Steve Macchia

A Fresh New Alleluia

For forty days my soul has longed for a fresh new Alleluia!

In our local church, we refrain from any “Alleluia” during Lent. It simply doesn’t fit the occasion. Lent is a time of repentance, reflection, and preparation for Holy Week, and ultimately for the pinnacle of our faith: Resurrection Sunday.

Eastertide evokes our soul’s response of “Alleluia” as we ponder anew the significance of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. It’s true. He has risen indeed. The whole world celebrates, rejoices, and gives thanks in loving unity once more.

Jesus’ years of earthly ministry are replete with reasons to shout “Alleluia” – from the profundity of his teaching, to his gentle touch of healing, his generous seeds of forgiveness and grace, his questions to skeptics, his knowledge of the sinfulness of the hearts of those who crowded around him. He was in continual conflict with the religious leaders, who were threatened by his tender power of love. He spoke in parables so the people could understand. He entered homes and hearts of countless individuals who were seeking new life. His was a life of perpetual service and eternal life to all who would receive.

For what about Jesus are you most grateful today? What does his resurrection offer you today? Perhaps you are thankful for his forgiveness, grace, and mercy. Or, you are filled with hope because of his promises of new life. Or, you are in relationships with others because of his example of compassion. Since it’s impossible to count up our many blessings, simply list a handful that mean the most to you today. Yes, today, not yesterday or tomorrow. Start with today, your present moment where his presence can be found through your eyes, ears, and heart of faith.

Today: let’s give ourselves full permission to shout a fresh new Alleluia!

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A Heart Strangely Warmed

It was John Wesley who initially described his feelings as “my heart was strangely warmed” when he trusted in Christ alone for his salvation. He was confidently assured that his sins had been forgiven as he placed his heart into God’s hands. Subsequently, Wesley began a movement known as the Methodists as he traveled thousands of miles each year preaching and teaching others to submit their lives to Christ. Many hearts were “strangely warmed” as a result of his testimony, teaching, and discipleship.

I felt my heart “strangely warmed” this past weekend as I had the privilege of serving among a group of Salvation Army officers and corps members in Northern California. We experienced a refreshing and renewing time of worship, teaching, and fellowship. We put our lives back into the hands of Christ as we consecrated ourselves to God’s goodness and grace. It was a sweet time. Our hearts were strangely warmed.

When is the last time you felt your heart “strangely warmed” by the empowering presence of God? Can you recall that sense of joy or blessing or contentment in Christ?

Unfortunately, my observation today is that too many hearts are cold and hardened by the situations and circumstances of life. Each day we encounter hearts that are harsh, crusty, angry, or brittle. Tired out by the stresses and strains of daily life, many are letting their hearts flounder from God’s loving intentions. How does this happen? Well, we become impatient, indifferent, or impulsive in our responses to our external and internal worlds, and we lose perspective for the way forward.

The recipe for softening our hearts and making them more pliable to the fresh move to of God’s Spirit? Here are a few suggestions…

Listen prayerfully: notice the state of your own soul as well as the soul of others around you. Choose a listening posture as you interact with others, free of correction, competition, or comparison. What this world needs today: lots of listening.

Choose grace: instead of jumping to conclusions or casting judgment, withhold your opinions and prayerfully offer words of grace, mercy, and love. Let your countenance be transformed by the grace God has extended to you, and then freely offer it to others.

Practice forgiveness: ask God to give you the patience to forgive as your first response, rather than your last. Prayerfully forgive and forget, as much as possible. A posture of forgiveness will soften your heart toward all who have offended you. Seek help if necessary.

Love with your whole heart: the greatest response of all is to love. Yes, with your whole heart. First to God, then to others, but also to yourself. Seek God’s heart for those around you, especially those who are difficult to love. Out love one another. It’s always the better way. Always.

When you find your heart “strangely warmed” once again, be sure to offer God your thanks and praise. And, warm-heartedly influence others. It’s very good for your soul.

