What is My Purpose in Life?

What is my purpose, will I know what it is?

Regards,
Millie

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Hello Millie,

I'm not sure where you stand with the Lord, but our ultimate purpose in this life is to have fellowship with God and for His glory.

"...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

We are to fear God.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10

"Fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil." Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 

According to Jesus we are to:

"LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, and LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." Matthew 22: 37&39

We are to turn from our sins and obtain salvation.

Jesus said..."unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." Luke 13:3

"For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:9

We are to read the scriptures and obey what we read.

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16

"Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You." Psalm 119:11

As you learn more in the scriptures, the Holy Spirit is faithful to guide you in truth.

He begins to show you the world through His eyes and you begin to understand the depth of love He has for you.

As far as your own personal purpose, if you take these steps to seek Him, He will make that more clear to you over time. Wherever you are in life at this moment, you can begin to seek Him and serve Him right now.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

If you don't already have a Bible, I recommend the Life Application Bible with Footnotes. It is available in many versions. I buy through Amazon.

Hope that is of some help to you. God Bless.

Maidservant Huldah

Why Choose 'Huldah'?

Not a question, but an observation, it's interesting that you name yourself after the prophetess Huldah, who was consulted by a Judean king about the words in the book of law that was found in the Jewish temple, and told the decimation of Jerusalem and Judah would not occur during his lifetime. Are you a modern day prophetess? Were you unaware of the association? Or was there another reason you chose that name?

Regards,

ANC

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Dear ANC,

Thanks for inquiring. I am quite familiar with Huldah’s story in scripture. However, I do not consider myself a “modern day prophetess” as people would think of it today. I am unable to say that I have ever stood on a mountain top and pointed out over America with God’s words flaming from my lips.

That being said, it is written in the New Testament that God bestows upon His people gifts to be used for the cause of His kingdom. I am not unique, those gifts are given to every Christian, but it is up to the individual to find out, with God’s help, what their gifts are and how He wants to use them. See 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12.

I have a passion for God’s Truth and evangelism. Sharing that Truth with others is what the Lord put on my heart to do. I see people all around me that are being lied to about what is right and what is wrong, and so many are confused. Children are taught that sex is okay at any age, abortion is alright if it is convenient for the mother, criminals are only born that way, we can live our lives however we see fit without any consequences, I could go on and on. All these lies burn in my bosom at night as a God-fearing woman. I see my country falling into a trap.

I chose Huldah because I was looking for a strong female voice (not to mention her name is unique). What I liked about her was that when she delivered her prophecy, she boldly spoke the Truth. The Truth was stinging, but someone had to speak it. Then she came back and delivered a message of hope to the king who had humbled himself before God.

I don’t know about you, but I think we could use a lot of voices like Huldah’s just about now.

Hope that helps.

Maidservant Huldah

Reincarnation or Resurrection?

Dear Huldah,

I recently had a conversation with a friend that believes strongly in reincarnation. What does the bible say about it?

JS
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Dear JS,

The idea of reincarnation is completely unbiblical and has no theological or scientific basis. Instead, it comes from pagan mythology.

The Bible does not discuss reincarnation directly, but it does discuss the fate of the human soul, and the teaching it offers on the subject leaves no room for speculation on reincarnation.

Speaking of death, Ecclesiastes 12: 7 says, “Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to the God who gave it.”

Hebrews 9: 27 And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.

Satan is a master at turning men’s hearts and minds away from God. Christ himself, by conquering death, paved the way for the body to be resurrected. He told us this:

John 14:3 "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”

2Co 5:6-8 Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord-- for we walk by faith, not by sight-- we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.

It seems that after all the wonderful promises God gives us in scripture, it would be a pretty mean trick to send us back in perishable and pain ridden bodies all over again!

I would pray for your friend to receive a good strong dose of the truth.

God Bless,

Maidservant Huldah

Adultery

​

How far is too far when it comes to committing adultery?

Jesus said, Mat 5:28 "...but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

He goes on to tell us how to prevent or correct the problem.

Matt 5:29-30 "If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell."

In today's terms, if looking at pornography on the computer causes one to sin, then the computer should be thrown out. If one is married and attracted to a co-worker to the point of distraction or temptation, then the right thing to do in God's eyes is to quit that job and find another. These may sound like extreme solutions, but not as extreme as the consequences. Dealing with divorce court and a disgruntled spouse is nothing compared to what awaits those who practice these sins.

