Final Messenger

He who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.
Matthew 10: 40

This final devotion is from ‘Mocha with Max’ from Max Lucado’s book by the same name and originally found in his book, ‘Just Like Jesus’.

Simplify your faith by seeking God for yourself. No confusing ceremonies necessary. No mysterious rituals required. No elaborate channels of command or levels of access. You have a Bible? You can study. You have a heart? You can pray. You have a mind? You can think. For those of you who say you are religious but do not attend church, this devotion is just for you. You can be spiritual, but you must do something to claim that. What you miss in some churches is the sense of community and service that come with a more structured approach. However, you must start somewhere, and Max Lucado has hit the nail on the head.

So, for all you spiritual but against organized religion out there, here is your assignment to claim your spirituality. For those who attend church, you are not off the hook here, you too have your assignment. And if you are looking for a caring and welcoming church, consider our partners in the Lutheran Saints in Ministry: Abiding Christ in Fairborn, Arise in Christ in Donnelsville, and Good Shepherd in West Milton. All will welcome you with open arms.

Now to an aside in my devotion: This is the last devotion from me for St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. We will have our closing worship and decommissioning of the church on Sunday September 27th at 1PM. You are welcome at our service. Masks and physical distancing will be required. Bishop Suzanne Dillahunt from the Southern Ohio Synod will be our presider. If you plan to attend, please contact the church office at 937-878-4700 to leave your name/reservation. It has been my pleasure to serve you through this devotional and to serve this church. As with many, I am sad to see any church close, but God is always making something new. This church will continue as a worship center, community center, and home of the Fairborn Historical Society. LSIM will manage the building over the next year to increase outreach and community involvement. JT Burcham will be the building manager and I will continue to be available in a chaplain role, providing for funerals, arrangements for weddings and special services. The St Marks sanctuary will be available for worship, new church plants, and the like. You may contact me through the church office. My devotionals will continue under LSIM sent out from Abiding Christ Lutheran Church.

Blessings to you this day and Be a Blessing to others!

Nancy Trimble, LSIM Deacon

Closing Service at St Marks will be Sun Sep 27 at 1pm. Bishop Dillahunt will help lead the service with music by Mary Anne Blazer.