Seven Lessons for Productivity

Ask Pastor John
Episode: 1500
Transcript: www.desiringgod.org/interview...

[@Dihydrousoxide]

Timestamps: 1:58 What are your thoughts on productivity? 2:27 Preface: "No Man is an Island" 4:36 1. Get a Clear Vision for why Everything Exists, including yourself. 5:20 2. We are destined to be makers, learn to love to create. 8:30 3. We need to discover the difference between sloth and rest. 10:56 4. Accept imperfections in your work. 13:33 5. Act promptly when your mind is ripe with insight. 14:20 6. Steady small chops bring down a big tree. 17:06 7. "Forgetting what lies behind, pressing towards the goal" - Phil 3:13

[@esauponce9759]

Thank you!

[@ifesjournal]

Thank youu!💓

[@faithtutsacademy7]

Great insight. Thanks

[@drkeithwright]

Thank you for these timestamps!!!!

[@wyclifmurungi772]

Awesome! Thank you.

[@Akinlabi_Olanipekun]

Has a 23 year old man that is trying to ditch his immature nature and be a productive man of God, this has been exquisite. Thank you for your wisdom.

[@itslitgamestv6827]

I love creativity. I’m planning on becoming a game programmer or game developer in the game industry, and it’s amazing knowing that God is the master creator, designer, and programmer.

[@2ndPigeon]

If you know then you can show it

[@BARofLUNCH]

I love your comment! We serve a creative God. I wish you well in your journey to reaching your goal.

[@drewdirenzo]

KZbinr for me, want to evangelize through that once I learn more about all this( check me I’m out of you want 😉

[@writingryan301]

I have a game story concept that maybe I could share with you some time.

[@jeremiahkirby6552]

If you're in pain you're not alone. If it seems like the world is crushing you you're not alone. If you've wasted ten years you're not alone. If your future is uncertain you're not alone. If you're thinking of killing yourself you're not alone. If nothing seems to work out you're not alone. If you're at your limit and you're ready to throw in the towel you're not alone. When you're alone you're NOT ALONE! If you relate to anything I just wrote you're not alone. I'm right here with you and so is God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Everyday is ONE day closer. One day closer. Lord Jesus! Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

[@jurgeysamuel]

I'm asking you guys to please pray for my salvation, and then that I would grow fully and richly in the knowledge of Christ please pray He would help me cast off every sin that entangled me. Please pray that He would save me today. And reveal Himself to me today. Please ask Him to give me a new heart, that only seeks Him. Please guys. Ask Him to forgive me my hardness of heart

[@anjolaogundokun1552]

Will be praying!

[@staceypatrickgracefullyove1950]

Praying!

[@Alyson615]

Praying for you. :)

[@mr.c2485]

Samuel Jurgensen Why don’t you ask the members of your church? It sounds like you’re simply having problems with “sin”. Perhaps that’s where you feel distanced from God....your perceptions of sin are errant. Many are in the same boat. They think they know WHAT sin is but they don’t know HOW to sin. It’s a common problem. Sinning is actually quite difficult and is very time consuming. Happy to explain it to you if interested...

[@ifesjournal]

Praying 🙏🏾💓

[@JasmineDiaz]

thank you so much pastor john & team! I'm 17 and I have been so encouraged and blessed by these APJ episodes. I've learned so much and can't thank the DG team enough for their work! All for the glory of God! God bless you all!

[@maymayavenido9812]

To God be the glory, Jasmine. ❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@heb725]

Wow it's really shocking but also encouraging to hear that Pastor John thinks he's a slow reader. It's an ongoing struggle for me trying to read through books I really do want to read.

[@heinolaubscher8234]

Thank you for all the podcasts from South Africa, i have listened to a lot of them and have learnt a lot!

[@zandiviljoen146]

Also here from south africa! 🇿🇦💛🙃

[@pietervanderwalt4400]

Môre julle, lekker om nog te sien!

[@gbC4mpos]

Thanks so much for this. It’s amazing to receive godly wisdom to how a Christian should approach productivity rather than receiving word from the world.

[@k9bushmanbushy323]

This podcast would not be possible, if it were not by God's will, grace and mercy, amen. Yes it helps that through our prayers and support that we show Him, through faith, but it is not through our works that this has grown the way it has, all glory to God our heavenly Father. Amen

[@ChurchSongs]

Wonderful advice. Isaiah 43: 18-19 18 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. This was the passage of scripture that was given to us repeatedly from different sources over the course of a week, that thrust us into ministry, and The Lord's ongoing sustaining and joy in the Work keeps us productive as we grow in discipline, and all by the Lord's grace, become more like His son. The message of why we are put on this earth is a powerful call to action. We have found the Desiring God podcast to be such a blessing as the Lord leads us.

