thoughts by Vonette Bright Archives - Page 13 of 16

Published August 8, 2011

A Hebrew Christian Mother

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelations 3:20

Marv Rosenthal was young when a missionary asked if he was “saved.”
He responded, “No ma’am, I’m not drowning.”
Oh, he wasn’t being sarcastic, he just didn’t understand.
Neither the boy nor his mother had prayed to invite Christ into their lives.

Undaunted, the missionary returned weekly to the Rosenthal’s candy shop and left pamphlets.
Marv threw them away, but his mother retrieved them since they were about God.
The missionary had shared the Bible verse, “Behold I stand at the door and knock.”
And, one night, Mrs. Rosenthal “heard” the knock and responded to God’s gentle invitation.

The next morning she told her son, “I’ve been saved.”
Through his mother’s witness and Bible teaching, Marv accepted Christ as his Savior.

If you haven’t already, dear one, it’s time to open the door of your heart to God.

Marv Rosenthal is Founder of Zion’s Hope www.zionshope.org

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/08/08/vb_hebrew-christian-mother/

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Forgive Again and Again

Published August 7, 2011

Forgive Again and Again

“You heard their cries for help and saved them. They put their trust in you and were never disappointed.” Psalm 22:5

When Clay Crosse first admitted his sin to his wife Renee, she felt everything any normal woman would feel: anger, resentment, hurt; more anger. She was becoming closed to him. And every time he came to her with new information and a confession, it was like a fresh blow to a deep bruise.

But Clay was genuinely filled with sorrow over everything he’d done. He had already confessed his sin to God and it was time to seek Renee’s forgiveness.

Oh, it wasn’t easy. But each time she chose to forgive him, God’s healing touch swept over her. Forgiveness bridged the pit of Clay’s sin and brought them back together.

Friend, take Psalm 22 to heart: God hears your cries for help and saves you. Put your trust in God and you will never be disappointed.

Out of the Ashes by Clay & Renee Crosse http://www.claycrosse.com/

by Vonette Bright
used by permission

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Published July 25, 2011

Praying for You

By Vonette Bright

“rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;” Romans 12:12

Mary was moved by the missionary’s report and offered to pray for her daily.
When a friend called Mary to ask if she’d pray for her, Mary readily said yes.
Mary told family members and co-workers that she was praying for each of them.
But the truth was that Mary would pray only when she thought of the person, but never consistently.

Does that describe your prayer life?
Sadly, it does for many. So… let’s change that!
First, find a notebook or journal. Take your first day to organize and pray for God to use this tool.
Write down names and requests. Try to be specific.
Include prayer for your country and leaders.
Remember to enter answers to prayer and thank God for them

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/07/25/vb_praying-for-you/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

Published July 18, 2011

Facing the Truth

by Vonette Bright

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” Colossians 3:18

The study of God’s Word brought Vonda Skelton face-to-face with the truth:
She had nagged and pouted and bulldozed her way through fifteen years of marriage.
She was totally oblivious to the damage she was doing to her husband Gary.

Until the night he told her he wanted to leave.

But God is mighty and all-powerful.

He can even take defiance and work a miraculous change in a person’s heart.
As Vonda began to study about Biblical submission, she learned to relate to her husband as Christ relates to God.

She said, “This incredible journey has not always been fun, but it saved my marriage, (It) gave me a new love for my husband, and taught me the true meaning of voluntary submission.”
When you are praying for your husband to change, don’t be surprised if God changes you along the way.

“Seeing Through the Lies” by Vonda Skelton http://www.regalbooks.com

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/07/18/vb_facing-the-truth/

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Published June 23, 2011

Serving

by Vonette Bright

“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12

Christian recording artist Derick Thompson had just finished his junior year at college.
An elderly couple, Bob and Bev, needed help with general tasks.
So they invited Derick to move into their upstairs apartment.
Bev knew Jesus, but her faith was weak.
Bob didn’t have a personal relationship with God and cancer was taking his life.
But they both saw God through Derick’s service.

Derick’s band STRIVE was invited by Campus Crusade for Christ to come to Russia.
This short-term project helped promote AIDS awareness and share the love of Christ.
While Derick was overseas, he continued to pray for Bob and Bev.
And miracle of miracles, Bob prayed to invite Christ into his heart and Bev rededicated her life to God!

