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.

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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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Jesus offers a deep, intimate promise: if we love him and obey his teaching, he and the Father will make their home in us. That’s not just poetic—it’s personal. This message, paired with Paul’s reflections on contentment and Neil Warren’s metaphor of the control booth, paints a picture of inner peace that’s both spiritual and practical. We all stand in the middle of complex inputs—emotions, memories, people, culture—and need wisdom to choose well. But in that mix, Jesus offers strength, presence, and peace that doesn't shift with circumstances.


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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.

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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.

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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

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