Just A Reminder...

The other day, I was listening to Gamenight on ESPN 103.3 and heard a new word- "Itec" which is an acronym for "in these economic conditions" or "in this economic crisis." They use "Itec" to refer to any cost-cutting measure or any reason why a sports franchise (or a sports fan) might do things on the cheep. The coining of such a phrase is a sign of the times. Everyone is worried. Money is tight. Stree levels are very, very high.

Churches are not at all immune to economic stress. In the 1932, the people of Tyler Street actually worshiped at the Roswin Theater and at Sunset High School for nine months because the bank had pad-locked the building.

Fast-forward 70+ years, and Tyler Street is once again trying to stay in ministry during tough economic times. Last night's Charge Conference presented some tense moments as a weighty economic decision was being made. Yet in the end, all parties walked out the door unified in our commitment to make disciples for Jesus Christ no matter what the cost.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. When it comes to TSUMC's committment to ministry, that's a very good thing in deed.

So as we all consider how we might endure this economic storm, I will remind of all of you of the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 6:25-33 as found in the New English Translation:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t there more to life than food and more to the body than clothing?

Look at the birds in the sky: They do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you more valuable than they are?

And which of you by worrying can add even one hour to his life?

Why do you worry about clothing? Think about how the flowers of the field grow; they do not work or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these! And if this is how God clothes the wild grass, which is here today and tomorrow is tossed into the fire to heat the oven, won’t he clothe you even more, you people of little faith?

So then, don’t worry saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the unconverted pursue these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."