Fellowship, and good announcement: be made right with God (Matthew 6:1-18)

I enjoyed learning about the euangelion gospel, my friend said Euangelion reminded him of Eulogy, if Eu means good and angelion means announcement, we discovered Eulogy means Good Word (Eu, logas). My insight from the video was thinking of the prophets like we do the gospels, we say the "gospel of Matthew" but never say the "gospel of Isaiah." Then this morning I realized I had this insight last year Isaiah 48:12-51:23 is Jesus life and teaching from Isaiah. 

I got to celebrate the retirement of my friend Paul M and connect with Paul J and Dan (Tom's boss). We all lived downtown at various times. As we were talking I was sharing about the SALT network has many people joining that aren't church goers. How fellowship is what people need, a community of faith, people to praise and people to pray. The Minneapolis community has changed over the years but for better we have many great churches downtown like Substance, River Valley and even the traditional ones seems to be vibrant. I remember going to a church with my dad years ago downtown when I wasn't a church goer. I don't remember much of that experience, just enjoyed being with my dad while I was going through a confusing part of life. This morning I was remembering reading Isaiah from a "Student Bible" my dad had given me, the word of the Lord accomplishes all that it has in store for us. 

Today all the flowers are blooming on Judy's tree, its amazing to see what happens in just a few days in spring. This is a time of growth and new beginnings, praying for my brother, sisters, mom and dad this morning and all our cousins and extended family. I'm looking forward to seeing family on Mother's day and next week in Mason City, Il. Praising God the for the gift of friendship and bright hope for tomorrow. 

God sees us and rewards good deeds received with prayer, forgiveness, and fasting (Matthew 6:1-18)

Forgiveness is more than incredible and beautiful than I had imaged. We generally accept blessing other with bring a blessing from God but receiving forgiveness from God is absolutely life changing.