ZONDERKIDZ Chick Chat Text copyright 2006 by Kristi Holl Requests for information should be addressed to: Zonderkidz,

, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Holl, Kristi. Chick chat : more devotions for girls / by Kristi Holl with Jennifer Vogtlin. p. cm. (Faithgirlz) ISBN: 978-0-310-71143-8 (softcover) 1. GirlsPrayer-books and devotionsEnglish. I. Vogtlin, Jennifer, 1976- II. Title. III. Series. BV4860.H6 2006 242'.62dc22 2005033613 Scripture quotations marked AMP are taken from the Amplified Bible. Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org) Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible. Scripture quotations marked MSG are taken from The Message. Copyright by Eugene H. Peterson 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible. Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation. Copyright 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. 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. Zonderkidz is a trademark of Zondervan Art direction: Jody Langley Interior design: Susan Ambs Interior composition: Ruth Bandstra Cover design: Sarah Molegraaf Illustrated by: Robin Zingone Printed in the United States 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 /DCI/ 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12

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Devotion #1
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV)

Your Best Shot

On different days, you do different jobs with your hands: wash dishes, shovel snow, do math problems, practice cheerleading routines, clean your roomand so much more. Instead of rushing through each activity, do your very best work. Dont just do enough to get by. That sounds inspiring, but what if the job is something you dont understand? What if its a task to do for someone who irritates you, like your bossy big brother? What if youre paired for a science project with a rude girl with scraggly hair who actually wears pink boots in the classroom? You dont want to go the extra mile. In fact, youre willing to take an F for the project if the science teacher will let you off the hook. That isnt going to happen, so you grit your teeth and get to work with her. Then one day you learn a great secret from Colossians 3:23 (NLT): Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for
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the Lord rather than for people. Each day after that, when you walk into science class, you take a deep breath and say, You know I dont want to do this, Lord, but Im doing it for you. Then, with a fresh surge of energy, you work with all your strength. Whatever you have to do todaywhether its stuff you love or stuff you hatedo it to the very best of your ability. Be determined. There is much satisfaction to be found in a job well done.

Did You Know . . .

one way to show love to others is to never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically. Romans 12:11 NLT

More to Exp lo

1C re:

Girl Talk:
What activities, school subjects, or chores are the

orinthi ans 15:10

hardest for you to do with all your might? If you performed them with excellence, might

God Talk:
Lord, I want to do everything

you feel differently about them?

to the best of my ability. Help me to remember that Im really doing it all for you. Amen

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: Fun Factoid

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Devotion #2
A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.Proverbs 17:17 (NLT)

Loyalty
A friend loves at all times. She shows unwavering devotion to others and is truehearted. A real friend keeps the promises she makes. Close friends are there to help when sudden suffering, distress, or trouble strikes. Anna was worried about her best friend, Jessie. Jessies dad had been arrested for taking money from the company where he worked. Jessie was afraid to go to school, fearing the remarks other kids were sure to make. The week after the arrest report appeared in the newspaper, many of her classmates did make nasty or thoughtless remarks. But Anna stuck by Jessie, never leaving her side before school or during lunch or on the way home. She stuck up for her, shielded her from nosy questions, and (most important) prayed for her and her family situation. A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24 NKJV).
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You may have brothers within your family circle at home. But if you are a believer, you have many brothers (and sisters)others who also love the Lord. You need to be loyal to them. The friend you must be most loyal to is Jesus. He said to his disciples, Greater love has no one than this: to lay down ones life for ones friends. You are my friends if you do what I command (John 15:1314 TNIV). You are never without friends. Jesus is your best friend, and he will stick closer to you than anyone else can. What a privilege it is to have such a friend!

Did You Know . . .

Jonathan was such a good friend to David that he made a special vow to David, and he sealed the pact by giving David his robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt? See 1 Samuel 18:34.

More to

Girl Talk:

Exp lo

Ru re:

Can you think of a friend who has helped you through some trouble? What friends have you helped through a tough time?

1 th 1:16 7

God Talk:
Father, thank you for giving me good friends. Help me be a loyal friend to others. Amen.

