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ZONDERKIDZ The Secret Power of Joy Copyright 2012 by Susie Shellenberger Illustrations 2012 by Zonderkidz This title is also

so available as a Zondervan ebook. Visit www.zondervan.com/ebooks Requests for information should be addressed to: Zonderkidz, 5300 Patterson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530 ISBN 9780310728429 All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Any Internet addresses (websites, blogs, etc.) and telephone numbers in this book are offered as a resource. They are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement by Zondervan, nor does Zondervan vouch for the content of these sites and numbers for the life of this book. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher. Published in association with the literary agency of Alive Communications, Inc., 7680 Goddard Street, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80920. www.alivecommunications.com Zonderkidz is a trademark of Zondervan. Editor: Kim Childress Cover design: Kris Nelson Interior design: Sarah Molegraaf Printed in the United States of America 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 /DCI/ 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

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Introduction

READ THIS FIRST!


Ugh! Carrie groaned as she turned off her cell phone and plugged it in to recharge overnight. I wonder why Im not a stronger Christian. She thought back to last summer when she accepted Christ into her life at camp. She simply assumed shed start blooming spirituallylike her friend Ashleigh, who could quote Bible verses like nobodys business and always seemed so on top of everything. It feels like Im still struggling with the same old things every single day. Carrie closed her eyes and listened to the crickets outside her window while her thoughts continued to bounce around the walls of her mind. Ashleighs always talking about what God is teaching her. It seems as though she always has something positive to share at our Bible study. Why cant I grow spiritually like that? Carrie turned over on her side and opened one eye in 11

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Susie Shellenberger time to watch her cat stretch by the foot of her bed. I wonder whats wrong? I go to church, Im involved in our Bible study, and I enjoy Sunday school. What gives? Her cat purred his satisfaction when Carrie reached down and brought him to her side. She stroked his neck and scratched behind his ears. I love God, she thought. And I really want to be a strong Christian. I guess I just dont know how. Frustrated, she turned over again and finally fell asleep with the cat curled up at her feet. Carrie was missing an important ingredient in the recipe for a spiritually victorious life: She was allowing other thingstexting, video games, and friendshipsto get in the way of studying the Bible!

Majorly Important
Check out what the apostle Paul has to say about the importance of the Bible in our lives: All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:1617, The New Living Translation) Wow! Since the Bible is so important, doesnt it make sense that we should take it seriously? But how can we take it seriously if we dont read it? If were not reading it, we cant study it. And if were not studying it, were 12

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The Secret Power of Joy unable to apply it to our lives. Its easy to be distracted by our fun electronic gadgets, sports camps, schoolwork, or hanging out with friends. Those things arent bad, but we shouldnt let them creep into the time we set aside for Gods Word. So think of the Bible as Gods personal love letter to you. Its his way of communicatingtalking to you, guiding you, and helping you.

Attention!
Calling all Secret Power Girls!
A Secret Power Girl is someone (just like you!) who is living with a supernatural powera power greater than you can even imagine, a power beyond adequate description. This mighty power is strong enough to restore sight to a blind person, make deaf people hear, enable lame kids to run, and even bring a dead person back to life! If you havent already guessed it, this mighty power is the power of the Holy SpiritGod living inside of you. Do you realize what that means? It means the same mighty power that Jesus Christ lived his life with day after day as he walked the dirt roads of the earth, can be yours to claim and live your life with day by day as you walk the hallways of your school, interact with your friends, and live with your family members. Hold up a second, Susie. That sounds great, but how do I get this power? 13

