When we say what is true, based on God’s Word, we are surprised by the freedom we find in Jesus Christ and how our freedom effects those around us.
“And coming to [Jesus Christ] as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” ~1 Peter 2:4-5 NASB
In Christ Jesus, we find the expression of God’s love toward us as He redeems us from sin. Additionally, we find liberation as Christ comes within, transforming us into His likeness before God the Father. This is what He has to say about us.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” ~1 Peter 2:9-10 NASB
It may surprise you to find out God sees us as ‘chosen, royal, and holy,’ but in Christ Jesus, we are chosen, royal, and holy. And we are adopted into His family as sons and daughters.
The world will say we are of little value unless we bow to their idols of fame and fortune, but when we listen to what is true in God’s Word, we find value in the eyes of God based on His Son’s righteousness. And through Christ’s righteousness, we too can cry out and say, “Abba! Father!”
“For all who are allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading again to fear [of God’s judgment], but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons [the Spirit producing sonship] by which we [joyfully] cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies and confirms together with our spirit [assuring us] that we [believers] are children of God.” ~Romans 8:14-16 AMP
We must decide whose voice we will listen to and whose voice will determine our value. I appreciate the Butterfly Effect concept. The Butterfly Effect considers how what we do in our individual lives affect others on earth.
“It is important to try and be a good person, to create a positive influence. One thing I also think about is how these indirect effects are often not as small and removed as I believe many would think.” ~Alessandro Filazzola1
When we believe Christ in us is the hope of glory, we will live our lives in service to Him. And our service to Him will manifest in us being kinder, more compassionate, and more understanding to those around us. When we believe we are loved with an everlasting love, it is not surprising to find ourselves loving others.
We can say as we behold Him, we become like Him. And as we love and serve others, they behold Him and desire to know Him. We cannot know on this side of heaven, how many people are touched through God’s love through our lives simply because we believe Him, we believe in His love, and we express His love to those around us.
The world was changed two thousand years ago when Christ laid down His life for us, and the world is changed today when we follow His example and lay down our lives for others.
I appreciate the song, You Say, by Lauren Daigle. Daigle affirms her choice to find her worth and identity in Christ alone.
“You say I am love when I can’t feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak
And you say I am held when I am falling short
And when I don’t belong, oh You say I am Yours.” ~You Say Song Lyrics
What we believe about the love of God will overflow out of our hearts and out of our mouths in what we say. What we believe and say effects all those around us. Let us choose God’s Words of life, surprisingly, it can really make a difference in the loves of those around us. Let us choose life today.
Andy Andrews’ speaks about the Butterfly Effect.
Recommendations
How to Find God – Strength with Dignity
5 Ways to Overcome Our Fears – Strength with Dignity
References
1 Chandler, Nathan. What Is the Butterfly Effect and How Do We Misunderstand It? Publish updated on June 9, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024, from What Is the Butterfly Effect and How Do We Misunderstand It? | HowStuffWorks
Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright ©, La Habra, CA 92015 by The Lockman Foundation0631. All rights reserved.
Andy Adrews: What You Do Matters Forever. Published on YouTube. Retrieved January 19, 2024, from Andy Andrews: What You Do Matters Forever (James Robison / LIFE Today) – YouTube
New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB 1995), copyright 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
You Say. Songwriters: Bebo Norman, Jason Ingram, Michael Donehey, Paul Mabury, Lauren Daigle.
Bible Gateway Blogger Grid Member #bgbg2 #BibleGateway
Every Friday, I join an online Christian writing community, Five Minute Friday. We receive a one-word prompt and write whatever comes to our mind. The one word prompt this week is say
12 thoughts on “Say What This Time is True – It May Surprise You”
Yes, the butterfly affect! What we believe and say is important and has an effect on others. I am so thankful for God’s love and his touch on my life.
Our words are powerful, Carol! May we speak life-giving words!
You chose words that are my …. oh… my verse that’s the word I’m looking for. That verse keeps hauling me back in about how God sees his people. Holy, chosen, royal…. Calls me up everytime when I’m less than acting chosen, holy or royal. God is good yes? FMF19
God is good, Annette! I have been meditating on that scripture as well. May we walk as chosen, holy, royal ones by the power of His Holy Spirit.
God does call me royal, all right,
and this I shall remain,
although I think He really might
think I am Royal Pain
for going Scaffold Surfing
(fifty feet and not tied off),
and finding need for birthing
plans that would make ‘Jack***’ scoff.
It’s not that I’m brainless;
I’m just as bright as Av’rage Goat,
and my ideas have their lameness,
but of them I’m free to gloat,
and when from this life I disappear,
I’ll say, ‘Watch this, and hold my beer!’
Oh my, Andrew, the royal pain brought a good belly laugh! Ha!
Good post. I absolutely love this site. Stick with it!
I’m glad you were encouraged, Allison.
This > “What we believe about the love of God will overflow out of our hearts and out of our mouths in what we say.” Amen.
I agree in prayer, Joanne, that the love of God would overflow out of our hearts and mouths.
I love the idea of the butterfly effect! It is really powerful! I love Andy Andrews too!
Andy Andrews is an encourager, Susan, and the butterfly effect is inspirational.