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Devotion #3
God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (NLT)

Victory Prize
People who do Gods will during times of trial and testing are blessed and happy. Afterward they will receive the crown of life, or eternal life. In biblical times, a crown was a wreath placed on the head of a victorious athlete. You may be an athlete, but you may not feel victorious! You may be exhausted. When you join the track team, you dream of getting in shape and winning a ribbon at the first meet. However, a week into the season you want to quit. Your shins hurt. Your ribs ache. Your lungs burn. Your big toes are bruised. And yet, you want that ribbon. So you take a deep breath and head out to run those laps. Ribbons arent given simply for entering the race. Prizes arent awarded for merely entering your art project in the contest. Diplomas arent given just for starting high school. Starting isnt difficult.
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You also need to patiently endure a testing time before receiving the award. Note: Going through a test with grumbling and complaining will not result in being blessed by God. Awards are given to those who keep on keeping on when theyd rather quitplus they strive to finish the job with a good attitude. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered (James 5:11 NIV). If youre a follower of Jesus, you have the power of God inside you. You cant overcome problems by yourself, but the Holy Spirit working through you can!

Did You Know . . .

Abraham was tested for many years after receiving an important promise from God? But he waited patientlyand in time received what God had promised. See Hebrews 6:15.

More

Girl Talk:

to E xpl o

Ja re:

What trial or test are cial problem? A relationship test at school or home? A

you facing right now? A finan-

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health issue? Do you grumble and complainor do you still have the joy of the Lord?
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God Talk:
Lord, I cant win without your help, but help me to also do my part to be patient and endure. I wont quit! Amen.

:2
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Devotion #4
Iyes, I aloneam the one who blots out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.Isaiah 43:25 (NLT)

Gone and Forgotten

When we do something wrong, only God can deal with our sins. To show his mercy and love, he forgives them. He even chooses never to think of those sins again. Theyre totally wiped out! Nicole forgot her math book and ran back to the classroom after school to get it. No one was there. Crossing the room, she spotted a wadded-up five-dollar bill and picked it up. It must have fallen out of someones pocket, Nicole reasoned. There was no way to tell who the money belonged to. Finders, keepers, she muttered, stuffing it in her pants pocket. Halfway home, Nicole began to feel guilty, as if she had THIEF tattooed on her forehead. She knew she should have turned the money in to the office or left it on the teachers desk. It wasnt finders, keepers. It was stealing. Lord, Im sorry, she prayed. I shouldnt have taken the money. Nicole headed back to the school, where
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she turned the money into the principals office. She still felt guilty, though, until she read Jeremiah 31:34 (NLT): And I will forgive their wickedness and will never again remember their sins. Nicole decided that if God could forgive and forget her wrongdoings, then she would shake off that feeling and forget it too. God isnt waiting to punish you the minute you do something wrong. When you confess, God forgives your sins completely. Its over and done with. God chooses to wipe it from his memoryand you can forget it too.

Did You Know . . .

God made a new covenant (or promise) with his people, an awesome promise that included to never again remember our sins? See Hebrews 8:712.

More t o
Girl Talk:

Exp l

: Jo ore
3 14 el 2:1

Have you done something this week that you feel guilty about? Is there something you can do about it right now?

God Talk:
Lord, I choose to do wrong

things every day. Please forgive me for ___________. Thank you for forgiving and forgetting. Amen.

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Devotion #5
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)

Its a Brand-New Day!

We get used to doing things the same old way, day after day, month after month, and year after year. We get stuck in ruts, but often God wants to do a new thing in our lives. The new thing might be a change in behavior with family or friends, a school activity to start (or drop), or a new after-school job. When it springs up, we need to pay attention to it. Suppose your friends are all on the volleyball team, but you want to join the schools new video production team. It sounds excitingbut it meets after school when the volleyball team practices. It takes courage for you to tell your friends youre dropping volleyball this year to join the video production team. You know youll miss your friends after school. Yet, the new project excites you, and you hope youll make even more friends as you work to produce the schools daily news reports. Its up to you to branch out and try new things. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life (Galatians 6:5 MSG).
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God is always in the process of doing new things in your life. He wants you to think creatively and use your imagination to experiment with fresh ideas. We must be willing to take some risks (and even fail a few times) on the way to success. Dont be afraid to try new things: new activities, new attitudes, and new relationships. Branch out and see what wonderful things God has in store for you!

