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

by Vonette Bright

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

Singer Bethany Dillon believes that college students value honesty when you’re telling them about Jesus. She said, “If Christ is shared in an honest, no frills, very passionate way, I think [the message] is heard.”

When Deanna heard that, she was puzzled.  All her life she had never let out what she really felt inside. So, her faith on campus seemed all too surreal to her classmates. Most of them thought she came from a loving home. But that wasn’t true.

Dear friend, honesty speaks far louder than the content of your words.  When Deanna decided to admit her emotional scars, the work God had done in her life seemed genuine. Christ’s love, comfort and joy were evident now as Deanna spoke honestly.

Maybe it’s time you shared how Christ has totally changed your life, honestly!
[Bethany Dillon www.bethanydillon.com – I think the difficulty in sharing with college-aged people is that it’s such a transitional season of life, SO much learning is going on– figuring out who you really are– taking hold of independence for the first time… I just think there are a lot of walls that go up because of it. However, I also feel like people in college really value HONESTY… whatever’s  REAL, you know? And if Christ is shared in a brutally honest, no frills, very passionate way, I think it’s heard.  I think one of the most precious things about His presence in my life is the permission to be HONEST… whether that’s weeping on my floor for hours without saying a word, or dancing around like a fool and not thinking twice about it. For that to be a safe place full of understanding, that’s been such a healing thing.]

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/04/11/vb_honestly/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

by Vonette Bright

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:18

JESUS Film workers were following up with an elderly Nigerian man.
They had been teaching the man for three weeks, and his wife had been watching.
She surprised the team by saying, “I have personally witnessed change in his life in these 3 weeks.”

His wife related how her husband used to drink excessively and never cared to stay home.
He also used to speak harshly to his wife. But all this changed!
She said, “Please kindly teach me, too. I want to follow you people.”
After praying to receive Christ, she and her husband began to worship together.

Dear one, what do people think when they observe your life?
Can they see God’s love reflected in what you do for others?
Live so that those who observe you see Christ in you and say, “I want to follow Jesus, too.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/04/09/vb_follow-you/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

by Vonette Bright

Sometimes people are led to believe that once you become a Christian, everything is magical.
Suzie Eller says, “It’s not magical, it’s an adventure!”
When she prayed to receive Christ into her life, she still had to return to the same abusive home.
The difference, she admits, is what began to take place within her.
Oh, Suzie’s adventure brought dark times like cancer.
And her son was severely injured when hit by a drunk driver.
But God was faithful to her even in the rough stuff.

The Apostle Paul wrote, Ephesians 3:16-17
“I pray that from God’s glorious, unlimited resources
He will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.
And that your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
”

Dear friend, God is the vine.  He is your source, your strength, your direction, and your hope.

Making It Real: Whose Faith is it Anyway? By T. Suzanne Eller (Suzie)

http://daretobelieve.org or http://realteenfaith.com

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/02/25/vb_adventure/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

by Vonette Bright

“Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” Ephesians 3:20

God has an amazing way of bringing people together!  Author Jeannie Taylor sent us this story.

A woman was talking on the phone with her lonely 19-year-old daughter, Amber, who was away at school.  It broke her mom’s heart.  As they talked, mom prayed for God to show her how she could help Amber.  After she hung up, the mom turned on the radio and heard Women Today!  That day featured Jeanie’s story about her son in Iraq.   Amber’s was also a military family.

The mom hesitantly wrote Jeanie.  It turned out that Amber attends school about a mile from Jeannie’s house!  She took Amber to her church where the ladies gave her lots of hugs and encouragement.  Amber’s mom was thrilled!

Yes, God and answered prayer, are amazing!

Jeannie St. John Taylor, Author/ Illustrator/ Speaker
Books include: Prayers for Troubled Times, AMG Publishers,
Does God Have a Job?, and Am I Making God Smile?
, (Kregel Publishing)
http://www.jeanniestjohntaylor.com

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/02/08/vb_weaves/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

by Vonette Bright

“give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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!
http://stephaniereed.turboflanges.com/aboutMe.html

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/02/06/vb_erasing/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

by Vonette Bright

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
1 John 4:11

When Charlene met someone, she immediately thought, “This person needs Jesus.”
It’s a great thought, but sometimes come with the wrong motive.

