Mid-week Devotional:

Week of July 5, 2026

Mid-week Devotional - week of July 5, 2026
Rev. Joanne Elston

Each evening my husband and I take time to sit outside on the terrace in front of the building where we are living here in Minnesota. From where I sit on the terrace, I can see at least two miles to the east where there are rolling hill sides.  There are areas of trees here and there surrounding farm buildings and homes. From where I sit, I can watch the birds fly back and forth to the bird feeders and their nests. From where I sit, I can hear the birds singing their evening songs. From where I sit, I can watch my brother’s bulls graze on the hillsides of the pasture in front of me.

From where I sit, I am reminded that all is God’s creation and God is surrounding me.

Instead of feeling exhausted and spent by the day’s activities and work I am filled with peace.

  • It is here, in this place where I grew up, on the same land that my father tilled, on the same land that my brother and Godson now till that it is here that I am filled with peace.

  • It is here, in this place, that there is no need to follow a daily routine set in place by someone else. There is no time sheet to turn in at the end of the week of how many hours I worked each day.

  • It is here, in this place, that I no longer search for how to fit into the ways of the world around me.

  • It is here, in this place, that I am thankful for God’s grace and for the gifts God has bestowed upon me.

  • It is here, in this place, that I am refreshed by God’s presence that surrounds me 24/7.

  • It is here, in this place, that God reminds me with every breath I take that I am to share God’s love and grace to all people through all my words and actions.

Hear the Word of God as it is written in Isaiah 40: 28, 31

“28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. … 31… those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

This is God’s Word for God’s people. Thanks be to God.

Today and in the days ahead, I pray that you will take time to consider deeply:

-who you are to the world around you

-who you are as God’s creation

-how will you help fill the needs of others and share God’s love and peace.

I will be praying for you.

Peace be with you.

AMEN.