Podcast appearances and mentions of John Ortberg

Life's greatest lessons often come from unexpected places. In today's devo, John tells a story of a little boy in a developing village who hears about tithing for the first time. After giving a single fish to his teacher, he responds to the question “Where are the other nine?” with something unforgettable: “Oh, they're still in the river. I'm going to go catch them now.” That is how faith responds. It's a childlike confidence that God's provision isn't scarce or hidden, but abundant, always flowing like a river.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

When was the last time you were genuinely wowed? With all the content we consume on the daily it's getting more and more difficult to find these moments of amazement. But the truth is that we were made to be astonished. Whenever we neglect that part of who we are our souls shrink a little. Psychologist Jonathan Haidt observes that screen addiction damages our capacity for transcendence. His research and others' affirm what the Bible has been talking about for millennia: the heavens are telling the glory of God. Awe is a gateway to God. It reminds us of our smallness and God's grandeur.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

We learn through imitation. This is why we have role models and icons. Those who have gone before us and shown us what's possible. Whether we know it or not, we are followers first. The Apostle John talks about this in 3 John, where he writes, “Do not imitate what is evil but what is good.” In other words, you will imitate what you watch, so watch wisely. From spiritual mentors to social media influencers, the people and patterns we imitate form our character and ultimately how we make our way in the word.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

Today's We Should Get Out More brings us to this phrase, straight from Dallas Willard: Bless what you dread. We were blessed by God and we are made to be a blessing. For fun and to put this into perspective, we're taking a lesson from the Hokey Pokey song and applying it to blessing others: you put your whole self in. (Sing it with us: You put your right foot in, take your right foot out…) To truly bless is to do so intentionally and with your whole heart and spirit. The very act of blessing is something we see in the Bible from the beginning of time. God creates, God gives, God adds value. He blesses the trees and the seas and the sky and the earth. The world exists to be blessed, and you were made to be a blessing.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

Have you ever felt like you wanted to change… but couldn't? Sometimes, change isn't possible by the flesh alone. True change is often only available with God's help. That's what today's lesson highlights as we continue our journey through We Should Get Out More. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

Today's episode of We Should Get Out More features an interview with Andy Crouch, one of the central thought leaders of this series, whose work we've been studying together. He's a partner for theology and culture at Praxis and the author of several books like “The Tech-Wise Family” and “The Life We're Looking For.” Today, Andy and John discuss the intersection of technology and human flourishing. Tune in for a chat about how our “glowing rectangles” (as Andy refers to smartphones) are sometimes forming us in ways we're not fully aware of. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

Today, as we continue through We Should Get Out More, we're talking tech, but not just the usual doom-scroll warnings. John sits down with Pat Gelsinger, a tech mogul and lifelong follower of Jesus, to talk about how faith and technology don't have to live in separate worlds. In fact, Pat argues this moment in history is a “Gutenberg moment”: a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Church to use technology to spread goodness, beauty, and truth. So instead of running from it, what if we stepped into it, with wisdom and courage?Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

What is self-control? Is it trying through blood, sweat, and tears to make ourselves miserable? Maybe not. Maybe, a miserable life of constant resistance isn't a God shaped life. The Apostle Paul calls self-control the final fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5), not because it's least important, but perhaps because (maybe) it takes the longest to grow. At its core, self-control is about spiritual renovation. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

When Tiffany and her husband Cam moved across the country to pursue their dream of running a mountain camp, they had no idea what was waiting for them. A financial crisis, a pandemic, wildfires, floods, and windstorms. They had to deal with one disaster after another. Each event felt like a reason to give up. But looking back, those same struggles became the soil where deep spiritual resilience took root. Instead of running from discomfort, they stayed and as a result they witnessed God bring life from ashes and strength from suffering. That's the strange grace of challenge: it forms us in ways comfort never can.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

