Apr 19

Fade to Black – Mark’s Songwriter Dream Come True!

Hey Mark, you’re a songwriter! My friend Robbie Trice announced this to me a few months ago after he used an AI program to take some lyrics and a melody that I had written over a decade ago, and put some vocals and instrumentation to them. (Robbie was so inspired that he has since provided opportunities for more folks to do likewise, and has even used technology on some of the songs he wrote years ago. Check it out at www.robbietrice.com)

I was blown away at how my song sounded and began to believe that perhaps God had given me something that He was using to fulfill one of my dreams. I’v e always loved music, especially country music and I’ve played around with writing some songs now and then. But, Fade to Black has always been a song I have believed could be special, could one day be on the radio.

So I just let it stay in the back of my mind until God was ready for me to bring it out and I believe that time is now. So far the response has been overwhelming from those who have listened, and I believe that it will be on the radio or somewhere on today’s formats being played and listened to by a whole lot of people.

So here I am later in life getting another one of my dreams turned into a reality. I’m a songwriter! I’m registered with BMI and Fade to Black is copyrighted at the Library of Congress.

All I need now is for a singer and/or for an agent to hear it, love it and watch it take off! To God be the glory! There is no telling how He will use Fade to Black to open doors for me to share His love with folks in the music industry. Think of that!

None of that may happen, but I know that God has fulfilled another one of my dreams and that I am a songwriter! So no matter who you are or how old, don’t give up on your dreams!

And now, here is your chance to listen to Fade to Black! Let me know what you think in the comments. Please share (especially if you know a country music influencer) and keep dreaming and believing.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Permanent link to this article: https://fueledbygrace.com/__trashed/

Apr 18

Why Did They Beat the Lamb of God?

It is interesting that in John 1:29 John the Baptist said, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” He did not mention a beating, yet Jesus allowed Himself to receive a horrendous whipping at the hands of the Romans.

Even a cursory glance at the procedure God gave Moses for how to atone for the sins of the people shows nothing about the sacrifice being beaten. Not one word. Why then did Jesus, the Lamb of God, allow Himself to receive those awful stripes?

The Answer is in Isaiah 53 and in 1 Peter 2!

Both of these powerful chapters – one in the Old Testament and one in the New Testament spell out very clearly that “By His Striped We Are Healed!”

Jesus loves us so much that He allowed this beating to take place on our behalf so that we can experience the reality of the healing power of God in our lives today.

Please Pray for Mark!

In this episode we review this teaching from several years ago as a revelation that God gave me. I also ask that you please pray for me with faith believing that the reality of these truths – that “By His Stripes We Are Healed,” will manifest in my right foot and heal the remaining two wounds and swelling from the recent surgery.

A couple of episodes back we learned that prayer sustains us and Mark needs that from his friends and brothers and sisters in Christ a great deal at this time. Please pray in faith believing for a healing, because by Jesus’ stripes I am healed!

Thank you!

Remember you can listen and share either from our YouTube channel or the podcast here or at Apple, Spotify and/or Amazon.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Permanent link to this article: https://fueledbygrace.com/why-did-they-beat-the-lamb-of-god/

Dec 10

Embrace the Unknown

Mark says in this latest episode of Fueled by Grace. Ephesians 3:20, 21 says, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” In other words, God delights in blowing our minds!

God Delights in Blowing Our Minds

He is a Creative God. He likes to show His great power and do more than we can ask or imagine. Let’s embrace the unknown! He will show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully His. 2 Chronicles 16:9

Remember, Abraham obeyed God and went, not knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:8 Genesis 12:1-4. Imagine if he had not done what God asked him to do…the history of the world might be completely different. Abraham’s history certainly would. 

Watch and or Listen and Share

You can watch on our YouTube channel or listen or listen to the episode as a podcast here on the website or at Apple, Spotify or Amazon. However you enjoy Fueled by Grace, remember that God loves you, and remember to share with your friends and family.

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Permanent link to this article: https://fueledbygrace.com/embrace-the-unknown/

Oct 21

Thankful Hearts

Psalm 100:4 says to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. While some assert that “gates” refers to the gates of the city, the line pairs “gates” with “his courts.” In the Hebrew Bible “courts” (ḥaṣērôt) is the standard word for the enclosure(s) of the tabernacle/temple complex, not a city square, so the parallelism points to temple gates. 

Classic commentaries read the phrase explicitly as “the gates of His Temple … and the courts of His Temple,” i.e., a liturgical call to enter the sanctuary for worship. 

The same worship-setting appears in related psalms: “Open to me the gates of righteousness …” which commentators identify with the temple entrance. 

It’s About Gratitude

The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:4-7, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Clearly God wants us to have grateful, thankful hearts. And we benefit by receiving His peace when we pray and do so with thanksgiving.

In this Episode

Mark lays out the path from entering His gates to His glory inside the temple. It’s an awesome path and one that hopefully will encourage you to be thankful.

Please watch/listen and share this episode with friends and/or family members who need encouragement about being thankful. And remember, God loves you!

You can watch on our YouTube channel here:

Or listen to the podcast here or at Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon.

 

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Permanent link to this article: https://fueledbygrace.com/thankful-hearts/

Sep 24

The Simplicity of Christ

The simplicity of Christ  is the foundation of the Gospel. Unfortunately, our tendency as humans to “add to” even the most basic of concepts has led to a division among some leaders regarding the theology and doctrine of the finished work of Christ.