Did You Know . . .

hobbies can be new and creative? Try making candy with a volcano that erupts gooey chocolate that runs into built-in molds. Or get a Meteor Maker, which shines constellations and streaking comets on your ceiling.

More to Exp lo Girl Talk:

Are you stuck in

I sa re:
:9 iah 42

routines that never change? What new hobby or activity could you try this week? What person at school could you talk to for the first time?

God Talk:
Lord, you are so creative. I

know you want to do many new things in my life, both now and as I grow up. Give me courage to take some risks. Amen.

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Devotion #6
Forsake not [Wisdom], and she will keep, defend, and protect you; love her, and she will guard you . . . Prize Wisdom highly and exalt her, and she will exalt and promote you; she will bring you to honor when you embrace her. Proverbs 4:6, 8 (AMP)

Win the Prize!

Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge, experience, and good sense to your life. Wisdom from God is sensible and shows sound judgment. So dont abandon wisdom! Wisdom will protect you against attack and shield you from danger and destruction. Value wisdom highly and make it your primary goal. Maria felt her mom was too old-fashioned about money. She lectured Maria about staying within her budget, saving for things she wanted, babysitting to pay for extras, and turning down her friends when she couldnt afford to go to movies. Maria figured her mom had forgotten what it was like to be young, so she ignored the advice. After her allowance was gone, she spent the money given to her for school
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supplies. When that ran out, she borrowed from her friends. She turned down babysitting jobs on the weekends to go with friends to the mall. Eventually, though, Maria wondered if her mom was more wise than old-fashioned. Marias friends demanded what she owed them. They were mad that she couldnt repay them, as shed promised. The neighbors stopped calling her for jobs and found someone else they could depend on. Embarrassed, Maria explained to her teachers why she still didnt have the right school supplies. She was learning the truth about wisdom. The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame Proverbs 3:35 (NIV). Take time today to pursue the wisdom of God.

Did You Know . . .

when Sophie needed wise answers, she pictured Jesus so she could talk to him better? Read Sophies Stormy Summer to learn this technique.

More to Exp lo Girl Talk:

How much time do you spend in Gods Word? How much effort do you make to regularly hear the wisdom of godly men, like your pastor?

Pr re:

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God Talk:
Lord, I need your wisdom in my life. Help me to pursue your wisdom with my whole heart. Amen.

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Devotion #7
Each of you should test your own actions. Galatians 6:4 (TNIV)

Can You Pass the Test?

Each person should be responsible for his or her own actions. Think about what you are doing. Do your actions show that youre a trustworthy person? Do you have high standards and work to the best of your ability? Take time to examine your actions. Suppose youre having more and more trouble getting your homework done in the evenings. It shows up on your report card with a big dip in grades. But its not my fault! you tell your parents. You share a room with your teenage sister, making it too noisy in your room to study. And you dont have Internet at home so you cant do research for your papers. And anyway, you just dont get geography. Even so, you know that your low grade isnt the best you could have done. Instead of laying blame elsewhere, examine your own actions. You hate to admit iteven to yourselfbut your study habits have slipped badly. You used to tackle your homework before supper, but now you spend that time on the phone. You used
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to study at the quiet kitchen table, but now you study on your bed, next to your sisters stereo and constantly ringing phone. You used to get your Internet research done in the school library, but lately during study hall youve passed notes and stared out the window. You have to admit it. After analyzing your own actions, you know the cause of your lower grades: your own behavior. Thats good news! When we test and examine our actions, we can usually find areas for improvement, places where a change could make a big difference. Take some time out now and examine your life, then make those positive changes.

Did You Know . . .

it isnt up to other people to decide if youre doing your best? Instead, the Lord is the one who must decide. See 1 Corinthians 4:34.

More to Exp lo Girl Talk:

What things in your life are you happy with? What would you like to do better? Examine and analyze your actions. Do you see areas for improvement?

1C re:

orinth ians 11:28

God Talk:
Lord, help me to do excellent work in everything I do. Instead of blaming others, help me to be responsible. Amen.

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