Grace for Rock Concerts

One of the things I did with my three sons was to get away with each of them at key times in their lives. I wanted us to have fun, eat a great meal, talk about sex and discuss where they were in their spiritual lives.

Just before their senior year in high school, I gave each one the opportunity to go away for a weekend to a place of their choice within driving distance. The two oldest each went with me to Universal Studios theme park. But, the third had quite a different request.

He asked me if we could go see Def Leppard in concert. If you don't know who that is, they were a hugely popular rock band in the early 80's and 90's. I jokingly said to him, "I wanted to take you away for the weekend to talk about sex, drugs and rock and roll and you want me to take you to a rock concert?"

We went to the concert that summer and had a blast, tailgating beforehand while talking about sex and other spiritual matters. I wasn't concerned about him being negatively influenced by the concert. Why? He loves Jesus and I knew we could discuss the music on the way home. I also believed that Jesus in me had more influence than the rock band and it turned out to be true.

God's grace can give us the freedom to enjoy even a rock concert with a child!

Live Free In Christ,

Mark Maulding, President and Founder

www.GraceLifeInternational.com
All Content Copyright © 2014 Mark Maulding

Grace for Life's Delays

The longer I am a Christian, the more I realize that God often wants to accomplish His purposes through us when there are delays in life. You see, our problem is not always about us or the problem.

Shortly after someone gave me a car in answer to prayer, I realized it had transmission problems. To get it repaired at the dealer's wholesale price, I would need to drive five hours and be away from my wife and Grace Life International for three days. Though I was happy I would get to be with my parents, I would be missing lots of ministry.

When I picked up the repaired car, I was planning to leave that day but my wife gently suggested I drive it for a while first. Good thing, because the next morning it had problems. The transmission company would fix it again at no charge but it would be Monday before it was ready. Another four day delay.

I knew that God might have something in mind that was not about the car. Sure enough, the man who drove me to my parents' house Monday morning brought up the subject of God, though he had no idea I was a Christian or in ministry. It was a great opportunity to share the Gospel with one who did not know Jesus. I realized my delay was orchestrated so God could reach out to this man whom He loved.

Divine delays can lead to divine appointments!

Live Free In Christ,

Mark Maulding, Founder and President


www.GraceLifeInternational.com
All Content Copyright © 2013 Mark Maulding

Grace for Patience

 Have you ever heard someone say, "I am not a very patient person?"  If you are in Christ, you might want to reconsider. 

    I know from personal experience that what I am about to share with you is not only true, it can make a real difference in how you live your life.  Yesterday, I was waiting my turn at the pharmacy when the pharmacists said, "Yours is ready".  I was glad because my 30 minute errand had turned into one hour.  It was late at night and I was tired. 

   To my surprise, the technician helped the person at the car window instead of me.  Feeling impatient, I remembered the Gospel.  Colossians 2:10 says, "...in Him you have been made complete".  Because of this, we are patient people in Christ.  So, I took the thought captive and said to myself, "I am a patient person in Christ" and my irritation began to subside.  

            

   In Christ, we have all the patience we will ever need.   We don't need to pray for patience.  We already have it.  When we rely on The Patient One to live His life through us, we will be at rest in our souls.  This is why Galatians 5:17 tells us that the fruit of the Holy Spirit living through us is, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, meekness, self-control."

   The next time you're feeling impatient, remember you are already a patient person in your identity in Christ.  Ask the Patient One to live through you!

Live Free In Christ,

Mark Maulding, President and Founder 

www.GraceLifeInternational.com All Content Copyright © 2013 Mark Maulding

Grace for Pastors

     There is an old saying that is half joke and half sarcasm. "Pastors only work one day a week so they shouldn't be tired." I believe that the job of being a pastor is both the most rewarding and most challenging vocation there is.
  

  Think of their stress - leading, preparation for preaching, caring for the hurting, managing staff/volunteers, overcrowded schedules, conflicts, criticism and more. 70% have a lower self-image than when they started. 80% believe ministry has negatively affected their families. 55% say they are discouraged. Many have stress related health problems.

   

   Pastors struggle just like the rest of us. They are not immune just because they are in ministry. Let me put it this way. As a result, their flesh shows itself. Flesh is our sinful patterns of coping with life apart from dependence on Christ, usually, in response to stress. 

   

   The first 7 of the 10 years I was a pastor, I struggled with depression, discouragement, people pleasing, lust, pornography and a difficult marriage. I knew that Jesus was my Savior and my Lord but I did not understand what it meant for Him to be my LIFE. See Colossians 3:4. "When Christ, who is our life..." Once I did, the healing and freedom on the inside changed everything!

   If you care about your pastor, pray for him often and share this with him! Pastors, please contact us. You are not alone. I or one of our staff will talk with you by phone, Skype or in person. There is hope in Christ!

Live Free In Christ,

Mark Maulding, Founder & President


www.GraceLifeInternational.com
All Content Copyright © 2013 Mark Maulding