In this powerful conversation, Greg Nettle sits down with author and pastor John Ortberg to discuss his newest book, Steps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn't Enough. Drawing inspiration from the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, Ortberg reveals why this recovery-based model may actually be the most effective path to real spiritual transformation—for everyone, not just those with addiction. The conversation covers: How AA emerged from discipleship roots in the Oxford Group Why most churches struggle with a “wimpy Step One” How to foster communities of grace-filled vulnerability The critical role of desperation, community, and daily practices in spiritual growth How churches can implement the Steps curriculum and even start B12 groups (Bible + 12 Steps) John also shares about his free daily vodcast ministry, Become New, and upcoming resources for small groups and churches based on Steps, launching Fall 2025. Whether you're planting a church or trying to revitalize one, this episode offers practical wisdom and a compelling vision for deep, lasting discipleship. We hope you enjoy this podcast. For more info about Stadia Church Planting and how you can get involved, check out stadia.org. To connect with Greg Nettle, you can find him at GregNettle.com Episode Index 01:10 - John's new book *Steps* and its origin in the 12 Steps   03:00 - Why *Steps* is for everyone, not just addiction recovery   04:20 - The spiritual roots of AA and the Oxford Group   06:00 - The power of weakness and the gift of desperation   08:00 - Greg shares a baby dedication story and his own approval addiction   10:20 - Why churches struggle with a “wimpy Step One”   12:00 - Biblical examples of desperation and robust transformation   13:20 - How desperation leads to discipleship intensity   14:00 - Discipleship as both program and fellowship   16:00 - Why church needs to be more like an AA meeting   17:30 - The power of confession and shared inadequacy   19:00 - Appropriate vulnerability for pastors and leaders   21:00 - How to help your church take real steps toward transformation   22:20 - Real-life church examples like the “B12 class”   24:00 - Free video curriculum for *Steps* coming Fall 2025   25:15 - Final thoughts: encouragement for church planters  

God didn't design us to live behind glass, protected, isolated, or untouched by risk. That's the danger of our screen-saturated, control-craving world: we can build an “unrisky life” that appears safe but leaves our spirits weak. John draws out a striking metaphor from Jonathan Haidt's The Anxious Generation, where he talks about trees planted in a perfectly controlled environment that grew fast but fell before maturity because they lacked the stress and strain of wind. Without this stress, they never developed the “stress wood” that would make them strong enough to withstand life. You and I need wind too. We were made for challenge.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

Sometimes the best theology is found on the back deck. A small bird on a simple patrol caught the attention of a friend, and in that moment the truth came to light. That mockingbird, later named “Jabez,” seemed to be extending its reach, enlarging its territory. And just like that, we're reminded of a prayer tucked quietly into 1 Chronicles 4:10, a prayer that asks God not for riches or comfort, but for blessing, for growth, for protection, and for freedom from pain. But it's not self-centered, it's a vision of hope in the face of the world's curse, a longing that our lives might be vessels of blessing for others.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

Today, we're keeping the gentleness discussion going. We are invited to get out of our hurried, harsh, screen-ridden worlds and into God's world–the real world, full of life and joy. We're reflecting on this truth from Jesus in Matthew 11: “I am gentle and lowly in heart.” Gentle and lowly? What countercultural words. And this isn't the watered-down kind of gentleness; this is full-on fruit-of-the-spirit gentleness. Like John teaches, people can often misunderstand this. It's not softness, weakness, or meekness. Gentleness is steady, and it actually begins at home in overcoming our harsh inner critics.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

In our culture, revenge is pervasive. In fact, John unpacks research showing a hidden framework for understanding human revenge, rage, and violence. In practice, revenge actually operates like an addiction in our brains. The cycle begins with grievance. And every little grievance - from a driver who maybe cuts us off, to a coworker who forgets our name - can trigger imagined injustice. We indulge our outrage and a desire for revenge. But the way of Jesus - the fruit of the spirit, love - interrupts that loop. Love doesn't deny pain or injustice; it just refuses to use power to harm. It chooses to show up instead as gentleness and grace.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

