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

Moses, a model of leadership and faith, shows us that no one is immune to the pitfalls of anger. Nat Crawford talks about what we can learn from Moses to help control our anger and reflect God’s good name instead. Today, before reacting to a situation with anger, take a moment to pause and pray. Strive to respond in a way that reflect God’s patience, love, and mercy. Let us know how you do!

There is always an excuse NOT to do something. But God sees beyond our excuses! Donna Amidon encourages you to trust God’s leading to step out in faith and accomplish His plans for you! Think of one area where you’ve been holding back. Today, step forward and unbury that gift so that it can grow and please your Master who gave it to you!

The mightiest battlefield in the entire universe exists … in your mind! Spiritual fitness coach Jon Winkelman shares the weapons needed to strike down destructive thoughts that cloud our minds and imprison our lives. Write down 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 and consider how you will take your thoughts captive today. Suggestions: Read this passage throughout the day. Pray for God to direct all your thoughts. Talk to a trusted Christian friend.

Whether you’re basking in blue skies or feeling a little like Eeyore with clouds of gloom hovering, coach Lydia Robertson assures us that God’s joy is available! Discover how joy can be cultivated in your life. Even if you’re feeling gloomy today, take time to connect to Jesus, the True Vine, and allow joy to be cultivated in your heart and shared through your words and actions.

Fitness coach Mark Geist tests the limits of what might annoy you as he trains you to share God’s grace with others rather than your criticism! Instead of focusing on the things you might not like about others, focus on the positive. Make sure that the only things that come out of your mouth today are positive and encouraging!

Where do those tendencies to shift the blame or rationalize your sin come from? Coach Faith shines a light on the secretive life of pride! Find out where it lives, what it does, and how you can free yourself from its dangerous grip! Jesus took your sin to the cross so you could be free. So, turn from your pride and self-righteousness today and allow Jesus to transform your heart!

Does your mind have a mind of its own? Coach Gary reminds us that our own minds can turn against us unless we train them to think and believe only the truth! The next time destructive self-talk pops into your head say to yourself “Be gone Satan you are a false witness who breathes out lies. I am forgiven by Jesus—the faithful witness that does not lie.”

Coach Kelsey Coppinger, a recovering worry wart, helps us see the impact of worry and shares the simple, but profound wisdom of a Psalm to combat fear. Today when you feel anxious, read and recite Psalm 56:3-4: 3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

Have you ever felt spiritually stuck? Coach Justus Coppinger talks about life experiences that can baffle and bog you down in your spiritual walk. But with God there is an answer and an opportunity waiting for you! Focus on where you are spiritually right now. Resolve to walk with God today and pray for Him to continue to fill you with His wisdom.

It always helps to have something to look forward to, right?  So, if today or tomorrow or the next day seem a little bleak, Spiritual Fitness Coach Shannon Lenz will help you look up and discover the good news about all that is in store for you as you follow Christ! Make a list. Write down all the things that you are looking forward to in eternity. It will help you focus not on the things that are seen and temporary, but on the things that are unseen and eternal.

Are you feeling spiritually stuck? Believe it or not, that’s not a bad thing to admit. In fact, that’s the first thing you need to do to get unstuck. John Comstock is here today to encourage, comfort and coach you out of the spiritual doldrums! If you know why you are spiritually stuck, confess what keeps you. If you don’t know, admit you don’t know. Then, share with a trusted friend what you are experiencing and ask them to pray and to discern with you what identifiable step

Have you ever considered that every time you speak, you can bring life and encouragement to someone? Coach Donna Amidon helps you weigh your words and be a voice of life and spiritual healing to others. Think of at least one person you know and intentionally encourage them with your words today. Call them on the phone, send a text, write a card. Be that voice of life and healing in their life today!

When things get stressful, your mind gets filled, and your pulse goes up, how do you find calmness of heart? Spiritual Fitness Coach Seth Walker helps you take a deep breath and breathe in the peace of God! If you are feeling anxious and need a little peace, read Philippians 4:7. “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Remember, God is watching over you and will provide!

