Podcast appearances and mentions of John Ortberg

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

John Ortberg, a well-known author and pastor, joined Lantz Howard on the Whole Hearted Leadership podcast to discuss personal growth, spiritual journeys, and the importance of meaningful relationships. They explored topics such as mentorship, character formation, and the significance of the 12-step program in personal transformation and spiritual growth. The conversation also touched on the value of authenticity, vulnerability, and embracing life's challenges as opportunities for growth and deeper connection with God.Check out John's latest book:Steps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Will Power Isn't Enough--Empowering High Performers to Lead Wholeheartedlywww.lantzhoward.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

In this final episode of the series, John reflects on Jesus' invitation to carry peace even in the middle of life's messes. From a hilarious wedding gone off the rails to his own birthday steak getting swiped by the dog, he gently reminds us that while trouble is guaranteed, so is God's love. Blending Scripture, recovery wisdom, and everyday grace, he paints a picture of what it means to be chosen, held, and steady—no matter what comes.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

In this message, John speaks to those facing anxiety and heartbreak, urging them to “not let your heart be troubled,” because love—true, sacrificial love—is the only way to live with peace in a troubled world. Rooted in Jesus' command to “love one another as I have loved you,” John draws on Scripture, personal stories, and cultural references—from Inside Out and Saving Private Ryan to ancient Roman values—to show that the most transformative kind of love is the one that suffers willingly for others. Unlike Greco-Roman ideals that reserved sacrifice for the worthy, Jesus offers a love that dies for the unworthy, changing the meaning of suffering and friendship forever. Whether through a friend's call, a stranger's kindness, or Christ's death on the cross, we are invited to live in love and be shaped by it.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

Today's reflection from John centers on the theme of joy—not as fleeting pleasure or a product of desire, but as the deep, lasting joy that Jesus offers. Speaking on the eve of his crucifixion, Jesus emphasizes joy more than ever, urging his followers to remain in his love, trust God, and obey his command to love one another. Real joy, John explains, is often found not by pursuing it directly but by living in love, in connection, and in the presence of God. Drawing from Scripture, psychology, and personal stories, he reminds us that joy is a gift already at our door—not something to merely talk about, but something to live.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

In this message from John 15:9–10, we're invited to remain in God's love even when trouble hits. Drawing on James 1 and personal stories, the talk explores how challenges—like criticism, stress, or a flooded bathroom—can either cause us to resist and ruminate or become moments of spiritual growth if we welcome them as friends. Instead of stuffing emotions or avoiding discomfort, we're encouraged to abide with Jesus in the present moment, trusting that trials are a way to build endurance and deepen our character. The simple practice? When trouble hits, pause and say, “Welcome, friend.”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

John Ortberg invites us into a gentle, grounded reflection on Jesus' words from John 15:4–8 — “Abide in me.” It's not about trying harder or achieving more, but about learning to rest our minds and hearts in God's presence. John encourages us to let go of tension, notice where our thoughts dwell, and choose to place them in the love, peace, and life of Jesus. Fruitfulness, he says, begins on the inside — love, joy, peace, patience — and flows out from abiding, not from effort. With a quiet and humble image of the marsh hen building its nest on “the greatness of God,” John helps us see that we too can root ourselves in something steady and true, even in a messy or uncertain world. Today can be a quiet adventure in abiding.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

The word for today is: Pruning. In today's episode, John Ortberg invites us into a deep and honest reflection on what it means to live with an untroubled heart—even in a troubled world. Joined by Susie Lipps, he explores Jesus' words from John 15: “I am the true vine… and my Father is the gardener.” Together, they unpack the spiritual practice and painful beauty of pruning—how God lovingly cuts away what is unnecessary so we can bear real, lasting fruit. With wisdom from C.S. Lewis, Dale Bruner, and ancient voices like Irenaeus, this teaching reframes hardship, loss, and frustration as invitations to deeper growth. Whether it's traffic delays or soul-level disappointment, this episode will help you see where God may be shaping you through it all.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

In this honest and deeply thoughtful conversation, Susie Lipps and John Ortberg sit down to explore the real weight and meaning of Good Friday. They unpack the political pressure, religious tension, and personal cost surrounding Jesus' final hours — not just as a historical moment, but as a mirror to our own lives. With compassion and clarity, they challenge us to sit in the discomfort of the cross, to wrestle with why Jesus was really killed, and to see how this ancient story still confronts power, pride, and injustice today. If you've ever wondered what makes Good Friday truly “good,” this is a conversation you don't want to miss.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

In today's teaching, we reflect on Jesus' words, “Do not let your heart be troubled,” spoken even as he faced the ultimate darkness of the cross. Jesus warns of "the prince of this world" (the devil), emphasizing that evil, while real and deeply damaging, holds no power over him. Drawing from C.S. Lewis and psychiatrist Scott Peck, the talk explores how evil often hides behind lies and self-deception, yet remains parasitic on the good that God created. Even in the face of heartbreaking darkness and cruelty, Jesus' love for the Father and his obedience shine through, showing that God's goodness ultimately triumphs. No matter how deep the brokenness, we're invited to trust God and live with untroubled hearts.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

