Steve Macchia

One of the invitations I often extend to those who long to grow in discernment is simple: put your ear as close to the biblical text as you possibly can. Don’t rush past the story. Don’t skim the surface. Linger long enough that the scene begins to come alive, the people become real, and the Spirit gently draws you inside.

When we slow down in this way, Scripture becomes less like a document to study and more like a living encounter with God.

One of the most moving scenes in the Gospels is the story of the woman who comes to Jesus while He is dining in the home of Simon the Pharisee. When we prayerfully imagine the moment, we see something extraordinary unfolding. The room is filled with religious leaders, polite conversation, and social expectations. Then suddenly, a woman enters—uninvited, unwelcomed, and unwanted.

She moves toward Jesus. She comes close enough to kneel at His feet. Close enough that her tears fall upon them. Close enough that her heart breaks open in His presence.

Not so for Simon. He maintains distance. He watches and observes and comes to conclusions in his heart.

One life is guarded and controlled. The other is surrendered and open.

Many of us, if we’re honest, live more like Simon than we would like to admit. We keep a polite distance from Jesus. We welcome Him into our thoughts and conversations, perhaps even our ministries, but not always into the deepest places of our hearts. We maintain appearances. We hold back the parts of our story that feel too messy, too complicated, or too vulnerable to bring before Him.

But the woman in this story shows us another way.

She does not calculate her response. She does not protect her dignity. She simply comes close—close enough to weep, close enough to confess, close enough to pour out her love. And in doing so, she discovers something profound about the heart of Jesus. He does not pull away. He receives her.

In fact, Jesus gently exposes the deeper truth of the moment: those who know they have been forgiven much, love much. Grace has a way of awakening love in the human heart.

The woman’s tears are not merely about sorrow. They are also about relief—the relief of finally being seen and not rejected. The relief of grace washing over a weary and wounded soul.

This is why I often encourage people practicing discernment to engage Scripture prayerfully and imaginatively. When we allow ourselves to step into the story, we begin to notice things we might otherwise miss: the courage of the woman, the quiet defensiveness of Simon, the steady compassion of Jesus.

We are invited into the same posture of the heart—to come close, to bring our real lives before Jesus and to allow His mercy to meet us there.

You may discover, like this woman did long ago, that the safest place for your tears—and your worship—is right at the feet of Jesus.

Did you know that each parable Jesus spoke was brief and disarmingly simple—yet endlessly deep?

In this season of reflecting on the parables, I’ve been struck again by how these short stories continue to open fresh windows into the heart of God. They are not merely illustrations. They are invitations. And more often than not, they invite us to go all in for the Kingdom of God.

There is a fascinating grouping of parables that carries this theme of “all” throughout. The yeast works its way through all the dough. The merchant sells all he has for the pearl of great price. The treasure in the field demands an everything response. The net gathers all kinds of fish. The storehouse holds treasures old and new. And the unmerciful servant is forgiven a debt beyond imagination—all of it erased.

When you begin to notice the repetition, you can’t unsee it. The Kingdom of God is not partial. It is not half-hearted. It is not tentative. God is all in—and He invites us to respond in kind.

Take the parable of the pearl. The merchant recognizes surpassing beauty and incomparable value. In response, he liquidates everything. No hesitation. No bargaining. Just wholehearted surrender. Why? Because when you encounter something of ultimate worth, lesser treasures lose their grip.

The same is true of the hidden treasure in the field. Joy compels the man to sell all he has. The Kingdom evokes joy, not drudgery. It invites trust, not fear.

But if I’m honest, living “all in” isn’t easy. I fluctuate. Some days I feel wholehearted; other days I retreat into self-protection. I cling to what feels safe. And then I return to the parable of the unmerciful servant.

The contrast is staggering. A servant forgiven an unpayable debt refuses to forgive a trivial one. I wish I couldn’t relate—but I can. I have been forgiven beyond measure, yet I sometimes withhold grace. The Kingdom confronts me here. It asks: Do you truly believe you’ve been forgiven? Do you trust the generosity of God enough to extend it freely to others?