Though there are no guarantees with a spouse, this is not an unforgivable sin in the eyes of God. Jesus forgave a woman caught in the act of adultery. His words to her were like splash of cool water on a hot day. He told her that He does not condemn her and that she is to go and sin no more.

Act 3:19 "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord..."

Maidservant Huldah

World Peace Myth

​

Hello Huldah,

I would like to know if we are ever going to see world peace. We are told to pray for it but we seem to be getting farther away from it all the time. To say "pray for peace" sounds so empty to me. Am I just being a pessimist?

Caren

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Dear Caren,

Your instincts are correct. We will not be seeing world peace in this lifetime and there are many scriptures to support it.

Jesus says of the end times in Matt. 24:6-14:

"You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come."

It is clear that things are to become worse before Christ returns to judge the evil deeds of men.

However, for those who place their trust in Christ in this lifetime we have these promises:

Rev 21:4 "...and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."

John 14:1-3 "Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also."

Thanks Caren.

Maidservant Huldah

Evolution Debate

Why do so many Christians resist the theory of evolution?

Let's turn the question around. Since the Bible is so much older than the theory of evolution, why do so many evolutionists resist creation?

Rom 1:20-22 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools...

Evolutionists are starving in their need to explain the miracle of creation without a divine Creator, Christians are satisfied with what the Lord provides in scripture.

Maidservant Huldah

I think I am saved, but how do I really know for sure?

Huldah's answer:

Several years ago, I was told that to be saved I needed to pray for God to forgive me and ask Jesus into my heart. I did that, but I didn't think too much about it right away. However, GOD thought MUCH of it and I wasn't getting off that easy. When I finally picked up my Bible and started to read it alone in my room, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. In the pages, it was if I was holding up a mirror, and God was showing me that I had sinned against Him in ways that I hadn't considered. It brought me down low. I realized just how wretched I really was. This time, I got on my knees and asked Him with deep regret to forgive me. And forgive me He did! I felt a burden lifted off of me that was indescribable. I could actually feel His forgiveness.

At the same time I had been suffering with a painful illness that I was told I would have to live with for the rest of my life. One morning, I woke up, got down on my knees, and told God that there was no way I was going to be able to serve my family when I could hardly get out of bed because of the pain. Just then I heard a voice say "Throw your pills away." I did, and I have never taken another since. Over the course of a few months my pain was completely gone.

In addition, all my life since childhood, I had bad dreams several nights a week, always something chasing me that I could never see. Finally one night the dream was so frightening, I woke up in a sweat. I cried out to God and told Him I couldn't take these dreams any more...then they vanished.
God was showing me at every turn that I was truly His and that He loved me.

Today, I no longer struggle with doubt about salvation and here is why...

First, God says He disciplines those that He loves. Heb 12:6 "FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES."

When I do sin, the Holy Spirit convicts me. It's like a burning in my bosom, but I know it is for my own good.

Second, God teaches me so many things in the Bible that I could not ever have figured out on my own. I'm not talking about good preaching/teaching on Sunday, though it has its benefits. I mean He teaches me the Bible when I read it with Him alone. Every time I read a Book in the Bible a second, third, or more times, He is faithful to show me something new EVERY time. Getting alone with Him is when He speaks the loudest to me.

Third, He has taken away a lot of the sinful desires I used to have and replaced them with desires that align with His. I no longer take pleasure in the sins I used to commit for fun. I get more enjoyment now running my own Bible study and a Christian Help website, not to mention I am a much better wife and mother than before I was saved.

Finally, God uses me to lead others to Christ, and I love every minute of it. People are hungry to know God, yet so many are so very far from any kind of joy in their lives.

Walking with the Lord is not always easy, and sometimes it is quite hard, however, what baby doesn't struggle to stand, or fall and get hurt sometimes?

One thing I am sure of is this:

Rom 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If you really want assurance of your salvation, let nothing come between you and your alone time with the Lord. He will, over time, show you Himself, that you are His...forever.

Maidservant Huldah

Hostility toward God

Dear Huldah,

There is a nice lady that lives next door to me in the neighborhood I just moved into with my family. One day recently I decided to try talking to her about Jesus. I was shocked at how quickly she turned hostile. She made it clear she believes in God, but she expressed resentment and hatred for him. She said that her mother had been religious, but her stepfather had driven her to suicide several years ago. She told me that she cannot accept a God that allowed her mother to suffer at the hands of such a wicked man. My neighbor then stormed off angry at me for even bringing God up in conversation. Since that day, I've noticed out the window her talking to other neighbors, and heads turn in the direction of our house. I'm worried that since we're new here, we may end up outcasts before we get a chance to prove ourselves good neighbors. Is the next step an apology? I don't think I said anything wrong, but I'm willing to take the higher road if necessary.


