NEWS, ARTICLES, DEVOTIONS AND MORE FROM BttB...

Anger itself isn’t a sin. It’s what you do with anger that matters. But what if you’re angry ... at God? Is that ok? Jon Winkelman helps you see the balance between anger and honoring God. Today, if you find yourself feeling angry with God, cry out to Him. When we cry out to God, and seek Him in His Word, He always answers!

The peace the world offers doesn’t hold up when trouble comes. But the peace of God found in Jesus Christ holds firm even in the midst of trials and trouble. Spiritual Fitness Coach Shannon Lenz explains how to experience that peace! If you don’t know Jesus, the Prince of Peace, get to know Him. Read His Word. A great place start is the Gospels. If you do know Jesus, share His peace with someone else. Let them know the source of your peace.

Do you trust God? Are you patient enough to wait on Him? Spiritual Growth Coach Justus Coppinger challenges us to courageously and patiently trust God for the guidance and answers we need! Be courageous and allow yourself to slow down and wait. Then, share with us what practices you have that help you develop patience!

Coach Lydia Robertson shares connection points to help you and others walk through one of the toughest human experiences, one that Jesus knew all too well – loneliness. Offer a gesture of connection. Reach out to someone to say, “Hey, I’m thinking of you today and hope you are doing well.” Schedule to have coffee with a friend. Call a family member, even if just for a brief conversation. No matter if it is a friend, family member, or stranger, you can have an impact today by

We all have that person we could complain about, or criticize. Or we could do something crazy – like be thankful for them! Coach Ricky Kennedy issues the challenge to change our focus and, in the process, change our critical hearts! Rather than complaining and criticizing someone, give thanks to God for that person today. Then, write a note, send a text, or call them letting them know why you’re thankful for them!

Spiritual Fitness Coach Sherri Kreps reveals the power we have as Christ followers to control our thoughts, words, and actions. Discover the roots that grow self-control in all aspects of life. Identify areas in your life where you struggle with controlling yourself. Then, commit yourself to being deeply rooted in Christ and pray that He would grow the fruit of self-control within you. With the Holy Spirit inside of us, self-control is a fruit that grows out of that connectio

Data, facts, trivia, and lies fill our world with information. But where do you find true knowledge? Coach Mark points us to the resources for understanding God’s wisdom, discerning His will, and applying His principles to our decisions and actions. Today, take a practical step toward growing in the knowledge of the Lord by setting aside regular time for Bible study. Consider a personal study, joining a Bible study group, or using devotional guides.

Spiritual Fitness Coach Donna Amidon shares a lesson she learned about peace and pace in today’s episode. Discover the freedom and power God gives you to live in peace. Think of one area of your life where you could slow down and do less. It may mean stepping back from a commitment, giving yourself a day off, changing a deadline, or simply reaching out to a friend for help. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into a PEACEFUL pace!

Destroy destructive thoughts! Today Caleb White coaches you on being proactive in your thought life with self-talk that comes from the One who knows you, loves you, and is committed to your spiritual growth and well-being Today, fix your thoughts on the fact that you are cared for and loved by the most important person ever, Jesus! Direct your attention to things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Discouragement often follows failure. But, as Coach Faith Sherrer points out, God’s grace stands by to help you get back up on your feet and follow Jesus! If you’re discouraged because of a failure, face what you’ve done and tell Jesus. He’s already seen what you’ve done, yet He’s still chasing after you and inviting you to follow Him. Turn to Him and win today!

Forgiving others is essential for life in God’s kingdom, yet it’s very unnatural – even radical to our human hearts. So, where do you start? Coach Gary Dunker lays out some crucial first steps for walking the path of forgiveness. Pray that God would open up your heart to forgive someone who has hurt you. Seek opportunity to meet with this individual and openly forgive them for what they have done. If this person is not reachable, ask God to help you forgive them every time th

Anger takes up head space and emotional energy. It’s not good for your blood pressure, and worst of all, it tempts you to say and do things you can’t take back! Thankfully there is a better way. Today Shannon Lenz coaches you on how to handle anger rather than harbor it! Take your anger to the Lord in prayer NOW. Don’t allow it to fester overnight or for days (or even for a few weeks). Ask God to give you wisdom in how to handle the situation and to help you put Ephesians 4:3

Spiritual Fitness Coach Caleb White shares some biblical navigation skills to help us stay the course today and persevere throughout the journey of life. Take time to reflect on Hebrews 12:1-2. Then share and pray this passage with someone else who needs your encouragement. Together you can stay the course and win today!

