top of page
Pivot Driven Devo eBook Signup
FREE eBOOK!
Pivot Driven Devotions
By Arnie Cole & W. Terry Whalin
Bible Selections to Move You Closer to Jesus
PIVOTS
Take a tiny step in a different direction...
When was the last time you changed direction to follow the Holy Spirit’s lead? This is a prime example of a “pivot”—those tiny changes we can easily make for our spiritual life and the needs of others.
Maybe it’s the effort of going an additional step—to take notice, to listen or to open up—that create tremendous opportunities to bring Jesus to those who need Him.
Pivots are intentionally small so they’re not overwhelming to begin or add to along the way. Nor will all pivots will bear immediate fruit. They are intended as actions done today that change our course to produce future results. They make up a process of planting seeds, watering them and watching them grow just like 1 Corinthians 3:6-9.
Bookmark this page and come back regularly. These blog articles will help you keep learning and challenging yourself. You’ll also stay up-to-date about what the social scientists at the Center for Spiritual Fitness are discovering.
Finding Your Footing Again
Learn how wise counsel, honesty, humility, and healthy responses to rejection can help you rebuild work, relationships, and everyday life in early recovery.
Back to the Bible
12 hours ago
Your Daily Spiritual Work Out - September 5
STEP 1 - RECEIVE (Receive God's Word and Grow in Bible Knowledge) Though the writer of the Book of Hebrews is unknown, and though it was written for a Jewish audience familiar with Jewish history and theology, this is a rich portion of the Bible that cannot be overlooked! In this passage we'll see how Jesus is more than just a great teacher, He's God in the flesh and superior even to the angels. STEP 2 - REFLECT (How does this Scripture Apply to your life?) We can probably al
Back to the Bible
13 hours ago
Goodness, Like Someone I Know - September 5
We can probably all agree that the world would be better with a lot more goodness in it. But if we're trying to do it on our own, we're missing something important. Stefanie joins us today to help us find the true source of goodness we can tap into.
Back to the Bible
13 hours ago
Psalm 23 and the Goodness of God - September 5
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!
Back to the Bible
13 hours ago
Know Your Bible - Hebrews - Day 1 - September 5
Though the writer of the Book of Hebrews is unknown, and though it was written for a Jewish audience familiar with Jewish history and theology, this is a rich portion of the Bible that cannot be overlooked! In this passage we'll see how Jesus is more than just a great teacher, He's God in the flesh and superior even to the angels.
Back to the Bible
13 hours ago
The Bearer of Bad News - September 5
Read Jeremiah 7:23-24 (ESV) But this command I gave them: “Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.” But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward. Reflect Have you ever had to be the bearer of bad news? How did you feel about being the messenger? How was the message re
Back to the Bible
13 hours ago
Prayer For Prodigals - September 5
No one is so far from God that they can't be forgiven. And many of us have loved ones who have strayed far from God. Today Donna prays for the prodigals in our lives and asks that God would draw them back to Him.
Back to the Bible
13 hours ago
How to Stop White-Knuckling Life and Find True Surrender
Tired of white-knuckling your way through life? Discover how biblical surrender can break the cycle of control, self-reliance, and exhaustion and help you trust God.
Back to the Bible
1 day ago
Your Daily Spiritual Work Out - September 4
BACK TO THE BIBLE DAILY What does it mean to extend grace to others the way God extends it to us? In this episode of Back to the Bible Daily, host Braden Pedersen explores Jonah chapter 4 and the surprising conclusion to Jonah's story. SPIRITUALLY FIT | TODAY What happens when pride sneaks into recovery and faith? In this episode of Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole and Reno Collier explore the dangers of spiritual pride, the lessons of the prodigal son, and how humility keep
Back to the Bible
2 days ago
Strength When You're Feeling Down - September 4
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!
Back to the Bible
2 days ago
Know Your Bible - Philemon - Day 2 - September 4
As Paul finishes his short, but important, letter to his friend Philemon, he mentions another friend named Onesimus. In something of a plot twist for us modern readers, we learn that Onesimus is a runaway slave and once belonged to Philemon. Paul's recommendation to his friends has a lesson for us all to learn.
Back to the Bible
2 days ago
Salvation Is of The Lord - September 4
Read Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do th
Back to the Bible
2 days ago
Don't Believe the Lies! - September 4
There's nothing that can put a Christian on the sidelines spiritually faster than discouragement. That little voice inside that says, "I don't belong here," or "God couldn't possibly use me for that." If that voice is especially loud right now, take a moment to listen to Laura as she shares some EN-couraging words from the Bible.
Back to the Bible
2 days ago
A Voice of Encouragement - September 4
Faith leads our prayer time today asking God for an awareness of who around us needs that extra voice of encouragement in their lives today.
Janette
2 days ago
Something New Is Coming!
