Being Set Free

by Zinnada H. 2011

For the past month or so, I've been blessed by a bible study by Beth Moore called Breaking Free. When I started the study, the Lord made it clear what He wanted to set me from and that was from the bondage of turning to sweets as an idol.
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Whenever I was stressed, discouraged, or whatever, I would turn to sweets to release. I would literally rush the kids to bed or nap time just so that I could eat come ice cream or whatever was in the house at that time. But, after doing that study and seeing how much I was allowing sweets to take the place of yielding to God and His Spirit, I was convicted to change. So, since giving up sweets, I've been able to loose 10 pounds and that ALL due to the glory of God!

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Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Mark 8:34

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But, the journey has just begun because I've got so much to learn as it relates to eating healthier foods since I didn't grow up eating healthy. But, it's been a good journey. I'm thankful for how the Lord helps me to rise early to exercise, drink water, and study His word. Seeing all of these things happening, is such an encouragement to my spiritual walk because it reminds me that I'm denying myself of my old pleasures of sweets in order to be faithful in my calling as His disciple.

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Prayer:

Dear Lord, Thank You for how You have changed my desire of sweets by showing me how much You and Your word is so much sweeter. Please help me to continue to enjoy being with You and Your word, In Jesus name, Amen.

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Challenge:

What about you? Are there things in your life that you seem to turn to when you find yourself stressed, discouraged, or something else? Seek the Lord on the matter and then repent from turning to other idol(s).

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by Zinnada H. 2011

To Love Like the Savior

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”  Mark 10:45

I purchased a book called “Improving Your Serve” by Charles R. Swindoll. The book interested me because I often times sense that I can be a bit SELFISH and unwilling to SERVE my family joyfully. When I saw the book, I instantly knew that it was a book for me to read. In the beginning of the book Pastor Swindoll spoke of Mark 10:45 (and I trust it will be basis of his teaching on this particular subject). As I read the verse, I was convicted, knowing that I wasn’t having a servant’s heart. I look forward to reading more from the book.

As we focus on the advent of Christ, I couldn’t help but to think of Isaiah 9:6 and Philippians 2:5-8 because in those verses, we see an example of such love that our Lord had because He was willing to HUMBLE Himself into the form of a bondservant and take on the likeness of man in order to be the final sacrifice for our sins. Wow! What great love is this!!

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,  but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." Philippians 2:5-8

As I’m learning to grow in my love for God and my family, this is such a GREAT time to see this area in my life.  As Christmas day is approaching, we are likely to see many manger scenes as we travel and some of us may even be blessed to attend a play. I’d like to challenge us (as I strive to be challenged too) that whenever we see a manger scene and see the baby Jesus, think of Him “coming in the likeness of men” and that He did so UNSELFISHLY. God the Father didn’t have to twist His arm. Jesus didn’t say, “What? Come down there to look like THOSE people! And to DIE for THEIR sins!” No, He willingly did it because He had us in mind to redeem us back to the Father. How GREAT is the Father’s love that He would do this for us.

At one time in my life, Christmas was a time of GIFTS (even as a believer). Now being more mature in my faith, God is TEARING that thought life away and is dealing with me about what my family really needs for Christmas (and forever) from me: a wife/mother who willingly dies to selfishness and strives to show my love through the way I serve them. So, I’d like to encourage you to do the same. If you know that there has been a bit of unselfishness in the way that you care for your family, ask God to help you and strive to serve your family and friends in a way that demonstrates love JUST as Jesus showed His love for us!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You so much for revealing that to me because I’ve often times MISSED the nativity scene of You lying in the manger. Now, when I see one, may I truly FOCUS my eyes on that example of You laying there. May I rejoice in my heart that You were came ready to live a life which would save my soul from hell. Thank You, Jesus. In Your name, Amen.

Challenge:

1. Whenever you display your nativity scene or go and see one, don’t just adore the design, focus on the DIVINE.

2. Whenever you find yourself tempted to consider yourself more than others (particularly your family) be reminded of the night our Savior was born and that this was a plan that would bring you to salvation. If Jesus was willing to humble Himself, why can’t you.

Advent - Week Four:

Theme: Angels (Love)

Sun. Is. 7:10-14, Mon. Luke 1:26-35, Tue. Is. 9:2-7, Wed. Mt. 1:18-25, Thu. Luke 2:1-20, Fri. Mt. 2:1-2, Sat. Luke 2:21-35 Advent concludes on Christmas Eve with the lighting of a fifth white candle that represents the purity of Jesus.

