3 Minute Devotions for Women.

This is a 7 day devotional by Barbour Publishing written especially for women, this devotional packs a powerful dose of comfort, encouragement, and inspiration into just-right-sized readings for women on the go. Each day's reading meets women right where they are-and is complemented by a relevant scripture and prayer.

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Notes and Takeaways from Day One:?

Red High Heels?

Fashion gurus love to tell women what to wear. Many like to recommend one pair of red shoes—preferably sassy high heels— to spice up a lady’s wardrobe.?

While fashion trends are fun and we all want to look well-groomed, we can’t forget where true beauty and power come from. Wasn’t it Jesus who taught us not to place our treasure in physical things like our bodies or worry about where our clothes will come from? He promises to provide for us.?

Shoes scuff, necklaces break, and fabric fades, but true beauty starts from within. When we allow God to dress our spirits in robes of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, our inner beauty will far outshine anything we put on our physical bodies.

Prayer.

Dear Father, I want to be a woman whose inner beauty far surpasses her outer beauty, so that when people see me, they are pointed to You and rejoice in Your creation. In Jesus’ Name Amen.

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4 NIV

Notes and Takeaways from Day Two:?

Hope

If you’ve ever been depressed, you’re not alone.?

We are blessed with scriptural accounts of godly people like David and Jeremiah who struggled with depression. These stories let us know that it’s a normal human reaction to feel overcome by the difficulties of life.?

While feeling this way is normal, it doesn’t have to be the norm.?

As Christians, we have hope. Hope that our circumstances will not always be the way they are right now. Hope that no matter how dismal the world’s situation seems to be, God wins in the end. Hope that eternity is just on the other side.?

When you’re depressed, do what David and Jeremiah did—pour out your heart to God. Seek help from a trusted friend or godly counselor. Look for hope. It’s all around you.

Prayer.

Father, even when I am depressed, You are still God. Help me to find a ray of hope in the midst of dark circumstances. In Jesus’ Name Amen.

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalms 42:5 NIV

Notes and Takeaways from Day Three:?

Overwhelmed by Life?

We can get overwhelmed: life is hard. We may be tempted to question, “Is this all there is?”?

Here’s the good news: there’s more. God never meant for us to simply exist. He created us for a speci?c purpose.?

He longs for us to make a di?erence and show others His love and grace.?

What’s more, He never asked us to do life alone. When the waves of death swirl around us, and the pounding rain of destruction threatens to overwhelm us, we can cry out to our heavenly Father, knowing that He will not let us drown. He will hear our voice, and He will send help. So, next time you feel that you can’t put one foot in front of the other, ask God to send you His strength and energy. He will help you to live out your purpose in this chaotic world.

Prayer.

Lord, thank You for strengthening me when the dailiness of life and its various trials threaten to overwhelm me. In Jesus’ Name Amen.

“The waves of death swirled about me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. “In my distress I called to the Lord; I called out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears.” 2 Samuel 22:5-7 NIV

Notes and Takeaways from Day Four:?

People Pleaser vs. God Pleaser?

Much of what we say and do stems from our desire to be accepted by others.?

It’s difficult to be true to ourselves when we care so much about the acceptance and opinions of others.?

Impression management is hard work, so it’s good to know God has a better plan! Rather than being driven by the opinions of others, strive to live your life for God alone and to please Him above all else.?

God knows our hearts. He perceives things as they truly are. We cannot fool Him.?

When we allow ourselves to be real before Him, it doesn’t matter what others think. If the God of the universe has accepted us, then who cares about anyone else’s opinion??

Let go of impression management that focuses on outward appearance. Receive God’s unconditional love and enjoy the freedom to be yourself before Him!

Prayer.

Dear Lord, may I live for You alone. Help me transition from a people pleaser to a God pleaser. In Jesus’ Name Amen.

“On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4 NIV

Notes and Takeaways from Day Five:?

I Am a Friend of God?

Friendships are critical to women, and godly friendships are the best. Can you even imagine a world without your girlfriends in it??

Oh, what a blessing women of God are! They breathe hope and life into us when we need it most.?

Isn’t it amazing to realize God calls us His friend? He reaches out to us with a friendship that goes above and beyond the very best the world has to offer.?

Best of all, He’s not the sort of friend who loses touch or forgets to call. He’s always there. And while your earthly friends might do a good job of comforting you when you’re down, their brand of comfort doesn’t even begin to compare with the Lord’s. He knows just what to say when things go wrong, and He knows how to throw an amazing celebration when things go well for you. Today, thank the Lord, not just for salvation, not just for the work He’s done in your heart, not just for the people and things He’s placed in your life, but for calling you His friend.

Prayer.

Oh Lord, I’m so blessed to be called Your friend! You’re the best One I’ll ever have. Thank You for the kind of friendship that supersedes all boundaries.? In Jesus’ Name Amen.

“When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”” Luke 5:20 NIV

Notes and Takeaways from Day Six:?

A Prosperous Soul

As you think about your overall health, consider your soul. Have you given your heart and life to the Lord Jesus Christ? If so, are you spending enough time with Him? Praying? Reading His Word? These things are necessary for a healthy soul. Today’s scripture is so encouraging. God wants us to prosper and He loves for us to be in good health, even as our souls prosper. If we really think about that, we have to conclude that the health of our soul is even more important than our physical health. Spend some time today giving your soul a workout.?

Prayer.

Lord, sometimes I pay more attention to the outside than the inside. I care more about what people can see than what they can’t. Today I draw near to You. Make me healthy, from the inside out. In Jesus’ Name Amen.

“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” 3 John 1:2 NIV

Notes and Takeaways from Day Seven:?

Sweet Aroma

When you think of the word comfort, what comes to mind??

God’s Word tells us that finding true comfort is as simple as sharing heart-to-heart with a friend. Whether it’s over coffee, dessert, or even on the phone, a cherished friend can offer the encouragement and God-directed counsel we all need from time to time.?

Friendships that have Christ as their center are wonderful relationships blessed by the Father. Through the timely, godly advice these friends offer, God speaks to us, showering us with comfort that is as sweet as perfume and incense.?

So what are you waiting for? Make a date with a friend and share the sweet aroma of Jesus!

Prayer.

Jesus, Your friendship means the world to me. I value the close friendships You’ve blessed me with too! Thank You for the special women in my life. Show me every day how to be a blessing to them, just as they are to me. In Jesus’ Name Amen.

“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.” Proverbs 27:9 NIV

Was this plan helpful? Its been adapted from the book, get it here: https://www.barbourbooks.com/3-minute-devotions-for-women/