Mid-week Devotional:
Week of January 4, 2026
This week we dropped off our collection of cardboard, paper, bottles, and plastic at the recycling center in Tyler. Each time we drive to the recycling center we take the same route and each time I see a small house on a busy street. You may wonder why I share this with you but the house is unique. It is the only house on that street. It is surrounded by tire repair businesses and boarded up deserted cafes. Each time we pass by I look for evidence that someone still lives there.
Each time we pass it appears that someone calls this house home. The lawn is mowed, curtains are open within its windows, and there is at least one vehicle in the driveway.
Each time I drive by I wonder if anyone else notices life within this small house as they pass by. I wonder how many are “blind” to those who call it home and their needs.
Scripture for this week’s Mid-week Devotional comes from the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy, Deuteronomy 15:11
Hear the word of God.
“11 Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth. Therefore, I command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.”
This is God’s Word for God’s people. AMEN.
Growing up every family within our area knew each other. They knew each family more than just their names, the number of children they had, and how old they were. They knew each family as friends, as ones they could call upon for help if needed and vice versa. Everyone helped each other during planting and harvest if there was need. If someone passed within a family everyone reached out to the family beyond sending a card in the mail. They brought food, helped with chores that needed to be done around the farm, helped with child care if needed, and even helped with the preparation for a funeral whether it was held in the family’s home or in the church they attended.
Everyone knew their neighbors without a cell phone or the internet. They knew their neighbors because they interacted with them face-2-face. In today’s world many do not know their neighbors. They may know what kind of vehicle their neighbor drives and its color because they see them arrive and leave their home but beyond that they know very little about them and their needs.
Scripture from Deuteronomy 15:11 reminds you and I that there is always someone in need.
You and I are called to no longer be blind to those in need.
You and I are called to reach out and help them.
In the days ahead may you and I look around those living within our neighborhoods with new eyes and open hearts.
May you and I ask ourselves:
Do I know who my neighbors are?
When was the last time I reached out to them to see how they are doing?
Is there something I can do to help them?
May you remember that God will be there beside you as you reach out and serve the needs of others.
Peace be with you,
AMEN.