Sincerely,

Anxious

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Dear Anxious,

Your neighbors response is not that unusual. People will adhere to all kinds of reasons to turn their backs on God. Perhaps she feels she has legitimate reasons to despise God, or perhaps she uses it as an excuse to dislike God's people.

Jesus made it sound easy when He told the disciples: Mat 10:14 "Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet." However, when it is your next door neighbor, it's not so easy.

Even though it sounds as if you didn't say or do anything wrong, I agree with your idea to approach her with an apology. I would only express remorse for upsetting her, but remain silent on the issue of bringing up the Lord. I would never encourage anyone to apologize for that! In that regard your were obeying God.

Since this is someone you may live next door to for years to come, it wouldn't hurt to bring a peace offering such as cookies, or invite her in for lunch. In this way you rise up above any hostility.

Pro 25:21-22 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
For you will heap burning coals on his head,
And the LORD will reward you.

I would perhaps do your best to show kindness to your other neighbors when opportunity arises.

Mat 5:16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Most of all, continue to pray for them.

Blessings!

Maidservant Huldah

Needy or Lazy?

Huldah,

A friend of mine stayed with me over the weekend and we got into a debate about giving to the poor. Don't get me wrong, I'm willing to help someone as much as the next guy, but I have to say I'm kind of tired of seeing these guys younger than my ripe old age of 27 standing on the street corners in my town wearing clothes nicer than I can afford and begging for my hard earned money.

​I don't want to be accused of being a jerk, but something just doesn't seem right when I keep seeing these same guys pop up all over town. I don't know what to tell my Buddy. He thinks I'm already a jerk for not giving these guys a little something. Am I wrong?

Chad

**********

Dear Chad,

Thanks for the e-mail. A lot of people struggle with this issue. Most have a heart to give, but we can't deny that there are crooks loose in our society as well, and we don't want to get taken.

First, who are the needy? Most often these are people who have fallen victim to circumstances beyond their control. A job loss, children that lose a parent, or a wife losing her husband, a church under persecution, a neighbor's crop loss, homelessness due to storms... the list could go on and on.

There are, however, some who are lazy that shamelessly pass themselves off as "needy." The scriptures have plenty to say concerning them. Here are a few:

Pro 19:15 Laziness casts into a deep sleep,
And an idle man will suffer hunger.

Pro 20:4 The sluggard does not plow after the autumn,
So he begs during the harvest and has nothing.

Pro 24:30-34 I passed by the field of the sluggard
And by the vineyard of the man lacking sense,
And behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles;
Its surface was covered with nettles,
And its stone wall was broken down.
When I saw, I reflected upon it;
I looked, and received instruction.
"A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest,"
Then your poverty will come as a robber
And your want like an armed man.

​Second, it's a crime against the hard workers of this country to have to pay for people on welfare that don't truly need it.

2 Thess 3:10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.

If you feel strongly enough about these men in your town, I suggest you take the time to speak with them. Ask questions. Find out who they are and how it is that they came to this point in their lives. Are they interested in working? If you can't afford to "test" one them by offering to pay them to do any odd job at your place, then see how they respond to an offer to drive them to the nearest temporary work agency. If you get a boat load of excuses... well, you've got your answer. If they are truly in need, they'll be grateful.

Also, there are many homeless out there that have mental problems or have drunk themselves into it. Usually, they are just looking for the next drink. Some people feel comfortable to just buy them a meal rather than contribute further to the problem.

Overall Chad, pray about it every time you approach someone claiming to be in need. God can and will give you discernment concerning the situation.

Maidservant Huldah

Global Warming Myth or Truth?

Hi Huldah,

Could you tell me if the Bible says anything about global warming. Sometimes when I hear people talking or I read an article it seems we are hitting the panic button. I'm not sure if I need to worry.

We're always being told we need to "save the planet" but now I am also hearing we need population control or we'll use up all our resources.

I asked a Christian friend but she has not run across it in the Bible.

Thank you!

