Charted

What is Charted?

Like a master surveyor, Jesus gives us clear directions to find a fulfilling, purpose-filled relationship with Himself - a map to the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Charted is a daily devotional written by the junior class at Fountainview Academy (Class of 2019). Based on the book Steps to Christ, this book explores the path to the Originator and Provider of Genuine Joy. We don't have to be confused about the way. The certainty is in the journey: divinely Charted.

But in vain are men’s dreams of progress, in vain all efforts for the
uplifting of humanity, if they neglect the one Source of hope and help
for the fallen race. “Every good gift and every perfect gift” (James
1:17 NKJV) is from God. – Steps to Christ, pg. 21
Farmer Nick, though slurping his superabundant supply of
squash soup, hardly noticed a dent in his enormous provisions. The
days flew by, and unbeknownst to him, a problem began to grow.
The once pristine squash were now doing what all vegetables will
inevitably do: rot.
Soon, the slimy sludge covered everything, and the putrid
scent permeated the atmosphere in a deathly-smelling embrace. The
sky began to darken with billions of flies, all intent on reaching their
fetid target. Slowly drowning in the sloppy mess, Nick finally realized
his mistake.
“If only I hadn’t kept them all!” he cried out in despair.
All his hard work was worth nothing. He hadn’t made a
single penny because he’d kept all the squash for himself. And what
evidence did he have left of his most-prized possessions? Only a
barnful of slop and an empty wallet.
Nick’s downfall lay in one simple, yet fatal mistake: he failed
to realize that each of the squash was a gift from above. So, when
you receive a gift or have an exceptional year of harvest, don’t forget
to give God the credit. Remember: “Every good gift and every perfect
gift is from above” (James 1:17 NKJV). God delights in giving gifts, but
just as He has given us blessings, we must be willing to give to others.
God could have kept Jesus in Heaven, but He sent Him as a gift to
all humanity, and in doing so, He saved us all from a slippery, sloppy,
squishy-squashy future.