The Age of Aslan

The Age of Aslan.

Key Verse: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1: 21 (New International Version)

Read: Revelation 21


“And as He spoke (Aslan) He no longer looked to them like a lion; but things that began to happen after that that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this is the end of all stories, and we can truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of The Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.” (pg. 210 CS Lewis The Last Battle)

Jesus. The Great Lion of Judah. Lamb of God. The One who took away our sins. Jesus, who came, lived, died, rose and is coming again. Jesus – the one Who created us, and loves us. Our lives are just the title page to the Great Story. Are you looking forward to eternity?

Thoughts to ponder:

1. How am I staying away from the Witch’s traps?
2. How am I more like Peter and magnificent?
3. Are there ways I can be more gentle like Susan?
4. Can I be more Valiant and bold like Lucy?
5. How have I changed in my own life like Edmund?
6. Has the story of God really changed and impacted me – the stone table being torn in 2?


As we conclude this week, recognize that this wasn’t about a movie but about God’s story impacting your life. May you continue to be a part of that story.




How Today’s devotion applies to me:




Decisions I’ve made this week and promises I’ve made to God:

Edmund the Just

Edmund the Just

Key Verse: “Fear God. Do what he tells you.” – Ecclesiastes 12:13 The Message.

Read Romans 3, 6: 1 – 11.

Edmund presents the whole problem of mankind: sinfulness. Traitor. Tempted. He is caught in his own greed and by the White Witch’s lure.

After Edmund is rescued, he and Aslan have a private conversation. No one hears what they say – but it changes Edmund forever. Afterwards, Edmund apologizes and all is forgiven.

There seems to be two sides to Edmund. That of bad: temper, lying; and that of good: repenting, fights the battle, helps defeat some of the Witch’s schemes.

Edmund is seen as unrighteous. One forgiveness is given though Edmund stands up for the truth and is still seen not as his former self but as an heir to the throne.

Thoughts to Ponder:

1. What side of Edmund am I currently like?
2. How can I be more forgiving of others?
3. What is something I can do to see that justice and mercy is given to those that need it?
4. How hard is it to let go of grudges and past mistakes of yourself? Of others?
5. Have you ever had that private conversation with God about seeking forgiveness?
6. How am I exposing the schemes of the devil in my own life?

How today’s devotion applies to me:


Two or three things that I have learned:

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Lucy the Valiant

Lucy the Valiant.


Key Verse: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

Read Daniel 1. Daniel 3: 16 – 26.

Lucy was known as the youngest of the Pevensie children. She was the first to discover Narnia (though actually not the first human to be there though ummm Read The Magician’s Nephew aka The Professor who was there before). Lucy set an example of Faith and that of love in all she did. She didn’t back down. Lucy seemed very similar to the valiant antics of Shadrock, Meshach, and Abednego. Lucy had trust that Aslan(God) would be there to help no matter what.

Lucy’s persistence to tell the story of Narnia was evident. I wonder how we are to tell our story being a part of God’s story?

Thoughts to ponder:

1. How are you setting an example?
2. How is your own trust in God?
3. How persistent are you? Are you telling people the good news of Jesus?
4. Lucy, also played a part of a healer, how are you helping others to heal in their emotional hurts, spiritual hurts, serving those physically hurting, socially? Are you serving?
5. What does it mean to be a part of God’s story?
6. What trait do I most like in Lucy?


How today’s devotion applies to me:



Two or three things that I have learned:

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Susan the Gentle

Queen Susan The Gentle

Key Verse: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2 New International Version.

Read Galatians 5: 13 – 6:10.

As a daughter of Eve, Susan was the eldest. Susan tried to talk and see the sensible things in this world.
Her own heroic moment was with Lucy to witness one of the greatest moments recorded in History. The death of Aslan the Lion. The parallel is seen in John 19:25 – 30.(go ahead and read that) And then the resurrection of Aslan.

Susan had the mothering instinct. She was gentle and kind. One of her last quotes before entering the wardrobe from Narnia to home was …”let us go on and take the adventure that shall fall to us.” Pg. 187. Are you taking the adventure?

Thoughts to ponder:

1. How can I be more like Susan to others? Be Gentle?
2. What does it mean to bear one anothers’ burdens?
3. What adventure are you on? How is your faith journey?
4. What do you think it would be like to witness both the death and resurrection of your King?
5. Susan went from being a daughter of Eve to Queen. Why was that?


How today’s devotion applies to me:






Two or three things that I have learned:

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Peter the Magnificent

Peter the Magnificent.



Key Verse: “You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.” - Matthew 16:18 The Message.

Read Matthew 16: 13 – 20. John 21: 1 – 19.

