Fully Surrendered

 

Mark 10:13

How did the disciples get this so wrong? How could they have not known that Jesus welcomed the opportunity to bless these children? Assuming the book of Mark is somewhat in chronological order, this would have happened after the event described in Mark 9:36 where Jesus demonstrated his love for a child. How then did they not think He would make time for these children? And why didn’t they ask Him before dealing with the children according to their own understanding? This is what they thought was right and what they wanted but it was not what Jesus wanted. In fact, “He was greatly displeased…” (Mark 10:14)

I’ve read this verse many times before but reading it this time brought conviction. How many times have I done something that I thought was right and that I even thought was God’s will, only to find out it wasn’t? Those were times when I should have checked with God first before moving forward and doing what I thought was right. Those are also the times when I have found that even the “right thing” can be wrong, if I don’t get His opinion before lifting a finger.

As followers of Jesus, we must be careful not to make this mistake. We do not want to do something that we think is right only to find out it displeases God. To avoid this, we must get to know Him and be willing to ask Him what He wants done. We must ask how He wants to handle each situation in my life. We must then be fully surrendered.

Super Bowl LX

 

I was right about both games during the Conference Championships and now we turn our eyes towards Super Bowl LX. One last game in what has been a wild and entertaining season. Here’s how I think the season will end:

Seatle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots

Sunday 6:30PM on NBC

This Sunday we will get a matchup of two 14-3 teams. Both teams have been tested and have earned their way into the championship game. Both teams have proven that they can score and both can play defense. The Seahawks defense was tops when it came to keeping their opponents out of the endzone, but they will face a Patriots offense which is in the top five when it comes to explosive plays. Going the other way, the Patriots’ defensive line is one of the best, especially against the run but they will come up against an offense that at times can impose its will on any defense. I think this game comes down to two questions. Which Sam Darnold shows up on Sunday? And which defense will prove to be the stingiest, especially during what will likely be a tight fourth quarter? Defense wins championships and I think the Seahawks D outplays their counterpart from across the field:

Seahawks 24 Patriots 17

2025 NFL Conference Championships

 

Last weekend I went 4 for 4, making up for my dismal performance in the Wildcard Round. I do wish the Bears’ game had a different outcome but this season leaves me looking forward to the 2026 draft and to the upcoming season. In the meantime, we have the conference championships and I think our next to last Sunday of NFL football will be another good one. Here’s how I think things will play out:

New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos

Sunday 3:00PM on CBS

At the end of the Broncos game, I felt like they were well on their way to Super Bowl LX. And then I heard the news that Bo Nix will be out for the rest of the playoffs. So, the Broncos now look to their backup quarterback, Jarrett Stidham, and I’m not sure what to expect from their offense this Sunday. But then, of late the Patriots’ offense has been playing like they have a backup behind center. I think this one will come down to the defenses. For the Broncos to win, they will need to force multiple turnovers. I just don’t think they will be able to do enough, and I give a slight edge to the Patriots’ defense. The Patriots win the AFC:

Patriots 20 Broncos 13

Los Angeles Rams vs. Seatle Seahawks

Sunday 6:30PM on Fox

Division rivals face off in the NFC championship game. These teams split their regular season match ups. This one is simple as it comes down to Sam Darnold. Darnold does not have to have a spectacular game, but he does have to protect the football. Points will be at a premium for both teams and turnovers will be tough to overcome. I think Darnold is up to the challenge. I also think the Seahawks D-line will put pressure on Stafford, making up for what they didn’t do in their two regular season games. I think the Seahawks win once again at home and become NFC champs:

Seahawks 17 Rams 14