It’s easy to become weary of doing good when we experience trials and see the evil that is present in the world. But, as Shannon Lenz reminds us today, persevering in faithfulness to Christ always matters, so don’t grow weary! Let steadfastness have its full effect by asking God what He’s trying to teach you in the midst of your struggles and sufferings. Count your trials as personal growth opportunities. And, even if you are weary of doing good, find something good that you

Just as physical fitness requires discipline, proper nutrition, and regular exercise, spiritual fitness demands a similar approach. Nat Crawford offers coaching tips for the dedication, discipline, and nourishment of your spirit! Purge unhealthy spiritual habits by seeking forgiveness, reconciling relationships, or changing patterns of speech and interaction. Also, develop a healthy appetite for the Word letting it nourish and transform you from the inside out!

Jesus’ original disciples didn't start out as giants of faith. They had questions to wrestle with first! Maybe you do too. Sherri Kreps talks about one of the disciples – Thomas – and encourages you to follow his example of how to wrestle, trust, and grow in faith. God is not looking for perfection before He allows us to follow Him. But He IS looking to help you grow from where you are. So today, ask God to help you learn to trust and grow in faith!

One person who displayed the patience of Job was ... Job! Jon Winkelman tells you where Job got his patience and how you can develop it as well. So win today by doing this: Focus on Jesus and patiently endure through today. And tomorrow. And the next day. Remember, God is compassionate and merciful.

When we look at God’s faithfulness, we see a truly perfect example of how we too can be faithful! Lydia Robertson points out the very real and powerful aspects of how getting to know God in any season leads you into a deeper faith. Pray out loud today: “O Lord, how many times have you graciously led me through doubt into a deeper faith? Do so again, my Lord and my God! Even now. Do so again!” (Prayer by Douglas McKelvey from the Liturgy for Nights & Days of Doubt.)

Spiritual Fitness Coach Jenny Hietbrink shares how God's Spirit transforms our understanding of goodness, moving beyond behavior to heart change. Learn to experience the transforming power of Jesus’ goodness daily! Ask for the Holy Spirit to fill you and lead you in what is good. Put the Good News of what He’s done at the forefront of your mind, and He will be faithful to grow you in His goodness!

Hannah was a woman from the Old Testament who had a lot of unfair, destructive criticism thrown at her. Today, Coach Corrie shows us how Hannah, rather than turning against herself, turned to God with her hurt and hope. You can do the same! Lean on God. Give Him EVERYTHING. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Lift your anguish and your anxieties up to Him so He can fulfill your needs, help you think rightly about yourself, and help you win each day in His name.

When the storms of life rage, it’s good to know the peace that lies at the eye of each storm. Coach Zane helps us see a picture of true peace in Christ who shines His hope through all of life’s ups and downs! Memorize a verse about God’s faithfulness to draw you back to renewed hope and peace. Let Christ be your rock in the center of the storm!

Spiritual growth is a journey, not a destination; a continuous process that lasts a lifetime. Spiritual Fitness Coach Nat Crawford talks about how to experience spiritual growth in your life! 1) Make Bible study a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. 2) Participate in the Christian community so you can receive encouragement, accountability, and support as you grow in faith. 3) Live out your faith because growth requires action. 4) Share your faith. Teaching what you kno

What does your wardrobe say about you? Sophisticated? Outdoorsy? Athletic? Today coach Justus introduces a new spiritual wardrobe and helps you understand how to clothe yourself with the distinctive qualities of God. Put on your new spiritual clothing and choose to show kindness and mercy to others rather than reacting out of bitterness!

Like an athlete, if you want to grow spiritually, you need to put in the work. You’re in training today as Sherri Kreps translates her coaching skills from the basketball court to your heart and soul! Target a specific spiritual trait you want to develop and then find ways to practice it. If you want to grow in kindness, be kind. If you want to grow in patience, well, be ready to hold your tongue when the need arises. And tomorrow, be ready for more practice!