Today's journey of We Should Get Out More brings us to something a little different: a chat with Len Vanden Bos, chaplain of the Buffalo Bills– where John and Len visit one of the largest maximum-security prisons in the U.S. John and Nancy recently visited and what they saw was staggering. Angola holds countless stories not just of pain and injustice, but amazingly, deep transformation and freedom. Tune in for a meaningful chat about true surrender. People who aren't being formed by algorithms, but truly the Holy Spirit.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

Today's episode of We Should Get Out More might just be an introduction to your new favorite Bible verse. It's an often-overlooked passage in Romans 16:22: “I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.” And while this might seem like a verse you'd look past, it's significant because it's Paul offering dignity to someone the world considered insignificant. Tertius was a scribe (maybe even a slave) whose name means “third.” In the ancient world, people were often reduced from a name down to a number. But counter culturally, Paul stops mid-letter to let Tertius speak. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

Dr. Rick joins today to discuss what it really means to become a good person. Despite all his years of counseling, Rick shares that no one has ever walked into his office saying, “I want to be a good person.” However, by the end of their sessions, that desire is typically surfaced. It's the realization that we all want to become someone who is grounded. Generous. Integris. That little question: Am I a good person? quietly lingers within each one of us.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

Today, John talks with Glenn Packiam about how resilience begins with recovery: the ability to return to a place of spiritual rest. Like a stress test measuring how fast your heart returns to normal, true spiritual health isn't the absence of struggle, but the speed at which we return to God after it. There is no such thing as a life without trouble, which is why Jesus promised that he would be with us to the very end of the age.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

Today, John talks with Pastor Steve Cuss who shares his practice of “tripping over God's presence” 10 to 12 times a day through intentional micro-habits. These small moments that look like savoring a meal, noticing a sunset, holding a loved one's hand, or hearing from a friend are more than pleasant. They are reminders that life is good and full of God's presence if we could notice, tune in, and appreciate what has always been there under all the noise.Get more from Steve Cuss here: https://capablelife.activehosted.com/f/29Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

Social media loves to make promises. Promises about optimizations, quick fixes, the perfect skin, the perfect parenting hacks, and on and on. These promises are tempting, but the problem is that social media rarely delivers on the promises it makes. This keeps us consuming more and more looking for the next best hack. We arrange our lives around this pursuit, only to find out—sometimes painfully—they're not real. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

What if you stopped doomscrolling and started life-scrolling instead? In today's message, you'll discover a better way to navigate screens and the bad news cycle — by tasting real goodness, practicing gratitude, and sharing hope like the bees do their waggle dance. Let's get out more, root ourselves in God's presence, and bring goodness into the real world together.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

John invites us to consider how our digital lives often differ from kindness and tend toward condemnation. All one needs do is get online and look at the Subtweets and group chats that exclude others. There are endless examples of passive-aggressive stories and soft blocks. We've been trained to cancel people but Jesus did something different. He didn't cancel people, he canceled sin. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

Happy Fourth of July from Become New! Today marks not only a holiday, but also a shift in direction for us. As we sat with the title, You Should Get Out More, for the past few weeks, we noticed something felt off. It's a single word, but it makes all the difference. We should get out more. As we explore this topic, know that we aren't pointing the finger your way; we're learning these concepts right along with you. So together, let's get out more, and let's dive into today's topic: kindness. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

The word of the day is patience. The kind that reshapes your soul over time. A long faithfulness. As we continue You Should Get Out More, John invites us into something countercultural: living as pilgrims, not tourists. Tourists pick their destinations, stay as long as it's fun, and move on when they lose interest. Pilgrims, though? They're going somewhere. They're going to God and the path for getting there is through Jesus.  Digital life trains us to expect everything instantly: food, updates, approval, progress. But the fruit of the Spirit, especially patience, grows at a much slower speed than scrolling.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

