When God snatched my stepsister back from the dark side, she read the entire Bible in three months. Three months! It takes me a whole year to read through the Bible. I felt convicted.

My excuse, at that time, was . . .

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
    His faithful love endures forever. ! Chronicles 16:34

Do you long for God’s presence, but don’t know how to get there? Thankfulness is the key.

Thankfulness is the door (gate) that gives us access to God’s courtyard. Once we are in the house of God, we commune with God in praise and worship.

The world’s depravity stems from the root of unthankfulness . . .

Jesus said, “I am the true vine.” John 15:1

The news media (if they can be believed) tells us that more than ever Americans fear for the state of our nation if their candidate doesn’t win the election.

If that is you, I am here to encourage you: . . .

• Psalm 1:3: "He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that He does, He prospers."

Today, October 23, 2024, we are nearing the end of the Feast of Tabernacles which is described in the verse above. This feast day is also called The Ingathering, and the Feast of Booths for the temporary shelters constructed to celebrate. The Hebrew word is . . .

The cattle on a thousand hills are Mine. Psalm 50:10

 I read this verse in Psalms and wondered if the makers of the first telescope thought they would see the throne of God above the firmament. Were they disappointed to find only stars? . . . .

The joy of the LORD is my strength. Nehemiah 8:10

 The subtle allegories of poetry often elude my grasp. Three-thousand-year-old poetry, as in the Song of Songs, leaves me completely baffled. The Sacred Journey by Brian and Candice Simmons brings clarity and insight that I can grab ahold of. Their understanding of the poetry provides food for my devotion. . . .

In Song of Songs 5, the bride . . . .

And the sound of His coming was like the roar of rushing waters, and the whole landscape shone with his glory. Ezekiel 43:2