Mid-week Devotional:

Week of May 17, 2026

Welcome to the Mid-week Devotional for the week of May 17, 2026.

This week I was reminded how important it is to reach out to the world around us seeking ways to help.

Both my husband and I grew up on farms in Minnesota. We learned at an early age that helping others was to be our norm. We remember picking rocks up in the fields, stacking square bales of hay on trailers out in the fields and then stacking the bales inside the hay lofts of our parent’s barns. We remember spending time each summer walking up and down the rows in all the fields of soybeans our fathers planted pulling weeds out by hand; one by one. We remember helping care for the livestock our parents owned; cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, chickens, and ducks all year around. We each had chores caring for the animals living on our family’s farm. All that we were assigned to complete helped our parents. ‍ ‍

This week we had 2 plumbers helping us. One of the plumbers is a close neighbor with whom we share a property line. Last week they installed 2 new hot water heaters for us. This week they returned to replace the seals beneath our commodes and check on the plumbing beneath our home which is on pier and beam. They expected everything would be okay because we haven’t had any problems in the past but that was not to be. They discovered there was no ventilation in place to prevent mold from growing. They found 2 pipes with small leaks and pipes connected together at incorrect angles that prevented proper flow. They found pipes lying flat on the ground unsupported by the beams above them. All the pipes and fittings were PVC plus there was no insulation on any of the pipes. Instead of rescheduling us to a later date they made time within their busy schedule to help us. All of the old plumbing has been replaced with new PEX tubing installed correctly and up to code. We are so very thankful for their help.‍ ‍

Scripture from the New Testament book of Romans, Romans 12:13a, as written in the Living Bible speaks of how God calls everyone, both you and I, are to respond to the needs of the world around them.‍ ‍

Hear the Word of God,‍ ‍

“13a When God’s children are in need, you be the one to help them out.”‍ ‍

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

When you read these words over and over a few times you may get the feeling that God is pointing at you. It is like that recruitment poster printed by the United States government during World War I of “Uncle Sam” pointing a finger outward from the poster encouraging young men to enlist. It first appeared on the cover page of an issue of Leslie’s Weekly magazine on July 6, 1916 with an article inside titled ‘What Are You doing for Preparedness?’ “urging people to action.”

(https://time.com/4725856/uncle-sam-poster-history) ‍

In this scripture from Romans we are urged to action, to share one’s faith through our words and actions not some of the time but at all times.‍ ‍

We are reminded that each of us, you and I, are called to help others.

• It may be something simple such as opening a door for someone, smiling at the stranger you meet in the aisle at Wal-Mart.

• It may be reaching out to your neighbor asking if there is anything you can pick up for them at the store.

• It may be asking a co-worker or a friend how you can help them physically, or by asking them if they have prayer requests that you can pray with them and lift them up within your daily prayers.

‍Today and in the days ahead may you be ever mindful that “… you be the one to help…” (v. 13a).

‍ I will be praying for you.

‍ Peace be with you,

‍ AMEN.