Discover how Jesus transformed fearful disciples into a Spirit-empowered church sent to share the gospel with courage, grace, and purpose.
Pastor Braden Pedersen
2 days ago
Finding Strength in the Storm: How God’s Word Anchors You When Life Feels Overwhelming
Feeling overwhelmed? Discover how God’s Word provides strength, lasting joy, stability, and hope when life feels too heavy to carry on your own.
Pastor Braden Pedersen
2 days ago
Sharing God's Heart - September 3
You know all about the comfort and peace that can come from sharing our prayer requests with God and with others. Maybe someone you know doesn't have that relationship with God that they can turn to. Mark prays for us today asking God for opportunities to share His heart with others.
Back to the Bible
3 days ago
God’s Plan - September 3
Read Song of Solomon 8:6-7 (ESV) Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised. Reflect Why do you think God included a book about romantic love and sex in the Bible? Pop culture has no shortage
Back to the Bible
3 days ago
Time Traveling - September 3
When reading stories from the Bible, it's easy to overlook that we're often reading about many years of someone's life in just a few minutes. Why is this important? Ben is here today to examine a time in Joseph's life when patience and waiting on God's timing was critical, and to encourage you to be patient if God seems to be moving a bit slow in your own life.
Back to the Bible
3 days ago
Going Through the Process of Refinement - September 3
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.
Back to the Bible
3 days ago
Your Daily Spiritual Work Out - September 3
BACK TO THE BIBLE DAILY How can a holy God accept sinful people? In this episode of Back to the Bible Daily, Braden Pedersen explores the biblical concept of justification, explaining how faith in Jesus Christ clears us of all charges and grants us righteousness before God. Drawing from Romans and Galatians, Braden unpacks the gift of grace and the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. SPIRITUALLY FIT | TODAY Why do so many feel safer being honest in a coff
Back to the Bible
3 days ago
Know Your Bible - Philemon - Day 1 - September 3
The apostle Paul wrote a short but important letter to his friend Philemon. In this letter Paul asks for a personal favor, but before he gets to that, he reminds us of the familial obligations we have towards each other as believers. And then Paul introduces us to Onesimus and talks of the friendship he shared with him.
Back to the Bible
3 days ago
RECEIVED. REFLECTED. RESPONDED. NOW REVEAL.
Discover why spiritual growth is meant to be shared and how revealing what God is doing in your life can help build faith in someone else.
Arnie Cole
3 days ago
Overcoming Anger - September 2
Today Sean leads our prayer time asking God to help us remember wisdom when we feel anger beginning to stir.
Back to the Bible
4 days ago
Your Daily Spiritual Work Out - September 2
BACK TO THE BIBLE DAILY What does Proverbs 29:18 really mean? In this episode of Back to the Bible Daily, Braden Pedersen explores the true biblical context of "where there is no vision, the people perish," revealing its focus on prophetic vision and God's guidance rather than personal ambition. Discover how aligning with God's word brings direction and flourishing to our lives. SPIRITUALLY FIT | TODAY What’s the difference between mentoring and true discipleship? In this epi
Back to the Bible
4 days ago
What’s the Point? - September 2
Read Ecclesiastes 2:22-25 (ESV) What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity. There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? Reflect Have you ever
Back to the Bible
4 days ago
A Balanced Anger - September 2
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!
Back to the Bible
4 days ago
Know Your Bible - Titus - Day 5 - September 2
In any group, there will always be troublemakers. And as he brings his letter to a close, Paul gives Titus some advice on how to deal with disruptive people in the church. We'll also be reminded of God's generous mercy available to all without condition.
Back to the Bible
4 days ago
Sitcom Versus Reality - September 2
On TV, an argument can usually be ended by a powerful speech to wrap the episode up. But real life isn't so neat, and our words often get us in more trouble. But can we get better at using our words? Paula is here today to share some wisdom she learned from the Bible about this.
Back to the Bible
4 days ago
The Twelve: Judas, the Disciple Who Looked the Part
Judas walked with Jesus for three years, yet his heart remained unchanged. Discover the sobering warning his life offers about the difference between knowing about Christ and truly following Him.
Arnie Cole
4 days ago
THE LOCKED ROOM AND THE SENT CHURCH
A reflection on how the risen Jesus transformed fearful disciples into a sent church, empowered by His peace, His Spirit, and His mission.
Pastor Braden Pedersen
4 days ago
Praying Through the Word - September 1
Praying through the Word is an excellent way to spend quality time with our family and close friends. Donna leads our prayer time today by praying through some motivational words from the first chapter of Colossians.
Back to the Bible
5 days ago
Looking For Peace - September 1
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.
