Spiritually Fit Today

What Algorithms Know About You That You Don’t

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In today’s episode of Spiritually Fit Today, host Arnie Cole welcomes special guest Justin Manes, a digital architect with over 20 years of experience designing the very apps and platforms that compete for your attention every day.
Together, they dive deep into the three daily silent killers of your spiritual life—distractions, digital noise, and the constant barrage of notifications that erode your faith and focus.
Discover how these hidden influences are shaping your habits, your mind, and your spiritual health, often without you even realizing it. Justin shares insider insights on how social media algorithms are engineered to keep you hooked, why anger and comparison are so effective at grabbing your attention, and how even your daily routines are being shaped by technology.
Arnie and Justin discuss practical strategies for breaking free from these digital traps and building a steadfast spiritual foundation, rooted in 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
Take action with the 4 R’s: Read: Start your day by reading 1 Corinthians 15:58. Let God’s Word be the first thing you see, not your notifications. Reflect: Ask yourself—where is your spiritual life feeling shaky because of digital distractions? How can you be more steadfast in your faith today? Respond: Pray, “Lord, help me to be steadfast and immovable in You. Give me strength to resist the pull of distractions and to focus on what truly matters.” Reveal: Share your struggle with someone you trust. Make them your accountability partner and encourage them to join you in building spiritual fitness. Let your actions demonstrate the truth of God’s Word to those around you. Don’t let the noise of the world drown out your spiritual growth. Take a moment to pause, reflect, and do your daily “spiritual rep.” Remember, spiritual fitness isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up every day.
If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs hope, strength, and focus in this noisy world. For questions or to connect, email Arnie at arniec@bttb.org.
Keywords: spiritual fitness, Arnie Cole, Justin Manes, digital distractions, faith, steadfast, 1 Corinthians 15:58, social media, spiritual growth, Christian podcast, Bible study, prayer, accountability, overcoming distractions, Christian encouragement, spiritual discipline, technology and faith, spiritual habits, daily devotional, Christian living, back to the Bible

You Don’t Need an Exciting Life to Live with Purpose

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Stop waiting for a better tomorrow—God’s call and gift are for you today! Join Arnie Cole, spiritual fitness researcher and coach, and Braden Pedersen on Spiritually Fit Today as they tackle the challenge of finding joy in the midst of boredom and the ordinary. In this episode, Arnie and Braden discuss how God transforms the mundane into the extraordinary, using real-life stories and biblical examples like David and Jesus to show that every day is a mission field. Discover why what you do today matters, how to avoid tying your identity to temporary things, and how to cultivate deep, lasting joy as a Christ follower.
 
This week’s focus is Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Learn practical ways to rejoice in the everyday, overcome grumpiness, and share joy with others—no matter your circumstances. Hear inspiring stories of people who chose joy despite hardship, and get equipped with actionable steps to grow spiritually, even when life feels routine.
 
Take action with the 4 R’s:
 
Read: Dive into Psalm 118:24. Read it aloud and let its truth sink in—today is a gift from God.
 
Reflect: Ask yourself, “How can I find joy in today’s ordinary moments? Am I waiting for a ‘better’ time to serve God, or am I embracing His call right now?”
 
Respond: Pray, “Lord, thank You for this day and for every opportunity to serve You. Help me to rejoice in the ordinary and to see Your purpose in every moment. Show me how to encourage others and share Your joy.”
 
Reveal: Share Psalm 118:24 with someone today. Tell them how it’s impacted your outlook, or ask for help if you’re struggling to find joy. Look for ways to spread joy—whether through a kind word, a prayer, or simply being present for someone else.
 
Don’t forget your Soul Pump Assignment: Thank God for one ordinary task you get to do today, and look for a chance to spread joy while doing it. Share what you’ve learned about joy in the comments or email Arnie at arniec@bttb.org with your thoughts and ideas for staying joyful every day.
 
Remember, spiritual fitness isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up and taking small steps each day. Join us next week for more encouragement and practical spiritual workouts!
 