[@bethanytyson8464]

Praise God for this huge answer to prayer today! I was feeling defeated by many years of slow and tedious progress with my procrastination and sloth-like attitudes but this really encouraged me to keep chopping at the tree until it gives! Thank you Pastor John and all at desiring God for this continued blessing of content

[@MrJezhk]

Episode 1500 - impressive and so so valuable (90 + months (7.5 years) of graft) - thanks to Pastor John Piper, and the whole team involved - these sessions are truly helpful & divinely inspired!! Praise be to our Father & his son Jesus - I can't wait until he returns in glory!!

[@Richie016]

Enhancing regular capacity & daily prayer habits help get closer to God.

[@Derek_Baumgartner]

Great stuff. That continual desire to push for something better and higher: admirable, and I think a foreshadowing of heaven, where we will have limitless time to explore the limitless majesty that God has for us.

[@johnneufeld]

Wow! On a morning when I’m feeling particularly productive I watch this. What an encouragement!!

[@anthonybutler6123]

John Piper is preaching to me today. Procrastination doesn't remedy imperfection. Sheesh

[@user-ef8kp4zl4u]

Thanks a lot from South Korea! I love listening to your potcasts these days. It is tremendously helpful and it makes me wanna read more bible and enjoy it! It means a lot to me. Bless you!

[@destiny9734]

Thank you, I needed this. I most certainly will be coming back to listen to this again and again. I am quite the perfectionist and it has stunted me a lot. 🙏🏾❤️

[@lduplessis5725]

The Lord does'nt want perfection 😓 but rather excellence 👌which is just your best, thats good enough for God.

[@sherrymoredock4457]

Thanks to God for you, and thank you for that encouraging word, that helped me with what I struggle with in this amazing walk with the Lord. I'm like a perfectionist and I don't see myself advancing fast enough. God called me 3 years ago and I feel like I haven't done anything but I also know that there's nothing I would rather do than to chase him down to the very end. I know God himself is my reward. So don't give up friends, The Lord will show himself faithful.

[@kalpanvasa7]

Thank you very much Pastor John for your faithfulness to the Lord in this way. God bless you!

[@Nunya14]

All Glory to God in Jesus name and the Holy Spirit!

[@markpettit4945]

To God be the glory thanks for your service to our king.

[@gabrielaolivarez8842]

I have not enough words of thankfulness for your work and messages. I will ask our Father continue expanding your ministry.

[@delinamulugeta9070]

GOD HELPED YOU GET TO YOUR EPISODE 1500 🤗🤗😊😁 praise God !

[@bengagliardo1080]

God is using you.. how exciting for you to be apart of God using you to help his children.. a blessing to us on this end and one on you to.. when God blesses he does it whole heated ly.. see ya on the other side..love

[@corrinnereynolds4091]

Praise the Lord, Great information

[@IdaBoisKristitynvaellus]

Thank you from Finland 🙏🇫🇮 our family have been greatly blessed through John Pipers ministry!

[@creetan9997]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I've heard Christians there are a minority. Is this true? If so how is it like being a Christian there?

[@IdaBoisKristitynvaellus]

Thank you for asking, and yes, you are correct. Our main religion is Lutheran christianity (70% of the population). But it's mostly liberal christianity. We have female bishops and preasts, church has been official partner with Pride movement etc etc. It's getting more liberal by the day. There is still some biblical churches, but not too many I'm afraid. Someone said that there is 5% who hold classical Christian views and doctrines, but I didn't find quickly any fiqures. Also the atmosphere in Finland is getting more liberal by the day. Our former Interior minister Päivi Räsänen is now under investigation, because of her conservative views of the marriage. She has publicly said as a member of the Lutheran church, that they shouldn't be partnering with Pride movement, and posted a photo from Romans 1 to Twitter. Now it's a witch hunt, they really want to make her an example for others to fear who hold same Christian values. I think there's 5 or 6 different accusations in the court towards her, some of what she has said over 15 years ago. There are some International headlines of this, if you want to check it out. We have always had government based school system, Finland actually is pretty socialist country and always have been. So never had a change to go to private Christian school or homeschool. There are some Christian schools, but only few and no support or real possibility to homeschool. So the main concern as a mother is ofcourse for our children. LTGB+ movement is welcome to school, but not the church (maybe they now get back, since they start to lean towards LTGB and mix christianity with it, which could be even worse for children). There are ofcourse differences between schools, but you get the point. But in all of this, we are so blessed for teachers like Piper, who will encourage us in difficult situations to stand strong and rest in Gods providence 🙏 God is Sovereign and knows everything that is going on in this world.

