Become New with John Ortberg

Become New
  • 4.8 (364)
  • Spirituality
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Join John Ortberg each day for 10 minutes of spiritual guidance on the person we are becoming.

  1. 22h ago

    35. The People Who Shaped Your Soul

    What if one of the greatest gifts you could give someone is helping them develop a taste for what is good? In this reflection on Psalm 34, John Ortberg revisits the famous invitation: "Taste and see that the Lord is good." But this time he explores a surprising idea: every one of us is a tastemaker. Through stories from Anthony Bourdain, insights from C. S. Lewis and G. K. Chesterton, and reflections on gratitude, beauty, and influence, John explores how our loves shape the people around us. This episode explores: - Psalm 34 and God's goodness - Anthony Bourdain's life-changing oyster - C.S. Lewis and The Weight of Glory - G.K. Chesterton on wonder and gratitude - How taste is formed - Becoming a tastemaker for goodness Scriptures: - Psalm 34 #Psalm34 #JohnOrtberg #TasteAndSee #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #Prayer #Gratitude #CSLewis #Chesterton #Psalms 📚 Today's Resources: axis.org G.K. Chesterton, Autobiography  C.S. Lewis, “The Weight of Glory” 🙌 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 Taste and See That the Lord Is Good 00:18 What Happens When You Lose Your Sense of Taste? 01:12 Every Joy Is a Gift 01:53 Chivalry Is Dead (The Zombie Joke) 02:23 Anthony Bourdain's First Oyster 03:24 "It Tasted of the Future" 03:58 C.S. Lewis & The Weight of Glory 04:53 We Were Made to Taste Beauty 05:24 G.K. Chesterton & Wonder 05:56 The Birthday Present of Birth 06:19 How Taste Is Formed 07:03 Taste for Beauty, Truth & Goodness 07:34 Who Shaped Your Taste? 07:56 Loving What You Love Out Loud 08:44 You Are a Tastemaker 09:14 Helping Others Discern What Is Good 09:51 Taste and See 10:34 Don't Become a Zombie 10:50 The Lord Is Good

    13 min
  2. 34. Why Faith Must Be Experienced

    1d ago

    34. Why Faith Must Be Experienced

    How do you move faith from your head to your heart? In this reflection on Psalm 34, John Ortberg explores one of the most famous invitations in Scripture: "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Many people know about God. Far fewer learn to experience God's goodness in everyday life. Drawing from the story of David, reflections from Augustine of Hippo, and a memorable scene from Prince Caspian, John shows how faith becomes real when it moves beyond ideas and into experience. This episode explores: Psalm 34 and the goodness of God Knowing about God vs. knowing God Why praise matters during suffering The Lord's nearness to the brokenhearted Experiencing God in ordinary life Learning to taste and see Scriptures: Psalm 34 1 Samuel 21 #Psalm34 #JohnOrtberg #TasteAndSee #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Psalms #Faith #godsgoodness  🙌 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 Psalm 34 & Learning Joy 00:26 David, Abimelech & Pretending Madness 00:50 Why Psalm 34 Is an Acrostic 01:28 Praising God During Hard Times 01:54 His Praise Shall Be on My Lips 02:29 David Among the Philistines 03:38 Magnify the Lord 04:02 C.S. Lewis, Aslan & Growing Older 04:59 Taste and See That the Lord Is Good 05:45 Knowing About vs. Knowing By Experience 06:34 Why Faith Is an Encounter 07:26 Coffee, Grace & Everyday Goodness 07:48 Mikey Likes It! 08:22 Life Is Where We Taste God 08:49 Whoever Loves Life 09:55 The Righteous Have Many Troubles 10:35 The Lord Is Close to the Brokenhearted 11:17 Run the Experiment 11:47 Taste and See

    14 min
  3. 33. Barely Hanging On? This One's for You.

    2d ago

    33. Barely Hanging On? This One's for You.

    What do you pray when life hurts so much that ordinary words no longer feel adequate? In this reflection on Psalm 69, John Ortberg explores one of the most emotionally intense prayers in all of Scripture. Drawing a surprising connection to Howl, John examines how the Psalms give voice to grief, despair, loss, betrayal, injustice, addiction, depression, and suffering. This episode explores: - Psalm 69 and honest prayer - The language of anguish - Why God welcomes our deepest pain - Jesus and "zeal for Your house" - The danger of bitterness and despair -  Protecting the soul in suffering - Learning to live in a howling world Featuring reflections on: - Allen Ginsberg - John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath Scriptures: - Psalm 69 - John 2:13–17 #Psalm69 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #Suffering #Grief #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Hope #psalms 📚 Today's Resources: John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath   🙌 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 Psalm 69: A Cry of Anguish 00:25 Allen Ginsberg's Howl 01:28 When Pain Needs a Voice 02:23 Suffering That Feels Powerless 03:01 Loss, Illness & Betrayal 04:05 Save Me, God 04:35 The Waters Have Come Up to My Neck 04:56 Worn Out Calling for Help 05:17 Zeal for Your House Consumes Me 05:52 Anger, Justice & Imprecatory Prayer 06:39 The Turning Point: "But..." 07:33 John's Reflection on His Father's Death 07:57 Protect My Soul 08:24 The Grapes of Wrath Illustration 08:57 What Suffering Can Do to a Person 09:33 God Hears the Needy 09:55 Living in a Howling World 10:27 Meaning, Service & Hope 10:37 May God Protect Your Soul

