thoughts by Vonette Bright Archives - Page 14 of 16

Published December 26, 2010

Dreamer into Doer

“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

Stephanie Reed had a burning passion to write.
But for now, being a Godly mother came first.
She wondered if the dream to write really came from God.
Like Moses, excuses came to her such as a lack of college education.

One day she listened to the radio and heard Charles Stanley speak on prayer and fasting.
So she fasted and prayed, “Lord, I don’t want to do this unless it’s Your will.”
Stephanie opened the Bible and read the words of Jesus:
“If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”
“Lord,” she cried, “please help me to believe!”

Dear friend, God has given you certain dreams and desires for HIS use.
Fast… pray… ask God to help you realize HIS plan for your life.
By the way, Stephanie has already had two books published!

Across the River book series by Stephanie Reed http://www.kregelpublications.com

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/12/26/vb_dreamer-into-doer/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

Published December 23, 2010

First Lonely Christmas

by Vonette Bright

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels” Hebrews 13:2

Patricia was just 18-years-old when her father died.
Sadly, her parents’ married friends didn’t know how to deal with Patricia’s mother.

So they did the worst thing possible: nothing.

As the holidays approached, Christmas looked to be pretty dismal and lonely.
But then neighbors graciously invited Patricia and her widowed mother to their Christmas celebration.
They included the two women in their gift exchange.

Conversation was intentionally focused on past blessings and future joys.
By centering on God’s provisions through the neighbor’s hospitality, the women’s grief was soothed.

Dear friend, include widows, singles, and others this Christmas.
Display biblical compassion by making them part of your holiday celebrations.
It’s a gift that keeps on giving.

Romans 12:1-13; Philippians 4:8-9; 19; James 2:14-16

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/12/23/vb_first-lonely-christmas/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

Published December 19, 2010

Jesus is the Reason

by Vonette Bright

Read: Luke 2:1-20

Millie slumped in front of her computer. She was looking for Christmas on the Internet. She grumbled, “There are 49 million sites on Christmas. How am I supposed to find out about the true meaning of this holiday?”

There were sites on Santa Claus, the Grinch, and lots of places selling cards, trees and other products. There were tons of recipes and descriptions of ways Christmas is celebrated around the world. Millie grew more confused.

She wondered, “Isn’t Christmas about the birth of Jesus Christ? After all, Christ is in the word Christmas.”

She opened a Bible and read about the birth of Jesus. She said, “This is what I am looking for… the REAL meaning of Christmas!”

Friend, Jesus Christ is the real reason for this season. Look for Him this season too.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/12/19/vb_jesus-is-the-reason/
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Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

Published November 27, 2010

Shell Shocked Fragments

by Vonette Bright

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

Seven-year-old Cathy felt betrayed by God. She was certain He had punished her and her family. The security of her childhood shattered after her parents’ divorce and a judge split the family.

Yet despite the confusion and bitterness of those turbulent years, Cathy’s sister grew in her faith. Cathy looked up to her closest sibling. Late one night, Cathy told her how very lonely she was. She wanted to give her life to God, but didn’t know how.

Her sister patiently explained: If Cathy asked Him, Jesus would come and live in her heart. She would never be alone again!

That night they prayed together and Cathy asked Jesus into her heart. Today, author Cathy Gohlke says, “Such peace flooded through me, peace like I’d never known!”

Friend, do you need peace? Invite Jesus into your life!
http://www.thoughts-about-god.com/4laws/law0.html

William Henry is a Fine Name by Cathy Gohlke
http://www.moodypublishers.com
“We’d gone from a rowdy family of seven to shell shocked fragments.”

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/11/27/vb_shell-shocked-fragments/
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Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

Published November 16, 2010

Prayer

by Vonette Bright

“Pray without ceasing,” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

I love hearing a friend say, “Vonette, I’m praying for you.” That means the world! I know God hears and answers those prayers. I’ve seen so many prayers answered.

I also love hearing about Christian radio stations whose owners and operators pray for you. Ministries on this radio station also pray for you when you pass along your requests. What a wonderful gift!

That’s the way the body of Christ should work. Praying for one another… specific, directed prayer… and then letting each other know when God has answered those prayers.

