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

When people encountered Jesus, there was something irresistible about His gentle nature. There still is! Faith Sherrer encourages you to get to know “Jesus the Gentle” and let His peaceful spirit instill gentleness in you! Read about Jesus from the Bible. (The Book of John is a good source.) As you read, picture His gentle and quiet spirit. Allow yourself time to take this in and be in awe!

Today, Spiritual Fitness Coach Mark Geist uses two characters in the Bible – Peter and Judas – to show the importance of forgiving yourself; how to accept that forgiveness and how to live afterward. When we admit that something we did is wrong, it’s the first step toward forgiveness. That next critical choice is to take the road of forgiving ourselves (remember, God forgives you) and see what God can do in our lives.

We are generally quick to want forgiveness. But giving forgiveness? Yes, it’s hard. However, as Coach Shannon explains, with Christ, we have every reason and the ability to forgive. Spend some time in prayer about someone you need to forgive. Ask God to soften your heart towards that person. Remember: Forgive the way you want to be forgiven, the way the Lord has forgiven you. Let go of all the hurt that you’ve been holding on to and forgive them in your heart. Then, reach out

If you’ve ever been shot down by someone’s criticism, then you know the pain it causes. Today Coach Jonathan helps you take aim at your pride instead of other people’s flaws! Think about the people you feel most critical toward. Write down three things you are thankful for about each of them. Then pray for them. Thank God for putting them in your life and making them the way they are with the unique gifts that you just wrote down. Ask God to give you a spirit of humility towa

It’s hard to move forward in life when you’re stuck in guilt! Coach Donna Amidon shows you how to break ties with your past so you can be released to walk in freedom and forgiveness. Focus Forward. If there’s something from your past that’s weighing you down, bring it to God and ask for his forgiveness. Then like Paul, focus on the purpose and assignment God has for you.

When you face seasons of uncertainty, failure, or fatigue, you don't need to let discouragement define you! Coach Nat Crawford shares God’s plan for strengthening you when your hopes are down. Embrace God’s power! Today, affirm God’s strength in your life. Pray for His power to fill you, remembering that His strength is made perfect in your weakness!

Are there days when you feel paralyzed by fear or worry? Spiritual Growth Coach Alejandro Duran shares three powerful reasons for you to have hope and courage in God! Today, take these words from Joshua with you: “for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!” Say this and think about this as you go through your day ... then let us know how the Lord has helped you be strong and courageous!

Why should you fear God? And how does this idea fit with growing in the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord? Coach Faith Sherrer explains this powerful spiritual connection for you in today’s episode! To grow in the knowledge of the Lord, start reading through the Book of Proverbs. There are 31 chapters in it, so a chapter a day can be your goal for a month! Also, remember to ask God to give you wisdom. That’s a request He has promised to answer!

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!