Building a Strong Financial Foundation

Dear Saddleback Family,

In last weekend’s message, Pastor Rick taught the principles of God’s plan for financial freedom. This week’s Message Action Plan is the letter Pastor Rick sent to anyone who made the commitment to follow God’s financial plan by writing “FGP” (Follow God’s Plan) on the bulletin flap. As you go through your week, use the Message Action Plan to help put the things you’ve learned into practice.

If you missed last weekend’s message, click here to watch it online.

Thank you for responding to my message this weekend and committing to FGP - Following God's Plan. I am overwhelmed by the depth of commitment of our church members. I want to help you continue on your journey to follow the six laws God gave us for building a strong financial foundation. There is no better time than now to work on your financial freedom and future.

God says money is a spiritual test. Jesus says in Luke 16:11, "If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of eternity!" As your pastor, I want you to live free of worry and concern over finances by doing it God's way.

The Covenant to Follow God's Plan requires us to obey the six laws of building a strong financial foundation. Saddleback has help for you to live God's financial plan.

1. Remember God is my source (the Law of Ownership):
   I know it is all from God and intended for His glory.
   
   I will pray daily to thank him.
   
   
2. Honor God first (the Law of Tithing):
   I will tithe and honor God first in my life.
   
   As I mentioned, over half of our members choose to use online giving for their tithing. You can sign up at www.saddleback.com/giving, and if you need any help, you can always call giving operations (949) 609-8138.
   
   
3. Save money faithfully (the Law of Investing):
   I will begin saving and If I am in debt, I will set up a repayment plan.
   
   Saddleback has Financial Freedom Ministries available to you to assist you in this. Click here to learn more.
   
   
4. Keep good records (the Law of Accounting):
   I will know the state of my finances.
   
   Join us at the budget workshop on Tuesday January 20 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM in the Lake Forest Worship Center. Click here to register.
   
   
5. Plan my spending (the Law of Budgeting):
   I will plan so that I have enough for now and can leave a legacy.
   
   God says in Proverbs 21:20b, "stupid people spend their money as fast as they get it." If you need help with your will and trust, please attend any of our estate planning seminars that Saddleback offers. This as a free service to help you get started. Click here to learn more and register.
   
   Lake Forest
   January 22 & 27 from 7:00–9:00 PM
   January 31 from 9:00–11:00 AM
   
   Anaheim
   January 3 from 7:00–9:00 PM
   
   Irvine
   February 3 from 6:30–8:30 PM
   
   San Clemente
   February 10 from 7:00–9:00 PM
   
   
6. Enjoy what I have (the Law of Contentment):
   I will be grateful and enjoy all God had provided for me.
   
   The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 5:19 (TEV), "if God gives us wealth and property and let's us enjoy them, we should be grateful and enjoy what we have worked for. It is a gift from God."

I am praying for you to follow God's plan and for God's blessing on your finances. I am so proud of you for taking this courageous step.