thoughts by Vonette Bright Archives - Daily Devotionals by Thoughts about God

Published May 28, 2023

The Savior is Waiting

In the Bible, God says,

“I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will watch over you.”

What a promise!

Starla prayed God would show her whether she should be a missionary. When she travelled on a short mission trip, she grew scared. She thought if she made the long-term commitment, would she ever see her family again? Would she die out here alone?

Then as she walked with some tribal children, she sang the chorus, “The Savior is waiting to enter your heart. Why don’t you let Him come in?” That was it! She realized these children needed to hear about the Savior, Jesus! She wept and thanked God for His direction. Peace replaced fear. And thirty years later, she’s still seeing God using her and her husband to help reach the world for Jesus.

Friend, trust God to guide you!

Psalm 32:8 (NLT) The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”

by Vonette Bright
Used by Permission

Follow Us On:

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest

Share this on:

thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

Bringing the Message Home

Published March 28, 2023

Bringing the Message Home

“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” Mark 16:15

Susie had never heard about Jesus in her home country.

But she moved without her husband to the United States to attend graduate school. A student involved in Campus Crusade for Christ befriended her and shared the story of Jesus. Within weeks, Susie gave her life to Christ through prayer. But her husband was in their home country and still unaware of Jesus.

Susie was attending a Christian meeting, learning how to share her faith, when her husband called. She held up the phone so he could hear the worship and praise songs. That night, they talked about Jesus. Her husband prayed over the phone to receive Christ!

Dear friend, the Bible encourages you to tell others about Jesus whenever and wherever you can. Long distance, or right next door, take advantage of every opportunity God gives you.

Read: Sharing God’s love

By Vonette Bright
Used by Permission

Fear of Rejection

“The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3

Joanne was only nine, sitting at her brother, Jack’s funeral. She wanted to see him in Heaven and responded to the pastor’s invitation. But suddenly she turned back, afraid God didn’t really want her. A terrible fear gripped her

That fear grew powerfully. As an adult, Joanne eased her fears with drugs and alcohol. Nothing helped – until she cried out to God for some confirmation that He was real. And on a quiet snow-filled day, each falling flake, a unique creation, showed her God was indeed real. Joanne gave her heart to Jesus and began a brand new life.

Her brother, Johnny Cash, told his sister Joanne, “Baby, just keep on singing!” And she has sung for Jesus 40 years!

Dear one, God IS real – and He will never ever reject you.

www.JoanneCash.com – “My main purpose in this music is to win the lost and uplift the downtrodden.”

By Vonette Bright
Used by Permission

Never Regretted

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

Maybe you can relate. Blanca had a father who was never around. He was heavily involved in drugs, alcohol and gang activity. Worse yet, Blanca lived with an abusive stepfather.

So as she was growing up, she used relationships to fill her pain and emptiness.

But then God used a local church play to speak to Blanca. She said, “Throughout the entire play, God showed me how He wanted me to change the way I was living.”

And change she did!

She decided to give Christ everything! a decision she’s never since regretted.

And in the process, God healed her deep emotional wounds.

Today, she tells young people all over the world what God has done.

Friend, God can, and will, use your past. Even the brokenness of an abusive childhood.

Ask Him to use you in someone’s life today.

I left my old life behind and never looked back. I decided that I was going to give God everything and that was a decision that I have never regretted to this day.

By Vonette Bright
Used by Permission

Delight Yourself in the Lord

“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 (NIV)

Shirley’s life was one hurt after the other. Two divorces and the challenges of a blind son had left her aching to be happy.

One day as she read the Bible verse: “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” she decided to do exactly what it says. Delight in the Lord! She began praising God! – no matter what happened.

The car wouldn’t start. Praise God. Her boss was unreasonable that day. Praise to You, Lord.

It wasn’t long before the “desires” of her heart began to change. Did she suddenly have a wonderful marriage? A son easy to rear? No. She discovered the joy of God’s love and His blessings on her life – despite the circumstances.

Dear one, delight in the Lord. He will give you the desires of your heart.

By Vonette Bright
Used by Permission

Heart Change

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

God brought Alyssa through one of the darkest times of her life.
Her dream was to dance professionally. But in her late teens, a fall shattered her hopes.
The pain was incredible. The doctor said she’d never dance or walk again.

Before the accident, Alyssa Barlow thought she knew her life’s plan. Afterwards, she became angry at God. She sulked in her room for two months.

