Good Ole Soul Food Recipes

A friend shared this with me. I pray that you are blessed. Sonya Johnson

At the grocery store this morning, I heard a loud crash and something shattering. Being nosy, I walked towards the sound and saw some people whispering and looking back to the end of the next aisle. When I walked down that aisle, I saw an older lady had hit a shelf and many things had fallen to the ground and broke. She was kneeling on the floor embarrassed, frantically trying to clean up.


I felt so bad for her, and everyone was just standing there staring at her. So I went and knelt beside her and told her not to worry and started helping her pick up the broken pieces. After about a minute, the store manager came and knelt beside us and said, “Leave it, we will clean this up.” The lady, totally embarrassed said, “I need to pay for all this first.” The manager smiled, helped her to her feet and said, “No ma’am, we have insurance for this, you do not have to pay anything!”


If you have read this far, I would like for you to give me a minute. Wherever you are, close your eyes, and imagine God doing the same for you!


Collecting the pieces of your broken heart from all the blows life has thrown at you. The bill for your faults, sin and folly has already been paid through the precious blood of Christ. God will heal all your wounds. He wants to gently lift you to your feet again, clean up your mess, and pick up all the broken pieces. He wants to heal you! He wants to take care of your soul!


We can have that same insurance and it’s called GRACE! 💪💪
Somebody say, Amen. Melissa Johnson

No Greater Love–Sabbath Blessings of Peace

The tumultuous times for this week are over. And we made it to the Sabbath. Yes, I also feel weary. And that is one of the reasons, I exclude all secular activities and busyness for the next 24 hours. This time belongs to God. I have bundled all of my problems and worries and sent them to God by Prayer Express. Here I am to worship and bow down before the King of Kings. Happy Sabbath!

“Me versus We” Where Do We Stand?

When I awaken each morning, I enter into worship, thanking God for receiving the new mercies for a new day. This morning, the Holy Spirit prompted me to read my evening devotional, which spoke about “a life centered in self.”

In the mid to late 90s, I worked in New York City, which required public transportation due to limited parking and traffic gridlocks. The New Jersey Transit system accommodated their interstate commuters with comfortable buses, making the 60-75 minute commute tolerable. I experienced an entirely new dimension of life in Upper Manhattan. The diversity of the various cultures revealed itself through the foods, clothing, languages, stores. Yes, it was fast, but every aspect of the city’s daily activities was exciting, with one exception. One concept boldly stood out–people had no consideration for others. Their observable behaviors and spoken words reflected “Only Me.”

Growing up with a Mother who is an ordained minister produced a benevolent spirit within me. In the church we attended, members helped each other along with many people in their communities. My elementary education was in a private Christian school, which instilled in the students to help those in need. We had field trips 1-2 times monthly to participate in charitable community activities. But a change has occurred in my mindset since I now live as head of household. My prevailing thoughts usually consist of my present and future.

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.” Matthew 6:31-32

So, lets look at two perspectives [ psychosocial and spiritual] of “Me versus We.”

“Me versus We” is not a new concept. Sociology is a social science that analyzes human interactions, the study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society. 

One big difference that psychologists have found between cultures is the difference between independence vs. interdependence as ways of thinking. These two ways of thinking come down to how we think of ourselves. One way of thinking is to consider yourself as an independent entity, focused on your own needs and desires. Another way of thinking is to consider yourself as an interdependent entity, focused on how you fit within a group of people. http://socialpsychonline.com/2016/01/independence-vs-interdependence-mindsets/

New research has shown that these mindsets can have a lot to do with how we visually see the world around us. socialpsychonline.com.

What a powerful and revealing concept; we are influenced by what we see.

The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. Mathew 6:22.

The things that we visualize with our eyes can propel us into changing our morals, values, and influence us to participate in sinful and dangerous activities. David warns us of looking without restraint: I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. Psalm 101:3. Our eyes feed our desires. Eventually, we become desensitized to the devastation of sin. Instead of hating sin, as God does, we begin to enjoy the things that our eyes see.

We may console ourselves by saying, “But I do help others through my contributions.” Yes, we have philanthropists, non-profit organizations, persons who give charitable contributions and perform good deeds because they are motivated to help those in need. But that is not how God sees the spiritual aspect of “Me versus We.” Being a servant of God is not the same as a being a financial contributor. Jesus is the role model for the believer. Throughout Jesus’ life, His love and compassion is displayed for humanity by meeting their physical and spiritual needs through teaching the Word of God, and countless acts of alleviating suffering. He stood for justice [remember the woman caught in adultery?], fed multitudes, healed physical ailments, and raised the dead.