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Choose Christ Today

“Get these three principles fixed in your hearts: that things eternal are much more considerable than things temporal; that things not seen are as certain as the things that are seen; that upon your present choice depends your eternal lot. Choose Christ and his ways, and you’ll be blessed forever; refuse, and you are undone forever.”
-John Wesley 

As we are knee deep into our Lenten experience, the words of John Wesley ring true to our soul: the unseen and eternal matter more than the seen and temporal. What we choose to focus on today will either bring us closer to the heart of God, or will lead us into wayward villages of the soul where the self-absorbed reside. 

What moral or ethical choices are you considering today? Will you look to Jesus as your Guide and Counselor, your Strength and Sustenance? Trusting Christ, amidst the deluge of temptation to only trust ourselves, will in fact lead us solely to our heart’s true home: abiding in Christ alone. There is no more firm a foundation. 

Choose Christ today, regardless of the pressures to trust in lesser things.

Prayerfully consider the Breastplate of St. Patrick for you comfort and protection…

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

May it be so. Amen.

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Do You See This Woman?

In the midst of a dramatic yet oh so delicate moment, Jesus asks Simon-the-hard-hearted Pharisee a poignant question, “Do you see this woman?” (Luke 7: 44). 

The question arises smack dab in the center of an amazing story of contrasting affections. Simon-the-know-it-all leader stands at a distance from Jesus while a “sinful woman” can’t stop showing Jesus her profound gratitude and love.  Upon entry into his home, Simon didn’t show Jesus even the most basic hospitality: water to wash his feet, a customary kiss of greeting, or oil to anoint his head. But, this woman is relentless in her expressions of affection: wetting Jesus’ feet with her tears, wiping them with her hair, pouring out expensive perfume and then kissing his feet.

Sit with this passage (Luke 7: 36-50) long enough and you can’t help but enter Simon’s home and engage in this incredible story. The fact of the matter is: Simon missed everything. He missed the significance of Jesus’ presence in his home. He missed the powerful worship of the renewed woman. He missed out on the forgiveness, grace, and love offered by Jesus. He missed the opportunity to experience life-changing transformation. His little heart remained closed. His religious power mattered more than his changed heart. His guest, Jesus, became the host of this simple dinner party, but the eyes of Simon’s heart were crusted shut by his selfishness and pride.

This story reminds me of a few current realities. Firstly, I’m processing with a friend a violation she recently experienced in the workplace. Disregarded in every way, ignored, disrespected, colluded against, and powered over. She wasn’t included in decisions that would directly impact her work. The bosses simply barked an order and she was expected to follow in kind. No conversation. No collegiality. No compassion. No courage. She simply wasn’t seen.

Secondly, we’re also in the midst of Black History Month, a time when we are to be appropriately unsettled by the injustices inflicted upon our black brothers and sisters for far too long. A recent visit to the African American Smithsonian Institute museum in Washington DC brought me to tears as I witnessed with clarity the untold number of lives impacted by the powerful who suppressed their basic human rights. Watching “Just Mercy” for the third time. Listening to MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech and reading again his “Letter from a  Birmingham Jail” and then discussing it with seminary students. All of this keeps the message in front of us, never to be forgotten. This all needs to be seen.

Fill in the blank…”Do you see this person?” It may be a woman, or a person of color, or a friend who’s abused, ignored, or irrationally powered over. 

The evidence that we don’t see is astounding: we allow another to be powered over, disregarded, excluded, rejected, colluded against, judged, or violated. We stand as bystanders without the courage to be seen with the unseen.

In contrast, this is how we show another that we indeed “see” them: we inquire of and listen to one another; we include and respect one another; we value and validate one another; we think the best of one another; we are both with and for one another; we withhold judgment from one another; we forgive and show grace to one another; and we love and appreciate one another.

Jesus asks Simon a question he also asks of us, “Do you see this woman?” Open the eyes of your heart today and see like Jesus sees. Your life won’t be the same for very long. 

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Hymn-Praying

This past Sunday I was in the middle of singing one of the worship leader-led hymns with our congregation and found my soul strangely warmed by the presence of the Spirit we call Holy.

I noticed my hands beginning to open up with a gentle gratitude to God. I closed my eyes briefly in hopes of capturing the fullness of the text I was singing, for perhaps the umpteenth time in my Christian life. I knew the hymn, each line holding deep significance for me. Right then and there I realized there was more for me in this hymn than I was able to capture at that moment with my worshipping community. The liturgy moved on, adding on to the hymn for the rest of the service.