Keywords: spiritual fitness, Arnie Cole, Braden Pedersen, Spiritually Fit Today, joy in boredom, Psalm 118:24, Christian encouragement, overcoming grumpiness, finding purpose, daily devotion, Bible study, spiritual growth, Christian podcast, Back to the Bible, faith in action, gratitude, Christian living, prayer, sharing joy, ordinary to extraordinary, spiritual discipline, Christian motivation

What To Do When Life Hurts Too Much To Handle

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole, spiritual fitness researcher and coach. In this episode, Arnie shares a deeply personal journey through pain, suffering, and faith, focusing on the powerful message of Psalm 118:24: "This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Whether you’re facing physical pain, emotional struggles, or simply feeling anxious, Arnie offers encouragement and practical steps to help you find hope and joy in the midst of hardship. Arnie recounts his own battles with cancer and how clinging to this verse transformed his outlook, even in the darkest moments. He invites you to discover how choosing to rejoice—no matter your circumstances—can change your day and your life. NOTE: In yesterday's episode, Arnie asked about 1 Samuel 23 and the situation David was in that prompted Jonathan's encouragement. David was, at that time hated by King Saul, and David feared for his life. Thanks to everyone who answered. Take action with the 4 R’s: Read: Open your Bible and read Psalm 118:24. Let the words sink in and remind you that each day is a gift from God. Reflect: Think about a time when God met you in your pain or struggle. How did that experience shape your faith? What does it mean to rejoice in the day God has made, even when it’s hard? Respond: Pray this simple prayer: "Lord, thank You for this day, even in my pain. Help me to rejoice and be glad in it, trusting that You are with me no matter what I face." Reveal: Reach out to someone who is hurting. Share Psalm 118:24 with them and offer a small act of kindness. Let them know they are not alone and that today is a day the Lord has made for them, too. If you need prayer or want to share your story, email Arnie at arniec@bttb.org or leave a comment below. Your journey matters, and every spiritual rep counts. Remember, spiritual fitness isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up daily and taking one step at a time. If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope and join us tomorrow for another Spiritually Fit Today workout. What you do today matters! Keywords: Arnie Cole, Spiritually Fit Today, Psalm 118:24, Christian encouragement, overcoming pain, faith in suffering, daily devotion, spiritual fitness, Bible study, hope, prayer, Christian podcast, Back to the Bible, rejoice, Christian motivation, spiritual growth, daily inspiration, Christian living, Arnie Cole email, how to rejoice in pain, finding joy in suffering, Christian support, Bible encouragement

How One Man’s Faith Turned Pain Into Joy

Join Arnie Cole and special guest Jack Burke, Senior Vice President of Ministry Advancement at Back to the Bible, for an inspiring episode of Spiritually Fit Today. In this conversation, Arnie and Jack explore the power of sharing joy as Christ followers and how genuine joy can impact those around us. Discover how the joy of the Lord is not just for ourselves, but a spark that others may desperately need. Jack shares personal stories of living out contagious joy, even through life’s challenges, and offers practical advice for making your faith visible in everyday encounters. This episode centers on Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Learn how to see your joy as a gift to be shared, and how focusing on others can transform your own spiritual fitness. Take action with the 4 R’s: Read: Dive into Psalm 118:24 and Nehemiah 8:10. Let God’s Word remind you of the source of true joy. Reflect: Think about someone whose joy has lifted your spirit. How can you see others through Jesus’ eyes today? Respond: Pray aloud, “Lord, thank You for this day. Help me to rejoice and be glad in it. Make my joy contagious to those around me.” Reveal: Encourage someone today with a sincere word of praise or gratitude. Share how their joy has impacted your life, and look for ways to lift others up. Question of the Day: In 1 Samuel 23, Jonathan encouraged David. What situation was David facing that prompted Jonathan’s encouragement? Share your answer in the comments or email Arnie at arniec@bttb.org. Remember, spiritual fitness is about showing up daily and letting God use you to bless others. If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend and help spread the joy! Keywords: Arnie Cole, Jack Burke, Spiritually Fit Today, Back to the Bible, Christian joy, sharing faith, Psalm 118:24, Nehemiah 8:10, spiritual fitness, encouragement, Bible study, Christian podcast, daily devotion, contagious joy, Christian living, faith in action, Arnie Cole email, Back to the Bible podcast

When Busyness Steals Your Joy

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and special guest Braden Pedersen! In this episode, we dive into finding joy in the midst of chaos. Drawing inspiration from the classic Anacin ad, Arnie and Braden discuss how even when life feels overwhelming—whether it’s family stress, work pressure, or unexpected challenges—we can choose to rejoice and be glad each day, just as Psalm 118:24 encourages. Braden shares personal stories of chaotic weeks and practical ways to anchor your day in God’s presence, reminding us that while we can’t always control our circumstances, we can control our response. Discover how intentional moments with God, practicing gratitude, and expressing joy can transform not only your outlook but also impact those around you. Action Steps – The 4 R’s: Read: Open your Bible and read Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Reflect: Take a moment to think about how you can find joy in your current chaos. Write down three ways you saw God’s hand in your life today that brought you joy. Respond: Pray, “God, replace my grumpiness and anxiety with trust in Your sovereignty. Help me rejoice and be glad in the day You have given me.” Reveal: Share one of your blessings with someone today and let them know what a blessing they are to you. We’d love to hear from you! What blessings in your life can you focus on today? Share in the comments or email Arnie at arniec@bttb.org. Remember, spiritual fitness is about showing up daily—one step, one choice, one spiritual rep at a time. If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope and joy. Join us tomorrow for another Spiritually Fit Today workout! Keywords: spiritual fitness, Arnie Cole, Braden Pedersen, joy in chaos, Psalm 118:24, Christian encouragement, daily devotion, finding joy, overcoming stress, gratitude, spiritual growth, Bible reflection, Christian podcast, faith in hard times, practical faith, spiritual habits, backtothebible

