Become New with John Ortberg

Become New

Join John Ortberg each day for 10 minutes of spiritual guidance on the person we are becoming.

  1. 45. How Should Christians Love Their Country?

    -11 h

    45. How Should Christians Love Their Country?

    How should followers of Jesus love their country? In this Independence Day reflection, John Ortberg explores Psalm 8, the Gettysburg Address, and the biblical foundation of human dignity. Drawing from the writings of Abraham Lincoln, philosopher Nicholas Wolterstorff, and the opening chapters of Genesis, John explains why every human being possesses immeasurable worth—not because of what they achieve, but because they bear the image of God. This episode explores: - Psalm 8 and human dignity - The image of God in every person - Abraham Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address - Biblical patriotism - Why human rights matter - Our ultimate citizenship in heaven Scriptures: - Psalm 8 - Genesis 1:26–28 - Philippians 3:20 #Psalm8 #JohnOrtberg #HumanDignity #BiblicalPatriotism #ImageOfGod #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #IndependenceDay #Genesis1 #Philippians3 📚 Today's Resources: Garry Wills, Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words that Remade America  Nicholas Wolterstorff, Justice: Rights and Wrongs  🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Happy Independence Day 00:42 Lincoln's Gettysburg Address 01:21 Why "Four Score and Seven"? 02:14 All People Are Created Equal 03:06 A Nation Dedicated to a Proposition 04:00 What Biblical Patriotism Looks Like 04:46 The Gettysburg Address in 272 Words 05:47 A New Birth of Freedom 06:32 Psalm 8 & Human Dignity 06:57 Created in the Image of God 07:52 Bestowed Worth Explained 08:33 The Danger of Dehumanizing Others 09:39 Where Human Rights Come From 10:09 Treat People According to Their Worth 11:11 Our Citizenship Is in Heaven 11:59 See Its Truth. Will Its Good. 12:34 God So Loved the World

    14 min
  2. 44. What Does It Mean to Fear God?

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    44. What Does It Mean to Fear God?

    What does it actually mean to fear God? In this reflection on Psalm 130, John Ortberg shares from a reunion with lifelong friends and explores one of Scripture's most misunderstood ideas. Why does the psalm say: "With You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared"? Drawing on the wisdom of Thomas Aquinas, John explains the difference between fearing punishment and revering someone you deeply love. This episode explores: - Psalm 130 and crying out from the depths - God's forgiveness and unfailing love - Servile fear versus filial fear - Waiting for the Lord with hope - Lifelong friendships and spiritual formation - Becoming the kind of person who honors God through love Scriptures: - Psalm 130 #Psalm130 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #FearOfTheLord #Forgiveness #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Psalms #Grace 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Fifty Years of Friendship 00:28 Learning to Pour Out Our Hearts 00:59 Psalm 130 Begins 01:37 Out of the Depths I Cry 02:21 Hear My Cry for Mercy 02:32 If You Kept a Record of Sins 03:17 With You There Is Forgiveness 03:46 Why Forgiveness Leads to Fear 04:09 Thomas Aquinas on Two Kinds of Fear 04:55 Servile Fear vs. Filial Fear 05:24 Teachers Who Shape a Lifetime 06:26 Living Up to the Calling 07:18 Waiting for the Lord 07:47 More Than Watchmen Wait for Morning 08:16 Full Redemption 08:55 Becoming a Blessing to God

    11 min
  3. 43. Why You Need Someone to Correct You

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    43. Why You Need Someone to Correct You

    Would you welcome a loving rebuke? In this reflection on Psalm 141, John Ortberg explores one of the most surprising prayers in Scripture: "Let a righteous person strike me—that is a kindness." Why would anyone ask to be corrected? Through stories from the life of Winston Churchill, personal reflections, and the wisdom of the Psalms, John shows how humility and honest feedback can become powerful tools for spiritual growth. This episode explores: - Psalm 141 and guarding our words - Why rebuke can be a gift - The importance of trusted friends - Winston and Clementine Churchill - Defensiveness versus teachability - Learning to welcome correction with gratitude Scriptures: - Psalm 141 #Psalm141 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #Humility #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Psalms #Growth #Wisdom 📚 Today's Resources: William Manchester and Paul Reid, The Last Lion: William Spencer Churchill  🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 What Do You Need Today? 00:36 Psalm 141 & Crying Out to God 00:57 Prayer Like Incense 01:26 The Posture of Prayer 01:36 Set a Guard Over My Mouth 02:10 Guarding the Heart, Not Just the Lips 03:01 Don't Feed the Wrong Desires 03:21 "Let a Righteous Person Strike Me" 03:52 Rebuke as Kindness 04:43 Who Can Tell You the Truth? 05:09 Winston Churchill's Sharp Tongue 06:11 Clementine's Courageous Letter 07:16 John's Regret About Defensiveness 08:39 Calling Dr. Rick for Honest Feedback 09:23 Holding Up a Mirror 10:14 The Mirror Every Soul Needs 10:33 Invite the Gift of Correction

