Become New with John Ortberg

A conversation about how asking connects people while demanding pushes them away. A story about humility learned from a Starbucks moment. A look at ask, seek, knock as principles of relationship and will. A contrast between open, surrendered posture and clutching control. A four-fold map of different kinds of will and a call to strong will that lets go.

A short reflection on asking God to change our character rather than circumstances. Discussion of asking as a cooperative spiritual practice that honors dignity. Contrast between requesting and commanding in relationships. Guided preparation for prayer and a led prayer inviting surrender of personal faults.

A lively look at why humility matters and how humiliation can transform shame into trust. Short steps on surrender, moral inventory, and humble prayer are teased. A retelling of the Pharisee and tax collector highlights pride versus honest repentance. Practical rules like don’t push, don’t pretend, don’t presume are explored alongside loving your weaknesses and living in God’s lavish love.

A practical take on how small repeated actions shape who we become. Conversations about surrendering broken patterns and letting a spiritual path rewire habits. Reflections on why character matters more than willpower and how everyday practices can become second nature.

A reflective talk about surrendering inner corruptions and why radical change may require letting parts of us die. It uses C.S. Lewis’s allegory of a ghost and a lizard to explore the struggle to choose transformation. It examines how self-deception protects bad habits and why willing surrender opens the way for renewed life.

Reflections on wealth, family pain, and why status cannot fix deep brokenness. Four big worldview questions about reality and goodness are explored. The limits of human effort and the need for a different kind of king are discussed. Stories and examples show how people stall change with a “but not yet” attitude. A brief prayer invites wholehearted surrender and transformed desires.

Rick Blackmon, clinical psychologist focused on intimacy and relational healing. He explores why being known matters and the roots of hiding and loneliness. They discuss confession to another person as a path to healing. Practical advice on choosing someone trustworthy and facing fear to disclose is offered.

A pastor uses his dermatology light treatment as a metaphor for exposing hidden flaws and inviting healing. He explores surrender, making a moral inventory, and the role of confession and accountability. The conversation highlights spiritual friendship, the courage to be known, and how honest companions both love and challenge you.

A lively look at Luke 7's dinner scene where a scandalized woman interrupts a formal gathering. They explore why she risked public shame and Jesus' surprising silence at the table. The talk unpacks a two-debt parable and contrasts neglect with extravagant acts of love. Themes touch on confession, accountability, forgiveness, and how shame can be transformed into honor.

A short dive into what ‘good-enough’ faith looks like compared with heroic leaps. Uses the good-enough parent idea to explain spiritual growth. Traces Abraham’s messy journey—doubt, hedging, and surprising outcomes. Explores why ambiguity can shape character and offers a practical nudge to trust imperfect faith.