It’s next week!
I’ve been thinking, praying, and talking about being debt free for a couple of years, and next week is our “Be Debt Free” offering to celebrate our 39th anniversary! I am so excited to go into our 40th year of ministry here in Temecula, and to minister without a mortgage would be incredible.
We minister for souls to be saved, baptized, and trained in the Scriptures, and being debt free will only enhance that. Our staff works tirelessly, and being debt free will allow us to help them closer to a southern California living wage.
Today’s emphasis (see the next pages) is on the long-term stability that can come from being debt free. Depending on how God blesses, I’ve got plenty of vision for the future of our church. Every gift given to the Lord has a plan, from $10 to $10M, and our first major project will be an exterior update. Our sign and landscaping need a refresh, our paint and lighting need some love, and the newest parts of our building are 20 years old. That means AC units are on the verge, interior flooring is worn out, the parking lot concrete is cracked… everything requires money, and Phase One is about fixing and updating stuff. Phase Two includes some big dreams too, but first things first.
I’m sure David was super excited for the offering he took for the temple, but I think I’m just as excited! Sure, our project is not as grand as his, but it’s no less important. This is the house of God, and we get to be a part of it!
David asked, “Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?”
Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king’s work, offered willingly, and gave for the service of the house of God.
Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy. (See 1 Chron. 29)
-Pastor Ryan