rationalizing or planning ahead? Would this honor God and my commitments?- Respond: Short prayer—Lord, sharpen my discernment, help me see beyond appearances, give me courage to flee what is impure and wisdom to make preemptive plans. Amen.- Reveal: Share the passage and your plan with a trusted, spiritually mature friend or mentor; invite accountability and offer to pray with someone struggling in the same area.Questions or feedback: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: temptation, discernment, Daniel, 2 Corinthians 11:14, Christian living, spiritual growth, accountability, Bible study, sexual purity, cohabitation, pastoral counselSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

How Your Scrolling Reveals Your Heart - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Justin. In this episode we dig into how algorithms and your smartphone reveal hidden desires, shape temptation, and influence your habits—then discuss practical steps to reorient your digital life toward spiritual health using scripture.SummaryArnie and Justin explore how digital patterns expose what we truly value, why human self-awareness often lags behind our online behavior, and concrete ways to reshape algorithms and attention toward nourishing, faith-centered content.Take action — The 4 R’sRead: Read Jeremiah 17:9. Notice what it says about the heart’s tendency to be deceitful and the need for honest self-examination.Reflect: Ask: What do my digital habits reveal about my heart? Track one recurring pattern this week (time spent, lingering on images, or types of content) and note what that pattern suggests about your desires.Respond: Short prayer — Lord, give me honesty about my heart, courage to change my habits, and wisdom to choose content that builds my faith. Amen.Reveal: Demonstrate this truth by sharing one encouraging Christian video or devotional with a friend, discuss what you observed in your digital habits, and invite accountability to pursue healthier online rhythms together.Resources and contactFor questions or feedback, email Arnie Cole: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Justin, Christian podcast, digital temptation, algorithms, smartphone addiction, faith and technology, Jeremiah 17:9, Bible study, spiritual disciplines, Christian encouragement, online habits, digital wellnessSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

How to Interrupt Temptation Early - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Pastor Braden Pedersen. In this episode we explore how temptation begins in the mind, why noticing mental warning signs matters more than only treating outward behavior, and practical ways to intercept harmful thoughts before they become sin (James 1:14; 2 Corinthians 10:5).Listen, then act using the 4 R’s:Read — Read James 1:14 and 2 Corinthians 10:5 to see how Scripture describes temptation and taking thoughts captive.Reflect — Ask: Where do my thoughts drift? When am I most vulnerable (tired, stressed, hungry)? What justifications do I use?Respond — Short prayer: Lord, give me clarity before conflict. Help me notice thoughts as they arise, take them captive, and choose truth over impulse. Amen.Reveal — Share your observations with a trusted friend or accountability partner; invite them to pray with you and practice noticing mental warning signs together.Questions or feedback? Email Arnie Cole at arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: temptation, thought life, take captive every thought, James 1:14, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Christian podcast, spiritual growth, discipleship, Bible study, prayer, mental warning signs, temptation prevention, Arnie Cole, Braden PedersenSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

The Truth About Echo Chambers & Christian Faith - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie talks with Brad Davies (Vice President, Salem Media) about digital echo chambers, how search and social algorithms shape what you see, and practical spiritual disciplines to resist groupthink and protect your witness.Take action — The 4 R’s- Read: Galatians 1:10 — “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man?” (Galatians 1:10)- Reflect: Where am I letting my feeds shape my identity or decisions? What one habit feeds my echo chamber, and what could replace it?- Respond (brief prayer): Lord, help me not to chase human approval. Open my ears to Your voice, give me wisdom to step back from persuasive feeds, and center my heart on You. Amen.- Reveal: Try a one-day social media sabbath this week. Read and share Galatians 1:10 with a friend, invite them to do the sabbath with you, and discuss how digital habits affect your walk with Christ.- Connect with Arnie: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: spiritual fitness, spiritual health, groupthink, echo chamber, algorithms, social media detox, Christian podcast, digital discipleship, Galatians 1:10, Arnie Cole, Brad DaviesSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