When God’s Plan Doesn’t Make Sense

What if today isn’t just another ordinary day, but a unique gift from God?
In this episode of Spiritually Fit Today, host Arnie Cole, spiritual fitness researcher and coach, is joined by Braden Pedersen, who shares his powerful story of loss, leadership, and choosing joy in the face of heartbreak. When Braden’s mentor and co-pastor suddenly passed away, he was thrust into a challenging leadership role, struggling to find hope and purpose. Together, Arnie and Braden explore Psalm 118:24—“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it”—and discuss how to live out this truth, even when life is hard.
This episode will help you see each day as a handcrafted gift from God, no matter your circumstances. You’ll learn practical ways to cultivate gratitude, choose joy, and encourage others, even in seasons of loss or uncertainty. Take action with the 4 R’s: Read: Open your Bible and read Psalm 118:24. Let the words sink in—this is the day the Lord has made. Reflect: Pause and consider—how are you feeling today? What is one reason you can be thankful to God for this day? Start a gratitude journal and write it down. Respond: Pray, “God, thank You for this day You have made. Help me to rejoice and be glad in it, no matter what I face. Give me strength to choose joy and share it with others.” Reveal: Text a friend or accountability partner and say, “I’m choosing joy today. Will you help remind me to be joyful each day?” Ask how you can pray for their joy, too. Don’t forget to answer our quiz question: Where in the Bible does it say, “Encourage one another daily, as long as it’s called today”?
Share your answer in the comments or email Arnie at arniec@bttb.org. Remember, what you do today matters. Whether you pray, encourage a friend, or open God’s Word, every small act shapes your soul for eternity.
Subscribe for more encouragement and join us next time on Spiritually Fit Today!
 
Keywords: Arnie Cole, Braden Pedersen, Spiritually Fit Today, Psalm 118:24, daily encouragement, Christian podcast, choosing joy, gratitude, spiritual growth, Bible study, Christian leadership, overcoming loss, faith, prayer, accountability, spiritual fitness, Back to the Bible

The #1 Habit That Will Change Your Walk With God

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole, spiritual fitness researcher and coach, and special guest Pam Jordan, social scientist. In this episode, we dive deep into the science of spiritual growth and reveal the proven practices that can transform your walk with Christ. Discover why training for godliness is more than just a wish—it's a daily commitment that brings real, measurable change.Arnie and Pam discuss the groundbreaking research behind The Power of Four, showing that engaging with the Bible four or more times a week is the key to lasting spiritual transformation. Learn how this simple habit can help you overcome struggles, grow closer to Jesus, and become a more effective disciple maker.This episode is packed with practical steps to help you get spiritually fit, featuring the 4 R’s:Read: Open your Bible and read 1 Timothy 4:8. Let God’s Word speak to you about the value of spiritual training.Reflect: Take a moment to think about how this passage applies to your life. What lessons or blessings have you noticed this week? How has God’s presence been evident in your daily walk?Respond: Pray a short prayer, thanking God for the promise of godliness and asking for His help to continue growing. Example: “Lord, thank You for the promise that training for godliness has value now and forever. Help me to stay committed to spiritual growth each day.”Reveal: Share an insight or encouragement from this week with someone else—a friend, family member, or someone in your faith community. Let them know how God’s truth has impacted you and invite them to join you on this journey.Don’t forget to take stock of your spiritual workouts this week and celebrate every step you take. Spiritual fitness isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up daily and letting God shape your soul. If this episode encouraged you, invite someone to join you and become your spiritual workout buddy.We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments, email Arnie Cole at arniec@bttb.org or call 800-811-2387. What did you learn from 1 Timothy 4:8? Has it prompted any new actions or insights this week?Subscribe for more Spiritually Fit Today episodes and discover the science and practice of growing closer to God—one spiritual rep at a time. Remember, what you do today truly matters, and tomorrow you’ll be glad you did it.We invite you to learn more about the research mentioned in this episode here: https://bttb.org/researchDownload your free weekly workbook with the checklist to help you complete challenges and memorize this week's Scripture: https://bttb.org/workbookKeywords: spiritual fitness, Arnie Cole, Pam Jordan, Bible engagement, Power of Four, 1 Timothy 4:8, spiritual growth, Christian living, discipleship, daily Bible reading, spiritual habits, faith transformation, Back to the Bible, spiritual practices, Christian encouragement, soul workout, spiritual discipline, grow closer to God, science of faith, spiritual training, Christian podcast

