TheSpiritualIdentityGuy

A ‘Gold Digger’ is someone who wants you for what you have, or for what you can do for them; they really have no interest in what you want! I have come to the realization that I have been a trifling Gold Digger in my pursuit of God. I had to repent, because in my trying to avoid going to Hell, gain eternal life, have my name written in the ‘Lamb’s Book of Life’,  receive the ‘Promises of God’ as an heir of Abraham thriving in the Kingdom, I failed to pursue the heart of the one who was making all of these wonderful things possible-God. I failed to seek His face, instead of what He had in his hands; I failed to seek his will and desire for me in His Kingdom here on the Earth. I now understand that I wanted Jesus to be my Savior, but not my Lord; I wanted to be King on my own throne, reigning with him but having my own agenda. Jesus is the King, and I must love what He loves, and hate what He hates; I must desire to please only Him and what He chooses for my life in His Kingdom. I thank God that He has taught me to pursue his heart, as did his servant King David in 1 Samuel 13:14; and as Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “…not my will, but Your will be done.” I want my will to BE his will, continually  delighting myself in Him.

I am always intrigued by the lackadaisical attitude some have toward the Holy Scriptures, which is indeed the written Word of God. Those who often pick it up and try to read it can find themselves not  only intimidated, but thoroughly confused and frustrated. Why is this? Could it be that when they attempted to read it they didn’t have the right heart toward God? Maybe they are being cynical  or downright judgmental toward its Authors or content in general. It is possible that it was presented to them in the wrong way, or even manipulated to influence them for some evil purpose. Whatever the scenario, God’s Word is just that-His Word! I have come to the conclusion over the last four decades that the only people who have a problem with the Bible, are the ones who don’t want to follow its instructions. They want to do what they want to do, and it clearly convicts them, so they choose to ignore it, or interpret it to fit their own selfish agendas. They dismiss its truths and instruction, calling it folklore, legend, or just the writings of a group of men’s fanatical imaginations. This is a dangerous thing to do, because it is much, much more than that; it is only key to their living a prosperous, victorious life while on Earth, and an even better one, after they die. In 2 Timothy 3:16, the Apostle Paul writes, ” All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God can be proficient, equipped for every good work.” Also, Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God.” It is imperative that we study (consume; ravish) the Word of God, so that our spirit can receive nourishment, just like our bodies do when we consume our favorite foods.

As a Certified Life Coach, I not only get to help others achieve their Life Goals, but I also experience the joy in seeing them accomplish them all! It’s almost like it was my goal too-how amazing is that? Cultivating the dormant genius and talent that lays inside, brings a mutual joy, and everyone benefits. Why not write that book? Start that Business? Get that Promotion? Pray and Meditate more consistently? You can do it- the only thing stopping you, is you!

In pursuing my dreams and goals, I went through one of the most difficult times of my life, learning that my ‘Wealth’ was not in my material possessions, but in spirit and health. I had not sought the Kingdom of God ‘first’, as Jesus commanded in Matthew 6:33. and therefore lost houses, luxury cars, investments, good Credit and good health. How many of us are guilty of this? I am thankful to be back on the right track now, seeking the Kingdom of God first, and His righteousness; I only want what HE wants, and my agenda is HIS agenda for me-everything else I need will come to me automatically. I am Abraham’s seed, but this takes on a Spiritual and Natural narrative; there must be a healthy ‘Balance’. I must get off of my personal Throne, and let Jesus reign on it. No more pursuing that secret ‘glory’ that we all want subconsciously, and are not willing to admit to. This is where Satan deceives so many, even those working in Ministry. He’s not worried about you being a threat to his kingdom, because he has enticed you to want self-worship as he did before he was banished from Heaven as the Worship Leader. Yes, it was a very difficult lesson, but now my priorities are in order; I’m not where I want to be, but I am on my way, and am grateful that I am no longer seeking ‘things’ before I seek the Kingdom!

