Episodes

  • Even Atheists Pray. So What's the Difference?

    Even Atheists Pray. So What's the Difference?
    Jan 28 2026
    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and Megan Fletcher. In this episode, Arnie and Megan dive into prayer as a spiritual discipline, exploring what makes Christian prayer distinct, why nearly everyone prays yet many struggle to stay consistent, and how prayer is meant to shape relationship rather than function like a transaction. From a coach’s perspective, Megan unpacks practical, approachable ways to pray without pressure or legalism, including the ACTS prayer model and simple rhythms that fit naturally into everyday life. The conversation highlights how prayer postures our hearts, deepens trust in God’s will, and helps believers stay spiritually focused in both struggles and successes. 4 R Action Steps Read — Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18. Notice the call to rejoice, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. Reflect — Ask yourself: Who am I praying to? What does my prayer life reveal about my heart posture and trust in God? Respond — Pray honestly and simply. Example: “Father, thank you for inviting me into relationship with you. Teach me to pray with humility, trust, and gratitude. Help me seek you, not just answers. Amen.” Reveal — Share one insight about prayer with someone this week. Encourage a friend, teammate, or family member by praying with them or showing how prayer can fit naturally into daily routines. Soul pump assignment: Start a prayer journal. Keep it simple, stay consistent, and use it to track both your prayers and God’s faithfulness over time. Questions or feedback: arnie.cole@bttb.org Keywords: prayer, spiritual disciplines, Christian prayer, ACTS prayer model, prayer journal, faith, Christian podcast, Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Megan Fletcher, spiritual formation, prayer habits, Christian coaching, daily prayer, read reflect respond reveal
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    17 mins
  • The Bible: Rulebook or Relationship?

    The Bible: Rulebook or Relationship?
    Jan 27 2026
    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Megan Fletcher. In this episode they explore the Bible as the living, life-shaping Word of God, discuss spiritual disciplines from a coach’s perspective, the importance of daily consistency over occasional intensity, the role of the Holy Spirit, and practical steps to make Scripture part of your everyday life. Research discussed highlights how regular Bible engagement correlates with meaningful life differences; practical coaching tips show how even one verse a day can be powerful. 4 R Action Steps Read — Spend time in Scripture daily. Experts often recommend starting in the Gospel of John or Ephesians; even one verse chewed on all day counts. Reflect — Ask these questions as you read: Who is God here? What does this teach me about Jesus? What does this say about me and my identity? Respond — Pray briefly from what you read. Example: “Lord, thank you for your living Word. Help me hear, trust, and live what you say today. Amen.” Reveal — Share what you learned with someone: text a verse and a short insight, invite a friend to read John with you, or demonstrate the truth through a specific act of love or service. Soul pump assignment: Get into the Bible daily. Questions or feedback: arnie.cole@bttb.org Keywords: Bible, daily Bible reading, spiritual disciplines, Scripture study, Holy Spirit, spiritual formation, Christian podcast, faith, devotionals, Christian coaching, Arnie Cole, Megan Fletcher, Bible study tips, read reflect respond reveal
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    17 mins
  • Why Spiritual Consistency Beats Intensity Every Time

    Why Spiritual Consistency Beats Intensity Every Time
    Jan 26 2026
    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today. Hosted by Arnie Cole with guest Megan Fletcher, this episode explores what a spiritual discipline is, how spiritual training relates to athletic training, and why consistency (trusting your training) matters more than occasional intensity. Megan, who works with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at the University of Nebraska, shares practical disciplines—time in the Word, prayer, rest, and fasting—and how identity in Christ shapes sustainable spiritual growth. 4 R Action Steps - Read: Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (Rejoice always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances). - Reflect: Ask: Which one command challenges me most? When have consistent small practices helped me grow spiritually? Where can I add a simple, daily discipline? - Respond (short prayer): Lord, thank you for your love. Help me choose one spiritual discipline this week—give me consistency to practice it and trust in your guidance. Amen. - Reveal: Share 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 and your chosen discipline with one friend, teammate, or coach; invite them to try it with you and pray together. Contact: arnie.cole@bttb.org Keywords: spiritual disciplines, Christian podcast, discipleship, faith and sports, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, prayer, Bible study, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Megan Fletcher, Arnie Cole, spiritual formation, consistency over intensity, trust your training
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    13 mins
  • What If You’re Not Supposed to Fight Worry Alone?

