Prelude to the Super Bowl
I think I'm going to enjoy this Super Bowl. Naturally I'm cheering for the COLTS these days, but I've always been impressed with the leadership and philanthropy Drew Brees has demonstrated (I can't think of a Purdue fan who would disagree). I am most impressed by the work ethic of these teams; they have definitely demonstrated the qualities that you want a championship team to display.
While each team has some really outstanding players, I feel both teams are in this championship game because they have learned what it means to be a team. The fans and the media try their best to make this game about various individuals, but the interviews I've been listening to demonstrate that the players are all about their organization, their team, their fans, their city.
There are many lessons to be learned from both the Colts and the Saints. For now, I am completely content to just dream about the big game and maintaining my belief that a bunch of folks from Indianapolis will be adding a ring to their jewelry collection. The Saints will come marching in, but I think the Colts will be galloping out!
GO COLTS!
--Ben Keckler
02.05.10
Friday, February 5, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, February 4
Prelude to the Super Bowl
More than two decades ago I spent the Thursday before the Super Bowl getting ready for a big party. At that time I was a Youth Minister at a large church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The youth advisors and I spent the evening getting the games lined up, planned back-up activities in case the game was a blow out and finalized plans for the party.
Super Bowl XXI found the New York Giants battling the Denver Broncos. New York won the game and Phil Simms (now a TV commentator on NFL games) won the Most Valuable Player award.
We had a fun evening with the 30 or 40 kids who showed up at the Youth Center. I was exhausted when the evening concluded.
Twenty-three years later, I am going to have a fun evening enjoying the Super Bowl at my home. No big party this year! My wife and I are planning to have another couple over for dinner and, of course, some simple snacks as we sit in the family room with a fire in the fireplace and our eyes glued to the TV watching OUR COLTS entertain the watching world.
I've always enjoyed the Super Bowl whether at a big party or at a simple gathering. These days I enjoy the quieter way of partying!
The weekend is almost here. Gooooooooooo COLTS!
--Ben Keckler
02.04.10
More than two decades ago I spent the Thursday before the Super Bowl getting ready for a big party. At that time I was a Youth Minister at a large church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The youth advisors and I spent the evening getting the games lined up, planned back-up activities in case the game was a blow out and finalized plans for the party.
Super Bowl XXI found the New York Giants battling the Denver Broncos. New York won the game and Phil Simms (now a TV commentator on NFL games) won the Most Valuable Player award.
We had a fun evening with the 30 or 40 kids who showed up at the Youth Center. I was exhausted when the evening concluded.
Twenty-three years later, I am going to have a fun evening enjoying the Super Bowl at my home. No big party this year! My wife and I are planning to have another couple over for dinner and, of course, some simple snacks as we sit in the family room with a fire in the fireplace and our eyes glued to the TV watching OUR COLTS entertain the watching world.
I've always enjoyed the Super Bowl whether at a big party or at a simple gathering. These days I enjoy the quieter way of partying!
The weekend is almost here. Gooooooooooo COLTS!
--Ben Keckler
02.04.10
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, February 3
Prelude to the Super Bowl
This week I’m giving some attention to the Super Bowl, offering a series of devotions titled, “Prelude to the Super Bowl.”
Yesterday we touched on some post-game comments made by players following our regular season loss to the Jets. Today I’d like to take you back to the 2007 Championship post-game.
Peyton Manning was asked by reporters if he was praying during the final minute of the game. “I don’t know if you are supposed to pray for stuff like that, but I said a little prayer,” Peyton replied.
In 2007 both Jim Irsay and Tony Dungy quickly interjected their thoughts about how God played a role in the victory with words like, “I want to give all the glory to God.” I can’t help but wonder:
• Would we have heard the same words in a loss?
• Is God only on the side of the winner?
• What’s God got to do with it?
• Is God a micro-manager or a macro-manager or ….?
I certainly don’t have a problem giving thanks to God, in fact, I think thanksgiving to the Creator is always in order. My challenge comes when language appears to reflect special favoritism being bestowed upon a person, a group of persons or a city of God’s people.
I really like the words one of my fellow chaplains shared with me some years ago: “It’s all God!”
Friends, OUR COLTS are in the Super Bowl. We know they are the best team because they are OUR TEAM. I can’t wait to experience another GREAT game!
GO COLTS!!
--Ben Keckler
02.03.10
This week I’m giving some attention to the Super Bowl, offering a series of devotions titled, “Prelude to the Super Bowl.”
Yesterday we touched on some post-game comments made by players following our regular season loss to the Jets. Today I’d like to take you back to the 2007 Championship post-game.
Peyton Manning was asked by reporters if he was praying during the final minute of the game. “I don’t know if you are supposed to pray for stuff like that, but I said a little prayer,” Peyton replied.
In 2007 both Jim Irsay and Tony Dungy quickly interjected their thoughts about how God played a role in the victory with words like, “I want to give all the glory to God.” I can’t help but wonder:
• Would we have heard the same words in a loss?
• Is God only on the side of the winner?
• What’s God got to do with it?
• Is God a micro-manager or a macro-manager or ….?
