Courtney Speaks

It’s a question we hear all the time but never get a real answer about.  Should we work on Sundays?  Should we do anything other than worship the Lord on Sundays?  And now, should we blog on Sundays?

First, lets see what the Bible has to say before I give you my personal opinion.

Exodus 20:8, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. ”

Exodus 20:10, “But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates:”

Exodus 16:30, “So the people rested on the seventh day.”

Deuteronomy 5:15, “And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and [that] the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.”

Mark 2:27, “And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:”

Hebrews 4:9-11, “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God [did] from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”

Now I am not a history scholar and will not even begin to get in the debate of whether the sabbath actually falls on Saturday or Sunday, but instead will focus on the meaning of the sabbath and how that applies to blogging.

Most people know that God created the world in 6 days and rested on the 7th.   That 7th day was the sabbath.  Sabbath (in Hebrew) simply means to rest from labor.  The point behind having a sabbath day is to have a day of rest in which we can reflect, praise, and worship the Lord thy God (Ex. 20:10). It is a day for us to remember all that He has done for us.

It is important to point out Mark 2:27, “And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:“.  Sabbath was not created for God but for us.  It is meant to a blessing to us.  God want us to take time for ourselves and rest.

Now to answer the question, “Should a Christian blog on Sunday?”  Please remember this just my opinion based on my reading of the scriptures and I am sure there is more than one interpretation or opinion.  I think the answer depends on what blogging is to you.  Is it a hobby or a job?  Is it your business or just something you do for fun?

If you blog as a business then I believe that the sabbath would apply.  You would need a day of rest from work and according to the scriptures your day of rest is the sabbath.  This allows us to have time to reflect on what has been happening in our blogs and how the Lord is leading our blogs, business, and life.  It’s a chance to thank Him and praise Him for all the things He has done  for us.

For those bloggers who want to post everyday, just because you don’t actually work on your blog on Sundays doesn’t mean you can’t have new content on your site.  You can write a blog post in advance and schedule it to be published on a Sunday.

If you blog as a hobby or just for the fun of it, then blogging may be restful for you.  It may be how you relax and reflect on what has been happening in your life.  Of course this is different for every person.  What is a restful and relaxing activity for one person by not be for another.

Just remember the meaning behind the day of sabbath – it is a day of rest in which we can reflect, praise, and worship the Lord thy God.  If blogging gets in the way of this, then no you should not be blogging on Sunday.

What do you think?  Agree or disagree?  I would love to hear your opinions.

photo credit: Carlos Luna I’m really unhappy with some Google searches I have recently done. It’s not Google’s fault, at least I don’t think it is.  But when I do a search for “Christian Bloggers” do you know what I get?  I get Christian sites that are no longer active, blogroll sites, and a Facebook community.  No where on the front page is there what I could consider a “Christian Blog” written by a “Christian blogger”. It’s not until the second page that I find a Christian blogger’s blog.

Now to be honest a site called ChristianBlog.com does appear towards the bottom, but it appears to be a network of blogs all under that one domain name.  I personally don’t really get it.  I’m confused by the site.  So I didn’t include it in my research.

When I do a search for “Christian Blogger” I do see more blogs on the front page but again a majority of them are not active and haven’t been for months or longer.  It wasn’t until searched for “Christian blog” did I find an active Christian blog on the front page of a Google search but there were only a few.

So my question is, Where are all the Christian blogs?  I know they are out there.

photo credit: carmen zuniga Are you blogging the Bible? You may be asking what exactly do I mean by “blogging the Bible” so let me explain. As Christians we are instructed to show the love of Jesus to others in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

Blogging is a great way to show people Christ’s love. You don’t even have to blog about your faith or post biblical devotions to do so either.

Of course incorporating Bible verses in your blog is a great and easy way to show the love of Christ. After all the Word is God according to John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” You could even add a Verse of the Day widget your sidebar. But what if you don’t have a blog in which you can easily add scripture into where the topic is not faith related?

Having a loving attitude towards others is another way we can show the love of Christ on our blogs. Do you help a reader or fellow blogger when the need arises? Jesus is known for helping others. He is the ultimate good Samaritan. Do you live hurtful or hateful comments on other blogs? Leaving rude or hateful comments is not following the commandment given to us in John 13:34, to love one another. How you deal with people goes along way in showing the Jesus’ love for others and this applies in the blogging world too.

For more tips about “blogging the Bible” be sure to sign up for my newsletter, “Faith, Family, and Business”. By signing up you will also receive a free copy of my special report, “Blending Christian Virtues Into Your Blog” which gives you Biblical examples of how you can be “blogging the Bible”.  You can sign up on the sidebar – it’s quick and painless, just enter your name and email address and you are good to go.