In a world full of troubles, Jesus offers not just any peace, but his peace—a soul-deep, unshakable assurance that transcends circumstances. Peace isn't found in perfect conditions but in trusting God's presence and sovereignty. Stories of courage, studies on happiness, and reflections on suffering all point to the same truth: we don't need a peaceful life to have a peace-filled heart. True peace grows when we stop resisting hardship, step into it with trust, and find God waiting for us there. Today's call is simple but brave: want what you've been avoiding, and find peace inside the struggle.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

Memory runs deeper than facts—it's how we stay rooted in faith, identity, and love. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as a living reminder, guiding us back to his words. From ancient genealogies to remembering cucumbers in Egypt, scripture shows how memory shapes desire, regret, and belonging. In moments of deep spiritual connection, like Jimmy in Oliver Sacks' account, memory transcends biology—soul and spirit align, and we remember who we truly are.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

Jesus tells us, “Don't let your heart be troubled,” and that message still hits hard today. We're invited to assess the peace in our hearts and the hopes we're holding onto—are they big enough, true enough, real enough? There's humor in a fake inheritance letter and a deep reflection on the life of Daniel Kahneman, but it all leads to this: real hope isn't found in money or even in philosophical strength—it's found in the resurrection. Jesus doesn't promise immortality of the soul like the Greeks did; he promises resurrection, real life after death, because he lives. So don't fake hope, and don't give up—just get back on the ladder, like Michelangelo, and trust that the hunger for hope exists because hope is real.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

Jesus invites us into an untroubled heart, not by avoiding life's chaos, but by walking with the Holy Spirit—our wise advocate. This Spirit brings peace, encouragement, and truth in a world full of deceptive brain messages. With a nod to neuroscience, we learn how the Holy Spirit helps us recognize patterns of fear and worry and instead leads us to five relational gifts: acceptance, affection, appreciation, attention, and allowing. We're reminded through the ancient Aaronic blessing that God's face shines on us, bringing deep affirmation and care. Today, lean into the truth and live with integrity, supported by your forever friend.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

The finale to our series, "The Art of Letting Go"

Jesus says, “If you love me, obey my commands,” and today's message unpacks how obedience isn't about lifeless rule-following—it's about living with a peaceful, untroubled heart. Even a dog like Baxter can show us something about trust and surrender. When we obey Jesus, not out of fear but out of love, we tap into a joy-filled life that aligns with what's truly good. Obedience is really about trust—it's trusting that Jesus is right about everything. It's not mechanical, it's relational, wholehearted, and deeply freeing. So today's challenge? Do one thing just because Jesus said so—and let that shape you into a more loving, calm, generous person.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

Jesus invites us to live with untroubled hearts in a troubled world by joining his mission of love, peace, and redemption. In John 14, he urges us to ask—ask God for help, strength, and wisdom—not just for our own gain but as part of his greater work. That promise to “ask in my name” comes with both hope and mystery, especially when prayers go unanswered. But Jesus himself, and others like Paul and Joseph, show us that sometimes the answers are “no” or “not yet.” Still, we're called to pray with faith, not as consumers chasing comfort, but as people shaped by love and purpose. So today's simple but bold challenge is this: ask God. He's listening.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

Jesus' journey through the Triduum—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—reminds us that in between death and resurrection is the silence of Saturday. While Friday is full of suffering and Sunday bursts with hope, Saturday is the day of waiting, uncertainty, and God's apparent absence. For Jesus' followers, it felt like failure and abandonment. Yet, even in the silence, God was at work. We all live in “Saturday” seasons—those in-between moments where despair and hope wrestle. In these times, we are invited not to deny or despair, but to wait on the Lord, trusting that our story, like Jesus', might just be a third-day story too.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

Jesus' death on Good Friday wasn't just a random event or some law-driven requirement—it was the intersection of political agendas, religious tension, and deep spiritual purpose. As he prepared to die, Jesus told his followers not to be troubled, because he knew what was coming. The world around him was full of messiah-hopefuls, violent revolts, and religious leaders trying to preserve power. Unlike others, Jesus refused to fight, withdraw, or compromise. He stood silent when it would have saved him and spoke only when it sealed his fate, showing that he was in control all along. From the garden to the cross, his choice to love, not retaliate, changed everything. This Friday isn't just about what happened—it's about who really held the power, and why Jesus laid his life down.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

Don't let your heart be troubled.

