143rd BDS – 10/10/2024

Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 12:9

It really doesn’t matter who you are, or where you’re from, or how much money that you have, in these days and times some form of stress has attacked almost everyone. This isn’t a study on the many avenues of stress, but rather on the abundant grace given by our GOD to handle those moments. Moreover, realizing that we are constantly covered by that grace from the time we wake up each and every morning until the time that we close our eyes and everything in between. The Apostle Paul recounts what the LORD told him in the referenced Scripture.. that His grace alone is more than enough for all of us and even the more no area(s) that we are weak in can match the strength that He gives us to overcome them all!!!

“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭11‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The writer (Tertius who scribed for the Apostle Paul) pens that because of GOD’s grace, there is nothing in this World that any of us can do to earn His grace. The grace of GOD wouldn’t be just that if it could be earned. He goes on to write, if we feel that we can earn grace by the good deeds that we do occasionally, how we treat others when it suits us or by how much money we distribute to those less fortunate than us for the sake of recognition (just for examples) then that isn’t exercising the grace that GOD gives to us even though oftentimes we do not deserve it. Concluding that neither of those things are commendable when done out of a sense of self promotion.

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” James‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This Scripture begins with a promise! No matter what we go through, the situations that we find ourselves in, or who is sent to get on our very last nerves.. GOD’s grace is freely given to each of us so that we can handle whatever comes our way. There’s a second part to this Scripture as well.. those that will choose to harbour or carry hearts filled with pride and self loathing GOD despises that though His love is still unconditional towards them, but His grace is extended to those who choose to remain humble. That is, never placing themselves above His infinite wisdom and divine direction for their lives.

“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Oh how I do love this Scripture!!! Listen up, the Apostle Paul says in his first epistle (or, letter) to the congregation in Corinth, that it is only by GOD’s grace that he is even capable of being the man that GOD called him to be, a chosen spokesman for CHRIST JESUS. He goes onto say that he during his life after he was changed by the power of GOD and the goodness of His grace, did not waste one moment, but that he worked that much harder at doing what He was created to do in and through JESUS CHRIST even more than others as he devoted the remainder of His life to spreading and sharing the Word of GOD. However, this wasn’t him being prideful or boasting as some would assume as he finished the verse by acknowledging that he himself was not capable of continuing to perform the tasks that he was given, but it was only by GOD’s grace which he knew was not only with him but was keeping him as well.

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This Scripture though, says it all!!! The writer tells us that even when we did not or do not choose to serve and obey Him, even though some still choose not to repent (or, turn away from) of any of the sins that they may knowingly be committing and even though some have not chosen the path to come to the knowledge of GOD through CHRIST JESUS, our LORD and SAVIOR still gave his life on the cross at Calvary for all of us!!!

Final Thought: “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” Numbers‬ ‭6‬:‭24‬-‭26‬ ‭KJV

Through these Scriptures, this is my prayer for all of us as we face our day to day lives. Stress is a part of our lives no matter where we are in our walk in or outside of GOD, but even in that stress WE ARE BLESSED BY GOD’s GRACE!!!

-Minister Marchand, Founder and Overseer of JESUS IS GLOBAL MINISTRIES-JIGM and JESUS IS GLOBAL MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY-JIGMIA