Become New with John Ortberg

Why would God include violent prayers in the Bible? In this deeply challenging teaching on Psalm 137, John Ortberg explores anger, injustice, enemies, suffering, and why the Psalms are far more emotionally honest than most modern spirituality. John begins with a provocative statement:  “You should stop having a quiet time.” Using reflections from Eugene Peterson, this episode explores the difference between prayer that merely calms us down and prayer that honestly confronts evil, grief, and the brokenness of the world. This episode explores: - Why Psalm 137 feels so disturbing - The role of anger and indignation - Why suppressed hatred is spiritually dangerous - Prayer as honesty before God - Jesus, enemy-love, and the Psalms - “Our hate needs to be prayed, not suppressed” Featuring reflections on: - Eugene Peterson - C.S. Lewis - René Girard Scriptures: - Psalm 137 - Ephesians 6:12 - Matthew 5:44 #Psalm137 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #Psalms #EugenePeterson #Justice #Forgiveness #BibleStudy 📚 Today's Resources: Eugene H. Peterson, Answering God: The Psalms As Tools for Prayer  René Girard, The Scapegoat  🙌 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 [email protected] 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 Introduction: “Stop Having a Quiet Time” 00:25 Eugene Peterson on Pseudo-Prayer 01:30 “Prayer Is Combat” 02:26 Why the Psalms Talk So Much About Enemies 03:11 Enter Psalm 137 04:10 “How Can We Sing in a Foreign Land?” 04:38 The Most Disturbing Verse in the Psalm 05:13 Why This Psalm Shocks Modern Readers 05:36 The Psalms Refuse Sanitized Spirituality 06:00 Two Kinds of Violence in the Psalms 06:40 René Girard, Victims & Scapegoats 07:08 Indignation, Anger & Injustice 08:06 Why People Want These Psalms Removed 09:03 “Our Hate Needs to Be Prayed” 09:55 Suppressed Anger & False Spirituality 10:18 Jesus, Enemy Love & the Psalms 11:23 Dare to Be Real With God

Why do we avoid uncomfortable truth? In this teaching on Psalm 42, John Ortberg explores self-awareness, attention, distraction, procrastination, and the deep spiritual thirst at the center of the human soul. Using Psalm 42’s famous image — “As the deer pants for streams of water…” — John reflects on how human beings often distract themselves from the deeper realities happening inside them. Why do we avoid certain thoughts? Why do difficult truths fade when we procrastinate? And what does prayer have to do with attention? This episode explores: - The soul’s longing for God - Why humans avoid painful truth - Self-deception and attention management - Procrastination as a spiritual issue - The relationship between awareness and transformation - “The greatest freedom of human life” Featuring reflections from: - William James - Flannery O’Connor - Gregg Ten Elshof Scripture: - Psalm 42 #Psalm42 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #SelfAwareness #ChristianFaith #Psychology #Attention #BibleStudy #Psalms 📚 Today's Resources: Gregg A. Ten Elshof, I Told Me So: Self-Deception and the Christian Life  Flannery O’Connor, The Violent Bear It Away  🙌 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 [email protected] 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 Introduction 00:26 Psalm 42 & the Problem of Being Real 01:08 Why the Psalms Speak to the Soul 01:31 Awareness, Choice & the Human Will 02:19 “As the Deer Pants for Water” 03:18 Pouring Out the Soul Before God 04:04 “Why Are You Downcast, O My Soul?” 04:38 Flannery O’Connor & Avoiding Truth 06:18 William James on Attention & Experience 06:48 The Sneaky Power of Attention Management 07:09 The Greatest Freedom of Human Life 08:21 Forgetting Painful Experiences 09:12 Procrastination & Self-Deception 10:52 Why Moral Convictions Fade Over Time 11:26 “Help Me See What I’ve Been Avoiding” 11:54 Deep Calls to Deep

Why is self-awareness so difficult? In this teaching on Psalm 19, John Ortberg explores self-deception, blind spots, hidden faults, and the surprising difficulty of honestly seeing ourselves. The Psalmist asks:  “Who can discern their own errors?” That question launches a fascinating exploration of: - Freud and the unconscious mind - Cognitive bias and self-deception - Why humans protect their image - The role of feedback and mirrors - Spiritual growth through honesty - Grace, confession, and healing This episode explores how Scripture and modern psychology intersect around one central truth: human beings are remarkably good at hiding truth from themselves. And yet real freedom begins when we become willing to see. Scriptures: - Psalm 19:12–14 - Romans 1 - Obadiah 1:3 Resources mentioned: - Freud - George Eliot - Gregg Ten Elshof - Awakenings #psalm19  #JohnOrtberg #SelfAwareness #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #Psychology #Prayer #BibleStudy #BlindSpots #Psalms 📚 Today's Resources: George Eliot, Middlemarch  Gregg A. Ten Elshof, I Told Me So: Self-Deception and the Christian Life  🙌 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 [email protected] 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 Introduction & Mirror Thumbnail Idea 00:09 Psalm 19 & the Problem of Self-Awareness 00:30 “Forgive My Hidden Faults” 00:58 The Problem With Unconscious Behavior 01:19 Freud, Depth Psychology & the Iceberg Mind 02:08 What Freud Got Wrong About Trauma 02:58 Memory Wars & Self-Deception 03:17 The Hidden Layers Beneath Consciousness 03:52 George Eliot & “Confessing to Ourselves” 04:16 The Four Levels of Consciousness 05:00 Skydiving & Stress-Induced Memory Gaps 05:57 Peripheral Awareness & Hidden Faults 06:31 Self-Deception in Modern Psychology 06:58 Romans 1 & Suppressing the Truth 07:25 The Self-Serving Bias Explained 08:16 The Fundamental Attribution Error 09:03 Everyday Self-Deception & Rationalization 09:53 Praying “Help Me See the Truth” 10:19 Reviewing the Day With Honesty 11:02 Why We Manage Other People’s Opinions 11:35 Freud, Sin & the Depth of Self-Deception 12:01 Inviting Other People to Help Us Grow 12:39 “Would You Tell Me More?” 13:23 Closing Prayer From Psalm 19:14

What does bowling have to do with spiritual life? In this teaching on Psalm 19, John Ortberg explores anxiety, surrender, creation, grace, and the deep human longing for soul rest. Using a surprisingly powerful bowling illustration, John reflects on how most people continue trying to control outcomes long after the “ball” has already left their hands. Psalm 19 offers another way: let go, trust God, delight in creation, and allow your soul to rest. This episode explores: - Why modern people struggle with rest - The connection between anxiety and control - Creation as medicine for the soul - Why the law of God is actually a gift - Soul fragmentation and divided living - How love restores wholeness Featuring reflections on: - Dallas Willard - Theodore Roosevelt - Martin Luther - Psalm 19 Scriptures: -Psalm 19 -Matthew 22:37–39 -James 2:8 #Psalm19 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #DallasWillard #SoulRest #Anxiety #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Psalms 📚 Today's Resources: Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ  The Little, Brown Book of Anecdotes, edited by Clifton Fadiman 🙌 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 [email protected] 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 Introduction & Bowling Thumbnail Idea 00:14 Psalm 19, Soul Rest & the Gift of Law 01:02 “The Heavens Declare the Glory of God” 01:23 Creation, Perspective & the Human Soul 02:16 Running Life Like a Champion 02:37 Dallas Willard on Soul Rest 03:44 What Bowling Teaches Us About Anxiety 04:31 “Let the Ball Go” 04:55 Teddy Roosevelt & Becoming Small Enough 05:50 Creation as an Expression of God’s Mind 06:09 Why Nature Is Good for the Soul 06:40 Psalm 19’s Surprising Pivot to Law 07:14 “The Law of the Lord Is Perfect” 07:22 Why Modern People Resist the Law 07:56 Law, Grace & Human Flourishing 08:38 What Makes a Good Person? 09:14 Why Humanity Has Revered Wise Laws 09:40 Sweeter Than Honey, More Precious Than Gold 10:09 The Royal Law of Love 10:39 How Sin Fractures the Soul 10:57 The Law Revives the Soul 11:25 Delighting in God’s Big Book & Little Book

What actually creates a peaceful life? In this teaching on Psalm 15, John Ortberg explores the ancient biblical vision of an “unshakable” life — a life rooted in goodness, grace, truth, and the presence of God. Psalm 15 asks: “Who may dwell on your holy mountain?” The answer turns out to be both beautiful and deeply challenging. Along the way, John reflects on: Why peace is more than a feeling The connection between character and stability Gossip, envy, greed, ego, and emotional formation Positive psychology and virtue What kind of people we become through daily choices Why “the good life is with God” This episode is practical, thoughtful, convicting, and hopeful all at once. Scriptures: Psalm 15 Matthew 6:33 Luke 23:39–43 #Psalm15 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #Peace #Character #BibleStudy #Psalms #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 [email protected] 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 Introduction & The Mountain of Peace 00:42 Why Most People Misunderstand Peace 01:21 “Who May Dwell on Your Holy Mountain?” 01:50 Do We Actually Want Life With God? 02:11 The “Sin Room” Illustration 03:01 The Other Gods We Run After 03:41 The Question Psalm 15 Answers 03:48 “The One Whose Walk Is Blameless…” 04:38 Positive Psychology & Human Flourishing 05:21 Speaking the Truth From the Heart 06:09 Slander, Gossip & the Spiritual Life 06:28 Who Is My Neighbor? 07:32 Who Do You Admire? 08:34 Commitments, Oaths & Faithfulness 09:15 Generosity & Stewardship 09:46 “Whoever Does These Things Will Never Be Shaken” 10:17 Peace, Praise & Character Formation 11:05 What If TSA Tested Character? 11:21 Grace, Failure & the Thief on the Cross 11:52 The Invitation to the Holy Mountain

What’s the one thing that would make today a good day? Psalm 16 says it’s simpler—and deeper—than you think. In this teaching, John Ortberg walks through Psalm 16 and introduces a powerful idea: your life-scape—the inner world where your thoughts, desires, and attention live. Most of us drift through our days reacting to whatever comes. But Psalm 16 invites us to something different: “I have set the Lord always before me.” In this episode, you’ll learn: - What shapes your inner life (your “life-scape”) - Why chasing “other gods” leads to restlessness - How to center your day around one transforming focus - What it means to live with a steady, unshaken heart This is a practical invitation to live today with clarity, presence, and purpose. 📚 Today's Resources: Sam Storms, One Thing: Developing a Passion for the Beauty of God  Jenn Johnson, “Goodness of God”  @ www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0FBb6hnwTo Søren Kierkegaard, Purity of Heart Is to Will One Thing  🙌 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 [email protected] 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 – Opening Prayer 00:20 – What Is Your “Life-Scape”? 00:46 – Psalm 16: The One Thing 01:07 – The “City Slickers” Illustration 01:34 – What Shapes Your Inner World 02:16 – The Illusion of Life Without Purpose 03:06 – The Search for “One Thing” 03:33 – What Scripture Says the One Thing Is 03:55 – “You Are My Lord” (Psalm 16) 04:19 – The Danger of Other “Gods” 04:44 – Modern Idols (Reputation, Ego, Control) 05:05 – “You Are My Portion” 05:30 – Living Where You Actually Are 06:02 – God Speaks Through Your Heart 06:51 – How God Guides Your Thoughts 07:38 – Recognizing God’s Voice 08:04 – “I Set the Lord Always Before Me” 08:18 – Jesus: “Seek First the Kingdom” 08:49 – The Freedom to Choose Your Focus 09:09 – Practicing God’s Presence 09:27 – A Story of Unexpected Grace 10:04 – Becoming a Blessing to Others 10:19 – What It Means to Be Unshaken 10:55 – God Will Not Abandon You 11:08 – The Path of Life 11:27 – Joy in God’s Presence 11:47 – Final Prayer: Walk With God Today

Ever feel stuck in your thoughts… and don’t know how to pray? Here’s a simple, practical method that actually works. In this teaching, John Ortberg walks through a powerful and practical way to pray your emotions using Psalm 57. Adapted from psychological insights and grounded in Scripture, this ABCD prayer method helps you move from anxiety and rumination to clarity, trust, and peace. You’ll learn how to: - Identify what’s actually triggering you - Name the beliefs driving your emotions - Understand why your feelings feel so strong - Reframe your thoughts with truth - Move into a place of steadiness and action If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to talk to God honestly—this gives you a clear path forward. 📚 Today's Resources: Martin Seligman - referenced for the ABC model/framework John adapted into prayer and the Psalms Mark Twain - quote: “I have lived through terrible sufferings, horrible events, some of which actually happened.” 🙌 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 [email protected] 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 – Opening Prayer 00:20 – Why We Struggle to Pray Honestly 00:46 – A Practical Method for Prayer 01:13 – Psalm 57: David in the Cave 01:35 – What Is Your “Cave”? 02:07 – Step A: Antecedent (What Triggered You?) 03:01 – Why Negative Moments Drive Prayer 03:27 – Real-Life Examples (Wallet, Mistakes, Fear) 04:10 – Step B: Beliefs (What Are You Thinking?) 05:02 – Why Writing Matters 05:20 – Naming Fear-Based Beliefs 06:17 – Step C: Consequences (Your Emotions) 06:42 – How Beliefs Drive Feelings 07:08 – Recognizing Emotional Impact 07:47 – Step D: Dispute (Challenge Your Beliefs) 08:08 – Reframing With Truth 08:32 – “Most of My Fears Never Happened” 08:56 – Living One Day at a Time 09:21 – Step E: Energize (New Direction) 09:47 – “My Heart Is Steadfast” 10:11 – From Anxiety → Stability 10:17 – Anticipating God’s Presence 10:43 – Building Life on God’s Faithfulness 11:03 – Putting It All Together 11:28 – God Works in the Cave 11:49 – Final Encouragement

What do you do with anger you can’t let go of? What if the Bible actually teaches you how to pray it? In Part 3 of this conversation, John Ortberg and Rankin Wilbourne tackle one of the most difficult emotions we face: anger. Psalm 109 is one of the most shocking passages in Scripture—full of raw, unfiltered anger. So why is it in the Bible? In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why denying anger isn’t spiritual maturity - How the Psalms give you permission to be honest with God - What it looks like to pray your anger instead of acting on it - How anger can actually be transformed into something healing - This is Part 3 of a 3-part convo on learning to pray your emotions. 📚 Today's Resources: Life Together / writings on the Psalms — Dietrich Bonhoeffer 🙌 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 [email protected] 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 – Introduction (Part 3: Anger) 00:24 – Recap: Running Toward the Storm 00:46 – “What Do You Do With Anger?” 01:08 – The Reality of Anger in the Psalms 01:34 – Psalm 109 (The Angriest Psalm) 02:21 – Why This Is So Shocking 02:51 – Owning Your Anger (OWN Framework) 03:27 – The “Alchemy” of Prayer 03:55 – Why These Prayers Are in the Bible 04:17 – Are We “Holier” Than the Psalmists? 05:08 – “Vengeance Is Mine” (Letting Go) 05:37 – Be Angry and Do Not Sin 06:02 – Can You Be This Angry and Still Follow God? 06:28 – A Real-Life Example: Unforgiveness 07:04 – Bringing People Into God’s Presence 07:37 – Expanding Perspective (God, Self, Others) 08:11 – Why This Feels Complicated 08:38 – Everyone Has an Anger Problem 09:18 – Should You Pray Psalm 109? 09:30 – Practical: Naming Someone Before God 10:00 – The Turning Point (You Have a Choice) 10:34 – Admitting “I Am Angry” 11:17 – Psalms as Medicine for the Soul 12:34 – When You’re Not Ready to Forgive 13:00 – Starting With Honest Prayer 13:46 – The Breakthrough: You Have a Choice 14:21 – Final Invitation: Bring Your Anger to God

What if the pain you’re avoiding is actually the path to healing? And what if God already gave you the words for it? In Part 2 of this conversation, John Ortberg and Rankin Wilbourne explore one of the most overlooked practices in the Christian life: lament. If the Psalms are the prayer book of God’s people, why are so many of them… sad? And why do we avoid praying that way? You’ll discover: - Why lament is essential (not optional) in spiritual life - How lament becomes a bridge between pain and trust - Why avoiding pain actually deepens it - A practical way to pray honestly without getting stuck in despair This is Part 2 of a 3-part conversation on learning to pray your emotions. 📚 Today's Resources: A Grief Observed — C. S. Lewis (indirect thematic reference) Naming the Silences — Stanley Hauerwas 🙌 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 [email protected] 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 – Picking Up the Conversation (Part 2) 00:21 – Why the Psalms Are Full of Sad Songs 01:17 – 30–70% of Psalms Are Laments 01:44 – “How Long, O Lord?” (Psalm 13) 02:14 – What Lament Reveals About Life 02:40 – Why We Resist Lament 03:06 – What Lament Actually Is 03:36 – Permission to Bring Everything to God 04:08 – Do You Pray Like This? 04:31 – Image 1: Running Toward the Storm (Buffalo) 05:31 – Why Avoiding Pain Makes It Worse 06:04 – The Paradox of Grief 06:34 – Image 2: Lament as a Bridge 06:59 – From Pain → Trust (Psalm 13 Turn) 07:38 – How Psalms Train Us to Trust 08:04 – When Prayer Turns Into Rumination 08:52 – Using Psalms as Scaffolding 09:43 – Why Lament Doesn’t Leave You Stuck 10:11 – Learning the “Turn” to Trust 10:46 – Rehearsing Trust Like a Song 11:13 – Naming the Silences 11:48 – Training Your Heart Through Prayer 12:13 – Guided Prayer (Psalm 5) 12:58 – Key Takeaways + Preview Part 3

Most people don’t know how to pray their emotions… even after years of faith. What if the Psalms were meant to teach you how? In this conversation, John Ortberg sits down with author and pastor Rankin Wilbourne to explore a life-changing idea: learning to pray your emotions. Many of us either suppress our feelings or let them control us—but the Psalms offer a better way. They give us language, permission, and structure to bring our real selves before God. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why most people struggle to pray honestly - The difference between suppressing, expressing, and praying emotions - A simple framework to process emotions with God (OWN: Observe, Welcome, Name) - What “pre-reflective prayer” means—and why it matters This is Part 1 of a 3-part conversation. 🙌 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 [email protected] 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 – Opening + Introducing Rankin Wilbourne 00:55 – What the Psalms Are Really For 01:35 – “Pray Your Emotions” (Why This Is Hard) 02:02 – Tim Keller’s Insight on Prayer 02:46 – Two Common Mistakes With Emotions 03:14 – Why Christians Struggle With Feelings 03:46 – A Better Way: Don’t Deny, Don’t Enshrine 04:17 – The OWN Framework (Observe, Welcome, Name) 05:18 – Why Naming Emotions Heals 05:40 – What Mister Rogers Got Right 06:09 – “What’s Mentionable Is Manageable” 07:12 – Pouring Out Your Heart to God 07:36 – Why We Try to Fix Instead of Feel 08:09 – Permission to Be Human Before God 08:38 – How to Actually Practice This 09:04 – Learning Prayer by Praying 09:34 – “Trust and Pour Out Your Heart” 10:00 – Why We Avoid Our Own Hearts 10:25 – The Problem of “Willed Loneliness” 11:01 – Vulnerability Before God 11:34 – Does God Really Want This From Me? 11:59 – What Is Pre-Reflective Prayer? 12:26 – When Theology Gets in the Way 13:05 – Practice: Name What You’re Feeling 13:53 – Why This Matters (Preview of Part 2)