The Danger of Outsourcing Your Faith - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Brad Davies. In this episode Arnie and Brad discuss how echo chambers, groupthink, and AI influence what Christians hear and believe, and how those forces interact with sound theology. They reflect on Galatians 1:10 and the challenge of seeking God’s approval instead of human praise. Practical discernment—not abandoning digital tools—is the focus.4 R action steps:Read — Read Galatians 1:10 (and the surrounding chapter). Consider the verse: “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”Reflect — Ask: Who am I trying to please? Which voices shape my theology? Do my feeds reinforce curiosity or shut down alternate, well-researched viewpoints?Respond — Short prayer: Lord, forgive us for listening only to what flatters us. Give us discernment to recognize sound teaching, humility to accept correction, and faithfulness to your Word. Amen.Reveal — Find one thoughtful Christian perspective this week you wouldn’t normally read or listen to. Discuss it with a friend with humility and prayer, and share one insight that points others back to Christ, not to a single teacher.Hosts: Arnie Cole (arnie.cole@bttb.org) and Brad Davies. For feedback or resources, contact Arnie at arnie.cole@bttb.org.Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Brad Davies, Galatians 1:10, echo chamber, groupthink, theology, discernment, Christian podcast, Christian media, Salem Media, AI and religion, spiritual discernment, Bible study, Christian discipleshipSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Testing the Spirits in a Viral World - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Brad Davies. In this episode we explore how to discern whether viral Christian content and online movements are truly from God or simply digital momentum and groupthink. We discuss testing the spirits, the danger of confusing popularity with revelation, watching for signs like absent worship or missing fruit, and cultivating a personal, first‑person relationship with Jesus.Memory verse: Galatians 1:10 — "For am I now seeking the approval of man or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."4 R Action Steps- Read: Read Galatians 1:10 and the surrounding chapter for context.- Reflect: Ask whether this teaching aligns with Scripture, displays the fruit of the Spirit, encourages worship and humility, and benefits Christ’s body or someone’s brand.- Respond (short prayer): Lord, give me discernment to recognize Your voice above the crowd, humility to test what I hear, and courage to pause before sharing. Amen.- Reveal: Share a Scripture and a short, honest question with a trusted friend or mentor and ask them to help test the spirit before you forward or endorse content.Questions or feedback: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: discernment, Christian discernment, digital echo chamber, test the spirits, Galatians 1:10, viral Christian content, online ministry, spiritual discernment, fruit of the Spirit, Christian podcastSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Courageous Faith in a Conformist Culture - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole, featuring guest Brad Davies (Vice President, Salem Media). In this episode we explore conformity versus transformation in community — how groupthink, online bubbles, algorithms, and the “professional Christian” model can push believers toward silence, outsourced discipleship, and echo chambers. We discuss practical steps to renew your mind, speak truth in love, and resist the pressure to simply conform. Memory verse: Galatians 1:10 — "Am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God?"The 4 Rs — practical next steps- Read: Read Galatians 1:10 and Romans 12:2.- Reflect: Before reacting online or in conversation, pause and ask: Who am I trying to please? Which voices am I not hearing? Does this align with Scripture?- Respond: Prayer — Lord, transform us by renewing our minds with your Word. Give us courage to stand for truth lovingly, even if it sets us apart. Help us to speak truth in love and to make disciples in our daily lives. Amen.- Reveal: Put this into practice by gently pausing when a hot topic arises, praying before you reply, inviting a respectful conversation with someone who thinks differently, or mentoring one person in your neighborhood or church.Contact: Arnie Cole — arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Christian community, groupthink, conformity vs transformation, online Christian communities, renewing the mind, Galatians 1:10, Romans 12:2, discipleship, Salem Media, Brad Davies, Arnie Cole, spiritual growth, digital discipleship, echo chambers, Christian podcastSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Are You Living for Likes or for Christ? - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie talks with Brad Davies (VP at Salem Media Group) about how online groupthink and digital pressure can shape Christian identity and push us to seek approval from people rather than from God. They reflect on Galatians 1:10—"Am I now seeking the approval of man or of God?"—and offer practical steps to cultivate authentic faith in a social-media world.4 R Action Steps:- Read: Read Galatians 1:10 slowly. Notice words about approval, pleasing man, and serving Christ.- Reflect: Ask yourself: Where am I seeking approval? Do my public posts reflect my whole life or just five curated minutes? Am I motivated by likes or by obedience to Christ?- Respond: Pray briefly: "Heavenly Father, forgive us for chasing the approval of others. Give us courage to be authentic and to find our identity in You, not in likes or followers. Help us live to please You first. In Jesus’ name, Amen."- Reveal: Do one small act solely for God’s eyes today—post a verse that matters to you without commentary, spend private time in prayer, or honestly share with one person how you’re choosing authenticity over applause.Feedback or questions: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Christian podcast, identity in Christ, Galatians 1:10, authenticity, social media and faith, groupthink, digital ministry, Christian media, Brad Davies, Arnie Cole, spiritual growth, prayer, discipleship, online pressure, pleasing God not peopleSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Divorce Papers Filed… Then THIS Happened - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest marriage counselor Kyle Helmink. In this episode Arnie and Kyle address the quiet, painful question many couples don’t say out loud: “Is it too late?” They talk hope for struggling relationships, when separation may be understandable, and practical paths toward healing—especially after breaches like affairs—drawing on research and recovery steps such as atonement, rebuilding attachment, and creating a new normal.4 R Action StepsRead — 1 Corinthians 13:6–7 (Love rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.). Reflect — Ask: Where have I contributed to this struggle? What one behavior can I own and change this week? Respond — Short prayer: Lord, bring hope to this relationship, help us own our mistakes, forgive, rebuild trust slowly, and guide us toward a new, healthy normal. Amen. Reveal — Demonstrate the truth by doing the hope exercise: sit with your partner this weekend, share hopes and one concrete step toward change, or invite a trusted friend or group to pray and hold you accountable.Contact: arnie.cole@bttb.orgIf this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope. Keywords: hope in marriage, marriage counseling, rebuild trust, affair recovery, Christian counseling, forgiveness, relationship restoration, Arnie Cole, Kyle Helmink, John Gottman, 1 Corinthians 13, spiritual fitness, hope exerciseSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft