Why do you blog? Although I always intended for my blog to be a witness, shortly into my blogging experience I begin to read other writers talk about writing and blogging. I began to ponder what did it mean to view blogging as a ministry, not just a hobby. As a result, I found the Lord using my blog as a teacher in humility. I felt led to be more transparent, to share things I didn't always want to share. And I still have so much to learn in the school of humility. I also find I need to realize constantly that my blogging is not about me. Our words of encouragement have the ability to bless someone. I've found when I was honest about my struggles, others felt led to be honest about their own.
I began to think about blogs that blessed me. This series leaves me somewhat limited in scope, although there are SO many more blogs that are a blessing. I learned things from following these and other blogs. Such as the importance of responding to every comment. I saw the love and prayers offered to each commenter. I heard an honest and humble heart in devotions.
Yet each of us is an instrument in HIS hands. He ministers through us. My intent is not to spotlight particular bloggers, although I have been blessed by each of them. It is my hope that this series will spur us on to ask:
1) What is God's purpose for MY blog?
2) Are there any specific ways God is calling me to reach out and encourage my readers?
3) Did my post today glorify God? Was it truly in His Name and in His Nature?
I would also like to encourage fellow writers and bloggers. Not all of us are published, nor are all of us called to be published. But we can encourage someone with our writing today! The wonderful thing about blogging is we can share what the Spirit is speaking to us immediately. That means if we're open to it, the Holy Spirit can use us to provide a word that will convict, sharpen, and encourage the exact person who needs it. He will bring them to your blog.
We have no need to be concerned about numbers. God will bring the person who needs Your word right when they need it. Let's allow Him to use our blogs for a Higher Purpose.
I will also be offering a giveaway of a custom made blog header from http://customblogdesigns.blogspot.com/.
Proverbs 25:11: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pitchers of silver.
Posted by
Julia M. Reffner
12 comments:
Thank you for reminding us to consider each post and comment we write and to use our blogs for God's purposes, that He might work though us for His glory and for the encouragement of others. :)
I'm very excited about this week, and I think this is a lovely introduction to it!
~Amber
You're welcome, Amber. As much or more of a reminder to myself than anyone else. I'm excited about this week, too.
I think you had some wonderful insights that I really think will bless others this week :)
It is a ministry.
I don't know how many Blogger's feel this way, especially those that focus on book reviewing, because they may not feel that it is a ministry in doing that---but I do feel it is a ministry.
Before I post I pray: praying for guidance, and to use the right words, to know what to share from my life and what not to. I want to be a blessing. I want to grow, mature, and for it to not be about me, but about what He can do through me.
I do feel there are some Blogger's that have more charisma than others, they are more outgoing....or maybe they have more book giveaways that entice more followers.
Recently I stopped thinking about the numbers of people that are looking and following my Blog in hopes I can impact the many. Instead if I can just reach 1 person that needs to read what I've written, that would be a blessing.
Annette, Thank you so much for sharing. You know I can tell in reading your blog that you do view it as a ministry. Thank you so much for taking this attitude and allowing God to use you and your blog. I hope God will use next week's posts to encourage you.
Like Amber said, great start to the week and I am excited to read the posts.
I must be plainly honest: I started blogging because I wanted to. It was a hobby and still is, but through this God has blessed me SO MUCH! I have grown, written, experienced and been moved and touched by so many lives that have come along at exactly the right moment. I take no credit for my blogging, I can't, it is ALL God. I just hope that in some small way I can give back.
Wonderful first post...very true.
I, too, began blogging because I love the written word and sought on outlet. When I received a comment that something I posted had encouraged someone, I realized my lack of vision. And I do see through others sites I've been reading, how powerfully blogs can be used to serve the Lord.
Casey, Isn't it so great that God gives us our interests and we can bless Him through the things we already love.
I wanted to share something MaryLu Tyndall said in a discussion of her book on Goodreads that really blessed me:
I love this verse in Romans 12: "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God"
I believe this means that God's ultimate will for us is good, acceptable, and perfect! I think it will be something we get really excited about. But, I do not think it will be something that is easy. Take my writing career for example. I know this is what God wants me to do. I love it! God gave me all the talents I needed to become an author. But I have to tell you it is by far the hardest thing I've ever done. And there are many days I feel like quitting. That's where obedience and perseverance comes in, like you said Jules.
Wow, wasn't that just fitting for this week??!!
Yes, I just visited your blogs. Beautiful peaceful design and I love this C. S. Lewis quote: “Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become.” And I just loved your thoughts on longing for the romance of Christ's coming. May that always be in my heart!
Julia,
Just popping in to let you know I'm reading and I can't wait to see what this week brings!
:)
Joy
Julia,
I've been reading all the interviews through the week, and they have all been such a blessing to me. I, for one, have been short-sighted in my personal blogging goals and haven't realized (until now) what I should have more of my focus on.
Thank you so much for every blogger you've featured this week. :)
I absolutely think this is a FABULOUS idea! Thanks for doing it, Julia!
Molly
Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com
@ Molly, I'm glad you're enjoying it. I can't take any credit for it though, it was the Holy Spirit's leading.
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