Dear one, serve Christ by serving others. Share God’s love in tangible ways, too.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/06/23/vb_serving/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

Published June 5, 2011

Touching Women’s Lives

by Vonette Bright

One woman was caught in the scandalous act of adultery.

Another was rejected and ignored because of her promiscuous lifestyle.

And even another was shunned for her shameful condition.

Nonetheless, Jesus personally reached out to those three while He was on earth.

Sharon wanted to use their stories to connect with women in her area.

So she prayed and planned an outreach at the community center.

She chose to show a film about their stories.

Many wept as they viewed the movie http://www.magdalenamovie.com/.

Some prayed to receive Christ, while others rededicated their lives to Him.

Friend, help others understand true freedom and value are found only in Christ.

He still reaches women today no matter what their story might be!

To learn more, go to http://www.magdalenatoday.com/.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/06/05/vb_touching-womens-lives/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

Published June 1, 2011

Studying Jesus

By Vonette Bright

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

Thirty-one women completed months of study with prayer and festivities.
As they gathered to watch the Jesus Film, their leader asked them to take notes.
Then, more than 300 of their neighbors joined them to watch the film.
After the screening, the women began to describe the parts they remembered.
The leader saw an opportunity to challenge them and asked,
“How did Jesus perform the miracles?”

When genuine excitement, they responded: “Because He is God!”
After several other questions, the women were invited to pray to invite Christ into their hearts.
Many indicated they would! Now they meet regularly to study God’s Word.

Friend, God’s Word tells us to go throughout the world and spread the good news about Jesus.

Don’t forget that the “world” begins the moment you walk out your front door!
http://www.jesusfilm.org/film-and-media/watch-the-film

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/06/01/vb_studying-jesus/

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Published May 21, 2011

Unbounded Enthusiasm

By Vonette Bright

“He said to them, Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all people.” Mark 16:15

Robin was a bubbly teenager. She had just prayed to invite Jesus into her life.
A friend shared the Four Spiritual Laws booklet with her. http://www.thoughts-about-god.com/4laws/law0.html
She couldn’t believe no one had told her about God’s love before.
Now she couldn’t wait to tell everyone she knew!
With unbounded enthusiasm she spoke to family and friends.
Robin shared what Christ had done for her and what He could do for them.

To her delight, some family members and friends also invited Jesus into their lives.
But Robin was saddened when others refused. She admitted,
“At least I know they had an opportunity to respond to the claims of Christ.”

Friend, the Bible says we’re to share the Good News.
Some might refuse His love. Even so, it’s our job to tell others about Jesus.
Then, let’s leave the results to God.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/05/21/vb_unbounded-enthusiasm/

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Published April 28, 2011

Tara’s Story

by Vonette Bright

“preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2

Tara’s friend was a challenge. Whenever they would talk, he would argue or demand scientific evidence for God. But she promised God she wouldn’t give up.

She told her fellow student that he was in her prayers. She invited him to a Campus Crusade for Christ Bible study on campus. Tara could see he was confused, but because he was willing, she kept inviting him. They watched the Passion of the Christ movie. They talked further about God’s love, forgiveness, grace and existence.

Months later Tara was surprised by an instant message from him out of the blue. It said, “Any inhibitions I held earlier have been annihilated. God loves me and I love Him for it.” Tara’s prayers were answered!

Friend, don’t stop telling others about Jesus. God will answer your prayers!

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/04/28/vb_taras-story/

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Published April 15, 2011

Worship is Prayer

by Vonette Bright

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;” Colossians 4:2

The teenage years can be a rough time of life if you have no one to talk with.
But what a difference when someone is there to care and listen!

Youth pastor Mark Hall of Casting Crowns points out that, to many teens,
God is more of a book than a Person.

They’re thinking of Christianity as an idea rather than a relationship.
So Mark points them toward a relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer,
And after that prayer, through worship.

Worship goes beyond ourselves without asking for help or material possessions.
By praying or singing scripture, teens can begin to understand Someone is listening…
That One is God who’s speaking to them through His Word!

Friend, teach a teen, your teen, about prayer.
Incorporate worship into your family devotions.
Have you talked to God today?

