Become New with John Ortberg
Join John Ortberg each day for 10 minutes of spiritual guidance on the person we are becoming.
Episodes
1182 episodes
1. Why Nothing Ever Feels Like Enough
What if lasting spiritual transformation isn't about trying harder?In this opening episode of our Become New series, John Ortberg introduces Dallas Willard's classic The Renovation of the Heart and explores Jesus' invitation to become p...
55. Stop Comparing. Start Living.
Why is comparison so hard to escape?In this reflection on Psalm 37, John Ortberg explores the hidden power of envy and why it quietly robs us of joy, gratitude, and peace.Drawing on insights from Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung, John e...
54. Does Prayer Actually Change Anything?
If God already knows everything...why pray?In this reflection on Psalm 74, John Ortberg wrestles with one of the oldest questions about prayer.Can our prayers actually matter?Drawing on insights from Walter Brueggema...
53. The Surprising Cure for Loneliness
What if the cure for loneliness isn't finding more people... but learning to be alone?In this reflection on Psalm 139, John Ortberg explores one of the deepest realities of being human: our longing to be fully known and never abandoned....
52. Does God Feel Far Away?
What do you do when you feel completely forsaken?In this reflection on Psalm 22, John Ortberg explores one of the most haunting prayers in all of Scripture:"My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?"These are not only th...
51. This Law Explains the Whole Bible (Psalm 113)
Who really gets the good stuff?In this reflection on Psalm 113, John Ortberg explores what Dallas Willard called the Law of Inversion—one of the great themes running through the entire Bible.Again and again, God overturns the wo...
50. These Two Words Will Change Your Life
What if the two most freeing words you could say are:"I can't."In this reflection on Psalm 143, John Ortberg explores why admitting our limitations isn't failure—it's the beginning of faith.Through a humorous story about...
49. Why God Doesn’t Reveal Everything At Once
Is denial always a bad thing?In this reflection on Psalm 39, John Ortberg explores one of the Bible's strangest prayers:"Look away from me."Why would anyone pray that?Drawing on insights from Dallas Willard, Søren Ki...
48. The Opposite of Fear Isn't Courage
Is the opposite of fear really courage?In this reflection on Psalm 27, John Ortberg offers a surprising answer:No. The opposite of fear is God’s presence.Drawing on the wisdom of Dallas Willard, John explains why Jesus c...
47. What God Actually Wants
What actually makes someone a good person?In this reflection on Psalm 51, John Ortberg explores one of the most important differences between religion and the teaching of Jesus.David doesn't simply pray,"Forgive my sins."
46. Glenn Packiam: Don't Let a Wounded Heart Become a Bitter Spirit
What do you do when prayer feels impossible?In this conversation, John Ortberg is joined by pastor and author Glenn Packiam to reflect on Psalm 73 and the reality of spiritual slumps.Glenn shares why he always returns to the Psa...
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 Linco...
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 t...
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 co...
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 re...
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 fr...
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 philos...
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:O...
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."
37. Do you have FAITH? Your life already knows the answer.
Do you ever struggle with doubt?In this teaching on Psalm 91, John Ortberg explores faith, trust, doubt, works, and what it really means to believe.Drawing heavily from the teachings of Dallas Willard, John introduces a powerful...
36. The Surprising Link Between Love and Attention
What if one of the greatest acts of love is simply paying attention?In this reflection on Psalm 8, John Ortberg and Laura Turner explore wonder, attentiveness, and the surprising connection between love and noticing.Drawing on i...
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 ...
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 f...