At the heart of these parables is a profound truth: we cannot live this way on our own. We need a Savior. The Kingdom is not merely a moral vision; it is a relational reality. Jesus Himself is the gift. He is the treasure. He is the pearl. He is the One lifted up so that all who look to Him might be healed.

To be “all in” is about surrendered dependence. It is about falling at the feet of the King and pleading for mercy as we trust that He delights to erase our debt. The gospel assures us that when we come in humility, the King is moved with compassion toward us.

Perhaps today you sense an invitation. Maybe there is repentance stirring in your heart. Maybe there is forgiveness you need to receive—or forgiveness you need to extend to another.

The kingdom of God is extravagant. Jesus was all in…completely, sacrificially, redemptively. And now He invites us into a life well lived: generous, courageous, and free.

The question remains for each of us: Are we partially in? Or are we ready to trust Him fully?

In a recent episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, I had the joy of sharing a conversation with my friend and colleague, Rev. Jen Kiefer. As Jen shared her story of crafting and living a rule of life, I was once again struck by how God uses the raw material of our lives and seasons of brokenness to draw us into deeper freedom and greater healing. Here are a few themes from our conversation that continue to linger with me—and why they matter for all of us on our spiritual formation journey.

• Belovedness as the Foundation
  Jen’s story reminds us that spiritual life does not begin with effort or accomplishment, but with receiving God’s love. When belovedness becomes our foundation, everything else—service, justice, prayer—flows from receptivity rather than striving.

• Brokenness as a Doorway, Not a Detour
  What Jen described as a “total soul collapse” became the very place where God met her most tenderly. Her story, and what she experienced  is significant for each of us because it reframes weakness and exhaustion not as failures, but as sacred invitations. Our brokenness is a doorway to healing, not a detour. 

• A Rule of Life as Invitation, Not Obligation
  So many of us hear the word rule and feel pressure or shame or the weight of obligation. What Jen discovered beautifully illustrates that a rule of life is meant to be spacious, pliable, and life-giving. It’s not rigid! Instead, our rule is to provide a gentle structure that helps us notice where God is already at work.

• The Power of Noticing and Distilling
  Jen’s months of prayerful attentiveness and journaling eventually gave way to three simple and profound words—fury, mercy, and hope. This movement toward simplicity matters because it shows how clarity can emerge over time when we listen attentively rather than rush for answers.

• Formation That Leads to Love and Justice
  The integration of contemplation and restorative justice in Jen’s life reflects a deeply biblical vision of spiritual formation. True spiritual formation does not turn us inward alone; it sends us back into the world with courage, compassion, and a holy fire aligned with God’s heart and passion for the least of these.

When we slow down, listen deeply, and find ourselves firmly grounded on the foundation of God’s love, we discover a way of life that is both rooted and free. Jen has discovered this way of living, and I pray that you will as well.

Missed the podcast conversation? Head on over to leadershiptransformations.org/podcast to listen to Season 38, Episode 05.

Is it time to create—or perhaps review—your personal rule of life? A rule of life is not an aspirational wish list; it is a grace-filled framework that helps us hold together the raw material of our lives with intentionality and hope. When life feels full to overflowing with complexities and responsibilities, the invitation is not to abandon structure. Instead, we’re lovingly invited to embrace rhythms that keep God at the center. Listening—truly listening—to God’s initiating presence is where this journey always begins.

One of the great challenges of our time is discerning which voices we are listening to most closely. Noise, crowds and hurry press in on us relentlessly, often drowning out the still, small voice of the Spirit we call Holy. A rule of life helps us slow down so that we might be more—more attentive, more aware and more aligned with God’s invitations. As we listen, we begin to notice how God desires to bring order and freedom to every dimension of our lives.