Start a prayer journal today. It will help you to remember to pray and for what you should be praying. And then it will be an encouragement as you look back and see how God has answered your prayers. Yes, spending time to talk with God is worth every moment you spend.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/11/16/vb_prayer/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

Published October 15, 2010

Only True Power

by Vonette Bright

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Velma had a thriving fortune-telling practice. She would predict a person’s future and sell spells for wealth or healing. She’d lead weekly services to worship what she called “the god within.”

When a local church was going to show the JESUS film, some members invited Velma to see the movie. Velma resisted. But they patiently explained about the evil power in which she dabbled. It would eventually take her to Hell, if she didn’t receive Jesus.

Velma was curious and quietly slipped into the church service. As she watched the life of Christ unfold, she realized only Jesus was the true power over the known, as well as the unknown. Only He had the future in sight. So she prayed to invite Jesus into her heart and God changed her life.

Yes, dear one, only Jesus Christ is all powerful and knows the future.
http://www.jesusfilm.org/film-and-media/watch-the-film

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/10/15/vb_only-true-power/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

Be Thankful

Published October 11, 2010

Be Thankful

“Always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)

Many years ago, our personal world seemed to be crumbling around my husband and me.

All we had worked and planned for in the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ was hanging on a slender thread.

Because of a series of unforeseen circumstances, we were facing a financial crisis.

But years before that, we had discovered God’s faithfulness.

When we express thanksgiving, obedience and gratitude to God, He releases His great power on our behalf.

So we began to thank God for who He is and what He had already done for us. Supernatural peace flooded our hearts. In a matter of days, apart from our abilities to solve the problem, God provided the solution.

Dear one, always be thankful – especially in crisis.

God can turn your tragedy to triumph, discord to harmony, and your defeat to victory.

By Vonette Bright

We’d love to hear from you. If you don’t see our response form, please go to https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/vb_be-thankful/

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

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

Published October 3, 2010

Wooed and Won

By Vonette Bright

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:44

God can woo you both intellectually and emotionally. That’s what happened to Alex McFarland.

Most of his life, Alex attended a church that is now 250 years old. He learned about God, the Bible, Jesus and Christianity. But, it wasn’t personal until college.

Then, Alex was invited to a weekly Bible study. He only attended because a girl he liked would be there. And really thought he knew enough facts about God.

But then he learned that Christ wanted a personal relationship with him. Through prayer, Alex invited Jesus to take control of his life. And then he couldn’t get enough of God and His word! So much so that today he’s an apologist, a defender of the faith.

Oh dear friend, God wants a personal relationship with you, too!
If you don’t know Him, would you like to?

http://www.thoughts-about-god.com/4laws/law0.html

“10 Most Common Objections to Christianity“, by Alex McFarland
http://www.alexmcfarland.com/

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/10/03/vb_wooed-and-won/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

Published September 17, 2010

A Teachable Heart

by Vonette Bright

“And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay and you are the Potter. We are all formed by your hand.” Isaiah 64:8

As children go back to school, it means new teachers, and new subjects to learn. And as adults, you and I know those lessons are needed but it doesn’t make that process any easier.

In Psalm 32:8 God says, “I will teach you in the way you should go.”

My friend Nancy was one of those remarkable self-made women who seem successful at everything she does. But she got caught up in her own self-righteousness. And before long she sensed an emptiness in her life. A nagging that didn’t go away. She was reading the book, “In His Steps”, and God showed her that true success meant surrendering her will to her heavenly Father. Nancy prayed earnestly, “Lord, give me a teachable spirit! Help me learn Your lessons.”

Dear friend, how about you? Maybe it’s time for you to go back to God’s school!

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/09/17/vb_teachable-heart/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

Published July 24, 2010

Angel Food Cake

by Vonette Bright

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

God has an amazing knack for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Leah walked into the grocery store and saw Kris.
Two years before, Leah had begun to build a friendship with this young cashier.
Leah had wrapped Max Lucado’s John 3:16 book and gave it to her as she checked out.