How long can you carry something before it breaks you? And what do you do when God feels… silent? In this teaching on Psalm 13, John Ortberg walks us through one of the most honest prayers in Scripture: “How long, O Lord?” When pain lingers, when answers don’t come, and when God feels distant, we face a choice. We can grumble—turning inward in bitterness and withdrawal—or we can groan—bringing our pain honestly before God. This Psalm shows us how to lament in a way that leads somewhere. Not by denying pain, but by bringing it fully into God’s presence. If you’re carrying something heavy right now—a relationship, anxiety, loss, or a long unanswered prayer—this teaching will help you turn that pain into prayer. 📚 Today's Resources: Bessel van der Kolk, M.D., The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma  🙌 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 [email protected] 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 – Opening Prayer 00:18 – Psalm 13: Bring Your “How Long” 00:53 – “Will You Forget Me Forever?” 01:30 – What “How Long” Really Means 01:59 – When You Don’t Know the Finish Line 02:15 – When God Feels Hidden 02:36 – The Panic of Not Finding What Matters 03:20 – How the Body Holds Pain 03:46 – Why Pain Lingers in Us 04:15 – What Is Your “How Long”? 04:34 – Naming Real-Life Pain 05:05 – Two Ways to Respond to Pain 05:18 – Grumbling vs Groaning 05:58 – What Grumbling Does to the Soul 06:19 – What Groaning Looks Like 06:51 – Groaning = Honest Faith 07:18 – How This Plays Out in Real Life 07:37 – Warning Against Grumbling 08:02 – Groaning for the World’s Pain 08:23 – Creation Is Groaning 08:56 – When You Don’t Have Words 09:28 – God Groans With You 09:53 – The Turning Point: “But I Trust…” 10:25 – What Actually Changes? 10:56 – Lament Opens the Door to Praise 11:23 – Bring Your “How Long” to God 11:46 – When Hope Begins to Rise 12:04 – From Lament to Praise

Everyone’s talking about mindfulness… but what if we’ve missed the most important part? What if the key isn’t your mind being focused—but God’s mind being focused on you? In this teaching on Psalm 8, John Ortberg explores a deeper kind of mindfulness—one that begins not with your attention, but with God’s. While we often struggle with distraction, anxiety, and rumination, Psalm 8 reveals something surprising: God is fully, constantly mindful of you. His attention never drifts. His care never wavers. Through reflection, Scripture, and guided prayer, this teaching invites you to step into praise, re-center your mind, and experience what it means to live in the awareness of God’s presence. You’ll also learn how to pray the Psalm—turning your attention from distraction to delight, and from anxiety to awe. Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 📚 Today's Resources: Thomas Merton, Praying the Psalms (1956) Mark Ralls, “Mindful: Psalm 8,” The Christian Century, 15 May 2007. Eugene Peterson, Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer (1991) C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms (1958) Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible (1940) Timothy Keller and Kathy Keller, The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions In the Psalms (2015) James W. Sire, Praying the Psalms of Jesus (2007) Walter Bruggeman, Praying the Psalms: Engaging Scripture and the Life of the Spirit (1995) 🙌 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 [email protected] 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/ 00:00 – Opening Prayer  00:18 – Learning to Pray the Psalms  00:42 – From Wisdom → Lament → Praise  01:02 – Do You Struggle With Your Mind?  01:27 – Resources on Praying the Psalms  02:17 – “Lord, Our Lord…” (Starting With God)  02:50 – What “God’s Name” Really Means  03:22 – God’s Glory in All the Earth  03:49 – The Power of Childlike Praise  04:25 – “What Is Mankind?” (The Big Question)  04:55 – Why Praise Feels So Empty Today  05:46 – Why We Struggle to Praise God  06:08 – Do You Actually Want God?  06:54 – No Blueprint for Ecstasy  07:23 – Practicing Attention and Reflection  07:54 – What Is Mindfulness (Really)?  08:20 – The Universe Exists in God’s Mind  08:42 – God Is Mindful of You  09:11 – The Acorn Illustration (Are You Paying Attention?)  09:54 – God Is Never Distracted  10:14 – Because God Is Mindful… We Can Be Too  10:25 – Practicing Presence (Breath + Spirit)  10:57 – “Present to the Presence in the Present”  11:15 – Why Psalm 8 Ends Where It Begins  11:32 – You Are Held in God’s Attention  11:52 – Seeing Others as Image Bearers  12:02 – Living With Joy, Gratitude, and Praise

We live in a world obsessed with predicting the future… and terrified of it. So how do you actually live when everything feels uncertain? In this teaching on Psalm 3, John Ortberg explores one of the most universal human struggles: uncertainty. We don’t know what’s coming next—and instead of trusting God, we often try to control, predict, or even “gamble” on the future. But Psalm 3 offers a different way. It begins in fear and pressure—real enemies, real anxiety—and moves toward trust, surrender, and confidence in God’s presence. This teaching will help you name the “foes” in your life (both internal and external), bring your honest thoughts to God, and discover what it means to live with courage—even when the future is unclear. You’ll also be guided to pray the Psalm yourself, learning how to turn anxiety into conversation with God. 📚 Today's Resources: McKay Coppins, “Sucker: My Year as a Degenerate Gambler,” The Atlantic, 12 March 2026 Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 🙌 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 [email protected] 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/ ⏱️ Chapters (retention-focused) 00:00 – Opening Prayer  00:15 – The Big Question: How Do You Handle Uncertainty?  00:30 – We Understand Life Backwards, Live It Forwards  00:49 – How We Try to Control the Future  01:12 – The Explosion of Gambling Culture  02:39 – Even Betting on the Second Coming?!  03:04 – A Better Way: Turn to God  03:32 – Psalm 3: Where Prayer Begins  03:58 – Start With One Word: “Lord”  04:23 – Practicing God’s Presence (Candle + Chair)  05:07 – “How Many Are My Foes?”  05:44 – Naming Your Real Enemies (Anxiety, Hurry, Envy…)  06:40 – Personal and Relational Pain  07:01 – When You Can’t Fix What’s Broken  07:26 – God as Shield, Glory, and Lifter of Your Head  08:20 – You Don’t Have to Prove Yourself  08:43 – From Shame to Confidence  09:27 – The Real Test of Your Life  09:48 – Can You Sleep in Peace?  10:14 – Waking Up: Life Is a Gift  10:34 – “Arise, Lord” (Resurrection Power)  10:56 – What Does “Break Their Teeth” Mean?  11:18 – Pray What You Actually Feel  11:46 – Where Deliverance Comes From  11:57 – Make This Psalm Your Prayer Today

What if your life is already headed in a direction… and you didn’t choose it? Psalm 1 says there are only two ways to live and only one leads to flourishing. In this opening teaching of a new series on the Psalms, John Ortberg invites us into one of the most important questions we can ask: What is my way of life leading to? Psalm 1 describes a person who is “blessed”—not just happy, but deeply rooted, steady, and flourishing. And it contrasts that life with another path we can slowly drift into without even noticing. Through reflection, story, and guided prayer, this teaching helps you examine your own direction and begin to re-center your life around God. You’ll also be invited to actually pray the Psalm—to let it shape your thoughts, your desires, and your daily decisions. 📚 Today's Resources: Thomas Merton, Praying the Psalms  Markham Heid, “The Number of Words You Say in a Day is Shrinking,” Time, 28 April 2026. McKay Coppins, “Sucker: My Year as a Degenerate Gambler,” The Atlantic, 12 March 2026 Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 🙌 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 [email protected] 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/ 00:00 – Opening Prayer: “May the words…”  00:22 – Why Prayer Matters to God  01:25 – The Psalms: Every Emotion with God  02:41 – Why the Psalms Transform Us  03:02 – Do You Need Wisdom Right Now?  03:32 – What Does “Blessed” Really Mean?  04:18 – Everyone Has a Way of Life  04:44 – Flourishing vs. Drifting  05:09 – The Danger of Slow Drift  05:40 – Walking → Standing → Sitting (The Progression)  06:29 – Modern Life Is Forming You (More Than You Think)  07:13 – Even “Religious” Lives Can Miss This  07:40 – The Tree Planted by Water  08:10 – What It Means to Meditate on God  08:52 – Training Your Mind to Delight  09:21 – What You Fill Your Mind With Shapes You  09:43 – Two Ways to See People: Exploit or Love  10:35 – The “Wicked” vs “Righteous” (In All of Us)  10:58 – Guided Prayer: Ask God for Flourishing  11:37 – Where Do You Need Wisdom Today?

Did you enjoy this teaching on Forgiveness? Download the free print and go study guide to experience the journey in its fullness: becomenew.com/study-guides Is reconciliation really possible… after betrayal? In one of the most powerful stories in the Bible, we see the answer: yes—but it’s complicated. In today’s teaching, we walk through the story of Joseph and his brothers—a story filled with jealousy, betrayal, suffering, and ultimately… forgiveness and reconciliation. This is not a neat or easy process. It’s messy, emotional, and deeply human. But it reveals something extraordinary:  God can bring healing even to the most broken relationships. Because forgiveness is powerful…  but reconciliation? That’s a miracle. 📚 Today's Resources: Workbook resource by Everett Worthington (forgiveness process):  https://bit.ly/REACHWorksheet 🙌 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 [email protected] 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 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Beyond by Waes Hael MB01C7DBTWRVYUQ

What is forgiveness… really? And what if most of us have been getting it wrong? In today’s teaching, we define forgiveness in a clear and powerful way: replacing ill will with goodwill. But that raises big questions—Does forgiveness excuse wrongdoing? Does it ignore justice? Should we forgive everything? Drawing from Scripture, real-world examples, and the work of Everett Worthington, this message untangles the confusion and reveals a deeper, stronger, more honest vision of forgiveness. Because forgiveness isn’t pretending something didn’t matter it’s choosing a different kind of response. 📚 Today's Resources: Workbook resource by Everett Worthington (forgiveness process):  https://bit.ly/REACHWorksheet 🙌 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 [email protected] 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 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Beyond by Waes Hael MB01C7DBTWRVYUQ

Most of us think unforgiveness is something we choose. But what if it’s actually something that slowly grows inside of us… without us even realizing it? In today’s teaching, we explore the road to NOT forgiving—how small hurts turn into resentment, how rumination fuels bitterness, and how unforgiveness quietly takes hold of your heart. Drawing from Scripture, personal reflection, and the research of Everett Worthington, this message exposes the hidden patterns that keep us stuck—and offers hope that change is possible. Because unforgiveness doesn’t just affect others…it shapes you.  📚 Today's Resources: Workbook resource by Everett Worthington (forgiveness process):  https://bit.ly/REACHWorksheet 🙌 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 [email protected] 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 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Beyond by Waes Hael MB01C7DBTWRVYUQ

What does it take to forgive the unforgivable? In this powerful conversation, Everett Worthington shares his personal story of facing unimaginable loss—and the journey toward forgiveness that followed. Blending deep emotional honesty with practical wisdom, this teaching explores the darkness of the human heart, the reality of anger and rage, and the surprising path that leads to healing. You’ll discover why forgiveness is not about excusing harm, but about transforming your own heart—and how even small steps can begin that process. Because forgiveness doesn’t start with others…  it starts within you. Welcome home. Change starts today. 📚 Today's Resources: Workbook resource by Everett Worthington (forgiveness process):  https://bit.ly/REACHWorksheet 🙌 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 [email protected] 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 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Beyond by Waes Hael MB01C7DBTWRVYUQ

Forgiveness sounds simple… until you actually have to do it. In today’s teaching, we begin a powerful journey into forgiveness—not as a vague idea, but as a real, practical process that leads to healing and freedom. Because the truth is: we all carry wounds… and we all need to forgive. Drawing from Scripture, the teachings of Everett Worthington, and real-life experience, this message introduces a proven pathway to forgiveness—one that is honest, challenging, and deeply transformative. Because forgiveness isn’t natural…  it’s supernatural. But it is possible. Welcome home. Change starts today. 📚 Today's Resources: Work and research of Everett Worthington (REACH model) Hannah Arendt (on forgiveness in human affairs) Workbook resource by Everett Worthington (forgiveness process): https://bit.ly/REACHWorksheet 🙌 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 [email protected] 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 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Beyond by Waes Hael MB01C7DBTWRVYUQ

Did you enjoy this teaching? We have a free study guide on this entire series if you'd like to walk through it with a friend or small group! Just download, print and go! Get it here... Becomenew.com/study-guides Submission. Just hearing that word can feel… uncomfortable. In a culture that prizes independence, autonomy, and “doing life your way,” the idea of submitting to someone else can sound outdated—or even dangerous. But what if submission, rightly understood, is actually a pathway to freedom? In today’s teaching, we explore the spiritual discipline of submission—not as control or coercion, but as a humble, intentional decision to learn from those who are further along in wisdom and character. Drawing from Scripture, the wisdom of Dallas Willard, and real-life examples, this message reframes submission as a powerful tool for growth, accountability, and transformation. Because sometimes the fastest way forward…  is learning to follow. Welcome home. Change starts today. 📚 Today's Resources: The Spirit of the Disciplines — Dallas Willard Story reference connected to The Sound of Music (Maria von Trapp) Concept parallels with Alcoholics Anonymous (sponsor model) 🙌 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 [email protected] 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 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Beyond by Waes Hael MB01C7DBTWRVYUQ

What if the thing you most want to hide… is the very thing keeping you stuck? In today’s teaching, we explore the powerful (and often avoided) spiritual practice of confession—the act of telling the truth about your life to God and to a trusted person. It may feel uncomfortable, even painful, but it might also be the key to real freedom. Drawing from Scripture, the wisdom of Dallas Willard, and insights from recovery communities like AA, this message shows how confession breaks the cycle of shame, removes hidden burdens, and restores connection with God and others. Because healing begins the moment you stop pretending. Welcome home. Change starts today. 📚 Today's Resources: The Spirit of the Disciplines — Dallas Willard Alcoholics Anonymous (The Big Book) — Alcoholics Anonymous 🙌 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 [email protected] 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 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Beyond by Waes Hael MB01C7DBTWRVYUQ

What if worship isn’t just something you do at church… but something that could transform your entire life? In today’s teaching, we explore the true meaning of worship—not as music or a moment, but as a way of seeing and responding to the goodness, beauty, and greatness of God in everyday life. Drawing from Scripture, the wisdom of Dallas Willard, and even the simple joy of things like coffee and nature, this message shows how worship awakens awe, restores your heart, and reconnects your life to what really matters. 📚 Today's Resources: Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines 🙌 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 [email protected] 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 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Beyond by Waes Hael MB01C7DBTWRVYUQ

What if the reason you feel anxious, exhausted, or constantly “on”… is because you’re living for other people’s approval? In today’s teaching, we explore the powerful and often overlooked spiritual discipline of secrecy—doing good without anyone knowing. It sounds simple… but it might be one of the hardest things you’ll ever try. Drawing from the teachings of Dallas Willard and the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, this message reveals how secrecy frees you from approval addiction, comparison, and the exhausting need to manage your image. Because the goal isn’t to be seen as good…it’s to become good—quietly, deeply, and freely. 📚 Today's Resources: Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines 🙌 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 [email protected] 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 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Beyond by Waes Hael MB01C7DBTWRVYUQ

Silence might be the most uncomfortable… and most transformative… practice in your life. In a world filled with constant noise, distraction, and the pressure to always say something, the discipline of silence feels almost impossible. But what if silence is actually the doorway to peace, trust, and deeper connection with God? In this teaching, we explore why silence matters, how it reshapes your inner life, and why learning not to speak can bring surprising freedom. Drawing from the wisdom of Dallas Willard and the example of Jesus, you’ll discover how silence helps you let go of control, release the need for approval, and experience a deeper sense of being “at home” with God. If your life feels noisy, anxious, or driven by the need to prove yourself… this might be exactly what you need. ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 4.12.23 ORIGINAL SERIES: Home 📚 Today's Resources: The Spirit of the Disciplines — Dallas Willard 🙌 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 [email protected] 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 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Beyond by Waes Hael MB01C7DBTWRVYUQ

Enjoying these teachings on CHARACTER? Get the Free Study Guide: BecomeNew.com/study-guides - Download, print, and go! Is life actually fair? It’s a question we all wrestle with—at home, at work, in culture, and deep in our own stories. But what if fairness isn’t just something we demand… what if it’s something we’re called to become? In today’s teaching, we explore the biblical vision of fairness and justice, tracing a powerful theme throughout Scripture: God does not show favoritism. From Cain and Abel to David to Jesus Himself, we see a God who consistently elevates the overlooked and challenges human systems of privilege and power. This message will challenge you to examine your own biases, confront favoritism in your life, and ask one simple but profound question:   Who am I overlooking? Because the way you treat people matters more than you think. 🙌 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 [email protected] 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 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Beyond by Waes Hael MB01C7DBTWRVYUQ

Why is self-control so hard? You’re not alone. Research shows that among all character strengths, self-control ranks dead last in how people rate themselves. But what if the problem isn’t just your willpower… what if it’s how you’re using it? In this teaching, we explore the deeper truth behind self-control—why willpower gets depleted, how habits shape your life, and why “white-knuckling it” isn’t the solution. Drawing from Scripture, psychology, and spiritual wisdom, you’ll discover a surprising secret: The key to self-control isn’t trying harder… it’s learning to surrender your will to something greater. If you feel stuck in cycles of frustration, temptation, or burnout, this message offers a better way forward. 📚 Today's Resources: Willpower by Roy Baumeister Insights from Allan Willes  Commentary from Ezra Sullivan 🙌 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 [email protected] 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 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Beyond by Waes Hael MB01C7DBTWRVYUQ

Most of us think we’re pretty good at reading people. Research says… we’re not. In today’s teaching, we explore the powerful and often overlooked skill of social intelligence, the ability to understand your own emotions and accurately read what’s happening in others.  From facial expressions to tone of voice to body language, this skill shapes every relationship you have. Through biblical insight (including the story of Joseph), practical exercises, and a powerful reflection practice, you’ll learn how to grow in awareness, ask better questions, and become someone who truly sees people. Because when you learn to read faces…you learn to love people better. 📚 Today's Resources: The Opposite of Depression by David M. Carreon MD Spiritual practice of the Examen Prayer, from Ignatius of Loyola Research from Martin Seligman ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 8.15.23 🙌 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 [email protected] 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 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Beyond by Waes Hael MB01C7DBTWRVYUQ

Life doesn’t always give you the path you would choose... There’s a race set before you, shaped by your circumstances, your story, and the challenges you didn’t ask for. The question isn’t whether you chose it… the question is: will you run it with perseverance? In this powerful teaching, we explore what it really means to persevere—not just through willpower, but through purpose. Drawing from Scripture, philosophy, and real-life stories of suffering and resilience, this message shows how perseverance is fueled by hope, vision, and a deep sense that your life matters. If you’re tired, discouraged, or wondering if it’s worth it to keep going… this is for you. Because sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is just to take the next step. 📚 Today's Resources: The Strengths of a Christian — Robert C. Roberts Writings of Søren Kierkegaard (commitment, maturity) Reflections on Bertrand Russell (contrast in perseverance and commitment) Original Air Date: 8/10/23 🙌 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 [email protected] 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 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Beyond by Waes Hael MB01C7DBTWRVYUQ

