If you read my post on emotional modesty last week,  you probably already know that I have become burdened about the way Christians interact with others online.

This online social phenomenon has greatly reduced our inhibitions - things that we never would say to someone’s face we feel entitled to say online. NP and I often joke about the absurd way people use the phrase, “I’m just sayin’…” – as though any insult, any hurtful comment is made acceptable with these three words. Another manifestation of these things would be “in my opinion…”

Just because I have an opinion does not mean I should share it.

While legally our “free speech” is definitely to be protected, there is another law which should govern what we decide to say and do, what we post on facebook, what we tweet, what we blog about.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29

What if everything we say, in person or online, was carefully considered through this lens: is this helpful to build others up? Am I considering their needs? Will it benefit those who listen?

I can choose to communicate selfishly – only considering what is “my right” and what I “need to express.” But as a follower of Jesus, I am accountable to communicate selflessly – considering what is pure, lovely, excellent, praiseworthy, what will honor the name of my Lord, and what will benefit someone other than myself.

What will you choose today?

But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.

Matthew 12:36

People don’t really like to talk about “sin.” It’s an uncomfortable word… no one revels in being called a “sinner.” It is becoming increasingly politically incorrect to say that there is such a thing as right and wrong. Lifestyles are not unbiblical or sinful, they are “alternative.” God’s love and mercy are applauded, while the thought of a holy God righteously judging sin is avoided.

So, what is sin? Do we even know?

People often think of sin as violating God’s laws. This is absolutely true. Stealing, murdering, committing adultery are all sin- they are all examples of breaking God’s law.

But it goes deeper than that.

Click here to read the rest of this post over at Scripture Dig!

Modesty. The word, for me, typically conjures up mental images of women wearing turtlenecks, floor length skirts (with no slit, of course), and knee length socks.

I’m kidding. Sort of.

While we might all differ slightly on our interpretation of what, exactly, modest dressing is, we all understand that there are certain things that are appropriate and inappropriate in various situations. I might not be wearing a floor length skirt with coordinating turtleneck to church, but I also am not going to wear my swimming suit.

I dress modestly because it is a protection for me, shows respect for the unique relationship I have with my husband, honors the God who made my body, and guards against inappropriate thoughts and behavior with others.

Lately I have been pondering an interesting phenomenon I see everywhere in the online world – facebook status updates, tweets, and blog posts are brimming with something I call “emotional immodesty.” These online venues have given us an uncensored outlet, a place to share things that often should not be said, with a veneer of privacy as we sit alone with our laptop or iphone and share our every thought with thousands of strangers. To make this even trickier, we often do it and call it “being real,” as though it was a virtue.

Click over to Gather inSpirit to read the rest of this post…

As you probably know, the Muslim observance of Ramadan began in the middle of August and will continue through late next week. These next few days of Ramadan are particularly significant, as Muslims are seeking to hear from God – I urge you to pray over the next few days for God to move powerfully and tangibly in the Muslim world, and that as they seek Allah that they would hear unmistakably from Jesus Christ!

Please take a few minutes to watch this short video from Voice of the Martyrs – it is an interview with Heather Mercer, former prisoner for Christ in Afghanistan, as she shares about Ramadan and how to specifically pray:

More resources I would encourage you to explore:

Listen online to Janet Parshall’s interview with Todd Nettleton from Voice of the Martyrs regarding praying during Ramadan (this interview is the 2nd half of the 1st hour)

Prayer for Muslims during Ramadan from Nations4Jesus

Information about “the night of power” and specific ways to pray

Prayer calendar and other resources to aid you as you pray through Ramadan from Open Doors