What actually creates a peaceful life? In this teaching on Psalm 15, John Ortberg explores the ancient biblical vision of an “unshakable” life — a life rooted in goodness, grace, truth, and the presence of God. Psalm 15 asks: “Who may dwell on your holy mountain?” The answer turns out to be both beautiful and deeply challenging. Along the way, John reflects on: Why peace is more than a feeling The connection between character and stability Gossip, envy, greed, ego, and emotional formation Positi...
May 15, 2026•13 min
What’s the one thing that would make today a good day? Psalm 16 says it’s simpler—and deeper—than you think. In this teaching, John Ortberg walks through Psalm 16 and introduces a powerful idea: your life-scape—the inner world where your thoughts, desires, and attention live. Most of us drift through our days reacting to whatever comes. But Psalm 16 invites us to something different: “I have set the Lord always before me.” In this episode, you’ll learn: - What shapes your inner life (your “life-...
May 14, 2026•14 min
Ever feel stuck in your thoughts… and don’t know how to pray? Here’s a simple, practical method that actually works. In this teaching, John Ortberg walks through a powerful and practical way to pray your emotions using Psalm 57. Adapted from psychological insights and grounded in Scripture, this ABCD prayer method helps you move from anxiety and rumination to clarity, trust, and peace. You’ll learn how to: - Identify what’s actually triggering you - Name the beliefs driving your emotions - Under...
May 13, 2026•13 min
What do you do with anger you can’t let go of? What if the Bible actually teaches you how to pray it? In Part 3 of this conversation, John Ortberg and Rankin Wilbourne tackle one of the most difficult emotions we face: anger. Psalm 109 is one of the most shocking passages in Scripture—full of raw, unfiltered anger. So why is it in the Bible? In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why denying anger isn’t spiritual maturity - How the Psalms give you permission to be honest with God - What it looks like ...
May 12, 2026•17 min
What if the pain you’re avoiding is actually the path to healing? And what if God already gave you the words for it? In Part 2 of this conversation, John Ortberg and Rankin Wilbourne explore one of the most overlooked practices in the Christian life: lament. If the Psalms are the prayer book of God’s people, why are so many of them… sad? And why do we avoid praying that way? You’ll discover: - Why lament is essential (not optional) in spiritual life - How lament becomes a bridge between pain and...
May 11, 2026•14 min
Most people don’t know how to pray their emotions… even after years of faith. What if the Psalms were meant to teach you how? In this conversation, John Ortberg sits down with author and pastor Rankin Wilbourne to explore a life-changing idea: learning to pray your emotions. Many of us either suppress our feelings or let them control us—but the Psalms offer a better way. They give us language, permission, and structure to bring our real selves before God. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why mos...
May 08, 2026•16 min
How long can you carry something before it breaks you? And what do you do when God feels… silent? In this teaching on Psalm 13, John Ortberg walks us through one of the most honest prayers in Scripture: “How long, O Lord?” When pain lingers, when answers don’t come, and when God feels distant, we face a choice. We can grumble—turning inward in bitterness and withdrawal—or we can groan—bringing our pain honestly before God. This Psalm shows us how to lament in a way that leads somewhere. Not by d...
May 07, 2026•14 min
Everyone’s talking about mindfulness… but what if we’ve missed the most important part? What if the key isn’t your mind being focused—but God’s mind being focused on you? In this teaching on Psalm 8, John Ortberg explores a deeper kind of mindfulness—one that begins not with your attention, but with God’s. While we often struggle with distraction, anxiety, and rumination, Psalm 8 reveals something surprising: God is fully, constantly mindful of you. His attention never drifts. His care never wav...
May 06, 2026•14 min
We live in a world obsessed with predicting the future… and terrified of it. So how do you actually live when everything feels uncertain? In this teaching on Psalm 3, John Ortberg explores one of the most universal human struggles: uncertainty. We don’t know what’s coming next—and instead of trusting God, we often try to control, predict, or even “gamble” on the future. But Psalm 3 offers a different way. It begins in fear and pressure—real enemies, real anxiety—and moves toward trust, surrender...
May 05, 2026•14 min
What if your life is already headed in a direction… and you didn’t choose it? Psalm 1 says there are only two ways to live and only one leads to flourishing. In this opening teaching of a new series on the Psalms, John Ortberg invites us into one of the most important questions we can ask: What is my way of life leading to? Psalm 1 describes a person who is “blessed”—not just happy, but deeply rooted, steady, and flourishing. And it contrasts that life with another path we can slowly drift into ...
