Lines by Lee

Editor's Note: Due to unforseen events, Pastor Lee Seese was unable to write a column for this week. The column below appeared in the Oct. 11, 2018, edition of the Herald.

Some scattered, random thoughts as we approach the middle of October...

I wonder what "month" it was when God created everything. We celebrate and commemorate all sorts of things, but no one knows when it all began. What was the high and low temperature in the Garden of Eden? Or was it always the same? Was Eve usually cold and Adam warm?

As you enjoy the changing of the leaves, did you ever see a mountain range in our area and wonder how many trees it contained? If it has 5,000 trees, how many leaves would that be? Experts say there are between 400 billion and 3 trillion trees in the world. There are more than 100,000 species of trees, covering almost 30 percent of the earth's surface. God gave us trees for various uses, including the fact they are nice to look at. Genesis 2:9 says, "God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground – trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food." The Lord has a way of making things practical and pleasurable. So remember when you are blowing or raking leaves, God created the various kinds. And it sure beats blowing or shoveling snow.

Speaking of trees, a few days ago a friend was helping me clean up some big trees that had uprooted and landed in my yard. His chainsaw got wedged in the upper one. I got in an unfortunate position. When it released, the lower tree fell on my lower leg and crushed it. When the guys got it off of me I was expecting my foot to be going the wrong way, if it was attached at all. I did not expect to walk to the vehicle to go the ER. Though the pain was excruciating, I was able to walk. Miraculously, nothing was broken! God spared me and provided a fine doctor and powerful pain medications. If it hit my ankle or knee it would have been another story. Next time, I will be more careful – if there is a next time.

The baseball playoffs are in full swing. The Pirates and their fans didn't get close, though there is reason for optimism for next year. Baseball season is long and so are most games. I can also understand why some people don't like the slow pace of the game. It takes patience to see all those batting gloves adjusted and slightly dirty baseballs get tossed out. Patience is something a lot of people lack. No wonder it is a fruit of the Spirit! In Colossians 3:12, God's people are told to "put on" patience, among other things. In and of ourselves we tend to be impatient. When is this article going to end?

After attending a number of high school football games and being the announcer for one, I realized that there are parallels with the game of football and the Christian life. Guys need to practice, play by the rules, and be in good shape to be successful. 1 Timothy 4:7 says "train yourself to be godly." For players, the games are played after months of weightlifting, practice and studying the playbook. God desires for us to grow in the faith by training in righteousness and knowing His Book.

The players go into it knowing they may get hurt and will always have an opponent who wants to defeat them. The Christian life can be difficult. The devil prowls around like a lion, looking to devour us. Ephesians 6 describes the equipment needed to be victorious. Unlike football, which has a winning and losing team, Christians are ultimately champions.

Cheerleaders are on the sideline, seeking to get the crowd excited. They coordinate cheers and moves to show team spirit. We can be ones who come alongside others to encourage them and support them. Older folks who may not feel they are in the game like the used to be can cheer on the next generation. Psalm 71:18 says, "Even when I am old and gray; do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come." Older folks may not be on the field, but they play a vital role in reminding the next generation what the game of life if all about.

Coaching staffs are important on high school football teams. They mentor, teach, correct, rebuke and challenge the players. Athletes may not always agree with them or even like them, but must respect coaches and be open to them in order to win. God puts coaches in our lives. Pastors and leaders have the goal of equipping the saints to be in the game. They desire for the church to do the work of the ministry. Those who shepherd God's flock are worthy of honor. Heaven is the goal line which people of faith will cross someday.

Why do so many people decorate their homes with ghosts, skeletons and witches? I am not opposed to trick or treating. My church hosts a huge event where lots of kids get candy and have fun. But, though zombies are not real, witches and demons are. Halloween is a big night for the dark side. It is nothing to celebrate!

I have heard from some people who read this column. I will keep writing, if you keep reading. Meanwhile, fix your eyes on Jesus! Hopefully He is coming soon.