by Ricky Doc Sauceda
I had thought about a theme on trees to write about today. I now find myself drawn to the theme of prosperity because it is an issue I see a lot of Christians struggling with. It is a vital one that we need to deal with on a level of understanding with Jesus Christ. Do not be distracted by the other books of the bible...focus on what Jesus Christ taught us on this matter. It is very important that you understand the Lord's view, not our own.
Matthew 5:17-18
The Fulfillment of the Law
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
That being said, I was a person who wanted success in life. I wanted to finish my degree plan at college and enjoy the fruits of my higher education. It was not to be. I wanted to work hard and earn my way to the top of a national restaurant chain. It was not to be. I decided long ago to be satisfied with what the Lord provided me and it lasted almost twenty years. Now I await a new direction as I am headed into another phase of my life.
I want to tell you of a temptation that came to me by a very real group of people based in New York City. They are from various careers and all amazingly successful, and they have an organization that recruits members from time to time. I was selected by this group with a very lengthy letter and I researched all of what they claimed. They are very serious and very real.
The letter stated that I possessed hidden talents that they regard as phenomenal as the basis for my selection. Money, power, success, love...all of these were promised to me through a book they would send me for free. All I had to do was check a box on the last page and either mail or fax it to them by a certain date. The book is real...the people are real...the organization is real.
I prayed and decided to listen to the Holy Spirit...I wrote them a letter and enclosed it in the return envelope and sent that to them. I passed on this offer because my life belongs to Jesus Christ...the Lamb of God. I have no regrets on my decision. I followed the heed of my Lord and I did not hesitate to listen to Him.
The organization sends the mail from Dover, Delaware...the fax number and office is in New York City. They have attempted to recruit Christians into their group. People who have abilities and gifts that they recognize could be used to do great things for the Lord. The reason they are recruiting is to hamper the work of the Lord through us. They are actually trying to decrease or eliminate the number of people that the Lord is preparing for their path.
The big thing that stands out is the "love" angle. Love is from the Lord...He is love. Only the Lord can provide this, but imagine the temptation someone might deal with if they are struggling, like some of the members were when they joined. A year later, the cycle of their methods provides many earthly pleasures...and that is the problem. We, as Christians, need to know that this is not Godly. This is desires of the heart, but the wrong ones.
It is possible you may receive a letter like mine...if you are "in your cycle" as they put it. They have people who do a profile on the candidates: they know everything about you and put it in your letter. It is amazing what length they go to to entice you into their organization. Do not fall for it. Lucifer is their leader...that is not something they put in their letter.
Remember Jesus' forty days and nights in the desert? Remember how Lucifer (Satan/The Devil) tempted the Lord? That is all this is...the same thing. You are precious and have worked hard on your faith...do not fall into temptation. There is a website where people have gone to and reported many of these letters. Every one of them had an ability/gift that the letter described...this shocked and awed every one of the people who registered complaints, but they held firm and did not fall for the offer.
Some of these letters are 3-4 pages, and one was 6 pages as reported by the others...mine was eight pages long.
Be careful. If you get one of these letters from NLE...do not accept the offer. You will be sorry if you truly love the Lord. You are not going to be happy with the result from accepting the offer. The temptations are always there for us, be strong and stay true to the Lord.
Blessings to you.