May 04, 2026•14 min
Did you enjoy this teaching on Forgiveness? Download the free print and go study guide to experience the journey in its fullness: becomenew.com/study-guides Is reconciliation really possible… after betrayal? In one of the most powerful stories in the Bible, we see the answer: yes—but it’s complicated. In today’s teaching, we walk through the story of Joseph and his brothers—a story filled with jealousy, betrayal, suffering, and ultimately… forgiveness and reconciliation. This is not a neat or ea...
May 01, 2026•14 min
What is forgiveness… really? And what if most of us have been getting it wrong? In today’s teaching, we define forgiveness in a clear and powerful way: replacing ill will with goodwill. But that raises big questions—Does forgiveness excuse wrongdoing? Does it ignore justice? Should we forgive everything? Drawing from Scripture, real-world examples, and the work of Everett Worthington, this message untangles the confusion and reveals a deeper, stronger, more honest vision of forgiveness. Because ...
Apr 30, 2026•13 min
Most of us think unforgiveness is something we choose. But what if it’s actually something that slowly grows inside of us… without us even realizing it? In today’s teaching, we explore the road to NOT forgiving—how small hurts turn into resentment, how rumination fuels bitterness, and how unforgiveness quietly takes hold of your heart. Drawing from Scripture, personal reflection, and the research of Everett Worthington, this message exposes the hidden patterns that keep us stuck—and offers hope ...
Apr 29, 2026•14 min
What does it take to forgive the unforgivable? In this powerful conversation, Everett Worthington shares his personal story of facing unimaginable loss—and the journey toward forgiveness that followed. Blending deep emotional honesty with practical wisdom, this teaching explores the darkness of the human heart, the reality of anger and rage, and the surprising path that leads to healing. You’ll discover why forgiveness is not about excusing harm, but about transforming your own heart—and how eve...
Apr 28, 2026•13 min
Forgiveness sounds simple… until you actually have to do it. In today’s teaching, we begin a powerful journey into forgiveness—not as a vague idea, but as a real, practical process that leads to healing and freedom. Because the truth is: we all carry wounds… and we all need to forgive. Drawing from Scripture, the teachings of Everett Worthington, and real-life experience, this message introduces a proven pathway to forgiveness—one that is honest, challenging, and deeply transformative. Because f...
Apr 27, 2026•13 min
Did you enjoy this teaching? We have a free study guide on this entire series if you'd like to walk through it with a friend or small group! Just download, print and go! Get it here... Becomenew.com/study-guides Submission. Just hearing that word can feel… uncomfortable. In a culture that prizes independence, autonomy, and “doing life your way,” the idea of submitting to someone else can sound outdated—or even dangerous. But what if submission, rightly understood, is actually a pathway to freedo...
Apr 24, 2026•13 min
What if the thing you most want to hide… is the very thing keeping you stuck? In today’s teaching, we explore the powerful (and often avoided) spiritual practice of confession—the act of telling the truth about your life to God and to a trusted person. It may feel uncomfortable, even painful, but it might also be the key to real freedom. Drawing from Scripture, the wisdom of Dallas Willard, and insights from recovery communities like AA, this message shows how confession breaks the cycle of sham...
Apr 23, 2026•13 min
What if worship isn’t just something you do at church… but something that could transform your entire life? In today’s teaching, we explore the true meaning of worship—not as music or a moment, but as a way of seeing and responding to the goodness, beauty, and greatness of God in everyday life. Drawing from Scripture, the wisdom of Dallas Willard, and even the simple joy of things like coffee and nature, this message shows how worship awakens awe, restores your heart, and reconnects your life to...
Apr 22, 2026•14 min
What if the reason you feel anxious, exhausted, or constantly “on”… is because you’re living for other people’s approval? In today’s teaching, we explore the powerful and often overlooked spiritual discipline of secrecy—doing good without anyone knowing. It sounds simple… but it might be one of the hardest things you’ll ever try. Drawing from the teachings of Dallas Willard and the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, this message reveals how secrecy frees you from approval addiction, comp...
Apr 21, 2026•13 min
Silence might be the most uncomfortable… and most transformative… practice in your life. In a world filled with constant noise, distraction, and the pressure to always say something, the discipline of silence feels almost impossible. But what if silence is actually the doorway to peace, trust, and deeper connection with God? In this teaching, we explore why silence matters, how it reshapes your inner life, and why learning not to speak can bring surprising freedom. Drawing from the wisdom of Dal...