Jesus’ conversation with His disciples:

When evening came, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. Dismiss the crowds so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” “They do not need to go away,” Jesus replied. “You give them something to eat.” Matthew 14:15-16.

We are also Jesus’ disciples. Where do we stand? Which mindset are we embracing, Me or We? Are we dismissing those in need by looking the other way? Do we consider giving back our tithe and offerings enough? What does God require of us?

Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the needy. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people. Psalm 82:3-4

In all things, I have shown you that by working hard in this way, we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

Carry the burden of souls upon your heart, and by every means in your power, seek to save the lost. As you receive the Spirit of Christ—the Spirit of unselfish love and labor for others—you will grow and bring forth fruit. The graces of the Spirit will ripen in your character. Your faith will increase, your convictions deepen, your love be made perfect. More and more, you will reflect the likeness of Christ in all that is pure, noble, and lovely.”—Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 67, 68.

Bible Study: 2 Kings 4 [Elisha Helps a Poor Widow]

Prayer: God, we confess and ask repentance for possessing a “Me” mindset. We desire to serve others as you continue to serve us. We ask you to please reveal the persons who need physical provisions and spiritual comfort. As we enter the Sabbath, please help us to focus on your life of serving humanity. In Jesus’ Holy name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

God’s GPS-Global Positioning and Protection System

Life is full of learning opportunities, but it also has many risks. Whether good or bad, most often we learn from experience. Truthfully, my preferences are to take the challenges to God and wait for guidance.

Even so, God also provides us with the opportunities to learn from other individuals who have “been there, done that” and will share how to avoid the negative outcome of consequences. 

When the GPS directional system first became popular, my mom was in the hospital. While the nurses were in her room, her Pastor and I were in the visitor’s lobby chatting about different things. And then, we started talking about the benefits of the GPS-Navigation, which provided the ease of putting in an address and simply following the directions versus maps. We laughed as we spoke about the wonders of human innovation and embracing progress. 

But then the conversation changed regarding the downside–yes, the cons of using a GPS. The system operates and is dependent on satellites–Satellite Navigation is based on a global network of satellites that transmit radio signals in medium-earth orbit. faa.gov. 

Pastor Brown proceeded to warn me against total dependency on the step-by-step directions, especially to a place you are traveling to for the first time. Your endpoint destination may differ from your desired destination, and inclement weather may interfere with or render the GPS useless.

His parting words, “God has given us a sound mind and common sense, technology cannot replace our ability to adapt to any given situation.”

In February, when traveling from Texas to Florida for relocation, I remembered and embraced the wise advice from Pastor Brown. The journey was 1400 miles in uncharted territory. I used Google Maps to plug in five destination points for my four-day journey and printed out several pages of directions. Several times during my trip, thunderstorms and heavy rain rendered my GPS Navigation useless. 

We face a life-long journey of unexpected challenges and dangers during our time on earth. Truthfully, humanity has a rough and rugged path to travel on from the day of our birth. “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33, BSB). Isn’t this the reason we serve God?

Surrender and commitment to God, the Father, God, Jesus Christ, His Son, and God, the Holy Spirit is the essence of true Christianity. God has positioned us in the 21st century [yes, we are living in the Last Days], and liberally provided us with the Scriptures, which give definitive instructions on how to live holy.

The Bible is Life! We have total access to the history of planet Earth’s beginning, and the end of the controversy of Good and Evil, God’s never failing Love and Divine Intervention, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and His gift of Redemption, which every believer is expected to tell others about.

Through the power of God, we receive strength, wisdom, and guidance. Our responsibility is to persevere with faith, trust, and obedience, preparing every day for the Soon Coming of our Triumphant King.

From worshiping God in Spirit and Truth, we can live a victorious life, and reach our final destination. God’s Instructions and Spiritual Road Maps are neatly packaged in the Holy Bible, God’s Positioning and Protection System.

For us to be under God’s GPS, we must accept these doctrines:

Jesus Christ is the only one way to God. [Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6]. Fact: Every religion with the exception of Christianity negates Jesus as the only Way to Salvation.

Love: “‘Jesus declared, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.’ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39

Faith: God has given each of us a measure of faith. Faith is action, we must believe without doubts.

“And without faith [believing that God will always fulfill His promises] it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6).

