How should followers of Jesus love their country?

In this Independence Day reflection, John Ortberg explores Psalm 8, the Gettysburg Address, and the biblical foundation of human dignity.

Drawing from the writings of Abraham Lincoln, philosopher Nicholas Wolterstorff, and the opening chapters of Genesis, John explains why every human being possesses immeasurable worth—not because of what they achieve, but because they bear the image of God.

This episode explores:
- Psalm 8 and human dignity
- The image of God in every person
- Abraham Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address
- Biblical patriotism
- Why human rights matter
- Our ultimate citizenship in heaven

Scriptures:
- Psalm 8
- Genesis 1:26–28
- Philippians 3:20

#Psalm8 #JohnOrtberg #HumanDignity #BiblicalPatriotism #ImageOfGod #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #IndependenceDay #Genesis1 #Philippians3


📚 Today's Resources:
Garry Wills, Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words that Remade America 
Nicholas Wolterstorff, Justice: Rights and Wrongs 

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00:00 Happy Independence Day
00:42 Lincoln's Gettysburg Address
01:21 Why "Four Score and Seven"?
02:14 All People Are Created Equal
03:06 A Nation Dedicated to a Proposition
04:00 What Biblical Patriotism Looks Like
04:46 The Gettysburg Address in 272 Words
05:47 A New Birth of Freedom
06:32 Psalm 8 & Human Dignity
06:57 Created in the Image of God
07:52 Bestowed Worth Explained
08:33 The Danger of Dehumanizing Others
09:39 Where Human Rights Come From
10:09 Treat People According to Their Worth
11:11 Our Citizenship Is in Heaven
11:59 See Its Truth. Will Its Good.
12:34 God So Loved the World

What does it actually mean to fear God?

In this reflection on Psalm 130, John Ortberg shares from a reunion with lifelong friends and explores one of Scripture's most misunderstood ideas.

Why does the psalm say:

"With You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared"?

Drawing on the wisdom of Thomas Aquinas, John explains the difference between fearing punishment and revering someone you deeply love.

This episode explores:
- Psalm 130 and crying out from the depths
- God's forgiveness and unfailing love
- Servile fear versus filial fear
- Waiting for the Lord with hope
- Lifelong friendships and spiritual formation
- Becoming the kind of person who honors God through love

Scriptures:
- Psalm 130

#Psalm130 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #FearOfTheLord #Forgiveness #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Psalms #Grace



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00:00 Fifty Years of Friendship
00:28 Learning to Pour Out Our Hearts
00:59 Psalm 130 Begins
01:37 Out of the Depths I Cry
02:21 Hear My Cry for Mercy
02:32 If You Kept a Record of Sins
03:17 With You There Is Forgiveness
03:46 Why Forgiveness Leads to Fear
04:09 Thomas Aquinas on Two Kinds of Fear
04:55 Servile Fear vs. Filial Fear
05:24 Teachers Who Shape a Lifetime
06:26 Living Up to the Calling
07:18 Waiting for the Lord
07:47 More Than Watchmen Wait for Morning
08:16 Full Redemption
08:55 Becoming a Blessing to God

Would you welcome a loving rebuke?

In this reflection on Psalm 141, John Ortberg explores one of the most surprising prayers in Scripture:

"Let a righteous person strike me—that is a kindness."

Why would anyone ask to be corrected?

Through stories from the life of Winston Churchill, personal reflections, and the wisdom of the Psalms, John shows how humility and honest feedback can become powerful tools for spiritual growth.

