Let Them Receive Him

Do you ever find yourself thinking, “Wow, that person is being so rude.” “He seems to be such a grumpy person.” “She seems to always be aggravated and frustrated.”

I do. And generally I think nothing of it and go back to my own business.

But today I found myself thinking this about someone and then my mind went to, “I don’t know what he’s going through. He could be facing something really difficult right now.” And my perspective changed.

I truly believe that was God leading my thoughts, reminding me that I don’t always know what people are going through, and sometimes the way they act isn’t out of spite or because they’re cold or mean. It’s because they’re hurt. Lonely. Sad. Anxious. Guilty. Depressed. Burdened.

It’s in those moments that it’s so important to let our light shine for Jesus. He can heal every hurt they have. He can rescue them from their sin and guilt. He can take away their anxiety and depression. He is everything they need, and it is my responsibility as a Christian to act like Christ so they have a safe place to run to.

The other night, Baron spoke about being fishers of men (I hope to do a reflection on his sermon soon, because it truly impacted me), and one of his points was that to be a fisher of men, we have to be a friend. We have to care about the person. Their interests, their struggles, their accomplishments. And when someone opens up to us and starts talking, that means they have received us. And once they have received us as a friend, they will be able to accept Christ as well.

Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.

Matthew 10:40

Today I encourage you to take an extra moment to talk to the person who wants to chat. To give a smile to someone who seems sad. To give an encouraging word to a friend you have. It may lead them to Christ.

Louisiana Sneax Day

It's not often we get snow around here and when we do, the entire city closes down. So today we had an at-home snow day! It was absolutely freezing outside, so our outdoor excursions were very short, but we enjoyed spending the day in front of the fire drinking hot chocolate. And I baked up some samples for my upcoming Valentine's Day cookie sale!

Kayleigh and Ethan moved in while I was in Singapore, and having Ethan here is so much fun. I've never been around such young kids before, so it's a whole new world. Everything is new to him. He repeats everything we say. And he's decided he loves me and is always coming to hang out with me. It's my favorite. I'm so glad I got to spend my snow day with my most favorite little human!

Be Yourself. We Need You.

For just as in one physical body we have many parts, and these parts do not all have the same function or special use, so we, who are many, are nevertheless just one body in Christ, and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on each other].
Romans 12:4-5 AMP

God created you to be unique. He gave you a special calling, gifts, talents, personality, and passions for a reason. There is no one just like you. God created you to fill a very particular position in his kingdom that no one else can fulfill like you can.

Just like your body has many parts, so does the body of Christ, and every part must work together. The hands tie the shoes on your feet. The feet lead the rest of the body in the right direction. The mouth speaks for the entire body. Every part does not do the same thing, but we depend on every part to do its job.

God has given you a particular purpose. It may not be the same purpose or calling as your friend or your personal spiritual mentor, but the entire body of Christ is depending on you. Do not try to be exactly like someone else, or you will find yourself chasing after their calling instead of the one God designed YOU for.

Don’t be afraid to be yourself. God created you the way you are for a reason. The church needs you to be YOU. This entire world needs you to be YOU. Embrace who God made you to be.