“Buy the truth and do not sell it– wisdom, instruction and insight as well” (Proverbs 23:23 New International Version).

I write The Silver Lining, because I want to share God’s truth freely with others. I don’t buy into false, worldly teachings; no Christian should. But sometimes Christians start looking and listening to what’s out there in the world, instead of to The One living within our hearts. Some Christians take a little detour, because they think they’ve found a better, easier way. But the Bible says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles. Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit” (Matt.7:13-16).

If you’ve been tricked by a false prophet, fake teachings, prosperity gospel, a cult, or a narcissist pretending to be a Christian; you’re not alone. When you find yourself a bit lost in a wild, enchanted forest; look for the silver lining: If you pursue Jesus, he will set you back onto the path of righteousness. Look how much he loves you; he even tells us the signs to look for, which differentiate a believer from a non-believer!   A good tree bears good fruit: This means that real, genuine Christians witness to others, and do their best to live lives that are pleasing to God, which results in other people being led to Christ.  A bad tree bears bad fruit: This means there are people out there who may walk and talk like “Christians,” but they are only pretending to be believers, while secretly living unrepentant lives. 

Whether you have fallen for a trick of the enemy out of sin, or whether you were deceived by an evildoer; God wants to plant your feet back on solid ground! Turn your face towards him; call on the name JESUS. He is righteous to save us! “Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous” (1 Jn. 3:7).

Genuine Christians bear good fruit!