Jesus wept – 2 words with incredible impact. Coach Sherri Kreps shares the hope and comfort we receive from the understanding heart of the Savior who keeps track of our tears and sorrows! If you are grieving a loss today, know that your tears matter to the Lord! The same Jesus who was moved to tears at the sight of Mary’s grief is the same Jesus who loves you! Cling to the promise of Psalm 34:18 NLT which says, The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose sp

In a world that values power and assertiveness, gentleness is seen as weakness. But today, Coach Mark Geist shows you that gentleness is actually a profound strength. Learn to live in the power of gentleness! Prepare for any future conflicts in your life by thinking about listening to the other person and trying to understand them. Also consider the importance of staying calm and gentle in your speech. Then, put these practices into action when a conflict arises!

You’re scrolling through your phone, enjoying your day, when suddenly, a friend’s post lights up your “envy button”! What do you do with this powerful emotion? Donna Amidon walks you through some important biblical steps to keep your perspective in check and envy at bay! The next time you feel that twinge of envy, stop what you’re doing, confess it to God, and even share it with a trusted friend. Then, shift your focus from what you lack to what you have—and give thanks for t

Want self-control? Start practicing it! Seth Walker coaches us on developing self-control with a few simple first steps to get us on the road to physical, mental, and spiritual fitness. Start today to practice self-control with something simple. Maybe it’s saying no to dessert. Or driving the speed limit all day. How about limiting your time on social media? Start now. Start simple!

Self-pride is tricky and you may not notice it at first, but when you realize that you’re celebrating yourself rather than God, it’s a pretty good clue that it has hold of you! Today Coach Zane Sherrer gives you some pointers to turn your focus away from yourself and back to God. If you’re wrestling with pridefulness today, confess that to God. Draw near to Him. Then in your prayer celebrate God for those things in which you are most proud of. Remind yourself that He is the o

Today Coach Jonathan Haverdink shares four life lessons we can learn from the lowly ants to take us from lazy to diligent! After listening to Jonathan’s message today, be sure to write down your who (team), why (purpose), when (rest rhythms), and how (tomorrow’s agenda). Clarifying these things will be help keep laziness from defining you!

Why should you forgive when revenge is so acceptable in our culture? Coach Kate Dreesen gives you the biblical reasons and the encouragement to take action and extend forgiveness today! Who do you need to forgive? Today, if there’s someone in your life you need to forgive, take action! Extend forgiveness to them just as God has extended eternal and ultimate forgiveness to you. Who do you need to forgive?

When you're down in the dumps and down on yourself it’s good to talk to someone. But you may be surprised at who Coach Seth tells you to talk to first! Join him for a close look at Psalm 88! When you feel like you are defeated, remind yourself who you belong to and take the conversation to God! What are you going to tell God today?

Today Spiritual Fitness Coach Donna Amidon reminds you that God’s leadings, even when they don’t make sense, are loving invitations to believe and experience His glory! Think about one thing God is leading you to do that you’ve been hesitant about. Today, choose to trust God and do what He is leading you to do!

Climbing out of the hole of discouragement requires a shift in focus! Coach Mark Geist points us to God who understands, who empowers, and who remains faithful. Tell God where you are struggling, then shift your focus back to the hope you have in Him by focusing on Scripture that reminds you of His faithfulness. Also, take a step to reveal God’s hope to someone else through a word of encouragement or a prayer!

What if you didn’t have to endlessly chase your desires? What if you could get off that treadmill and fall contentedly into the arms of Jesus? Coach Jenny Hietbrink points to the abundant life and how you can experience that life of contentment in Jesus. What are you desiring more of these days? How will that make you happy? Bring this to the Lord, embrace His Word in your life today, and ask Him to give you ultimate fulfillment and contentment.