What if the key to real character growth isn’t fixing your weaknesses… but fully living into your strengths? In today’s teaching, Dr. John Ortberg explores the idea of signature character strengths — those unique qualities God has wired into you that, when used intentionally, can transform your life and the lives of others. Drawing from research in positive psychology and the example of Barnabas, the “son of encouragement,” this message invites you to discover how you’re uniquely designed to grow and make an impact. You’ll hear a powerful story of quiet encouragement, learn how your daily choices shape who you are becoming, and be challenged to take one simple step: start using your God-given strengths on purpose today. Because change doesn’t happen someday. Change starts today. ORIGINAL AIR DATE: July 24, 2023 📚 Today's Resources: VIA Character Strengths Survey (via VIA Institute on Character) https://www.viacharacter.org/survey Work of Martin Seligman Mention of C. S. Lewis (idea of becoming something glorious or monstrous) 🙌 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 [email protected] 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 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Beyond by Waes Hael MB01C7DBTWRVYUQ

Tell us what you thought of NO CONDEMNATION: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NYQZHPD Here's what's coming up... 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 - We have a new phone number! 51504 If you subscribe to our texts you'll start hearing from us at 51504 soon - FormationPodcast.com launches April 22nd We will continue with the daily 10 minute teachings here - Formation Newsletter and Podcast are a new offering. - New Study Guides coming your way...stay tuned No Condemnation, Character, Home, Forgiveness...in the works - New series will begin May 4th - The Psalms John will walk through some of the Psalms as a guide for prayer

Take the No Condemnation Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NYQZHPD What if the biggest problem was never “them”… but what happens in us? In this final episode of the No Condemnation series, John brings us to a powerful turning point in Romans 1–2. Paul builds a case against “them” — their sin, their failure, their corruption — until the reader is fully on board. And then he turns it: “You, therefore, have no excuse—you who pass judgment…” In this episode, you’ll learn: the difference between moral discernment and condemnation why labeling people as “them” distorts the heart how contempt quietly takes root in everyday life why humility is the starting point for real change how to live with curiosity instead of judgment This isn’t about ignoring sin. It’s about refusing to let condemnation shape your soul. As the series ends, the invitation remains: See people as individuals. Release the need to judge. Choose curiosity. Practice love. ...because there is now no condemnation. 📚 Today's Resources: Anne Lamott, Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith  🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

What makes the cross of Jesus different from every other story of sacrifice? In this episode, John explores the idea of scapegoating through the work of René Girard and how human societies have always dealt with conflict the same way: by finding someone to blame.  We find ourselves at the cross. The cross of Jesus changes everything. For the first time, the scapegoat is truly innocent and instead of justifying the system, the cross exposes it. You’ll learn: why humans instinctively assign blame how rivalry and imitation lead to conflict what scapegoating looks like in everyday life how the cross reveals the truth about human systems why God responds to blame with grace In a world that runs on blame, the cross offers a different way. Not more condemnation. Not more scapegoats. But grace. 📚 Today's Resources: René Girard, The Scapegoat 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Why doesn’t shaming actually work? In this episode, Dr. John Ortberg explores two powerful reasons why condemnation and public shaming often backfire and what they do to both the person being judged and the one doing the judging. Drawing from The Scarlet Letter, John shows: - why we never truly know someone else’s story - how shame distorts both identity and relationships - why condemnation corrodes the soul of the one who carries it - how modern culture reinforces division and estrangement - what Jesus offers instead Then he introduces a different calling: The ministry of reconciliation. You’ll learn: - why reconciliation is central to the life of Jesus - how to begin moving away from resentment - what to do when relationships feel broken - why prayer is often the first step - how to live without keeping score Because the goal isn’t just to avoid condemnation. It’s to become someone who brings people back together. SAVE THE DATE: FORMATIONPODCAST.com launches April 22! 📚 Today's Resources: Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter  David Litt, “Is It Time to Stop Snubbing Your Right-Wing Family?” New York Times, 13 July 2025 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

What if the biggest problem isn’t “out there”… but is actually within? In this episode, John speaks directly to a familiar figure, “Uncle Billy," the person whose words are harsh, sarcastic, and condemning. Everyone knows an "Uncle Billy." But then he turns the question back on each one of us. Drawing from Ephesians 4 and the words of Jesus, John explores: - why condemnation often disguises itself as righteousness - how outrage and sarcasm shape our hearts - what the Bible really means by “unwholesome talk” - how our words can either rot or restore relationships - why kindness is central to following Jesus You’ll learn: - how to recognize “unwholesome talk” in everyday life - why it’s easier to judge others than examine ourselves - how to begin changing the tone of your words - what it looks like to speak in a way that builds others up Before we send this message to someone else, we’re invited to ask: “Is that me, Lord?” Because there is now no condemnation...even for the parts of us still being transformed. 📚 Today's Resources: N.T. Wright, Ephesians (For Everyone Bible Study Guides) Samuel Johnson, example of wit without malice James Boswell, The Life of Samuel Johnson  SAVE THE DATE: April 22nd FORMATION LAUNCHES FormationPodcast.com  🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

We’re living in a culture of division.  So how do you follow Jesus…when you deeply disagree with someone? In this conversation, John Ortberg sits down with Condoleezza Rice to explore how faith shapes the way we navigate politics, disagreement, and relationships. Together, they unpack: - Why it’s so hard to love your “opponents” - How to disagree without losing respect - The role of humility, curiosity, and friendship - And why prayer may be the most important habit of all Because following Jesus doesn’t remove disagreement…but it transforms how we live within it. 📚 Today's Resources: Condoleeza Rice, Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family  Ralph David Abernathy, And the Walls Came Tumbling Down: An Autobiography Stephen B. Oates, Let the Trumpet Sound: The Life of Martin Luther King Jr. David J. Carrow, Bearing the Cross SAVE THE DATE: April 22nd - Formation Podcast Launch Becomenew.com/formation for more info 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Why did Jesus have to die? What's the deal with sacrifice? Couldn’t God just… forgive? In this Good Friday teaching, Dr. John Ortberg walks through the deeper meaning of the cross. A story that reveals: We all need help The real problem isn’t “out there”… it’s in us And the power of evil is not defeated by force…but by self-giving love On the cross, Jesus didn’t just suffer. He absorbed evil without returning it.He out-loved hatred.He defeated sin by refusing to stop loving. And in doing so, he changed everything. The invitation is not just to believe in the cross… but to live it. 📚 Today's Resources: John H. Walton, Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament: Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible William K. Gilders, Blood Ritual in the Hebrew Bible: Meaning and Power  🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Not all condemnation is loud. Some of it is… sneaky. In this episode, John Ortberg walks through 10 passive-aggressive habits that quietly damage relationships—things like eye rolls, silence, sarcasm, and “I’m fine.” The twist? Jesus never used them. He was direct. Honest. Clear.And still… full of love. Because you can avoid conflict…and still be full of condemnation. So today, pay attention: Where are you being indirect instead of honest?Where is frustration leaking out sideways? And ask God to help you speak the truth—without condemnation. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Most people don’t struggle with telling the truth…they struggle with how they say it. In this episode, John and Nancy Ortberg unpack what it really means to: “Speak the truth in love.” Through two powerful real-life stories, they show how condemnation quietly grows: - behind people’s backs - inside groups - and in our own hearts And how it can be replaced with something better: - honesty without attack - truth without shame - connection instead of division Because the goal isn’t avoiding hard conversations… It’s learning how to have them without condemnation. 📚 Today's Resources: Caitlin Simone (mentioned as an author in the context of business consulting work) 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Shamed people… shame people. So what do you do with the shame you carry? In this episode, John Ortberg shows how Jesus faced shame—and refused to let it define him. From rejection and ridicule to the cross itself, Jesus endured it all…but scorned the shame. And that changes everything for us. Because shame says:“You’re not enough.”“You don’t belong.”“You are what went wrong.” But Jesus tells a different story. Today’s invitation is simple: Notice when shame shows up Refuse to let it define you Let Jesus tell your story Because you were never meant to live under shame. 📚 Today's Resources: Curt Thompson, The Soul of Shame Eleanor Stump, Wandering in Darkness 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

How does Jesus change the world? Not through force. Not through control. Not by winning arguments. It’s through the cross. In this episode, John looks at a quote from Jesus during one of his most painful moments: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” He draws people in not by power, but by self-giving love. Drawing from John 12, Luke 23, and the story of Jesus’ final hours, John shows how the cross reveals character under pressure: not retaliation, but surrender not condemnation, but forgiveness not control, but trust The truth is, the cross is more than a teaching. It’s a story. Even when life gets disappointing, or people let us down, or we feel hurt beyond measure, we can choose to double down on the cross.  Remember: There is now, therefore, no condemnation.  📚 Today's Resources: René Girard and James G. Williams, I See Satan Fall Like Lightning  🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Why do so many conversations leave people feeling worse instead of better? In this episode, John walks through a powerful framework for communicating without condemnation, based on the work of Marshall Rosenberg: observe without evaluating name your feelings identify your needs make clear requests Then he shows what it looks like in real life through one of Jesus’ most famous conversations — His encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4. Instead of judging or correcting her, Jesus: crosses social and relational barriers listens beneath the surface speaks truth without shame creates connection before correction And the result? A woman who felt fully known… and still accepted. You’ll learn: why most communication quietly damages relationships how to speak truth without condemnation what it means to listen for deeper needs how curiosity can transform difficult conversations why being known and accepted changes everything Because the goal isn’t to win the conversation. It’s to love the person. 📚 Today's Resources: Marshall B. Rosenberg, Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

We live in a cancel culture. Accountability matters — but somewhere along the way, accountability became condemnation. Not just “that was wrong,” but “you are done.” In this episode, John explores: the rise of cancel culture and public shaming why shame and condemnation rarely lead to real change the difference between calling people out and calling them in the surprising place the word “cancel” shows up in the New Testament and what Jesus actually does with sin and people Drawing from voices like Jon Ronson, Adam Grant, and Loretta Ross, John points to a deeper truth: God does not cancel people. God cancels sin. At the cross — the ultimate place of public shame — Jesus absorbs condemnation and disarms it. Which means:  Your sin can be canceled…  but you are not. And neither is anyone else. There is now no condemnation. 📚 Today's Resources: John Ronson, “How One Stupid Tweet Blew Up X’s Life,” New York Times, 12 Feb 2015 Loretta J. Ross, Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You’d Rather Cancel  Charles Wesley, “O, For a Thousand Tongues To Sing,” (1739) 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

What if you’ve been reading the Bible… the wrong way? In this episode, John shares three unexpected tools for giving up condemnation: lighten upbring your shadow (your own capacity for failure)read everything in the shadow of the cross Drawing on insights from Phillip Cary and the story of Jonah, John challenges a common habit: reading ourselves as the “good” characters while judging everyone else. Instead, we’re invited to identify with the ones who get it wrong. You’ll learn: why moralistic Bible reading fuels judgmenthow humor and humility can disarm condemnationwhat it means to “bring your shadowhow the cross reshapes the way we see otherswhy identifying with failure leads to freedom Because the goal isn’t to prove we’re better than Jonah… It’s to realize we’re not. And that’s where grace begins. And there is now no condemnation.  📚 Today's Resources: Phillip Cary — commentary on Jonah Classical references (via philosophy of literature): tragedy vs. satire/tabloid framing  🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected]  GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team  😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/  Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO    

How does someone go from being full of condemnation… to writing, “There is now no condemnation”? In this episode, John explores the transformation of Paul — a man driven by zeal, judgment, and certainty — who encounters the risen Jesus and sees everything differently. Drawing on insights from What Saint Paul Really Said, John unpacks what Paul actually meant by “justification by faith” — and why it’s not about earning salvation or simply believing a doctrine. You’ll learn: what Paul’s zeal was really about why “justification” means being vindicated, not just forgiven the difference between trusting Jesus and believing about Him how Jesus redefines who belongs why seeing Jesus in others changes everything As you move through your day, you’re invited into a simple but powerful practice: “It could be the Lord.” Because when you begin to see people that way, condemnation starts to fall away. And there is now no condemnation. 📚 Today's Resources: What Saint Paul Really Said — N. T. Wright Influence from Scott McKnight Historical scholarship from E. P. Sanders Richard Hooker — on justification and faith Richard Rohr — referenced practice (“It could be the Lord”) 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

What if our biggest barrier with God isn’t sin, but politeness? In this episode, John Ortberg explores a surprising truth from Scripture: God isn’t looking for polished prayers. He’s inviting honest relationship. Through the story of Job, we discover something shocking: Job rages. Questions God. Speaks words that feel almost dangerous. And yet—God says Job spoke what is right. Why? Because honesty draws us closer to God while polite distance keeps Him far away. Even Jesus cried out on the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” So if you’ve ever felt: confused disappointed hurt unsure what God is doing You’re not alone, and you don’t have to hide it. Today’s invitation is simple: Be real with God. Because the path to deeper faith isn’t pretending—it’s honesty. 📚 Today's Resources: Ellen F. Davis, Getting Involved with God Eleonore Stump, Wandering in Darkness Joseph Stein, Fiddler on the Roof 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

We don’t throw stones anymore. Except… we do. Online. In conversations. With a look, a tone, a pause. In this episode, John Ortberg unpacks one of the most famous and unsettling teachings of Jesus: “Let the one without sin cast the first stone.” Through a powerful contrast between ancient scapegoating and the story of the woman in John 8, we see what Jesus is really doing: Not denying sin. Not ignoring truth. But interrupting condemnation. Because there is something in every human heart that wants: someone to blame someone to shame someone to bring down But Jesus offers a different way. A way where: truth is spoken sin is taken seriously but people are not crushed The invitation today is simple—and hard: Put down the stone. Because the moment you release condemnation, you make space for grace. There is now… therefore… no condemnation. 📚 Today's Resources: René Girard and James G. Williams, I See Satan Fall Like Lightning  🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Criticism is inevitable. Condemnation is optional. In this episode, John Ortberg explores one of the most important distinctions for spiritual growth: how to receive criticism without absorbing condemnation. Drawing from the life of King David, we see a man who: Refused to take revenge when attacked Ignored false condemnation Yet humbly received painful truth when it mattered most The Bible consistently teaches us: Listen to criticism. Learn from correction. But do not internalize condemnation. Because condemnation attacks your identity— while healthy criticism can transform your life. So what do you do when criticism comes? Instead of getting defensive… lean in. “Is there anything else?” This simple posture can turn even hard conversations into opportunities for growth. Because when you are rooted in God’s love, you don’t have to protect your ego— you’re free to grow. There is now… therefore… no condemnation. 📚 Today's Resources: Michael B. Nichols and Martha B. Straus, The Lost Art of Listening: How Learning to Listen Can Improve Relationships  🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Condemnation doesn’t start with what we say. It starts with how we see people. In this episode, John Ortberg explores the root of condemnation and a critical distinction that can change the way we live: observation vs. evaluation. Drawing from insights in Nonviolent Communication, John shows how easily our minds move from simply noticing behavior to assigning judgment, criticism, or contempt. And once that shift happens, condemnation begins to grow. Jesus addressed this problem directly in the Sermon on the Mount when he said: “First take the plank out of your own eye.” The real issue isn’t just our words — it’s our perception. When we learn to see people the way Jesus sees them — as bearers of God’s image — our responses change. Curiosity replaces contempt. Love replaces judgment. Today’s practice is simple but powerful: As you move through your day, pause and ask: What would Jesus see when he looks at this person? Because when we change how we see,we change how we love. And in Christ, there is now… therefore… no condemnation. 📚 Today's Resources:  Marshall B. Rosenberg, Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life  Iris Murdoch, The Sovereignty of Good  Yoel Kahn, The Three Blessings: Boundaries, Censorship, and Identity in Jewish Liturgy   🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

What do you do with the anger that keeps replaying in your mind? The conversations. The injustice. The words you wish you could say back. In this episode, John Ortberg looks at the remarkable life of Saint Patrick — a man who was kidnapped, enslaved for six years, and yet chose a path almost no one would expect. Instead of revenge, Patrick returned to the people who enslaved him with a message of love and forgiveness. His life raises a hard question for all of us: What do we do with the pain that makes condemnation feel justified? John explores two deeply practical practices that help us escape the prison of bitterness: • Stop ruminating about the person who hurt you • Stop gossiping about them These small decisions can redirect the entire trajectory of your heart. Because the voice you rehearse in your mind will eventually shape the life you live. And the way of Jesus — even in the face of deep injustice — is the way of blessing. 📚 Today's Resources: Saint Patrick, Confession https://a.co/d/03vuAWnF Jonathan Bardon, A History of Ireland https://a.co/d/0bVNXger Northumbria Community, Celtic Daily Prayer https://a.co/d/00ovpl4V 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

There’s a voice in your head that never stops talking. But not every voice deserves to be trusted. In this episode, John Ortberg explores the difference between self-condemnation and conviction. Drawing on insights from Ignatius of Loyola, Marshall Rosenberg, and Michael Singer, John shows how comparison and inner criticism can spiral into despair. But the voice of God works differently. Self-condemnation attacks your identity.Conviction speaks to your actions. Self-condemnation leads to hiding.Conviction leads to hope and change. Learning to recognize the difference may be one of the most important spiritual skills you ever develop. Because the voice you listen to insideis usually the voice you use with others. There is now… therefore… no condemnation.

