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Just How Much Does the Lord Love You?
| July 1, 2013To know just how much the Lord loves us, we need to take a look at what love really is. Quickly: what is the opposite of love? Like nearly everyone else, you probably said, “Hate is the opposite of love.” Actually, according to 1 John 4:18 fear is what we have when we don’t have love. ...but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
“Really? Fear?” you say. Think about it. Because God is love, if we don’t have Him, what do we have?
Keywords: amish voice, bible discussion, enemies, fear, jeremiah martin, love, map ministry, mission to amish people | 0 comments
In Hopes of a Good Harvest
| July 1, 2013“Mother, we are planting good seed here, aren’t we?” “Why, yes,” Sadie answered. “It’s the same seed that always yields praise-winning produce.”
“That’s just it. In Genesis I read that God made everything to produce fruit after its own kind. Can’t I believe that if I read God’s holy Word that it will help me produce godly fruit?
Forgive One Another
| July 1, 2013We may be holding onto grudges in spite of our intention,
And feel some resentment towards the one who dares mention,
It’s always our own sins that are the hardest for us to see,
And we must kindly forgive one another if we want victory.
Keywords: amish voice, forgive, forgiving, heart, map ministry, mission to amish people, orva hochstetler, poetry, salvation, victory | 0 comments
A Brief Treatise on Faith
| May 1, 2013Defining faith as it pertains to a Christ-based belief can be a challenging task. What faith means to one person is not necessarily what it means to another. After centuries of Christendom, there are as many definitions of faith as there are denominations or even people.
A Healthy Bride
| May 1, 2013We would do well to pause for a time from our many activities and consider where we stand in our spiritual life, to see whether or not we've made any progress in the last year, or years.
Children of Who?
| May 1, 2013The apostle Peter wrote his second epistle to stir up the people's pure minds by way of remembrance (2 Peter 3:1). My heart's intent, as I begin to write this letter, is to stir up the minds of God's people, especially the brethren among the Amish and other Anabaptist descendants who attempt to preserve the faith of our forefathers.
Choosing Our Cross
| May 1, 2013Sometimes I stop and wonder why God in his merciful love
Sent His only son, Jesus, down from the beautiful heaven above.
Was it because our gracious God could see beyond that huge loss,
And this was the only way to teach us to accept our own cross?
What does the Bible say about going to war?
| April 21, 2013Since the Bible clearly states "Thou shalt not kill", how can going to war and killing be justified?
Justified by Faith Alone Or By Faith Plus Works?
| April 6, 2013Faith is invisible. You cannot see it. Therefore, we, as men and women have to watch and see what kind of works flow from the one who says s/he has faith. As mere human, we can only judge by their actions. Actions then confirm whether that person's faith is real. In James 2:18 we read: "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works."
The Fruit of The Spirit
| March 1, 2013Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Wouldn't it be great to live a life with all of these wonderful characteristics coming from within you on a daily basis? What would a life filled with constant and overflowing joy look like? Do you know someone who walks in complete peace, regardless of the turmoil that is going around them? How about that gentle person in your life?
Rekindle The Fire
| March 1, 2013The book of Galatians is one of those books of the Bible that has been of tremendous influence in my life. In the other letters to the churches, specifically 1 and 2 Corinthians and Colossians, Paul wrote concerning immoral practices that needed to be purged from the church. The church at Galatia had a different problem. It was the same thing that so often happens when churches lose their spiritual zeal: they default to legalism. Martin Luther said, "Religion is the default mode of the human heart." Religion enslaves, and the pure gospel of Jesus Christ sets us free. Anyone, regardless of birth or creed, can be set free.
Sunday Christians
| March 1, 2013Many believers have very little to do with God outside of their time in church on Sunday morning. Very few churchgoers seem to have a good understanding of scripture and, in fact, not many even take their Bible to church. The preacher can tell them almost anything and they will nod their heads in agreement. After the service, it is often hard to find people who are interested in discussing biblical matters as their interests are more in whatever else is going on in the world and in their lives.
Seasons and Times
| March 1, 2013It is November; the leaves are mostly down, and we are busily raking them. The smell of smoke can often be found in the air. The crisp outdoors gives us a sense of foreboding...cold, wintry days are on their way and will soon be upon us. We feel the urgency of preparing so we are not caught unaware.
Keywords: amish, amish voice, inspirational, map ministry, mission to amish people, norma miller | 0 comments
Wild parties and sex before marriage: What does God say about it?
| February 5, 2013More and more young people who have left the Amish are sleeping together and having sex before they are married. Wild parties and getting drunk seem to be the norm. Sadly, many who are involved in sex and beer parties even claim they prayed a prayer and got saved.
Keywords: drunk, drunkedness, former amish, fornication, joe keim, sex before marriage, wild parties, wrath of god | 4 comments
Dear Bishop Letter
| January 30, 2013As I understand God's Word, being Amish, driving a buggy, wearing Amish clothes and going without electricity, is not going to save anybody from their sins and give them eternal life. Only faith in Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross for us will save a person from sin and hell.