Impacted strongly by the message of the Gospel as presented at this past weekend’s memorial for Charlie Kirk, Mark shares how vital it is for the church to get back to the simplicity of Christ. Also, to embrace the simple truths of God’s love and grace, getting believers off of the “hamster wheel of performance.”

Watch this latest episode on YouTube:

 

Or listen here. As always Fueled by Grace is available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Permanent link to this article: https://fueledbygrace.com/the-simplicity-of-christ/

Jun 24

Is God Really Good

Is God Really Good?

Death, sickness, financial loss, and other challenges can be part of life  any of these can make even the strongest believer question, “why,” and “is God really good?“

As promised, my guest on this episode of Fueled by Grace, is Jeff Stockford. Jeff brings needed encouragement and truth to these and other questions and convincingly assures us that God is good!

Watch this episode on the video podcast below, or listen at any of your favorite podcast outlets, or by clicking the audio player below.

Jeff reminds us that Jude exhorts us to “keep yourselves in the love of God.”

Please like and share this episode as Jeff’s message is a real blessing, and can be a real encouragement to many who hear it.

Jeff’s Itinerary

Here are a few dates coming up wherein Jeff will be ministering:

7/6/25       Grandy Assembly of God, Grandy, NC

7/17/25    Burlington Assembly of God, Burlington, NC

9/7-9/25   Burlington Assembly of God, Burlington, NC

“I’m Taking You Another Way”

I'm Taking You Another Way: A Slightly Less Than Normal Life

Don’t forget to visit www.jeffstockford.com for Jeff’s music, itinerary, and his amazing book, “I’m Taking You Another Way.” It is also available at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the Fueled by Grace channel on Youtube…watch this awesome episode with Jeff, and please like and share the video:

Here is the podcast player. Remember, you can also listen at Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and Spotify. Like and share it, too!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Permanent link to this article: https://fueledbygrace.com/is-god-really-good/

May 29

God’s Kindness, Not Our Righteous Deeds

In this episode we are encouraged that it is the kindness and love of God that makes us new, not our righteous deeds. We cast off the burdens of guilt and shame when we realize that our righteous deeds are not good enough and never will be good enough.

Set Your Minds

Let’s join Pastor Mark in setting our minds as the Apostle Paul instructed, “on things above,” (Colossians 3:2). One of the “things above” we can set our minds on is the kindness and goodness of our Heavenly Father.

God is Restoring the Gospel!

Too often we are told in church or by leaders in books that it is our lives, our works that we need to set our minds on, not the kindness of God. As God moves on the earth during these days, He is purifying the message, restoring the truth of the Gospel to His church and to the world. It is His kindness that leads us to repentance.

Big Announcement!

We are going to start to feature guests on Fueledby Grace! Our next episode, Lord willing, will feature Pastor and Psalmist, Author Jeff Stockford. Jeff has a heart after God like none other, and we will definitely be encouraged by his insight and passion. Spread the word!

Here is the video broadcast of the latest episode, and the audio player is below. Enjoy!

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Permanent link to this article: https://fueledbygrace.com/gods-kindness-not-our-righteous-deeds/

Apr 14

I Learned a New Word

As most of you know, I have been in a battle with cancer. During this battle I learned a new word. Find out what it is in this episode of Fueled by Grace.

I want to thank God for allowing me to be back sharing the message of His great love!

Watch/listen at our Fueled by Grace YouTube channel or listen to the podcast here or at Apple, Spotify and Amazon. Remember, God loves you!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Permanent link to this article: https://fueledbygrace.com/i-learned-a-new-word/

Jun 22

Crucified with Christ

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 We were crucified with Christ!

The Holy Spirit of God lives in us if we are born again. Our “flesh” the Apostle Paul says is where sin is, and the “new man” is in union with the Holy Spirit. At www.seeinggrace.com, James Barron at says it is an amazing act of spiritual circumcision that Paul talks about where the flesh is cut away from the new man!

Think about it. God could not join Himself to sin. But, as we have been crucified with Christ and it is now Christ living in us, God by the Holy Spirit can abide in us. His nature, His joy and peace and strength are ours!

Today you can take a diffferent path for your life. You can stop walking on the road that focuses on your failures, your mistakes, and your sins. And you can start walking on the road of God’s love and grace, with the words of Jesus, “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more,” guiding your steps.

Listen to the latest Fueled by Grace podcast – or watch the video podcast linked below – and be encouraged in your faith!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Permanent link to this article: https://fueledbygrace.com/crucified-with-christ/

Mar 17

God is in This Place

Jacob woke up after seeing the ladder with angels ascending and descending and said, “God is in this place and I knew it not.” So often we as believers don’t realize or remember that “God is in this place” (in us). Essentially we “know it not.”

Why is this so often the case? It is simply because we have been raised on a mixture of law and grace, and we are taught more frequently to look at our sin and failures instead of the God who is “in this place.”

In this message, Mark will encourage us to remember that God is in us – He is in this place. And, he shows us a wonderful nugget at the end of Jacob’s story at Bethel

Listen and share this powerful podcast, and also be sure to check out Mark’s new book, “Streams of Life” right here at Fueled by Grace, and order your copy today. https://fueledbygrace.com/streams-of-life/

Or, you can watch the video version right here:

You can listen to the podcast using the player here, or at Apple podcasts, Amazon podcasts, or Spotify podcasts.

Or you can watch the video right here:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Permanent link to this article: https://fueledbygrace.com/god-is-in-this-place/