JRC
**********

Dear JRC,

I can assure you that on the issue of global warming there is no reason to panic. One of my favorite anti-global warming scriptures is Genesis 8:22. God says:

"While the earth remains,
Seedtime and harvest,
And cold and heat,
And summer and winter,
And day and night
Shall not cease."

This proves that the earth is not going to slowly heat up until we all die. God is in charge of this earth at all times.

He also commissioned us to "be fruitful and multiply, populate the earth abundantly and multiply in it." Genesis 9:7

We need not worry about our resources being used up because God continues to renew our supply Himself. Psalm 104:10-17 says:

He sends forth springs in the valleys;
They flow between the mountains;
They give drink to every beast of the field;
The wild donkeys quench their thirst.
Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell;
They lift up their voices among the branches.
He waters the mountains from His upper chambers;
The earth is satisfied with the fruit of His works.
He causes the grass to grow for the cattle,
And vegetation for the labor of man,
So that he may bring forth food from the earth,
And wine which makes man's heart glad,
So that he may make his face glisten with oil,
And food which sustains man's heart.
The trees of the LORD drink their fill,
The cedars of Lebanon which He planted,
Where the birds build their nests,

We have 2 choices in this life. Trust what mere men tells us, or trust what God tells us. The only way to keep from getting confused is to read the scriptures for yourself. If the scriptures are new to you, I recommend The Life Application Bible. You can buy it from Amazon.

Hope this clears up the matter for you.

Maidservant Huldah

Managing Screen Time

Dear Huldah, 
I am a single mom, and I am having a tough time with my 14 year old son. He will not pull himself away from the computer to help here at home. The grass grows long unless I mow it. I need help with dinner some nights because I get home late from work. He even seems to be getting angrier whenever I try talking to him about it. I've tried rewarding, but it's not helping. I'm really not sure what else to try. I don't want to come off looking mean, but I am just overwhelmed sometimes. Any advice?

Frazzled Mom

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Dear Frazzled,

Looking past the immediate needs in the home, it may be time to ask yourself some questions.

What kind of man would I like to see my son turn out to be?

What kind of career do I see him in?

How hard is he going to work at that career if he continues on this path at home?

Will he get passed over as a candidate for jobs or promotions because he's too involved in "fun things"?

What kind of provider would he be for his family if he is addicted to the internet?

Raising boys into real, hard working, self-sacrificing men is a lost art in our country, and desperately needed. We have one shot at parenting, just one, and God is going to hold us accountable for what we do with that child or children.

Proverbs 13:24 says;

He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently. 

First, I would be diligent in monitoring what he is doing on the computer. Anger and refusing to cooperate could be the first sign that he is getting into something you might not approve of.

Next, setting limits is appropriate. Perhaps allowing him computer time in the evening after he has earned it by meeting your expectations.

If all your efforts to set limits fail, then removal may be necessary. Yes, that does sound extreme to some parents, however, not nearly as extreme as losing our kids minds to cyberspace, tuning out family day after day, unable to retrieve the time missed with them again. If he needs to work on the computer for school, perhaps you can go to the library together.

Lastly, I'd like you to consider what we did with our children. When they were younger, we bought Life Application Bibles with footnotes, to help explain scripture. We started our day reading and learning together over breakfast. Perhaps dinner or before bed would work in your situation. What I can say is this, that is the absolute, single best thing we ever did for our family. Our children grew up knowing right from wrong, and how to respect us as parents. The Lord gave them this insight far more than my husband and I ever could have.

Hope this helps you.

Maidservant Huldah

Huldah, Maidservant of the Lord

Huldah was a little known prophetess that was used by God in 2 Kings 22, and her story starts in verse 8 - 22. (See Below) At God's prompting, she was bold enough to speak warning, yet at the same time she also gave hope. 

 That is exactly the burden God placed on my heart for the people in my country.

Before I was saved, I was easily confused about so many issues that affect our society today. I seemed to have instincts discerning right from wrong, but not only did I have no basis for argument concerning which was which, it was easy to violate my own conscience without good, solid direction. It was far too tempting to follow the wrong path, if it brought me pleasure, without someone to tell me why it was wrong. 

When I began to read God’s Word, He opened up a whole new world to me, His world; a world of Truth that is perfect and unchanging. He spent several years removing the veil from eyes, layer by layer, showing me through His own eyes how the world looks and what is Truth concerning it. 

It can be a lonely place when we feel something is right or wrong, but society, family, or friends seem to dictate to us how we are to think or feel. The truth is, there is only one Truth, and it is God’s written Word.  