How do you confront someone’s behavior without becoming condemning yourself? In this episode, John walks through a common real-life situation — dealing with a difficult family member — and explains the three elements required for genuine change. Drawing on insights from Henry Cloud, Dallas Willard, and research on conflict and relationships, John shows why condemnation rarely leads to transformation. You’ll discover: - why grace must come first - how truth can be spoken without hostility - why the emotional tone of a conversation matters - the surprising role patience plays in change - why grace + truth + time are all necessary Real growth rarely happens overnight. But when grace, truth, and time come together, relationships can begin to change in ways condemnation never could. Because there is now no condemnation. 📚 Today's Resources: Henry Cloud — insights on the change process Dallas Willard — interpretation of Galatians 6 The Way Out — Peter Coleman Research from John Gottman and Barbara Fredrickson on emotional tone in conflict 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Is it really surprising that God loves you? In this episode, John challenges a common assumption many Christians carry: that God’s love for us is somehow unexpected or hard for Him. But Scripture paints a different picture. Over and over again, the Bible declares something astonishingly simple — God is love. John explores two truths we must hold together. First, we are broken and imperfect. But second, God’s very nature is love. And our brokenness cannot change who God is. Drawing from passages like John 3, Romans 5, 1 John 4, and Ephesians 3, John explains how understanding God’s nature reshapes our lives. When we become rooted in love, condemnation begins to lose its power, and love naturally flows outward to others. Because the deepest truth of the universe is this:  God is love. 📚 Today's Resources: The Problem of Pain — C. S. Lewis 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

What if the key to overcoming condemnation isn’t arguing better — but listening better? In this episode, John explores Jesus’ surprising instruction in Luke 8:18: “Consider carefully how you listen.” Through the parable of the sower, Jesus explains that the condition of our hearts determines whether the words we hear bring growth or simply bounce off. John shares a recent moment when he caught himself listening critically instead of humbly — and how a simple shift changed everything. You’ll learn: - why we often listen in order to judge - the three unhealthy ways we listen - what Jesus means by a “good and noble heart” - how humble listening opens the door to growth - why listening well makes condemnation harder When we begin to listen with humility — asking what God might want to show us — conversations change. And so do we. Because there is now no condemnation. 📚 Today's Resources: Deborah Tannen, You Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation  Kenneth E. Bailey, Poet & Peasant: A Literary-Cultural Approach to the Parables in Luke  🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

The opposite of condemnation isn’t just restraint...it’s blessing. In this episode, John Ortberg explores how Jesus calls us to become people who actively bless others — even those who curse us. Drawing from Scripture and insights from The Blessing by Gary Smalley and John Trent, John walks through five powerful ways to bless others: meaningful words, honoring value, appropriate touch, envisioning a future, and showing up with presence. Blessing doesn’t just change others — it changes us. Because when we bless, we live the life Jesus envisioned. There is now… therefore… no condemnation. 📚 Today's Resources: Gary Smalley & John Trent, Ph.D., The Blessing  🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Why does condemnation feel like it’s everywhere today? In this episode, John Ortberg explores a cultural shift: we no longer define a “good person” by love and character, but by holding the “right” opinions. The result? More judgment, more division, and less humility. Jesus offered a different path — a life marked by compassion, forgiveness, and what Kierkegaard called “blithe humility.” Like the birds and lilies, we can release the burden of controlling the world and trust God with it. The result is freedom, joy, and a life without condemnation. 📚 Today's Resources: Søren Kierkegaard, The Lily of the Field and the Bird of the Air Grace Hamman, Ask of Old Paths: Medieval Virtues and Vices for a Whole and Holy Life  Doug Teschner et al., Beyond the Politics of Contempt: Practical Steps to Build Positive Relationships in Divided Times 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Sign up here to receive the Formation Newsletter: https://becomenew.com/formation/ What if the antidote to condemnation isn’t trying harder to be nice… but learning to know yourself? In this conversation, John Ortberg talks with philosopher Jim Taylor about intellectual virtue — qualities like humility, courage, and self-knowledge that help us pursue truth and love people well. Jesus warned against condemning judgment, but he also invited us to remove the log in our own eye. The path forward begins with honest self-examination and a simple prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart.” Because when we grow in self-knowledge, condemnation loses its grip. 📚 Today's Resources: The Blessing — Gary Smalley & John Trent The Lost Art of Listening — Michael Nichols (with Martha Straus) 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

You don’t condemn people… right? Let me stop you right there. In this episode, John Ortberg walks through six surprisingly common styles of condemnation — from the obvious (aggressive anger) to the subtle (silence, sarcasm, perfectionism, conditional acceptance, even martyrdom). We all judge.  We all distance.  We all find creative ways to say, “I’m above you.” Drawing on Scripture, psychology, and real-life examples (including the “Pan Am smile” and the devastating power of ridicule), John helps us name our default style — and invites the Holy Spirit to gently interrupt it. Because condemnation doesn’t just hurt others.  It corrodes us. And the freedom we’re after this Lent is simple and radical: Let me stop you right there. There is now… therefore… no condemnation. 📚 Today's Resources: Paul Tournier, Guilt and Grace: A Psychological Study Lewis B. Smedes, Forgive & Forget: Healing the Hurts We Don’t Deserve  🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

There is now no condemnation...but if we’re honest, sometimes condemnation feels effective. In this episode, John Ortberg explores what Dallas Willard called the law of reciprocal condemnation — the almost unbreakable cycle where judgment breeds counter-judgment, attack breeds counter-attack, and anger multiplies itself. It’s extremely rare, Willard observed, that anyone who is condemned responds by changing in the desired way. Instead, condemnation produces: - Counter-condemnation - Passive aggression - Perfectionism - Procrastination - Rebellion - Or quiet relational death Jesus warned about this in the Sermon on the Mount:“As you judge, so you will be judged.” Not as a threat from God — but as an observation about how relationships work. So how do we break the cycle? Paul gives a shocking alternative in Romans 12:Do not repay evil for evil.Leave room for God’s justice.Overcome evil with good. Justice is real.But it is not ours to manage. 📚 Today's Resources: Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy  C.S. Lewis, Letters to Malcolm, Chiefly on Prayer  🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

In this episode, John Ortberg offers what he calls “two cheers for guilt and shame.” Drawing from the book of Judges, John explores why justice matters, why moral reality is woven into the fabric of existence, and why a world without any sense of guilt or shame would not be more humane — it would be more dangerous. From the brutal story of Adoni-Bezek to the violent cycles of Judges, we see a profound truth emerge: no one ultimately gets away with injustice. As Jesus says in Luke 8:17, nothing hidden will remain hidden. John traces a major turning point in human history — what C.S. Lewis called the moral law — the moment when ancient Israel connected two ideas that had often been separated:There is one God.And that God is good. Justice is real. Accountability is real. And judgment, properly understood, is good news — especially for the oppressed. But here’s the deeper turn: - Guilt and shame can either crush us… or redeem us. - Healthy guilt points out where we have done wrong so we can confess and be cleansed. Healthy shame invites us out of hiding into relationship and grace. - And ultimately, Jesus steps into the story and absorbs the consequences we could not. - “The wages of sin is death.”The sin is ours.The death is his. - The cycle of Judges is broken at the cross. Justice is upheld. Mercy is given.And condemnation does not win. 📚 Today's Resources: Tom Holland, Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World  C.S. Lewis, The Abolition of Man  Tomas Sedlacek, Economics of Good and Evil: The Quest for Economic Meaning from Gilgamesh to Wall Street   Sabrina B. Little, The Examined Run: Why Good People Make Better Runners  🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

John Ortberg builds on a surprising Lenten invitation echoed even by the Pope: fast from harsh words. Disarm your language. Refuse contempt. John revisits what condemnation actually is — not discernment, not moral clarity — but a toxic mix of malice (ill will) and disgust (repulsion) toward another person. Then he offers one simple, powerful practice that makes condemnation nearly impossible while you’re doing it: Listen. Drawing from Scripture, including Acts 7 (where Stephen’s accusers literally cover their ears), and insights from The Lost Art of Listening by Michael Nichols and Martha Straus, John explores why we overestimate our listening ability — and why the higher our emotions run, the less we tend to listen. It turns out it’s very difficult to listen deeply and condemn someone at the same time. James writes, “Be quick to listen.” That might be the most subversive spiritual discipline of our time. Because curiosity softens judgment.Listening interrupts contempt.And blessing grows where condemnation used to live. There is now… therefore… no condemnation. 📚 Today's Resources: The Lost Art of Listening by Michael P. Nichols and Martha B. Straus Leo XIV, “Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion,” 13 Feb 2026 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Condemnation comes easily when we quietly assume we earned where we stand. In this episode, John explores two truths that change everything about how we see other people: we do not know their full story — and we do not know their future. Drawing on Psalm 103 and the classic film Angels with Dirty Faces, John tells the story of two boys who run from the police. One clears a fence. One doesn’t. That single moment sends their lives in opposite directions. Years later, one is a priest. One is a criminal. How much of what we call character was shaped by circumstances we did not choose? You’ll discover: - Why condemnation assumes too much - What Psalm 103 means when it says “we are dust” - How curiosity disarms contempt - Why only God sees the whole arc of a life - How to bless someone you’re tempted to judge John closes by inviting you to bring to mind the person you’re most tempted to hold in contempt — and to pray for them instead. Because there is now no condemnation. 📚 Today's Resources: Angels with Dirty Faces starring James Cagney and Pat O'Brien Tim Keller — reflection on the film in The Reason for God 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Today, John Ortberg uses Les Misérables by Victor Hugo to explore two ways of living: • the condemning life (Javert) • the blessing life (the Bishop) • and the transformed life (Jean Valjean) Drawing on Romans 8, 2 Corinthians 3, and insights from Dallas Willard, John explains: - why condemnation feels powerful - what the “ministry of condemnation” really does - how grace humiliates before it heals - why pride resists light - how blessing rewires the soul Through the unforgettable moment of the candlesticks, we see how self-giving love defeats condemnation. One man bends the knee and is transformed. One refuses grace and collapses under its weight. “To love another person is to see the face of God.” That is the blessing life. That is the transformed life. And there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 📚 Today's Resources: Victor Hugo, Les Misérables  🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Why does condemnation feel so automatic? In this episode, John explores how shame and judgment often operate through what sociologists call status degradation rituals, the subtle ways we lower others to elevate ourselves. Drawing on insights from Harold Garfinkel, John shows how condemnation works socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Then he walks us through powerful Gospel moments where Jesus reverses the pattern: • the sinful woman at Simon’s house • the prodigal son welcomed home • Jesus washing his disciples’ feet • and ultimately, the cross itself You’ll learn: - how condemnation functions as a social ritual - why Jesus chooses downward mobility - how humility defeats hostility - what Philippians 2 reveals about real greatness - how serving others rewires the heart John also reflects on how crucifixion was designed by Rome as the ultimate humiliation — and how Jesus voluntarily enters that suffering to defeat condemnation once and for all. The invitation is simple and brave: come to Jesus in humility, serve instead of shame, and help elevate the people around you. Because there really is now no condemnation. 📚 Today's Resources: Harold Garfinkel — Status degradation rituals N. T. Wright — On crucifixion as Rome’s ultimate humiliation tool Early Christian graffiti (mocking Jesus on the cross) as historical illustration 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Why does condemnation feel so automatic? In this episode, John Ortberg invites us to slow down, breathe, and notice something surprising: judgment doesn’t just live in our thoughts — it lives in our bodies. Returning to the story of Cain and Abel, John shows how God interrupts Cain with two gentle questions: - Why are you angry? - Why is your face downcast? Those questions open a doorway to freedom. Drawing on neuroscience from Jill Bolte Taylor and Antonio Damasio, John explains how condemnation becomes embodied through stress hormones, muscle tension, and emotional rehearsal. He introduces the difference between decisional non-condemnation (“I choose not to judge”) and emotional non-condemnation (asking God to transform what happens inside your body). You’ll learn: • why condemnation feels physical • how the 90-second pause works • what it means to “feed the monster” • how blessing rewires your reactions • why you can disagree without condemning John also shares painfully honest examples of everyday judgment (hair gel, Tesla drivers, passive people — we’ve all been there 😅) and offers a freeing realization: you don’t have to condemn anyone. Only God knows anyone’s full story. Jesus was right all along: Blessing is easier than contempt. Love is lighter than judgment. And there really is now no condemnation. 📚 Today's Resources: Jill Bolte Taylor — research on the 90-second emotional rule Antonio Damasio — distinction between feelings and embodied emotions Everett Worthington — decisional vs emotional forgiveness (adapted here to condemnation) Better Angels — assessment questions addressing the culture of contempt George Carlin — illustration of the universal judging reflex (“everyone’s an idiot or a maniac”) 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

How do you tell someone they’re wrong… without condemning them? John Ortberg explores one of the most important distinctions in communication: the difference between tone and heart. Tone can be soothing or jarring. But the heart must always be love. Looking at Matthew 23, where Jesus confronts religious leaders with blistering language, John asks: Was Jesus condemning them? Or was something deeper happening? You’ll discover: - Why condemnation is not the same as moral clarity - The difference between contempt and courage - What “malice + disgust” really means - Why Jesus compares himself to a mother hen - How to speak the truth in love without losing your soul Drawing from Romans 8, Matthew 23, Luke 19, and a reflection by Barbara Brown Taylor, this episode offers a powerful prayer for Lent: “God, give me the right heart. Then show me the right tone.” If you’re navigating conflict, leadership, parenting, or hard conversations — this one matters. Download the free NO CONDEMNATION COMMITMENT: https://bit.ly/NC-commitment 📚 Today's Resources: Barbara Brown Taylor — reflection on the chapel Dominus Flevit and the image of the mother hen Chapel of Dominus Flevit (“The Lord Wept”) on the Mount of Olives Film reference: A League of Their Own (Tom Hanks coach scene — jarring tone, not necessarily a bad heart) 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

John Ortberg tackles a tension many of us feel but rarely name: If there is no condemnation, what do we do with real evil, injustice, and wrongdoing? John walks us through Scripture, the prophets, and Jesus’ own words to show why “no condemnation” does not mean indifference to sin—and why accountability still matters deeply to God. Drawing on insights from Abraham Joshua Heschel, John explores how the prophets saw injustice as a spiritual emergency, and why our culture’s casual attitude toward evil would have stunned them. Along the way, he reminds us: - God hates injustice precisely because God loves people - Jesus was gentle with those everyone expected him to condemn - But fierce with the religious who used righteousness to exclude others - And that before we can hear no condemnation, we must first take condemnation seriously - This is a thoughtful, challenging reflection on judgment, responsibility, and grace—and why condemnation may be a word, but it is never the last word. Download the free NO CONDEMNATION COMMITMENT: https://bit.ly/NC-commitment 📚 Today's Resources: Abraham J. Heschel, The Prophets 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Today, John Ortberg tackles one of our most stubborn spiritual habits: blame. Tracing its origins back to Genesis, John shows how blame enters the human story the moment shame appears—and how quickly we learn to deflect responsibility onto others. From Adam and Eve to modern relationships, blame becomes our go-to strategy for avoiding pain. Along the way, John draws from Scripture, Paradise Lost, and insights from thinkers like Charles Tilly and Paul Tournier to explore why we instinctively hog credit and dodge fault—and why spiritual maturity looks like learning to own our part with humility and courage. John reminds us that while removing blame can reduce shame, only love actually heals the soul. Real freedom comes not from avoiding responsibility, but from stepping into God’s presence honestly, without hiding or deflecting. This is a thoughtful, practical invitation to live one day at a time without blaming others—and to discover again the grace that makes change possible. Download the free NO CONDEMNATION COMMITMENT: https://bit.ly/NC-commitment 📚 Today's Resources: John Milton, Paradise Lost  Charles Tilly, Credit and Blame  Paul Tournier, Guilt & Grace: A Psychological Study  🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Download the free NO CONDEMNATION COMMITMENT: https://bit.ly/NC-commitment On the first day of Lent, John Ortberg invites us into a brave and deeply personal journey: giving up condemnation...and learning how shame actually works. This episode goes straight to the source. John traces condemnation back to its root system in shame, beginning in Genesis and moving through psychology, philosophy, trauma-informed theology, and lived experience. Along the way, he explores why our urge to judge others is often fueled by hidden pain in ourselves—and why healing starts when we stop hiding. You’ll hear insights from: John Walton on Genesis and chaos imagery Warren Kinghorn on trauma and the first humans Eleanor Stump on guilt vs. shame Kurt Thompson on the “shame concierge” that narrates our inner lives John makes a crucial distinction: Guilt fears punishment and is healed by forgiveness. Shame fears rejection and is healed only by acceptance, love, and belonging. He introduces two invisible companions we all carry: a shame concierge that quietly judges every moment and a grace concierge—the Spirit—who reminds us we are God’s beloved children. 📚 Today's Resources: The Soul of Shame — Kurt Thompson Wandering in Darkness — Eleonore Stump Wayfaring — Warren Kinghorn Teachings from John Walton 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Download the free NO CONDEMNATION COMMITMENT: https://bit.ly/NC-commitment Today’s episode opens with an elderly dog, detours through neuroscience and Genesis, and ends by quietly dismantling your default response to annoying people. Classic John Ortberg. As Lent approaches, John invites us into a radical spiritual experiment: giving up condemnation. Not just blaming others, but the inner posture that withholds blessing from people (including ourselves). Along the way, John explores: Why the Bible’s first word is blessing, not judgment How our emotional “like meter” secretly controls our willingness to bless Insights from Jonathan Haidt on moral emotion The famous 90-second rule from Jill Bolte Taylor for interrupting reactive spirals And why disgust, not discernment, often fuels religious condemnation This episode draws a crucial line between judging as discernment (wise) and judging as condemnation (corrosive). John shows how condemnation isn’t just something we think—it’s something we will. And when our will stops blessing, something in us starts breaking. 📚 Today's Resources: The Happiness Hypothesis — Jonathan Haidt Research on emotional regulation from Jill Bolte Taylor Reflections on blessing in Genesis from Gordon Wenham Teachings of Jesus on blessing enemies (Matthew 5) 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Download the free NO CONDEMNATION COMMITMENT: https://bit.ly/NC-commitment What if the most spiritual thing you could do today… is not have the last word? In this episode, John Ortberg tells a powerful story about his friend Dallas Willard and introduces a simple but life-changing practice: letting go of condemnation by releasing our need to be right. As Lent approaches, John invites us into something deeper than giving up chocolate or social media. He challenges us to give up condemning others (and ourselves), drawing from Jesus’ silence under accusation, insights from Arthur Brooks, research by Robert Putnam, and wisdom from Dorothy Day. You’ll explore: • Why condemnation is quietly damaging our relationships and culture • How Jesus modeled a radically different way of living • What it means to practice “not having the last word” • How love, not blame, becomes the path to healing • A 40-day Lenten invitation to live without condemnation John also shares a simple commitment you can practice one day at a time: With God’s help, I abandon condemnation and blaming. Instead, I will live in the love of God, the love of life, and the love of others. If you’re tired of outrage, polarization, and carrying judgment in your body and soul, this episode offers a gentle, courageous way forward. 📚Today's Resources: The Divine Conspiracy — by Dallas Willard Dorothy Day “I only love God as much as I love the person I love the least.” Love Your Enemies — Arthur Brooks Upswing — Robert Putnam 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Enjoy this free download: https://bit.ly/Shine-StudyGuide A 12-week study guide on Genesis 1-3 with John Ortberg.  We’ve made it simple: curated episodes, journal questions, memory verses, and practical next steps. Everything you need to get started with a friend or group!   Just download, print and go! John opens this study on Philippians with a deceptively simple question: How are you going to greet people today? We tend to think greetings don’t matter much, but John says they’re actually sacred moments — tiny doorways into connection. He tells a story about a boss who always stopped, made eye contact, smiled, and made people feel seen. Then he notices something remarkable about Jesus: people interrupted him constantly… and nobody ever said, “Sorry to bother you.” Somehow, people weren’t a bother to Jesus. John reminds us that even small changes in how we address one another reflect something much deeper about who we are becoming. ACCESS THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR SHINE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3Egad-Un8UE38nc_diriBs3EqIq7GcpF Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Enjoy this free download: https://bit.ly/GetOutMore-StudyGuide A 12-week study guide on Genesis 1-3 with John Ortberg.  We’ve made it simple: curated episodes, journal questions, memory verses, and practical next steps. Everything you need to get started with a friend or group!   Just download, print and go! In this episode, John opens a new series with a refreshingly honest question: is technology a life-giving gift… or a soul-draining mess? (Spoiler: it’s both.) He talks about how grateful he is for the way tech lets this little “Fellowship of the Withered Hand” learn and pray together, and at the same time, he names the rising tide of loneliness, anxiety, and screen addiction shaping modern life. Drawing from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, John points out how especially hard this has become for young people. That’s why this series is called We Should Get Out More: not as a guilt trip, but as an invitation — back into the real world God made, and beyond the echo chambers that quietly shrink our souls. ACCESS THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR WE SHOULD GET OUT MORE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3Egad-Un8UEqjtJZ1k9CDNBR7WoAdBvb Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Enjoy this free download: https://bit.ly/Untroubled-StudyGuide A 12-week study guide on Genesis 1-3 with John Ortberg.  We’ve made it simple: curated episodes, journal questions, memory verses, and practical next steps. Everything you need to get started with a friend or group!   Just download, print and go! Jesus says something almost unbelievable: “Do not let your heart be troubled.” And he says it on the night before his death. In this episode, John Ortberg opens a journey into what it actually means to live with an untroubled heart in a deeply troubled world. He shares a moment with his friend Dallas Willard, who once asked him, “What are you doing under the circumstances?” That question reframes everything. We’re not meant to live under our circumstances. We’re meant to live inside God’s care. John reminds us that the “heart” in Scripture isn’t just emotions. It’s the control center of your life. And while the world will stay troubled, your heart doesn’t have to. ACCESS THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR UNTROUBLED HEART HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3Egad-Un8UGEuSydT4Y_gT754T89w535 Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Enjoy this free download: https://bit.ly/Insurmountable-StudyGuide A 12-week study guide on Genesis 1-3 with John Ortberg.  We’ve made it simple: curated episodes, journal questions, memory verses, and practical next steps. Everything you need to get started with a friend or group!   Just download, print and go! John Ortberg walks us into Matthew 5, where Jesus announces that the blessed life (life in God’s kingdom) is available right here, right now, no matter your circumstances. The Sermon on the Mount is not abstract theory or impossible idealism; it is a practical, transformative vision for human life. Tolstoy once wrote that if Jesus’ words were truly lived, they would create an entirely new social order. John brings it home with Jesus’ simple summary of the whole teaching: treat others the way you would want to be treated. ACCESS THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR INSURMOUNTABLE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3Egad-Un8UHXbT60EfcXVJF33i5mA-5f Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Enjoy this free download: https://bit.ly/Genesis-Study-Guide A 12-week study guide on Genesis 1-3 with John Ortberg.  We’ve made it simple: curated episodes, journal questions, memory verses, and practical next steps. Everything you need to get started with a friend or group!   Just download, print and go! In this episode, John invites us to slow down and breathe in a simple truth: God is the God of new beginnings. From the opening words of Scripture, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”... John shows how creation itself points to fresh starts, clean slates, and new possibilities. God didn’t just create once and walk away; He is continually creating, sustaining every leaf, every breath, every moment. And that same creative presence is available to you right now. The God who says “do it again” to the sun each morning is the God who offers you a do-over. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Good news: You don’t have to live for your critics anymore. John Ortberg looks ahead to Lent and invites us into a bold, freeing experiment: giving up condemnation altogether; the kind we receive, the kind we rehearse in our own heads, and the kind we quietly pass along to others. Drawing from the apostle Paul, John explores the reality that we all live with three critics: - Other people - Ourselves - And God The surprising twist? Freedom doesn’t come from silencing the first two, it comes from a category shift in how we understand the third. Today's Resources: Lewis B. Smedes, How Can It Be All Right When Everything Is All Wrong? 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