Prayer and Bible Study connects us to God and gives us the power to overcome. The Bible is our Roadmap to living righteously, and empowers us to choose right doing which leads to God giving us victorious outcomes.

Prayer-“Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend.” Ellen G. White

Human Effort + Divine Intervention = A Victorious Outcome and the Reward of Eternal Life

  1. Human Effort: Maintaining our relationship with Jesus is the only way to live as an overcomer. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).
  2. Human Effort: Prayer is our life-line. “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
  3. Human Effort: Diligently study the Bible. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
  4. Human Effort: We need godly wisdom. Having knowledge is not enough. “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5).
  5. Human Effort: Total surrender and obedience to God is required. “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12).
  6. Human Effort: Pray daily for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26).
  7. Human Effort: The Great Commission is to witness. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20, first part).
  8. Divine Intervention: We are never alone! “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20, last part).
  9. Divine Intervention: God-given instructions on how to overcome Satan’s temptations. “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41).
  10. Divine Intervention: God promises that He would always take care of us by fighting our battles. “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
    (Exodus 14:14).
  11. Divine Intervention: Jesus promised that our sorrows, trials, and hardships will not crush us. “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2).

God’s Protection

Truth: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12).

There is a false belief expressed on Social Media: Evil spirits can invade us [as in demon possession], our families, and our homes, although we are doing our best to serve God. Not true!

Yes, we can expect attacks from the evil one. Satan enjoys placing fear, discouragement, doubt, and unbelief in our minds with many false beliefs and teachings. Do not believe the lies that the fallen angel is more powerful than the Sovereign Triune God. Hallelujah!

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Satan and his evil angels are present on this earth. But in the next verse God gives us detailed instructions on what we need to do.

Human Effort: “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—”(Ephesians 6:14-19).

Divine Intervention: “For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up [hold you up], Lest you dash your foot against a stone [so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone].” (Psalm 91:11-12, Amplified Bible).

Everyday, our angels are protecting us from the evil ones [spiritual warfare]. If Satan had unrestricted power, he would have killed Job [read Job chapter 1] and every present believer in the Omnipotent and Omniscient God would be dead.

Do not fear! God loves us, and He has us. Even in our darkest storms, God will never let Satan beat us down. We are always protected by our Heavenly Father!

God’s Spiritual Positioning and Protection System works 24/7, especially during our storms. Let God direct you in every aspect of your life. Jesus loves us, died, and was resurrected for humanity. Stay under the protection God!

Do not look to the left or to the right. Keep your spiritual eyes focused on Jesus. Despite the last-day events and hardships we face, God’s directions are leading us home.

Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Revelation 22:1

Bible reading: Psalm 91, a Song of God’s Protection

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you for placing us under the safety of your Divine GPS. We desire to receive our reward of eternal life. Please give us strength to continue our earthly journey. We ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Give us understanding, and wisdom as we study the Scriptures. Thank you for loving us and the gifts of Your Grace and Mercies of a new day. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray. Amen.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

My Heart Belongs to You

We often think of the invisible God as being very distant from humanity. But is that accurate? Isn’t it in our hardships and sorrows that we feel abandoned? In Psalm 27, King David expresses that he was surrounded by enemies–men who were his closest advisors but wished his death. Was David aware that God knew his circumstances? Yes, but he honestly expressed his innermost feelings of being afraid. And rightfully so, we cannot imagine living every day with people in our homes plotting our demise.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—
so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?
2 When evil people come to devour me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
I will remain confident. Psalm 27:1-3

Our Heavenly Father sees and knows that the human heart is fragile. God is also aware that our hardships usually result in disconnecting ourselves from Him when we feel threatened and powerless. We are weakened by the unexpected; spiritual warfare, financial difficulties, family issues, loneliness, material loss, illnesses, broken relationships, the death of a loved one. First, we must acknowledge that the trials and sorrows in our lives cause pain and suffering, mentally, emotionally, and physically in illnesses. But have confidence, knowing that it is not God’s purpose to break or crush us. God’s purpose for our trials: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 

During our challenges, human effort is required. God is waiting for us to seek His help and strength through prayer. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Within each of us is the buried response of “where is God? During our trials, we quickly forget God, our Deliverer when faced with overwhelming circumstances. Fear instead of faith comes easily when we perceive that our hardships are bigger than God. Identifying our perception of God involves an honest and in-depth self-evaluation. “How do I see God?”

Without believing, “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27, we will continue to doubt the Omnipotence–supernatural power of God, our Creator, Provider, and Sustainer.