I Was 21, Homeless, and Hated Christians — Then This Happened

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole, spiritual fitness researcher and coach. In this episode, Arnie shares his personal journey from homelessness to hope, highlighting how acts of godliness echo into eternity. Drawing from 1 Timothy 4:8—“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come”—Arnie encourages you to focus on spiritual growth that impacts both today and forever.Every day is a workout for your soul. Through real-life stories, Arnie shows how small acts of faith, prayer, and kindness can change lives, including your own. Discover how your spiritual reps today can have eternal significance for you and those around you.Take action with the 4 R’s:Read: Open your Bible to 1 Timothy 4:8 and consider its promise for both now and the life to come.Reflect: Think about how your daily choices and spiritual growth can impact your future and the lives of others. Who has made a difference in your life? How can you do the same for someone else?Respond: Pray for a friend or family member’s eternal future. Ask God to draw them closer and give them hope in Christ.Reveal: Reach out to someone today—let them know you prayed for them or show an act of love. Share your story in the comments or email Arnie at arniec@bttb.org so we can celebrate together.Who are you praying for right now? Let us know in the comments or by email, and join our community of spiritual fitness. Remember, every spiritual rep matters—what you do today truly echoes into forever.Download your free weekly workbook with the checklist to help you complete challenges and memorize this week's Scripture: https://bttb.org/workbookSubscribe for daily encouragement, share this episode with a friend, and come back tomorrow for another Spiritually Fit Today workout.Keywords: spiritual fitness, Arnie Cole, Christian encouragement, daily devotional, 1 Timothy 4:8, godliness, prayer, acts of kindness, spiritual growth, hope in Christ, Christian podcast, faith journey, Bible study, spiritual training, eternity, Christian living, Back to the Bible

God’s Secret for Peace You’ve Been Missing

Find Peace and Joy in Difficult Times | Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie ColeAre you facing stress, anxiety, or overwhelming challenges? In this episode of Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole—spiritual fitness researcher and coach—shares how you can discover peace and joy even in your toughest moments. Drawing from 1 Timothy 4:8, Arnie explains the value of spiritual fitness and how focusing on God’s promises can transform your present life.Arnie shares a personal story about financial uncertainty and how gratitude and trust in God brought him peace. He encourages you to recognize your blessings, share them with others, and thank God for your current situation—no matter how hard it may be. Following Jesus brings real benefits for today: peace, joy, and courage.Take action with the 4 R’s:Read: Open your Bible and read 1 Timothy 4:8—“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”Reflect: Think about how God’s promises apply to your current situation. What blessings can you find, even in difficulty? How does focusing on gratitude change your perspective?Respond: Pray and thank God for your exact situation today. Ask Him to fill your heart with peace and joy, trusting that He is shaping your life for good.Reveal: Share one blessing you’re thankful for with a friend or family member. Spread encouragement by letting others know what God is doing in your life. You can also share your answer in the comments or email Arnie at arniec@bttb.org.Remember, spiritual fitness isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up daily and taking small steps that shape your soul for eternity. Celebrate your progress and share this episode with someone who needs hope and strength.Subscribe for more daily encouragement and join us tomorrow for another Spiritually Fit Today workout—because what you do today truly matters.Keywords: Arnie Cole, Spiritually Fit Today, spiritual fitness, Christian encouragement, 1 Timothy 4:8, peace in hard times, gratitude, Bible study, Christian podcast, overcoming anxiety, faith, daily devotion, Back to the Bible, Christian motivation, prayer, hope, joy, spiritual growth, Christian living, Bible encouragement

THIS Matters to God More Than You Think

Strong abs can’t save your soul—but a heart filled with godliness can transform your day and impact others. In this episode, Arie Cole and Char explore what it really means to live a godly life that reflects God’s love, even in small moments. Through a touching story of kindness and a simple daily challenge, you’ll be reminded that true spiritual fitness isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up with love, patience, and gratitude in every part of your day.