Amazed By God
Marc Stichion
ABOUT OUR HOST
When I was 14 years old, I didn’t have one friend to call my own. I was pretty much the epitome of an outcast. While most teens in my situation turned to more destructive outlets to feel accepted, I turned to the Bible. In fact, I wanted to feel God’s love more than anything in the world, so I picked it up one day and just start reading it. I soon realized that I had no idea what I was reading... what was going on... or what God was trying to tell me. I was frustrated but also very determined. One day I went to my church’s library and saw a stack of little blue books called “Layman’s Bible.” I decided to check one out so I chose Galatians since it was still fresh in my mind from the night before. I went home and simply devoured it. In fact, I couldn’t put it down.
What this little book did was illuminate why this story was written in the first place – it gave me the backdrop I needed to piece together how I could apply what I was reading to my own life. But most of all, I learned how to insert myself into this story as if I were one of the main characters, even though it was written thousands of years ago.
Once I had this historical context, I then went back to read Galatians again but this time something magical happened... God revealed himself to me, showing his abundant love for me with every word I read. This simple practice of reading a commentary and the Bible simultaneously fueled my passion for interacting and building a relationship with God through scripture.
So after high school I went on to pursue a dual degree in Biblical Theology and Ancient Jewish culture, which ultimately laid the groundwork for my life’s mission to start my own two-fold ministry.
The first is called “8765.”
I want to show children, who are in 8th, 7th, 6th, and 5th grades, how to cultivate an intense desire to know God through his Word just like I did.
Because this is the time they start to inquire about their faith – and I want to be the one to help guide them on their journey to deeply know and love God.
If they know how to interact with God through scripture, the Bible can shape their lives. I can say that because it undoubtedly shaped mine the moment I opened it.
I will give them the tools they need to deepen their connection with God, even during times of struggle.
The second part of my ministry is called "Through God's Library" or “TGL,” for short.
Most people know that there are roughly 2,000 versions of the bible. There’s the King James, NASB, the NIV, ESV, you get the picture. But what if I told you there are actually 7.8 billion versions of the bible that have yet to be discovered.
It’s true.
Of the 7.8 billion people walking this Earth, there is a Bible for each of them – including you. And I can help you discover yours with “Through God’s Library.”
You will receive a written devotional or a short video on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Each will walk you through the key verses of the most impactful pieces of scripture, allowing you to discover for yourself what God is trying to tell you including what He wants for you... what He loves about you... and what He desperately wants to show you.
With this understanding, you can finally live the life you’re meant to live.
In addition, every devotional will contain the necessary historical context so this once ancient text will become as clear as if God himself was speaking directly to you.
If you or someone you know would be interested in learning more about my ministry, I encourage you to visit: devotional.online
“The more we hear stories of God working in our lives the more our faith grows. God used everyday people to spread His word by telling the story of how they met Jesus.”
Marc Stichion