Become New with John Ortberg

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.

In a world full of troubles, Jesus offers not just any peace, but his peace—a soul-deep, unshakable assurance that transcends circumstances. Peace isn’t found in perfect conditions but in trusting God's presence and sovereignty. Stories of courage, studies on happiness, and reflections on suffering all point to the same truth: we don't need a peaceful life to have a peace-filled heart. True peace grows when we stop resisting hardship, step into it with trust, and find God waiting for us there. Today’s call is simple but brave: want what you’ve been avoiding, and find peace inside the struggle.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

Memory is more than just facts; it's the backbone of our faith and identity. Discover how the Holy Spirit helps us remember Jesus' teachings, fostering peace and trust in our lives. Delve into the link between remembrance and spiritual growth, highlighting personal development and connection to others. Hear inspiring stories of compassion, especially for marginalized communities, and learn how intentional memories can lead to healing and forgiveness. Uncover the power of remembering who we truly are and the impact it has on our souls.

Discover how to transform your heart into a sanctuary through love and obedience to divine teachings. The conversation explores meditation practices that deepen your spiritual connection and promote inner peace amidst life's distractions. Delve into the heart's role as a control room for making wise decisions, merging personal will with spiritual insights. Learn about establishing inner boundaries to cultivate resilience and contentment, with faith as a cornerstone of creating a supportive and peaceful inner space.

Explore the transformative power of hope and its role in navigating life's challenges. Discover insights from Daniel Kahneman about meaning in existence and why real hope isn't tied to money. There’s humor in a fake inheritance letter, yet the message remains profound: resurrection offers true assurance beyond death. Delve into a Christian perspective on belonging and trust, reminding us that we are never alone and that genuine hope empowers us to face adversity.

Explore how faith can cultivate peace amidst chaos by embracing the Holy Spirit as a guiding advocate. Delve into neuroscience to manage anxiety and deceptive thoughts. Discover five essential principles—Acceptance, Affection, Appreciation, Attention, and Allowing—that promote inner tranquility. The discussion emphasizes honesty as the foundation for spiritual growth and the transformative power of the ancient Aaronic Blessing, fostering deep affirmation and care in one's life.

Jesus says, “If you love me, obey my commands,” and today’s message unpacks how obedience isn’t about lifeless rule-following—it’s about living with a peaceful, untroubled heart. Even a dog like Baxter can show us something about trust and surrender. When we obey Jesus, not out of fear but out of love, we tap into a joy-filled life that aligns with what's truly good. Obedience is really about trust—it’s trusting that Jesus is right about everything. It’s not mechanical, it’s relational, wholehearted, and deeply freeing. So today’s challenge? Do one thing just because Jesus said so—and let that shape you into a more loving, calm, generous person.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

Jesus invites us to live with untroubled hearts in a troubled world by joining his mission of love, peace, and redemption. In John 14, he urges us to ask—ask God for help, strength, and wisdom—not just for our own gain but as part of his greater work. That promise to “ask in my name” comes with both hope and mystery, especially when prayers go unanswered. But Jesus himself, and others like Paul and Joseph, show us that sometimes the answers are “no” or “not yet.” Still, we’re called to pray with faith, not as consumers chasing comfort, but as people shaped by love and purpose. So today’s simple but bold challenge is this: ask God. He’s listening.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