    What If You’re Not Supposed to Fight Worry Alone?
    Jan 23 2026
    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Dr. Rob Rhodes. In this episode they address persistent worry and anxiety, center on Philippians 4:6–7, and offer a practical, faith-forward “prescription” that blends spiritual practices, community support, counseling/medical help when needed, and everyday habits (sleep, exercise, nutrition). Learn simple tools to pause, pray, claim God’s peace, and set up regular check-ins with trusted helpers so worry doesn’t keep returning. 4 R Action Steps - Read: Read Philippians 4:6–7. - Reflect: When anxiety rises, pause and recall a calming memory or a favorite Bible passage; list three things you’re grateful for; ask, “What can I hand to God right now?” - Respond (short prayer): Lord, I give you my worry. Fill me with your peace that guards my heart and mind. Help me trust and take the next right step. Amen. - Reveal: Share Philippians 4:6–7 and one practical step you used with a friend, pastor, or counselor this week; offer to pray together or encourage scheduled check-ins for ongoing support. For resources or questions, contact Arnie Cole: arnie.cole@bttb.org If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope and subscribe for daily episodes. Keywords: worry, anxiety, Philippians 4:6-7, Christian podcast, spiritual fitness, Arnie Cole, Rob Rhodes, prayer, Christian counseling, mental health, faith and anxiety, peace that passes understanding, biblical encouragement, cognitive behavioral therapy, pastoral care
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    12 mins
  • If Your Peace Depends on Circumstances, It’s Not Peace

    If Your Peace Depends on Circumstances, It’s Not Peace
    Jan 22 2026
    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Dr. Rob Rhodes. In this episode they explore “the peace that passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:6–7), how faith and science intersect, and a moving real-life story of a nine‑year‑old who faced liver failure, received a transplant, and experienced supernatural peace through the crisis. Dr. Rhodes — physician, entrepreneur, author — reflects on trusting God, growing compassion, and practicing peace amid uncertainty. 4 R Action Steps - Read: Philippians 4:6–7. Slow‑read the verse and let each phrase settle in. - Reflect: Ask, What worry can I honestly hand to God today? Visualize peace as a warm presence that calms your heart and mind. - Respond (short prayer): Lord, we long for that peace that passes all understanding. Calm our hearts in the storms we face. Help us run to You when we are afraid and let Your peace anchor our souls. In Jesus’ name, Amen. - Reveal: Share this passage and the story of God’s peace with someone facing fear or illness. Offer a listening ear, a brief prayer, or a practical act of compassion to demonstrate God’s care. Contact: arnie.cole@bttb.org If this message encouraged you, like, comment, and share so others can find peace too. Keywords: peace that passes all understanding, Philippians 4:6-7, Christian podcast, spiritual growth, prayer, faith and science, trust in God, Dr. Rob Rhodes, Arnie Cole, compassion, testimony, transplant story, hope, Christian encouragement
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    12 mins
  • Your Brain Can Rewire—Here’s How to Train It