    13 min
  4. 42. The Secret to Aging Well (with Nancy Ortberg)

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    42. The Secret to Aging Well (with Nancy Ortberg)

    Can you actually grow better with age? In this reflection on Psalm 92, John Ortberg is joined by his wife, Nancy Ortberg, for a warm and thoughtful conversation about lifelong spiritual growth. Together they explore the psalm's remarkable promise: "They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green." From stories of nursing patients to reflections on curiosity, hospitality, and John's grandmother Gladys, this episode offers a hopeful vision of aging with joy, purpose, and enduring vitality. This episode explores: - Psalm 92 and flourishing in old age - Staying spiritually fresh and curious - Abraham and Isaac with fresh perspective - The generosity of God in the parable of the sower - Hospitality, gratitude, and living in the present - Becoming the kind of person others long to emulate Scriptures: - Psalm 92:12–15 - Genesis 22 - The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13; Mark 4; Luke 8) #Psalm92 #JohnOrtberg #NancyOrtbergTurner #SpiritualFormation #AgingWell #HumanFlourishing #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #Psalms #KeepGrowing 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Learning to Pour Out Your Heart 00:27 Why Nancy Loves the Psalms 01:32 Psalm 92 & Flourishing in Old Age 02:03 Lessons From Nursing Patients 02:49 They Will Stay Fresh and Green 03:18 Spring Green Growth Explained 04:00 Staying Curious About God 04:20 Abraham, Isaac & God's Character 05:09 The Parable of the Sower Revisited 05:56 Gladys: A Model of Aging Well 06:34 Living Fully in the Present 07:19 When the World Gets Smaller 07:54 They Will Still Bear Fruit 08:26 Human Flourishing & God's Promise 08:48 Be the Kind of Person Others Want to Become

    11 min
  5. 41. How Does God Actually Guide Us?

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    41. How Does God Actually Guide Us?

    How does God actually guide His people? In this reflection on Psalm 32, John Ortberg explores one of Scripture's most comforting promises: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go." Drawing on insights from Dallas Willard and the story of Peter in the book of Acts, John explains the difference between mechanical control and personal guidance—and why God desires relationship more than coercion. This episode explores: - Psalm 32 and God's guidance - Mechanical vs. personal guidance - Learning to recognize God's voice - The Holy Spirit and spiritual discernment - Peter's vision in Acts 10 - Why discovered truth often changes us more than presented truth Scriptures: - Psalm 32 - Acts 10 #Psalm32 #JohnOrtberg #DallasWillard #Guidance #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #HolySpirit #Discernment 📚 Today's Resources: Dallas Willard, Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God  George MacDonald, Thomas Wingfold, Curate  Gary Wills, Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words that Remade America 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Learning to Be Guided by God 00:53 Psalm 32 & Forgiveness 01:57 Oliver Cromwell's Humility Challenge 02:44 "I Will Instruct You" 03:11 Mechanical vs. Personal Guidance 04:11 How God Leads His People 05:16 Don't Be Like a Horse or Mule 05:59 Asking, "Is This Thought From God?" 06:20 The Holy Spirit Works Through Wondering 07:04 Peter's Vision & Cornelius 08:08 Truth Presented vs. Truth Discovered 09:00 Why Wrestling Deepens Faith 09:59 John's Grandfather's Poem: Retrospect 11:18 "I Think I'll Be a Boy Again"

