Today, John explores the surprising timing of gratitude. When does gratitude matter the most? When something good happens? When life goes right? Scripture gives a very different answer.

Drawing from Paul’s words in Philippians 4 and 1 Thessalonians 5—and powerful reflections from Karl Barth, Kate Bowler, and the Psalms—John shows why the key moment for gratitude is right now, no matter your circumstances. Not because everything is good, but because God is God in this moment.

You’ll hear stories of protest, lament, trust, and hope… and you’ll be invited into a brief practice of giving thanks for the small, often overlooked blessings of ordinary life. This one will encourage you and steady your soul. Welcome to Become New.

💡 Practice gratitude this week with us.
🙌 New episodes every weekday.
📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time.

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.
TEXT US at 855-888-0444
EMAIL US at [email protected]

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

😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/
🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

Music: One Perfect Sunset by Tony Anderson; 1993 by Tony Anderson
Music License: MB013I5RW5UWW1C; MB01NORRTWNN44Y

In this episode of Thank God You’re Here, John Ortberg invites us to walk through a cemetery—not to be morbid, but to rediscover what matters most. Drawing from Gratitude by Cornelius Plantinga and the Christian tradition of memento mori, we explore how contemplating death doesn’t crush us—it clarifies us. When we face the brevity of life, we’re freed to truly live it. You’ll walk away from this episode with renewed perspective, a soul-level appreciation for life’s daily gifts, and the gentle nudge to live with more gratitude, starting now.

💡 Practice gratitude this week with us.
🙌 New episodes every weekday.
📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time.

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.
TEXT US at 855-888-0444
EMAIL US at [email protected]

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

😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/
🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

Music: One Perfect Sunset by Tony Anderson; 1993 by Tony Anderson
Music License: MB013I5RW5UWW1C; MB01NORRTWNN44Y

In this powerful episode, John shares the unforgettable story of Dr. Goodluck, a man born into extreme poverty in Tanzania whose life was transformed by a single act of generosity—a sponsorship through Compassion International. Today, Dr. Goodluck is a heart and brain surgeon who returned to serve at the very hospital where he nearly died as a child. His story will move you and challenge you. Because real gratitude doesn’t stop at “thank you”; it rolls up its sleeves and asks, “How can I join in?” Learn how Jesus sparked a revolution of generosity and how your gratitude can become someone else’s breakthrough. Freely you have received… now freely give.

🙏 Learn more at Compassion.com
💡 Practice gratitude this week with us.
🙌 New episodes every weekday.
📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time.

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.
TEXT US at 855-888-0444
EMAIL US at [email protected]

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

😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/
🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

Music: One Perfect Sunset by Tony Anderson; 1993 by Tony Anderson
Music License: MB013I5RW5UWW1C; MB01NORRTWNN44Y

Do you ever feel like you're supposed to be grateful… but you're just not feeling it? You’re not alone. In this episode, John Ortberg tackles what to do when gratitude doesn’t come naturally and offers a surprisingly powerful spiritual strategy: “Let’s pretend.”

But don’t worry — this isn’t fake it till you make it.
It’s: “Fake it till He remakes you.”

Rooted in the wisdom of C.S. Lewis, the Apostle Paul, and the ancient Hebrew practice of the thanksgiving sacrifice, this episode walks us through why aspiring to be grateful, even when we don’t feel it, is not inauthentic, but actually a deeply faithful act.

💡 Practice gratitude this week with us.
🙌 New episodes every weekday.
📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time.

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.
TEXT US at 855-888-0444
EMAIL US at [email protected]

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

😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/
🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

Music: One Perfect Sunset by Tony Anderson; 1993 by Tony Anderson
Music License: MB013I5RW5UWW1C; MB01NORRTWNN44Y

We all want to be more grateful, but how do we actually become that kind of person?

In this episode of Thank God You're Here, John Ortberg explores the profound truth that gratitude begins when we remember: we are not owed anything and yet we’ve been given everything. Drawing from Scripture, deep spiritual wisdom, and personal stories about mentors like Dallas Willard, John shows how practicing gratitude is more than a habit. It’s a whole way of being.

💡 Practice gratitude this week with us.
🙌 New episodes every weekday.
📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time.

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.
TEXT US at 855-888-0444
EMAIL US at [email protected]

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

😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/
🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

Music: One Perfect Sunset by Tony Anderson; 1993 by Tony Anderson
Music License: MB013I5RW5UWW1C; MB01NORRTWNN44Y

What if the key to deeper gratitude isn’t feeling more deserving but realizing you’re not? In this episode, John explores how a posture of humility can unlock a powerful sense of gratitude, joy, and connection to God. Drawing on stories from real life, Scripture, and thinkers like Dallas Willard and Ronald Rolheiser, we learn why everything we have is a gift… and how remembering that can change your life. Featuring 1 Corinthians 4:7 and the parable of the unworthy servant, this 10-minute devotional will help you shift from entitlement to awe and start living like grace is real.

💡 Practice gratitude this week with us.
🙌 New episodes every weekday.
📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time.

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.
TEXT US at 855-888-0444
EMAIL US at [email protected]

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

😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/
🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

Music: One Perfect Sunset by Tony Anderson
Music License: MB013I5RW5UWW1C

What does a sunflower know about your spiritual life? In this episode, John Ortberg reflects on how turning toward the light, just like sunflowers do, is the key to real spiritual growth. Drawing on Paul Tournier’s insights and powerful scripture like 1 John 1:5 (“God is light…”), we explore how to shift our inner posture toward God's presence even in darkness. Whether you're stuck in shame, busy with distractions, or just feeling dry this is an invitation to start again. The Kingdom of God is near. Turn. Grow. Flourish. 🌻

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.
TEXT US at 855-888-0444
EMAIL US at [email protected]

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

😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/
🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

What does it really mean to “seek first the kingdom of God”? In this message, John walks us through one of Jesus’ most famous teachings (Matthew 6:33) and unpacks how seeking the kingdom is not about adding another spiritual task to your to-do list, but about tuning your eyes and heart to the loving presence of God in everyday moments. Whether you're parenting young kids, navigating work stress, or just walking through a crowded airport, the kingdom is already near. Discover how to live with awareness, openness, and joy—right where you are. You’ll also hear a real-life story that perfectly illustrates how easily we can miss the presence of someone (or Someone) who loves us deeply. Join us as we learn how to live the Golden Rule life—rooted in abundance, not anxiety—and why asking, seeking, and knocking is the heartbeat of kingdom living.

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.
TEXT US at 855-888-0444
EMAIL US at [email protected]

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

😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/
🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

In this episode, John Ortberg explores the story of Raskolnikov from Crime and Punishment. A man whose pride and guilt nearly destroy him and how his journey mirrors our own. Through the lens of Scripture and soul-searching questions, we discover the dangerous trap of self-justification and the radical gift of grace. If you’ve ever felt crushed by your mistakes or isolated by your ego, this one’s for you.

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.
TEXT US at 855-888-0444
EMAIL US at [email protected]

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

😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/
🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

In today’s episode, John Ortberg explores one of the most surprising spiritual invitations Jesus offers: not try harder, but try softer. When your efforts lead to exhaustion, and faith feels forced, there’s another way. Learn what it means to walk with Jesus under the easy yoke, to trust the Spirit’s gentle power, and to release the illusion of control. You’ll hear stories, practical wisdom, and biblical truth from Matthew 11 and beyond. Take a breath, lean in, and discover how trying softer might change your life.

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.
TEXT US at 855-888-0444
EMAIL US at [email protected]

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

😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/
🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/