Today's thought is kindness. And if that sounds a little too soft for your inbox this morning, hang tight because what we're covering today isn't shallow or merely sentimental. John is joined by Kara Powell, the Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute, and they're discussing the kind of radical, steady, others-focused kindness that can actually change us and change the world.Find out more about the Fuller Youth Institute at: FullerYouthInstitute.org/BecomeNewBecome New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

Take a deep breath. Remember, patience is a fruit of the spirit. It's about living with an unhurried spirit. Often, people confuse patience with a lack of urgency but the truth is, patience is the ability to live with calmness and poise in the face of obstacles and delay. It's living with an unhurried spirit in a sped-up world. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

The invitation for today is to live at peace, but not the kind you might think. This isn't only silence or stillness, but rather the deep, soul-rooted type of peace that Jesus offers in a world full of noise and division. As we continue our series, You Should Get Out More, John contrasts peace and contempt, which is what pastor and author Jay Kim says are actually opposites. Contempt is a mindset that abounds in digital spaces and it erodes our ability to love and empathize. As followers of Jesus, we're called to a higher standard. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

The lines between physical and digital reality are increasingly blurred, especially for children. Today's conversation between John and his daughter Laura, reminds us that spiritual formation and family life are happening at the same time. Often in the midst of unprecedented technological change. The challenge, then, is not to fear technology but to become wise in how we use it, especially when it comes to guiding the next generation. We need parents, mentors, and spiritual friends, who are willing to help young people stay grounded in the real world—where eye contact, touch, boredom, and community shape our souls far more deeply than curated images or trending videos.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

Doesn't it seem like everything is hyperconnected, screen-centric today? In a matrixed existence how are we meant to find pockets of peace in the day? It can feel almost impossible to grasp. The peace has a hard time flourishing in an online environment that usually amplifies outrage, judgment, and anxiety. Leading voices today have noted that social media gives us the power to express contempt with increasing ease. It's not pretty out there. And too often, Christians have joined the chorus of division and often led it. But Scripture reminds us: peace is not found in being right, it is a fruit of the Spirit. It grows not from surrender. Peace is not about willpower; it's something we experience as we let go of judgment, hurry, and the illusion of control.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

Episode 69: Self Care vs Soul Care Summer Soul Care Series FINALE - Rhythms That Restore Podcast Host: Cherisse Hixson

Joy is not an accident. It's a fruit of the Spirit that grows from attention, action, and cultivation. In contrast much of our online lives are lived passively comparing ourselves to others without even thinking about it. Algorithms are designed to keep us longing for what we don't have, by showing us lives just out of reach. This is an upward envy that creates a downward disdain and erodes joy. But God life with God gives us the good work of Joy. Joy is deep, personal, and often tied to the relationships that reflect God's love and goodness.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

Jay shares his personal experience, as well as his pastoral perspective, on the mental, emotional, and spiritual costs of being chronically online. The issue is not the existence of technology, but how subtly and deeply it forms us into distracted, image-obsessed and ultimately hopeless people. The point of the conversation is to remind us that our digital tools are using us often more than we are using them. Our attention is being bought and sold, and the cost is our contentment, resilience, and joy.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

In a world shaped by online personas, it's easy to mistake what looks good for what really is and emotion for identity. We have been conditioned to scroll through the highlight reels of others' lives, unaware of the building loneliness and pain that is masked by the doom scroll of online life. But the truth is that social media is not truly social, a fact we must remember because while it promises connection it usually delivers isolation. That is the work of a follower of Jesus in the digital landscape.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

The word today is love. Not the polished, curated kind we post about online, but the messy, risky, vulnerable kind that can only happen in the real world. In today's video, John reminds us: the opposite of love isn't hate—it's self-centric despair. It's the temptation to retreat inward, escape discomfort, and protect ourselves from heartbreak. But real love demands we show up, with our weaknesses, awkwardness, and all.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