    Your Brain Can Rewire—Here’s How to Train It
    Jan 21 2026
    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Dr. Rob Rhodes. In this episode we explore how gratitude can "crowd out" worry — not by white-knuckling it, but by rewiring an anxious brain through prayer, thankfulness, and practiced perspective. Dr. Rhodes combines clinical insight about neuroplasticity with practical faith steps for reducing anxiety and restoring focus on Christ. Make it practical — the 4 R action plan: - Read: Read Philippians 4:6–7 slowly. Let the promise of presenting requests with thanksgiving sink in. - Reflect: When worry arises, pause and ask: What am I trying to control? How would presenting this to God with thanks change my perspective? - Respond: Prayer (example): Lord, thank you for your presence and provision. Help me release my anxieties to you, cultivate a grateful heart, and receive your peace. Amen. - Reveal: Share your gratitude list with someone, offer to pray for a friend, or demonstrate care by doing one small, thankful action for another person. Today’s simple practice: set aside five minutes to write five things you’re grateful for. When worry flares, immediately counterpunch it with those five items and notice the shift. Contact: Arnie Cole — arnie.cole@bttb.org Keywords: gratitude, thankfulness, anxiety, worry, Philippians 4:6-7, prayer, neuroplasticity, spiritual growth, Christian podcast, mental health, faith and science, coping with worry
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    12 mins
  • The Question That Feeds Anxiety—or Faith

    The Question That Feeds Anxiety—or Faith
    Jan 20 2026
    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and Dr. Rob Rhodes. In this episode we explore how to turn worry into prayer — hijacking anxiety’s favorite question, “What if?” — by choosing faith, trusting God, and using prayer as a practical habit for peace. Dr. Rhodes brings a clinical perspective and a real patient story about perseverance and prayer in the face of a serious diagnosis. 4 R Action Steps Read — Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything. . . . present your request to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Reflect — When “what if?” arises, pause, breathe, name the fear, and remind yourself of God’s promise of peace. Ask: What is within my control? Where can I trust God right now? Respond — One-sentence prayer: Lord, thank you that we can bring everything to you in prayer; remind me in anxious moments to turn to you and fill my heart with your peace. Amen. Reveal — Share your one-sentence prayer or this episode’s insight with someone who’s worried, invite them to pray with you, or tell a trusted friend how prayer has helped you persevere. For prayer requests or feedback: arnie.cole@bttb.org Keywords: worry, anxiety, prayer, faith, Philippians 4:6-7, Christian podcast, spiritual fitness, coping with anxiety, prayer practice, Dr. Rob Rhodes, Arnie Cole, turning worry into prayer, hijack anxiety, faith over fear, Christian mental health, spiritual encouragement
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    13 mins
  • Why Fighting Worry Actually Makes It Worse (And What Works Instead)

    Why Fighting Worry Actually Makes It Worse (And What Works Instead)
    Jan 19 2026
    Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole featuring Dr. Rob Rhodes — a timely, practical episode about worry and anxiety. Dr. Rhodes (physician, author, entrepreneur) joins Arnie Cole (spiritual fitness coach & researcher) to unpack why fighting worry often makes it worse, how anxiety shows up physically and emotionally, and realistic steps you can take to experience God’s peace. We explore Philippians 4:6–7 as our memory verse and practical anchor: Do not be anxious about anything; in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Short summary: This episode explains the biopsychosocial effects of worry (insomnia, hormone changes, altered pain perception), when medication may help, and why a holistic approach — prayer, counseling, healthy habits, community — often leads to lasting change. Includes the Soul Pump assignment: write down three things that worry you and beside each write a short prayer giving the worry to the Lord. Take action with the 4 R’s: Read — Read Philippians 4:6–7 and meditate on it for 5–10 minutes today. Reflect — Ask: What am I actually afraid will happen? What can I control? Where can I surrender this to God? Respond — Short prayer: “Father, I confess I carry worry instead of bringing it to You. Forgive me. Help me trust You and give me Your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” Reveal — Share your one worry-and-prayer with a trusted friend, pastor, or accountability partner; pray together and show someone how this promise changes your choices. Contact: Arnie Cole — arnie.cole@bttb.org If this helped you, like, comment your takeaway, and share with someone who needs peace today. Keywords: worry, anxiety, Philippians 4:6-7, spiritual fitness, Christian meditation, prayer for anxiety, Dr. Rob Rhodes, Arnie Cole, faith and mental health, peace of God, soul pump, spiritual coaching, holistic mental health, Christian counseling, overcoming worry, Bible study, daily devotional, faith-based mental wellness
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    14 mins