Knowing my Spiritual Identity in Christ continually teaches me that I have been given ‘Authority’ through the Holy Ghost (Luke 10:19), and Satan and his Demons have no power over me as long as I walk in OBEDIENCE. When I was 16 years old, I worked at a Scrap Steel Mill, and was almost killed when a co-worker who was a Mechanic, turned on the machine while I was inside cleaning it.  It was discovered that he suffered from Mental Illness, and the steel blades that caught my legs would have cut me to pieces if it had not been for God allowing them to stop turning. This was an extremely horrifying experience for me, yet I knew I was going to get out of it okay somehow.  While I was caught in the machine, I had to coach my Uncle and other co-workers on how to turn the machine on, and off again to free my legs, since I also knew how to operate it. Other episodes where the enemy attacked the assignment on my life, involved me contracting Hepatitis, a Double Hernia, Prostate and Liver Cancer (where the Lord miraculously healed me without Chemotherapy), and Sickle Cell Trait. He later revealed to me that He allowed me to experience these illnesses that, I may stand proxy for a loved one or close friend, who would have died had they been stricken with the same illness. Now, I am in the best shape that I have ever been in, and it’s all because of God’s mercy toward me. I am thankful that He decides to use me the way that He does, and am not worthy of His love…..

The Lord recently revealed to me as I was pondering some of the difficult things He has brought me through during my life, that the enemy, Satan, has actually been trying to kill me all of my life! However, my Angels have been there on their duty, protecting and guiding me even when I wasn’t always doing what was right (I’m sure you can relate). It started on the day I was born in my Dad’s Best Friend’s car, in front of Chicago’s Cook County Hospital on a  rainy September 13th in the 60’s. My Mom was a teenage Mother, so she was strong and healthy, coming from a very strong stock of smart, strong, and very attractive Women. She delivered me with no problems, considering the circumstances. She recently divulged to me that immediately after she delivered me, they rushed us into a small waiting room where she and I were the only two there; we were ‘quarantined’! I guess my being born in that car could present a health hazard to the other little ‘crumb snatchers’ in the Nursery. God’s mercy prevailed, and I survived with no problems whatsoever. A little over 3 years later, I was in one of my Aunt’s Apartments in the newly built Projects on the South Side not too far from Cottage Grove Ave., and noticed some of the Paint on the wall peeling off; it was a blueish-gray color (strange that I can remember that). I used to always get my hand spanked for putting things in my mouth, and knew I wasn’t supposed to do so, but I tasted the paint. It actually had a ‘sweet’ taste to my surprise, and that’s the last thing I remember about the incident. I later was told when I was a Teenager that on that day, they came into the room where I was, and found me unconscious on the floor. They were horrified, and rushed my limp little body to the Hospital, barely breathing. My stomach was pumped and the Doctors told my Mom that I would probably end up with Brain damage, because other children had been eating this new “Led-based Paint”, and died. It was later stripped from the Buildings and banned from being used. But God!!! He stepped in again and spared my life with no damage to my Brain’s Central Nervous System. A few years later, I remember being in my bedroom trying to go to sleep, but was wide awake. It was time for bed, and we had to get up for School in the morning; suddenly though, I felt some invisible hands on my mouth, and others holding my hands down next to my side. I was terrified, but couldn’t utter a peep. I could hear my Parents down the Hallway talking in their Bedroom, and even my Brother in his room making noise while he was supposed to be sleeping as well, thinking Mom was going to give him a whipping for not being in bed.

I looked over on the wall and saw two or three Gargoyle looking creatures sitting on the wall! I began to moan and breathe hard, but could do nothing but think and move my eyes back and forth. After a few moments, they suddenly released me and fled; I ran to my Parent’s Bedroom, and told them what just happened. My Dad mocked me, but my Mom listened and could plainly see that I was horrified. At my Dad’s strong objection, they let me sleep at the foot of their Bed that night. That wasn’t the last time Demons came to my Bed and sat on it, trying to intimidate and strike fear in me again. I believe many who have weak Hearts may have suffered an Attack as the result of Demons visiting them. After I received Jesus as my Savior, began to live by His commands and learn of my Spiritual Identity in Him, I understood that “He gave me Authority over all Demons, (Serpents and Scorpions) and the power of the enemy (Satan)…..” (Luke 10:9). The next time they came in my 20’s, I commanded them to leave, in the Name of Jesus, and they immediately fled! They even had the audacity to come again as recently as two years ago! I guess they are waiting to catch me with my guard down- I’m just going to keep cutting them up with my ‘Sword'(The Word of God) again! We all have been given this Authority, but only through faith in God’s Son Jesus, sacrificing His life on the Cross. Through obedience and living holy lifestyles, we can walk in His Spiritual Identity ordained for us.