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/04/15/vb_worship-is-prayer/

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Published April 4, 2011

Hand Them the Keys

by Vonette Bright

“He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free, “ Psalm 146:7

While most people are trying to stay out of jail, Dorothy visits one every week regularly ministering to prisoners in her community.

One day, Dorothy met an inmate who said, “I know you want to talk about Jesus. Well, it’s not going to do any good, because I’m a witch!”

The inmate said that she had done a lot of bad things. She joined a witches’ coven because she thought Jesus would not accept her.

Dorothy began to share God’s love and unconditional forgiveness. After a week of meeting with Dorothy, the inmate said “yes” to Jesus Christ!

Dear friend, there are many people who are imprisoned by their past mistakes. Share Christ with someone this week. When you do, you will hand them the keys to everlasting freedom!

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/04/04/vb_hand-them-the-keys/

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Published March 18, 2011

Obeying God

by Vonette Bright

“Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.” Psalm 27:10

Sarah was heartbroken. She wanted to please her parents. But she wanted to please God even more. For years Sarah had prayed about a mission trip in the inner city. She sensed this was the year. But her parents were uneasy. Even still, after much prayer, Sarah committed herself to the project.

The next day her mother read about a girl going on a mission trip. Ironically, her parents were firmly against it. Included in the article was a verse from Psalms… “Though my Father and Mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.”

Her parents were convicted, and gladly gave their support. As a result, that summer, Sarah grew stronger in her walk with God.

Friend, is God asking you to do something challenging or difficult?
Ask Him for direction, then be sure to obey.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/03/18/vb_obeying-god/

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Published March 13, 2011

Spare Prayer?

By Vonette Bright

“Keep on praying.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT)

Corrie ten Boom asked, “Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?”

My husband Bill was a man driven to pray frequently.

One morning he was awakened around 2am.
One of our staff associates faced a personal crisis.
That morning, God impressed upon Bill to pray for the man
and to ask for God’s wisdom in how to respond to the needs of our friend.

God prepared Bill for a crucial meeting with that same man the next day.

Oh, but my husband would pray about everything! (SMILE)
He would even pray about what clothes to wear.
He felt that the way he dressed, as well as his words and actions, should bring glory to God.

As Bill said, “The more frequently you share your thoughts and desires with your Lord, the closer you come to Him.”

Friend, make prayer your steering wheel.

“Talking to men for God is a great thing, but talking to God for men is greater still.” – E.M. Bounds

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/03/13/vb_spare-prayer/

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Published February 23, 2011

Ego Problem

By Vonette Bright

“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me” Matthew 16:24

For some people, the teenage years are the most difficult. But Family Life’s Bob Lepine says his teenage years were good. Great friends, a cute girlfriend, President of his senior class, sang in choirs and a rock band. But Bob admits he had an ego problem. He said, “Because life was good, I thought I was good!”

But in college, he was no longer well-known or popular. Then the Bible showed him God’s view of his pride. He had been focused on himself rather than on God. Christ changed his life one day when he became refocused and redirected. Bob was then and remains today God’s workmanship.

I have a friend who says, “It’s not about you!” And she’s right. Friend, God has a great and wonderful plan for you… if you’re willing to put your ego aside.

The Christian Husband by Bob Lepine, http://www.FamilyLife.com

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/02/23/vb_ego-problem/

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Published February 18, 2011

Running from God

by Vonette Bright

“Cast your burden on the LORD,And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22

Allison Bottke ran away from God. She was raised in the Projects of Cleveland and left home at age 15. She married a man who nearly killed her. And then a divorce.

Although she earned her G-E-D, she discovered work didn’t fill the void in her heart. So she tried alcohol, drugs, New Age beliefs, and fast-living. Nothing filled the emptiness.

Finally, Allison sought God. He took her broken spirit and her lost soul. After asking Jesus into her heart, the empty void was filled. She says, “God turned me around, setting me on a new course. He showed me I no longer had to carry the burden alone.”

Dear one, are you trying to handle grief or pain all by yourself? Drop your burden before God. He will provide peace and comfort like you’ve never known before.

God Answers Prayers by Allison Bottke:
http://www.harvesthousepublishers.com

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/02/18/vb_running/
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