Ask Huldah is a ministry with the confused, lost, or misdirected in mind. Though some may need simple advice, others may need someone to point them to the narrow gate. 

Mat 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. " 

It is the goal of this ministry to reach people with God’s Truth in all areas of life that affect us as individuals and as a society.

It is not God’s will for us to remain in confusion and follow the world, it is His desire that we turn to Him for Truth in all matters.

1John 2:15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. 

James 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

As for my signature...

I began calling myself "Your Maidservant" in prayer some years back when I had a series of miscarriages. I realized through my trials just how small I was before the almighty God. I was not angry with Him for what was happening. I was awed by Him. Now, when I sign a letter, I find it continues to remind me of my humble position before Him. When answering a letter, I have a duty to seek His answers to help His people, not my own.

Thank you for taking the time to read about "Maidservant Huldah."

Huldah's story:

2Ki 22:8-20 Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, "I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD." And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan who read it. Shaphan the scribe came to the king and brought back word to the king and said, "Your servants have emptied out the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of the workmen who have the oversight of the house of the LORD." 

Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king saying, "Hilkiah the priest has given me a book." 

And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king. When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes.Then the king commanded Hilkiah the priest,Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king's servant saying, "Go, inquire of the LORD for me and the people and all Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found, for great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us, because our fathers have not listened to the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us." 

Huldah Predicts

So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (now she lived in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter); and they spoke to her. She said to them, "Thus says the LORD God of Israel, 'Tell the man who sent you to me, thus says the LORD, "Behold, I bring evil on this place and on its inhabitants, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah has read. Because they have forsaken Me and have burned incense to other gods that they might provoke Me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore My wrath burns against this place, and it shall not be quenched."' 

"But to the king of Judah who sent you to inquire of the LORD thus shall you say to him, 'Thus says the LORD God of Israel, "Regarding the words which you have heard, because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I truly have heard you," declares the LORD.

"Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes will not see all the evil which I will bring on this place."'" So they brought back word to the king.

For more information concerning women prophets (true or false) and where to locate them in Bible, I recommend Women Prophets in the Bible​.

Tongue-Tied Testimony

Hello,

Recently I gave my life to Christ and I am learning a lot from my bible. I now take my bible to work and read it on my breaks. Two people have taken notice of it on my desk, and they ask questions about my faith. For some reason I get tongue-tied when it comes up. I know I'm supposed to be open about my faith, but it's a lot harder than I thought it would be. 
Thanks for taking my letter.

Dave S.

**********

Hello Dave,

Thanks for writing in, especially about a subject that hits home with many of us Christians. The scriptures say:

But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you...1Peter 3:15

That being said, you can only give what you know, however, the more you know, the more you can give!
When we start off as "baby" Christians, we have faith (without seeing), and believe (place our trust in), yet we don't have a full grasp on"why". This makes it difficult for new believers to obey the command in 1Peter 3:15.

Notice he says, "Be ready". No infant born is ready to walk or talk. God understands this, so for new believers it can be interpreted, "Get ready".

Your first duty is to keep reading the scriptures and ask God to teach you Himself. You'll be amazed at how much He teaches you and how quickly! It is His ultimate desire to get you ready. Over time you will see your testimony evolve and get even better than when you first began.

Now, where does that leave you with your co-workers who are asking you now? The only thing you can do then is to share what you know. You may or may not be able to recite scriptures yet, but you can share your testimony.

1. How has Christ changed you?
2. What convinced you to turn from the path you were on?
3. Why do you read the Bible?

Any of this you can share with your co-workers. Prayerfully ask God to help you use the tools that you have now to share with others.

Just be yourself Dave, and simply "share what you know."

May God bless you Dave, and welcome brother in Christ!

Maidservant Huldah

Couch Potato

​Hello Huldah,

Last month my brother in law moved in with us "temporarily" until he "gets back on his feet". But that's whats so aggravating! He's never on his feet! He stays up all night watching tv, then when I ask him to mow the lawn or something he claims his narcalepsy is acting up then he's fast asleep on the couch! Its embarrassing when company shows up. I want him out, but my husband says we ought to "give him a chance". But he's gone in the day and doesn't see what I have to deal with. It's been a month Huldah! What should I do?

