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Peter DeHaan News

Top Ten Posts in 2014

Here are the ten most read posts on this blog, “Pursuing Biblical God.” Some were written this year, while others are perennial favorites from prior years.

  1. Which Gospel Should I Read?
  2. Beware of Spiritual Incest
  3. Great Teaching, But Something’s Wrong (Visiting Church #49)
  4. 52 Churches: The Journey Begins
  5. Why I Don’t Dress Up For Church
  6. Book Review: Secrets of the Secret Place
  7. The Use and Meaning of Amen
  8. Why Don’t You Go To Church?
  9. A Glimpse into the Future (Visiting Church #15)
  10. What Does it Mean to Greet One Another With a Holy Kiss?

There was one more, which I liked so much, that I copied it over to the home page: Do You Want More From Life? Seeking a Spiritual More. This, of course, is the most viewed page on the site.

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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Old Testament Reading Plan

Read Through the Old Testament by Investing a Few Minutes a Day

The Old Testament reading plan Bible guide is now available.

By reading about 10 to 12 minutes a day, an average adult reader can cover the entire Old Testament of the Bible in one year.

The schedule, however, does not make people read the Bible straight through from page one to the end. “It’s too easy to get bogged down by one section of the Bible,” said the plan developer Peter DeHaan.

DeHaan’s method for all the options is to cover the Bible in sections, reading from only one book each day, completing that book before moving on to the next one.

“Every December people email me asking about Bible reading plans for the New Year. Each year we add more options and enhance our existing guides,” said Bible scholar Peter DeHaan.

Readers may freely share the Bible reading plans without restriction, as long as it is for noncommercial use.

Other Options

In addition to the Old Testament Reading Plan, author Peter DeHaan also provides two less ambitious Bible reading schedules. One covers just the New Testament. And the other is a set of twelve monthly reading plans.

“It only takes three to four minutes a day, five days a week, to read the New Testament in one year,” added DeHaan, “The New Testament plan is our most popular. And many people follow it up with our Old Testament reading plan the next year.”

In addition to the annual Bible Reading plans, ABibleADay.com also has hundreds of pages of information about the Bible, including Bible FAQs, Bible terms, books of the Bible, and a Bible blog.

Download one of the annual Bible reading plans, and have a Happy New Year!

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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Peter DeHaan News

DeHaan to Speak at the 2014 Breathe Writers Conference

Seasoned Magazine Publisher and Editor to Hold Two Workshops for Writers

Author Peter DeHaan will speak at the 2014 Breathe Christian Writers Conference taking place October 10 and 11 in Grand Rapids Michigan. This year the event moves to a new location, the campus of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.

“I’ve attended the Breathe Christian Writers Conference for the past five years and again have the opportunity to lead two workshops,” said magazine publisher Peter DeHaan. “I tell everyone The Breathe Christian Writers Conference is my ‘can’t miss’ writing event each year.”

Author Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity

Your Career as a Writer

Peter’s first workshop is “Ten Steps to Start (or Restart) Your Writing Career,” designed for new writers, those considering a writing career, and those who want to breathe new life into their work.

It is an update of last year’s popular presentation, with new content and more information. “This is a great session for those who need a little encouragement to get started or a gentle nudge to get restarted,” stated Peter.

Using WordPress

Peter’s second presentation “Getting Started with WordPress for Your Author Blog or Website,” applies to all writers at any level. “Every writer who wants to share his or her work and connect with readers must have a website; social media is not enough,” said DeHaan.

“Using WordPress for your blog or website is easy, but a few pointers will save time and avoid wasted effort.”

After attending Peter’s WordPress session, attendees will have the basic knowledge needed to start using WordPress or to improve what they already have. Peter also talked about this topic at the recent Grand Rapids WordCamp in August.

Peter DeHaan has been a magazine publisher and editor since 2001, but started writing four decades ago. He published his first article in 1983. Peter brings to Breathe the perspective of a seasoned writer, publisher, and editor.

The keynote speaker for this year’s two-day conference is New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Cantrell. Julie will give two keynote addresses: “This One Life: Dare to defy the odds” and “Sink or Swim: Lessons learned from a head-first dive into publishing.”

In addition to Julie’s keynote addresses, the conference offers other general sessions, an array of workshops, plenty of networking opportunities, and time for informal social interaction.

Learn more about writing and publishing in Peter’s book: Successful Author FAQs: Discover the Art of Writing, the Business of Publishing, and the Joy of Wielding Words. Get your copy 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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Peter DeHaan News

The 2014 Breathe Christian Writers Conference

Last month I spoke about blogging at the Grand Rapids WordCamp. Next month I’ll again be speaking about blogging, this time at the Breathe Christian Writers Conference on October 10-11.

The title of my Saturday presentation is “Getting Started with WordPress for Your Author Blog or Website.” In addition to my workshop on WordPress, there will be two other blogging sessions as well.

In another session, this one on Friday, I’ll talk about “Ten Steps to Start (or Restart) Your Writing Career.” This is an update of my well-received presentation from last year. In addition to my two presentations, there will be over thirty others to consider as well.

Author Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity

I invite you to attend the Breathe Christian Writers Conference to learn about writing. I hope to see you there, either to meet for the first time or to reconnect. Breathe is a great writing conference and my one “can’t miss” meeting every year.

If you’ve never attended a writers conference, please make Breathe be your first one; otherwise, I encourage you to add it to your agenda. Do this for yourself, your writing, and your career.

Learn more about writing and publishing in Peter’s book: Successful Author FAQs: Discover the Art of Writing, the Business of Publishing, and the Joy of Wielding Words. Get your copy 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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Peter DeHaan News

Peter DeHaan Updates ABibleADay.com for Greater User Impact

Online Bible Reading Resource Extends Usefulness and Reach on New, User-Friendly Platform

Apr. 30, 2014 – Mattawan, Mich.—Peter DeHaan announced the completion of the overhaul on his popular website ABibleADay.com.