Still, in His loving-kindness and mercy, God reaches out to His beloved.

    1. Through the Lord’s mercies, we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
    2. My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” Psalm 27:8

We may acknowledge the power of God, but do we belong to him? Have we given God our hearts? Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” John 10:14. Our commitment to God is reliant on surrender, commitment, total faith and trust. Doing our part means having a dependent relationship with God, our Father. Yes, we are to become as little children, totally dependent on the love and power of our Heavenly Father. Human Effort + Divine Intervention = Victory!

To experience daily spiritual growth, our hearts must stay connected to Jesus Christ, who is the only way to God. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

There are many benefits to giving our hearts to God. First, we gain total peace, resulting in spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical strength. Faith and trust in God, even during stormy trials, give us courage, contentment, and confidence. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7

We can achieve peace during the harshest trials and sorrows. Knowing that we will feel the pain that accompanies spiritual growth; yet, trusting in God gives us the strength to press on, in Jesus’ name. God is preparing us for eternal life. Jesus gave His life that we may receive immortality and live in the New Heaven and New Earth when He comes again. Giving our heart [total commitment] to our Savior will produce the character traits of love, faith, trust, patience, obedience, courage, and confidence. Yes, it is time for us to have a heart-to-heart relationship with Jesus Christ.

Prayer: God, we are going through some hard times and we need your love, comfort, and divine intervention. Please give us the strength to endure our trials. We are confident that you will bring victory. We ask this prayer in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

The Prevailing Darkness

“Home is where the heart is” PROVERB: Your home will always be the place for which you feel the deepest affection, no matter where you are.

Our homes are the safest place, non-threatening, lovingly embracing, and sheltering us from the chaos, confusion, and busyness of our external environment. We enjoy the moments of solitude and silence from the never-ending maximum speed of the world surrounding us.

The dynamics of human life have escalated to the point that many individuals are leaving their corporate positions, selling their homes, and seeking that perfect place that provides peace and tranquility. Yes, getting away from it all has its advantages. Still, it will not stop the vicissitudes [a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant] of life.

In fact, I recently listened to a young wife express her devastation over the years they planned an extraordinary lifestyle–RVing, purchasing a few acres of forested land, and visiting every state within the U.S., only to have their dreams shattered. Within six months of living their dream, the husband developed stage 4 cancer and passed away. 

Sin and death were not God’s plans or His fault. Yes, He is Omniscient and was aware that Lucifer would incite an insurrection, and that human beings, His masterpiece would disobey and fall deep into the abyss of darkness. With unconditional love, God created us, gave us the greatest gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. It is Jesus who still serves us. As our Heavenly Intercessor, Jesus hears our prayers of confession, and repentance, readily forgiving us. All of our prayers are sent through by the Holy Spirit, including prayers for comfort, and physical necessities. Jesus Christ forgives us daily and presents us as faultless to God, our Father. We should have a committed relationship with God, our Creator who gives us a never-ending supply of love, grace and mercies every day.  

Sadly, humans have been deceived by Satan, our Arch-enemy since the fall of Adam and Eve. Where did the deception take place? In the Garden of Eden–the first couple’s home, their safe-haven. And why was the Prince of Darkness so effective in his diabolical plot? Because he presented God as withholding the best–superior knowledge like gods possessed from Adam and Eve. But deep in the recesses of his mind, Satan also thought that God would destroy the first human beings, Adam and Eve for their disobedience. But little did the Prince of Darkness realize that humanity would not be destroyed. The Plan of Salvation and Redemption–Jesus’ death and resurrection was set into place before Adam and Eve were created.

Isaiah 14:12 tells us, “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!” Isaiah 14:12. To be called the “Son of the Morning” [morning star, son of the dawn], Lucifer’s beauty was beyond our most active imagination. Are we mesmerized by beauty? Yes, exterior appearances, the excellence of natural talents and abilities of people is who we worship–the entertainment industry, the sports arena, art, fashion, and glamour, is fueled by billions of dollars while our social problems escalate globally. 

Lucifer had the desire for much more than he was given by God. He convinced some of the angels that God was unfair and he led an insurrection against the Creator of angels and humanity. If we were created lower than the angels, [For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor. Psalm 8:5], then know that he easily twisted God’s commands. His deceitful words caused Eve to doubt God. Satan’s lies also led her to act on her desire to eat from the forbidden tree. Adam had the choice not to sin, but like many of us today we make the decision to commit the grievous sin of disobedience. And that was the beginning of the Fall of Man–humanity.

