Hudson, Michele 12

Scripture: Psalm 17:6 (NKJV) – “I called on You, for You will answer me, O God; incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.”

Message: Do we truly understand the power and authority of the Word? Do we pray with boldness – letting our voice and breath speak out loud to our Heavenly Father? Or, is it our habit to pray with silent thoughts, perhaps writing in a prayer journal? All of these methods are valuable – but let’s look at what’s revealed in Scripture about prayer.

In the Book of Genesis, when God brought forth the heavens and earth, He SPOKE amid the darkness and said: “Let there be light.” All of creation was birthed by God’s spoken command.

Another illustration of the success of spoken words is when Jesus resisted temptation in the wilderness. Jesus counteracted Satan’s destructive strategy each time by quoting scripture and saying: “It is written…”

In the Book of Acts, we see the Spirit manifested through tongues of fire – where power came upon believers in the form of supernatural language after Jesus’ resurrection.

What a powerful tool we’ve been given by using the small, but mighty muscle: our tongue!

Upon rising each morning, I make it a practice to begin my day speaking words found in Scripture and personalizing them as my own statement of faith:

“Good morning Father. Good morning Jesus. Good morning Holy Spirit. This is the day that You have made. I will rejoice and be glad in it! I am fearfully and wonderfully made by You! By Jesus’ stripes I am healed and I am whole. NO weapon formed against me shall prosper. I am MORE than a Conqueror through CHRIST! He who began a good work in me will carry it through to completion! Thank you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

During Lenten season and beyond, let your voice be heard by speaking words of faith and truth.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for creating us in Your image and therefore designing us with a tongue and a voice. In union with The Trinity, You have given us supernatural abilities to call things forth that are not yet seen, to pull down strongholds, and to provide us with every spiritual blessing. Remind us of this powerful benefit when we are weak or discouraged. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.

Michele Hudson

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Scripture: Luke 2:14 (NKJV) – “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Message: What do you do when your heart’s broken in two… and it’s Christmas? What do you say when blue skies turn gray… and it’s so hard to smile?

These song lyrics were penned as I grieved the loss of a sorority sister who died tragically from a domestic assault. A few weeks earlier our nation was horrified by the senseless killings at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

My heart was heavy that December and I found it hard to be festive. Embracing the excitement and busyness of the holiday season felt trivial, given the sorrow.

Where is God when the unthinkable strikes… when tragedy and evil seem to prevail? Regarding the school shooting, I had read a newspaper headline that said: “Christmas is Cancelled.” Certainly NOT! Our need for Christmas – and its true meaning – was greater than ever!

When the world is darkest, the Light and Life of our Savior is what brings HOPE to a desperate existence. No matter how much we strive, mankind will never measure up through its own efforts. Thankfully, God made a miraculous way for our healing and redemption!

How reassuring that Jesus’ birth set in motion, not only forgiveness of sin, but also life everlasting for ALL who believe. Even those who commit evil acts are not doomed to darkness, but can be redeemed. And believers who tragically left this earth in a seemingly cruel or untimely manner are alive and well in the Heavenly Realm.

Praise God for this “Good News!” Even so, as humans with fragile hearts and emotions, we suffer grief. If you are feeling “Blue” this Christmas, take time to reflect upon all that Christ accomplished through His glorious birth and resurrection. Love came down … and Love conquers all!

My song, “It’s Still Christmas”¹ was inspired by the above events. To listen and watch the lyric video, please use the link.

Prayer: Father God, Thank You for surrounding Your beloved ones with peace, comfort and compassion. When our hearts are heavy and we question why “bad things happen,” give us reassurance that You are victorious over the wickedness of this fallen world. Truly, Christ and Christmas are worthy of celebration, always and forever! In Jesus name. Amen.

Michele Hudson

1. “It’s Still Christmas” words and music by Michele Hudson. 2012 © Copyright Michele Hudson Music (SESAC). Used by permission.

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Scripture: Isaiah 33:6 (NIV) - "He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure."

Message: Tucked away in the corner of an antique store, a painting caught my husband's eye. We were intrigued by the flock of ducks flying in a marshland sky and the life-like detail of this peaceful scene. The painting fit the décor of our rustic house and $75 seemed like a great deal, but it was too large to fit in our car. We decided it was not meant to be... yet God had other plans!

As we continued our stroll in downtown Black Mountain, North Carolina, I was surprised to see a friend from my hometown and mentioned we found a painting but had no way to transport it. She offered to bring it back for us. We later realized the painter was a famous wildlife artist! Sometimes we don't know the true value of what we possess!

As Believers, do we fully appreciate the treasure we have in Christ? On a personal level, what does the death and resurrection of Jesus mean to you?

