Some background from Jess:

I've known the author of this blog, Nick, for some time now. He reached out seeking spiritual guidance some years ago, and I was honored to guide him to clarity, self-awareness and connectedness to Source. He is a gifted channeler (as you will see) and healer, both of ancestral contracts and in utilizing Reiki on himself and others. I encourage anyone with whom I work to share their messages from Spirit. And so I'd love to share what Nick has "downloaded" and offered for you and us. This is the first of several chapters in his mini-book.

Enjoy. And thank you, Nick!

Believers, whether religious or spiritual, all have their own way of connecting to a higher source of energy. For those who identify as spiritual but not religious, the connection may be to the Universe, Source Energy, or Higher Consciousness – terms that transcend traditional religious boundaries and evoke a sense of the divine presence in all things. Many spiritual practitioners find their connection through practices like meditation, mindfulness, or energy work, drawing upon an intuitive sense of a greater force that unites all existence.

Personally, I find comfort in the reference of God. It’s a name that resonates deeply with me, allowing me to open up and communicate on a spiritual level. Often, I talk to God, seeking guidance, clarity, and intuitive insight on many aspects of life. Recently, I asked God for an understanding of how we, as individuals, exist within His divine energy.

The response was simple yet profound: "We are all of God, but not God."

This message offers a powerful insight into the nature of existence, our connection to the divine, and the energy that flows through all things. But what exactly does it mean to be "of God" while not being God?

The Energy of Creation: Of God

When we say that we are "of God," we recognize that all life and existence emanate from a singular divine source. God, as the ultimate creative force, is the energy that powers the universe – the stars, the planets, and every living being. We are part of this creation, and therefore, we are inherently connected to God’s energy. It lives within us, as it does within all things.

Being "of God" means that we are expressions of this divine energy. Just as sunlight radiates from the sun, our spirits, our very essence, radiate from God. This connection is why we can sense a deeper, almost unspoken bond with the universe around us, and why so many people experience moments of spiritual awakening or intuition. It's that flicker of divine energy within us that allows us to feel love, compassion, and a sense of purpose.

The Distinction: Not God

At the same time, we are not God. To understand this, it helps to consider the vastness of divine energy. God is infinite, all-encompassing, and the source of all creation. While we carry a spark of that energy, we are finite beings with our own individual experiences and limitations. We are not the entirety of the source; we are individual manifestations of it.

One of the greatest gifts God has bestowed upon humanity is free will – the ability to make our own choices, independent of divine intervention. While we are “of God” in the sense that we carry divine energy, we are not controlled by that energy. Free will allows us to shape our lives, make decisions, and forge paths that reflect both our strengths and our weaknesses.

However, with this freedom comes responsibility. Free will means that we are capable of making decisions that align with love, kindness, and justice – values that resonate with divine energy. But it also means that we can choose paths that lead to harm, injustice, or selfishness. This is where the distinction between being "of God" and "not God" becomes particularly meaningful. God, as the ultimate source of love and light, remains untainted by the darkness or evil that sometimes prevails in the world. Evil arises not from God but from the misuse of free will by individuals who act out of fear, ignorance, or a disconnection from their divine nature.

Living Within Divine Energy

Understanding that we are "of God, but not God" brings both humility and empowerment. On one hand, it humbles us, reminding us that while we are connected to a vast and powerful force, we are still part of something much larger than ourselves. It encourages reverence and a sense of awe for the Creator and the universe.

On the other hand, it empowers us. Knowing that we carry a spark of divine energy within means that we have access to incredible intuition, wisdom, and strength. When we tap into that energy – through prayer, meditation, or moments of stillness – we can align ourselves with the flow of God’s guidance. It’s this connection that allows us to manifest positive change in our lives and the lives of those around us.

Conclusion: A Journey of Divine Connection

The phrase "We are all of God, but not God" speaks to both our unity with the divine and our individuality within that vastness. We are, in essence, droplets in the ocean of God’s energy – each drop containing the essence of the whole, yet distinct in form. This understanding encourages us to live with purpose, knowing that while we may not be the ultimate source, we are part of it. And through that connection, we have the ability to tap into divine wisdom, love, and creativity to live fuller, more spiritually attuned lives.

Shared with humility, inspired by God.
Nick (Jacobus) Van Rensburg

Spiritual Bio (Nick's journey - much abridged):

Now living in the USA for more than 2 decades, Nick’s spiritual journey began in Southern Africa, where he spent his childhood in Zimbabwe and later in South Africa. His maternal grandmother had a special ability to connect with ancestors and intuit future events, which sparked Nick’s early curiosity about the deeper spiritual aspects of life. Growing up in a Christian household, Nick attended Sunday school regularly, but it was his grandmother’s influence and the rich spiritual traditions of Africa – the cradle of humankind – that broadened his understanding. Rather than seeing a divide between western and traditional religious practices, Nick felt a deep respect for the spiritual connection present in many African traditions, which, for him, complemented his Christian upbringing.

Throughout his life, Nick has found himself drawn to the spiritual aspects of his faith, seeking a more personal and direct connection with the divine. His path led him to meditation which helped to quiet his mind, listen to his inner voice, experience God’s presence more clearly and ultimately deepened Nick’s understanding of spirituality, opening up a journey of inner growth and healing. He soon realized that there was much to be gained not only from reading about spirituality but also from connecting with others.

Nick, seeking guidance from God in finding a meaningful connection, was led to a relationship that profoundly influenced his life, both spiritually and personally. This relationship resonated deeply on many levels and played a crucial role in his spiritual growth. It was through this relationship that Nick was introduced to Jessica Mangum, a spiritual guide and healer based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Nick started with the Metamorphosis Program, exploring various spiritual teachings and practices. This led him to continue with more advanced courses, deepening his understanding and connection to the divine. During this time, Nick’s relationship with his sister also grew in a new direction, as he introduced her to Jessica’s teachings. She went on to complete Fire Reiki training and now helps others in South Africa with their spiritual needs.

Encouraged by the growth he witnessed in himself and others, Nick eventually completed his Reiki I and II certifications with Jessica, surrounded by a supportive group of students. This experience strengthened his connection to the spiritual world and expanded his ability to understand and interact with the divine energy that flows through all things. Through this journey, Nick was inspired to reflect on the idea that we are "of God, but not God" that he now shares with you. 

If you'd like to reach out to Nick directly, or if you'd like to dive into the remaining chapters his book Of God, but Not God, he is open to email communication and would love to hear from you! zimkobie@icloud.com

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