Turning Coffee Into Trees

Psalm 24:1 – The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. (NIV)

There's a new coffee shop in town called "Ja Verde". It's situated on the west end of Middlebrook Pike, and its grand opening took place on Saturday, March 27th. I was there on one recent morning, having coffee with a friend, and had a conversation with the manager.

"What does 'Ja Verde' mean?" asked my friend.

"It's a combination of Java and the Spanish word for green."

"Why green?" I asked.

"It's because we use our profits to plant trees. Last year we planted 10,000 trees. This year we hope to plant 12,000 trees."

I think that is a wonderful project and worthy of support. Paul and Carly, the managers, are a young couple with global ideals. They want to make a difference in the world because they respect God's creation. Paul is actually a graduate in theology, and he believes that Christians should be conservationists and good stewards of the earth.

Today's verse from Psalm 24 is a timely reminder that the earth belongs to the Lord, and that includes everything within it. God allows us to live on this planetary jewel and fully expects us to take care of it. We have both the created capacity and a divine obligation to be caretaking conservationists of this beautiful world. Young people like Paul and Carly are doing their share. The challenge for us is to find opportunities where we can do something similar.

Prayer: Almighty God, thank You for creating this beautiful and unique planet. Help us to love the earth and conserve its wonders through good stewardship and environmental care. Bless those who dedicate their lives and businesses for the renewal of the earth. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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