Question: What Was Jill's Study Bible?

Answer:
She had the "Reformation Study Bible" which is a great resource. You can find it here at the Westminster Bookstore.

While the Reformation Study Bible is a great resource, an even better resource that only recently came out is the ESV Study Bible. The scholars that worked on it are more broad than the Reformation Study Bible and it has more content. This study Bible can be found here at a cheap introductory price.

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.

Preach To Yourself

I have been familiar with the concept of preaching to myself for a while now. It has recently become even more important. As I have been able to read through Jill's notebook, she was constantly preaching to herself. Her devotional life is a great example of a radical, realistic, and persistent dependence on Jesus.

Here are five reasons to preach to yourself:
1. We are stupid- It takes at least 5 times of us hearing something for it to get into our heads and even more to get into our hearts.
2. God's Word is powerful- If we truly believe the Bible to be what it claims to be we should hide it in our hearts and one of the best ways to do that is to constantly remind yourself what it says.
3. The Psalmist does this over and over.
4. It means that you recognize your dependence on God for sustaining your spiritual life.
5. It's a good way to redeem the time and gives you opportunity to reflect on your many imperfections.

Reminder: Letters to Bryce

This is a repost of the information for the project "Letters to Bryce." Some have had trouble sending the letters by email. If you continue to have trouble please try emailing them to lfwatson(at)gmail.com.

We have set up an e-mail address for people to send letters to. After the deadline we will compile these letters into a book for Bryce to have. So, here are the instructions:

Please write a letter TO BRYCE telling about what Jill meant to you and how she influenced your life. Yes, Scott will probably read these to him when he is little, but we want him to have this book forever. Please be detailed and share any fun memories of her that are SPECIFIC to your relationship with her. E-mail them to letterstobryce@gmail.com. If you would like to include any pictures you might have of Jill, please do that as well. You can also include any newspaper articles or other scrapbook type items. If you need to mail anything, you can mail it to Lindsey Watson, 2404 Broadview Ave, Conway, AR 72034. Please note "letters to bryce" on the outside of the envelope. PLEASE DO THIS BY JANUARY 1ST, 2009. Cari Calhoun and I will compile all of these letters and pictures into a book.

Please note - Scripture and poetry are great and we want that, but please include a letter of at least one thing about Jill and/or your relationship to her. Thank you so very much!
Lindsey Watson