I have grown to realize my Christian faith is so much richer than a passport to Heaven at some point in the future. Because of the finished work of Christ and His righteousness, we have been given everything we need for life and godliness here on this fallen earth. Jesus says: "I come that you may have life and have it more abundantly."

Keeping our eyes fixed on the "Author and Finisher of our Faith" and relying on "the Excellency of His Power that is hidden within" enables us to navigate this troubled world with peace, hope and joy. We can experience Heaven on Earth because of the Priceless Treasure that was purchased for us on the Cross.

Prayer: "Father God, thank You for the precious sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus. Your love is immeasurable; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies! For You so loved the world - each of Your creations - that You give, not only life everlasting, but all the benefits of being in Your Family. As valuable sons and daughters of the King Most High, we graciously accept and receive the gifts You bestow upon Your beloved ones. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Michele Hudson

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Scripture: Luke 1:38 (NIV) – “‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be unto me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her.”

Message: When Mary agreed to her divine assignment – giving birth to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – no doubt she wasn’t fully aware of the hardships and heartbreak she would face:

· the judgmental whispers of family and friends who questioned her virtue.

· the harsh landscape and bumpy journey traveling to Bethlehem while pregnant.

· the humble housing shared with barn animals while bringing Jesus into the world.

When we say “YES” to our Lord and surrender ourselves to His plan, we don’t always know what we’re getting into. And one might question: “Will I have the faith and fortitude to carry out what I agreed to?”

Surely, we can rest in the promise in Philippians 1:6a (NIV): “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion”.

Perhaps there is no greater testament to this than the finished work of Christ on the cross who obediently said “YES” to His Father’s plan of salvation and redemption for all mankind!

Yet, not knowing there was a third day and pending resurrection, I think of Mary who watched in agony from the foot of the cross as “her baby” took His final breath.

The Father too, in unity with His only begotten Son, felt the pain of separation as Jesus cried out “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46c & Psalm 22:1a)

Reassuringly, there is nothing we go through that is not filtered through the hands and heart of our Loving Lord. No matter the magnitude of our assignment, how impossible the odds, or how we perceive the outcome, we can rejoice knowing that, in Christ, through faith and the power of the Holy Spirit – we are redeemed!

Prayer: Father God, when we suffer loss, heartache, and unexpected twists and turns on life’s journey, may we be mindful that You are a gracious Dad and that nothing can separate us from Your love. Help us to keep a heavenly perspective while on earth, knowing that You cause all things to work for good, and that Your strength and joy are abundant gifts for those who receive and believe through the Grace of Your Son. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

Michele Hudson

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Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV) – “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Message: Abandoned by God? The enemy would like us to think so.

I had been struggling to stay in Faith. As pain gripped my body for months on end, it became hard to feel God’s love and presence. Then, after my surgery did not turn out as expected and walking remained difficult, I asked God, “Why?” And He didn't seem to answer.

I started to feel distant from God, then angry, then guilty for feeling this way... for questioning My Lord and Savior. Doesn't He want me well? How can I effectively do His Kingdom Work? What will my life look like moving forward?

Eventually, the answer I received is: "He loves me." Whether I feel it or not. Whether I understand my circumstances or not. GOD is there... even in the silence. Even in my moments of doubt and unbelief.

Are you going through your own Season of Suffering? Have you felt forgotten or abandoned by God? You are not alone... Even God's beloved King David, when sharing his feelings in the Psalms, displayed raw emotions of bewilderment and despair.

But let's remember ALL that our Mighty God has done!! The enemy is a liar and a defeated foe. We can be assured of God's eternal promise to us: "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Because Jesus overcame the Grave, we don't have to make ourselves acceptable to God through works, or any other way. We can have fears, doubts and questions. We can be Human, while being Holy. We can just "BE."

Believe upon Jesus... The Author and Finisher of your Faith... HE is enough!

Prayer: Father God, while the journey can be hard and painful, You enable us to build trust muscles as we put our faith in Your promises. For it is in our weakness Christ makes us strong, and Your grace becomes sufficient. Help us place our life in Your hands and rely on Jesus as Healer and Provider of everything we need in Your perfect timing. Help us to be good receivers of Your love and grace and to rest in the assurance of Your Holy Presence, even in moments of perceived silence. For You are always there!

Michele Hudson

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Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Message: Not knowing Spanish during my trip to Mexico left me vulnerable. My need for control and to know “what’s happening” each step of the way, kept me on high alert. I found myself tethered to my bi-lingual travelers. If they were nearby, I felt protected; when I lost sight of them, I felt anxious.

I wondered: “Would my suitcase make it through customs? Could I safely eat the food? Would there be bathrooms when needed?” You may be like me…. cautious, wanting to see and know and be prepared for the unexpected….