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Susie Shellenberger Good question! It all begins through a relationship with God. And its an extremely exciting relationship, one in which God knows you completely and invites you to get to know him as well. Once you have that relationship, you grow closer and closer to himkind of like you would with a best friendonly your relationship with Christ goes much deeper. He becomes your Savior (the only one who can save you from the sin you were born with), your Guide (hell show you what to do in the tough day-today situations you encounter), your Lord (he created you and wants to be in charge of younot to treat you like a puppet, but to show you how to get the very most out of life), and yes, your very best friend forever and ever. And as you grow closer to him, and as you continue to surrender every area of your life to him, you learn to live in his power instead of your own. And thats when life REALLY gets exciting! Thats what being a Secret Power Girl is all about. This book is for girls who want to get the most out of their Secret Power living. Its a Bible study. You mean I gotta read the whole Bible with this book? No. (Though I hope youll eventually read the whole Bible. Its truly fascinating!) In this book, were just focusing on one small part of the Bible. Just one book. Its the book of Philippians. Im not even sure anyone in my family has a Bible! Does that mean I cant read this book? Tell you what. Ill include the book of Philippians inside this book in case you dont have a Bible of your own. But 14

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The Secret Power of Joy I want you to seriously consider getting your own Bible one you can carry around with you, underline stuff while youre reading, and be proud to own. A special youth Bible would be a great thing to add to your birthday or Christmas list. And for those of you who already have your own Bible, youll need it for this book. Ill include specific questions that youll only be able to answer with your own Bible. By the way, this Bible study is designed so you can do it alone or with a friend. So I call my best friend and we can do it together? Sure! In fact, sometimes a friend can hold you accountable. Accounta-what-a-ble? Accountable. It means she can encourage you to read and complete each section, and you can do the same for her. It also means you can discuss what youre reading together and pray for one another. Cool! Ready? Can I grab something to drink before we get started? Sure! And while youre at it, how about pouring me a glass of lemonade? Go grab your Bible (if you have one) and a pen, and meet me on the next page in five minutes! (Note: Each chapter of this Bible study is divided into bite-size chunks that you can either swallow all at once or spread out and complete over a period of time. Try to complete one entire bite at each sitting, okay?) 15

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SECTION ONE

Having A Bad Day, But Still Happy!

BITE #1
Philippians
Where is it? In the New Testament (after Ephesians and before Colossians). Who wrote it? Paul. Who was he? Paul was an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, but he sure took an interesting route to get there! He used to hate Christians. In fact, he even persecuted them. But God temporarily blinded him and helped 17

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Susie Shellenberger him see that what he was doing was wrong. When that happened, Paul gave his life to God. You can read the whole story in Acts 9. After Paul began serving God, he wrote several letters (books of the New Testament) to fellow Christians. The book of Philippians is a letter he wrote to the church in the city of Philippi.
(From) Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all Gods holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons. (Philippians 1:1)

What does it mean to be a servant?

Identify a specific time in your life when you served someone. (Maybe your mom was sick and you brought her breakfast in bed. Or you put someone elses needs ahead of your own.)

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The Secret Power of Joy Identify a specific time in your life when someone served you. (Perhaps a friend brought you your homework assignments when you had to miss school.)

Paul identifies himself as Jesus Christs servant. This means: _____ a. He has to copy the Bible by hand for every new Christian he talks to. _____ b. He gets a weekly allowance from heaven. _____ c. He has totally surrendered his life to Jesus and is committed to serving him. _____ d. He must be pretty good at running the vacuum and emptying the dishwasher.

Guess what! If you chose the third answer, youre on the right track. Paul is reminding all of his readers (thats you!) that Jesus Christ is the master. Hes the one in chargenot us. He is Lord; we are his servants. And we dont serve him out of a grudging have-to attitude, but we serve our heavenly Father out of joy and gratitude for all hes done for us! 19

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Susie Shellenberger This makes me feel: _____ a. Like throwing a party and inviting all my friends! I want them to know that Jesus gave his life for me! Ill tell them that Im going to serve him with my life. _____ b. Angry. I dont want to serve anyone. _____ c. Sleepy. All this talk about servanthood makes me want a nap. _____ d. Confused. I dont know how to serve God.