Since then, many joined Leah in praying for Kris.
But the cashier’s hours had been cut due to the tough economy, so Leah hadn’t seen her for awhile.
This time, Kris had great news! She had committed her life to Christ.
And soon she’ll lead a home group to reach others.
Kris is passing on the book she was given so someone else can read about God’s love.
Joyfully, Leah bought an angel food cake from the bakery to celebrate Kris’ coming to Christ.

Friend, share God’s love with everyone you meet.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/07/24/vb_angel-food-cake/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

Published July 12, 2010

Amazing Prayer

By Vonette Bright

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

Never underestimate the power of prayer!
Five high school students began to sense their responsibility to God. They wanted to help fulfill the Great Commission on their campus. Each made a list of three friends whom they wanted to claim for Christ.

The first week they met daily to pray that these friends would sense their need for Jesus. The second week they prayed to be instruments of God. The third week they prayed for opportunities to speak to their friends about Christ. That same week 15 students for whom they had prayed invited Jesus into their lives through prayer!

Dear friend, the more frequently you share your thoughts and desires with Christ, the closer you come to Him.

Prayer is powerful and pleases God. That’s why He says, “Keep on praying.” And I say, “Amen!”

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/07/12/vb_amazing-prayer/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

Published July 6, 2010

What Makes You Different?

By Vonette Bright

Lola shook her head.
She wondered how Judy could be so nice to insensitive customers.
That included one very obstinate client who Judy had just served.
Lola asked, “I don’t understand. How can you be so nice? What makes you different?”
Judy responded simply, “It’s Jesus!” She invited Lola to dinner.

Lola was surprised at the warmth of their conversation.
Then she noticed a Four Spiritual Laws booklet that had dropped out of Judy’s purse.
Judy realized this was an opportune time to share the booklet with Lola.
It explains God’s love in a very simple way.
When asked if Lola wanted to invite Jesus into her life, she responded, “Oh, yes!”

Dear one, share God’s love today!
You can find the Four Spiritual Laws on-line, in many languages at:
http://www.4laws.com/laws/default/bilingual.html.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/07/06/vb_makes-you-different/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

Published June 14, 2010

Permission to be Honest

By Vonette Bright

“He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart.” Psalm 15:2

I read some time ago about a soldier who was being “drilled” by her sergeant.
Question after question!
She wanted to answer… and respond directly, but felt she’d be even in bigger trouble.
So finally, the private asked, “Permission to be honest, Sir?”
Imagine… permission to be honest!

The fact is… if you are a Christian, you are commanded to be honest.
And that’s true in all your relationships: family, friends, work… even with God Himself.
So let me ask you.
Do you believe you can be completely honest and open in your communication with God?
You need never fear coming before your heavenly Father and being totally truthful with Him.
He already knows your heart!

Being honest with God is good practice for being honest with others when you tell them about Jesus.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/06/14/vb_permission/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

Published May 3, 2010

Mighty Forest

by Vonette Bright

“Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

The huge Sequoia trees of California tower as much as 300 feet above ground.
Some were alive when Jesus walked on the earth.

Strangely, these massive giants have unusually shallow root systems.
But you won’t find these redwoods standing alone.
They grow in clusters because high winds would otherwise quickly uproot them.
Their intertwining roots provide support against the storms.

Friend, in this world, you can expect the storms of life.
But as the Church, the Body of Christ, we must support one another through tough times.

Don’t be too proud to admit your need.
And when you try to go it alone, you are in the greatest danger of falling.

Yes, friend, the Church is a mighty forest only when you assist others through the storms.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/05/03/vb_mighty-forest/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

Published April 25, 2010

Erasing Doubt

by Vonette Bright

Stephanie’s dream was to be an author, but family obligations took priority.
When she was forty, however, the urge to write hit again.
She wondered if it was from God.

Friend, you might be wondering about your dream. Is it God’s best for your life?

Well, at first Stephanie’s prayers were filled with doubt.
Then she heard Charles Stanley speak about prayer and fasting.
So she abstained from eating while the family was away. It left her with more time for God.
As she prayed and released her dream to God, His Word spoke to her heart.
Her dream was confirmed. Writing was God’s will for her!
Jesus then took Stephanie Reed with her God-given ability to write and used her for His glory.
And, dear one, God can do the same for you. Give Him your dream today!

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/04/25/vb_erasing-doubt/

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