Jesus invites us into peace in the middle of a stirred-up world—not by avoiding trouble, but by trusting Him. The Greek word teraso paints a picture of our hearts like murky water, and Jesus offers clarity through stillness and connection. Science even shows our hearts beat in sync with others when we're close, a reminder of the deep relational design we're made for. Jesus, who embodies vulnerability as both God and man, calls us to recognize His presence in the weak, the overlooked, and the fragile—because peace isn't found in control but in surrender. Let your troubled heart rest in His love.Be sure to take the PRE-SERIES SURVEY here: https://bit.ly/UntroubledHeartBeforeJoin 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 deeply personal message, we're invited to reflect on the state of our hearts—how troubled or peaceful we feel—and to consider Jesus' words: “Don't let your hearts be troubled.” Speaking from the edge of the Pacific Ocean, John draws a powerful contrast between the noise and stress of daily life and the inner peace that Jesus offers—not through distraction or perfect circumstances, but through His presence. Through stories of Thomas' doubt, Jesus' promise of home with the Father, and our desire for certainty, we're reminded that we aren't given a map—we're given a guide. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and we already know enough to follow Him today. So when trouble rises, we pause, listen, and choose to do the next right thing with Him.Be sure to take the PRE-SERIES SURVEY here: https://bit.ly/UntroubledHeartBeforeJoin 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

The tension between our need for transformation and our inability to make it happen can leave us feeling helpless. Thankfully change doesn't happen as a result of our own strength. It's through acknowledging our weakness that we develop a greater dependency on God's revolutionary love, care, and power.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi chat with John Ortberg — pastor, speaker, and author of a new book called Steps: Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn't Enough. Their conversation will awaken you to the power of walking out your brokenness with Jesus and others in deep vulnerability and humility. You'll find freedom by learning to live with an attitude that says, "I can't, but God can…I think I'll let him!"Resources for this Episode:Get Your Copy of Steps: Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn't EnoughLearn More About John's Ministry called Become NewMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual Director

Welcome to something new!As we take a break from our regular devo series, we are offering a trip into archives and sharing a collection of some of our most meaningful messages designed to encourage and guide you in your daily devotion with Jesus. So, feel free to engage in a way that speaks to you whether through journaling, prayer, or sharing with a friend. Join in and keep growing!This episode was originally released October 15th, 2023 during A JOURNEY OF FORGIVENESS. To access the entire series visit: BecomeNew.com/library

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.STEPS, John's new book is out now! Check it out wherever books are sold

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.STEPS, John's new book is out now! Check it out wherever books are sold

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.STEPS, John's new book is out now! Check it out wherever books are sold

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.STEPS, John's new book is out now! Check it out wherever books are sold

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.STEPS, John's new book is out now! Check it out wherever books are sold

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.STEPS, John's new book is out now! Check it out wherever books are sold

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.STEPS, John's new book is out now! Check it out wherever books are sold

Learn more about The Promise and Power of Easter here. We can hardly believe we've come to the end of this series called the Theology of Worship! I hope it's encouraged you as much as it's encouraged us. Sometimes I found myself white-knuckling it in order to hang onto love, joy, peace and hope during all the public discord and rancor of 2024, so it's been really lovely to start out 2025 with this deep dive into worship. It's been like an oasis, where much like the woman at the well I've encountered Living Water and have experienced renewal that I wasn't even aware my heart was yearning for until it found me. Modern theologian John Ortberg wisely said, “I need to worship because without it I lose a sense of wonder and gratitude and plod through life with blinders on.” We're wrapping up this series with a super special bow because Jeremy and Adie Camp let Alli and me twist their arms and they've come back to help us seal that sense of wonder and gratitude that comes with being a fully devoted worshipper of Jesus Christ. So please grab a cup of coffee, your Bible, a journal and make sure you're wearing your comfy pants because today's going to be like a spiritual spa day for your heart. Thanks so much for pulling a chair up to the porch with us, we're glad you're here.

What can we all glean from the 12 Steps? John Ortberg and I share an insightful conversation about the transformative power of the 12 steps for everyone. John, an Enneagram 3, begins by sharing his unique insights into the Enneagram and how it intersects with the journey of personal growth and spiritual development. Then, we dig into the 12 steps as a way of living. In this episode, you'll discover: The significance of the 12 steps as a design for living that can benefit everyone, not just those struggling with addiction. John's personal experiences with the Enneagram and how it has shaped his understanding of himself and his relationships. The relationship between willpower and grace, and how surrendering to a higher power can lead to profound transformation. The importance of community and fellowship in the journey of recovery and spiritual growth. Whether you're familiar with the 12 steps or new to the concept, this conversation promises to offer valuable insights that can revolutionize your life. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the depths of human experience and the path to deeper intimacy with God. For deeper exploration, grab a copy of: Ian Cron's "The Fix: How the Twelve Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation for the Well-Adjusted, the Down-and-Out, and Everyone In Between." John Ortberg's "STEPS: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn't Enough" Subscribe for more episodes that delve into the Enneagram, personal growth, and spiritual transformation!   Sponsors: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online therapy.  Visit https://betterhelp.com/typologypodcast.