When we examine the raw material of our lives, five interconnected areas invite prayerful reflection: our spiritual life, our primary relationships, our physical well-being, our financial stewardship and generosity, and our sense of mission. These are not compartments, but integrated expressions of a life oriented toward God. Faithful living asks honest questions:

-How am I nurturing intimacy with Christ?

-Who are the relationships God is calling me to prioritize in this season?

-Am I caring wisely for my body, stewarding my resources generously, and living into the mission God has entrusted to me?

I have seen again and again that a personal rule of life does not constrain us—it holds and supports us like a trellis. It creates the framework for God’s transforming and redeeming work, shaping us into people who live with clarity, freedom and purpose. As we say yes to God’s daily and seasonal invitations, our lives become well-ordered for Christ’s glory and the blessing of others. May we continue to practice a preference for God, trusting that in doing so, we will indeed live faithfully and fruitfully.

For helpful material on crafting a Rule of Life, listen to our Podcast, Seasons 8 and 38.

A Hero has Died

Caleb passed away on Christmas Eve.

He was a gentle and humble man of God. A great leader because he was a fabulous listener and a faithful servant. A true reflection of our Triune God.

He loved his family well, with Bonny, his life partner of 59 years. Their children and grandchildren reflect his enduring values and will carry on his legacy with excellence.

He loved to dance with Bonny, support her in her every endeavor, love her with unconditional affection, make time for her amidst a full schedule. Their love was contagious.

He was a wealthy man, successful in the eyes of this world and generous to countless organizations and individuals. Much like his beloved parents and extended family.

He lived simply. Never drove an ostentatious automobile. Understood the plight of the common man because he too was a common man. No task was ever beneath him.

He willingly took on the roles of usher, parking lot attendant, hospitable coat taker, hand carrying the daily newspaper to his aging father. Always with a gracious smile.

He wore a Salvation Army pin on the lapel of his suit coat. HIs wardrobe was mostly in promotion of his favorite schools or organizations. Image wasn’t in his vocabulary.

He loved others like Jesus. Believed in others like a true friend. His was the life of a saint, but never would he hear of such a thing. He always turned the story back to you.

He joins the ranks of many others who precede him with their passing. When he died you could feel the collective moan of grief and loss, sorrow and sadness.

Caleb passed away without any fanfare. He will be sorely missed. What we have received from him will now be passed along to the next generation. With joy.

Who are your heroes? Do they know of your esteem? Perhaps sharing what they mean to you today will be an encouragement and blessing. Someday they too will be gone.

What’s your favorite Christmas movie?

In our family, the list includes Elf, Home Alone, A Christmas Carol, Polar Express, Rudolph, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and just about any Hallmark movie (my wife loves a predictably happy ending sentimental love story!).

Most intriguing to me is our granddaughter’s fascination with the Grinch. Brenna was here for an overnight this weekend and we watched two versions of the Grinch. I asked her why she liked him and her response was short and to the point, “he’s funny looking.”

Of all the characters in Christmas movies, my least favorite are those who steal the joy. The Grinch is atop that list. Buddy the Elf’s father, the crooks in Home Alone, Mr. Potter in It’s a Wonderful Life, and Ebenezer Scrooge in Dickens’ Christmas Carol round off the group of curmudgeons.

Granted, the antagonist has an important role to play. Their portrayals all seem to fit the stingy, shrewd, and selfish contrast that invites us into the story of contrast. We root for the characters who humbly and responsively receive the true meaning of Christmas.

In the biblical Christmas story, King Herod is the striking example of grinch-like pride. His earthly rule is threatened by the declared prophecies of a new king. 

In this world, there are far too many who are stealing the joy of Christmas, replacing the Jesus story with substitutes that simply don’t point us back to the Christ child. 

Who is your favorite Christmas character?

Thankfully, there are several to choose from, this year and every year, that we accompany to the manger with wonder and joy. The Messiah Jesus is surrounded by characters in worshipful support of his coming: Mary, Joseph, the angels, shepherds, and wise men.  