Apr 20, 2026•11 min
Enjoying these teachings on CHARACTER? Get the Free Study Guide: BecomeNew.com/study-guides - Download, print, and go! Is life actually fair? It’s a question we all wrestle with—at home, at work, in culture, and deep in our own stories. But what if fairness isn’t just something we demand… what if it’s something we’re called to become? In today’s teaching, we explore the biblical vision of fairness and justice, tracing a powerful theme throughout Scripture: God does not show favoritism. From Cain...
Apr 17, 2026•14 min
Why is self-control so hard? You’re not alone. Research shows that among all character strengths, self-control ranks dead last in how people rate themselves. But what if the problem isn’t just your willpower… what if it’s how you’re using it? In this teaching, we explore the deeper truth behind self-control—why willpower gets depleted, how habits shape your life, and why “white-knuckling it” isn’t the solution. Drawing from Scripture, psychology, and spiritual wisdom, you’ll discover a surprisin...
Apr 16, 2026•14 min
Most of us think we’re pretty good at reading people. Research says… we’re not. In today’s teaching, we explore the powerful and often overlooked skill of social intelligence, the ability to understand your own emotions and accurately read what’s happening in others. From facial expressions to tone of voice to body language, this skill shapes every relationship you have. Through biblical insight (including the story of Joseph), practical exercises, and a powerful reflection practice, you’ll lear...
Apr 15, 2026•14 min
Life doesn’t always give you the path you would choose... There’s a race set before you, shaped by your circumstances, your story, and the challenges you didn’t ask for. The question isn’t whether you chose it… the question is: will you run it with perseverance? In this powerful teaching, we explore what it really means to persevere—not just through willpower, but through purpose. Drawing from Scripture, philosophy, and real-life stories of suffering and resilience, this message shows how persev...
Apr 14, 2026•13 min
What if the key to real character growth isn’t fixing your weaknesses… but fully living into your strengths? In today’s teaching, Dr. John Ortberg explores the idea of signature character strengths — those unique qualities God has wired into you that, when used intentionally, can transform your life and the lives of others. Drawing from research in positive psychology and the example of Barnabas, the “son of encouragement,” this message invites you to discover how you’re uniquely designed to gro...
Apr 13, 2026•12 min
Tell us what you thought of NO CONDEMNATION: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NYQZHPD Here's what's coming up... 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 - We have a new phone number! 51504 If you subscribe to our texts you'll start hearing from us at 51504 soon - FormationPodcast.com launches April 22nd We will continue with the daily 10 minute teachings here - Formation Newsletter and Podcast are a new offering. - New Study Guides coming your way...stay tuned No Condemnation, Character, Home, Forgiveness...in the works - N...
Apr 11, 2026•8 min
Take the No Condemnation Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NYQZHPD What if the biggest problem was never “them”… but what happens in us? In this final episode of the No Condemnation series, John brings us to a powerful turning point in Romans 1–2. Paul builds a case against “them” — their sin, their failure, their corruption — until the reader is fully on board. And then he turns it: “You, therefore, have no excuse—you who pass judgment…” In this episode, you’ll learn: the difference betwee...
Apr 10, 2026•14 min
What makes the cross of Jesus different from every other story of sacrifice? In this episode, John explores the idea of scapegoating through the work of René Girard and how human societies have always dealt with conflict the same way: by finding someone to blame. We find ourselves at the cross. The cross of Jesus changes everything. For the first time, the scapegoat is truly innocent and instead of justifying the system, the cross exposes it. You’ll learn: why humans instinctively assign blame h...
Apr 09, 2026•13 min
Why doesn’t shaming actually work? In this episode, Dr. John Ortberg explores two powerful reasons why condemnation and public shaming often backfire and what they do to both the person being judged and the one doing the judging. Drawing from The Scarlet Letter, John shows: - why we never truly know someone else’s story - how shame distorts both identity and relationships - why condemnation corrodes the soul of the one who carries it - how modern culture reinforces division and estrangement - wh...
Apr 08, 2026•14 min
What if the biggest problem isn’t “out there”… but is actually within? In this episode, John speaks directly to a familiar figure, “Uncle Billy," the person whose words are harsh, sarcastic, and condemning. Everyone knows an "Uncle Billy." But then he turns the question back on each one of us. Drawing from Ephesians 4 and the words of Jesus, John explores: - why condemnation often disguises itself as righteousness - how outrage and sarcasm shape our hearts - what the Bible really means by “unwho...
Apr 07, 2026•13 min
