Become New with John Ortberg

A playful look at why pleasure matters and when delight goes missing. Discussion of C.S. Lewis’s take on emotional peaks and troughs and how dryness invites temptation. Thoughts on the difference between wanting and truly enjoying things. Reflections on pleasure as part of creation and an invitation to savor, frolic, and reconnect with simple joy.

A lively reflection on C.S. Lewis’s idea that life alternates between highs and lows. He explores the metaphor of humans as amphibians, part spirit and part animal. The talk highlights why spiritual dryness happens and how troughs can shape maturity. Practical ways to endure low seasons, like community and steady will, are also discussed.

John and Nancy go live in "Passages to Wisdom" to reflect on passages and books that listeners sent in. Don't miss it!

A reflection on how uncertainty and fear push God out of our attention. C.S. Lewis’s Screwtape is used to show tactics that breed anxiety and suspense. The conversation contrasts obsessing over what might happen with choosing where to set your mind. It encourages patient endurance, hope in redemption, and practical steps to live today amid unknowns.

Sometimes in prayer it’s hard to concentrate for long.  Sometimes prayers feel dry.  Sometimes it’s hard to picture God listening. These turn out not to be problems at all.  In this series, Passage to Wisdom, John reflects on passages from books that have found particular influence in his life. Today we look at 'The Screwtape Letters' by C.S.  Lewis. This is a classic masterpiece of religious satire that entertains readers with its sly and ironic portrayal of human life and foibles from the vantage point of Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to "Our Father Below." At once wildly comic, deadly serious, and strikingly original, C.S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters is the most engaging account of temptation—and triumph over it—ever written.   Title: Prayer-busters  Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel BecomeNew.Me and say hello 👋 in the comments. Don't forget to tap the bell icon 🔔 to be notified when the next episode releases.  CONNECT WITH US AT:  🎙Podcast: http://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/... 🤳Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/becomenew.me 📲 For daily alerts, text the word BECOME to the number 56525 📧 Invite a friend by sharing the link: BecomeNew.Me  #becomenew #johnortberg #ortberg #devotional #think #Jesus #believe #ScrewtapeLetters #people #perception #humanity #prayer

What is it that makes some people so irritating?  The good news is—you already know!  Replacing irritability with love is an inside out job.  In this series, Passage to Wisdom, John reflects on passages from books that have found particular influence in his life. Today we look at 'The Screwtape Letters' by C.S.  Lewis. This is a classic masterpiece of religious satire that entertains readers with its sly and ironic portrayal of human life and foibles from the vantage point of Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to "Our Father Below." At once wildly comic, deadly serious, and strikingly original, C.S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters is the most engaging account of temptation—and triumph over it—ever written.   Title: How to Look at People  Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel BecomeNew.Me and say hello 👋 in the comments. Don't forget to tap the bell icon 🔔 to be notified when the next episode releases.  CONNECT WITH US AT:  🎙Podcast: http://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/... 🤳Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/becomenew.me 📲 For daily alerts, text the word BECOME to the number 56525 📧 Invite a friend by sharing the link: BecomeNew.Me  #becomenew #johnortberg #ortberg #devotional #think #Jesus #believe #ScrewtapeLetters #people #perception #humanity #annoyed

A call to see people beyond surface appearances. Discussion of C.S. Lewis’s Screwtape and how pictorial images can distort faith. Contrast between observable traits and true character revealed under pressure. Encouragement to resist quick judgments and regard others with love, grace, and new perception.

A reflection on where truth comes from and whether truth is absolute or personal. A reading and response to C.S. Lewis’s Screwtape Letters about incoherent philosophies. Stories about prayer, community, and how religious practice can become mere ritual. A practical defense of objective facts using everyday examples and a call to love and pursue truth.

Nancy Beach, Christian ministry leader who teaches spiritual formation and wonder. She reflects on Annie Dillard’s call to notice creation and shares the “pennies” story as a practice of humble attentiveness. Short habits like walks, breathing, and simple meditation are highlighted. A prayer invites people to look up, see beauty in ordinary places, and treasure life.

Jim Mellado, CEO of Compassion International and child-advocacy leader, reflects on living between extreme poverty abroad and comfort at home. He explores the soul-ripping tension of two worlds. Short conversations probe emotional cost, hard resource choices, and learning to hold beauty and brokenness together.