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.

Nothing less than the infinite sacrifice made by Christ in behalf of
fallen man could express the Father’s love to lost humanity. – Steps to
Christ, pg. 14
Five hours down, one more to go. Finally, we arrived at our
destination in Fresno, California—it was day seven of Cali tour. The
warm sun was shining, and a cool breeze greeted us as we piled off
the bus and into the church. “Hey everyone, take a seat. My name’s
AJ,” a tall man announced. “This afternoon we are going canvassing.”
I didn’t want to go—I had never been canvassing before! But
I had no choice; everyone was going. Quickly we grabbed our book
bags and loaded the buses.
When we got to the first neighborhood, my partner Matthew
and I prayed and began knocking on doors. Even if they were at
home, no one was interested in the books and DVD’s we were selling.
Everyone had excuses. “I’m sorry, I don’t have time. I have to go to
work,” one man said. “I just got out of the shower,” one lady told us.
“Sorry… sorry… not today” was the chorus of answers. A few people
even slammed the door in our faces.
“Matthew, why are we doing this?” I complained. “Why are we
wasting our time?” I just wanted to quit.
“No, come on. We should finish,” Matthew encouraged. So we
kept going until the bus came back to pick us up.
During the ride, I contemplated this experience. I imagined
that maybe this is how God must feel. Just like the people that weren’t
interested in our books, we ignore God when He comes knocking
on our hearts. “Sorry, God, I’ve got homework.” “Not today, God, I’m
tired.” We always have a stack of excuses to throw at God. Sometimes
His knocking angers us, so we slam our hearts shut. But isn’t it
amazing how God still loves us in spite of how we treat Him? I don’t
want to slam the door to my heart anymore—how about you?