Spiritually Fit Today

Why Jesus Went Out of His Way for One Broken Woman - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole featuring John Comstock. In this episode they reflect on the story of the woman at the well (John 4) — a powerful portrait of how Jesus meets shame with acceptance, restores identity, and invites real, relational transformation. 4 R Action StepsRead — Read John 4 and Psalm 34:5 slowly, noting how Jesus initiates conversation and meets the woman where she is. "Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed."Reflect — Ask: Who in my life feels unseen or shamed? How would Jesus show up in that person's story? Remember a moment you felt known and let that shape your compassion.Respond — A short prayer: Lord, thank you for meeting us where we are. Help us to listen without judgment, to love as you love, and to bring healing to those who feel shamed. Amen.Reveal — Go out of your way to meet someone who is struggling. Sit with them, listen without preaching, and show acceptance. Share this story or invite them to talk about what they remember and feel.Host contact: Arnie Cole — arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: woman at the well, John 4, Psalm 34:5, shame and redemption, Jesus and outcasts, spiritual growth, Christian podcast, Arnie Cole, John Comstock, Bible reflection, discipleship, listening ministry, outreach, faith practiceSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

The Hidden Link Between Shame and Addiction - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest John Comstock. In this episode we address the role shame plays in driving people toward pornography and false intimacy, why porn feels like a safe substitute, and practical first steps toward healing. 4 R actions you can takeRead — Read Psalm 34:5. "Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed." Memorize or meditate on the promise that looking to God brings radiance, not shame.Reflect — Ask: Where have I sought counterfeit intimacy to cover shame? When do I most need God’s presence? Who could safely hear my story?Respond — Short prayer: Lord, you see my shame and longings. Help me stop relying on counterfeits. Give me courage to seek healing, to confess to a safe person, and to receive Your mercy and true intimacy. Amen.Reveal — Demonstrate the truth by naming one trusted person you will tell or by sharing Psalm 34:5 with someone who needs hope. Start small: text one person to identify whom you can confess to or reach out to a Christian counselor or recovery group.Need support or resources? Email Arnie Cole: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Christian podcast, pornography recovery, shame and intimacy, John Comstock, Arnie Cole, Psalm 34:5, Christian counseling, faith-based recovery, Celebrate Recovery, spiritual growth, prayer for shame, porn addiction helpSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

How to Silence Shame Once and For All - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie talks with John Comstock about how shame can linger even after confession—and how to silence that voice by inviting Jesus into the stories that keep us stuck. They use a simple imagination exercise (Jesus at the piano) and practical truth from Psalm 34:5: “Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.”4 R action stepsRead: Psalm 34:5.Reflect: When shame rises, picture Jesus present in that moment—let him sit with you in the scene and retell the story with him there.Respond: Short prayer — Lord, silence the lies that shame tells me; remind me I am forgiven and loved. Amen.Reveal: When shame comes, say aloud the phrase: “Because I confessed, I’m not my behavior. I’m loved by Jesus Christ.” Share this practice with a trusted friend or guide someone through the imagination exercise to help them experience God’s presence.Questions or feedback: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: shame, forgiveness, Psalm 34:5, John Comstock, Arnie Cole, Christian podcast, spiritual growth, healing from shame, forgiveness prayer, Christian counseling, spiritual formationSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Guilt vs Shame: The Difference That Could Set You Free - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest John Comstock. In this episode they unpack the difference between healthy guilt and toxic shame, why many Christians struggle to forgive themselves, and practical steps to receive God’s forgiveness through self-awareness, confession, and supportive community. Read: Read Psalm 34:5 and the surrounding verses to reflect on God’s promise of restoration and radiance. "Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed."Reflect: Ask yourself — Am I experiencing guilt (I did something wrong) or shame (I am wrong)? Where does this feeling lead me: repair or withdrawal? Who can I trust to speak grace into my life?Respond: Short prayer — Lord, thank you for conviction that leads to repentance. Help me name and release the shame I carry. Give me courage to confess to someone safe, receive your forgiveness, and live in your restoration. Amen. Reveal: Choose a safe, trusted person and share your struggle; invite them to speak forgiveness back to you or to pray with you. Let vulnerability create space for community healing and mutual confession.Contact: Arnie Cole — arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, John Comstock, guilt vs shame, forgiveness, Psalm 34:5, confession, discipleship, Nazarene, Back to the Bible, Christian podcast, faith, community, self-forgiveness, grace, mental healthSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
 
 

The Cross Wasn’t Just About Sin… - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest John Comstock. In this episode John shows how Jesus publicly defeated shame on the cross and how that truth transforms our identity, worth, and ability to receive God’s love. 4 R Action StepsRead — Read Hebrews 12:2 in your Bible and let the cross speak to both sin and shame: "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: Where does shame show up in my life? Try this: imagine Jesus urgently seeking you and simply wanting to look you in the eyes. Notice what feelings surface.Respond — Short prayer: Lord, thank You that by the cross You scorned shame. Help me receive Your love, replace my shame with Your truth, and live as one loved by You. Amen.Reveal — Tell a trusted friend one way shame has affected you, share Hebrews 12:2, and invite them to try the imagination exercise together. When shame whispers, say the verse out loud.Contact: Arnie Cole — arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Christian podcast, Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, John Comstock, Jesus and shame, forgiveness, identity in Christ, Hebrews 12:2, spiritual growth, Christian encouragement, redemption, faith, gospelSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

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