There is now no condemnation. Which is especially good news for our closest relationships. In this conversation, John Ortberg is joined by longtime friend and clinical psychologist Rick Blackmon to explore how condemnation quietly shows up in marriages, families, and friendships—and what actually helps break its grip. Drawing from relationship research, clinical practice, and lived experience, they talk about why “constructive criticism” often backfires, how negativity ratios shape relational health, and the Four Horsemen that predict breakdown (with stonewalling doing more damage than we realize). Along the way, they offer practical wisdom for telling the truth without being harsh, starting hard conversations gently, and learning to calm the soul when emotions run hot. This is an honest, hope-filled conversation about becoming people who can face conflict without crushing one another—and learning to live, even in our relationships, from a place where grace has the final word. Today's Resources: John Gottman, Why Marriages Succeed or Fail 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

John Ortberg asks a surprisingly practical question:What should I be looking for in people (especially the ones I disagree with) if I want to stop the cycle of condemnation? Along the way, John draws from: - Arthur Brooks on how contempt corrodes our culture (and inboxes) - Social psychology’s painfully accurate idea of motivational attribution asymmetry - A dramatic moment in the Gospels where religious leaders look right at suffering… and somehow miss it - The difference between a hermeneutic of suspicion and a far rarer hermeneutic of charity You’ll hear why: - We assume good motives for ourselves and bad motives for “those people” Social media makes us feel morally informed while quietly shrinking our souls - Jesus keeps asking a question we’d rather not answer: What are you actually looking for? - The invitation here is deceptively simple and genuinely difficult:Look for the image of God.Not agreement. Not ammunition. Not confirmation that you’re right. - When we see people the way Jesus does, contempt loses its grip—and condemnation doesn’t get the last word. Also included: academic shade, Gospel-level tension, and a timer reminding John when it’s time to stop talking. Today's Resources: Arthur C. Brooks, Love Your Enemies 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Good news: There is now no condemnation. Awkward news: Christians still manage to find ways to do it anyway. In this episode, John Ortberg sits down with his wife (and favorite guest) Nancy Ortberg. Along the way, they explore:  - Why condemnation doesn’t just live in our words… but in our eyebrows, tone, and jawline.  - How Jesus consistently gathered the people everyone else had already dismissed. Why the parable of the sower would have sounded wildly irresponsible to first-century farmers - How anonymity (hello, freeway driving 🚗) turns normal people into moral commentators - Why learning not to condemn others starts with learning not to condemn ourselves This conversation is honest, funny, deeply human, and quietly transformative. It’s not about pretending truth doesn’t matter. It’s about discovering that grace is far more generous than we imagined—and that Jesus really meant it when he said he didn’t come to condemn the world. Also included: accidental theology, body-language confession, and at least one future t-shirt idea. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Why are Christians so mean to each other? Jesus said, “Do not judge.” So why does judgment feel so common, especially inside the church? In this episode of No Condemnation, John Ortberg explores one of the most uncomfortable and honest questions facing followers of Jesus today. Drawing from the life of William Tyndale, the insights of Dallas Willard, and the words of Jesus himself, John uncovers how condemnation quietly takes root among people of faith and why being “right” can slowly replace being Christlike. Today's Resources: Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart William Tyndale, Preface to the New Testament 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

There’s no condemnation for me.But if I’m honest… there’s still plenty of condemnation in me. So today we’re looking at one of the strangest, most uncomfortable, and most liberating stories in the Bible—a deeply messed-up family story involving betrayal, hypocrisy, sex, judgment, and a shocking reversal that exposes how condemnation actually gets broken. It’s the story of Judah and Tamar.It’s awkward. It’s painful. It’s absolutely not a children’s Bible story.And somehow, it turns out to be a Jesus story. This episode explores the moment when a man who is fully prepared to condemn someone else is forced to recognize his own heart—and how that recognition becomes the beginning of freedom, humility, reconciliation, and blessing. Along the way, we discover why the Bible keeps including deeply flawed people in God’s story, why self-righteousness collapses under honest self-recognition, and why Jesus’ family tree is far stranger—and more hopeful—than we expect. If you’ve ever felt judgment rise up in you toward someone else…This story might be exactly what you need. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

The world feels like it’s falling apart and it’s tempting to think condemnation is the only honest response. But what if God sees the world very differently? In this episode, we step back and look at the big picture: not just what’s broken, but what God is actively doing to heal it. Drawing on insights echoed by Dallas Willard, Robert Putnam, and a striking story from positive psychology, we explore why humans become trained to see what’s wrong—and why God refuses to give up on the world. Jesus didn’t come to label the cosmos “condemned.”He came to save, heal, restore, and redeem it. If you’re worried about the state of the world—or the people you love most—this episode invites you to release the burden of condemnation and rediscover a deeper, steadier hope: Jesus is very good at saving the world. Today's Resources: Shaylyn Romney Garrett, The Upswing Shawn Achor, The Happiness Advantage 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

What do you do when life crushes you?  When failure is public, shame feels loud, and condemnation (external or internal) won’t let up? In this episode, we explore an unexpected truth: God often does His deepest work through difficulty, humiliation, and exposure. Drawing on the craft of a master violin maker, the wisdom of the Psalms, and reflections echoed by Dallas Willard, we consider how the “rough conditions” of life can produce the most beautiful sound. Through stories of biblical figures who were humbled—and transformed—we discover why those who experience humiliation often become the least condemning people of all. And why Jesus, the most condemned person in the Gospels, became the most compassionate. If you’ve ever wondered whether your failures disqualify you, this episode offers a bracing and hopeful answer: no condemnation doesn’t mean no pain—but it does mean pain isn’t the end. Today's Resources: Martin Schleske, author of The Sound of Life’s Unspeakable Beauty  Thomas Keating, Divine Therapy & Addiction  🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Comparison is the quiet engine behind condemnation. In this episode, we explore why sizing ourselves up against others feels so natural and why it so often turns us anxious, resentful, and judgmental. Drawing on insights from René Girard, social psychology, and Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, we uncover how comparative desire fuels rivalry, outrage, and “us vs. them” thinking. From the Ten Commandments to social media envy, from Cain and Abel to modern prestige rankings, we discover why wanting what our neighbor has never ends well and what Jesus offers as a radically different way to live. Today's Resources: René Girard, I See Satan Fall Like Lightning Jonathan Haidt, The Anxious Generation 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

We all have a them. The people we quietly feel superior to.The ones we distance ourselves from.The ones we’re pretty sure God should work on… preferably far away from us. In this episode, John Ortberg takes an honest look at how a condemning mind works and why Jesus’ story of the Pharisee and the tax collector still exposes us today. Drawing on insights from Dallas Willard and Kenneth E. Bailey, we explore how contempt sneaks into our prayers, how “us vs. them” thinking feels spiritual, and why Jesus refuses to stand aloof from anyone. The twist?For Jesus, there is no them. If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “At least I’m not like that person,” this episode might rearrange how you see others, and how you pray. Today's Resources: Kenneth E. Bailey, Poet & Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes  Lauren F. Winner, The Dangers of Christian Practice: On Wayward Gifts, Characteristic Damage, and Sin  🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

We’re surprisingly confident judges for people who barely know the math. In this episode, John Ortberg explores why condemnation feels so natural, why it’s usually way off, and how Jesus exposes the absurdity of our moral scorekeeping. Using a strange but unforgettable math exercise (and an even stranger plumbing illustration), we discover why we’re uniquely qualified to judge exactly one person… ourselves. Drawing from Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, we learn what “non-condemning math” really looks like—and why grace, like a stubborn plunger, works even when we think nothing else will. If you’ve ever felt morally superior, quietly judgmental, or secretly exhausted by your own mind, this episode is for you. And when you get it wrong (you will), there’s still good news: there is now no condemnation. Today's Resources: Mihaly Csikszentnihalyi, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience  🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Condemnation doesn’t just come from what others say about us — it also comes from the stories we tell ourselves. In this episode of Become New, John Ortberg explores how easily we slip into self-condemnation, why shame has so much power over our thoughts, and how Jesus offers a radically different way of seeing ourselves. Drawing from Scripture, neuroscience, and everyday experience, John shows how our minds can become trapped in false beliefs that distort reality and quietly shape how we live. This teaching invites us to slow down, notice the inner narratives driving our reactions, and learn how to bring those stories into the light of truth. If you struggle with negative self-talk, guilt, anxiety, or feeling like you’re never enough, this episode offers a practical and hopeful path forward. Discover how Christian faith, spiritual formation, and the message of no condemnation can lead to greater freedom, clarity, and peace — not by denying reality, but by learning to see it truthfully. Today's Resources: Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy  Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

We live in a culture of condemnation. Online. In politics. In families. And, if we’re honest, in our own hearts. In this episode, John Ortberg explores why judgment comes so easily, what actually fuels it, and the one question condemning people almost never ask. Through a powerful story made famous by Stephen Covey, we see how quickly our perceptions can shift and how grace begins not with changing behavior, but with changing how we see. Jesus invites us into a way of life marked not by assumptions, but by curiosity. Not by condemnation, but by compassion. Because the truth is simple and humbling: we never know the whole story. If you’ve ever judged too quickly, been misunderstood yourself, or felt trapped in cycles of irritation and self-condemnation, this episode offers a wiser, freer way forward and reminds us why the good news really is good news. Today's Resources: Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People  🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

We live in a culture of condemnation: cancel culture, self-judgment, outrage, and quiet shame. Most of us are swimming in it without even realizing it. But the good news of Jesus points to a radically different reality: “There is now no condemnation.” In this episode, John Ortberg explores why condemnation feels so normal, how it shapes both our inner lives and our public conversations, and what it looks like to become a person of blessing instead of judgment. Along the way, we reflect on the remarkable true story of a six-year-old girl who responded to hatred not with fear or anger, but with prayer—and changed history in the process. Today's Resources: Robert Coles, The Story of Ruby Bridges 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0 Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Every person you encounter today is carrying a story you cannot see. In this episode, John reflects on the unseen battles every human being fights and the surprising truth that healing often comes not from focusing on our own pain, but from learning to notice and care about the stories of others. Drawing from the Book of Job, insights from Eleanor Stump, and lived experiences of suffering, forgiveness, and mercy, this teaching explores how God is at work in stories within stories. Like a fractal, each life reflects a larger pattern of divine care, love, and redemption. This message invites us to slow down, to see the person in front of us, and to remember: when we step into someone else’s story with compassion, generosity, or forgiveness, we enter a reality much larger than our own—and God uses it in ways we may never fully understand. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Forever and For Always feat. Ivywild and Roary by Marie Hines MB01IDTJ7Z0NIZ3

John reflects on Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon on the Mount regarding giving in secret. His words weren’t just spiritual advice. They were revolutionary. In a world built on reciprocity, status, and public recognition, Jesus offered a radically different way to live—one rooted in gratitude, freedom, and quiet goodness. Drawing on insights from ancient history, lived experience, and wisdom from voices like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this reflection shows how generosity can slowly retrain our hearts. When we practice giving without announcing it, something remarkable happens: we become less impressed with ourselves and less dependent on other people’s approval. Over time, generosity becomes second nature. The left hand forgets what the right hand is doing. And goodness begins to feel free. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Forever and For Always feat. Ivywild and Roary by Marie Hines MB01IDTJ7Z0NIZ3

Why do some habits change and others seem impossible to break? In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked role of belief in transformation. Many of us confuse our habits with our identity. We say, “That’s just the way I am.” But Scripture, psychology, and lived experience all point to a deeper truth: habits feel natural, but they are not our nature. Drawing on insights from Ezra Sullivan, Charles Duhigg, and the lived wisdom of communities like Alcoholics Anonymous, this reflection shows why change rarely lasts without faith. Not just belief that habits can change, but belief that you can change—with God’s help. Transformation happens in community. We borrow belief from one another. We practice hope until it becomes real. And over time, love itself becomes habit-forming. So the question for today is simple: Who helps you believe that change is possible? 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Forever and For Always feat. Ivywild and Roary by Marie Hines MB01IDTJ7Z0NIZ3

Darkness won't have the last word. Today’s reflection centers on a simple, powerful word: light. Scripture tells us that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. That doesn’t mean we deny the reality of suffering, grief, or burden. It means those things are not ultimate. Drawing from Scripture, everyday moments of joy, and insights from Dallas Willard, this episode invites us to see the world the way Jesus did—as a God-bathed, God-permeated reality. A world where light is always closer than we think. A world where God is “right upstairs,” friendly and near. This message is for anyone feeling weighed down by life, anxious about the future, or unsure how to live faithfully in a dark moment. Jesus’ promise still stands: His burden is light. And His message—to both Israel and the Gentiles—was a message of light. Pay attention today. Look for joy. Look for goodness. The light has already come. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Forever and For Always feat. Ivywild and Roary by Marie Hines MB01IDTJ7Z0NIZ3

What if faith isn’t meant to comfort us, but to disturb us? In today’s reflection, we explore conscience, prophecy, and the unsettling gift of a sensitive soul. Throughout history, God has sent “disturbing people” into the world—prophets who refuse to ignore injustice, suffering, and hypocrisy. We meet Margery Kempe, a 14th-century woman whose tears became a form of truth-telling, and we reflect on the nature of prophets through the wisdom of Abraham Joshua Heschel, who reminds us that prophets feel the world’s pain more deeply than others. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Forever and For Always feat. Ivywild and Roary by Marie Hines MB01IDTJ7Z0NIZ3

What if one of the most important spiritual practices is learning to laugh at yourself? This teaching centers on Rule #62, a simple but liberating wisdom that emerged from the early days of Alcoholics Anonymous: Don’t take yourself too seriously. Drawing on Christian thinkers, church history, Scripture, and everyday life, John Ortberg invites us to be freed from the exhausting burden of self-importance. Joy is not frivolous. Humor is not shallow. And humility is not self-hatred. They are deeply connected, rooted in the very character of God. From Abraham and Sarah’s laughter to the resurrection itself, Scripture reveals a God who brings joy, who relieves gravity, and who delights in human lightness. Today’s invitation is simple but powerful: stop playing God. Let yourself be human. And let joy ripple outward to everyone around you. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Dive by Traveler - MB01UYPFDKTVJ4Q Forever and For Always feat. Ivywild and Roary by Marie Hines MB01IDTJ7Z0NIZ3

There is a virtue that doesn’t get much love anymore. It sounds cautious. Boring. Overly careful. But the ancient world believed that PRUDENCE was the hinge on which a good life turns. In this episode, John Ortberg reclaims prudence as a courageous commitment to reality. Not wishful thinking. Not emotional reaction. But clear-eyed wisdom that asks: What is really going on, and what is the most loving, skillful way forward? Drawing from Scripture, the story of Abraham Lincoln, and the biblical image of “the stars fighting in their courses,” this teaching invites us to trust that God is already at work in reality itself. The most prudent thing you can do today may simply be to face what’s real and take one wise step forward. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Dive by Traveler - MB01UYPFDKTVJ4Q Forever and For Always feat. Ivywild and Roary by Marie Hines MB01IDTJ7Z0NIZ3

Forgiveness is never simple. And it’s rarely quick. In this episode, John Ortberg explores a powerful, research-backed practice that helps move forgiveness from an idea into the heart. Drawing from the story of Joseph and his brothers, and the work of psychologist Everett Worthington, we’re invited into a deceptively simple exercise involving two chairs. Forgiveness does not excuse harm. It does not erase boundaries. And it does not guarantee reconciliation. But it does free us from being trapped by resentment and bitterness. This teaching offers a compassionate, practical way to begin that journey, even when wounds are deep and time has passed. What if forgiveness isn’t something you feel first, but something you practice? 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Dive by Traveler - MB01UYPFDKTVJ4Q Forever and For Always feat. Ivywild and Roary by Marie Hines MB01IDTJ7Z0NIZ3

Every human being longs for significance. Not just to be busy. Not just to be successful. But to know that their presence has made a difference in someone else’s life. In this teaching, John Ortberg explores five relational needs identified by psychologist David Richo that help people flourish: attention, acceptance, affection, appreciation, and allowance. These are not abstract ideas. They show up in marriages, friendships, families, workplaces, and churches. They reveal the heart of God and the way Jesus treated people, especially those who were often overlooked. What if today you chose to help one person feel seen, valued, and free? That might be the most significant thing you do all day. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Dive by Traveler - MB01UYPFDKTVJ4Q Forever and For Always feat. Ivywild and Roary by Marie Hines MB01IDTJ7Z0NIZ3

