Mid-week Devotional:
Week of January 18, 2026
Scripture for this week’s Mid-week Devotional comes from the Old Testament book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah 9:6
Hear the Word of God,
“6 And Ezra said: ‘You are the LORD, you alone; you have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all is in them. To all of them you give life, and the host of heaven worships you.’”
This is God’s word for God’s people. Thanks be to God. AMEN.
My husband and I are walkers. We walk at least 3 miles each day unless there is pouring down rain. When we are home, we walk along the country roads where we live. When we go to Mineola for groceries, we walk at a Nature Preserve that is nearby. When we are in Canton, we walk a trail by the city soccer fields and tennis courts.
We really enjoy walking the trail in Canton because half of the trail follows the shore line of a small lake. Each time we walk there we are graced by the presence of lots of birds including mallards, geese, hawks, and blue herons. Almost every time we walk there we see at least one blue heron standing in the shallow water by the shore. Each time we pass by the blue heron it remains standing looking out upon the lake. We marvel at the coloring of its plumage, its long slender legs, and its stoic demeanor. Sometimes the blue heron decides to fly across the lake to the other side. When that occurs, we stop and watch its flight in awe. The blue heron flies so low across the lake that one would think its wings would touch the water but they never do. Each time we witness the flight of the blue heron it is perfect.
Witnessing the flight of the blue heron I am reminded that God created the heron and its perfection.
I am reminded that God created me perfect in my mother’s womb but it is my words and actions that have the ability to separate me from God. When my words are not kind but instead criticizing those are the times when I stumble and fall.
Witnessing the flawless flight of the blue heron over and over…
reminds me that each morning when I wake up God gives me another day to make choices that are loving, kind, and gracious to all those I encounter for it is in those times that I am able to glide like the blue heron and not stumble and fall.
In the days ahead may you take time to reflect upon the choices that you make as you move through your day.
It is my prayer that your choices are loving, kind, and gracious.
I will be praying for you.
Peace be with you.
AMEN.