Letter From the Pastor
Deuteronomy 7:18b You shall remember well what the Lord your God did.
The Spiritual Practice of Remembering
The spiritual practice of remembering, calls us to intentionally reflect on God’s past faithfulness, anchoring our identity in Him, fostering gratitude, and strengthening our trust for the future.
In Deuteronomy 26, God gives His people a powerful spiritual practice: the discipline of remembering. As the Israelites settle into their new homes in the Promised Land—a land now truly theirs—God commands them to remember. After forty years of wandering without a home, they can finally put down roots. Yet, God knows human nature and our tendency toward complacency. Comfort often leads to forgetfulness, and forgetting can cause us to drift from gratitude and dependence on God.
Remembering: A Command Against Forgetfulness
In this scripture, God promises the Israelites abundance and safety, but He also instructs them to actively remember the journey that brought them to this point. The act of remembering is presented as the antidote to complacency. Forgetting comes naturally; remembering requires intentional effort.
By recalling their struggles and God’s faithfulness during their wilderness journey, the Israelites are reminded of their dependence on God and the gifts He provides. This act of remembrance is not just a mental exercise but a spiritual discipline that strengthens faith and trust. Reflecting on God’s past actions assures us that the same God who was with us in the past will guide us through current and future challenges.
Memory Shapes Our Spiritual Identity
Our spiritual identity is profoundly shaped by what we remember. When we intentionally reflect on who God is and what He has done, we are anchored in our relationship with Him. Memory reminds us that we are His beloved children, recipients of His faithfulness, provision, and love. It reinforces our connection to His ongoing story and our role within it.
Thanksgiving: A Time to Practice Remembering
Thanksgiving is a perfect opportunity to embrace this practice. In the busyness and comfort of modern life, it’s easy to overlook the gifts God has provided. Yet, even in challenging seasons, there is always something to remember and give thanks for—whether it’s a beautiful sunset, the warmth of a home, or the love of family and friends.
By taking time to reflect on these gifts, we allow God’s past faithfulness to inspire gratitude and hope. This practice reframes our understanding of God, ourselves, and our circumstances, enabling us to live with greater trust and purpose.
Remembering: A Transformative Act of Faith
At its core, remembering is a sacred act of faith. It calls us to pause, reflect, and recognize the hand of God in all aspects of life. When we intentionally remember, we open ourselves to transformation—allowing God’s past actions to guide our present faith and shape our future hope.
By cultivating the discipline of remembering, we align our hearts with God’s story. This sacred practice reaffirms our place within His unfolding plan and draws us closer to Him. As you reflect this Thanksgiving, take time to remember God’s goodness in your life. Let this act of faith renew your spirit and deepen your relationship with the One who has always been faithful.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Anny+
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