Have you heard of the new blog Faithful Bloggers yet?  It’s a new blog that my friend Kelly from Wisdom Begun and I have started in an effort to encourage other Christian women bloggers.  Our goal is simple, “to provide a common ground where we can encourage one another to use our blogs for the glory of God.”

Kelly and I have even started a weekly podcast on the blog where we are chatting with some awesome Christian women bloggers.  So far we have spoke with LeeAnn from Encouragement is Contagious and Debbie Pendell from DebbiePendell.com and have some other great bloggers lined up already.

In addition to the podcasts, Faithful Bloggers also has a Christian blog directory where you can list your blog or find some other like minded bloggers to connect with.  Each month we are also offering a free resource to our readers.  Last month’s resource was free Christian Twitter backgrounds.

I have just been amazed at the response Kelly and I have gotten at the blog.  The encouraging comments and emails we have received have been a true blessing to both of us.  If you have not checked Faithful Bloggers out yet, what are you waiting for?

P.S. If nothing else, please visit the blog directory at Faithful Bloggers. There are some awesome Christian blogs listed!

photo credit: alicepopkorn ( in and out )Continuing on with my series of posts on Incorporating Christian Values into Your Blog today is all about longsuffering.  Colossians 3:12 tells us “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;“.  As believers in Christ, the elect of God, we are to put the bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness, meekness, and longsuffering.  Past posts in this series discuss the meanings of these virtues and how we can blend them into our blogging.

Longsuffering is the last virtue listed in Colossians 3:12 and therefore the last post in this series, although I am sure I will discuss other Christian characteristics in the future as well. In Colossians 3:12 the greek word makrothumia is used for longsuffering, which simply means patience.

According to the Random House Dictionary the word patience has several different meanings:

1. the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like.
2. an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay: to have patience with a slow learner.
3. quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence: to work with patience.

There are so many ways we can incorporate patience into blogging.  A couple that jump out right at me are the following:

1. Diligence – Don’t give up.  If you start a blog or an online business and then get discouraged because you are not getting the results you desire, don’t give up.  Keep going.  Pray.  Ask for God’s will.  If you do the work and it’s in God’s will, then success will come.
2. Without Complaint – Does it make sense to complain about things we can not change?  No it doesn’t and in the blogosphere things are always changing.  Ad networks can the way they work, blogging networks revise their rules and regulations, and even blogging platforms such as Blogger and Wordpress make changes you may not like.  If something changes that you do not like you have a couple options, deal with it or move on.  Complaining is not an option and does not do anyone any good.

Blogging the Bible is just one more way that we as Christians can show the love of Christ.  What are some of the ways you think we as Christians can incorporate patience in with our blogs?   I would love to hear your opinions and suggestions.

Today I am continuing on the series, Incorporating Christian Virtues Into Your Blog.  This series of posts is based on Colossians 3:12, “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;“  which is a list of virtues that Christians are suppose to have.  The virtue being examined today is meekness and I will be discussing how we, as bloggers, can incorporate meekness in our daily blogging lives.

According to Random House Dictionary meekness can mean three different things:

humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others.

overly submissive or compliant; spiritless; tame.

Obsolete. gentle; kind.

The biblical definition is a little different than the one from Random House.  Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words explains that the Greek word used for meekness in the Bible verse Colossians 3:12 is prautes, which is similar in meaning to gentleness. While the word meekness can at times refer to a person’s outward appearance, such as patience, gentle, kind, it can also refer to Christians who accept the Lord’s dealings with us as good and does not dispute or resist them.  We are in a way, submissive to the Lord’s will.

The common definition of meekness is easy to incorporate in our blogs.  By being patient and kind, by not writing a post that is complaining, by not leaving a comment that could create conflict, we are showing the outward appearance of meekness.  But what about the inward, spiritual, side of meekness?  How can we incorporate that in our blogs?

1. Stay true to your faith – In the blogging world it is easy to get sidetracked and involved in less than Christian-like activities, such as blog jealously, envy, or gossip.  We need to remember way we started blogging and ask ourselves how our blog is giving glory to God.
2. Pray for your blog – How are we suppose to know God’s will for our blog if we do not pray about for our blog? Prayer is our way of communicating with God and allows us to have closer relationship with Him.  If we are praying for our blog and doing God’s will in regards to our blog then our blogs will be successful.

There is one virtue left that is listed in Colossians 3:12 and that virtue is longsuffering.

photo credit: David MastersOne of my favorite Bible verses is Philippians 4:8,

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.”

This verse has gotten me out of a countless number of troubles.  When my mind starts to delve into the darkness of this world I recite Philippians 4:8.  I then fill my heart and my mind with things that honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, of virtue, and praise.  It is not always an easy task to do.  Sometimes the pleasures the world offers are hard to ignore.  But I know I can overcome them with the Lord’s help.  And Philippians 4:8 is the Lord’s way of helping me to keep my mind out of the gutter.