When I misplaced my phone and left my carry-on in the airport restroom, I truly had cause for concern. But God met me at every turn. I heard Him whisper: “Where’s your bag?” It was in the stall where I left it moments before. Thank you, Jesus!

Joseph and Mary, no doubt, when they traveled the arduous trek to Bethlehem felt vulnerable. But God was with them. And He is with us too, like a Good Shepherd, leading and protecting. Our Mexican Guide had every aspect of the trip mapped out. When we followed our guide’s lead, the trip was more enjoyable. But there were still scary moments…

When tourists were told to jump into the choppy waters and swim through a tunnel cave, I hesitated. As I watched people don life vests and lower themselves into the turquoise bay, I realized, “It’s time to get outside my comfort zone”. I’m glad I did. What a refreshing experience!

On the beach, a Native let tourists pose for photos with an Iguana. I wanted to bless this man financially. Next thing I know, a Giant Iguana sat on my shoulders! Another victory where faith dominated!

I learned: When we are most vulnerable, His presence is most evident. We can cast our anxiety on Jesus because He cares for us.

Prayer: Father God, thank You that You go before us, are with us, and behind us. You do not leave us alone in our uncertainties. You have our lives mapped out and You see what’s around the corner. Thank You for being our Good Shepherd and providing leaders who also help guide the way. Thank You for giving us peace that surpasses understanding when we put our trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Michele Hudson

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Scripture: Romans 15:13 (NIV) - "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Message: How easy it is to think negatively when we can't see around the corner of life. Fear takes hold and our mind conjures up the worst that can happen rather than the best. In my own life, a conscious effort is required to bring my thoughts to a place of peace, rather than peril.

But as this verse so aptly encourages, as we TRUST in the God of hope; joy and peace will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit. I am grateful it is not through our own power, but that we have help from our Wonderful Counselor and the Word of God to live as a benefactor of these spiritual blessings.

In Hebrew, the word for hope means "expectation" and it also means cord, or rope, which comes from a root word that means to bind, or to wait for, or to wait upon.

In the waiting, I picture being tethered or anchored to the God of our salvation. And, like a boat that is being tossed by waves and wind, we can ride out the storm with a confidence that Jesus is in the boat with us and will He calm the tempest in due season.

And as we wait expectantly in dark times, I am reminded of Jesus - being bound in burial cloths, dead in a tomb, while "believers" grieved hopelessly for three days - unaware that He would miraculously rise and burst forth in glorious resurrection. Hope is now Alive in us!

How much better our lives would be if we open our hearts to be filled with "all joy and peace" during the hills and valleys of life's journey, knowing that goodness awaits on the other side as we TRUST in the Almighty.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness and unfailing love. Keep us focused on Your sovereignty - that no matter the circumstances of life, we can trust that You are working out all things for our good and for Your glory. Give us a confident expectation of good things to come as we hope for and rest in Your love, mercy, and grace. In Jesus name. Amen.

Michele Hudson

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Scripture: Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NIV) - "This is what the Lord says: 'Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,' says the Lord."

Message: Many of us live our lives in false pretense - putting on masks and pretending "it is well with my soul" when we silently scream to be noticed, valued, and loved. For humans, a vital expression of love we desire is to be understood and known. Apparently, this is important to God too.

In the Old Testament one's right-standing with God was performance-based, requiring the strict adherence to rules, and making sacrifices when rules were broken. The Old Covenant demonstrated the need for a Savior as God's people undoubtedly wondered, "have I measured up?"

But The Father longed for an intimate relationship with all He created, as He had before mankind invited sin into the Garden of Eden. He wanted to restore fellowship with His people!

Under the New Covenant, God activated His plan for the Birth, Death, and Resurrection of a Savior. Jesus' arrival into this world as "God in the Flesh" showed the true Heart of the Father as He walked this Earth. Because JESUS took our sin upon Himself on the Cross "it is finished."

When we recognize who Jesus is and acknowledge Him as the Ultimate Sacrifice, we live in freedom and unbroken fellowship, assured we are deeply loved.

God wants you to embrace His Gift. The Gift of the Christ Child who is offering you a new life and a new way. You are His Beloved, and He is a good, good Father. He can be trusted with all the circumstances of your life. His greatest joy is for you to know and understand the depth of His LOVE for you.

Prayer: Father God, Thank you for the Gift of Your Son, Jesus, and the blessings of your Love. We rejoice that You want us to know and understand You. We give thanks that You know us intimately and have great plans for us. By the power of the Holy Spirit help us to trust You with our lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Michele Hudson

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Scripture: Ephesians 1:17 (NIV) – “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”

Message: To know God is to Love God. And to Love God is to Trust God.