    13 min

  4. 3d ago

    32. How to Love God

    How do you actually learn to love God? In this reflection on Psalm 31, John Ortberg explores one surprising pathway to loving God more deeply: curiosity. Drawing from theologian Cornelius Plantinga Jr., relationship researcher John Gottman, and Dallas Willard, John invites us to think about building a "love map" for God. This episode explores: - Psalm 31 and loving God - Curiosity as a spiritual discipline - John Gottman's concept of love maps - Fascinating biblical images of God - The mystery and wonder of God's character - Learning to love God with all your mind Scriptures: - Psalm 31 - Deuteronomy 6:5 - Matthew 22:37 - Luke 23:46 - Psalm 78 #Psalm31 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #LoveGod #SpiritualFormation #DallasWillard #JohnGottman #BibleStudy #Psalms #ChristianFaith 📚 Today's Resources: Cornelius Plantinga, “Intellectual Love of God,” Pro Rege, March 2016 John Gottman, The Relationship Cure: A 5 Step Guide to Strengthening Your Marriage, Family, and Friendships  Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy  🙌 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 Love God 00:31 Psalm 31: Love the Lord 01:11 The Greatest Commandment 02:15 Cornelius Plantinga on Loving God 03:01 Are Christians Interested in God? 03:29 Lovers Become Fascinated 03:50 John Gottman & Love Maps 04:48 The Jalapeño Ketchup Story 05:55 Curiosity as a Spiritual Discipline 06:25 Fascinating Images of God 07:13 God Like a Warrior Awakening 07:41 Via Negativa & Via Analogia 08:30 Dallas Willard on the Wonder of God 09:25 What Must It Be Like to Be God? 10:19 Letting God Be God 11:03 Giving God the Benefit of the Doubt 11:44 "God, You've Got Some Explaining to Do" 12:27 Loving People, Loving God 12:45 Learn More About God Every Day

    15 min
  5. 31. How A River Runs Through It Teaches Us About Grace

    4d ago

    31. How A River Runs Through It Teaches Us About Grace

    What if grace has a rhythm? In this teaching on Psalm 46, John Ortberg explores stillness, spiritual disciplines, grace, and the river of life that flows throughout Scripture. Drawing from A River Runs Through It, John shares a powerful picture of spiritual formation through the practice of learning God's rhythms. This episode explores: - Psalm 46 and God's presence - The purpose of spiritual disciplines - Grace as power, not merely forgiveness - The river in Eden and Revelation - Jesus as the source of living water - The practice of stillness - Learning the rhythm of grace Featuring reflections from: - Norman Maclean - Dallas Willard Scriptures: - Psalm 46 - Genesis 2 - John 7 - Revelation 22 #Psalm46 #JohnOrtberg #Grace #SpiritualFormation #Prayer #DallasWillard #ARiverRunsThroughIt #Stillness #BibleStudy #Psalms 📚 Today's Resources: Norman MacLean, A River Runs Through It, and Other Stories 🙌 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 The Rhythm of Grace 00:24 A River Runs Through It 00:56 All Good Things Come by Grace 01:24 Learning God's Rhythms 02:09 The Metronome & Spiritual Formation 03:19 There Is a River 04:14 The River in Eden 04:40 The River in Revelation 05:20 Jesus and the Water of Life 06:06 Grace Is More Than Forgiveness 07:28 Grace as Power 08:16 The River Is Jesus 09:04 Seeking Power Without Grace 09:49 Be Still and Know That I Am God 10:17 Practicing the Pause 11:05 “I Am Haunted by Waters” 12:31 There Is a River 12:39 Be Still

