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Bible Insights

Miracles and an Ant Farm

If you accept that God exists and exercises providential care over his creation, it is, therefore, reasonable to expect that from time to time, miracles will occur—either for our own good or for his pleasure.

As such, an occasional divine intervention is not an irrational desire, but a reasonable expectation.

At the risk of trivializing God and his care for us, consider a person wishing to enjoy an “ant farm.”

That person would need to first establish the ant colony and would therefore understandably opt to do what is needed to ensure its ongoing survival.

At the same time, he or she would also seek an overall “hands-off” mentality in order to most effectively enjoy the ants in their natural, everyday existence. 

In other words, the ant farmer would intervene (that is, do an “ant miracle”) when there was a prevailing reason to do so, but not as a matter of course.

Although God is much more generous and caring then an ant farmer, the analogy is nonetheless helpful in understanding the possibility of miracles occurring in our world today.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

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Reviews of Books & Movies

Book Review: Miracle Workers, Reformers, and the New Mystics

Miracle Workers, Reformers, and the New Mystics

By John Crowder (reviewed by Peter DeHaan)

The subtitle of this book serves as an apt description of what to expect: “How to Become Part of the Supernatural Generation.”

Building upon the understanding of a Christian mystic to be “one who lived a life of deep, extensive prayer,” Crowder expands that definition to encompass “miracle workers and all who pursue a supernatural journey of divine experience.”

Towards that end, this book is essentially education by example, with over 50 mystics from the past two millennia being exposed and elucidated.

The accounts of their lives, spiritual devotion, and God-powered accomplishments are inspiring and motivating.

Although a common thread among these mystics is the intentional, dedicated, and purposeful pursuit of God, the point is made “there is simply no formula for hearing God.”

Nevertheless, if you want to pursue a mystical adventure, this book will get you started.

[Miracle Workers, Reformers, and the New Mystics, by John Crowder. Published by Destiny Image Publishers, 2006; ISBN: 978-0768423501; 391 pages.]

Read more book reviews by Peter DeHaan.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

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Reviews of Books & Movies

Book Review: Diary of God’s General

Excerpts from the Miracle Ministry of John G. Lake

By John G. Lake (reviewed by Peter DeHaan)

This small book is a quick read, yet filled with amazing stories and accounts of God at work through his servant, John G. Lake. This work was compiled by Lake’s son-in-law and takes the form of a first-person narrative.

Trained to be a minister, Lake instead opted to start a newspaper. When his wife was miraculously healed from a prolonged illness by John Dowie, Lake was forever changed and went into the ministry.

This book chronicles his life’s works as a minister, revivalist, and healer, as well as providing the biographical framework in which these events took place.

Though the accounts may seem incredible to the modern thinker, many have been documented and verified by others.

For the post-modern spiritually inclined, however, these descriptions of the supernatural give cause for excitement and the realization that there is so much more available to those who diligently follow Jesus.

[Diary of God’s General: Excerpts from the Miracle Ministry of John G. Lake, by John G. Lake. Published by Harrison House, 2004; ISBN: 978-1577945284; 96 pages.]

Read more book reviews by Peter DeHaan.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

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Reviews of Books & Movies

Book Review: Megashift

Megashift

By James Rutz (reviewed by Peter DeHaan)

If you want to be challenged in your understanding of what it is to follow Jesus—in the way that he modeled and how the Bible teaches—then Megashift is the book for you; it is sure to exceed those expectations. 

If, however, you desire an easy-to-read, feel-good book, wish to maintain your life’s status quo, and remain comfortable, then this book will cause you consternation and make you angry.

Starting with numerous documented miracles from around the world in the prior twenty or so years, Megashift gives ample evidence that a “megashift” in the church is occurring right now.

Unfortunately, most Christians in the United States and Western Europe are not only missing it, they are ill-prepared to accept it.

Divided into five copiously end-noted chapters (even the endnotes are worth reading), the book covers:

“The New Kingdom Explosion,”
“The New Engines of Change,”
“The New Saints,”
“The New Church,” and
“The New Meetings.”

However, that’s not all; there is an inspiring epilogue, three appendices, a resource list, and a“”What’s Next?” guide.

This is a must read for any serious follower of Jesus.

[Megashift, by James Rutz. Published by Empowerment Press, 2005; ISBN: 978-0966915822; 259 pages.]

Read more book reviews by Peter DeHaan.Save

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

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Bible Insights

A Boy (and Jesus) Feed 5,000 People

In Matthew 14:14-20 there is the dramatic account of Jesus’ s miracle to feed 5,000 people. This event is also recorded in Mark 6:31-44, Luke 9:10-17, and John 6:1-14.

The people have been with Jesus all day; they are hungry and without food. Jesus asks how much food is available; the report is merely five loaves of bread and two fishes from a boy (John 6:9).

Surely out of more than 5,000 people, other people there also have some food, but they are keeping it to themselves (which seems wise and prudent).

However, one boy is willing to share what he has. Because of that, his small gift is used to feed all those people.

We don’t have to give Jesus something huge or beyond our means, but we do need to give him what we have.

When we do, Jesus can do great things with it, like feed 5,000 people.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Bible Insights

Responding to the Work of Jesus

The people of the nearby town who are told of this miracle have two ways to respond:

First, in awe of Jesus’ power and authority, they could turn to him and follow him.

Second, out of fear of the unknown and the uncomfortable, they could reject Jesus and push him away.

They choose the later, insisting that Jesus leave them alone and not bother them any more. How sad.

I wonder, how often are we confronted with the work of God, but fearing the unknown or the uncomfortable, end up pushing him away?

[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is Mark 5-7 and today’s post is on Mark 5:17.]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.