So, why can’t we apply the same principle to blogging.  There always seems to be so much hype, drama, and just plain sinful in the blogging world.  It doesn’t seem like you can get away from it.  I would like to think that if we would just blog about things that are honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, of virtue, of praise, that bloggers would much more successful.  I know I would be more likely to read blogs like that then the ones filled with hype, drama, gossip, etc.

I want to introduce my readers to a blogging friend with has an amazing heart for the Lord.  LaTara Ham-Ying is a kindred spirit.  Not only is she a sister in Christ, she is a very compassionate and encouraging woman.  She can always be found helping someone.

LaTara can be found at LaTaraHamYing.com where she blogs about merging your business and faith.  She is also an awesome virtual assistant!  Her VA site is Social Savvy VA, if you are in the need of any business help.  She also blogs at MomUnplugged.  If you sign up for her mailing list you can also get an awesome report, Christian While Blogging.  There is such great information in this report!

She is someone I am proud to call a friend.  Follow her on twitter and call her friend too!

photo credit: ToniVC“Humbleness of mind” is the next Christian virtue I want to discuss in my series, Incorporating Christian Virtues Into Your Blog.  So far we have discussed why you should and how to incorporate mercy and kindness into your blog.  Just changing the way you do a few things can make such a huge difference and really let others see the Christ in you.

Humbleness is something, I think, we all struggle with.  Being humble is no easy task.  So what does being humble actually mean?  According to Webster dictionary it means:

1: not proud or haughty : not arrogant or assertive

2: reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission <a humble apology>

According to the Bible it means the opposite of being proud:

“…Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” James 4:6

The best definition of being humble I have ever read is from the site, Foundations for Freedom:

“Humility is accepting our selves as we really are before God.”

Being humble means not being proud, arrogant, or full of ourselves.  We have to recognize that we not perfect, in fact we are sinners who need the Lord.  We all have faults but we the Lord we can overcome them.

So how can we incorporate humbleness in our blogs?

1. Encourage other bloggers
   Phillipians 2:3 tells us, “in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves”. We should encourage other bloggers even if it results in them being a better blogger than yourself. If you find a blogger that has a great post, Stumble It, Digg It, give it some Twitter love. Leave a comment letting the blogger know you enjoy their blog. Tell your friends about the blog. Offer to help the blogger in some way. There are numerous ways we can help to encourage other bloggers.
2. Accept that you cannot do everything
   As a blogger or online marketer we often want to believe that we can do everything and be everything to everyone. One of the greatest things you can do for yourself and your blog is to realize that you cannot do everything! It is impossible. We are not perfect.  However with the Lord’s help we can get help to manage everything. Just make sure you prioritize what is really important, time with the Lord and your family.
3. Be Careful Not To Brag and Be Boastful
   This one is tricky. If you accomplish something exciting you want to be able to share it with your blog readers. However at the same time you do not want to sound prideful, boastful, or appear to be bragging. Just choose your words wisely and be sure to give all the credit to the Lord.

Next Up: Meekness

photo credit: Annie Mole With the explosion of blogging across internet today people blog for different reasons, as the trend continues to grow we are seeing more and more Christian blogs and people who classify themselves as Christian bloggers. Why would one become a Christian blogger or focus just on Christian blogging?

Christian blogging or reading a Christian blog can affect the life of those who write it and those who read it as well. Someone who begins a Christian blog does so with a purpose. That purpose being to spread the word of the Lord. This will impact their life far beyond just words on a page. God will speak through them and guide them not only in the development in their blog but with everything they do in their daily existence. Writing a Christian blog is more than just writing a blog geared towards the values of God, it’s a heartfelt ministry. Christians are called by the Lord to begin this ministry as per His will. Being so chosen by God to spread His word will change and impact everything they now do in their daily existence. They will now have a closer relationship and they will lead their life according to His purpose, things will never be quite the same.

As you can see beginning a Christian blog is truly an act of love and devotion, but what impact does it have to those who choose to read it? Because of the fact that the Christian blog is a blog full of words spoken from God, it has the distinct possibility to speak to those who read it as well. The only prerequisite is that the reader must have an open heart. The Lord is capable of effecting the lives who those who seek Him, even through something as simple as a blog. The Lord can show them that to follow His word and His teachings will change their lives in more ways that they can possibly imagine. All this can be achieved through an online weblog, more than possible if you have faith and believe in the Lord’s blessings.

A believer who pens a Christian blog and those who are open enough to read it can truly have their lives impacted and changed through the Lord’s strength and love. Not just a simple journal but a journal that can bring both the reader and the writer closer to the one who loves us the most.