But then God began to soften her heart. The Bible said God loved her, even if she was never on stage again. And He still had a plan for the rest of her life. So she prayed and trusted Christ for the next step. And without explanation, she was healed.

Dear one, God can sustain you through your dark days.

Trust Him for your life’s plan.

By Vonette Bright
used by permission

Give Him to God

“Trust the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5 & 6

Trusting God means putting your life into His hands, even when you don’t know the outcome!

Janice couldn’t believe her 21-year-old son had cancer. She’d always told Jeremy to trust God. But this was tough! Wonderfully, his surgery was a complete success. They got all the cancerous tissue.

It was a year later when the doctor’s examined Jeremy and found more cancer. Janice could hear God’s voice speaking to her. “Will you trust Me in ALL things? Will you give it ALL to Me?”

It took some time, but Janice was finally able to say to the Lord, “Jeremy is Your child, he is Yours in life and in death.”

The Bible says emphatically: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” With ALL your heart. Rest in Him today, my friend!

By Vonette Bright
Used by Permission

Resting, Knowing, Waiting

‘Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
In all Your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6

It was something Barry felt he had to do.

The time had come for him to take a stand against the board’s wrongful business decisions.
So he resigned from his job. That was months ago. And his wife, Olivia, was growing impatient.
She prayed and asked others to pray. But nothing happened. The waiting became harder.

One morning Olivia read Isaiah 49, which says,
“Then you will know that I am the LORD, for they shall not be ashamed who wait for Me.”

God showed her through His Word that peace was in resting, knowing, and depending upon the LORD and in God’s perfect timing.

Waiting can be hard and Olivia doesn’t know when Barry will be working…
But she does know she’ll be able to tell about God’s faithfulness because she waited on Him.

Yes, dear one, walk by faith, not by sight.

by Vonette Bright
Used by Permission

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughts-about-god.com/four-laws/

It’s ALL about God

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Television commercials couldn’t be more clear! The message is almost always, “It’s all about you!” And for a product that’s the greatest sales strategy.

Gwen’s life was pretty much on that same track. It was about her career. Her possessions. Her priorities. But you know what? It didn’t make her happy. No. In fact, she grew more and more discontent.

But when Gwen’s friend Leah introduced her to the Lord, “the change was incredible!” Her friends noticed it immediately. She began to truly care about them. To reach out in friendship. Even her facial expression “beamed” with a new-found joy.

Dear friend, there is true contentment. And it’s all about knowing and sharing Jesus.

By Vonette Bright
Used by Permission

Dissatisfied on the Inside

Jeremiah 29:11, God says, “I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

That verse became LaVerne Farmer’s anchor when life nearly came completely apart.

She started married life intending to be a Super Mom.

She threw herself into school, church, and community activities hoping they’d bring her satisfaction.

Everything looked fine on the outside, but LaVerne was frustrated, overwhelmed and empty.

In her searching for answers and peace, LaVerne increased her Bible reading.

The more she read, the more she prayed. And God blessed that. She learned from the Bible how to place everything in God’s hands and to rest in His plan.

Yes, dear one, God DOES have a wonderful plan for your life! Completely trust Him.

LaVerne Farmer: author – I Am Not a Desperate Housewife

By Vonette Bright
Used by Permission

A New Song

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12

Valentina was reared believing there was no God. She was born in Siberia as a member of the Sakha tribe. One of her closest relatives was even a witch doctor. But then missionaries came to live in their village. For years Valentina’s family watched as the missionaries sacrificed much for her own son Nick and ten other village young people. They asked for nothing in return. The missionaries’ love for Valentina’s family was genuine. It spoke truly of God’s love. Eventually, her entire family received Christ!

Now, Valentina’s home is a model of authentic servanthood, hospitality and grace. Harshness and bitterness are things of the past. Today, there’s a new song in Valentina’s heart. She knows there is a God… and that He loves her!

Dear one, God loves you too. Share that news today.

by Vonette Bright
Used by Permission

Share this on:

thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

Sink Holes

Published August 4, 2022

Sink Holes

“I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.” Psalm 40:1-3

Florida is famous for sinkholes that appear overnight, without warning. However, sinkholes are the culmination of a long process. The ground water dries up and the earth loses its support. Everything caves in and an ugly pit is formed.

Author Mary Southerland found herself at the bottom of an ugly pit called depression. Her outward appearance shouted success. But her soul screamed despair.

But she wisely chose to take her sadness to God in prayer. Mary learned God’s light can still shine in life’s sinkholes. No matter how dark it may seem, He can fill the void.