We cannot be compelled or forced to sin. It is our desire to sin fueled by desire, doubt, and disbelief in God.

And we are still falling deep into the abyss of darkness, pulled by our desire to possess more than God has given to us. We are drawn into Satan’s darkness through his deception–he presents the fun activities of the occult, mysticism, spells, witchcraft, voodoo, Goth, the exciting thoughts of entering realms from beyond, going backward or forward into time, and our all-time favorite–magic: the power of illusion.

In fact, Disney’s movies Black Widow, Cruella, Magic Camp, Soul, etc., have been used to introduce Satan’s “darkness” into our families–the children whose minds are like sponges eagerly ask to watch the deceptive wickedness. Once act on our desires, the seed of darkness is planted, and it grows out-of-control. Eventually, our homes become a dwelling-place for the satanic behaviors of abject disobedience, bullying, mental and emotional neglect. We become tangled in the web of deception and our character changes. Love dissipates through the open door and windows, producing unhealthy family relationships, and dissolves our desire to worship God.

Yes, our frustration with life has led us to seek an alternate route for resolution of our problems. We are inundated with fortune-tellers, tarot card readers, witches, and warlocks, potions, etc. Loneliness has driven us to accept the biggest deception; active communication with the dead. This area is Satan’s playground. Many “Christian believers” also engage in speaking to the deceased or knowing their future. This is what God says:

“For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; there is no longer any reward for them because all memory of them is lost.” Ecclesiastes 9:5

Do you think that delving into darkness has no consequences? I recently saw on TikTok a lifelike doll created in the exact image of the baby that had died. It is known as the “Reborn Doll.” It gives the parents the ability to touch, hold, and speak with their deceased baby forever. If this phenomenon does not make you awaken you to the prevailing darkness in this world. Pray immediately! You have become desensitized to the power of evil.

God has given us His guidelines. Read the warnings in Leviticus 19. The only evil practice that has changed from biblical times to the present is the sacrifice of human beings [as far as we know]. The Israelites loved to engage in pagan worship.

“Do not defile yourselves by turning to mediums or to those who consult the spirits of the dead. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:31

The Bible provides the most accurate history of paganism. The Israelites freed from Egyptian slavery never received their reward of entering the Promised Land. “We remember the fish we used to eat for free in Egypt. And we had all the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic we wanted.” Numbers 11:5. If their complaints were not accurately documented in the Bible, one may think and laugh out loud, “Who would desire to return to slavery over food?”

Our carnal cravings have propelled us into a world of darkness far more advanced than the biblical Israelites. We have embraced ungodly beliefs, rituals, art, movies, music, morals, values, and norms that feed our desires for the unknown–a dimension beyond our boring existence. The pursuit of happiness is causing us to achieve our desires by any means necessary. 

Satan’s most significant achievements in the 21st Century:

  1. Acceptance of false teachings and false prophets who speak false prophecies.
  2. Churches who water down the scriptures. Pastors preaching motivational speeches as the money flows in from members hearing “feel-good sermons.”
  3. Sexual immorality. Marital infidelity, etc.
  4. The state of the dead–the belief they are among us, reincarnation, rebirth, ghosts, the dead presently in heaven or hell, etc.
  5. Chasing success and material wealth.
  6. Fascination with the occult.
  7. Abusive and neglectful relationships.
  8. Challenging God’s truth–the Bible.
  9. Presenting himself as a victim–Lucifer, the fallen angel who God refused to forgive.
  10. Leading us to turn ourselves into idols. “I worship myself by pursuing my right to happiness.”
  11. Just believe that God exists, and you will receive eternal life.

But the greatest modern-day deception is that “Jesus Christ is not the Son of God and He is not the way to God or salvation.” Read: John 14:6.

Many have given up the hope that Jesus Christ is coming again. Even so, it is of no consequence how we believe. He said it and God cannot lie.

“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 22:12-13

The Reality: The darkness in our world can only be overshadowed by the Light of the World–Jesus Christ.

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 5:1-7

We cannot blend righteousness with ungodly people, places, and rituals of this life. God has planned a perfect home for the faithful. Read Revelation chapters 21-22 every day until you can form a visual picture of your forever home.

But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Prayer: God, we pray for your strength and power to shield ourselves against the spiritual wickedness on earth. May we have the desire and make preparation for eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson