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.

So you are not to look to yourself, not to let the mind dwell upon self,
but look to Christ. Let the mind dwell upon His love, upon the beauty,
the perfection, of His character. – Steps to Christ, pg. 70
The night lay still and quiet around me. Moonbeams dimly
glistened off the placid snow that lay in its slumber, covering the
ground. Yet, the glow was contrasted by the deep shadows cast by
the forest and the nearby mountains. I sat as frozen as the landscape
around me, the only sign of my existence being my crystalized breath.
I stared glassy-eyed at a particular shadow, not even daring to blink,
enveloped in the mysterious tension of the game. After a few minutes,
a figure emerged from the shadows, tired of waiting. Melting into the
landscape, I cautiously continued my journey forward.
Crawling toward the base, I entered a small ditch to avoid
being seen by the “taggers,” whose mission it was to stop me from
getting safely to base. The furrow came to an end, but since I was
almost at the base, I continued creeping forward.
“There!” A shout pierced the calm as a blade of light sliced the
darkness in my direction. Springing to my feet, I sprinted away from a
group of taggers that seemed to come from all directions. I used rocks,
fallen logs, and paths of tracks in the snow to confuse my persistent
pursuers. Sliding across a patch of ice, I quickly concealed myself
under a bush.
Peering from behind the snowy branches, I searched for the
base that I desperately needed to reach. Where could it be? I was so
close! I suddenly realized that in the pandemonium and excitement of
the game, I had gotten lost.
Dodging the pressures and chasing the pleasures around
me, I lose sight of God. I focus too much on myself instead of on my
mission, yet Jesus sets me back on track. The mistake I made that
night resulted in me getting tagged in the end, but it taught me a
lesson. As I determine to always follow Christ, I know I will never get
lost.