What if the best version of you could speak to the most distracted version of you… Except before you scroll? Today we're joined by Royce Branning, founder of ClearSpace, who's asking questions like these. Royce's app is designed to interrupt compulsive phone use and help people reclaim control of their attention, time, and ultimately, their soul. Like us, he's deeply passionate about living a spiritually intentional life in a digital world.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

Episode 68: Summer Soul Care Series - The Architecture of Your Soul Join Cherisse on this soul-nourishing episode of "Rhythms That Restore" as we continue our Summer Soul Care Series exploring John Ortberg's profound insights on soul keeping. This is a beloved episode from last summer that we're re-airing this year due to popular request! What exactly is your soul? Far more than an abstract concept, your soul is the intricate masterpiece designed by God to integrate your will, mind, and body into a harmonious whole. In this episode, Cherisse breaks down the beautiful architecture of the soul and why understanding its design is essential for women seeking restoration in today's chaotic world. Through the wisdom of Psalm 91 and powerful analogies—from streams flowing free of debris to ropes guiding us through blizzards—discover how a well-ordered soul becomes your sanctuary regardless of external circumstances. Learn to recognize the warning signs of soul disintegration and the practices that lead to soul health. This summer, give yourself the gift of soul care as we journey together through the refreshing truth that you are "a soul made by God, made for God, and made to need God." If your soul is healthy, no external circumstance can destroy your life—what a promise for weary hearts! Connect with our community of women seeking soul restoration: Follow us on Instagram: @rhythmsthatrestorepodcast Join our Facebook community: Rhythms That Restore Podcast Community Sign up for our weekly rhythms email at www.cherissehixson.com New episodes every week this summer as we continue exploring the architecture of soul care. Pull up a chair, take a deep breath, and join us on this journey of restoration and renewal. #SoulCare #ChristianWomen #RestoreYourRhythm #SummerSeries #FaithPodcast

John reminds us that even the word “technology” echoes Jesus—“tecton” (craftsman) and “logos” (word). Jesus was both. He's not against our tools. But he is against anything that masters us. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.

Today we're diving into what Andy Crouch calls the 10 Commitments of Tech-Wise Families, and they're not just for parents. These practices are for anyone who wants to live with wisdom in a distracted age. We're not aiming for perfection here. We're aiming for intentionality. And for the next few weeks, we're challenging you to pick at least one commitment to live out in real life…not just in your notes app.

Welcome to You Should Get Out More. This isn't just a fun little title. This is a spiritual call to action for all of us. Together we'll be exploring the tension between our digital lives and the deeper, richer, right-in-front-of-us life that God is calling us to. Make no mistake, technology can be an incredible gift—we're obviously using it right now to grow together in community—but it can also quietly shape us in ways that leave us more anxious, distracted, and disconnected from the world God made and the people He's placed around us.

Episode 67: Summer Soul Care: How to Truly Care for our Souls with Cherisse Hixson We're bringing back our popular Summer Soul Care series and episodes from last summer while Cherisse is on Summer Sabbatical this year. In this episode, Cherisse kicks off a refreshing summer series based on John Ortberg's book "Soul Keeping." After a busy spring season, Cherisse invites listeners to embrace summer as a time of rest and renewal for our souls. Episode Highlights: Cherisse introduces a new summer series focused on soul care and creating space for rest An opening reflection on Psalm 23 and its powerful reminders about God's provision, rest, and renewal Introduction to John Ortberg's book "Soul Keeping" as the foundation for this series A beautiful metaphor about "the keeper of the springs" and how it relates to tending our souls Discussion on the difference between our inner and outer lives, and why our interior life matters most Explanation of what it means to be a "soul curator" and how to find someone to journey with you Invitation to engage with the series by reading along and gathering friends for deeper discussion Quotable Moments: "Summer is such a welcome time of rest for all of us. Whether rest looks like having a lot of fun with your friends and your family, or whether rest really means laying in a hammock and just resting your mind, your body, and your spirit for a little bit." "You are the keeper of your stream, and your stream is your soul." - John Ortberg  "Our outer world is what is visible. It's our reputation, our appearance, what we have, what others think... The inner world is everything that is unseen." - John Ortberg  Connect With Rhythms That Restore: Visit our website for weekly rhythms, encouragement and support: www.cherissehixson.com Follow us on Instagram: @rhythmsthatrestorepodcast Join our Facebook community: Rhythms That Restore Podcast Community Consider gathering friends to read "Soul Keeping" together during this summer series book club around your table. Gather the friends, share your what you loved and learned and nourish your soul one chapter at at time. Gathering with others nourishes your soul my friends. Be the one who GATHERS. Start by asking ONE friend, then have her bring a friend too.  Email Me and let me know how this is nourishing your soul for the summer - cherissehixson@hotmail.com  Resources Mentioned: "Soul Keeping" by John Ortberg Psalm 23  

