Disaster Warning

In the Rocky Mountains we are experiencing a disaster. The pine beetles are attacking not just a few of the pine trees, but three million acres of pine forest have already been destroyed. The black rice-sized insects burrow into the lodgepole pine bark and chew on the wood and get the sugar to help them sustain life during the harsh winter.

Trees that are most susceptible to the damage are the older trees, in crowded areas that have poor growing conditions. Also vulnerable are injured trees or ones under stress with too little sap to expel the insects. Young trees are not likely to become destroyed because the diameter of the trees and the general health of the vegetation.

The first evidence of attack is shown by sap that is flowing from holes bored in the tree and you might also notice powder at the base of the tree, especially in late summer when the adult insects leave the damaged trees to find new healthy ones to attack. It takes just 2 weeks after the initial migration for the insects to cut off the flow of water and nutrients which ultimately leads to the death of the tree. In 8-10 months it turns yellow or red then ultimately the needles all fall off leaving nothing but a gray trunk with a few gnarly branches and a drastically changed landscape.

This devastation is not new; in fact it has been going on for 13 years. In the beginning it was not seen as a big problem, but now it is out of control. The same thing can happen in our lives. We let little things creep in—like what we see, where we go, what we say and it gradually gets out of control and takes over. It reminds me of the words of the song "Slow Fade" by Casting Crowns. See what you think:

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

Let’s let this be a warning to us; don’t ignore the early signs of dangers that could end up consuming and destroying our lives, our children, our families, our communities, our schools, our churches and our nation. Look around and see where God might be calling you to make a difference and then ask for His leading in how He wants you to stop the infestation before it is too late.

Ephesians 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise

http://www.hearthope.org/