About Me!

Welcome In!

Hello there! Welcome to my blog ministry called: BIBLE STUDY VIBES. This ministry is focused on receiving the vibes that Jesus brings to your life. I do this through two direct blog styles: Bible Studies and devotionals. You will find my Bible Studies released every Tuesday and Saturday and will be a mix of understanding biblical texts and how we can apply them to our everyday life. You will find my devotional – Manna for the Mind – come out every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Those focus on 1-3 verses, and I work through their context and understanding to see how we can focus it on our everyday lives.

Who I Am

My name is Marc, and I am the founder, writer, and creator of this ministry. While I do not have a theology degree or a pastoral license, I have a lot of church leadership experience. I worked as a Youth and Children’s ministry Director over the course of a decade leading various age groups. I have also held many different roles within the church as well from tech support to administrative assistant and treasurer, to newsletter editor, and more. I have a passion for sharing the Word of God to all people. I believe God gifted me with the gift of teaching/preaching/speaking, and how it would happen would be unique. What the uniqueness is – I’m still not sure – but it’s been a life-giving, fruitful journey.

What I Believe

This is something that I truly never have written down before. It’s important for you, and me, to have this though. I value transparency, and you deserve to know what I am about and what this ministry stands for:

My Rooted Identity

Overall, I am a Progressive Christian that grew up and worked in the United Methodist Church. I want to ensure that my life is a reflection of God’s grace and justice through my thoughtful faith.

God’s Unconditional Love

I believe that God’s love is unconditional, active, and for all people. His grace leads us to a place of healing, justice, and transformation.

Jesus and the Way of Love

I believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, showing His character through radical compassion, inclusion, and courage. To follow Jesus means to practice His agape love in real, tangible ways.

Scripture as a Living Witness

I believe the Bible is inspired, authoritative in its purpose, and is interpreted through reason, tradition, and experience. The Bible invites us into an ongoing discernment.

Human Dignity and Inclusion

I believe that all humans are made in the image of God. I believe that LGBTQ+ inclusion, racial and disability justice, and gender equity are all expression of the Gospel message.

Faith in Community

I believe that faith is lived out together, not in isolation. Communion, baptism, and a shared life shape us into the people that God created us to be.

Personal Faith and Social Responsibility

I believe that our personal faith and our social response belong together. The ultimate goal should be the flourish of all peoples and the healing of our world.

God’s Ongoing Work

I believe that God is constantly speaking, moving, renewing, and transforming. I believe that we are an active participant in God’s ongoing work of restoration.

A Posture of Openness

These beliefs have molded me into the person I am today and guide the work of everything I write, say, and do. They do not limit the questions I have or the conversations we have together. Faith is a journey. One that I walk with curiosity, courage, and grace.

Favorite Bible Verses

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

1 Timothy 4:12

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Matthew 6:34

Fun Facts About Me

Some fun information about me (following typical classroom protocols):

  • Age: 30
  • Current job: Seasonal Tax Professional
  • Hobbies: Writing, Reading, Puzzles, Video Games, Content Creation
  • Favorite Movie: Inside Out
  • Favorite YouTubers: Markiplier, Game Grumps,
  • Favorite Food: Pizza
  • Favorite Color: Navy Blue
  • Favorite Sports Teams: Detroit Tigers \\ Atlanta Falcons \\ L.A. Lakers \\ Detroit Red Wings \\ University of Michigan Wolverines

My Growth Series

Welcome In 2025!

Hey! So, the post is all about welcoming 2025 and reflecting on 2024, which was a mix of ups and downs. The writer got through tax season, struggled with job…

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476ce51c873edf00dba3cf834a02c5945351388a176125a07af075501ef4d754?s=48&d=identicon&r=g by Marc Middleton

A Year of Growth

In 2023, I faced numerous challenges, including being on paid administrative leave due to a sextortion case, battling COVID-19, and ultimately being terminated from my job. I found solace in…

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476ce51c873edf00dba3cf834a02c5945351388a176125a07af075501ef4d754?s=48&d=identicon&r=g by Marc Middleton

Welcome 2023!

What was 2022 like? What are my hopes for 2023? What should you expect for 2023? All these answers and more in this blog!

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476ce51c873edf00dba3cf834a02c5945351388a176125a07af075501ef4d754?s=48&d=identicon&r=g by Marc Middleton

2020 in Review

Guys…we did it! We survived! 2020 is now officially over! Let’s all take that big breath and relax. The chaotic year that 2020 had is over, and it’s a time…

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476ce51c873edf00dba3cf834a02c5945351388a176125a07af075501ef4d754?s=48&d=identicon&r=g by Marc Middleton

My Socials <3 (GO FOLLOW)

The systems that we have tend to normalize inequality or overlook justice. There have been plenty of voices to say that we have problems in the United States, voiced with reasonable solutions to make this work. However, people who abuse their powers, follow the pockets of lobbyists instead of their constituents, and look away from the actual work that needs to be done. They will focus on what is best for them, and them alone, regardless of how many people it hurts. God calls us to love others and works toward justice, but our systems fall apart in this capacity. We need a radical overhaul of systems, and it starts with us. Voting for those that will look out for the people, supporting non-profits that try to bridge gaps, and getting out to be the hands and feet of Christ. The systems that we have tend to normalize inequality or overlook justice. There have been plenty of voices to say that we have problems in the United States, voiced with reasonable solutions to make this work. However, people who abuse their powers, follow the pockets of lobbyists instead of their constituents, and look away from the actual work that needs to be done. They will focus on what is best for them, and them alone, regardless of how many people it hurts. God calls us to love others and works toward justice, but our systems fall apart in this capacity. We need a radical overhaul of systems, and it starts with us. Voting for those that will look out for the people, supporting non-profits that try to bridge gaps, and getting out to be the hands and feet of Christ. To intercede for others is a communal aspect. It’s as simple as praying for others, listening to the hurts and hardships of others, and working with others to help meet their needs. Prayer is a communal activity, one that allows us to build relationships with others. One that tears down the walls that society tends to build up and push to us, instead of the bridges to break down the stigmas of the world and to recognize that we are all humans that have fallen short of the standards of God. We need to not hide them, but work towards an intentional, relational prayer that seeks to see the best of each other. To intercede for others is a communal aspect. It’s as simple as praying for others, listening to the hurts and hardships of others, and working with others to help meet their needs. Prayer is a communal activity, one that allows us to build relationships with others. One that tears down the walls that society tends to build up and push to us, instead of the bridges to break down the stigmas of the world and to recognize that we are all humans that have fallen short of the standards of God. We need to not hide them, but work towards an intentional, relational prayer that seeks to see the best of each other.

https://www.instagram.com/marcmiddleton50

@mannaforthemind

My Spotify Playlists

Thank You!

Feel free to check out my previous blogs, past devotional series, and everything in between. I pray that this space is one where you can connect with God. Below is some of my socials, but also all my year-end blogs as a way to show you the growth that’s happened because of this website and what God has called me to do. Thanks for reading <3