Mid-week Devotional:

Week of April 26, 2026

The barn swallows have returned to their yearly nesting site at our home. Each year both male and female work together building their nest under the eaves on our front porch. When the nest is finished the female lays 3-7 eggs and incubation of the eggs begin. Both the female and male take part in the incubation.

This year the barn swallows decided to build their nest in a different corner under the eaves of the porch. Their new site gives me a wonderful view of their nest. While the female sits in the nest, I have a perfect view of the male perched on the railing of the deck. When the male sits on the railing he is able to see his mate in their nest and he can also watch the activity in our yard and the pasture beyond. Once all of the eggs have been laid the male barn swallow will spend time in the nest during incubation keeping the eggs warm while his mate searches for food to eat. Neither of the birds will grow weary of their work and quit. Neither of the birds will abandon their nest with their young within it. The birds will remain sure of what they are to do; to prepare a place for their fertilized eggs to be laid in, to bring forth new life, to feed their chicks, to tend to their needs, and to one day watch each fledgling leap out of the nest and fly. They will do all that God has instilled within them through His creation.

As I watch the pair of barn swallows, I am reminded that God keeps watch on all creation; including you and I through the presence of the Holy Spirit. No one is ever alone. Each is watched over through the good times and through the hard times.

The words written in the Gospel of John chapter 14, verses 16-17 are the words Jesus spoke to his disciples during the time of his last meal with them.

Hear the Word of God,

“16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. 17 This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.”

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

Jesus knew what was to come; his betrayal by Judas, his trial, crucifixion, and death.

-Jesus knew that he would be resurrected.

-Jesus knew that each of them would feel lost and alone.

Jesus gave each of his disciples the choice:

- to turn away and live in fear and doubt

-or

-remain faithful and believe that the Holy Spirit was there beside them.

The choice continues to be given to each person:

-remain closed; afraid to spread one’s wings of faith and believe

-or

-open oneself up to the presence of the Holy Spirit and soar on the wings of love and grace.

Today and in each day ahead each is given the choice.

I will be praying for you.

Peace be with you.

AMEN.

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