What exactly is “Holiness’ or being ‘Holy’? To be Holy means ‘to be dedicated or consecrated to God; being sacred, hallowed, or sanctified.’ So many are caught up with the issue of the Lifestyle they’ve decided to take part in, that they ignore what God has said about them living holy and ‘presenting your body a living sacrifice’ (Romans 12: 1). God’s command to “…be ye Holy, for I am Holy” in 1 Peter 1:16, gives us a clear directive on how we are to live. The only way we can live holy is to be ‘filled’ with the Holy Ghost, through Jesus Christ. So, since we know we have to be holy, this should dismiss all confusion and other alternative lifestyles and behaviors like Adultery, Fornication, Masturbation, Same-Sex behavior, and Deviant Sex. Why not live the way the Bible instructs us to? Your Spiritual Identity in Christ shields you from the backlash of these sinful traps by the Devil, stealing your spiritual Heritage. You are MUCH more than a sexual desire…..

When I was 18 years old in Chicago, partying, doing drugs, drinking, and carousing with wild women, I still couldn’t gain entry into the swank Club and Bar scene because I had to be 21. I was able to obtain a ‘Fake I.D.’ from a friend who was the same age, which showed that I was 23 years old; it gave me access to the Devil’s territory, and all of the snares of sin that came with it. Needless to say, it almost cost me my life. I was introduced to people, places, behaviors, and more drugs, all contributing to the sabotaging of my soul. So it is in the spirit realm for people who are curious about gaining access to the supernatural, its mysteries and power. Satan issues you a ‘Fake Spiritual I.D.’ allowing you entrance into the dark side of the spirit realm. The danger in this endeavor of learning about Pagan gods, Ancient ancestral practices and worship, is that you must reject the Sovereignty of Jesus as the only way to God, in order to gain its influence. It is cut and dry-there is no ‘gray area’ in this pursuit of Forbidden Knowledge; you reject the Spiritual Identity Jesus gives you through His sacrifice on the Cross, and embrace Satan’s. You actually open ‘gates’ in the spirit realm that you are not ‘Authorized’ to enter and dominate through the Holy Ghost. All involvement in the Occult which includes Astrology, Psychic Phenomena, Clairvoyancy, Divination, Witchcraft, Magic, Sorcery, and Idolatry,(Deuteronomy 18:10), are the ‘gates’ that give you entry, and is forbidden by God. Ignorance of this fact is not an excuse to engage in their practices. You become a pawn for Satan; you are now on his territory and he has a spiritual right to attack you or use you, its just a matter of time before he gets tired of using you to lure others into his kingdom of darkness, and kills you. It’s like a Student Driver gaining entrance to the ‘Indy 500’ or ‘NASCAR’ Racetrack; they’re not equipped or experienced enough to be in that environment. Unfortunately, those who seek Satan’s influence to give them exceptional talent in Sports, Music, or Business, will eventually have to ‘pay the piper’ with the loss of their souls, and sometimes even that of a close loved one. They don’t take the long term result of this ‘deal’ into consideration-all they know is that they want it NOW. This is why you see so many famous, rich people dying at young ages, or committing suicide; they sought their Spiritual Identity and fulfillment in what the Devil offered them, instead of what Jesus died for, and bequeathed to them.

If you have engaged in this practice, you can repent of doing so- ask the Lord to forgive you for sinning against Him, His Son, and His Spirit. Renounce all oaths taken to serve the Devil, his kingdom, and the Occult; cut off all contact with those still engaged in it and destroy ALL items associated with its practice. Those items can represent another gate, allowing evil spirits and demons to come back to torment you. Ask Jesus to come into your heart and forgive you; confess that He is the Son of God, and only He could save you from God’s judgement of sin, with His Blood and being resurrected from the dead. Pray that He delivers you from the Devil and his reluctance to release your soul; ask for guidance to a spirit-filled Pastor who teaches the Kingdom of God and living holy lifestyles in the presence of God, through the Bible.