What if the sound of heaven is laughter? Drawing on The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri, biblical wisdom, and surprising research, this episode explores joy not as a personality trait, but as a spiritual strength. Humor. Playfulness. Delight. These are not distractions from spiritual growth. They are often the pathway into it. From babies laughing at peekaboo to the story of Isaac, whose very name means laughter, we discover that joy is woven into the heart of God. Even more, joy is compatible with pain. Real joy does not deny suffering. It survives it. So today, laugh. Do something fun for no reason at all. You might just discover that God is closer than you thought. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Dive by Traveler - MB01UYPFDKTVJ4Q Forever and For Always feat. Ivywild and Roary by Marie Hines MB01IDTJ7Z0NIZ3

Your face is never neutral.  It communicates hope or fear, welcome or distance, trust or anxiety. In this reflection, John Ortberg explores the profound idea that our faces are not just physical features but outward expressions of our inner life and our sense of God’s presence. Drawing from the Gospel of John, the teachings of Jesus, and wisdom from Dallas Willard, this episode invites us to consider what it means that God made himself known in a face. Not an abstraction. Not an idea. But in Jesus. The Word made flesh. What if the invitation today is not to manage your face, but to let God reshape your inner life so that joy, trust, and love naturally shine through? You are not alone. And it shows. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Dive by Traveler - MB01UYPFDKTVJ4Q Forever and For Always feat. Ivywild and Roary by Marie Hines MB01IDTJ7Z0NIZ3

Every January, millions of people make bold resolutions. And by mid-January… they’re negotiating with a Twinkie. In this teaching, John Ortberg draws on wisdom from Dallas Willard to explain why willpower alone always fails—and why that’s not because you’re weak, lazy, or spiritually defective. The real issue isn’t effort. It’s vision. We don’t fail because we want the Twinkie too much. We fail because we don’t yet have a compelling vision of life without it. This episode invites you to stop trying harder and start living inside a bigger, truer vision of life with God—one where God is here, God is able, and God is good. Also, yes. Everyone has a Twinkie. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Dive by Traveler - MB01UYPFDKTVJ4Q Forever and For Always feat. Ivywild and Roary by Marie Hines MB01IDTJ7Z0NIZ3

Why do so many goals fail, even when our intentions are good? John Ortberg explores why lasting change doesn’t begin with outcomes or even habits, but with identity. Drawing on wisdom from James Clear, the apostle Paul, and everyday experience, we’re invited to ask a deeper question: Who am I becoming? Transformation isn’t about achieving “it.” It’s about becoming a certain kind of person and allowing small, faithful habits to shape us over time. This is a vision of change that is patient, grace-filled, and rooted in God’s work within us. What if today isn’t about fixing everything, but about taking one small step toward the person God is forming? 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Dive by Traveler - MB01UYPFDKTVJ4Q Forever and For Always feat. Ivywild and Roary by Marie Hines MB01IDTJ7Z0NIZ3

We tend to believe contentment is always just around the corner. One change away. One upgrade away. One new season away. But what if that belief is the very thing stealing joy from our lives? John Ortberg reflects on wisdom from C. S. Lewis and The Screwtape Letters, inviting us to rediscover God’s gift of rhythm: change and permanence held together. Seasons that repeat. Days that feel familiar. Moments we rush past without seeing the miracle inside them. Contentment, it turns out, isn’t about getting a new life. It’s about seeing the same life with new eyes. Eyes of gratitude. Eyes of love. What if today, right now, is more than enough? 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Dive by Traveler - MB01UYPFDKTVJ4Q Forever and For Always feat. Ivywild and Roary by Marie Hines MB01IDTJ7Z0NIZ3

What if worry isn’t just a bad habit but a misunderstanding of reality? John Ortberg invites us to reconsider how we see God, how we see the world, and how we carry today’s concerns. What if trust is not passive resignation, but active attentiveness to a God who is already here? Jesus taught that with a good and competent God present all around us, the universe is a perfectly safe place to be. Not easy. Not painless. But safe. In this episode, we sit with some of Jesus’ most unsettling words about anxiety, provision, and trust, alongside wisdom from Dallas Willard and an unforgettable illustration involving a dog, a wagging tail, and deep focus. Take a breath. Look around. And consider living today as if Jesus was right. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Dive by Traveler - MB01UYPFDKTVJ4Q Forever and For Always feat. Ivywild and Roary by Marie Hines MB01IDTJ7Z0NIZ3

Becomenew.com/Give  Thank you for being on the journey with us. We are so grateful and plan to keep at it. We will return with FRESH teaching from John on January 1st and then again January 19th for our new series: NO CONDEMNATION. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

Away in a Manger isn’t just a sweet song. It’s a radical message of hope. In today’s episode, John explores why Jesus was born in a manger, what that says about who He came for, and how Christmas answers the question we all carry: what will become of us? This episode is tender, thoughtful, and quietly powerful. A reminder that Jesus meets us where we are and heals what’s broken. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W Away in a Manger by Silk Fusion - MB01F2FERX0HU6D

This song doesn’t just sound beautiful. It tells the truth about you. In today’s episode, John unpacks O Holy Night and explores what it means for the soul to feel its worth. From the Bible’s understanding of the soul to the surprising backstory of this carol, this episode offers a new way to talk to God, to yourself, and to others. If you’ve ever questioned your value, this one is for you. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W O Holy Night by Sita - MB01XENMBCWK17Y

This Christmas song isn’t just festive — it’s revolutionary. In today’s episode, John unpacks Go Tell It on the Mountain, tracing its roots through Scripture, the African American spiritual tradition, and the long struggle for freedom and dignity. From Isaiah’s prophecy to Watch Night services to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final Christmas sermon, this episode reminds us that good news is meant to be shared — and lived. Especially by those who think good news isn’t for them. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W Go Tell it on the Mountain by Tim Williams

The “three kings” weren’t kings at all. They were outsiders. In today’s episode, John explores We Three Kings and what this carol teaches us about light, belonging, and letting go of what weighs us down. From sunrise reflections to strange gifts to the invitation to “travel light,” this episode is a reminder that no one is beyond the pale and everyone is welcome in the light of Christ. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W We Three Kings by Jesse Brown - MB01DM5ZKFG5OBZ

Regardless of what anyone believes about Jesus, it’s impossible to deny his impact. In this special Christmas teaching, John Ortberg asks a simple but profound question: Who is this man? Without religious hype or argument, this episode explores how one uneducated carpenter from Nazareth reshaped history, compassion, human dignity, education, art, forgiveness, and hope itself. If you’ve ever wondered why Jesus still matters, this is an invitation to look honestly and decide for yourself. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

This is a Christmas episode for anyone carrying trouble. In today’s teaching, John explores I Wonder as I Wander, a carol born out of poverty and lament, and reflects on how suffering can sometimes become a meeting place with God. If life feels uncertain, confusing, or heavy right now, this episode offers permission to bring your whole heart to Jesus and wonder in the wandering. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W I Wonder as I Wander by Unknown

This Christmas carol was born out of a broken organ, a quiet night, and a simple guitar. In today’s episode, John explores Silent Night and invites us into a deeper understanding of intimacy, stillness, and God’s gentle presence. If you’re longing for connection with God or with others, this episode is a reminder that intimacy often begins in silence. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W Silent Night by Chad Lawson - MB01EA29RJHSL75

This Christmas carol isn’t saying “be happy.” It’s saying “be held.” In today’s episode, John unpacks the surprising meaning behind God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen and why this ancient song speaks directly to our need for strength, belonging, and hope. If you’ve been craving control but need peace instead, this one might change how you hear Christmas. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Jesse Brown - MB01VRELDTNZMBD

Today John sits down at the piano and plays Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, then talks honestly about expectations, hope, and real life during the holidays. This episode isn’t about a perfect Christmas. It’s about a real one. The kind where joy shows up in ordinary moments and Jesus meets us right where we are. If the season feels full or messy or both, this one is a gentle reminder that there is still treasure here. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane

Today John sits down with Rolf Geyling, President of the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, for an honest and moving Advent-conversation about suffering, generosity, and what it really means to be present. From powerful stories of life transformation to Rolf’s own journey through profound loss, this episode reminds us that Christmas is not about fixing pain, but about Emmanuel. God with us. Especially when life hurts. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W O Christmas Tree by Chad Lawson - MB011CPPOUDHFOQ

Today John tells the incredible story behind Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and why this single word shows up 48 times without losing its power. From Handel’s health collapsing to writing a 260-page oratorio in 24 days to the deep meaning of the word hallelujah itself, this episode is an invitation to let your whole life become an act of praise. If you need joy, strength, or a reminder that Jesus comes to imperfect people, this will speak to you. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W The Hallelujah Chorus arranged and performed by Ben Howe

Today John looks at the carol Angels From the Realms of Glory and asks what kind of power we are living in. Through the remarkable story of James Montgomery and a deep dive into the upside down “power rankings” of the Christmas story, we learn why real power is not control but love. This episode will help you see Jesus differently and invite you into one simple act of altruism today. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W Angels from the Realm of Glory by Tim Williams

Today John takes us inside one of the richest carols ever written, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and unpacks the deep meaning behind Wesley’s lyrics. From ancient words like welkin to the difference between chronos and kairos to what it really means that God took on flesh, this episode is an invitation to pay attention again. If you need peace, hope, healing, or a reminder that God is with you today, this one is going to speak right to your heart. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W

Today John sits down with worship scholar Dr. John Witvliet to talk about the character we almost never include in our Christmas story. This episode uncovers why the Holy Spirit is actually central to Advent and why ancient prayers, global worship traditions, and even YouTube Christmas festivals can deepen our spiritual life right now. Come ready for fresh insight, a little history, and a reminder that Advent is about longing and joy held together. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W O Come O Come Emmanuel by Christopher Wohrle - MB014N7DOCWGCCY

Today John takes Angels We Have Heard on High and turns it into a masterclass on glory. Not the flashy, influencer kind of glory but the deep, soul-level kind that makes life feel meaningful again. From ancient Latin refrains to modern inspiration psychology to why Jesus put His whole self into the manger, this episode shows why glory is something your soul actually needs. Come ready for a little joy, a little conviction, and maybe a new way to live this week. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W Angels We Have Heard on High by Chad Lawson - MB01IKHMXN4XQ3R

Today’s episode takes Do You Hear What I Hear? from “nice old Christmas song” to “wait, this is actually about my life.” John unpacks the wild story of a man who survived the Nazis, fell in love without speaking the same language, and somehow wrote a carol that invites us to see the world the way God does. This is your gentle Advent reminder that God knows you on a level your closest friends don’t. So if you are ready to move from thin faith to thick, honest, fully-alive faith, this one is going to land. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W Do You Hear What I Hear? by Carolino - MB01FCGTU0VXQDF

Today John explores the meaning behind The First Noel and why the angels chose the most unlikely people to hear it first. This episode invites us to rediscover the wonder of the incarnation and to see every person we greet today as God’s best work. Noel is not just a word. It is the joyful shout that changes how we look at God, at ourselves, and at every person we meet. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W The First Noel by Chad Lawson - MB01HMX0NVA2I91

Today John unpacks the meaning behind Good Christian Men, Rejoice and why the repeated word “news” lies at the center of the gospel itself. Learn how this medieval carol confronts the false gospels of success, power, and self-reliance, and rediscover why the incarnation is not advice but news; the life-changing announcement that heaven is now open and God is present with us today. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W Good Christian Men, Rejoice! by Ben Howe

Today John unpacks the surprising story behind Good King Wenceslas:a carol based on Proverbs 11:25 and the life of a real historical ruler whose generosity transformed Bohemia. Discover how this song invites us to ask a different daily question (“What can I give?”), why generosity actually increases what we have, and how following in the steps of Jesus, and those who follow Him well, leads to a flourishing life. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W Good King Wenceslas by Jesse Brown - MB01Q8UEK47CZRA

Today John dives into the surprising backstory of Joy to the World and why this famous Christmas song was never meant to be a Christmas song at all. Written by Isaac Watts as a reflection on Psalm 98, this carol points to the three Advents: Jesus coming in Bethlehem, Jesus coming into our hearts today, and Jesus coming again to set all things right. Learn why singing shapes our soul, how “collective effervescence” connects us to God and each other, and how you can choose the song you carry into the world today. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W Joy to the World by Chad Lawson - MB01GAZRFPSFMLF 

Anxiety doesn’t just make you stressed — it makes you reactive. And reactivity spreads. In this powerful conversation, John Ortberg and Steve Cuss break down why family dynamics, stress, conflict, and unmet expectations trigger us… and how Jesus models a different way. Learn practical tools from systems theory, explore the false gospel of “the kingdom of me,” and discover how to become a non-anxious presence this Advent season. 🙌 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

Happy Thanksgiving! Discover the real meaning behind the cornucopia and how it can reshape your entire perspective on gratitude. John explores Greek mythology, the biblical vision of abundance, the psychology of the negativity bias, and a deeply moving reading from Neal Plantinga about the gifts of creation. If you need a reminder that God is wildly generous — and that life is overflowing with gifts you already have — this Thanksgiving reflection is for you. Watch now and begin your day with gratitude. 💡 Practice gratitude this week with 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

Honesty is one of the most valued qualities in relationships — yet one of the hardest to practice consistently. In this insightful conversation, John Ortberg and Dr. Rick Blackmon explore why honesty matters so deeply, why deception wounds us, and how truth-telling can rebuild intimacy and trust. Together they look at research from Christian Miller, the Honesty Project, and real stories from counseling — revealing practical ways we can grow in honesty starting today. 💡 Practice gratitude this week with 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

This powerful true story from Burundi will change the way you think about courage, faith, and hope. John Ortberg shares the moving account of “Little Bird,” a Hutu teacher whose final act was to pray for his executioners and sing a hymn of surrender to Jesus. Discover what real Christian hope looks like — not in comfort, but in costly, radiant trust. If you need strength today, this story will meet you. 💡 Practice gratitude this week with 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

Gratitude isn’t just a feeling, it’s a practice, a perspective, and sometimes an act of courage. In this thoughtful and inspiring conversation, John and his daughter, Laura Turner, explore why gratitude matters, why it’s often difficult, how comparison distorts it, and how witnessing gratitude in others can change your life. Featuring quotes from Chesterton, insights from positive psychology, and a powerful poem by W.S. Merwin, this episode will deepen your appreciation for the ordinary moments of your day. 💡 Practice gratitude this week with 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

Gratitude gets harder when life gets harder — but John shares two surprising perspectives that make it possible again. One opens your eyes to small mercies; the other anchors you in a hope nothing can overcome. If you’re struggling to be grateful right now, this episode is for you. 💡 Practice gratitude this week with 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music: One Perfect Sunset by Tony Anderson; 1993 by Tony Anderson Music License: MB013I5RW5UWW1C; MB01NORRTWNN44Y

Most of us try to think our way into gratitude… but Scripture says something different. In this episode, John and his sister, Barbie, explore why gratitude begins the moment you actually taste your life — the moment you receive what’s in front of you instead of rushing past it. If you’ve ever struggled to feel grateful, this one is for you. 💡 Practice gratitude this week with 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music: One Perfect Sunset by Tony Anderson; 1993 by Tony Anderson Music License: MB013I5RW5UWW1C; MB01NORRTWNN44Y

John celebrates Become New’s five-year anniversary and reflects on how this ministry was born not from strategy, but from confusion, loss, and unexpected grace. In this episode, he explores the surprising way suffering and gratitude often intertwine—looking at the Pilgrims’ story and Jesus giving thanks on the night before the cross—and why the deepest gratitude can grow in our hardest moments. Remember your own seasons of pain, and take hope: God was with you then, He is with you now, and He is redeeming all things. Thank God you’re here. 💡 Practice gratitude this week with 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music: One Perfect Sunset by Tony Anderson; 1993 by Tony Anderson Music License: MB013I5RW5UWW1C; MB01NORRTWNN44Y

Gratitude is good, but even gratitude can be corrupted. In this episode, John explores how self-centered spirituality, narcissism, and performative “thankfulness” distort the gift God intends for us. Drawing from Cornelius Plantinga, Robert Emmons, Barbara Ehrenreich, and the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, this teaching offers a deeper, more honest vision of what gratitude truly is. If you want to grow in humility, authenticity, and God-centered thanksgiving, this episode is for you. 💡 Practice gratitude this week with 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music: One Perfect Sunset by Tony Anderson; 1993 by Tony Anderson Music License: MB013I5RW5UWW1C; MB01NORRTWNN44Y

Today, John explores the surprising timing of gratitude. When does gratitude matter the most? When something good happens? When life goes right? Scripture gives a very different answer. Drawing from Paul’s words in Philippians 4 and 1 Thessalonians 5—and powerful reflections from Karl Barth, Kate Bowler, and the Psalms—John shows why the key moment for gratitude is right now, no matter your circumstances. Not because everything is good, but because God is God in this moment. You’ll hear stories of protest, lament, trust, and hope… and you’ll be invited into a brief practice of giving thanks for the small, often overlooked blessings of ordinary life. This one will encourage you and steady your soul. Welcome to Become New. 💡 Practice gratitude this week with 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music: One Perfect Sunset by Tony Anderson; 1993 by Tony Anderson Music License: MB013I5RW5UWW1C; MB01NORRTWNN44Y

In this episode of Thank God You’re Here, John Ortberg invites us to walk through a cemetery—not to be morbid, but to rediscover what matters most. Drawing from Gratitude by Cornelius Plantinga and the Christian tradition of memento mori, we explore how contemplating death doesn’t crush us—it clarifies us. When we face the brevity of life, we’re freed to truly live it. You’ll walk away from this episode with renewed perspective, a soul-level appreciation for life’s daily gifts, and the gentle nudge to live with more gratitude, starting now. 💡 Practice gratitude this week with 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music: One Perfect Sunset by Tony Anderson; 1993 by Tony Anderson Music License: MB013I5RW5UWW1C; MB01NORRTWNN44Y

In this powerful episode, John shares the unforgettable story of Dr. Goodluck, a man born into extreme poverty in Tanzania whose life was transformed by a single act of generosity—a sponsorship through Compassion International. Today, Dr. Goodluck is a heart and brain surgeon who returned to serve at the very hospital where he nearly died as a child. His story will move you and challenge you. Because real gratitude doesn’t stop at “thank you”; it rolls up its sleeves and asks, “How can I join in?” Learn how Jesus sparked a revolution of generosity and how your gratitude can become someone else’s breakthrough. Freely you have received… now freely give. 🙏 Learn more at Compassion.com 💡 Practice gratitude this week with 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music: One Perfect Sunset by Tony Anderson; 1993 by Tony Anderson Music License: MB013I5RW5UWW1C; MB01NORRTWNN44Y

Do you ever feel like you're supposed to be grateful… but you're just not feeling it? You’re not alone. In this episode, John Ortberg tackles what to do when gratitude doesn’t come naturally and offers a surprisingly powerful spiritual strategy: “Let’s pretend.” But don’t worry — this isn’t fake it till you make it. It’s: “Fake it till He remakes you.” Rooted in the wisdom of C.S. Lewis, the Apostle Paul, and the ancient Hebrew practice of the thanksgiving sacrifice, this episode walks us through why aspiring to be grateful, even when we don’t feel it, is not inauthentic, but actually a deeply faithful act. 💡 Practice gratitude this week with 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music: One Perfect Sunset by Tony Anderson; 1993 by Tony Anderson Music License: MB013I5RW5UWW1C; MB01NORRTWNN44Y

