Become New with John Ortberg

Reflections on humble, step‑by‑step spiritual growth framed in Holy Week. A focus on Jesus’ example of washing feet as a model of servanthood and loving action. Discussion of creating communities that welcome weakness and erase barriers. Connections between Christian practices and recovery work, and the call to serve in ordinary daily moments.

A reflection on Lent as a 40-day spiritual journey and how wilderness and waiting shape faith. Conversations about why suffering exists and how hardship can form character. Practical guidance for relational pain, boundaries after abuse, and freedom from financial insecurity. Thoughts on God revealing truth in time and living beyond circumstances in light of the cross and resurrection.

A contemplative tour through Holy Week that centers on prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. It explores why prayer can feel hard and encourages quieting the mind. Honest, candid prayer is modeled and invited. Listeners are led into guided stillness and practiced repetition to bring realness before God.

Reflections on how beauty and ordinary moments can reveal the divine. A playful image of God 'clearing his throat' explains why the sacred is often subtle. Conversations about freedom, choice, and why clarity is limited. Personal stories and practical prompts invite paying attention to small signals and living fully in the present.

A reflection on two life-shaping questions: whether we manage expectations or ask what life expects of us. Viktor Frankl’s ideas about finding meaning through creating, love, and suffering get explored. Stories of people discovering purpose amid illness and hardship are shared. Jesus’ surrender and the meaning found in response to circumstance are highlighted.

A guided look at spiritual growth as a journey from brokenness to beauty. The conversation contrasts progress with perfection and warns how perfectionism stifles faith. Practical practices like daily moral check-ins and simple habit-building are highlighted. Personal stories and Paul’s example underscore persistence and pressing forward toward Christ.

Rick Blackman, a counselor and relational repair expert, outlines the CRAFT framework for fixing broken relationships. He explains how anger signals ruptures and why unflooding matters. Short, practical steps cover recalling your role, offering genuine apologies, choosing forgiveness, and talking to prevent repeat harm.

A thought-provoking look at repentance, restitution, and relational healing. Stories and scripture explore how making amends restores trust and changes us. Historical practices of penance and lessons from Zacchaeus highlight humility and repair. A guided prayer prompts listeners to remember those they have harmed and consider concrete steps toward reconciliation.

A spiritual reflection on relational healing that starts with honest surrender. A contrast between pain received and pain inflicted sparks a choice about which list to keep. Stories and cultural references show how keeping score corrodes the self. A surprising invitation to track those you have harmed and make amends is presented as a practical next step.

Key Scripture: Matthew 5:23-24