JR

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Dear JR,

Unfortunately, there seems to be at least one like him in almost every family. First, I would reflect on the agreement you and your husband made with him when he moved in. If he is not keeping his end of the bargain, I suggest another calm and private conversation with your husband. Let him know the challenges you face during the day and respectfully point out that his brother is not conforming to the original agreement. If he hasn't already, perhaps suggest to your husband that he talk to your brother-in-law. If that fails or has already been done, perhaps you could ask your husband for an agreed upon time limit to give to him before giving him the boot.

Proverbs 13:18 says

Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, but he who regards reproof will be honored.

Hope you get your couch back soon.

Maidservant Huldah
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The Lost Shepherd

Hello Huldah,

The church we attend is seeing a lot of turmoil right now. People are very angry with one another, and some are threatening to leave. The arguments range from the music all the way to planning activities. My wife and I don't want to take part in the battles, but at the same time its painful to watch the people we care about tear each other down. We try to talk to the pastor, but he is passive and doesn't seem to want to get involved.
As a couple, we have never witnessed such things in church before and are unsure what we can do. This doesn't seem like the Christian love we read about in the Bible.

Hurting for the Brethren


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Dear Hurting,

It is so sad to hear these stories. The undeniable truth is that we have allowed Satan a foothold in many of our churches today. The world's influences of power, greed, and selfish desires are pouring in through the cracks of the church. Disagreements arise in practically every church from time to time, but with qualified, Godly leadership, it should be kept at a minimum and resolved quickly.

My question is:

Do you have deacons or elders? If so, I would appeal to them. The pastor himself, should be accountable to other men in the church. If they do not listen, or if you have none, then I would appeal to the pastor once again with men in the church that you trust according to Matthew 18:15:

 "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector." 

The truth is the pastor is sinning with his complacency. If he still refuses to take matters in hand, then you might reflect on John 10:11-13

 "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep." 

A good shepherd with backbone would do what he can to get to the bottom of these issues. If he truly desires to protect the sheep, he may have to make the hard decisions to put any obstinate offenders out of the church. This is in hopes that the offenders would return repentant, but ultimately that peace would once again be felt by all.

It is romantic to think of it all ending on such a happy note, but all too often it doesn't. If your conscience is clear and you feel you have followed biblical principles to help restore your church, but to no avail, then you just may have to resort to finding another church.

God bless you in your endeavors.

Maidservant Huldah

Honor Thy Father & Mother?

Hi Huldah

I'm having a problem with my father-in-law. He recently retired and ever since he has picked up drinking quite a bit. He lives next door to us and he's been wandering over after his binges. We have young kids and a few weeks ago they watched him tangle himself in their swing set. Just last week he passed out on our living room floor where the kids were playing. All of this is causing a lot of tension between myself and my wife. I want to say something to him, but he helped us out with money recently when I was laid off. I know that the bible tells us to honor parents but I'm not sure where to draw the line. What can I do ?

Mannie


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Dear Mannie,


The Bible does indeed tell us to honor our parents, but things can get confusing when our parents do not behave honorably, especially in the presence of our own children. That is when priorities need to be set. Our first priority is to the Lord and following His instruction. The second is our children, of whom God commands us to instruct.

Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

If your father-in-law is allowed to continue this behavior in front of them, ultimately he will be doing the instructing, and your silence will be seen as condoning his behavior.

There are ways of dealing with him honorably. I'm not sure what your arrangement is with the money, but you could start off by thanking him for all his help and perhaps go so far as to say that someday you plan to pay him back.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

As the spiritual leader of your home, it is your duty to protect your family. You wouldn't let someone come in and harm your children physically no matter who they are. It is no different when it comes to mental or spiritual damage. I suggest you pray and ask God for the courage and the right words to tell your father-in-law that this has to stop.

If your message is not well received or he refuses to listen, then unfortunately, we sometimes have to choose between the Lord's way or family. Jesus Himself said:

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW; and A MAN'S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me." Matt. 10:34-38

Christians are often prompted by the Lord to separate from unsaved family so that they can not only keep peace in their own households, but also to train up their children in the Lord without interference.

This is an unpopular view with the world that is continually trying to force us to believe that we must tolerate those around us, no matter how offensive their behavior.

Hope this helps.

Maidservant Huldah

Buy the Cow!

Hi Huldah,

My BF has been living with me for about 6 months. A friend of mine keeps telling me that the bible says its wrong to live together and that we need to get married. i keep looking but I cant find anything that says its wrong.

Please help!

Shelly

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Dear Shelly,

It's called fornication, and it is any sex outside of marriage.

Mat 15:19-20a says: For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the man...