The way you can serve God is by giving him your whole life. Your entire life. Everything in your life. This is called complete surrender. And when you do that, you serve Christ by your very lifestyle. And guess whatthat brings true joy! (More about that later. Lets get back to the Scripture.) In the first verse of this letter, Paul addresses all the believers as saints. If youre a believer (a Christian someone who has asked Christ to forgive her sins and is living in obedience to him), Paul identifies you as a saint!

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The Secret Power of Joy

BITE #2
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:2)

Have you ever stopped to think about what grace really is? Read the following scenario and try to identify when grace is given. Kaley was walking through the front door of her house when she heard the phone ringing. She tossed her books on the dining room table and rushed to pick up the receiver. Kaley? Its Monica. My older sister and I were going to see the early showing of A Princess Forever at 4:45. But shes not feeling well, and she said you could have her ticket. How bout it? Wanna go? Im dying to see that movie! Kaley said. But I have a book report due tomorrow, and I still have five more chapters to read! Free ticket, Kaley! Come on. My mom and I can pick you up in ten minutes. Okay, Ill go. Monica and Kaley munched on popcorn and drinks during the movie and giggled at the lead character. When Kaley got home, she picked up her book and began reading. She had four chapters left when she remembered that her friend Amber had promised to 21

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Susie Shellenberger email her a funny video that day. I really shouldnt check my email now, she thought. I need to keep reading. But I could do it quickly and then get back to the book. So she went downstairs to the family office and absorbed herself on the Internet. An hour later Kaley headed toward her room to finish the book but noticed her parents watching her favorite nighttime drama on television. Oh, I forgot that was on tonight! she said. Shouldnt you be reading your book? her mom asked. Im almost done, Kaley replied. Ill just watch the rest of this with you guys and finish the book in a few minutes. By the time the show ended, Kaley could barely keep her eyes open. She struggled to read another chapter in her book and finally fell asleep. The next morning when Mrs. McCormack asked Kaley for her book report, Kaley approached her teachers desk. Mrs. McCormack, Im almost finished with the book. I have two chapters left. Is there any way I can turn it in tomorrow? Kaley, youve known about this assignment for three weeks! I know. Im sorry. Is there a reason you need more time? Were you sick? 22

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The Secret Power of Joy Was there a family emergency? No, Kaley said quietly as she dropped her head. I really dont have an excuse. Im just being honest with you. I went to a movie yesterday afternoon when I should have been reading. And when I got home, I stayed up too late watching TV. I dont deserve another chance; Im just asking for one. Youre right, Kaley, Mrs. McCormack said. You really dont deserve another chance. Other students managed to get their reports in on time. But Kaley, I care about you. I believe in you. I think with a little extra time, youll do a great job on your report. So Im giving you another chance. You may turn in your report first thing tomorrow morning. Oh, thank you, Mrs. McCormack! Kaley said. Ill give it my best. Youll love it! Mrs. McCormack gave Kaley: _____ Detention! _____ Extra homework. _____ A note to take home to her parents. _____ Grace. Kaley experienced grace. She deserved to fail the assignment. But she didnt get what she deserved; she 23

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Susie Shellenberger got grace. Guess what! Thats the definition of grace: Not getting what you deserve. Because were all sinners, and we have all disobeyed God, we deserve the punishment for sindeath. But when we ask God to forgive us, he gives us grace. In other words, he chooses not to give us what we actually deserve (punishment and death), but he forgives us and gives us a brand-new start instead. Describe a time in your life when someone granted you grace.

Have you granted someone else grace? If so, describe the situation in the space provided.

If you havent granted grace to others, pray about doing so. (Because Christ gives us grace, he wants us to extend grace to those around us.)

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The Secret Power of Joy

BITE #3
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel from the rst day until now, being condent of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:36)

Being a partner means: _____ Being a good friend. _____ Always having a friend to do things with. _____ To join with someone. _____ Never being alone.

