From the Mind of Michael: Opening Thoughts

Hi Everyone,

This is an experiment with the Youth Group Blog.  It's called "From the Mind of Michael".  I sometimes feel compelled to draft up a few thoughts and tid bits about various topics.  The thoughts aren't always very long, so I usually don't post them.  The Weekly Lessons that I post are more developed, and I try to have strong scripture backing and Biblical references.  However, perhaps short snippets are in order from time to time.  So, without further ado, here is the first edition of "From the Mind of Michael".

From the Mind of Michael: Opening Thoughts
I love football.  The American version, mind you, not the international football known as soccer in the USA.  As this is the start of the NFL season, it seems like everyone has an opinion of who will win the Super Bowl and how every team will do this coming year.

I would like to point out that although the Bible believes in the gift of prophecy, predicting sports outcomes is not the intent of this gift.  Be wary of anyone who tries to tell you otherwise.

I do have some favorite players.  I like Tim Tebow (NY Jets) and Troy Polamalu (Pittsburgh Steelers).  Both of those players profess their faith in Christianity, and both are good role models.  They use their fame as an Evangelical platform, and I have no problem with it.

I am still a Buffalo Bills fan, and I probably will be for life.  I can't think of any Bills players that openly profess their faith at every opportunity, but doesn't mean there aren't any out there.  (The Bills get very little coverage compared to other NFL teams and other teams in Buffalo in general...).

As I now live in the shadow of Philadelphia, PA, I'm surrounded by Eagles fans.  To an extent, I see some similarities between the Eagles and the Bills.  Both teams have rabid fans.  Neither team has won a Championship since the NFL-AFL merger.  Both areas have a lot of pride in their local cuisine.  (Wings in Buffalo and Cheesesteaks in Philly).  Both teams hate the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, and New York Giants.  Also, a trip to the playoffs would be considered a successful season.

I think there is a lot of praying during football games.  I know that I find myself irrationally praying to God for the outcome of a football game.  I wish I could say that the prayers are infrequent, but I think it's in my nature to lift everything up to God now, so as a lame excuse, I'm going to say I can't help it.  I do wonder if a sporting event has ever changed someone's life because of an answered "prayer."  I can't think of any, but I would be very interested  to see a testimonial on such an event.   

Anyway, as a final thought, here are my predictions for everyone to look at and laugh at in the upcoming months.

AFC Playoffs:
1: Patriots
2: Broncos
3: Steelers
4: Texans
5: Bills
6: Ravens

NFC Playoffs
1: Packers
2: Giants
3: Cardinals
4: Panthers
5: Seahawks
6: Eagles

Super Bowl Prediction:
I'd really like to see Bills over Seahawks, but I don't think either team will make it past the Wild Card round, so I'll go with Broncos over Giants in the Manning Bowl.  I'll even guess the score.  38 to 20, this one isn't even close.