    15 min
  6. 30. Why Your Life Matters

    Jun 12

    30. Why Your Life Matters

    Do you matter? It may be one of the most important questions a human being can ask. In this teaching on Psalm 127, John Ortberg explores meaning, significance, anxiety, achievement, and what the Bible says about human worth. Drawing from the work of Rebecca Goldstein, John examines what she calls a "crisis of mattering" and why so many people feel insignificant despite living in an age of unprecedented progress. This episode explores: - Psalm 127 and the search for meaning - Why achievement cannot provide lasting significance - The lie that your life doesn't matter - Your story inside God's larger story - The Incarnation and human worth - How every act of faithfulness matters If you've ever struggled with purpose, significance, discouragement, or the feeling that your life doesn't make a difference, this conversation is for you. Scriptures: - Psalm 127 - Genesis 1 - Matthew 10 #Psalm127 #JohnOrtberg #Meaning #Purpose #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #Prayer #BibleStudy #Significance #Psalms 📚 Today's Resources: Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, The Mattering Instinct: How Our Deepest Longing Drives Us and Divides Us 🙌 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 Matters? 00:30 Progress Without Hope 01:45 The Decline of Meaning & Belonging 02:11 Global Birth Rates & The Future 03:07 The Crisis of Mattering 03:40 Iris Murdoch on Human Worth 04:04 “I Don’t Matter” 04:30 Psalm 127 Begins 04:49 Why the Psalms Are Organized Into Five Books 05:40 Your Story Inside God's Story 06:09 The Lie That You Don't Matter 06:33 Unless the Lord Builds the House 07:26 Everything Matters to God 08:11 Children, Hope & The Future 09:13 The Mattering Index 10:07 Infinite Meaning 10:36 The Incarnation & Human Worth 10:59 You Matter More Than You Think 11:58 Every Small Thing Matters 12:47 Learning to Live Like It Matters

    15 min
  7. 29. God Is Not Nice. God Is Kind.

    Jun 11

    29. God Is Not Nice. God Is Kind.

    What is the difference between being nice and being kind? In this reflection on Psalm 138, John Ortberg explores one of the most beautiful biblical ideas: God's loving kindness. Why does Scripture constantly praise God for His kindness but never describe Him as "nice"? What is the difference? And how might understanding God's kindness transform the way we live? This episode explores: - Psalm 138 and God's loving kindness - The Hebrew idea of hesed - Niceness versus kindness - Compassion, courage, and truth-telling - Naomi Shihab Nye's poem Kindness - The Incarnation as God's ultimate act of kindness Featuring reflections on: - Naomi Shihab Nye - Cecil Rhodes Scriptures: - Psalm 138 - Philippians 2 - John 13 #Psalm138 #JohnOrtberg #Kindness #LovingKindness #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Hesed #Psalms 📚 Today's Resources: Naomi Shihab Nye, “Kindness” 🙌 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 God Is Kind, Not Merely Nice 00:29 Psalm 138 & Loving Kindness 01:28 The Meaning of Hesed 01:48 Miles Coverdale & "Loving Kindness" 02:23 Nice vs. Kind 03:02 God Looks Kindly on the Lowly 04:01 Kindness in a Difficult Season 05:06 Naomi Shihab Nye's Poem "Kindness" 06:01 Before You Know What Kindness Is 07:30 Kindness, Sorrow & Compassion 08:01 Only Kindness Makes Sense Anymore 08:49 Receiving and Offering Kindness 09:14 The Story of Cecil Rhodes 10:14 The Incarnation as Kindness 10:49 Jesus Wore Our Clothes 11:16 A Prayer for Kindness

    13 min
  8. 28. Why Some Relationships Thrive and Others Don't (Psalm 133)

    Jun 10

    28. Why Some Relationships Thrive and Others Don't (Psalm 133)

    What is the secret to deep relationships? In this teaching on Psalm 133, John Ortberg explores intimacy, connection, loneliness, and the small daily habits that strengthen relationships. Drawing from the work of relationship researcher John Gottman, John explains the powerful idea of "bids for connection"—the small invitations people make every day to share life together. This episode explores: - Psalm 133 and unity - What intimacy really means - The epidemic of loneliness - John Gottman's relationship research - Turning toward connection - Jesus as the master of connection - God's invitation to relationship throughout Scripture Featuring reflections on: - John Gottman - Dallas Willard - Robert Putnam Scriptures: - Psalm 133 - Genesis 2 - Genesis 3 - Genesis 4 #Psalm133 #JohnOrtberg #Relationships #Connection #Intimacy #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #JohnGottman #BibleStudy #Psalms 📚 Today's Resources: John Gottman, The Relationship Cure: A 5 Step Guide to Strengthening Your Marriage, Family, and Friendships   Robert D. Putnam, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community  🙌 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 Psalm 133 and the Nature of Intimacy 00:34 What Intimacy Really Is 01:18 God's Presence, Unity & Flourishing 01:47 Invited Into the Trinity 02:09 Common Myths About Intimacy 02:54 The Epidemic of Isolation 03:28 Twinkies, Broccoli & Friendship 04:15 Dallas Willard on Shared Experience 05:26 John Gottman & Bids for Connection 06:08 What Is a Bid for Connection? 06:54 Relationships Are Built on Bids 07:37 Jesus: Master of Connection 08:22 Turn Toward, Turn Away, Turn Against 09:06 God's Bid for Connection in Eden 09:52 "Want to Go for a Walk?" 10:28 The Cross: God's Costly Bid for Connection 10:59 Building Unity One Moment at a Time 11:46 Move Toward the Bid

    15 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
364 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Become New
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1.2K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Become New with John Ortberg
  • Show Website
    Become New with John Ortberg

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