BecomeNew.Me

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team

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 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team

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 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team

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 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team

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 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team

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 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team

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.

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 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team

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 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team

“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 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team

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 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team

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 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team

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 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team