Part Two with John Ortberg is here! In this episode of Simple Faith, Rusty George sits down with bestselling author and pastor John Ortberg to explore practical, meaningful ways to connect with God in everyday life. Known for The Life You've Always Wanted and Soul Keeping, John shares insights on slowing down, noticing God's presence, and simplifying your spiritual journey. Tune in to hear them wrap up their conversation!

A New Way to Summer: 10 Ways to Slow Down This Year Episode Description What if this summer doesn't have to be another season of cramming in as much activity and productivity as possible? In this vulnerable and transformative episode, host Cherisse shares her heart about choosing a different way to summer - one that prioritizes rest, restoration, and the health of our souls. With shaky hands and an open heart, Cherisse announces she's taking her first sabbatical in 26 years of business, and invites you to join her in discovering what it looks like to summer slowly, restfully, and with intention. Drawing wisdom from Abraham Joshua Heschel's "The Sabbath" and insights from recent guest conversations, this episode offers both inspiration and practical guidance for creating sacred rhythms this summer. What You'll Discover in This Episode: 10 Practical Ways to Slow Down This Summer: Release the Summer Performance Pressure - Stop trying to make your life Instagram-worthy and start living fully in each moment Embrace Morning Sacred Solitude - Create a daily rhythm of meeting with the Lord before the chaos begins Practice Holy Leisure in Nature - Discover "thin places" where heaven feels close to earth Create Rhythms of Preparation and Rest - Learn how preparation makes true rest possible Redefine Summer Success - Measure success by the state of your soul, not activities completed Practice the Discipline of Saying No - Guard your "palace in time" from invasions of busyness Embrace Contemplative Practices in Ordinary Moments - Transform daily tasks into opportunities for prayer Create Space for Holy Boredom - Let creativity and wonder emerge naturally Honor Your Body's Summer Rhythm - Treat your body as a temple to be honored, not a machine to be optimized Practice Sabbatical Thinking - Ask "What do you have for me today, Lord?" instead of demanding your agenda be blessed Key Scripture & Quotes Featured: Isaiah 30:15: "In quietness and trust shall be your strength. In returning and rest you shall be saved." Ruth Haley Barton: "We cannot give what we do not have." Abraham Joshua Heschel: "Sabbath is not for the sake of weekdays, but weekdays are for the sake of the Sabbath." John Ortberg: "Hurry is not of the devil. Hurry IS the devil." Special Announcement: Summer Soul Care Series While Cherisse steps into her sabbatical this summer, she's prepared a special gift for listeners - a Summer Soul Care series based on John Ortberg's book "Soul Keeping" that will release every Thursday in June. This series requires no prep work - simply press play and receive the soul care you need. How to Go Deeper: Order "Soul Keeping" by John Ortberg on Amazon or grab it on Audible/Spotify Invite friends to join you for intentional summer soul care Gather virtually or in person to discuss what God is stirring in your hearts Create your own summer soul care community right where you are A Personal Prayer for Your Summer The episode closes with a beautiful prayer for opening clenched fists, embracing rest as a gift rather than a challenge to conquer, and finding courage to keep our souls intact even if it means disappointing others. This prayer reminds us that our worth isn't measured by productivity, but by whose we are. Connect with Cherisse & Join the Journey