Zinnada H. 2010

Using God's ORDER to Bring Order in the Home

Have you ever felt like you were going around in circles with caring for the house? Does it seem like the more you do, the more you’re digging a deeper hole for yourself? Well, that’s how I’ve been feeling for a while. I consider myself to be pretty organized especially with having five little busy bees in our home. But it seemed as if I was no longer a woman who was organized!

I shared my frustration with my husband one morning. Then later on that day, he shared Proverbs 14:1 with me and it blessed me so much. It was truly a word given from the Lord. The verse reads:

“The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.”

Whenever I looked at this verse before, I only paid attention to the latter part. But, this time, the Lord directed me to notice the first part: “the wise woman BUILDS her house.” The Lord used my husband to encourage me that I am daily building our house. But I just need to make sure I’m taking care of the most important things first, not other things that SEEM to be important and/or to need to be done.

So, I took what he said and the Lord gave me this to work with. He reminded me of His order of things. Here’s what I came up with:

God
Husband
Wife (me)
Children
Home
Community

When I first put this list together, I began to doubt putting myself before the kids. But the Lord affirmed me because He showed me that I NEED to make sure that I’m taken care of in order for me to better care for the kids. You’ll see what I mean when you see my examples.

Looking at this order helps me know the major things that I need to do daily in our home. And once those things are done, other things can fall in place. Here are some examples of major things based on my list:

God
- Worship
- Fellowship
- Studying the scriptures
- Evangelizing

Husband
- Sexual needs met
- Clothes ironed
- Lunch made
- Honey Do’s done

Wife (Myself)
- Bible study, meditating, memorizing, and applying the Word
- Exercising
- Eating healthy
- Resting and regrouping

Children
- Loving them
- Discipling them
- Meeting other basic needs

Home
- Daily house chores

Community
- Reaching out to my neighbors
- Calling, emailing, or sending encouraging letters to friends and family

Now that I’ve put this list together, it’s been really helpful. Even with this list, I still need to remember James 4:15 (paraphrased): “If the Lord wills.” So, as you’re trying to get things in order in your home, consider God’s order and then add your daily things based upon this list.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, please help us as women learn how to better care for our homes. Please give us the wisdom and daily strength to do this in accordance with Your Word. In Your name, Amen.

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Challenge:

Go out for cup of coffee with your husband and seek his guidance on ideas to get your priorities in order. Keep your heart set on hearing the wisdom that the Lord has given your husband for you, not taking his input as criticism. Begin to implement the ideas and take note of how the atmosphere of your home changes.

Zinnada H. 2010

Jesus and Women

Studying the word of God can be so rich and fulfilling in every way. I’m often amazed at how much I learn and see the more I take the time to read it. I read a Christian book about Mary Magdalene to the kids one day. Ever since then, I wanted to find out more about her in the Bible. As I started reading the story I thought was about her in Luke 7:37-50, I realized it wasn’t about her. Nor is the story in Matthew 26:6-13. As I continued, I found out that those stories are about two different women.

The story in Luke 7:37-50, is about an unknown prostitute. The story in Matthew 26:6-13, is about Mary the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Since neither of those stories was about Mary Magdalene and because I’m familiar with the story about the other Mary, I was curious about the lady in Luke. As I studied the passage, I was encouraged to see how much LOVE Jesus showed to this woman, especially since she was a woman that some would consider an outcast.

Then I read another familiar story in Matthew 9:20-22. It’s about the woman with the issue of blood. As I read more on it, the fact that SHE TOO was considered an outcast made my heart rejoice even more about how much Jesus reached out to her and showed her love.

But not only how Jesus showed love towards those ladies, but also how those ladies showed much FAITH! Each of those women had lived hard lives - not only in what they had experienced physically, but emotionally, too. We all know how hard it is for us females to have others view us harshly. I can only imagine the looks, comments, and other hurtful things that happened to them. But through all of that, those women heard about Jesus. They WORSHIPPED Him! Wherever He was, they came to Him. They didn’t care about who saw them or what someone would think. They just knew they needed the Savior, and so they came.

Reading about those women really challenged me. They challenge me in two ways:

Where’s my level of worship?
Am I willing to do whatever it takes to carry my troubles to Jesus? Even if it means being looked at or treated differently by others? These women knew they had troubles. They knew they had issues of sin. They knew Jesus was the only One Who could help them and give them what they needed. I am challenged to be that same way.