Take, for instance, Charlene’s friend, Lisa.
They shared a common interest and enjoyed each others company.
But Lisa was beginning to feel uncomfortable in their friendship.
Charlene told Lisa about Jesus, yes.
But Lisa felt that if she became a Christian, Charlene would score another brownie point and move on.
Lisa finally admitted how she felt.
Charlene had never realized how she’d come across.
She apologized to Lisa and asked God’s forgiveness, too.

Friend, be careful of your motive in reaching out to others about Jesus.
A soul saved is not a brownie point, but someone for whom Christ died.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/01/24/vb_notches/
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Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

by Vonette Bright

‘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

Tanya and her husband lived three years in Siberia.
Yet they consider that a highlight of their lives.
There, Tanya learned to listen to the Lord instead of her own hesitations.

Here are some spiritual survival tips she gave us.  Maybe they‘ll help you as well.

Number one – Live moment by moment in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Follow His leading.

Number two
– Develop a grateful heart.  A grateful heart is a healthier heart.

Number three
– Desire God’s will more than your own.

Number four
– Listen for God to call you by name in the darkness.

And lastly, number five
– Pray for God to send workers into His harvest.
Then, be willing to go wherever He sends you, whether it’s next door or around the world!
Even if that means going to Siberia!

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/01/05/vb_thriving/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

by Vonette Bright

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Mathew 5:13

Dr. Judy Hunt completed her residency and moved to Arizona to practice medicine.
She stayed involved with the Medical Strategic Network, an arm of Campus Crusade for Christ.

But after a few months, Dr. Judy found it difficult to develop relationships with her colleagues.
She began to feel isolated.
So she called a fellow physician with MSN for a shot of compassion and mercy.
But instead, her friend gave her a dose of truth.  Dr. Judy had not been praying for her colleagues.
“You’ve lost your saltiness,� he said, referring to the Bible verse,
“You are the salt of the earth…�

So Dr. Judy began praying for her co-workers and patients.
She told them about her relationship with Jesus, and how they could know Him too.

Friend, be the salt of the earth right where God has placed you!

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/12/05/vb_saltiness/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

by Vonette Bright

“My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I, whom you have redeemed.� Psalm 71:23 (NIV)

At a high school commencement, one graduate said, “I barely finished.  If I’d blown it, my parents would’ve killed me!�

Another student, adopted from an Asian-Pacific country, had a very different perspective.  She said, “I want to express my deepest appreciation to my American parents for loving me… I want to do everything I can to show them how much I love them and to make them proud of me!�

What a difference in their two perspectives!

So friend, how about your motivation?  Do you serve your Heavenly Father out of fear that He would punish you?  Or is it because you appreciate His great love and what He’s done for you?  The Bible says, “My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I, whom you have redeemed.

Thank Jesus for what He has done for you!

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/11/27/vb_motivation/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

by Vonette Bright

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.� 2 Corinthians 9:8

Mary Aucoin Kaarto (pronounced oh QUINN   CAR toe)
was housebound and in pain, so she cried out to God in prayer.
She asked, “Lord, WHY are You allowing me to go through this… AGAIN?�
You see, Mary had been laid off from her job just one week before a car accident.
She didn’t understand why God would take her from one disaster to the next.

God was taking Mary through the dark valley  to demonstrate God’s love to others in the midst of their trials.
So Mary wrote, understanding God’s timing is always perfect even though it may not seem that way.
His plan was to release her book just in time to minister to thousands who’ve lost their jobs!

Today, Mary helps others see the message of hope and encouragement from God.

Dear one, no matter the circumstances – trust God for His timing!