We all want to be more grateful, but how do we actually become that kind of person? In this episode of Thank God You're Here, John Ortberg explores the profound truth that gratitude begins when we remember: we are not owed anything and yet we’ve been given everything. Drawing from Scripture, deep spiritual wisdom, and personal stories about mentors like Dallas Willard, John shows how practicing gratitude is more than a habit. It’s a whole way of being. 💡 Practice gratitude this week with 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music: One Perfect Sunset by Tony Anderson; 1993 by Tony Anderson Music License: MB013I5RW5UWW1C; MB01NORRTWNN44Y

What if the key to deeper gratitude isn’t feeling more deserving but realizing you’re not? In this episode, John explores how a posture of humility can unlock a powerful sense of gratitude, joy, and connection to God. Drawing on stories from real life, Scripture, and thinkers like Dallas Willard and Ronald Rolheiser, we learn why everything we have is a gift… and how remembering that can change your life. Featuring 1 Corinthians 4:7 and the parable of the unworthy servant, this 10-minute devotional will help you shift from entitlement to awe and start living like grace is real. 💡 Practice gratitude this week with 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 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music: One Perfect Sunset by Tony Anderson Music License: MB013I5RW5UWW1C

What does a sunflower know about your spiritual life? In this episode, John Ortberg reflects on how turning toward the light, just like sunflowers do, is the key to real spiritual growth. Drawing on Paul Tournier’s insights and powerful scripture like 1 John 1:5 (“God is light…”), we explore how to shift our inner posture toward God's presence even in darkness. Whether you're stuck in shame, busy with distractions, or just feeling dry this is an invitation to start again. The Kingdom of God is near. Turn. Grow. Flourish. 🌻 Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

What does it really mean to “seek first the kingdom of God”? In this message, John walks us through one of Jesus’ most famous teachings (Matthew 6:33) and unpacks how seeking the kingdom is not about adding another spiritual task to your to-do list, but about tuning your eyes and heart to the loving presence of God in everyday moments. Whether you're parenting young kids, navigating work stress, or just walking through a crowded airport, the kingdom is already near. Discover how to live with awareness, openness, and joy—right where you are. You’ll also hear a real-life story that perfectly illustrates how easily we can miss the presence of someone (or Someone) who loves us deeply. Join us as we learn how to live the Golden Rule life—rooted in abundance, not anxiety—and why asking, seeking, and knocking is the heartbeat of kingdom living. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

In this episode, John Ortberg explores the story of Raskolnikov from Crime and Punishment. A man whose pride and guilt nearly destroy him and how his journey mirrors our own. Through the lens of Scripture and soul-searching questions, we discover the dangerous trap of self-justification and the radical gift of grace. If you’ve ever felt crushed by your mistakes or isolated by your ego, this one’s for you. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

In today’s episode, John Ortberg explores one of the most surprising spiritual invitations Jesus offers: not try harder, but try softer. When your efforts lead to exhaustion, and faith feels forced, there’s another way. Learn what it means to walk with Jesus under the easy yoke, to trust the Spirit’s gentle power, and to release the illusion of control. You’ll hear stories, practical wisdom, and biblical truth from Matthew 11 and beyond. Take a breath, lean in, and discover how trying softer might change your life. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

Your character is being shaped right now. In this episode, John Ortberg invites you to consider the quiet truth we all feel: we’re always becoming someone. Whether it’s intentional or accidental, today you will change. Drawing from Matthew 6:33 and insights from C.S. Lewis, this teaching explores how to seek first the Kingdom of God in a world of noise, distraction, and drift. If you’ve ever felt stuck, aimless, or overwhelmed by your own habits—this one's for you. You’ll walk away inspired, challenged, and reminded that change is not only possible—it’s inevitable. The question is, what kind of person are you becoming? Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

What do you do when the pain lingers but forgiveness still calls your name? In this powerful and honest teaching, John Ortberg explores the emotional and spiritual complexities of forgiving when you've been deeply hurt. Drawing from Scripture, real-life stories, and spiritual practices, this episode dives into what forgiveness really is and what it’s not. Learn how to forgive without forgetting, trust God with justice, and take one step closer to freedom. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

The habits you already have are shaping who you’re becoming, whether you mean them to or not. In this episode, John Ortberg shares how small, ordinary routines can become sacred rhythms that turn your attention back to God. Transformation doesn’t start with willpower; it starts with what you practice every day. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

Is God really in control… or just controlling? In this powerful message, John Ortberg explores the surprising truth about God’s relationship to control and how it invites us into a life of freedom, trust, and creativity. If you’ve ever wrestled with anxiety, the need to manage everything, or the fear of letting go, this episode is for you. Learn how to release your grip, listen to the Spirit, and experience the expansive life God designed you for. 🌿 🧠 Topics: how to stop trying to control everything, God’s view of control, Christian freedom and responsibility, Holy Spirit guidance, spiritual surrender, biblical wisdom for anxiety 💬 How to let go and trust God more 🎧 Watch now to explore how the God who could control everything… actually chooses not to. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

In a culture obsessed with filters, fitness hacks, and endless self-critique, this episode invites you into something far deeper: radical acceptance. What if your body isn’t a problem to fix but a place where God delights to dwell? Join John Ortberg as he unpacks a spiritual (and countercultural) approach to loving the body you have, not in spite of it, but because it's a gift from God. Learn how to live at peace with your physical self, embrace your body with gentleness, and see it through the eyes of grace. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

We talk a lot about mental health these days, and that’s a good thing.  But what if there’s something even deeper we’re missing? In this reflection, John explores why peace of mind, while valuable, was never meant to be life’s ultimate goal and looks at a forgotten truth about what it really means to flourish as a human being and why the deepest kind of wellness can’t be measured by how we feel. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

“God will meet all your needs…” You’ve probably heard that line before, maybe hanging in a frame or scribbled in a journal. But what did Paul really mean when he wrote it from a prison cell to a struggling church? In this episode, we close out the letter to the Philippians by looking at one of the most quoted (and misunderstood) verses in Scripture. What does it actually mean for God to meet our needs? What are our real needs? And how can we live in joyful confidence, even when circumstances fall short? Let’s dig into the deeper, richer, more radical invitation in Paul’s words — one that offers both challenge and comfort in today’s world. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

Paul is writing from a world where generosity was often about power, the rich giving so the poor would owe them something. But in this new Jesus-shaped community, giving is about love. Gratitude is real. Generosity is mutual. And God is the true source of provision; not status, not wealth, not self-actualization. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

What if the secret to joy isn’t more but less? John and Nancy reflect on a lighthouse keeper’s sacred task (watcher of the infinite) and draw a striking parallel to our own spiritual calling. Contentment, Nancy says, is elusive. You find it, lose it, and have to find your way back...maybe 76 times a day. But contentment comes not from how much we have, but where we look. The invitation is to scan the horizon not for what we want, but for what God is already doing. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

Paul’s strong language in Philippians 3 might be surprising to our modern sensibilities, “Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers…” It sounds harsh, but his concern runs deep. He’s warning the church against turning something good, faith, into something harmful. Religion, when distorted, can divide people into “us” and “them.” When we start to see ourselves as God’s insiders and others as outsiders, pride sneaks in, and love gets pushed out. Paul knew that this way of thinking not only distorts the gospel but damages hearts. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

As we continue to talk about Philippians it’s important to remember that chapter 4 doesn’t stop at “thinking on these things.” Paul takes it a step further, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice.” Faith is not just a way of thinking; it’s a way of living, choosing, and acting. Paul invites us into a life that moves beyond contemplation into action. It’s one thing to dwell on what is noble and praiseworthy, but another to step forward in obedience, generosity, and love. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF 00:00 — Two Great Questions 00:26 — Why Faith Requires a Bias Toward Action 01:21 — Longfellow’s “Psalm of Life” and Paul’s Call to Act 02:11 — What It Means to Learn and Receive From Others 03:02 — Jane Goodall and the Power of Apprenticeship 03:55 — Who Are You a Disciple Of? 06:14 — Why Prayer Is a Spiritual Ecosystem 08:23 — Gordon MacDonald and Tony Campolo’s “Big Tipper” Story 10:20 — Serving as a Spiritual Discipline: Nancy’s “Yes” 11:18 — The Promise: Not Just the Peace of God, but the God of Peace 12:10 — What Are You Thinking? What Are You Doing?

Today, John talks about how Paul understood that we cannot live a life of peace and joy without first tending to the garden of our thoughts. If our thinking is careless, our living will be reactive and restless. But when our minds are filled with truth and beauty, our lives begin to reflect the light of Christ. Stories like those of heroes in Saving Private Ryan or the humble villagers in Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed help reorient our thoughts toward honor, purity, and courage. They remind us that goodness is not abstract; it’s alive and visible in acts of faithfulness. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

Paul’s words in Philippians 4:6-7 invite us to bring our worries to God — not to control outcomes, but to open our hearts. John shares how Jerry Hawthorne, Dallas Willard, and Joni Eareckson Tada each taught that prayer is a conversation with a Person, not a formula for results. Through Joni’s example, John introduces the 80/20 rule of prayer. True peace comes not from fixing every circumstance, but from the peace of God guarding the heart that lets go. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF 00:00 — Why Paul Says “Do Not Be Anxious About Anything” 00:42 — What Philippians 4 Teaches About Prayer and Peace 02:18 — Remembering John Huffman’s Legacy of Faith 04:12 — What Dallas Willard Taught About Hearing God 06:00 — “My Son Had Strains You Will Never Know” Story 08:14 — What “The Peace of God” Really Means 09:49 — Joni Eareckson Tada and the 80/20 Rule of Prayer 11:13 — Why Faith Isn’t Convincing Yourself Things Will Change 11:37 — How to Pray for Your Heart Not Just Your Situation 12:05 — A Simple 80/20 Prayer Practice for Today

Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and the need to control everything? In this powerful episode, John Ortberg sits down with clinical psychologist and spiritual leader Dr. Rick Blackmon to unpack Philippians 4:6—“Do not be anxious about anything.” Together, they explore the difference between healthy planning and harmful preoccupation, how to build a tolerance for uncertainty, and why surrendering control may be the most powerful step toward peace. If you’ve ever wrestled with worry, this conversation offers both spiritual insight and psychological tools to help you let go and shine. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

This is your day to shine. Paul writes to the Philippians, “Let your gentleness be evident to all.” It’s a quality so central to the heart of Jesus that he chose it as the word to describe himself: “I am gentle and humble in heart.” Paul would have known how radical that sounded. He’d grown up admiring zeal, the kind that would do anything or go to any length to defend God’s honor. For Paul, zeal was something you did with a knife. But on the road to Damascus, everything changed. God redefined zeal for Paul. He encountered a God who doesn’t strike down enemies but stretches out his hands for them. For Jesus, zeal was something he did on a cross.  Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

The basic message of the Bible from the beginning is the offer of a life with God. This was true in the garden with Adam and Eve, it was true with Abraham, it was true with Moses, with Ruth, with Joseph, with Jacob, and on and on. And it doesn’t stop there. He is present with you, right now. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

In today’s video, we’re joined by Pastor Steve Clifford to talk about this concept and how it’s played out in his own life. Steve talks about how “whatever happens” has been an anchoring concept for him as he’s walked through loss and transition. He works not to manufacture shining, but to simply live with confidence that God is shaping his life. Operating this way is a daily choice to trust that God is present. Together, we can do the same by acknowledging our life’s goodness isn’t determined by our circumstances… but by the One we serve.  Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

In today’s devo, John talks about Jerry Hawthorne, a beloved teacher and mentor, and how he described Paul’s teaching on joy as more than a mood; it is a worldview. True joy is not about forcing a smile or pretending everything is fine. It is a peace-filled posture toward life that accepts both hardship and blessing with trust in God’s presence. This joy stands as “defiant nevertheless,” an attitude that refuses to let sorrow, fear, or loss have the final word. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

The way of reconciliation is one Jesus exemplified in his life and love. In today’s devo, John talks about a story of feuding families in Ireland who literally “chanced their arm” through a cathedral door as a picture of the courage it takes to risk vulnerability for the sake of peace. Reconciliation is not about proving who is right or wrong, it’s about remembering the shared humanity of the other person and choosing love over pride. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

In today’s devo John talks about how this shift in perception is at the core of the Good Samaritan story. Two religious leaders saw a problem when they looked at a man beaten by robbers, but the Samaritan saw a person in need. He thought differently, felt compassion, and acted with mercy. Today, we are invited to “put on new glasses,” not artificial intelligence but Heavenly intelligence. By asking God to help us see others as He does, we can shine as lights in a world that desperately needs His love. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

The way of Jesus is the way of service. Chasing status is a hollow pursuit that Jesus turned on it’s head. Though equal with God, Jesus took on the form of a servant (Philippians 2). He invites us to follow this same course of service, shining not by demanding to be seen but by giving ourselves away in love. To “shine like stars” is not about fame, wealth, or applause; it is about reflecting the humble, sacrificial light of Christ in our daily lives. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

Today, John asks two simple but life-shaping questions: What am I learning? and What am I teaching? We often think of learning as classes, books, and information, but the most important learning is about how to live: how to love, how to know Christ, how to shine in the ordinary moments of our day. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

Today is our day to shine, and where better to shine than the world of politics? John is joined in today’s video by Michael Wear. He’s the CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life and author of The Spirit of Our Politics. In this conversation, Michael reminds us that politics isn’t just a stage where others act and we observe; in a democracy, we are participants. When people of faith treat politics like a place where ‘shining’ doesn’t apply, Michael suggests, we leave behind an opening for darkness that quickly fills the space. The thing about hate and contempt is that the moment we think we’re using them, they’re using us. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF 00:00 — Why our world and politics need shining today 01:00 — Michael Wear: The Spirit of Our Politics explained 02:00 — Why our politics is sick with dark passions 03:46 — Why we are not just spectators but participants 05:08 — Why politics needs light, not darkness 06:06 — Do everything without grumbling — even in politics 07:14 — What Paul meant by “our citizenship is in heaven” 08:40 — How Roman citizenship helps explain Paul’s words 09:57 — Why salvation does not come from Caesar or politics 10:56 — Isaiah’s vision: swords into plowshares 13:25 — Taking off the old self with its practices 15:14 — Why hatred is not a viable source of belonging 17:09 — How anger and contempt end up using us 18:09 — Why we must confront the spirit of violence in us 19:20 — How to hold on to hope in political life 21:36 — Dallas Willard’s phrase: “Don’t give them hell, give them heaven”

What does the Bible actually say about the Antichrist, Armageddon, and the end times? In this episode, John Ortberg clears away the clutter of speculation—like presidential “666” theories, modern rapture charts, or end-times guessing games—and returns us to the words of Scripture itself. Drawing from 1 John, Revelation, and the prophets, John shows how terms like “Antichrist” and “tribulation” were meant for real people facing real suffering, not just future predictions. Along the way, you’ll hear insights from Bruce Metzger’s Breaking the Code and Dallas Willard’s vision of our eternal destiny—not endless bureaucracy, but creative life with Christ. Instead of fear, we’re invited into faithfulness, hope, and love, living today as people of God’s kingdom while looking forward to the day when all is made new. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

John addresses a surge of rapture predictions (Sept 23rd) and reminds us the word “rapture” never appears in the Bible. He traces failed predictions from Millerites in 1844 to Harold Camping in 2011, showing how speculation damages faith. Revelation, he explains, was not written as a secret code for our timeline but as pastoral encouragement for persecuted believers. Babylon symbolized Rome, 666 symbolized unfaithfulness, and the central message is endurance and hope: God is redeeming creation, not abandoning it. The call is not to predict dates but to trust Christ and live faithfully in anxious times. 00:00 — Did The Predicted Rapture On September 23 Really Happen? 00:27 — Why Do People Keep Predicting The End Of The World? 01:11 — What Should Christians Believe About The Rapture? 03:01 — What Does 1 Thessalonians 4 Really Teach About The End Times? 06:25 — How Should Christians Read The Book Of Revelation? 09:34 — What Do Babylon And 666 Actually Mean In Revelation? 11:54 — What Are The Main Christian Views On The Millennium? 14:05 — What Does The Mark of the Beast Really Mean? 16:00 — How Revelation Predicted Rome’s Fall And Babylon’s Ongoing Power 20:49 — What Romans 8 Teaches About Creation, Hope, And Redemption Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

Paul says to shine, we need joy… so joy is what we study today. Paul wrote to the Philippians from the grimmest of circumstances - in jail, facing death, brutally beaten, and yet his letter was filled with calls to rejoice. How could that be? Paul seems to have figured out the secret that joy isn’t rooted in success or control. It’s grounded in something much deeper: that Christ has risen and death itself has been defeated. 00:00 — What do I actually know to be true? 00:28 — Why science can’t tell you what matters most 01:16 — Paul’s command in Philippians 3:16 explained 01:38 — Reflecting honestly: what do I know? 02:06 — Truth #1: It is good to be alive 03:17 — Why life is a gift worth celebrating 05:25 — Gratitude: letting “good to be alive” shape your day 06:10 — Truth #2: I ought to pursue the good 07:15 — Truth #3: Why despair is always wrong 08:34 — Truth #4: I need help (12 steps and prayer) 09:26 — Truth #5: People are immensely valuable 10:32 — Paul’s invitation: live up to what you already know Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

Paul tells the Philippians: “Only let us live up to what we have already attained.” John takes this personally and asks: “What do I actually know to be true?” He names five convictions — life is good, I ought to pursue the good, despair is wrong, I need help, and people are immensely valuable. These aren’t abstract doctrines but lived truths that can guide each moment. To shine is to be activated by what you know, not paralyzed by what you don’t. 00:00 — What do I actually know to be true? 00:28 — Why science can’t tell you what matters most 01:16 — Paul’s command in Philippians 3:16 explained 01:38 — Reflecting honestly: what do I know? 02:06 — Truth #1: It is good to be alive 03:17 — Why life is a gift worth celebrating 05:25 — Gratitude: letting “good to be alive” shape your day 06:10 — Truth #2: I ought to pursue the good 07:15 — Truth #3: Why despair is always wrong 08:34 — Truth #4: I need help (12 steps and prayer) 09:26 — Truth #5: People are immensely valuable 10:32 — Paul’s invitation: live up to what you already know Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

Rest in this truth today: We don’t actually need to know any more than we know right now to have a good day. That’s the concept John covers in today’s video, along with some wisdom about how to read your Bible in such a way that will change your life. 00:00 — Two truths that bring freedom today 00:21 — Why you don’t need more knowledge to live well 01:04 — What Paul means by “not attained yet” in Philippians 3 01:50 — Why thinking you’ve arrived is spiritual danger 03:48 — How Dallas Willard Read the Bible (Ontology) 04:24 — Reality is what you can count on 06:53 — Why pain is what happens when we run into reality 07:57 — What truths you can always count on 08:19 — Psalm 23: the most real world is God’s world 09:25 — A Story about Dallas’ calm presence 10:34 — How to live present to God anywhere, anytime Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

Today, we’re talking about the rule of forgetfulness. Paul had a few words to say on the matter. In Philippians 3, he says he presses on, “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” That’s spiritual forgetting. Paul wasn’t a proponent of amnesia or repression or wishful thinking, but rather a disciplined letting go that makes room for healing and growth. That’s what we can choose to take part in, too.  00:00 — What is the art of spiritual forgetting? 00:35 — Why forgetting is one of the mind’s great successes 01:24 — What Paul says about forgetting in Philippians 3 02:12 — Why spiritual life is about progress, not perfection 03:40 — What is the “one thing” life is about? 05:22 — The three benefits of forgetting: healing, clarity, creativity 06:54 — Forgetting wrongs and achievements that paralyze us 07:24 — The Ted Lasso goldfish lesson on memory 08:39 — Why forgetting is not repression or denial 09:57 — How to practice biblical forgetting by pressing on 10:30 — Miroslav Volf: why forgetting is “not coming to mind” 11:59 — Punch ignore: how to stop being tormented by the past 12:47 — What guilt or hurt do you need to release today? Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