Back to the Bible
5 days ago
Your Daily Spiritual Work Out - September 1
BACK TO THE BIBLE DAILY What’s the difference between happiness and joy? In this episode of Back to the Bible Daily, Braden Pedersen explores how biblical joy is deeper and more enduring than happiness, rooted in God’s presence rather than circumstances. Drawing from Nehemiah 8, Psalm 16, and James 1, discover how the joy of the Lord can be your strength, even in trials. SPIRITUALLY FIT | TODAY Ever felt like your story is too messy to share? In this episode of Spiritually Fi
Back to the Bible
5 days ago
True Peace - September 1
It's not hard to find advice on how to find peace: meditation, solitude, a nice cup of tea. As nice as these things are, they all miss something important. Join Pastor Hugo today as he takes you to Scripture to find the source of true, lasting peace.
Back to the Bible
5 days ago
Know Your Bible - Titus - Day 4 - September 1
If a friend told you they went through a life-changing experience, and then their life didn't change, was the experience really all that great? These are the kinds of people Paul has in mind as he continues his letter to Titus. Instead, he argues that our lives should be overflowing with the grace of Jesus, both in the private and public areas of our lives.
Back to the Bible
5 days ago
Read the Instructions - September 1
Read Proverbs 1:5-7 (ESV) Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Reflect What does it mean to fear the LORD? Do you ever wish life came with an instruction manual? Not one focused on theoretical knowledge but one that gives you practical advice for how to l
Back to the Bible
5 days ago
The Grace of God: The Word We Cannot Live Without
Discover what the Bible teaches about God’s grace, why salvation cannot be earned, and how grace continues to transform, strengthen, and sustain Christians throughout life.
Pastor Braden Pedersen
5 days ago
FROM PERSECUTION AND PRISON TO PERFECT PEACE.
A powerful testimony of Christian persecution, imprisonment, grief, and the unshakable peace found by keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus.
Back to the Bible
5 days ago
A Real Relationship - August 31
Read Psalm 42:8-11 (ESV) By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at nights his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. I say to God, my rock: “Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” As with a deadly wound in my bones, my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise
Back to the Bible
6 days ago
Your Daily Spiritual Work Out - August 31
BACK TO THE BIBLE DAILY Feeling overwhelmed by life's demands? In this episode of Back to the Bible Daily, Braden Pedersen explores Psalm 61 and King David’s honest prayer during times of stress. Discover how turning to God’s Word and seeking refuge in Him provides strength and a solid foundation when life feels unmanageable. SPIRITUALLY FIT | TODAY What does true surrender look like in recovery? In this episode of Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole talks with comedian Reno Co
Back to the Bible
6 days ago
Patience Is Courage - August 31
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!
Back to the Bible
6 days ago
The Power of Patience and Kindness - August 31
Have you ever had to give someone "a piece of your mind"? How'd you feel afterwards? As much as we may think others deserve a stern word from us, what if there's a better way? Stefanie is here today to share some challenging words from the Bible that may help you share a piece of God's heart the next time you need to react.
Back to the Bible
6 days ago
Help To Grow Closer - August 31
Relationships are an important part of our lives. Join Ben today for our prayer time as we ask for God's love and grace in our relationships.
Back to the Bible
6 days ago
Know Your Bible - Titus - Day 3 - August 31
There's an old saying that goes, "those that can't do, teach." But when it comes to the Christian life, we should all be doing both. We teach the next generation best by living out our Christian ideal and morals. Paul encourages us to live a godly life as he continues his letter to Titus.
Back to the Bible
6 days ago
The Cross We Never Have To Carry
What does it really mean to take up your cross daily? Explore how surrender differs from legalism and what following Jesus can cost us in ordinary life.
Arnie Cole
6 days ago
For the Lonely and Afflicted - August 30
We don't often think of the heroes of the Bible, like David, being lonely. But they were people just like us. So how did someone like David cope with loneliness? Gary is here today to share some encouraging words from the Psalms to cling to the next time life tries to isolate you from others.
Back to the Bible
7 days ago
Your Daily Spiritual Work Out - August 30
STEP 1 - RECEIVE (Receive God's Word and Grow in Bible Knowledge) Life, in general, is hard for anyone to navigate alone. The Christian life is doubly challenging. That's why Paul in his letters, time and again, reminds us of the necessity of discipling and mentoring each other. It's only when we are working together that we can stand strong against the lies that try to infiltrate the church. STEP 2 - REFLECT (How does this Scripture Apply to your life?) We don't often think
Back to the Bible
7 days ago
You Are Not Alone - August 30
Karmin is here today to lead us in prayer and remind us that God is always with us.
Back to the Bible
7 days ago
Know Your Bible - Titus - Day 2 - August 30
Life, in general, is hard for anyone to navigate alone. The Christian life is doubly challenging. That's why Paul in his letters, time and again, reminds us of the necessity of discipling and mentoring each other. It's only when we are working together that we can stand strong against the lies that try to infiltrate the church.
Back to the Bible
7 days ago
bottom of page