Become New with John Ortberg

Discover the transformative power of gratitude in your daily life. Learn how it deepens your faith and appreciation for both grand moments and the simple joys. Reflect on the beauty of creation and relationships while acknowledging the world's challenges. Embrace an active role in making positive change, driven by a heartfelt attitude of thankfulness. Engage with these insights through journaling, prayer, or sharing with friends to enhance your spiritual journey.

Dive into the significance of spiritual growth as Lent nears, emphasizing the power of transformation. Explore the concept of 'doing the next right thing,' encouraging listeners to see every experience as a chance for renewal. Engage in meaningful practices like journaling and prayer to deepen your devotion. Connect with a community for shared support and inspiration along your faith journey.

In a humorous reflection on life’s messiness, John shares a chaotic wedding tale that spirals out of control due to an overly ambitious planner. He highlights the unpredictability of life with a heartfelt story about how love and community can help cultivate peace. Drawing from Scripture and personal anecdotes, he encourages listeners to embrace joy and stay anchored in faith, even amid troubles. Life may throw curveballs, but God’s unwavering love is a steady presence we can count on.

In a heartfelt discussion, the host emphasizes the healing power of love amid anxiety and heartbreak. Drawing from personal stories and cultural references, he highlights how true love often involves sacrifice, transforming lives in profound ways. By contrasting ancient Greco-Roman ideals with Jesus' teachings, the conversation showcases how unconditional love redefines suffering and friendship. Listeners are encouraged to embrace love in daily life, offering kindness and support to others to foster inner peace.

Joy is presented not as a fleeting emotion but a profound gift rooted in God's love. It thrives through relationships, especially during tough times, where joy and suffering can coexist. Insights from psychology reveal that deep connections enhance our happiness. Each day is framed as a gift, inviting us to embrace joy despite life's challenges. Personal stories and reflections remind listeners that true joy is accessible, urging us to live in love and community.

Explore how to remain in God's love during tough times while viewing challenges as friends instead of foes. Discover the transformative power of trials, whether it's a clogged toilet or stressful moments. Learn to shift from resistance to acceptance, embracing life's messes as growth opportunities. With practical insights, the discussion encourages a faith-filled response to difficulties, ultimately deepening personal and spiritual development. Join the conversation and reflect on how troubles can shape you positively.

Explore the gentle practice of 'abiding' in Christ, focusing on resting in God's presence rather than striving for achievement. Discover how aligning thoughts with Jesus can yield spiritual fruits like love and peace. Hear about the dangers of negative thinking and the importance of a faith-centered mindset. Through the humble metaphor of a marsh hen, learn to embrace life's uncertainties while finding tranquility in surrendering control to God. Engage deeply with community for spiritual growth and inner peace.

Dive into the transformative metaphor of pruning, where challenges become stepping stones to spiritual growth. Explore the painful yet beautiful process of God’s loving hand in our lives, shaping us through loss and hardship. With wisdom from C.S. Lewis and early church thinkers, discover how these experiences unveil our true identities and deepen our connection with the divine. Uncover how even everyday frustrations can serve as divine invitations to nurture a richer, more fulfilling life.

In this honest and deeply thoughtful conversation, Susie Lipps and John Ortberg sit down to explore the real weight and meaning of Good Friday. They unpack the political pressure, religious tension, and personal cost surrounding Jesus’ final hours — not just as a historical moment, but as a mirror to our own lives. With compassion and clarity, they challenge us to sit in the discomfort of the cross, to wrestle with why Jesus was really killed, and to see how this ancient story still confronts power, pride, and injustice today. If you’ve ever wondered what makes Good Friday truly “good,” this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.Join the conversation in our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.John's new book STEPS is out! Check it out here: https://becomenew.com/steps/Want to work the steps with a friend or small group? Visit: DoTheSteps.com📧 Subscribe for daily emails with these videos and accompanying thoughts: https://bit.ly/46AZ0rN🙏🏻 Need prayer? Text us at 855-888-0444, we would love to pray for you!🙌🏻  Interested in content for leaders? Subscribe to Become New for Leaders: https://bit.ly/3PH4FWnBe sure to join our Facebook Group (link below) to continue the conversation and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel BecomeNew.Me and say hello 👋 in the comments. And make sure you tap the bell icon 🔔 to be notified when the next episode releases.CONNECT WITH US AT:😊 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/🎙Podcast: https://becomenew.buzzsprout.com🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/📲 For daily alerts, text the word BECOME to the number 855-888-0444

The discussion dives into Jesus' powerful message about not letting our hearts be troubled, even amidst dark times. It highlights the reality of evil, likened to the 'prince of this world,' emphasizing that it derives power from distorting good. C.S. Lewis's insights deepen the exploration of this struggle between light and darkness. Personal stories illustrate the profound effects of confronting tragedy and the healing power of love and faith. Ultimately, the conversation encourages us to trust in God's goodness and lean on community for support.