This episode explores:
- Psalm 141 and guarding our words
- Why rebuke can be a gift
- The importance of trusted friends
- Winston and Clementine Churchill
- Defensiveness versus teachability
- Learning to welcome correction with gratitude

Scriptures:
- Psalm 141

#Psalm141 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #Humility #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Psalms #Growth #Wisdom


📚 Today's Resources:
William Manchester and Paul Reid, The Last Lion: William Spencer Churchill 


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00:00 What Do You Need Today?
00:36 Psalm 141 & Crying Out to God
00:57 Prayer Like Incense
01:26 The Posture of Prayer
01:36 Set a Guard Over My Mouth
02:10 Guarding the Heart, Not Just the Lips
03:01 Don't Feed the Wrong Desires
03:21 "Let a Righteous Person Strike Me"
03:52 Rebuke as Kindness
04:43 Who Can Tell You the Truth?
05:09 Winston Churchill's Sharp Tongue
06:11 Clementine's Courageous Letter
07:16 John's Regret About Defensiveness
08:39 Calling Dr. Rick for Honest Feedback
09:23 Holding Up a Mirror
10:14 The Mirror Every Soul Needs
10:33 Invite the Gift of Correction

Can you actually grow better with age?

In this reflection on Psalm 92, John Ortberg is joined by his wife, Nancy Ortberg, for a warm and thoughtful conversation about lifelong spiritual growth.

Together they explore the psalm's remarkable promise:

"They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green."

From stories of nursing patients to reflections on curiosity, hospitality, and John's grandmother Gladys, this episode offers a hopeful vision of aging with joy, purpose, and enduring vitality.

This episode explores:
- Psalm 92 and flourishing in old age
- Staying spiritually fresh and curious
- Abraham and Isaac with fresh perspective
- The generosity of God in the parable of the sower
- Hospitality, gratitude, and living in the present
- Becoming the kind of person others long to emulate

Scriptures:
- Psalm 92:12–15
- Genesis 22
- The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13; Mark 4; Luke 8)

#Psalm92 #JohnOrtberg #NancyOrtbergTurner #SpiritualFormation #AgingWell #HumanFlourishing #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #Psalms #KeepGrowing


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00:00 Learning to Pour Out Your Heart
00:27 Why Nancy Loves the Psalms
01:32 Psalm 92 & Flourishing in Old Age
02:03 Lessons From Nursing Patients
02:49 They Will Stay Fresh and Green
03:18 Spring Green Growth Explained
04:00 Staying Curious About God
04:20 Abraham, Isaac & God's Character
05:09 The Parable of the Sower Revisited
05:56 Gladys: A Model of Aging Well
06:34 Living Fully in the Present
07:19 When the World Gets Smaller
07:54 They Will Still Bear Fruit
08:26 Human Flourishing & God's Promise
08:48 Be the Kind of Person Others Want to Become

How does God actually guide His people?

In this reflection on Psalm 32, John Ortberg explores one of Scripture's most comforting promises:

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go."

Drawing on insights from Dallas Willard and the story of Peter in the book of Acts, John explains the difference between mechanical control and personal guidance—and why God desires relationship more than coercion.

This episode explores:
- Psalm 32 and God's guidance
- Mechanical vs. personal guidance
- Learning to recognize God's voice
- The Holy Spirit and spiritual discernment
- Peter's vision in Acts 10
- Why discovered truth often changes us more than presented truth

Scriptures:
- Psalm 32
- Acts 10

#Psalm32 #JohnOrtberg #DallasWillard #Guidance #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #HolySpirit #Discernment


📚 Today's Resources:
Dallas Willard, Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God 
George MacDonald, Thomas Wingfold, Curate 
Gary Wills, Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words that Remade America


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00:00 Learning to Be Guided by God
00:53 Psalm 32 & Forgiveness
01:57 Oliver Cromwell's Humility Challenge
02:44 "I Will Instruct You"
03:11 Mechanical vs. Personal Guidance
04:11 How God Leads His People
05:16 Don't Be Like a Horse or Mule
05:59 Asking, "Is This Thought From God?"
06:20 The Holy Spirit Works Through Wondering
07:04 Peter's Vision & Cornelius
08:08 Truth Presented vs. Truth Discovered
09:00 Why Wrestling Deepens Faith
09:59 John's Grandfather's Poem: Retrospect
11:18 "I Think I'll Be a Boy Again"

What if the key to gratitude is realizing that none of us is self-made?

