Why I Quote John Piper Often

Some may not know who John Piper is, but he has been extremely influential in my life. About 10 years ago I was introduced to him through the book "Desiring God" from my father-in-law, and I have never been the same since. He helped me to see God in all of His glory by unfolding the Scriptures to me and showing that my desire to be joyful and God's desire to be glorified are not at odds. The maxim by which he lives is biblical and helpful- "God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him."

I have been criticized for my seeming "devotion" to this man, and perhaps that criticism has not been completely unfounded, but one of the main things I have learned from John Piper is that God is my rock, my shelter, and my hope. No created person or thing can be that for me.

One of the reasons that I quote John Piper so much in times like these is that he is one of the few people who constantly talks about suffering. So when I'm suffering and I want to hear some biblical, encouraging words, he is who I go to. In addition to "Christian Hedonism" his ministry is probably most closely associated with enduring suffering. I am never not helped by what he has to say and am thankful to God for his servant John Piper.

I said all that to say that in the area of preaching to yourself it is good to have examples of this, and John Piper preached this sermon after being diagnosed with cancer and having his prostate removed. In it he gives some good counsel on preaching the gospel to yourself.