In Philippians the word “Knowing” takes on a new meaning. Paul uses the word to distinguish the collection of facts from intimate understanding. What Paul calls “knowing Christ” isn’t merely theology to be recited; it’s participation: sharing in his life, teachings, sufferings, and resurrection. When we put the gleam of résumé-building accomplishments beside the surpassing worth of this present, personal relationship with Jesus, the choice becomes clear: let go of what inflates pride so we can be shaped by his life. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF 00:00 — What does Paul mean by “knowing Christ”? 00:25 — Why Paul calls his old resume garbage 01:12 — What surpassing worth really means 02:09 — Two ways of knowing explained: description vs. acquaintance 03:19 — Popcorn, bacon, and knowledge by experience 04:31 — What it means to know a person deeply 05:8 — Why knowing God is more than facts 06:04 — Dallas Willard on knowing Christ today 07:29 — Jesus is present in our world now 08:50 — What Jesus meant by eternal life in John 17:3 09:42 — How to invite Jesus into your daily life 10:08 — A honeymoon story and the meaning of “to know” 11:00 — Why knowing Christ is interactive engagement 11:48 — How serving others becomes knowing Christ 12:05 — The daily invitation: “God, let me know You”

Today’s reflection comes out of a rich conversation with friends (John, Jim, Alyssa, and Kevin) where they interact honestly with Paul’s words in Philippians 3. Paul once carried a “resume” filled with achievements, education, and status. But after meeting Jesus, he called all those accomplishments *scubala (*garbage) compared to knowing Christ. That shift was not about denying his abilities but recognizing they could never define his worth or bring him fulfillment. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

We all carry an invisible resume, trying to prove our worth through titles, accomplishments, or image. Paul names his old resume — circumcision, tribe of Benjamin, Pharisee, zeal — then calls it all loss compared to Christ. John shares his own “impressive-itis” and failures, then draws from Henri Nouwen and John Wesley’s line “I submitted to be more vile” to show the new resume: weakness, humility, and love. To shine is to let go of self-promotion and live from God’s love. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

Shining for Jesus is like burning, it gives off light but not without pain. Paul tells the Philippians that Epaphroditus (his brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier) nearly lost his life serving the cause of Christ. This was not a story of calm detachment or stoic control. Instead, Paul openly describes homesickness, distress, grief, and anxiety. Real love is messy, and real relationships are risky. Yet, it is in that risk, not in protecting ourselves, that we understand more about God. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

Life is deep, complex, and beautiful. In many ways life has a way of giving us more depth, complexity and beauty if we let it. But it’s important to remember that becoming deep is not about pretending to be better or wiser than we are. Paul wrote about this to the Philippians, where he reminded them that Jesus showed the way—humbling himself, becoming a servant, and pouring himself out for others. To follow Jesus means turning from shallow living, where vanity and ego dominate, toward a life that reflects self-giving love. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

Safe places and safe people are a good thing… but there’s something even better. John brings today’s teaching from Ireland, and fittingly so, our learnings are inspired by Saint Patrick. As a teenager, Patrick was kidnapped, enslaved, and suffered greatly. In the middle of his suffering, though, he discovered God’s presence. Patrick wrote that he would pray constantly during the daylight hours. He described that sometimes in a day, he would say as many as a hundred prayers, and at night nearly as many again. His faith continually grew. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

Today, we grieve. We pause. We remember. We mourn. And we cling to the hope of Jesus that transcends all. Join John and Become New in this short video for some thoughts on Charlie Kirk’s assassination, remembering September 11th, and reckoning with darkness. As a community, we are praying for our nation and for God to bring comfort, peace, and healing.

One of the most famously quoted verses in the Bible comes from Paul: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It’s not only often quoted, it’s arguably even more commonly misunderstood. Today, Laura Ortberg Turner joins us with John to unpack what Paul truly meant with these words. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

Paul calls the Philippians to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” for God is already at work within them. The life that shines is not grumbling or self-promoting but open to God’s Spirit. John contrasts grumbling vs. groaning, shows how Moses’ radiant face came from being with God, and ends with the blessing: “The Lord make His face shine upon you.” To shine is to live from God’s shining face turned toward us. 00:00 — What does it mean to shine with inner light? 00:32 — Why some people radiate joy and gratitude 01:45 — How Philippians 2 explains shining 02:17 — What does “work out your salvation” mean? 03:00 — Is spiritual life a motorboat, raft, or sailboat? 04:03 — What does “fear and trembling” really mean? 05:13 — Do everything without grumbling 06:14 — What’s the difference between grumbling and groaning? 07:25 — Why groaning invites God but grumbling shuts Him out 08:18 — Shine like stars in a dark world 09:12 — How Moses’ face shone after meeting God 11:15 — What it means that God’s face shines on you 13:02 — Today is your day to shine Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

Philippians 2 is called the “hinge of history.” Jesus, though in very nature God, humbled Himself to death on a cross. Therefore God exalted Him, giving Him the name above every name. John calls this the greatest strategy for life: double down on the cross. True greatness and true life flow from self-giving love, and the simple but ultimate confession: Jesus Christ is Lord. 00:00 — What is the greatest strategy for life? 00:22 — What is the most important phrase Christians can say? 01:16 — Philippians 2: the oldest words about Jesus 01:57 — Jesus humbled Himself to death on a cross 02:31 — Why “as a consequence, therefore” matters 03:17 — The hinge of history explained 04:03 — Why humility always leads to exaltation 05:06 — What does it mean to double down on the cross? 06:33 — What name is above every name? 07:19 — Why “Jesus Christ is Lord” seemed ludicrous then 08:19 — Why Jesus, not Caesar, defines history 09:25 — How calendars themselves point to Christ 10:23 — Why love, not power, defines reality 11:05 — What it means to double down in daily life 11:55 — How to shine by serving others Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

Jesus, though in very nature God, did not cling to privilege but poured Himself out, becoming a servant. Paul lived this by refusing to claim his Roman citizenship until after suffering in prison, choosing solidarity with the powerless. Greatness in God’s kingdom is not about grasping but giving, not about climbing status ladders but coming down them. The “great inversion” is joyfully using gifts and privilege for others, not yourself. 00:00 — What does Philippians 2 teach about privilege? 00:28 — Did Jesus give up His privilege? 01:16 — Paul in Philippi: the backstory 02:35 — Why did Paul wait to claim Roman citizenship? 03:29 — How Roman society defined status and rank 04:26 — Who were the elites, citizens, and slaves? 05:46 — Why gold rings and togas signaled privilege 06:58 — How laws reinforced status in Rome 08:19 — Jesus’ great inversion: down, not up 09:03 — Why washing feet was shocking in Israel 10:00 — Paul chooses to suffer with the powerless 11:08 — How the church became a community of equals 12:03 — Give till it pinches: Lewis on generosity 12:24 — Why God has a thing for servers 13:00 — What the great inversion means for us today Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

We all long for greatness, but Jesus redefines it. In Philippians 2, Paul quotes one of the oldest hymns about Christ: though He was in very nature God, He poured Himself out, became a servant, and humbled Himself to death on a cross. Greatness is not climbing the ladder of success — it’s coming down the ladder in self-giving love. This reveals God’s true nature: to serve, not to grasp. 00:00 — What does Philippians 2 teach about greatness? 00:20 — Why we all want to be winners 01:10 — The problem with the ladder of success 01:40 — How Jesus redefined greatness 02:15 — The oldest hymn about Christ in the New Testament 03:11 — “Being in very nature God” explained 05:54 — What does it mean that Jesus emptied Himself? 07:30 — The very nature of God is to serve 08:32 — Jesus revealed God by becoming a servant 10:14 — Why the way of Jesus is down, not up 11:20 — How to have the same mindset as Christ 12:00 — Why Jesus changed the world through humility Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

The light we have to shine comes from God. We are like the moon; our radiance comes from another source. In Philippians 2, Paul says that we are given gifts like encouragement in Christ, comfort from His love, fellowship with the Spirit, and tenderness and compassion. These qualities reflect who God is, given to us to know how to live, act, and love. Just as Jesus glowed with light on the Mount of Transfiguration, we too are invited to carry his presence into our daily relationships. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF 00:00 — How do you shine when life is hard? 00:26 — Does more suffering mean less joy? 01:09 — What does “whatever happens” mean in Philippians? 02:10 — How do you live worthy of the gospel of Christ? 03:02 — What does it mean to stand firm in one Spirit? 03:30 — How to face opposition without fear 04:20 — Why does God “grant” both faith and suffering? 05:07 — “Life is difficult”: what should Christians do? 06:45 — Why complaining and grumbling steal your joy 07:23 — Should I fix problems or just suffer for Jesus? 08:27 — Meaning vs. suffering: which shapes your life? 09:15 — The Quadrant of Suffering and Meaning explained 10:24 — Why great lives hold both suffering and purpose 11:36 — How to pray when suffering won’t stop (“drink the cup”) 12:16 — How God gives meaning to our pain 12:58 — Whatever happens, live worthy of the gospel

“This is our day to shine.” Not tomorrow, not in easier circumstances, not when life finally evens out. Today. But the temptation is to believe that it would be easier to shine if life was a bit easier. Paul talks about that temptation in Philippians 1:27: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Whatever happens (good or bad, easy or hard, expected or surprising) Paul is saying that shining in the light of Christ is not about the absence of pain. It is about the presence of meaning. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF 00:00 — How do you shine when life is hard? 00:26 — Does more suffering mean less joy? 01:09 — What does “whatever happens” mean in Philippians? 02:10 — How do you live worthy of the gospel of Christ? 03:02 — What does it mean to stand firm in one Spirit? 03:30 — How to face opposition without fear 04:20 — Why does God “grant” both faith and suffering? 05:07 — “Life is difficult”: what should Christians do? 06:45 — Why complaining and grumbling steal your joy 07:23 — Should I fix problems or just suffer for Jesus? 08:27 — Meaning vs. suffering: which shapes your life? 09:15 — The Quadrant of Suffering and Meaning explained 10:24 — Why great lives hold both suffering and purpose 11:36 — How to pray when suffering won’t stop (“drink the cup”) 12:16 — How God gives meaning to our pain 12:58 — Whatever happens, live worthy of the gospel

Paul’s words — “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain” — confront us with life’s deepest questions. But what if we struggle to believe? Through C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, George MacDonald, and others, we see that even when certainty wavers, we can choose to live as if the gospel is true. Faith is not just mental assent; it’s the decision to live a life worth following, even amid doubt and darkness. 00:00 — What does “to live is Christ, to die is gain” mean? 01:05 — Why is it harder today to believe in life after death? 01:36 — What do we really know about what happens after death? 02:24 — C.S. Lewis on doubt and faith in The Silver Chair 03:36 — Is the Christian story just a fairy tale? 04:25 — Puddleglum’s answer: why I choose faith anyway 06:05 — Tolkien, courage, and fighting on the losing side 07:06 — George MacDonald: why I would live my life believing 08:24 — Would you still follow Jesus even if you doubted? 09:28 — Why living as if Christ is true is the only way worth living 10:24 — How to keep going with faith through grief, doubt, and loss Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

Today we continue our series, Shine, as we explore the book of Philippians and understand how to stand out as the light of Jesus in our daily lives. Let’s start the week with some good (but not always easy) news: your circumstances do not have to determine your perspective. As we continue through Philippians this lesson is a consistent theme. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team WEBSITE: BecomeNew.com PODCAST: https://becomenew.buzzsprout.com SOCIAL MEDIA: 😊 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

As we kick off today’s episode of Shine, consider this question: Who is the most difficult person in your life right now? A family member? Maybe a coworker or a friend? Paul knew people like that, too. In Philippians 1, he talks about brothers and sisters in Christ who were trying to cause trouble for him while he was in prison. Paul says that some were operating out of love, but some were motivated by selfish ambition. His response to this is remarkable. Translated from the Greek, he uses two little words: “So what?” The motives of others didn’t derail the direction of his life. The gospel was still being advanced. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team WEBSITE: BecomeNew.com PODCAST: https://becomenew.buzzsprout.com SOCIAL MEDIA: 😊 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

This is your day to shine. The only thing is… (tough news incoming) shining won’t be in your ideal situation. Shining means right now, right where you are, right in the middle of your current circumstances.  Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team WEBSITE: BecomeNew.com PODCAST: https://becomenew.buzzsprout.com SOCIAL MEDIA: 😊 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

Very often, we plan about the things in our lives, but it’s not often that we plan the person we will become. Today, as we continue through Shine, we’re asking these questions: What are your spiritual goals? Who would you like to become today? Keep those in your back pocket as we dive into our teaching.  Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team WEBSITE: BecomeNew.com PODCAST: https://becomenew.buzzsprout.com SOCIAL MEDIA: 😊 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

When should we be confident? That’s what we’re studying today as we look at Paul’s teachings to the church of Corinth. The world often lives by self-confidence. Do we have it all together? Are we successful? Are we winning? But Paul was confident in a different way.  Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team WEBSITE: BecomeNew.com PODCAST: https://becomenew.buzzsprout.com SOCIAL MEDIA: 😊 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

We greet you in the name of a brand-new series, Shine! Throughout the next many weeks, John Ortberg will walk us through Paul’s letter to the Philippians, and here’s our kick-off thought: God can be found even in our greetings to others. Through something as simple as how we greet someone, we can demonstrate the love of Christ. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at [email protected] GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team WEBSITE: BecomeNew.com PODCAST: https://becomenew.buzzsprout.com SOCIAL MEDIA: 😊 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

Episode: Forgiving Yourself Series: PASSAGE TO WISDOM Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. 📲 For daily alerts, text the word BECOME to the number 855-888-0444 Join the conversation in our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ John's new book STEPS is out! Check it out here: https://becomenew.com/steps/ Want to work the steps with a friend or small group? Visit: STEPSGUIDE.com 📧 Subscribe for daily emails with these videos and accompanying thoughts: https://bit.ly/46AZ0rN 🙏🏻 Need prayer? Text us at 855-888-0444, we would love to pray for you! 🙌🏻  Interested in content for leaders? Subscribe to Become New for Leaders: https://bit.ly/3PH4FWn Be sure to join our Facebook Group (link below) to continue the conversation and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel BecomeNew.Me and say hello 👋 in the comments. And make sure you tap the bell icon 🔔 to be notified when the next episode releases. CONNECT WITH US AT: 😊 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🎙Podcast: https://becomenew.buzzsprout.com 🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

Episode: Idiot Lights for the Soul Series: BECOME NEW Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. 📲 For daily alerts, text the word BECOME to the number 855-888-0444 Join the conversation in our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ John's new book STEPS is out! Check it out here: https://becomenew.com/steps/ Want to work the steps with a friend or small group? Visit: STEPSGUIDE.com 📧 Subscribe for daily emails with these videos and accompanying thoughts: https://bit.ly/46AZ0rN 🙏🏻 Need prayer? Text us at 855-888-0444, we would love to pray for you! 🙌🏻  Interested in content for leaders? Subscribe to Become New for Leaders: https://bit.ly/3PH4FWn Be sure to join our Facebook Group (link below) to continue the conversation and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel BecomeNew.Me and say hello 👋 in the comments. And make sure you tap the bell icon 🔔 to be notified when the next episode releases. CONNECT WITH US AT: 😊 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🎙Podcast: https://becomenew.buzzsprout.com 🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

Episode: Ambition Edition Series: MADE TO COUNT Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. 📲 For daily alerts, text the word BECOME to the number 855-888-0444 Join the conversation in our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ John's new book STEPS is out! Check it out here: https://becomenew.com/steps/ Want to work the steps with a friend or small group? Visit: STEPSGUIDE.com 📧 Subscribe for daily emails with these videos and accompanying thoughts: https://bit.ly/46AZ0rN 🙏🏻 Need prayer? Text us at 855-888-0444, we would love to pray for you! 🙌🏻  Interested in content for leaders? Subscribe to Become New for Leaders: https://bit.ly/3PH4FWn Be sure to join our Facebook Group (link below) to continue the conversation and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel BecomeNew.Me and say hello 👋 in the comments. And make sure you tap the bell icon 🔔 to be notified when the next episode releases. CONNECT WITH US AT: 😊 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🎙Podcast: https://becomenew.buzzsprout.com 🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

Episode: Humility 1; Hubris 0 Series: BECOME NEW Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. 📲 For daily alerts, text the word BECOME to the number 855-888-0444 Join the conversation in our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ John's new book STEPS is out! Check it out here: https://becomenew.com/steps/ Want to work the steps with a friend or small group? Visit: STEPSGUIDE.com 📧 Subscribe for daily emails with these videos and accompanying thoughts: https://bit.ly/46AZ0rN 🙏🏻 Need prayer? Text us at 855-888-0444, we would love to pray for you! 🙌🏻  Interested in content for leaders? Subscribe to Become New for Leaders: https://bit.ly/3PH4FWn Be sure to join our Facebook Group (link below) to continue the conversation and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel BecomeNew.Me and say hello 👋 in the comments. And make sure you tap the bell icon 🔔 to be notified when the next episode releases. CONNECT WITH US AT: 😊 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🎙Podcast: https://becomenew.buzzsprout.com 🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

Episode: Follow Series: MADE TO COUNT Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. 📲 For daily alerts, text the word BECOME to the number 855-888-0444 Join the conversation in our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ John's new book STEPS is out! Check it out here: https://becomenew.com/steps/ Want to work the steps with a friend or small group? Visit: STEPSGUIDE.com 📧 Subscribe for daily emails with these videos and accompanying thoughts: https://bit.ly/46AZ0rN 🙏🏻 Need prayer? Text us at 855-888-0444, we would love to pray for you! 🙌🏻  Interested in content for leaders? Subscribe to Become New for Leaders: https://bit.ly/3PH4FWn Be sure to join our Facebook Group (link below) to continue the conversation and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel BecomeNew.Me and say hello 👋 in the comments. And make sure you tap the bell icon 🔔 to be notified when the next episode releases. CONNECT WITH US AT: 😊 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🎙Podcast: https://becomenew.buzzsprout.com 🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

Episode: Overcoming Your "Limiting Belief" Series: HABIT Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. 📲 For daily alerts, text the word BECOME to the number 855-888-0444 Join the conversation in our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ John's new book STEPS is out! Check it out here: https://becomenew.com/steps/ Want to work the steps with a friend or small group? Visit: STEPSGUIDE.com 📧 Subscribe for daily emails with these videos and accompanying thoughts: https://bit.ly/46AZ0rN 🙏🏻 Need prayer? Text us at 855-888-0444, we would love to pray for you! 🙌🏻  Interested in content for leaders? Subscribe to Become New for Leaders: https://bit.ly/3PH4FWn Be sure to join our Facebook Group (link below) to continue the conversation and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel BecomeNew.Me and say hello 👋 in the comments. And make sure you tap the bell icon 🔔 to be notified when the next episode releases. CONNECT WITH US AT: 😊 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🎙Podcast: https://becomenew.buzzsprout.com 🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/