Giving Thanks

The thematic focus of our spiritual formation groups this past week has been on “Thankfulness” – in keeping with the spirit of the season!
Our opening devotions took us to Psalm 145, reading it slowly one verse at a time around the circle. I was struck by several key verses, “One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works…they will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love” (vs. 4-8).
As we shared what we’re most grateful for, it was pure joy to listen in to the stories of God’s abundant goodness. We heard about family members, friends, joys, new discoveries, rich blessings, we shed a few tears, recounted God’s loving faithfulness, and reminded each other of God’s compassionate love and mercy. It was sweet indeed.
The closing hymn that we sung together was written more than 350 years ago – written by Lutheran deacon Martin Rinkart – entitled “Now Thank We All Our God” – talk about “one generation commending God’s work to another”! We sang with overflowing gusto and joyful hearts:
Now thank we all our God With hearts and hands and voices;
Who wondrous things hath done, In whom this world rejoices.
Who, from our mother’s arms, Hath led us on our way,
With countless gifts of love, And still is ours today.
Giving thanks is good for the soul…be sure to do so often in the coming week and in fact each and every day of your journey of faith. A grateful heart feeds the soul with nutrition that brings forth a generous harvest of faith, love and joy. Happy Thanksgiving!

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Steve Macchia

Founder & President

Steve is a graduate of Northwestern College (IA) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div. and D.Min.). His prior ministry includes serving on the pastoral staff at Grace Chapel (Lexington, MA) and as president of Vision New England. Since July 1, 2003 Steve has served as founder and president of Leadership Transformations, director of the Pierce Center for Disciple-Building, and adjunct faculty in the Doctor of Ministry department at Gordon-Conwell. He is the author of sixteen books, including The Discerning Life (Zondervan Reflective),  Baker bestseller Becoming a Healthy Church, and Crafting a Rule of Life (IVP). He lives in the Boston area with his wife Ruth and is the proud father of two grown children, Rebekah and Nathan, daughter in-love Ashley, and papa to his beloved granddaughter, Brenna Lynn and twin grandsons, Aiden Joseph and Carson Stephen. “My soul comes alive singing the great hymns of the church and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. I’m in awe of God for fulfilling the dream for LTI that he birthed in my heart, for the team he has assembled, and the transformational impact experienced in the leaders and teams we serve.

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