Lets say you decide to start a company that sells really cool flip-flops. Youre great at thinking up awesome designs and colors, but your friend Michaela is really good at math. So you invite her to join you in this venture. She figures out how much it will cost to have a pair of flipflops made and all the packaging details while you create the most awesome flip-flops in the world. Because you and Michaela have joined together in this venture, youve become partners. Youre stronger as 25

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Susie Shellenberger a team than you would be if you were trying to do the whole flip-flop biz yourself. The apostle Paul mentions a partnership in the gospel. How are you being a partner in the gospel? (Are you inviting others to church? Sharing your faith with your friends? Praying for your food before you eat it in the school cafeteria where everyone can see?)

How can being a partner in the gospel be stronger than one person trying to spread the message of salvation all alone?

Paul wanted to thank the Christians in the church at Philippi for showing him such kindness while he was in jail for spreading the gospel. Though they were separated by many miles, they were still partners in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. 26

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The Secret Power of Joy Your church may support missionaries in Africa who are sharing Christ with those who havent yet heard the gospel. Though you cant be in Africa with them, you can partner with them. How? _____ Pray for them. _____ Donate money to your church missions fund. _____ Write a letter of encouragement to them. _____ Attend a church service when they share about their work in Africa. You can partner with missionaries around the world by doing all of the above, but what will help the most is your prayer life. Write out a prayer in the space provided asking God to strengthen and comfort those in other countries who are working hard to share his love.

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Susie Shellenberger Never let your age discourage you from making a difference around the world! Just like Paul told Timothy, dont think you cant do something because you are too young. In fact, read this amazing story about 17-year-old Ellie Ambrose, a teen girl whos making a difference in Africa.

Ellies Run for Africa


by Bethany Bashioum In 2004, when Ellie Ambrose was 10 years old, a flame was sparked in her heart when an African missionary came to her church to speak and showed a video clip of a young, starving boy not much older than herself, unable to see hope for what the next day would bring. Some of the adults who heard the missionarys message dropped whatever loose change they had into the offering collection, but Ellie ambitiously felt compelled to dig into her pockets a little deeper. Watching that kind of desperation just broke me! Ellie says. I saw a little boyabout my agebut so skinny because he didnt have enough to eat. He looked like a living skeleton. It shocked me, because I get as much as I want to eat every single day. Ellie immediately told her mom that she wanted to help, and the sky soon became the limit of her 28

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The Secret Power of Joy young imagination. Ellie, now 17, has raised more than $275,000 for children living a world away in some of the poorest slums in Africa.

Ready. Set. GO!


Ellie spreads her message in Nashville every spring through an annual 5K race and mile fun run called, Ellies Run for Africa. As a 10-year-old, I thought anything was possible, she says. But looking back, Im amazed that so many people have become involved in this and have made it so huge. It amazes me that so many people volunteer their time to help these kidskids they dont even know and will never see on a continent most people will never visit. The event celebrated its seventh year last spring, and the money raised is used to give poverty-stricken children the opportunity to receive education and healthcare through African Leadership, a Christian education and development organization that trains pastors and church leaders in Africa. It also funds relief and development projects in their communities.

Why Running?
The idea of a race took form with the help of her mother, after Ellie consistently voiced her desire to do something. 29

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Susie Shellenberger I had just been to another race and had lots of fun, Ellie says. So I naturally thought it would be a great way to raise money. For several months, my mom kind of blew me off and expected me to forget about it. But Ellie was persistent, and she continued to approach her mom. It wasnt that she didnt want to do anything. She just thought it was an idea on a whim, Ellie says. She finally said, Okay, Ellie, if you still want to do this after Christmas this year, well talk about it. She told me later that she thought Id get so excited with presents I would forget the whole thing. But I approached her again after Christmas, and she knew then that I was really serious.

