Become New with John Ortberg

Delve into the surprising link between gratitude and humility. Discover how recognizing that we aren't deserving of everything can deepen our appreciation for life's gifts. Real-life stories and insights from thinkers like Dallas Willard reveal why gratitude is fundamental to holiness. Explore the profound parable of the unworthy servant and how it encourages a shift from entitlement to awe. Practical tips invite you to see everyday tasks as opportunities for gratitude. This journey could transform how you live and connect with the divine.

Discover how spiritual growth mirrors the sunflower's turning toward the light. The host reflects on the importance of shifting our inner posture to embrace God's presence, even in times of darkness. Listeners are invited to confront their tendency to prefer darkness and explore stories of humility and transformation. Insights on how God's light can ignite change in our lives emphasize that we can find beauty in our weaknesses. Ultimately, a call to consistently turn towards the light offers hope and encouragement.

Explore the true meaning of seeking the kingdom of God beyond mere tasks. John shares a poignant story about nearly missing his daughter in an airport, emphasizing the importance of recognizing divine presence in daily life. The discussion unveils how righteousness connects to inner goodness and outlines the Golden Rule as a core principle for ethical living. Learn to foster generous relationships through asking and seeking, discovering God’s abundance in every moment, and embracing joy amidst life’s chaos.

Delve into the complexities of guilt and pride through Raskolnikov's torment in Crime and Punishment. Discover the profound struggle of confession and the role of love, as illustrated by Sonia's shock and moral clarity. Explore how deep love can feel burdensome yet transformative. The episode emphasizes love's purpose to guide us toward goodness rather than mere happiness, while discussing the growth that comes from suffering. Reflect on how God's discipline and the embrace of difficult emotions can lead to meaningful change.

Discover the surprising wisdom of trying softer instead of harder in your spiritual journey. John Ortberg shares his personal experience with burnout and the transformative notion of letting go of control. Explore how excessive effort can backfire in various aspects of life, from sports to relationships. He introduces Jesus' invitation to the weary and emphasizes the importance of choosing the right yoke to find peace and transformation. Practical tips and prayer models are shared to help ease everyday pressures.

Change is a daily reality, shaping your character in ways both subtle and profound. Discover how each choice influences your inner self, pulling you toward virtues or pitfalls. Learn the importance of seeking God's kingdom over worldly distractions. John Ortberg shares insights from C.S. Lewis on the transformative power of moral choices and the dangers of self-righteousness. Embrace the challenge of dying to your old self, finding true change through divine strength rather than mere willpower. Let today be the start of your transformation.

Explore the emotional journey of forgiveness when painful memories linger. Discover how forgiving doesn't mean forgetting, and learn when memory can help or hinder healing. Dive into Joseph's story, illustrating the complexity of unresolved wounds. Understand that anger and forgiveness can coexist without leading to bitterness. John shares practical exercises to release unforgiveness and emphasizes the importance of making forgiveness a daily practice for spiritual growth.

Explore how ordinary routines can transform into sacred rhythms that redirect focus to God. Discover the concept of habit stacking to build new spiritual practices atop existing habits. Learn the importance of mindful prayer and how gratitude can be woven into daily meals. Dive into biblical examples of communal prayer and the call to adopt Christlike behaviors as replacements for harmful habits. Small, intentional changes can spark meaningful transformation in your spiritual journey.

Is God controlling or simply sovereign? This engaging discussion reveals how God's creative freedom invites us to trust Him more deeply. Learn how letting go of control can lead to spiritual freedom and creativity. Practical advice and biblical wisdom offer fresh perspectives on managing anxiety and the importance of responsibility in leadership. John Ortberg even encourages listeners to embrace deliberate mistakes to break free from perfectionism. Explore the transformative power of releasing control and living in trust.

Dive into the power of radical acceptance and see your body as a divine gift rather than a problem. Explore the damaging cultural standards of beauty and how they hinder true body acceptance. Discover how every body can be a place of God’s blessing and the importance of gratitude for our physical selves. John also introduces a thought-provoking perspective on consciousness without a body and shares a guided prayer to honor your embodiment. This is a heartfelt invitation to embrace and love the body you have.