[@davevoetberg]

Super helpful. Thank you.

[@mrjim1973]

Glory to our Lord Jesus, Thank you!

[@KelleyMoles]

Thank you for all your hard work! All of the people involved in these messages. They have greatly enriched my walk with Christ. ❤

[@geraldinebaranal2357]

OH MY GOSSH. THANK YOU SO MUCH, PASTOR JOHN, AND DESIRING GOD TEAM!!! YOU ARE STELLAR! HALLELUJAH! I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOUU! AND SO EXCITED TO JOINING YOU IN THE NEXT SEASON OF YOUR JESUS-EXALTING MINISTRY. HALLELUJAH! LONG LIVE!

[@BuddyPres]

Thank you for all your hard work and making this podcast something for us to connect together through Jesus. No matter where we are in the world.❤️💯

[@evelynreyes6716]

So incredibly insightful and just Godly wisdom.

[@missesraisin]

Please JESUS let me be as excited as Pastor John about anything when I reach that age too! Youe enthusiasm is infectious and I luv it. JESUS ROCKS!

[@davidsarkar6668]

Thanks be to Jesus for this so much, Amen !

[@theperfectway1695]

Thanks God for Pastor Jhon's Pipper life! These podcasts have been a beautiful blessing !! God bless you so much and He continue work in your lives !!

[@trainwellracewell]

Fantastic and helpful. Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom and insight Pastor John

[@trainwellracewell]

@@johnstephenpiper7890 I would advise that you watch this short clip - kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5qYnqZnodOKZpI - your eternal salvation could depend on it

[@2BeLikeChrist]

Thanks John! I’m inspired by you!

[@CyndiGarguilo]

These videos are such a blessing!!! This is the biggest answer to the question that everyone seeks and rarely finds.. What is my purpose in life! I hear you Lord! 🙏🏼

[@robine1018]

Thank you, Pastor John. We’ve been blessed to see you preach in person. My family loves you and your ministry.

[@esauponce9759]

Thank you, brother Piper!

[@faithtutsacademy7]

Thank you all at desiring God. Learning a lot from your messages and I'm trying to emulate your effective teaching pattern

[@2ndPigeon]

I don't desire a god though.

[@etapekang1992]

Thank you pastor John

[@joshdumale7828]

Amen Godbless you Pastor John You're a blessing may the Lord always guide you and bless you always

[@arnoldfernandes2672]

Thank you Pastor John!

[@johnmurphy3753]

Happiness joy peace

[@ProspectivePlans]

These productivity tips are amazing! #RisingToBe #AsWeRise #Riser #KeepRising #ImARiser

[@ewnetmussie3674]

Ohhh....God bless ya oll really🙌

[@MSA-uj7cp]

Thanks Pastor John, you are a blessing to us all.

[@maxrice6990]

This is awesome. Thank you.

[@crystalbritt1119]

So good! #3 for me is most helpful! I took notes! Thank you for this podcast! Blessings for the future!

[@lanceallenmcginnis1105]

Congratulations on the milestone! Thanks so much for doing what you do. It has been such a source of life and encouragement to me throughout the years.

[@Pennedbykaleb]

Thank you so much, in the last few weeks I have learned so much and received so much insight. God bless you pastor John

[@HearGodsWord]

Wow, that's a lot of episodes. I'm sure there could be another 1,500 to come 😁👍

[@2225ram]

So thankful for this wisdom. Will be watching over and over. Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@charlespackwood2055]

"To infinity and beyond." - Buzz Lightyear

[@susancarter3864]

Thank you 🙏🏽❤️

[@christinarodriguez9032]

So encouraging 💛🙏🏾 thank you!

[@joannewells]

Thank you

[@joshchabalaendure6223]

Incredible thank you so much for this

[@rogerpowell3769]

thank you pastor john for your d g i learn a let god bless u

[@anngacheri3650]

God bless you pastor John for the edification

[@xdanielgs]

Very inspiring!

[@yukonjack8103]

Lovely and tremendously helpful lesson!

[@therinacoetsee1512]

Halleluyah! 🙌🙌🙌❣️

[@bebasaja986]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pray also for me,I struggle with compromise and procrastination🙏I try to not,But its too hard and everyday i never perfect,as what God want🙏...I really want to please him and Be obedient,But this compromise and procrastination just controling🙏My name Is Cindy

[@blackjay5338]

A very hopeful and encouraging discussion. Thank you for your *_wisdom!_*

[@dee4174]

The best explanation of why creativity is so fulfilling I've ever heard. X

[@lisajustlisa2913]

Awesome truth!