“Rise up, Sir Peter Wolf’s Bane. And, whatever happens, never forget to wipe your sword.” – pg. 133 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Have you ever dreamed of being a hero? As Peter learns, imagining brave feats and doing them are two different things. Peter, in the Chronicles, is similar to the Peter in the New Testament. Both made mistakes. Both overcame obstacles to proclaim who the true King was. Both used swords for battle. (Literally and figuratively)

We, much, like Peter are in a battle today. Spiritual battles abound. The question comes down to what are you doing to make right choices and in your first battle?

“Peter did not feel very brave; indeed he felt he was going to be sick. But that made no difference to what he had to do.” Peter did what he must to save his sisters in killing Maugrim.


Thoughts to Ponder:

1. Have I ever dreamed of being a hero?
2. What does it by “Spiritual battles abound?”
3. What battles lurk in my own life? What do I need to overcome?
4. What is my sword? (see Hebrews 4:12)
5. What would people say about you and your character? Magnificent? Godly? Christian?
6. Am I doing what I must for God? If not, why not?


How today’s devotion applies to me:






Two or three things that I have learned:

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My devotional booklet I wrote based on the Chronicles of Narnia: Intro.

Each Day this week I'm posting the devotional booklet I did for a theme of camp based upon the Chronicles of Narnia ..The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. With a sister church, Fairmount Christian hosting 7 shows based upon this ...I'd thought be appropriate for this week. Here is this intro: BTW the Camp was Park Springs and the dean was Dave Farris. 2006.

HOW TO HAVE AN EFFECTIVE QUIET TIME

Starting this week, I'm going to be reviewing and posting a booklet from a week of Camp I did for 2006. The Theme was the Chronicles of Narnia and this was the opening of the booklet to have an effective quiet time. I'll be posting the First Devotional in the next post. Each day we looked at a different character of the Book. The 4 children and then Aslan.



Each morning we set aside time so you can keep that appointment to grow closer to God. Some call this meditation, others call it devotions. It doesn’t matter what you call it, as long as you spend time with God.

Here is a suggestion how to spend your time:

1. Pray quietly.
2. Read the Scripture.
3. Read the illustration.
4. Work on the application.
5. Pray – by journaling your thoughts to God – and spending time with Him.

You may want more time for #s 4 & 5. Remember to tell God about your blessings, struggles, sins, and to be specific. God wants to hear from you. Hopefully these times you spend with God will enhance your relationship with Him and your commitment.
Make Quiet Time a habit – a habit you’ll never forget. You have an appointment with God. Your name is called next on the waiting list. Won’t you be with Him?

Suggested Reading and Resources:
Youth Specialties Resources. http://www.youthspecialties.com
Gman’s Blog http://fess2.blogspot.com
Great Talk Outlines for Youth Ministry – YS.
Illustrations for Biblical Preaching –Michael P. Green Editor.
Step into Narnia – E.J. Kirk
Wise Words and Quotes by Vern McLellan

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated are taken from The Holy Bible. New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Church Grounds and Facility Upgrades.

This past year has been crazy and yet fruitful. We've added new AC units, painted our baptismal,. Women's bathroom, had deck and repairs at Balmoral. Getting ready to do the gravel there at Balmoral, a new church sign ….and other facility updates. It seems an ongoing process ...This is just one of the many things they don't teach you in Bible College or Seminary. I'm glad for our deacons and leadership in trying to make our building not the focus but as a tool so we can be the church to others. What projects have you recently done? Lessons learned? One thing we've learned is there is a lot of red tape with zoning and county regulations.

Books I'm currently reading.

What are you reading?

Becoming A Citizen Class

For the past 7-8 weeks I've been taking this class as preparation for the naturalization process. I have my residential card (Green Card) … This process is a long one. You have the Reading/ Writing portion, and the civics part of the test. You have to do a background check of sorts ...be interviewed and wait for each stage to proceed and then the final is the Oath Ceremony. It starts with submitting the paperwork and the pay the fees $$$ N-400. The Civics, history part is what I've been studying thanks to the Virginia Historical Society and their museum. By the time I'm done ...I'll be considered a dual citizen. Why you ask? So at least I can vote, take part in the election process. I know ultimately my citizenship is in heaven, but also want to set the example of being a good steward and faithful follower of Christ by submitting to the local authority God set up.

Anyways, this has been a long process and a lot of people think they know immigration. It isn't a very easy thing. I came here legally and struggled for many years through this. Prayers appreciated as we move forward.

Nickname Change.

Throughout the 80s and 90s I was known as Doctor G. It started as a young student saw I wore glasses and thought I looked like a doctor. Later I was Gman - Hence my email - GmanFess@gmail.com and used Gman online and others called me Gman. At one non-profit I volunteer at I'm known by my last name: Fess. Recently, I'm helping at an aftercare at a Christian school. I'm known as Mister G. Mr. G. Abd it's all good. What is your nickname? Ever have it change?

Homecoming 2019