Faken Christians!!!

 Greetings,

Faken is the new expression or term given to the Carlee Russel incident. I have been thinking critically about her mindset and motives as to why a 25-year-old beautiful black, seemingly intelligent woman would perpetrate such a grievous falsehood on herself, her community, her family, and her friends. Why?

The why is not so important in knowing when you summarily ask, but why like this? 

However, a greater truth is revealed through Ms. Russel's actions and some believers in the body of Christ. More than many will not admit to committing acts of "Faken" in that they too have created stories about seeing a toddler on the road walking by himself, calling 911, then proceeding to get out of their car and kidnapped and abducted, held against your will for two to three days and subsequently returning home (Church). 

We call these missing believers Christmas, Mother's Day, and Easter (CME) Christians in the church body. 

 

So, I ask the question again to those willing to participate in Faken acts. Why like this?

These missing believers' actions hinder their relationships with family, friends, community, and God. God has not called his true believers to a life of faken. 

So maybe, discernment is that these are not true believers because God's word directs our attention to these words:

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand John 10: 27-28 (KJV).

Moreover, as Christians, when a need arises in our lives, let's acknowledge the need, pray, and submit ourselves to God's will, which advances God's purposes, not ours. 

Remember this; God will do what He will do only when you do what he has called you to do.

Advancing the Kingdom,

Minister Sylvia Joyner

You Will Come Through This Too and Be Stronger!!!

 

Malachi 3:1-3

The Lord declared through the prophet Malachi: "Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD" (Malachi 3:1-3, ESV).

Do your life's battles (conflict, struggles, clashes) seem never-ending? 

I agree, and it's an overpowering experience we all experience.

However, God's word provides the secure anchor needed to see beyond the battles that, if left unchecked, will uproot our faith. I have learned through each action encountered they are growth opportunities. I know, I know, battles, growth, and opportunities. It seems like an oxymoron.

Think about the last battle you encountered; what did you learn?

What happens in the process of growth? As indicated by Malachi 3:1-3 referenced, in refining metals, the metal is heated until it melts, which releases the impurities from it, and then skimmed off, rising to the surface, leaving the pure metal. Without this action of skimming and melting, there could be no purifying. Hence, this action of impurities skimmed off the top allows for the worker's reflection to manifest. So it is with us; as God purifies us, his reflection in our life will become increasingly apparent to those around us. 

So why is refining an essential process for growth? 

As mentioned earlier, opportunities provide levels of growth needed for areas of purifying. Opportunities to grow are everywhere. Ephesians 5:16 says, "Making the best use of time, because the days are evil" (ESV). And Hebrews 4:7 emphasizes, "Again, he limited a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts" (KJV).

 The scripture asks: But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? God is coming back for a prepared people devoid of impurities.

Is God's reflection in your life increasingly apparent to those around you? 

Stronger in the Lord,

Minister Sylvia Joyner