I decided to return to the hymn later in the day and simply receive the text once more, praying the words one stanza at a time. I did just that. My soul was refreshed and renewed.

Perhaps something similar has happened to you recently. You’re singing your heart out with your fellow parishoners. You are struck by the words of praise, thankfulness, reflection or petition in one of the songs, hymns, or worship songs. There isn’t much time at that moment to capture the words fully. The worship continues, but the scent of his presence remains.

How about using that hymn later in the day or week to help you receive from the Lord and offer your heart back in worship, this time in your personal prayer closet? A spiritual practice you’re willing to try? If so, here’s the hymn that caught my heart’s attention and the words I returned to pray…may it serve as an encouragement to your soul as well.

Take My Life was written in 1874 by Frances Havergal, a poet, scholar, and deeply passionate lover of Jesus. Simply and sweetly she sang the love of God, and her writing invites us to do likewise. Let the words envelop you as you receive them as a gift of grace, a love letter from Jesus to you, a hymn-prayer from you to him.

Take My Life by Frances Havergal

1 Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise,
let them flow in endless praise.

2 Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee,
swift and beautiful for thee.

3 Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee,
filled with messages from thee.

4 Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose,
every power as thou shalt choose.

5 Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne,
it shall be thy royal throne.

6 Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee,
ever, only, all for thee.

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Embracing Your Belovedness

The story of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River is quite remarkable. His cousin John is conducting the ceremony. The text (Luke 3) tells us how the people were waiting expectantly for the Messiah, assuming it might be John. But, he corrects their inaccurate assumption by answering them, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

John’s words exhorted the people as he proclaimed the good news to them. They stood in line to receive their blessing.

Shortly thereafter, Jesus arrives riverside, ready to be baptized by John: unworthy to untie his sandals, but ready to facilitate his baptismal blessing. “And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3: 21-22)

You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased. A baker’s dozen of life-changing words from heaven. For Jesus. From the Father. In the form of a descending dove. The Voice. From heaven. Filled with affection. Received with joy.

When’s the last time you heard similar words from a loved one? Were you able to embrace the affirming expression of deep affection? Or, did you find yourself pushing back, unable to fully receive the words? Or, worse yet, perhaps you’ve never heard such affirming words from a loved one?

Knowing we are loved is life changing. Hearing the words is radical. Believing the sentiment is transformational. Delivering such words is a privilege. A gift and a joy all wrapped up as one.

Perhaps we don’t offer words of love because of the drought that exists in our own hearts. All of us need to know we are dearly loved. It begins with the words of the Heavenly Father to us, just as he delivered them to his Son, Jesus. Those words are ours to claim as well.

You are a dearly loved child of God. With you he is well pleased. Receive God’s love today and be transformed by the truth of that simple word. Then offer the love of God to all who cross your path today. I’m confident you’ll surprise many and please the One who delights most in your delivery.

Embrace your belovedness. Bless others accordingly. Start today.

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The Forgotten Question

What shall we do next? Where shall we go? When shall we meet? Who shall we invite? How shall we get there?


What, where, when, who, and how are by far the easiest questions to answer in life. We request and respond to each of them multiple times each day. 


The question we oft-forget is “Why?” – and it’s the question that matters most, is hardest to answer, and easiest to ignore, neglect, or resist.


When a two year old persistently asks us “Why?” with endless vigor, we immediately (or eventually) become impatient. “Because I said so” can become our most frequent reply. A shallow response from an adult who knows better, but grows tired of the constant barrage of the same question. The one that matters most.


Consider as well that underneath every “Why?” are at least five deeper “Why”’s that we rarely plummet. So if we’re impatient with one “Why?” how do we handle multiple appeals for an even deeper response. Try it out…ask a “Why”  question and then ask “Why?” multiple times thereafter and see where it takes you. Hopefully to a deeper, richer place.