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/11/22/vb_laid-off/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

by Vonette Bright

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

(PLEASE NOTE:  “DIAZ� is pronounced DYE’ AS rather than DEE )
Jonny Diaz begins to sing…
LITTLE GIRL FOURTEEN FLIPPING THROUGH A MAGAZINE
SAYS SHE WANTS TO LOOK THAT WAY
It’s called “More Beautiful You.�
Jonny shares how God has a different perspective on the way we look.
God, through his vast love, will treat you like the jewel He created you to be.
And God has used the song’s powerful message to touch many hearts.

For example…  A young woman had a serious eating disorder.
She had driven herself three times to a rehabilitation center only to turn around.
On the fourth try, she had already signaled to turn around when she heard the song.
God used the song to drive away her fear and get her the help she needed.

Friend, God’s Word says you are wonderfully made.
And He loves you deeply.  So, believe it!

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/11/07/vb_beautiful/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

by Vonette Bright
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“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.� Hebrews 10:24

Within your four walls is so much more than a residence for your family…
It can be a house of ministry with eternal impact!
For example…

Carol regularly takes in foster children or the homeless.

Susie finds neighbors to minister to… like lonely seniors, divorcees, or women stricken with cancer.

Donna writes letters to hospitalized or home bound friends and includes her children in the task.

Carolyn invites neighborhood children to come to play with her own.

Then she’ll ask their mothers to come for lunch or coffee when it’s time to pick them up.

While Judy’s husband travels, she’ll invite another stay-at-home mom to join her for lunch or picnic.

Sandi invites international students to join her family on holidays.

Friend, share God’s love in tangible ways!
You will find an open door to tell them about Jesus!

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/10/28/vb_ministry/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

by Vonette Bright
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Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life. Isaiah 38:5 (NIV)

Floating LeavesJudy’s brother died unexpectedly of cancer.

Feeling sad and lonely Judy spent a lot of time crying, worried about her own mortality.

One night during a time of many tears, she awoke from a sound sleep.

She sat up in bed and said, “Isaiah 38:5.�

She laughed and spoke aloud to herself, “Did I just say Isaiah 38:5?�

She lay back down, intending to fall back to sleep.

Then the thought came, “Was this from God?�

Judy didn’t even know how many chapters were in the book of Isaiah!

So she found a Bible and read, “I have heard your prayer and seen your tears.�

Oh, what comfort!

Judy said, “I don’t have to cry. God has already seen my tears.�

Yes, friend, God knows all about your trials.
He will comfort you if you’ll go to Him in prayer.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/09/11/vb_many-tears/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

by Vonette Bright
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 “How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high
and low among men find refuge in the shadow of
your wings
.� Psalm 36:7

Push PinsFriend, God’s love can transcend all language barriers.

Dana spent a week in a language and cultural exchange inside Mexico.   It was a mission project with MK2MK, a Campus Crusade for Christ ministry involving missionary kids.

Eighteen-year-old Maria became Dana’s language partner.  Dana prayed for an opportunity to tell her about Christ.  Then she finally had a private moment with Maria on a tour bus.  Maria confided, “At the end of the day, what do I have?  I am empty.�   The two had connected on the topic of losing friends.

Dana explained how a relationship with God was the only one that truly lasted.

Maria placed her faith in Christ through prayer.
You too can be confident that, no matter what, Jesus will never abandon you.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/07/01/vb_language/

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women

by Vonette Bright
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Jan had Goggled “Christian Spa� and found a weight-loss group with a Christ-centered focus.
As part of the program, the group studied the Bible, prayed, and memorized scripture.
Finally, Jan had a great circle of Christian sisters to support her.
And her life was visibly changed.  She lost 100 pounds!

Friend, you too may be spiritually… and physically… weighed down.
Ask yourself this… Is Christ the focus and center of my life?
Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.�

You can’t achieve balance spiritually, emotionally, mentally, or physically
 until you’ve placed yourself completely under God’s control.
Remember, the Bible also says to give God first place in your life.
Then all your “everyday human concerns� will be met.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/06/15/vb_weighed/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Vonette Bright Thoughts by Women