In this reflection on Psalm 136, John Ortberg explores the repeated refrain:

"His love endures forever."

Through a powerful exercise inspired by philosopher Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung, John invites us to trace the hidden network of people and gifts behind the things we enjoy every day—and ultimately back to God Himself.

This episode explores:
- Psalm 136 and enduring love
- Gratitude as a way of life
- The myth of self-sufficiency
- Celebrating dependence rather than independence
- The web of generosity behind everyday gifts
- Becoming a more grateful and generous person

Scriptures:
- Psalm 136

#Psalm136 #JohnOrtberg #Gratitude #Thankfulness #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Dependence #GodsLove


📚 Today's Resources:
Kent Dunnington (foreword by Rebecca Konydyk DeYoung), Gratitude to God: The Heart of Christian Formation

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00:00 Give Thanks to the Lord
00:37 His Love Endures Forever
01:28 Gratitude as a Way of Life
02:17 Rebecca DeYoung's Dependence Exercise
03:03 Celebrating Dependence, Not Independence
03:49 Choose One Thing You Enjoy
04:34 The Story Behind a Cup of Coffee
04:58 The Baby Grand Piano Illustration
05:47 Standing on the Shoulders of Gift-Givers
06:35 A Story of Interlocking Indebtedness
07:26 Gratitude as a Way of Inhabiting the World
07:53 Who Made This Gift Possible?
08:43 Thank You for This Moment
09:16 Every Breath Is a Gift
09:36 Give Thanks to the Lord

How do you process painful emotions without letting them control your life?

In this conversation on Psalm 30, John Ortberg sits down with counselor and friend Rick Blackmon to explore one of the most practical lessons in the Psalms:
Own your emotions—but don't enthrone them.

Together they discuss anxiety, grief, anger, praise, humor, counseling, and the hope found in God's presence.

This episode explores:
- Psalm 30 and emotional healing
- The journey from the pit to praise
- Why naming emotions helps
- "What you name, you can tame"
- Welcoming rather than suppressing difficult feelings
- Building a trusted support team
- The promise that weeping does not last forever

Scriptures:
- Psalm 30
- Galatians 6:2

#Psalm30 #JohnOrtberg #RickBlackmon #Prayer #EmotionalHealth #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Psalms #MentalHealth


🙌 New episodes every weekday.
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Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF


00:00 Learning From the Psalms
01:21 The Therapy Room of the Old Testament
02:02 Own Your Emotions, Don't Enthrone Them
03:20 Praying Psalm 30 Together
04:39 From the Pit to Praise
05:33 Turning Pain Into Praise
06:17 Leaning Into God's Presence
07:08 Looking Through the Window
08:19 What You Name, You Can Tame
09:23 Journaling & Trusted Friends
10:09 Welcome Your Emotions
11:01 Weeping May Last for a Night
12:08 Humor as a Spiritual Practice
12:44 When Medication Can Help
13:02 Schedule Your Worry
14:22 Let Joy Have the Weekend
14:54 Build Your Team
16:00 Joy Comes in the Morning

How do you become a grateful person?

In this reflection on Psalm 103, John Ortberg explores one of the great themes of spiritual life: gratitude.

At the center of Psalm 103 is a simple command:
"Forget not all His benefits."

Drawing from philosopher Robert C. Roberts and the rich imagery of the Psalm itself, John explores why gratitude grows through remembering and why forgetting often leads to entitlement.

