Friday, April 28, 2017

The LORD is my life's refuge; of whom should I be afraid?

1 Samuel, Chapter 28, Verse 5

When Saul saw the Philistine camp, he grew afraid and lost heart completely.

Are we like Saul? Have we lost heart completely? Have we seen the camps of our enemies and come to despair. God will not abandon us like we have abandoned him. Do not despair but call out to the Lord and listen. Pay attention and if today you hear His voice harden not your hearts.

Comparing David with Saul the one thing that distinguished them from each other was David’s humility and confidence in the Lord. This we can see in David’s Psalm 23.

The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; he restores my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of his name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me. You set a table before me in front of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Indeed, goodness and mercy^* will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for endless days.

Arbor Day History

Arbor Day is a celebration of trees and their importance to providing shelter, stabilization for the ground, and beauty to the beholder. While Arbor Day is a US holiday, several other countries have adopted similar observances including Japan, Australia, Korea and Yugoslavia. In 1970, President Richard Nixon declared Arbor Day a federal holiday and it is observed the last Friday in April each year.

Arbor Day Facts & Quotes

·         The first Arbor Day was celebrated April 10, 1872 in the State of Nebraska. More than 1 million trees were planted in Nebraska as they celebrated the first Arbor Day.

·         A single tree can absorb as much as 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year and can sequester 1 ton of carbon dioxide by the time it reaches 40 years old.

·         Newspaper editor, Julius Sterling Morton  began Arbor Day to help bring attention to the importance of trees.

·         Since the Yellowstone Fires of 1988, the Arbor Day Foundation has partnered with the US Forest Service. Through this partnership, over 25 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted.

·         The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now. –Proverb

Arbor Day Top Events and Things to Do

·         Plant a tree. Poplars leaf out about now.

·         Visit a nursery and consider buying some plants.

·         Australian accent: Crocodile Dundee (1986), The Babadook (2014)

·         Organize a neighborhood beautification project.

·         Hold a paper drive.  Use the recycling proceeds to purchase a special tree.

Daily Devotions/Prayers

·         Drops of Christ’s Blood