Heb 13:4 says: Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

If that is not enough, he says in 1Cor 6:9-11: Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

Two things spring forth from this scripture.

1) People practicing these sins will not see heaven.

2) Many leave those lifestyles behind, get saved, attain mercy and forgiveness from God, and start a wonderful walk with the Lord with the promise of spending eternity with Him.

You might also take interest in reading Jesus' conversation with the woman at the well in John 4:1-42, focusing especially on verses 16-18.

I'll pray that you do the right thing.

Maidservant Huldah

Cheerful Giving

Hello Huldah,

Is it right for a church to require members to give more than 10%?

L.B.

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Dear L.B.,

First, the 10% rule was required by God concerning the Israelites of the O.T. Typically, most churches today who teach tithing proclaim 10% to be a good rule to follow. Although it is required in the O.T., we see giving in a new light in the N.T.

2 Cor. 9:5-7 says:

So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren that they would go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand your previously promised bountiful gift, so that the same would be ready as a bountiful gift and not affected by covetousness. Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Paul speaks of a bountiful "gift" being collected as promised. (If its required, it's something like... a tax!) Though not encouraged here, "he who sows sparingly" is obviously allowed to do so. Whatever a man decides to give in his heart, Paul does not desire it to be from pressure which can cause members to hold a grudge against the church.

It doesn't appear to be the churches duty to strong arm wallets from member's pockets. It also doesn't appear that they are to "require" giving at all. Giving should be a joyful experience for the wallet holder, and if it can't be, then God can make do without yours.

Maidservant Huldah

Biblical Modesty

Dear Huldah,

I am in college but I live with my mom. We started going to the Baptist church close to us a couple of months ago. We haven't had much experience with with church so I guess we don't know all the rules. People have been really nice to us so far, but something happened this weekend. Two women from the church stopped by to talk to us. They talked to my mom about the clothes she wears to church. She does have her own style, I just never thought about her clothes being all that bad. These women were really nice about it but now Mom is mad and doesn't want to go back. I'm not bothered by it and I would like to go back. Is there anything I can do to help my mom?

Sarah

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Dear Sarah,

I am assuming the issue with clothing was one of modesty. If church is a fairly new concept to your mom, what happened could be quite upsetting and difficult for her to understand. However, on my end, I have to applaud the ladies for their courage to speak up.

Let me explain. The Bible says:

Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. (1Ti 2:9-10)

He is not saying that women aren't allowed to dress nice, but decent is the focus and by no means should our dress be a distraction to others.

There are some women that make it a priority in life to distract men with their looks. Other women may do it it without even knowing they are doing it. Paul is just clarifying the importance of women in the church not causing a brother to stumble.

All Christians are called to be an example for others to follow into righteousness and godliness.

In particular, the Amish and the Mennonites have a strong conviction to keep themselves "pure' in the eyes of the world.

I will pray that your mom will not hold it against these ladies, the church, and least of all God.

Maidservant Huldah

Kill and Eat!

Dear Huldah,

A Christian friend of mine doesn't eat certain meat because of the Old Testament laws. I read an article recently that says that it doesn't apply to the New Testament church. Is that true?

Thanks,

Dan

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Dear Dan,

That one confuses many. Here is what happened to Peter in Acts:

Act 10:9-16

On the next day, as they were on their way and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. But he became hungry and was desiring to eat; but while they were making preparations, he fell into a trance; and he saw the sky opened up, and an object like a great sheet coming down, lowered by four corners to the ground, and there were in it all kinds of four-footed animals and crawling creatures of the earth and birds of the air.

A voice came to him, "Get up, Peter, kill and eat!"
But Peter said, "By no means,Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean."

Again a voice came to him a second time,

"What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy."

This happened three times, and immediately the object was taken up into the sky.

Through this vision, God was releasing the Jews from the dietary restrictions He had placed on them years before.

Today, I see many people put upon themselves laws and rules meant for the Jews long ago, gentiles no less, who were never meant to follow them in the fist place! It is strictly out of ignorance.

If you search the scriptures with an open heart and mind, you will find that Jesus talks about freedom more than rules and regulations.

That being said, I don't make it a practice to try to reform them, unless specifically asked. It really does not affect ones salvation. If men choose to enslave themselves, what is that to me? The Bible simply tells us not to offend the one who is weaker in the faith.

I suggest you read 1 Co. 8:1-13 and Romans chapter 14.

Maidservant Huldah