This episode explores:
- Psalm 103 and gratitude
- The meaning of the soul
- The logic of gratitude
- God's forgiveness and compassion
- Remembering God's benefits
- Gratitude as a spiritual practice

Scriptures:
- Psalm 103
- Luke 7
- Deuteronomy 6
- Leviticus 19

#Psalm103 #JohnOrtberg #Gratitude #Thankfulness #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Psalms #Soul


📚 Today's Resources:
Robert C. Roberts’ essay: The Blessings of Gratitude: A Conceptual Analysis, published in the edited volume The Psychology of Gratitude (2004)

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00:00 Gratitude & Psalm 103
00:25 Bless the Lord, O My Soul
00:52 What Is the Soul?
01:37 The Hokey Pokey of Gratitude
02:17 Put Your Whole Self In
02:48 Forget Not His Benefits
03:44 The Logic of Gratitude
04:23 Benefit, Beneficiary & Benefactor
04:55 Why Gratitude Needs God
05:19 Forgiven Much, Loves Much
06:05 God's Benefits to You
06:39 Renewed Like the Eagles
07:32 God Made His Ways Known
08:16 Compassion, Grace & Mercy
09:01 As Far as East Is From West
09:33 A Father's Compassion
10:24 He Remembers We Are Dust
10:53 Every Breath Is a Gift
11:15 Gratitude vs. Entitlement
11:28 Bless the Lord

Do you ever struggle with doubt?

In this teaching on Psalm 91, John Ortberg explores faith, trust, doubt, works, and what it really means to believe.

Drawing heavily from the teachings of Dallas Willard, John introduces a powerful framework for understanding belief and asks a challenging question:

What do your actions reveal that you actually trust?

This episode explores:
- Psalm 91 and trusting God
- Three different kinds of belief
- The relationship between faith and works
- Dallas Willard's concept of a mental map
- Peter's denial of Jesus
- What saving faith really means
- How trust grows through practice

Scriptures:
- Psalm 91
- James 2
- Matthew 25
- John 7

#Psalm91 #JohnOrtberg #Faith #TrustGod #DallasWillard #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Psalms #SavingFaith


📚 Today's Resources:
Dallas Willard, Life Without Lack: Living in the Fullness of Psalm 23 

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00:00 Do You Ever Wrestle With Doubt?
00:31 Psalm 91 & Trusting God
01:31 Three Kinds of Belief
02:49 Beliefs We Profess
03:51 Beliefs We Think We Believe
04:47 Peter's False Confidence
05:41 Dallas Willard on What Belief Really Is
06:25 Your Wallet Reveals Your Beliefs
06:40 The Mental Map That Guides Your Life
07:33 Trusting a Chair & Trusting Gravity
08:13 Jesus' Mental Map of Reality
08:36 Why You Don't Have to Be Anxious
08:58 What Saving Faith Really Means
09:48 Faith and Works Belong Together
10:45 Living in Jesus' Reality
11:03 How Faith Grows
11:25 Do One Thing Jesus Said To Do
11:55 Trust in God

What if one of the greatest acts of love is simply paying attention?

In this reflection on Psalm 8, John Ortberg and Laura Turner explore wonder, attentiveness, and the surprising connection between love and noticing.

Drawing on insights from Marilynne Robinson, the film Lady Bird, and the writings of Simone Weil, they invite us to slow down and rediscover God's presence in the ordinary.

This episode explores:
- Psalm 8 and the wonder of creation
- Why attention is an expression of love
- Learning to pray with a wandering mind
- The beauty hidden in everyday life
- Seeing people as image-bearers of God
- Waking up to God's presence

Scriptures:
- Psalm 8

#Psalm8 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #Attention #Wonder #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #MarilynneRobinson #SimoneWeil


📚 Today's Resources:
Marilynne Robinson, The Death of Adam: Essays on Modern Thought 

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00:00 Pay Attention
00:38 Learning to Pray Honestly
01:18 Marilynne Robinson & Psalm 8
02:25 The Work of God's Fingers
03:12 What Is Man That You Are Mindful of Him?
04:05 Lady Bird and the Meaning of Love
05:48 "Love and Attention Are the Same Thing"
06:43 Simone Weil on Attention as Prayer
07:39 The Miracle Right in Front of Us
08:25 Why People Are So Fascinating
09:20 When Your Mind Wanders in Prayer
10:03 Returning With Compassion
10:29 Wake Up and Pay Attention