Throughout Scripture, God’s people regularly pause to reflect on the past.

God is often called “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” alluding to God the Alpha, the One who always existed. After the Israelites are rescued from Egyptian slavery, God often calls himself “the God who brought you out of Egypt,” alluding to God the Almighty, who single-handedly dominated the Egyptian empire. The “historical Psalms” (Psalm 78, 105, 106, etc.) recount how God blessed His people throughout history despite their persistent complaints and rebellion—accounts of God the Faithful.

The New Testament is no different. Before his execution, Stephen describes in detail God’s tortured history with Israel (Acts 7); and at the end of Romans 9-11, Paul bursts into praise over how God used Israel’s constant rebellion to save the world: “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” Hebrews 11, the “Hall of Faith,” describes many times over the centuries that God’s people trusted Him through unthinkable trials.

It’s easy to get so caught up in what we want God to do for us that we forget what He’s already done. At LTCC, there’s certainly been lots of talk lately about our vision for the future, a future that I’m as thrilled about as anyone. Today, however, I invite you to look back and remember all that God has done for you, for His people, and for LTCC. In Psalm 50, God says, “The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me.” So, I invite you to remember—or even better, write a list—of ways God has shown His power and faithfulness over the years. Perhaps even review Our History, the journey wall in room 101, and the posters beside the offices that portray LTCC’s history. If we take an honest look at what God has seen us through, and if our hearts are right, this remembrance will bring praise pouring out of us.

The first two words of our mission statement are “Loving God...” Before we take any more exciting steps forward, I invite you to pause, remember the blessings God has showered on us, and adore Him for it.