What’s my heart like towards the outcast?
It’s easy to see that the Pharisees and other “religious” people were wrong to treat those women the way they did. But, as I read how they treated them, I can’t help but to wonder, “What would I do?” How many times do I see a known sick person and truly take the time to find out on a consistent basis how she is doing or how I can pray for her (and really pray)? Or, how many times do I see prostitutes on the streets in various urban areas and not stop (if I could) to minister to them and find out why they’re out there?

Reading about those women just softened my heart more for women. This world is filled with hurting women. It’s a blessing to be women who have been set free through Jesus. It’s a blessing and joy to know that He saved my soul and has changed my life through His Word. I know many other women can testify to the same thing. But there are still some dear and precious women out there who are hurting so much. We need to go out there and share the gospel with many women who need the Savior.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You so much for softening my heart so much more for women. You are doing a wonderful thing, Father. Please help me to use every opportunity You give me to share the gospel and Your word with the women You bring my way. Help me, Holy Spirit, to respond to the prompting You give me. May I not allow fear to keep me from sharing with someone. In Your name, Amen.

Challenge:
It’s simple. Let’s strive to be more faithful and diligent to share the gospel and build disciples. As I looked at Luke 8:2-3, Jesus had many women disciples, too. May we be just as faithful as those women were.

Zinnada Hodges 2010

The Forgotten Woman

I’m often amazed that whenever I read or hear messages about various women in the Bible, there is a special woman who isn’t mentioned. If you want to learn from a woman on prayer, you can look to Hannah. If you want to look to a woman on bravery and courage, you can look to Esther. If you want to look to a woman on leadership, you can look to Deborah. But, what if you wanted to look to a woman on sexuality? Who comes to mind? Does anyone? What about the Shulamite woman found in the Song of Solomon?
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Whenever I read this wonderful love story, I close my Bible excited and encouraged to strive to apply her lifestyle to my life and marriage. I think she’s the best example as to how to be a woman of purity and a woman of passion. I’d like for us to look at her character, to seek to desire some of it in our own lives, and to possibly teach it to our daughters and other young ladies. Let’s take a look:
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In the first three chapters, she displays a great example of how a woman/girl is to wait to be married to her husband. Throughout their courtship, she displayed much purity in her conduct (1:7-8) and praise towards Solomon (1:2-4). Then in the last chapters, she displays another great example of how a woman is to be wildly passionate towards her husband. Throughout the rest of the book, you can see how she expresses her attraction to Solomon and how she was ready and willing to give herself fully to him passionately and sexually in every way. As you read the entire chapter, you’ll see that the Shulamite woman was:
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A woman of compliments towards Solomon (1:2-4, 13-16): Remember how you were when you realized how much you were in love with your husband? Remember how you would talk about him a lot to your friends and family? When was the last time you took the time and looked at all of your husband’s features? Try it and see what happens.
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A woman of confidence in her beauty and her relationship to Solomon (1:5; 2:4, 6; 7:10): How often do you allow your flaws to keep you from being reminded of how the Lord has wonderfully made you? Even to the point where it can hinder you availing yourself to your husband? What have you allowed to prevent you from availing yourself to your spouse freely?
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A woman of chastity (1:7-8; 2:7; 3:5; 8:10): There was a certain appearance prostitutes had whenever they wore veils. She was determined not to wear her veil in such a way that would give anyone the impression that she was one of them. This was a character that the other women noticed. Even as an older woman, are you still aware of what and how you dress? Do you demonstrate a life of chastity in the eyes of other females?
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A woman of expressions (1:13-14; 2:3; 3:1): She was very expressive about her passions, desires, and love for Solomon. How often do you openly express how you feel to or about your spouse?

A woman of excitement (2:8): Whenever she saw or heard Solomon’s voice or knew of his coming, she was excited to see him. What are you like whenever you know your husband is coming home or when he arrives home?
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A woman of recreation (4:16; 7:9 – 8:4, 12): She was ready and willing to avail herself sexually to Solomon and she did it with such excitement and passion towards him. How often do you avail yourself sexually towards yours husband in such a way?
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A woman of reconciliation (5:2 – 6:3): It is said that somewhere in those two chapters, the couple had their first argument. As you read it, you can see how she still had kind thoughts and words towards him. What are you like during and after an argument with your spouse?
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I love the example that this woman displays throughout this book. God uses her so much to convict me to be just as compassionate towards my own husband. Whenever I find myself “not in the mood,” God uses her example to get me “in the mood” to love on my dear and sweet hubby. At times, I’m quick to follow her example…and then there are other times when I’m not too quick! I pray that after reading about her, we’ll all come to see that she should no longer be a forgotten woman.
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Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for including the Song of Solomon in Your Word. I’m so thankful for how You have allowed this couple to display such a beautiful example of what godly and romantic love looks like – that it’s something to be adored, admired, and adapted in our own lives. Please help us as wives to be like her. In Your name, Amen.
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Challenge:
Go through each of those examples of the Shulamite’s character and try to apply one of them a day. I’m convinced as you avail yourself to the Spirit’s control, you’ll become a newly (or more) passionate woman. Regardless of where your marriage might be, purpose in your heart before the Lord (and accountability partner if need be), that you’re going to strive to be a passionate and expressive wife to your husband.

