John Piippo: July 2021

Someone (again!) asked me, "John, how do I grow spiritually?" I love that question. Here is my answer.

I have been a follower of Jesus for fifty-one years. (!!!)

I have also been in a small group (aka a "home group"; a "cell group") for every one of those years. For fifty-one years!

I see being in a small group that meets weekly or bi-weekly as essential to my Christian growth. Linda and I will never not be part of a small group.

Here is my spiritual growth trajectory.

1. I meet with God, alone, regularly. This is often called "devotional time."

2. Linda and I meet weekly with a small group of Jesus-followers.

3. Linda and I never miss Sunday mornings and other gatherings. We have always taken Hebrews 10:25 literally - Do not neglect meeting together, as some have..."

It looks like this!

7:30 AM. I begin this day slow.

I read Scripture. This morning I am reading from Romans 4. I don't read fast. I stop a lot. I pause, and ponder. I listen to God's voice.

Then, from Proverbs. I'm re-meditating on Proverbs. I've done Proverbs many times. This morning, I'm starting over. Because, I need wisdom. Not from earthbound people. But from God. Transcending wisdom.

Within these sayings will be found

the revelation of wisdom

and the impartation of spiritual understanding.

Use them as keys

to unlock the treasures of true knowledge.

Proverbs 1:2 (Passion Translation)

I study Scripture, and I meditate on Scripture. I have spent fifty-one years doing this. This discipline deepens the spiritual streams that are carved in my heart.

How then does a man gain the essence of wisdom?

We cross the threshold of true knowledge

when we live in obedient devotion to God.

Proverbs 1:7

Now I am going to watch, for (at least) the tenth time, the Eugene Peterson video (above). It focuses me.

After that, I'll add a dash of Dallas Willard. The Holy Spirit will enter into these things and focus me on what my life is really about. I'll begin another day clear-eyed, filled with expectation of all God is going to show me, and lead me to do.

***
My three books are:

Praying: Reflections on 40 Years of Solitary Conversations with God

Leading the Presence-Driven Church

Encounters with the Holy Spirit (co-edited with Janice Trigg)

I'm currently writing:

Deconstructing Progressive Christianity

Transformation: How God Changes the Human Heart

Then, Linda and I then intend to write our book on Relationships.

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Monday, July 26, 2021

Sunday, July 25, 2021

Saturday, July 24, 2021