The site, which allows him to share his passion for considering the Bible as a fresh, spiritual narrative and not an obsolete rule book, was started in 2008 and received record page views this March, even as the transition was still taking place.

ABibleADay.com is powered by WordPress software, the world’s leading website platform. “This effort began in late 2013,” said Peter DeHaan, PhD, the site’s main content provider. “We kept the old site up and operational as we methodically moved the content over, page by page.

“Also, each of the 750 pages were reviewed and updated. That made the process take much longer, but it was worth the extra effort. With the new WordPress platform, making changes and adding new content is quick and easy,” said DeHaan, a lifetime student of the Bible.

The site also boasts a fresh look: “The pages have a clean appearance and navigation is a breeze. Designed six years ago, the old site was definitely showing its age. I’m ecstatic over the improvement.

“A Bible A Day is for Bible-curious people,” added Peter DeHaan. “The FAQ section is the place to start, while helpful resources are in the ‘Books of the Bible’ and ‘Bible Terms’ sections.” A popular feature is the Bible reading plans, which offers options for any schedule.

The site also includes a feed of biblically related posts, originally appearing on Peter’s main blog at PeterDeHaan.com. New posts appear each Thursday; plus, there is an archive of past posts, dating back to 2008.

Learn more about A Bible A Day at ABibleADay.com.

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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Peter DeHaan News

News Release: Peter DeHaan Overhauls Website

PeterDeHaan.com Integrates Author’s Main Blog and Website in One Place

Mattawan, Michigan, March 12, 2014—Peter DeHaan announced the completion of the overall of his website peterdehaan.com. The site, which shares his writing and career, features three exciting developments:

The new site is powered by WordPress, the world’s leading blogging and website platform. “This effort actually began a year and a half ago, almost as soon as the last website overhaul was finished,” said Peter.

“Although WordPress was recommended at that time, I selected a different direction. That site looked great but updating it was problematic from the start. Now with WordPress, making changes and adding new content is quick and easy.”

The second change is that for the first time, Peter’s main website and main blog are now fully integrated on the same site.

“This allows people to read my blog posts and access information about me and my writing all at one place. There will be no more bouncing from the blog to the website and back again,” Peter added.

The final development is a fresh new look. “The pages have a clean appearance and navigation is a breeze. What’s interesting,” said the author, “is that the new site contains all the same information—as well as some new content—but it’s now easier to find and much more inviting to read.”

PeterDeHaan.com highlights Peter’s current writing and future projects, outlines his writing services, and allows readers to receive weekly email updates. It showcases his books and blog posts.

The overhaul has been an ongoing process, evolving over the past few months while the site was live, with regular visitor seeing incremental changes every week.

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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Peter DeHaan News

Peter DeHaan Wins Halo Magazine Writing Contest

Follower of Jesus shares his story and spiritual journey in Christian publication.

Mattawan, Michigan, January 15, 2014—Peter DeHaan is the first place winner of Halo Magazine’s first annual writing contest. DeHaan’s winning submission, “How I Found Jesus,” appeared in a recent issue.

“I’m honored to have won first place in Halo Magazine’s annual writing contest,” said author Peter DeHaan. “I felt I submitted a solid piece, but I was concerned it might be too unconventional, as my journey isn’t the typical conversion story.

Thankfully the editors saw merit in it and awarded me first place!”

Also in the issue is another of Peter’s articles, “Do Rituals Have a Place in Our Spiritual Growth?” “Having a second piece in this issue is an added bonus,” enthused DeHaan.

“I knew it was accepted for publication, but didn’t know when they would use it. It was a complete surprise when I stumbled upon it in this issue.”

Peter DeHaan is no stranger to readers of Halo Magazine. His prior work includes a tribute poem, “An Ode to Peanut” in the January 2013 issue and a memoir piece “Serving God in My Community” in the October 2012 issue.

Marian Newman Braxton, the editor-in-chief of Halo magazine, notified Peter of his winning submission. She said, “We truly enjoyed reading your article.” Delbert Teachout, the managing editor, implemented the contest and evaluated the submissions.

Last year, Peter DeHaan entered another contest and was selected as a finalist with his poem, “Why I Write,” for the literary publication Imagine This! An ArtPrize Anthology.

The book was released September 2013.

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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Peter DeHaan News

News: Top Ten Posts for 2013

Check out my top blog posts from last year. The comments feature on these posts are still open, so feel free to leave a note. The top ten posts for 2013 are:

  1. Great Teaching, But… (Visiting Church #49)
  2. 52 Churches: The Journey Begins
  3. Beware of Spiritual Incest
  4. A Glimpse into the Future (Visiting Church #15)
  5. How I Worship God
  6. Should You Ever Take a Vacation From Church?
  7. The Next Generation
  8. A Different Venue (Visiting Church #16)
  9. Enthusiastic Faith (Visiting Church #30)
  10. The Right Mix of Music (Visiting Church #4)

Which is your favorite? Are there other posts you really liked?

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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Peter DeHaan News

Bible Reading Plans

Bible Reading Plans are Now Available

Learn more about the Bible from ABibleADay.com — and have a Happy New Year!

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.

Categories
Peter DeHaan News

Top Posts for 2013

Check out the top blog posts on “:”The Musings of Peter DeHaan” from last year. The 2013 top ten are:

Do you like this post? Want to read more? Check out Peter’s book, Bridging the Sacred-Secular Divide: Discovering the Spirituality of Every Day Life, available wherever books are sold.

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.