    13 min
  6. 40. Nobody Is Self-Made

    26 juin

    40. Nobody Is Self-Made

    What if the key to gratitude is realizing that none of us is self-made? In this reflection on Psalm 136, John Ortberg explores the repeated refrain: "His love endures forever." Through a powerful exercise inspired by philosopher Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung, John invites us to trace the hidden network of people and gifts behind the things we enjoy every day—and ultimately back to God Himself. This episode explores: - Psalm 136 and enduring love - Gratitude as a way of life - The myth of self-sufficiency - Celebrating dependence rather than independence - The web of generosity behind everyday gifts - Becoming a more grateful and generous person Scriptures: - Psalm 136 #Psalm136 #JohnOrtberg #Gratitude #Thankfulness #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Dependence #GodsLove 📚 Today's Resources: Kent Dunnington (foreword by Rebecca Konydyk DeYoung), Gratitude to God: The Heart of Christian Formation 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Give Thanks to the Lord 00:37 His Love Endures Forever 01:28 Gratitude as a Way of Life 02:17 Rebecca DeYoung's Dependence Exercise 03:03 Celebrating Dependence, Not Independence 03:49 Choose One Thing You Enjoy 04:34 The Story Behind a Cup of Coffee 04:58 The Baby Grand Piano Illustration 05:47 Standing on the Shoulders of Gift-Givers 06:35 A Story of Interlocking Indebtedness 07:26 Gratitude as a Way of Inhabiting the World 07:53 Who Made This Gift Possible? 08:43 Thank You for This Moment 09:16 Every Breath Is a Gift 09:36 Give Thanks to the Lord

    12 min
  7. 39. Don't Let Your Emotions Run Your Life

    25 juin

    39. Don't Let Your Emotions Run Your Life

    How do you process painful emotions without letting them control your life? In this conversation on Psalm 30, John Ortberg sits down with counselor and friend Rick Blackmon to explore one of the most practical lessons in the Psalms: Own your emotions—but don't enthrone them. Together they discuss anxiety, grief, anger, praise, humor, counseling, and the hope found in God's presence. This episode explores: - Psalm 30 and emotional healing - The journey from the pit to praise - Why naming emotions helps - "What you name, you can tame" - Welcoming rather than suppressing difficult feelings - Building a trusted support team - The promise that weeping does not last forever Scriptures: - Psalm 30 - Galatians 6:2 #Psalm30 #JohnOrtberg #RickBlackmon #Prayer #EmotionalHealth #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Psalms #MentalHealth 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Learning From the Psalms 01:21 The Therapy Room of the Old Testament 02:02 Own Your Emotions, Don't Enthrone Them 03:20 Praying Psalm 30 Together 04:39 From the Pit to Praise 05:33 Turning Pain Into Praise 06:17 Leaning Into God's Presence 07:08 Looking Through the Window 08:19 What You Name, You Can Tame 09:23 Journaling & Trusted Friends 10:09 Welcome Your Emotions 11:01 Weeping May Last for a Night 12:08 Humor as a Spiritual Practice 12:44 When Medication Can Help 13:02 Schedule Your Worry 14:22 Let Joy Have the Weekend 14:54 Build Your Team 16:00 Joy Comes in the Morning

    17 min
  8. 38. The Three Ingredients of Gratitude (Psalm 103)

    24 juin

    38. The Three Ingredients of Gratitude (Psalm 103)

    How do you become a grateful person? In this reflection on Psalm 103, John Ortberg explores one of the great themes of spiritual life: gratitude. At the center of Psalm 103 is a simple command: "Forget not all His benefits." Drawing from philosopher Robert C. Roberts and the rich imagery of the Psalm itself, John explores why gratitude grows through remembering and why forgetting often leads to entitlement. This episode explores: - Psalm 103 and gratitude - The meaning of the soul - The logic of gratitude - God's forgiveness and compassion - Remembering God's benefits - Gratitude as a spiritual practice Scriptures: - Psalm 103 - Luke 7 - Deuteronomy 6 - Leviticus 19 #Psalm103 #JohnOrtberg #Gratitude #Thankfulness #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Psalms #Soul 📚 Today's Resources: Robert C. Roberts’ essay: The Blessings of Gratitude: A Conceptual Analysis, published in the edited volume The Psychology of Gratitude (2004) 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Gratitude & Psalm 103 00:25 Bless the Lord, O My Soul 00:52 What Is the Soul? 01:37 The Hokey Pokey of Gratitude 02:17 Put Your Whole Self In 02:48 Forget Not His Benefits 03:44 The Logic of Gratitude 04:23 Benefit, Beneficiary & Benefactor 04:55 Why Gratitude Needs God 05:19 Forgiven Much, Loves Much 06:05 God's Benefits to You 06:39 Renewed Like the Eagles 07:32 God Made His Ways Known 08:16 Compassion, Grace & Mercy 09:01 As Far as East Is From West 09:33 A Father's Compassion 10:24 He Remembers We Are Dust 10:53 Every Breath Is a Gift 11:15 Gratitude vs. Entitlement 11:28 Bless the Lord

    14 min

À propos

Join John Ortberg each day for 10 minutes of spiritual guidance on the person we are becoming.

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