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

We all have the ability to be kind. But what about the willingness to be kind? Coach Jon motivates us with several key scriptures to reveal the source of kindness and the desire to grow this winsome trait in our lives! To grow in kindness, 1) depend on the Spirit, 2) seek to bless yourself and others, and 3) allow the love of Christ to flow through you.

Criticizing others is treacherous behavior that kills relationships and damages your own heart. Spiritual Fitness Coach Faith Sherrer helps you cultivate a change of heart over comparing, complaining, and criticizing! Pray every day this week for the people you criticize the most - those who annoy you or have hurt you, or those you compare yourself to. Pray blessing over them. Also, pray that Jesus would totally transform your mind!

When life starts crowding you, how do you keep it together and sort things out? Spiritual Fitness Coach Gary Dunker points to Jesus to show what it takes to recharge and reprioritize by having a conversation with One who knows your needs. Find time today to be alone with God just as Jesus did—withdraw to a quiet place and pray. Even five minutes is a good starting point. Just start. You can do it!

There are days when joy comes easily. Other days, not so much! Yet, we are given this fruit of the Spirit to be used and enjoyed. Spiritual Fitness Coach Lydia Robertson shares how to call out the blessing of joy in your life! Call out the blessing of joy in your life by talking, singing, or writing about the goodness you experience from God. As we call out these blessings, we are cultivating joy in our lives!

Discouragement causes us to overestimate the problems facing us and underestimate the power of God to overcome them. Coach Caleb White helps you “right size” your problems by recalibrating who God is! If you’re feeling discouraged, remember Jesus’s words: “Take heart for I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33) Remember who God is and recalibrate your vision And if you know someone who is discouraged, encourage them as well with this truth.

What do you do when fear threatens to invade and hold your mind captive? Coach Shannon Lenz points to a combat strategy laid out for us in both example and instruction from God’s Word. When fear threatens to invade and hold your mind captive, do what Hezekiah did. Pray and ask someone else to pray for you too. Remember this verse: 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And th

Coach Seth Walker talks about what makes the Good Shepherd good...in both the good times and the bad. Discover how you can experience God’s goodness in your life today! Whatever it is you are going through, know that God is with you, and remind yourself of the times God has been faithful to you. Maybe even sing of the goodness of God!

It’s hard to find courage when you’re discouraged. Thankfully, this is something your Creator understands! Gary Dunker shares an important principle that God provides to give you strength and pull you up when you're feeling down. Find your Bible and highlight Joshua 1:19. “Be Strong and Courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Remember this verse!

It’s easy to say God’s timing is perfect, but His timetable can leave us with questions, and a lot of waiting! Sherri Krepps shares how to count on God as you go through the process of refinement. In need of patience? PRAY! Be vulnerable before The Lord and share all you feel knowing He wants to hear from you! Ask Him to reveal the impurities in your heart that need to be refined by the “fire” you are currently in.

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!