[@jessew967]

nice one johnny

[@chelseaanglin5933]

I needed to hear this

[@bradhouston4734]

Praise Jesus for you both!! I can’t wait to catch up with you both in Heaven. I’m sure we will have time!! 😉 I love these episodes and the “small chops with a good axe advice”. Here’s to 1,500 more 😀😍👊🇦🇺

[@adolpheiraguha3245]

Wow.. this is really amazing. Blessing to you and the Team, My takeaway from this is that a "Man is not an Island."

[@hetge3307]

"If you have to see a tree fall every time you pick up an axe, you will spend your life on little projects. There are great trees worth turning into beautiful houses which can only be brought down by a thousand small faithful chops."

[@living4thekingdom170]

Thank you so much!!!

[@josiebalcita1409]

very encouraging message about being productive in life, thanks.

[@hlatse98]

A good word sent to me in season! Thank you so much for this.

[@oar-N-oasis]

Thank you sir John.. Thanks

[@joycegraves2900]

Awesome message.

[@supplantermusic9413]

Jesus is Lord

[@csharon6701]

Yes in my language do and make are the same ....Telugu

[@victoriabulcock8823]

Moi aussi.... c'est "faire" - to do/ to make

[@corrinetalbot8]

If I'm an image of God, is it the human term or spirit within?

[@Debora-by9zn]

Pleaaase I need English subtitles to understand :(

[@victoriabulcock8823]

You can turn them on in settings :) click on the three dots, then either "closed captioning" or "subtitles" and then click on "english - autogenerated". I hope it is available where you are!

[@camwchristian]

What is episode 400?

[@thefaithfullservantemmanue8227]

is there some app or feature to help those with hearing

[@victoriabulcock8823]

There are captions that are auto-generated if that would be helpful? They are in the setting of the video under "closed captioning"

[@thefaithfullservantemmanue8227]

Tony Some one suggested subtitles, how hard is that?

[@victoriabulcock8823]

There are audio transcripts on their website - desiringgod.com. You can also sign up for a daily article that pairs with these videos! Videos are posted in the morning and transcripts are published and sent out at around 8:00pm :)

[@platinum1781]

15:35 😂

[@Rabi-kb7vp]

0:10 You didnt even consider to Thank God 😯😔😣

[@twelvestitches984]

Why would you pick the number seven? You don't even understand the significance of the number seven to the universe.

[@abourachidhamidi228]

According to the Bible; Genesis; Chapter 11-12-13: God does not know that each species of plant has a parity (male and female) it is for this reason that He asked the earth to produce plants bearing their seeds in the third third day before the creation of the sun. sun on the fourth day; the plants will all be dried for lack of sunlight as if God created humans and animals before creating oxygen. Quran 21V30 (Big bing): Have not those who disbelieve known that the heavens and the earth were of one piece, then We parted them, and we made every living thing of water? Will they not then believe? Quran 20V53 He who made the earth for you as a cradle and walked for you in it as paths, and water was brought down from the sky, so we brought out pairs of plants from it﴿ Quran 22V5: lo! We have created you from dust, then from a drop of seed, then from a clot, then from a little lump of flesh shapely and shapeless, that We may make (it) clear for you. And We cause what We will to remain in the wombs for an appointed time, and afterward We bring you forth as infants, then (give you growth) that ye attain your full strength. And among you there is he who dieth (young), and among you there is he who is brought back to the most abject time of life, so that, after knowledge, he knoweth naught. And thou (Muhammad) seest the earth barren, but when We send down water thereon, it doth thrill and swell and put forth every lovely kind (of growth). Quran 26V7: Did they not see to the earth how much a noble pair gave us in it? Quran 31V 10 He hath created the heavens without supports that ye can see, and hath cast into the earth firm hills, so that it quake not with you; and He hath dispersed therein all kinds of beasts. And We send down water from the sky and We cause (pairs of plants) of every goodly kind to grow therein. Quran 36V36: (31) Have they not considered how many generations We de (36) Exalted is He who created all pairs - from what the earth grows and from themselves and from that which they do not know.

[@gavin_hill]

Quaran 86:7 clearly refutes any idea of Islam being scientifically accurate. You already know that Jesus is God, turn and put your faith in him for forgiveness of sin. If you disagree let me ask you this one question: You have sinned against a holy God how do you intend to pay for your crimes?

[@HearGodsWord]

Give that you've copy and pasted this before you should check your understanding first. It's been pointed out before that there are mistakes and misunderstandings in what you claim.

[@Akinlabi_Olanipekun]

Has a 23 year old man that is trying to ditch his immature nature and be a productive man of God, this has been exquisite. Thank you for your wisdom.

[@GodnMe]

Thank you