Indeed, the promised coming of Jesus is worthy of our humble adoration. Miraculous. Monumental. Messianic. 

Let’s acknowledge the reality of those who will seek to steal our joy, and instead, let’s be protagonists for Jesus as Advent comes to conclusion and we’re ushered into Christmastide once more. 

Merry Christmas to you and yours, from all of us at Leadership Transformations!

Don’t Forget to Thank God…

…for so powerfully, tenderly, graciously, and majestically being God.

In this season of thanksgiving, we tend to lean more heavily toward thanking God for the myriad gifts he generously provides. For our family and friends. For good health and answers to our prayers. For our homes and communities. For our vocations and our avocations. For experiences that have formed us as disciples. For the gift of life itself. Such thankfulness is good for the soul, and the people who surround you.

In our gratefulness, however, do we inadvertently bypass our expressions of gratitude to God for being God?

As we pause this week and celebrate Thanksgiving (in the USA), let’s out-thank one another in love and generosity. This is good for our hearts and for our relationships with all who cross our paths in daily life and service.

Also, let’s begin our expressions of gratitude by giving God our deepest and most profound praise.

Perhaps using a psalm to guide us? Psalm 103 is filled with sentiments of gratitude worthy of our prayerful reflection.

Read Psalm 103 – alone in your prayer closet and together around the Thanksgiving table.

Then, identify the expressions of the psalmist toward God being God, such as:

• He forgives all our iniquities
• He heals all of our diseases
• He redeems your life from the pit
• He crowns you with steadfast love and mercy
• He satisfies us with good
• The Lord works righteousness and justice for the oppressed
• He makes known his ways to his people
• The Lord is merciful and gracious
• He is slow to anger and abounds in steadfast love
• He doesn’t deal with us according to our iniquities
• The Lord shows compassion to those who fear him
• He knows our frame and desires our flourishing

After noting these and other traits of God, give God the glory, honor and praise. Reminding ourselves and each other of the foundation of our faith – the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – will send our thankfulness for one another in the right direction.

Bless the Lord, O my soul! All our inmost being praise his holy name!

A bountiful Thanksgiving to you and yours! Thanks be to God!

 Have you ever been on a spiritual pilgrimage?

For sure, our life in Christ is our most significant pilgrimage.

But, in our lifetime we also have opportunity to go on pilgrimage to sights of holy significance. LTI has hosted several over the years…to Greece (in the footsteps of Paul), Italy (in the hometowns of the saints), and the UK (in the highlands of Celtic spirituality).

In October we head to Germany, France and Switzerland…in the footsteps of the 16th C. Reformers, such as Luther and Calvin, as well as the remarkable mid-20th Century Reformer, Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Why a Reformation pilgrimage? Mostly because the Protestant Reformation was a massive turning point for the Church. It’s important we brush up on the history of the movement we embody today, which began by courageous movement-makers hundreds of years ago. They stood up for 5 essential solas or tenants of our faith: Christians are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as revealed in Scripture alone, to the glory of God alone.

And they brought to the forefront of the Church a revolution that heightened awareness of a relational God and harnessed believers for active service worldwide.

I could go on and on about the spiritual and relational significance of spiritual pilgrimage…Ruth and I have thoroughly enjoyed these experiences with partners of LTI. On pilgrimage you make new friends. You travel and eat, pray and share, learn and grow together as you visit beautiful sights in a once in a lifetime experience together. This year we will be in Germany, France, and Switzerland- three gorgeous European countries.

Join us October 1-11, 2025. You will be blessed and renewed by the story of the Reformation of the Church and God’s invitation for ongoing re-formation and re-alignment of our own souls as we are continuously and humbly transformed for his glory by his glorious gospel of goodness and grace.

Let’s do pilgrimage together! Sign up today and secure your spot…space is limited.

On pilgrimage with you in Christ,

Steve