The Idea Becomes Reality


Ellies mom called some friends and started networking. A lady from their church volunteered to serve as the event organizer and helped Ellie find other volunteers to assist. Ellie didnt have any specific goals in mind other than helping the kids she had seen from the missionarys video. One such school that has benefited from Ellies dream was the construction of the New Dawn Education Center. This school provides a high-school education for 150 students in the Huruma and Githogoro slums 30

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The Secret Power of Joy of Nairobi, Kenya. It opened in March 2009 and is literally constructed out of modified shipping containers stacked side by side and one on top of the other. Proceeds from the race have also provided finances for construction and operational funds for Emmanuel Vocational School, an eight-classroom training center that teaches adolescents trades such as welding and sewing, which later become marketable skills and primary sources of income. In addition to paying for building construction income, money from the races also helps 400 children a year attend school by providing uniforms, books, and shoes. And thats not all! The financial outcome of the races gives money to support medical clinics and orphanages in Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa. Quite an accomplishment for a girl with a dream!

Ellie on African Soil


Ellie has gone to Africa four times and has seen for herself how the lives of children are being radically changed for the better. She says it gives her the continual desire not to give up. I loved meeting the kids and actually getting to talk with them, she says. A golden moment for me was eating lunch with one of the kids who had been through the school that our run had funded. He said, Thank you so much, Ellie. Please go 31

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Susie Shellenberger back to Nashville and thank everyone who has been a part of this. If it hadnt been for the run, I would be dead. How do you top that? Ellie says. That says it all.

Be a Hero
You may not live near Nashville, and you may not be able to participate in the annual Ellies Run for Africa. But you can be a hero where you live by committing to help ten, twenty, or forty kids attend school. Every twenty-five dollars donated helps Ellies organization buy the supplies they need to send kids to school for one year.You can also organize a local Ellies Run for Africa with Ellies help.

What to Do
1. Complete the Be a Hero registration online at www.elliesrun.org/get-involved. 2. Commit to raising enough money to put ten, twenty, or forty kids in school.Thats $250, $500 or $1,000. 3. Put your first child in school by kicking off your efforts with a personal donation of twenty-five dollars. 4. Ellies Run for Africa organization will send you a packet of information and emails that will help 32

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The Secret Power of Joy you on your fundraising race. Youll also get your own online log-in page to keep track of your progress. 5. Pray. This is the most important ingredient in making a difference in other peoples lives.

More About Ellie Ambrose


Age: 17 Residence: Nashville Year in school: Ellie is currently a senior in high school. Hobbies: Playing soccer and hanging out with friends. Career goals: Become a nurse. Bethany Bashioum lives and works in Kansas City, Mo. This story about Ellie first appeared in SUSIE Magazine October 2011. For more information, go to: www.susiemag.com.

Paul reminds us that God will finish the good work he started in us. The good work he started in you is: (1) forgiving your sins, (2) giving you a desire to follow him, and (3) helping you become more like him. When you first accepted Christ as your personal Savior, you were a baby Christian. But God wont leave you hanging. Hell stay with you! Hell continue to 33

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Susie Shellenberger walk with you and teach you how to grow stronger in him. Hes committed to finishing all that he started within you! And hell keep right on working inside you until you reach heaven. This makes me feel _____ a. Like shouting, WOW! What an incredible promise! _____ b. Like I will make it! _____ c. Like giving God a big hug. _____ d. Like grinning from ear to ear.

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart, and whether I am in chains or defending and conrming the gospel, all of you share in Gods grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the aection of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:78)

According to the above verse, how should you feel toward other Christians who are involved in spreading the gospel?

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The Secret Power of Joy


And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, lled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christto the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:911)

When it comes to loving those around me, _____ a. I need help. _____ b. I do really well. _____ c. I get easily annoyed with people who dont agree with me. _____ d. I ask God to help me, and he does. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you didnt know what to do? (Maybe a friend asked to copy your homework, or you were tempted to lie to your parents about household chores.) Paul tells us that we can discern what is best. That means we can know whats right. According to the above verses, how can you discern whats best?

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Susie Shellenberger According to Philippians 1:11, how can we bring glory and praise to God? _____ a. By singing about God. _____ b. Through our honesty. _____ c. By cheering for God. _____ d. By living a life of righteousness.

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