In this episode of Simple Faith, Rusty George sits down with bestselling author and pastor John Ortberg to explore practical, meaningful ways to connect with God in everyday life. Known for The Life You've Always Wanted and Soul Keeping, John shares insights on slowing down, noticing God's presence, and simplifying your spiritual journey. Don't miss Part 1 of this encouraging conversation.

Join the conversation in our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/Take the Untroubled Heart PEACE SURVEY Part 2: https://bit.ly/UntroubledHeartAfterBecome New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.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: DoTheSteps.com

Join the conversation in our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/Take the Untroubled Heart PEACE SURVEY Part 2: https://bit.ly/UntroubledHeartAfterBecome New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.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: DoTheSteps.com

What if the path to peace isn't avoiding hardship, but embracing it? In this episode, we explore what it means to “love the mat”—to welcome the falls, failures, and discomforts that come with a life of faith and growth. Drawing from scripture and insights from psychologist Reid Wilson, we see that real strength is formed not in comfort, but in repeated encounters with challenge. Jesus never promised we wouldn't hit the mat—He promised we wouldn't be alone. When we stop fearing failure and start trusting His presence in the middle of it, we begin to live with an untroubled heart.Join the conversation in our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.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: DoTheSteps.com

We're back! Welcome to a special continuation of the Untroubled Heart teaching series that we are calling, Untroubled Heart P.S. Join us for one more week (May 26–30) of learning to live with God's peace in a troubled world. We thought the series was over until we realized that there are still more questions that need space. One of the biggest? “If I really believed God was in control, I wouldn't be so anxious… right?” But maybe that's not quite the right approach?Take the Untroubled Heart PEACE SURVEY Part 2: https://bit.ly/UntroubledHeartAfterJoin the conversation in our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.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: DoTheSteps.com

In this special bonus episode Ruth converses with pastor, author, speaker and long time friend, John Ortberg about his new book 'Steps, A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn't Enough.' They explore the intersections between spiritual formation, transformation, and the powerful principles behind the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). John shares his personal journey, insights on profound spiritual practices, and the importance of vulnerability and safety in transformational spaces. Their discussion delves into the crucial role of rigorous self-examination, authentic confession, and the deep, often painful, realization of powerlessness in achieving true spiritual transformation. Mentioned in this episode: Steps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower isn't Enough by John Ortberg The Dangers of Christian Practice: On Wayward Gifts, Characteristic Damage, and Sin by Lauren F. Winner Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist Anthem from Music in Solitude   Join us for our next Online Oasis! On June 11, we will be hosting a full Online Oasis entitled, "What's Not Working? Transitions in the Life of Prayer."  Whether you're feeling spiritually dry, overwhelmed, or simply longing to connect more deeply with God, this Online Oasis will offer rest, renewal, and practical ways to pray when words are hard to find. AND we will actually pray! REGISTER HERE to join us on Wednesday, June 11, from 12:00–1:30 CST for this bit of respite in the middle of your day. Are you interested in learning more about Haven, our newest community offering from the Transforming Center? Haven is a community that meets alternately online and in person to create space for leaders to forge a stronger connection between their souls and their leadership. Each gathering (online and in-person) offers spiritual practices that increasingly open us to God over time. This new 18-month community experience will provide more intentional opportunities to engage with a diverse community of believers who are united around Christ. Learn more about dates and how to apply! Support the podcast! Patrons receive special bonus episodes that explore the season's content more deeply. Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!     The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders.  Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self! Learn more and apply HERE.   *this post contains affiliate links