On a recent Sabbath walk in my neighborhood, I picked up ten beautiful leaves that had fallen to the ground. They were shades of green, red, brown, yellow, and orange. A swath of gorgeous autumn in my hands. At first, as I picked them up it was easy to answer “Why?” Because my eyes were drawn to their glow in the sunshine. I praised God for his glorious creation.


As I walked, I thought further about what I could do with the leaves. Who would appreciate them most? What were they symbolizing to me at that very moment? Where could I place them? How about photographing them and posting on social media?


And then I was arrested by the thought. Why not simply enjoy their beauty, rather than post the photo on social media? To make sure my ‘friends’ were edified by what encouraged me? To point out my holy pursuit of a Sabbath walk and noticing God’s creation? To see how many ‘likes’ it will attain? To make it all about me?


I decided – thankfully and only by the grace of God – not to present the photo publically at all. To do so was filled with too many mixed motives, mostly surrounding my own insecurities. The deeper “Why’s” were calling forth a deeper response. One that would keep a sacred moment holy and not spoil it with self-prescribed grandiosity.


Now, I can hear your cynicism already…then “‘Why?” share this story at all? Good question!! Solely as an honest wrestling with a real life question, particularly about why we post anything whatsoever on social media (either rarely or multiple times each day).


The most-forgotten question for us today is “Why?” It affects every aspect of our lives: spiritually, relationally, physically, emotionally, vocationally, and financially. Pausing before speaking or doing or responding and prayerfully considering the “Why?” is always really good for your soul. 


Let’s ask “Why?” frequently, embrace it wholeheartedly, and prayerfully consider why before asking what, where, when, who and how. Observe with gratitude what happens as a result of plummeting the depth of “Why” (or why x 5) inside your heart, soul, mind, and life. 


Why? Because I said so :))! Haha…just kidding…it’s because your soul will find its deepest rest in God alone, not in pursuit of any other alternative self-focused affections which are considered more frequently to us, and are all too often absent of the most important question: “Why?”


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Alexander the Coppersmith

I’ve read the Bible from cover to cover multiple times. But, for whatever reason, I hadn’t noticed Alexander the Coppersmith until recently.

Do you know who he is and why he’s referenced specifically in the Scriptures?

In 2 Timothy 4, Paul references this rather obscure metalworker by name…as “one who did me a great deal of harm.” He warns Timothy, “You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.” And offers this assurance, “The Lord will repay him for what he has done.”

Scholars have speculated about who this is…someone previously referenced in Acts (an idolatrous business man) or 1 Timothy (who shipwrecked his faith with blasphemy)? We simply don’t know for sure.

I find it intriguing to note that Paul calls him out by name. The early Church would have known who Paul was referencing. Alexander the Coppersmith was obviously a thorn in Paul’s side and he warns Timothy, his young son in the faith, to keep his eyes and ears wide open to the harmful ways of Alexander.

What could have been the harm he mustered up against Paul?

Perhaps gossip or slander, speaking ill of the Apostle? Or, acting out against Paul in either word or deed? Holding a grudge against Paul, thinking he had impure motivations? Perhaps being unwilling to mend fences and ultimately withhold blessings? Powering over Paul with corruption, coercion, or condescension? Or simply unwilling to embrace the Gospel message of grace in Christ?

Bringing harm against a brother or sister in Christ is often unfathomable to consider. But, it happens all the time. Perhaps you have your own “Alexander the Coppersmith” who has brought you a great deal of harm. It’s more frequent than it should be, especially within the walls of the Church.

Paul reminds us here that it’s ok to name your accuser, especially in a letter to a trusted confidante like Timothy. And in calling him to account, remembering that it’s God who will deal with him according to the damages inflicted. In that we can rest assured. With our hearts wide open to receive the grace and mercy of Christ, we entrust our own Alexander to the Lord.

In this day of harmful treatment of/among/to Christian leaders, we are comforted by heeding the words of the Apostle, “The Lord stands by our side and gives us strength, so that our message might be fully proclaimed…he will rescue us from every evil attack and will bring us safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4: 14-18

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Our With-ness is Our Witness

Our With-ness is Our Witness
By Steve Macchia

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God. He was with God in the beginning.” (John 1: 1,2) The incarnation is God’s gift to us—the with-ness of the life of Jesus, promised prophetically for generations, came to live among us.

