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Introduction
What a busy girl you are! You have so much going onschool, friends, sports, and family activities. Theres not always time to sit and read, read, read. Thats what makes this devotional so perfect for you! These little three-minute readings will give you all of the inspiration you need before heading out to school or to play. And youll be learning a lot about yourself and God in a short time! Heres what each power-packed devotion looks like:
Minute 1: Reflect on Gods Word.
Minute 2: Read real-life application and encouragement.
Minute 3: Pray.
Of course, these devotions arent supposed to take the place of regular Bible reading. Theyre just a fun jump start to help you form a habit of spending time with God every day.
Heres a really cool idea: Why not share what you learn in this devotional with your school friends, family members, and even the girls you dont usually talk to? Everyone needs inspiration and encouragement, you know. So, girl, what are you waiting for? Lets dive in and discover how three minutes a day could change your entire life!
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
P SALM 119:105 NLT
The Picture of Perfection
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of Gods glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.
R OMANS 3:2324 NLT
Have you ever met someone who seems to be perfect in every way? Perfect grades. Perfect clothes. Perfect family. Doesnt seem fair, does it? How come she and her life are perfect and you and your life arent?
Truth is, no one and no thing is perfectexcept God. Some people and their lives might seem that way, but theyre really not. And its because people are not perfect that we need God so much! So dont let your flaws and your mess-ups keep you from realizing that you are all God wants you to be. After all, He doesnt expect you to be perfect. (What a relief, right?)
So does that mean you shouldnt keep aiming for excellence? Of course not! God wants you to do the best you can. But remember that even when you mess up (and you will), you can run back to Him and ask for forgiveness and guidance. Hell forgive all of your sins then whisper, I love you, precious girl! Now walk this way.
Dear Lord, thank You for not expecting me to be perfect!
It helps to know You will always love me, in spite of my mess-ups!
Parting the Red Sea
The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.
E XODUS 14:2122 NIV
Have you ever read the Old Testament story about the Israelites (Gods people) and the Red Sea? They were being chased by the Egyptians, their enemy, when Moses led the Israelites to the edge of the sea. They knew they couldnt go back. The pharaoh and his chariots were right behind them. So they really needed to get across to the land on the other side. Do you think they took a boat? Maybe they swam? Went across a bridge? Nope. God parted the Red Sea! The waters actually separated, and dry land appeared. The Israelites walked across with water standing on both sides! When the Egyptians came along behind them, the waters went back to normal again. God protected His people!
Did you know that God still parts waters for us today? Not the Red Sea, of course, but He makes impossible things happen every day. He heals peoples diseases. Answers prayers. Performs miracles. All sorts of things! We can talk to Him anytime we want to, and He listens. He also speaks to us (in our hearts), so we need to be listening for His voice. Who knows! He might just be getting ready to part the waters for you, too!