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Today's Bible Verse:

"What marvelous love the Father has extended to us!" 1 John 3:1a (MSG)

 

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Just a Comma Can Change our Lives Drastically. Radical Grace from the Book of Romans (8:29)

"God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him." Romans 8:29 (MSG)

Alexander III, Tsar of Russia wasn't popular. He reigned for thirteen years (1881-1894) with an iron hand, especially against Jews. He persecuted anyone he didn't like, and his favorite destination for them was Siberia.

His wife, Maria Fedorovna, was the exact opposite. She cared for the ones her husband oppressed.

One day she discovered an order that condemned a prisoner for life in Siberia. He had written: "Pardon impossible, to be sent to Siberia." Maria had the opportunity to change the lot of that poor prisoner. She moved the comma in Alexander's order. It now read: "Pardon, impossible to be sent to Siberia."

We too were condemned for a grim destination. All of us have erred greatly. We have done many stupid things during our lives. The evil one accuses that we don't merit pardon, and he is right. He just like the Tsar Alexander III.

Our Heavenly Father doesn't concur with this evil intent. He, too, moved the coma, so that pardon became the most important word for us to remember. It cost Him, yes, for Jesus took the brunt of our sins so that we could be truly free for eternity. Our destiny is no longer Siberia, for our Heavenly Father accepts us as His own sons and daughters. He wants us to be part of his household.

"What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it-we're called children of God! That's who we really are. But that's also why the world doesn't recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he's up to." 1 John 3:1 (MSG) It's all thanks to Jesus, who loved us beyond imagination, who was willing to sacrifice his own life so that we could be truly free. Jesus' resurrection on the third day is our guarantee that His promises will come true!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) "Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete." Colossians 3:10 (MSG) Isn't this exciting? We have a bright future in the Kingdom of our Heavenly Father, no matter what happens to us!

Rob Chaffart

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