Emmanuel: God is With Us.

“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28) The angelic visitation to Mary assures her of the with-ness of God and the with-ness of the Spirit of God, in the forthcoming arrival of the mysterious and miraculous Christ child.

Jesus: God is For Us.

At the first nativity, not only were Mary and Joseph present, but soon there came shepherds who were visited by the heavenly host who appeared with the angel, praising God and announcing the Savior’s humble birth. They hurriedly went to Bethlehem to see this miracle that the Lord told them about.

Shepherds: God is With Us and For Us.

The shepherd’s with-ness at the birthplace of Jesus solidified their witness, for the shepherds responded by “spreading the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” (Luke 2: 17,18)

What was true then is true today. Our with-ness is our witness. When we are with God in worship or in creation, we speak of God’s promises and beauty. He is for us and offers his fullness to us. When we are with God in prayer, we offer our praises as we are assured of his attentiveness. When we are with God and among his people, we give voiced witness to our shared life of worship, love, and service.

However, when we are not with God, our witness is imperiled. We may speak of God “out there” but not out of an intimate with-ness. When we are not spending time with God, our witness is paled, lacking depth, perhaps merely a faint memory of old. He seems distant from us and no longer for us.

The same is true among the people of God. What right do we have to bear witness about those we have never shared a meaningful with-ness? Such words become gossip, assumption, judgment, or prejudice. What do we make of such witness: believe it to be true or question it’s veracity?

To say we bear witness without with-ness rings shallow at best. But, when we are with and for another, meaningfully connected to each other, sitting side-by-side, arm-in-arm, or better yet face-to-face, then we have invested enough to bear witness to the truth of another. Spoken without judgment or condemnation, choosing instead to honor and affirm.

In this week before Christmas let me encourage you to be with God and also to be with others. Fully with and for one another. Lending a listening ear. Offering an eye of compassion. Speaking a word of love. Sharing a helping hand. And then bearing witness to what you experience in your with-ness.

With credit to Dave Friedrich, pastor of Church of the Cross, Boston MA, I close with the following poem by Malcolm Guite, entitled O Emmanuel.

O Emmanual
by Malcolm Guite

O come, O come, and be our God-with-us
O long-sought With-ness for a world without,
O secret seed, O hidden spring of light.
Come to us Wisdom, come unspoken Name
Come Root, and Key, and King, and holy Flame,
O quickened little wick so tightly curled,
Be folded with us into time and place,
Unfold for us the mystery of grace
And make a womb of all this wounded world.
O heart of heaven beating in the earth,
O tiny hope within our hopelessness
Come to be born, to bear us to our birth,
To touch a dying world with new-made hands
And make these rags of time our swaddling bands.

In the coming days, as you approach Christmas with family and friends, may you cling to the desire of God to be with you, and in return I pray you will choose with-ness and intimacy for the sake of your soul and for the good of others.

In with-ness and witness of joy in the Incarnate Jesus, who came to be with us and who sacrificed himself to demonstrate that he’s for us.

Steve Macchia
A grateful disciple of Jesus

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Thanks to God for My Redeemer

In honor of our Salvation Army colleagues, this hymn was written by August Storm, who attended trade and agricultural schools before joining the Salvation Army where he served as finance secretary at Army headquarters in 1892. His poetry appeared in the Swedish War Cry Magazine. This hymn is great for personal, family, and community prayer and reflection this Thanksgiving.

Thanks to God for My Redeemer
by August Ludvig Storm

Thanks to God for my Redeemer,
Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a mem’ry,
Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,
Thanks for dark and stormy fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten,
Thanks for peace within my soul!

Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered,
Thanks for what Thou dost deny!
Thanks for storms that I have weathered,
Thanks for all Thou dost supply!
Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure,
Thanks for comfort in despair!
Thanks for grace that none can measure,
Thanks for love beyond compare!

Thanks for roses by the wayside,
Thanks for thorns their stems contain!
Thanks for home and thanks for fireside,
Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!
Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow,
Thanks for heav’nly peace with Thee!
Thanks for hope in the tomorrow.
Thanks for all eternity!

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