I certainly don’t have a problem giving thanks to God, in fact, I think thanksgiving to the Creator is always in order. My challenge comes when language appears to reflect special favoritism being bestowed upon a person, a group of persons or a city of God’s people.
I really like the words one of my fellow chaplains shared with me some years ago: “It’s all God!”
Friends, OUR COLTS are in the Super Bowl. We know they are the best team because they are OUR TEAM. I can’t wait to experience another GREAT game!
GO COLTS!!
--Ben Keckler
02.03.10
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, February 2
Prelude to the Super Bowl
This week I’m giving some attention to the Super Bowl, offering a series of devotions titled, “Prelude to the Super Bowl.”
I was privileged to watch the Jets/Colts game while we celebrated our granddaughter’s 3rd birthday. Don’t get me wrong – I think it would have been phenomenal to be at the game! The reason I call myself privileged is that I enjoyed celebrating two wonderful gifts—a granddaughter and the Colts.
Today I want to look at pivotal interviews of the season. During the regular season loss to the Jets, it was clear that the Colts players were rather disappointed that they were not going to have an undefeated season. The body language was clear. (I do like the bumper sticker that has emerged: Our Starters Are Still Undefeated.)
The pivotal interviews came right after the game. While disappointed, the players interviewed (Peyton and others) stated that Coach Caldwell makes the decisions and we carry them out. Two important things emerged from their statements: 1. We respect our leader (even when we disagree); and 2. We listen.
The players taught us a great deal about what successful, winning people and teams must do. Thanks, team, for teaching your fans the importance of Respect and Listening.
Have a blessed day listening to and serving others.
--Ben Keckler
02.02.10
This week I’m giving some attention to the Super Bowl, offering a series of devotions titled, “Prelude to the Super Bowl.”
I was privileged to watch the Jets/Colts game while we celebrated our granddaughter’s 3rd birthday. Don’t get me wrong – I think it would have been phenomenal to be at the game! The reason I call myself privileged is that I enjoyed celebrating two wonderful gifts—a granddaughter and the Colts.
Today I want to look at pivotal interviews of the season. During the regular season loss to the Jets, it was clear that the Colts players were rather disappointed that they were not going to have an undefeated season. The body language was clear. (I do like the bumper sticker that has emerged: Our Starters Are Still Undefeated.)
The pivotal interviews came right after the game. While disappointed, the players interviewed (Peyton and others) stated that Coach Caldwell makes the decisions and we carry them out. Two important things emerged from their statements: 1. We respect our leader (even when we disagree); and 2. We listen.
The players taught us a great deal about what successful, winning people and teams must do. Thanks, team, for teaching your fans the importance of Respect and Listening.
Have a blessed day listening to and serving others.
--Ben Keckler
02.02.10
Monday, February 1, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, February 1
Prelude to the Super Bowl
Just one week ago, Monday, January 25, we came to work celebrating the Colts victory over the Jets. Many of us watched the Colts make their way into the Super Bowl. Some of us were weary because we had been at the stadium, enthusiastically cheering. Most of us watched on TV as the Colts and Jets engaged in a hard-fought battle. This week I’d like to give some attention to the Super Bowl, offering a series of devotions titled, “Prelude to the Super Bowl.”
This is my second experience to live in a city where our “hometown team” has made it to the biggest game of the year. I’ve really enjoyed being part of all the football hype, probably because I really love the game of football. Two brief words, “GO COLTS!” will be the mantra this week. I imagine most of the hoopla will come from the Saints while the Colts will be more matter-of-fact in their approach. I hope each of us will continue enjoying all the preparations for next Sunday’s battle on the turf.
One thing that has impressed me this year is the way our Colts have played their game. There seems to be a special spirit in this team, a certain way they play this game not just on the field, but off the field as well. I appreciate their witness, representing the Colts organization as people who want to honor both God and others. I hope that when we are on the playing field at our work and when we are off the field, that we do the same – honor God and others.
A Prayer: God grant me a positive attitude whether I’m on or off the field. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
02.01.10
Just one week ago, Monday, January 25, we came to work celebrating the Colts victory over the Jets. Many of us watched the Colts make their way into the Super Bowl. Some of us were weary because we had been at the stadium, enthusiastically cheering. Most of us watched on TV as the Colts and Jets engaged in a hard-fought battle. This week I’d like to give some attention to the Super Bowl, offering a series of devotions titled, “Prelude to the Super Bowl.”
This is my second experience to live in a city where our “hometown team” has made it to the biggest game of the year. I’ve really enjoyed being part of all the football hype, probably because I really love the game of football. Two brief words, “GO COLTS!” will be the mantra this week. I imagine most of the hoopla will come from the Saints while the Colts will be more matter-of-fact in their approach. I hope each of us will continue enjoying all the preparations for next Sunday’s battle on the turf.
One thing that has impressed me this year is the way our Colts have played their game. There seems to be a special spirit in this team, a certain way they play this game not just on the field, but off the field as well. I appreciate their witness, representing the Colts organization as people who want to honor both God and others. I hope that when we are on the playing field at our work and when we are off the field, that we do the same – honor God and others.
A Prayer: God grant me a positive attitude whether I’m on or off the field. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
02.01.10
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