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Zinnada Hodges 2009

Disciplining With A Humble Hand

Fresh Starts is pleased to bring a devotional from a new contributor. Zinnada shares what the Lord is doing in her life at her lovely blog, Three Princesses and a Prince.

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Yesterday was a hard day. The morning began without any electricity due to a storm that past through our area during the night. We were left without any electricity until later that morning. So, I must admit, I was a bit discouraged about that. Not having electricity revealed how much I rely on electricity to get me through the day rather than trusting in the Lord.
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When the electricity finally came on, I was able to turn on the computer. Since we’re taking a school break, I allow the kids to watch their DVD’s and their cartoons. We don’t have cable, but they are still able to view the Disney & Nick, Jr. cartoons through the internet. So, I was trying to turn on one of their favorite Disney cartoons and wanted them to sit quietly as I proceeded to turn it on. Well, as you may know, that was an unrealistic request.
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Just as they were sitting there, one of my dear daughters decided to SLUG her sister! “What?” were my thoughts. When I asked her why, she said that she was playing with her. My husband and I have been telling them NOT to play fight. So, since I was already frustrated with the computer not allowing me to pull up a Disney cartoon, having to deal with that act wasn’t any better.
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So, I asked the dear child to give me her hand. Well, this particular one DOESN’T make her “loving” easy for us. So, having to deal with the matter became harder than it needed to be. After it was over, I felt so tired and discouraged. It affected me throughout the rest of the day. I kept thinking and wondering, “Why does it have to be so HARD?” I kept bringing that before the Lord and had planned to talk about it with my hubby later that night.
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Well, we both had a busy night and weren’t able to talk until the following morning. He suggested that for now since I’m pregnant, it’s best to let him deal with the “loving” when he gets home. I confess, a sense of PRIDE came over me. It’s a little hard to think that I have to wait for a particular child to be “loved” on. But, it’s just for this time.
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During my time in the word, I felt the Spirit lead me to Proverb 13:24. That passage of scripture challenged me to really think of my MOTIVES for “loving”. Am I doing it because MY “law” has been broken? Am I doing it because of my pride? Basically, I need to stop and question…WHY?
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I have to admit, stopping to examine my motives is VERY humbling. Ephesians 6:4 really caused me to REALLY desire to be careful with what and how I’m “loving” the kids. I’ve always looked at that verse being basically for the fathers and it does, but it’s also used for parents in general, which can include Mommy too.
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As I was reading my notes (I use the John MacArthur’s Study Bible), I was humbled by what I read. I began to question if whenever I’m “loving” the kids, is my desire and purpose is to draw them to the Father or to simply obey ME and to NEVER disobey ME again.
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Basically am I setting myself up as the “god” to obey or am I ushering them towards obedience to the God of the bible? I was reminded that based on John 1:13, it’s the Lord who gives the right to become children of God, not Mommy’s “loving”.
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So, what am I saying? I’m not in ANY way saying not to “love” on our kids. Scripture CLEARLY exhorts us to do that. What I am saying is that whenever your child needs some “loving”. Hold that “loving tool” in your hand and recognize your need for His help to be self-controlled and gospel centered at that time and then SWIFTLY be ready for reconciliation. Knowing that your child is not going to change his or her behavior based on your actions, but only by the grace of God through His choosing to save their souls. Let us “love” on our children with a humble hand praying that through our obedience in dealing with the situation that God would one day choose our child to be in the kingdom.
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Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for showing me my sin of pride whenever I’m “loving” our children. Please continue to humble me at that very moment in order for that child to see his or her sin and need to trust in You for salvation one day. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Challenge:

When you are faced with disciplining your child this week be sure to stop and consider what was shared this week. Ask yourself the question, "Am I upset because my child caused me to be inconvenienced or am I upset because my child's heart is not in line with the Lord?" Then be sure to stop and pray, relying 100% on the Lord's grace and wisdom to get you through the time of "loving".

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Zinnada Hodges 2009
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Other references:
Titus 3:5; Hebrews 12:5-11; John 1:13; Ephesians 6:4