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

The Christmas lights are glowing, but how is the light in your heart? Coach Donna Amidon encourages us that Jesus is The Light of the World, and when we follow Him, we can know hope over darkness and discouragement! As we move into Christmas and the New Year, purpose in your heart to not only to admire the Light of the World, but to FOLLOW Him, seek Him, and respond to His voice. This is where you will find life!

The Bible gives Jesus many titles; one of them is Prince of Peace. Coach Mark Geist shares the beautiful meaning and effect this name has on your life today. Today, focus on being a peacemaker. Take time to meditate on the peace that Jesus gives, and then share that peace with someone else!

Coach Sherri Krepps tells us about one of the significant names of Jesus – Everlasting Father. Discover what it means to have a heavenly father you can trust, today, tomorrow, and forever! Seek Jesus as your Everlasting Father when you feel lonely and afraid. Seek Him when your heart is longing for His holiness, compassion, and provision. Seek Him for His forgiveness so you can be called a son or daughter of The Most High!

One of the names of Jesus – Mighty God – is a beautiful reminder of the strength and peace that Christ provides. Coach Nat Crawford takes a close look at this powerful name to encourage you and help you focus on what truly matters during this season! Bring your concerns to God in prayer. Be honest about your struggles and ask Him for the strength to face each challenge. Allow Him to guide you, calm your spirit, and refocus your heart on what truly matters during this season!

In times of fear, confusion, and uncertainty, it’s good to know we have a Wonderful Counselor  to help us navigate life’s complexities!  Shannon Lenz shares why it’s so important to slow your pace and take time with your Savior. Spend some time reading from the Gospels so our Wonderful Counselor Himself can offer you divine guidance and wisdom!

Oh Come All Ye Unfaithful? That's what Coach Kelsey talks about today! But before you write her off as a Scrooge – hear her out as she looks at several Biblical characters who were unfaithful, yet they were the very ones chosen to further the kingdom of God! Where is it the most difficult to be faithful to God? Write it down – come before the Lord in confessing this. Then express thankfulness and awe for God’s faithfulness despite our unfaithfulness!

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!

When your tears fall, let them rain on those around you! Jon Winkelman talks about the importance of sharing your grief with those around you, just as Jesus did. If you are experiencing loss right now, it is not only ok, but good to weep. It is also good to reach out to someone for support. Who will you reach out to?

A good father forgives, restores, and keeps His promises. Sherri Kreps introduces us to our good, heavenly  Father who invites us into a relationship with Him to be known, forgiven, and renewed. Memorize and rest in your heavenly Father’s promise which says, He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:12)

Sticking to a workout routine requires self-discipline, as does the act of forgiving. Spiritual Fitness Coach Caleb White gives you some practical steps to help you forgive, let go, and move forward! Choose to Forgive! It doesn’t mean you have to forget what happened. It means letting go of the power that person has over your life. So let go and move forward in love rather than bitterness!

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!

Seasons of life that make no sense can often bring feelings of loneliness. Coach Jon Winkelman shares a powerful account from the Bible to help you look back and remember so you can also look forward with hope! Remember that loneliness is a season. Trust that one day we will look back and understand. And finally, reach out to those who will minister to you.

Need some encouragement? You’ll find it in today’s message from Coach Sherri Kreps as she traces Job's faithfulness to God during his trials -- and more importantly -- God’s faithfulness to Job. That same faithful God is here for you today! If you feel discouraged remember to worship God with prayer, thanksgiving, even singing! This right-sizes the discouragement you’re facing in comparison to the awesome God you serve! Not only that, but you receive peace, comfort, and stren

In today’s episode, Coach Donna Amidon opens our eyes to the power of our words. How might you change someone’s day—even their destiny—with the words you say to them? Find one person today and say something specific to encourage them. It may be your pastor, or someone in your home, at work or school, or even a stranger at the store. Remember, we all need encouragement, so share Christ’s love!

Loss of self-control doesn’t usually happen overnight. It is a series of small steps. Jon Winkelman alerts you to those steps, along with a plan involving 5 choices you can make to help you stand firm with self-control. Do not give room for compromise to grow in your life today. As soon as you are aware of something in your life that does not meet God’s standard, confess it. This is what self-control is all about.

Self-control, when it is fully self-powered, can quickly become a losing battle. Coach Celeste gives you a better perspective, a better way to cultivate willpower with spirit-led control. 1) Prioritize time with the Lord in the Bible and prayer so that you become familiar with His voice. 2) Target a specific area of your life where your self-control may be lacking and seek the Lord in this. 3) Write out some affirmations to remind you who God is and who He says you are. Ask t

Our actions and reactions, especially in the heat of anger, are not unnoticed by God. Spiritual Fitness Coach Nat Crawford gives you biblical pointers to help you navigate through turbulent times with the grace of God. Today, remember your ultimate accountability before Christ. Practice self-control, seek empathy, and commit to peaceful resolutions, even when you are provoked!

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?

While the wars of the world rage, perhaps some of the most disturbing battles are fought within our minds. Today Coach Zane trains us in how to guard our minds and know God’s peace! Get into the Word and spend some time in prayer today. Pray with thanksgiving! These good spiritual disciplines aim our perspective toward God, and when we are set on Him, peace will overflow into our lives.

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!

The warning to control your temper is straightforward but not simple. Coach Nat Crawford explains that anger is not just an involuntary response but an emotion – one that you can manage with God’s help! 1) When anger flares, take a moment to breathe and pray. 2) Reflect on the source of your anger so you can address it more constructively. 3) Practice forgiveness, remembering that this is a process and a choice, not necessarily a one-time act. 4) Cultivate patience and unders

When it comes to self-control, the enemy wants you to think you can never change. Donna Amidon reveals the lies of the evil one and helps you see God’s power, not your own, to make right choices! Think of that one thing in your life that needs self-control. With that in mind, focus on the specific aspects that are in your control and ask the Holy Spirit to help you make godly choices in that area today.

This may not be Thanksgiving Day, but it IS a day to give thanks! Coach Seth reminds us that when we live, love, and serve with a thankful heart, it blesses people in unexpected ways! Find one person to serve today or in the coming week and be sure to serve them with a thankful heart!

Happy Thanksgiving! Today Coach Jonathan shares one of the things we can be most thankful for – God’s goodness in our lives. Everyone’s story is unique – and a great tool for telling others about the Lord. So, what’s your story about and who can you share it with? Write down your Everyday Gospel Story, be prepared when people ask you how you’re doing, and share it with someone! Today is the perfect day to make known God’s work in your life.