Wow, it feels like forever since I have posted on my blog (actually a little over a month, please forgive me). Since I last posted I have become a grandpa again! Mikhaila Anne Washburn was born on February 19 in Concord NH to my son Levi and his beautiful wife Jenne. She weighed 6lbs 150z and was 21 inches long. It's really different for me to have a girl in the family. I was one of three boys, Terry and I had three boys, and our first grandchild was a boy. Mikhaila is as beautiful as a little girl can be (of course I'm slightly prejudiced). Terry and I got to be in NH for the birth, what a blessing from God! Today I went with my son Ezra to Valley Forge Christian College to get all the admission information for him to start college in the Fall, the empty nest is coming! Life just seems to rush by and if we're not careful all we will be are spectators as opportunities from the Lord just come and go. Enough of my personal news updates. I have been preaching the last few weeks on the authority of [King] Jesus and how He extends to us His benevolent power, His blessed peace, and His bold priorities (these three thmes are drawn from Matthew chapters 8 & 9). The question for us is how are we going to respond the the absolute authority of the King? Are we in the Kingdom if we are not subjects of the King? If Jesus has all authority (like He says He does, cp. Matthew 28:18-20) then do we havwe any options when He speaks to us? The wonderful thing is that He does not just arbitrarity bark commands and orders (priorities), but He extends His power on our behalf, and provides a peace that goes beyond our wildest comprehension as He molds us in ways that reflect His priorities. Years ago I used to tell people who told me they didn't like a particular Bible verse or truth...'read it till you like it'. That's still pretty good advice!
pastor mike