Keywords: amish bishop, amish church, ban, excommunication, freedom in christ, joe keim, lovina kuhns, salvation, shunning | 10 comments
My Song
| January 1, 2013The story behind my poem is very special to me because the Lord asked me to write it. I'm from the Amish culture, and as the Lord opened my eyes to receive Him as my Savior, I now want to share my testimony with others. He has changed my perspective and made a new piece of pottery out of me. Though I was broken, now Jesus can shine through my being, and I can tell the world of His love and what He has done for me.
Keywords: amish, cora byler, map ministry, mission to amish people, poetry, savior, testimonies | 1 comments
Born Again - My Journey To Salvation
| January 1, 2013I grew up in an Old Order Amish setting where I still live, and I thought I had a fairly normal life. I am the oldest of eleven children, and I probably got more privileges because of that. Our family got along reasonably well, except for the fact that Dad struggled with controlling his temper. This resulted in much tension in the home. In spite of this, I took pride in the fact that I was able to handle it well. I was seldom irked or upset by anything, but I was never happy either even though it might have appeared like it to people around me because I did a lot of whistling.
Keywords: amish, born again, christian living, jonas yoder, map ministry, mission to amish people | 0 comments
Winter Seeds and Summer Roses
| January 1, 2013The last few months have been wild with the challenges, stresses, and hurdles that come with being a family of seven who are learning to grow and surrender to God's plan. Things can seem downright overwhelming as we all know very well, and it takes a lot of focus and determination at times to keep our spirits and courage up so we can keep going.
Keywords: amish, christian living, former amish, map ministry, mission to amish people, norma miller | 0 comments
Separation From The World (Part 2)
| November 1, 2012In Separation from the World, Part I, I wrote: “One of the [main] beliefs maintained by the plain people surrounds separation from the world. In fact, while studying our rich culture, I discovered that if you look past that one belief, the average plain person isn’t [all that] different from any other person alive.”
Keywords: amish, ex-amish, former amish, jeremiah zeiset, map ministry, mennonite, mission to amish people, plain people | 0 comments
The Value Of Building On A Rock
| November 1, 2012Matthew 7:24-27 says: Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Keywords: amish, christian living, eli stutzman, ex-amish, map ministry, mission to amish people | 0 comments
Generational Patterns and Punishment
| November 1, 2012Does the thought ever occur to you that, as a parent, you are doing more than just raising ONE generation of children and then you’re done? The point I’m making is: what you do or don't do with your children will have a direct impact on the outcome of your grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
God's Father-Heart of Love
| November 1, 2012We have five beautiful children. Our youngest is a very active, wiggly, nine-month-old little man. I would love to have some of his energy! He could do with a little less, and I with a little more - especially when I am trying to put him to sleep! We have quite the little motions we go through until he is finally sleeping. Often I would simply love to be able to relax and rest, but no, we have to have our wiggles and jiggles, and fights first!
Finishing the Course - Keeping the Faith
| November 1, 2012The first time I met Dan Byler, I knew right away he and I would be friends for life. He was a man on fire for God who burned with a passion to reach world for Christ. You see, he understood all too well what it was like to be lost and searching for true meaning in life. And he never forgot what it felt like when Jesus reached down from heaven, loved him unconditionally, forgave him of his sins and freely gave him everlasting life.
How do the Amish choose their ministers and bishops?
| October 31, 2012Have you ever wondered how the Amish choose their spiritual leaders? First Peter 5:2 says that an elder should serve willingly, not by compulsion. This verse spurred me to ask a few more questions about their procedure, since I have never known them to be willing to serve as deacon, minister, or bishop.
How many Amish people are born again? 20%? 50%? 100%?
| September 17, 2012Coby: I am shocked to find that you believe that the Amish in general do not have a saving relationship with Jesus.
A Father's Blessing
| September 1, 2012Shortly before Jacob, who was also called Israel, passed away, he took the time to formally bless his twelve sons. The giving of a father's blessing is not something that most people are familiar with in our own day. Although, I am aware that this has become more popular in some circles, but my guess is that most people wouldn't understand why something like this is important.
The Two Covenants
| September 1, 2012As Israel stood around the foot of Mount Sinai and waited for the law to be given, they experienced sights and sounds that were very frightening to a group of slaves that had just been freed. What a trip! Just a few days ago they had been serving Pharaoh and his slave masters. Now they were in the presence of the God of all creation!
Separation From The World (Part 1)
| September 1, 2012Having a plain background myself, I tend to spend a fair amount of time studying the ways of the plain Amish and Mennonites. One of the primary definitive cultural beliefs maintained by the plain people surrounds separation from the world. In fact, while studying our rich culture, I discovered that if you look past that one particular belief, the average plain person isn't different from any other person alive.
YOU Are Very Special!
| September 1, 2012Did you know there are as many different kinds of relationships as there are people? How can that be? Well, God is going to have a relationship with you that is tailored to meet your needs! His relationship with you, or your relationship with Him is going to be different from every other person's relationship with Him! That is how intensely personal our God is.
Divorce and Remarriage - Does God Permit It?
| August 14, 2012Question: I am considering and praying about divorcing, and the thought is SCAREY. I still love my husband, but he is ignoring me like I'm a piece of trash. I can't reason with him whatsoever, and I believe God is asking me to let go of him! What do you believe is God's heart on divorce and re-marriage for an innocent partner?