At times of illness or grief, sometimes all we can do is Rest in Jesus’ Love and Grace. Yet, I never imagined how tough to actually live out the mandate in Psalms: “be still and know that I am God.”

During a season of healing, I had enough energy to get out of bed... sit in the sunshine… and take short walks. Basic tasks wore me out, and I was limited from socializing. Compared to my previously active life, it felt my world had come to an end.

As I lounged on my patio chair basking in the sun – feeling useless, guilty and sorrowful – I heard an odd scratching noise. I discovered a baby squirrel trapped in a metal pipe. I rescued the helpless creature from certain death! The Holy Spirit whispered to me that I was right where God needed me to be.

While I wasn’t happy with my circumstances, I was given the opportunity to know The Father more, and experience His goodness. God allowed me to have a purpose that day by being at the right place and right time – even in the midst of my infirmity.

Perhaps you are in a period of waiting or uncertainty. Do you feel like your purpose has been derailed? We wonder if God knows or sees our restless souls. We question if life will ever return to our definition of “normal.”

I was reminded that God cares for every detail of our lives. “Indeed the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (and baby squirrels). With this knowledge, we can TRUST and have reassurance that all things are working for our good and God’s glory!

Prayer: Father God, thank you for giving us the Gift of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, from whom we receive wisdom and revelation. Remind us in our times of trouble that You see all things. Because You are a God of LOVE, we can Trust You and live life with Peace and Joy in the midst of difficult seasons. Amen.

Michele Hudson

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Scripture: Ephesians 3:16-17a (NIV) – “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”

Message: Overnight, my world was turned upside down. As a sudden widow, the companionship and security I enjoyed for 36 years evaporated like a fragile vapor, leaving me with uncertainty, fear and overwhelmed.

Maybe you’ve experienced trauma from loss of something, or someone dear. Perhaps you’re feeling crushed in spirit wondering, “How do I get my Joy back? From where will my provision and peace come? How do I navigate moving forward?”

As Believers, we can take comfort that we are never alone and that God will provide the resources to meet our every need and challenge, abundantly and above all we ask, or imagine.

We are not meant to travel the road of life alone, or in our own strength. Jesus gives us this scripture of assurance in John 16:33 (NIV): “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Our Lord and Savior will never leave us, or forsake us. We are in Union with our Triune God. Think upon this amazing revelation in Ephesians 2:6 (NIV): “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,”. We have access to Heaven here and now! To operate in Kingdom Living is to be mindful of the Spirit of Life and Peace residing within.

We can rise above our current circumstances because of Jesus’ Finished Work on the Cross and the power of the Holy Spirit giving us everything we need for Life and Godliness. We can say with confidence: “The Joy of the Lord is my Strength…The Strength of the Lord is my Joy!”

Prayer: Father God, thank You for giving us open access to Heaven because of Your great Gift of Love. Help us to see the banquet table of glorious riches set before us. Remind us Lord, that we have Fullness in Christ – and therefore we have all we need by Faith. Help us to operate with a renewed mind and to see with spiritual eyes the magnificence of Christ’s Finished Work. Amen.

Michele Hudson

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Scripture: Matthew 7:11 (NIV) – “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

Message: Becoming a parent is life changing. We marvel at tiny fingers and toes. We remember first words and first steps. We delight in watching our children grow, and experience a level of love we never knew before.

Although my son is now an adult, my mothering instincts kick in whenever he comes over to work on his vintage vehicles. I make sure he is fed and hydrated. The same thing happens when I visit my parents; they always want to feed me! If I’m not hungry, they pack a “to-go” bag to take with me. God has hard-wired love into our DNA. We just cannot help but give!

Yet my parents’ gift of hospitality and my act of service toward my son are small on the “love meter” in comparison to what our Heavenly Father gives to us, His children. God gave the greatest gift of all – Himself in the flesh – so that we could experience salvation, righteousness, kingdom living here and now, and life everlasting. Sadly, how often do we neglect our relationship with our Heavenly Father, not value the presence of the Holy Spirit, or minimize the fullness of Christ’s finished work on the Cross?

When life seems out of control, we may think the Lord has forgotten us. Trust can be difficult if we feel distant from God. Furthermore, the enemy tries to attack our identity making us feel unworthy of God’s love. But if we remember how we – as human beings – lavish love on our children and have an innate desire to provide them with good things, how much more will our Father in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him?

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us be ever mindful of the love You have for Your Creation. As we recognize the magnitude of Your love and care for us, knowing that Your capacity to give is so much greater than our best efforts, we have assurance that all our needs will be met according to Your glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Michele Hudson

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