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

What do you do when it feels like it’s “you versus the world”? Spiritual Fitness Coach Mark Geist knows a thing or two about this feeling and shares how important it is to look up to God and out to a friend for a new perspective! If you’re feeling lonely today, seek God through His Word, but also tell a trusted person in your life how you’re feeling and ask them to pray for you.

How would you describe your spiritual life right now? Murky and stagnate, fresh and clear, or somewhere in between? Jon Winkelman coaches us on how to have a healthy intake and outpouring of God’s life-giving water to keep our souls invigorated! When we feel spiritually stuck, we must hear the Word — take in good things. Then, we must let those good things flow out of us in service. How will you do that today?

If God—the giver of all good gifts—gave us anger, then anger must be good. Right? Spiritual Fitness Coach John Comstock shares how Jesus channeled His anger for good! Before anger escalates, take some deep breaths and reflect on the situation. Name the emotion you felt BEFORE you began to feel anger. Ask Jesus how to channel your anger to heal, redeem, or restore. Finally, consult a trusted friend about whether or not the action you feel moved to take is consistent with the c

Kindness generally involves giving, but sometimes the very best thing we can give is the last thing we think of. Coach Sherri Kreps leads today’s spiritual workout on kindness and the gift of time! Take an inventory of how you spend your day. Make a conscious effort to eliminate things from your schedule that have little to no lasting value.

Worry and fear like to walk hand in hand down the streets of our minds, terrorizing us every step of the way. Thankfully, God stands by to deal with these formidable enemies. Gary Dunker shares God’s Word on overcoming worry and fear. Put the words of Philippians 4:6 into action. Spend time today giving your worries to God in prayer. Be sure to also spend time thanking Him for how He has blessed your life.

In Christ, you are not at the mercy of your every urge. You aren’t a sitting duck for the next wave of temptation to take you down. Spiritual Fitness Coach Shannon explains that there IS an escape hatch!

Coach Nick explains that there is a whole buffet of God’s goodness waiting for you. So, put a piece of God’s goodness on your plate, pick up a fork and dig in! Taste and see for yourself!

The purpose of lust and porn is to take mature adults and turn them into impulsive, demanding, and rebellious children. Thankfully, Jesus stands by in time of need. Coach Jonathan Haverdink shares what it means to reclaim your sexual integrity through Christ.

How can we effectively deal with the anger we feel? Coach Mark takes us to God’s Word to look at the effects of anger, and God’s willingness to help us turn our feelings into righteous actions.

Fear messes with our minds, causing us to become confused and vulnerable. We forget about our priorities and instead, slip into survival and self-preservation mode. But “have no fear”, there is a better way! Shannon Lenz explains. Memorize 2 Timothy 1:7, a short easy verse that reminds you God does not want us to live our lives afraid. Remember, God isn’t just with you, His Holy Spirit is in you!

Growing in joy is a lifelong journey, deeply intertwined in our relationship with God. Today, Caleb White explains that because of the unwavering foundation God provides, we can have joy even in times of trial! Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. By cultivating a thankful heart, we recognize God’s goodness and faithfulness, which fuels our joy! What are you grateful for today?

Truth is best received when it’s paired with gentleness. So, how do you add gentleness into your heart and your speech? Sherri Kreps coaches you to share truth with others while extending the gentleness of God’s good grace. Commit to knowing God’s Truth through the study of His Word. Ask Him for a spirit of humility so you can share with others, while extending grace!

She laughs too loud. He’s too messy. Why does she do that? Ever find yourself wanting others to be more like you? Jonathan Haverdink challenges us to check our focus and see people in a different light – the light of Jesus. Is there someone you’ve been unfairly critical of (either recently or a while ago)? If so, reach out to them and say, “I’m sorry.” A simple apology can go a long way in humbling yourself and mending the relationship.

One great way to grow in your faithfulness is to understand more about God’s faithfulness. Spiritual Fitness Coach Alejandro Duran helps you win today with a fresh look at the faithfulness of the Lord which is new every morning! Carve some time out of your schedule today to be alone with God. Ask Him to help you trust Him despite any present or future circumstances!

Coach Justus shares his experience as a long-distance runner to illustrate the need to “pace the race” and run your spiritual race with perseverance and patience! Keep going! Today, pray for the Spirit to guide you in your next step. Then allow your mind to rest in the peace and strength of Jesus so that you can run with him at your side through every joy, and tough moment.

Do you think your life is mundane and unimportant to God? Shannon Lenz challenges you to see where God has placed you, open your eyes to His opportunities, and experience the joy of serving faithfully right where you are! Spend time reading the Bible today so that God’s Word can be on your heart. Then, pray about ways that you can teach His Words diligently to others and talk of them as you go about your day. Ask God to help you walk consistently with Him, in His humble servi

Where do you find strength to forgive, especially when you’ve been hurt? Coach Zane points us to the compassion of Jesus. Discover His power and compassion to forgive yourself, and others! As you consider the compassion of Jesus, pray for strength to radically forgive people in your life, and make the commitment to do so with His help.

Running after riches is an endless, empty pursuit. What’s the alternative? Coach Donna Amidon looks at a parable of Jesus to help us put it all into perspective and learn to be rich toward God. Think of how you can take the extra you have and bless others. Think of at least one person you can bless today with an unexpected gift—big or small. Then, bless them!

There are many good things to pursue in this life, but are your intentions toward them good as well? Seth Walker gives us spiritual coaching pointers on the importance of giving God glory in all our pursuits! Evaluate your intentions. You may be going after things that are good, but are you pursuing them to bring you closer to God, or for your own glory? If it is for your own glory ask yourself and God how you might glorify Him instead!

You’re not alone with God's presence. You’re not vulnerable with God’s power. You’re not needy with God’s provision. Spiritual Fitness Coach Sherri Kreps helps you win today over fear and worry! To win today over fear and worry, trust in the promise of God’s PRESENCE. Trust in the promise of His POWER. Trust in the promise of His PROVISION. God was present, powerful and the provider for Moses’ needs, and He will likewise walk with you in your needs as well!

Peace often seems like an impossible dream, yet the Bible says it is possible for every believer. Coach Jon Winkelman introduces you to true peace and invites you on a journey to find it, even in the middle of difficulties. How do we grow in peace? Practice. We practice trusting God with our problems. We practice handing God our burdens. We practice believing that He really has overcome the world!

Today coach Donna Amidon assures you that if you’re in a place of shame and guilt – you DON’T have to stay there! Discover the depth of forgiveness and peace God wants to have. Rather than turn inward with shame, COME to Jesus in worship for the forgiveness you’ve received. Remember, we are forgiven much and therefore can LOVE much. Embrace this truth and, as Jesus told the woman in today’s message, "Go in peace."

If God allowed His own Son to spend time in the wilderness, chances are, you’ll find yourself in a time of spiritual wilderness as well. Caleb White talks about how to cope and hope when you go through a time of spiritual drought. If you feel spiritually stuck, 1) Spend time in prayer asking God why you feel stuck. 2) Talk to another believer who can give you a new perspective. 3) Change up your spiritual routine by adding fasting or perhaps a special time of solitude and med

A heart filled with pride leaves little room for Jesus. Today Sherri helps you see pride for what it is, identify it, and take steps to kick it out of your heart! Confess your self-pride to God. Then repent, turning AWAY FROM pride and TOWARD God, asking Him for forgiveness. Finally, continue to learn more about Jesus and follow His example of humility!