If that’s you, dear one, it’s time to cry out to God. He’s there waiting for you with open arms to come to Him in prayer. He’ll fill the sinkhole in your life with hope for a better tomorrow.

BOOK: Sandpaper People: Dealing With the Ones Who Rub You the Wrong Way
by Mary Southerland http://www.marysoutherland.com

By Vonette Bright
Used by Permission

Perfect Love

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
1 John 4:18 (NIV)

Heidi was terrified for her teenage daughter who had run away because of her mother’s restrictions on her life. Her mother did not know how to show love. Now, mom was full of fear.

Tears rolled down Heidi’s face as she promised God she would change. She promised to go to church. She promised to love God.

Heidi tried to keep her promises. Attending church she learned God’s perfect love casts out fear.

At home one evening, she bowed her head and invited Jesus into her heart. Then quietly, the front door opened. Her daughter huddled against the door. Heidi rushed to hug her and tell her daughter she loved her. Her daughter begged to be forgiven for running away. And that night, love replaced fear.

Dear friend, give your fear to Jesus. He will give you peace.

By Vonette Bright
Used by Permission

It’s Been Tough

Psalm 68: 19 says,
“Praise the Lord;
Praise God our Savior!
For each day He carries us in His arms.”

Diane knows that God may sometimes use His followers to be His loving arms.

You see, Diane’s daughter, Annie, suffered for months with a paralyzed stomach.
The family searched long and hard for a cure.

They really needed God to carry them when they were down.
So God sent some of Diane’s friends to encourage them and help with chores.
Diane said, “That’s such an encouragement when you’re down and discouraged.”

Friend, make yourself available to God.
Be His loving arms by caring for and comforting others.

When we suffer, God becomes present to us by placing a friend’s arm upon our shoulders.

By Vonette Bright
Used by Permission

If you don’t see our comment form you can find it here: https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/vonette-bright_its-been-tough/

Unrecognizable

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes,” 1 Corinthians 13:6-7

Bill Rieser didn’t know what to think. His wife Carolyn was almost unrecognizable! Days earlier she learned of his affair and they planned to divorce. But after much prayer, she was smiling and reflected God’s peace and confidence.

Carolyn looked him in the eye and said, “God would never give up on you. And I’m not going to give up on you. God can forgive you for anything you’ve ever done. And so can I”

She was willing to give their marriage another chance if he was willing to give his life to Christ. Yes, Bill prayed to receive Christ. And they’ve just celebrated their 25th anniversary! Bill admitted, “We’re more in love with each other now than at any other point in our lives.”

Dear one, give your marriage to God and don’t give up.
He’s the Great Physician who can heal marriages, too!

By Vonette Bright
Used by Permission
They Called Me ‘’White Jesus™ by Bill Rieser

If you don’t see our comment form you can find it here: https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/vonette-bright_unrecognizable/

The Savior is Waiting

What a promise!

Friend, trust God to guide you!

Further Reading

Follow Us On:

Bringing the Message Home

Further Reading

Fear of Rejection

Further Reading

Never Regretted

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

Further Reading

Delight Yourself in the Lord

Further Reading

Heart Change

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Further Reading

Give Him to God

“Trust the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5 & 6

Further Reading

Resting, Knowing, Waiting

‘Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
In all Your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6

FURTHER READING

It’s ALL about God

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Further Reading

Dissatisfied on the Inside

Further Reading

A New Song

Sink Holes

Further Reading

Perfect Love

Further Reading

It’s Been Tough

Psalm 68: 19 says,
“Praise the Lord;
Praise God our Savior!
For each day He carries us in His arms.”

Further Reading

Unrecognizable

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes,” 1 Corinthians 13:6-7

Further Reading

Category: <span>thoughts by Vonette Bright</span>

What a promise!

Friend, trust God to guide you!

Further Reading

Follow Us On:

Further Reading

Further Reading

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

Further Reading

Further Reading

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Further Reading

“Trust the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5 & 6

Further Reading

‘Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all Your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6

FURTHER READING

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Further Reading

Further Reading

Further Reading

Further Reading

Psalm 68: 19 says, “Praise the Lord; Praise God our Savior! For each day He carries us in His arms.”

Further Reading

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes,” 1 Corinthians 13:6-7

Further Reading

‘Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
In all Your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Psalm 68: 19 says,
“Praise the Lord;
Praise God our Savior!
For each day He carries us in His arms.”