Posts Tagged ‘Holy Spirit’


There are moments in a believer’s life when the hand of God becomes unmistakably visible, and my journey as a writer has become one of those living testimonies. I began writing in 2007, unaware that the Lord was planting seeds for a future season, much like Habakkuk who was instructed to “write the vision and make it plain” (Habakkuk 2:2).

Though manuscripts remained unpublished due to lack of funds, the Lord was teaching me that delay is not denial, for He alone appoints the time of unveiling. Even when the flash drive containing years of work was lost through multiple moves, the Spirit reminded me that nothing surrendered to Him is ever truly buried. Like the hidden manna in Revelation 2:17, what God preserves in secret He reveals in His appointed time.

In 2018 or 2019 a prophetic word came that struck my spirit like a divine summons, declaring that God would begin to use me “as a pen in His hand.” That word aligned with Isaiah 49:2, where the prophet says, “He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of His hand He hid me.” Between 2019 and 2023 I wrote several books and outlines, sensing the breath of God stirring dormant gifts back to life.

Then in November 2023 the enemy attempted to silence the call through a stroke, but Psalm 118:17 rose within me: “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” The very next morning a family friend—unaware of my condition—released a prophetic word that the enemy had tried to place something on my brain, but the Lord Himself would remove it, and within minutes every symptom bowed to the authority of the Spirit of God.

Since that moment of divine intervention, the grace to write has flowed like a river that cannot be dammed, enabling me to complete at least a chapter a day on themes the Lord impresses upon my heart. Though the editing process requires patience—reviewing each word and correcting every error—I count it joy, for the One who healed me is the same One who anoints my hands to build.

Ephesians 2:10 declares that we are His workmanship, created for good works prepared beforehand, and I now walk in the reality of that truth with renewed strength. I stand in awe of the God who not only restored my body but reaffirmed my destiny, proving that His word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11). Prophetic words are not predictions but invitations into divine partnership, and when we align with them, they begin to bear the harvest the Father intended from the beginning.

There are moments when the mystery weigh heavily on me, such as when reread what I have written and stand in absolute awe, realizing that revelation flowed through me that I did not consciously know I had received. Often I discover insights that seem to have been whispered in dreams or planted through something I once read, now rising to the surface like Proverbs 20:5 declares, “Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.”

Even more astonishing is when I must look up a word I have written—one I did not previously know—and find that its meaning perfectly fits what the Spirit was conveying. It reminds me of John 14:26, where Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would teach us all things and bring to remembrance what we did not even realize we carried. These moments humble me, for they reveal that I am not merely writing but being written through by the One who authors destiny.

—Dr. Russell Welch, prophetic teacher, apostolic builder, and author committed to awakening and equipping the Remnant to reclaim the spiritual gates of culture for the Kingdom of God.

If this message has stirred your spirit and you desire to go deeper, I invite you to explore my books available on Amazon. Each one is written to awaken, equip, and mobilize the Remnant with fresh revelation and practical Kingdom authority.

You can find them at amazon.com/author/russell.welch—resources crafted to strengthen your walk, ignite your faith, and empower you to reclaim the gates of influence for the glory of God.


The following is a picture into the 20 years of life and ministry which includes set backs, detours, road blocks and many course corrections, written from a humble heart filled with gratefulness to a loving God..

This morning during my walk with Holy Spirt and the SkyBear (my German Shepherd) I was led to look back on my life since 2001.

On December 31 of that year I decided to get a fresh start and moved to Jacksonville for what I thought would be a short stay, as I came here to attend a school to get my CDL.

But Holy Spirit pointed out that it was a path ordained of the Father, for little did I know that it would lead to me attending a Church service where I would repent and rededicate my life to the Lord after 20 some years of living in rebellion.

 I came down to attend a school to my CDL, which I did and started driving for a company based in Jacksonville with plans of driving around the country.

But Holy Spirt showed me that because I was avoiding the call on my life to preach the Gospel, which the Father called me to do when I was just 10 years old while sitting in a Methodist Church in Patten Maine

My plans of driving around the country, however that thought came to an abrupt end when I fell off the top of a load and messed up my right knee. This took place in the spring of 2002 Holy Spirit then showed me that the Father allowed an accident to happen so as to redirect my life to the steps that would lead me to fulfill His calling on my life.

 During my recovery I decided to attend ministry school and met a man of God, Dr. Don Lynch, who became my Spiritual father.

Also during that time, I found myself looking a the Christian Mingle dating website where I happened across this beautiful Filipino, who just happened to be here on a student visa and was attending Brownsville Revival School of Ministry in Pensacola Florida.

We began chatting and during the Thanksgiving break she came to Jacksonville to visit her former pastor and his wife who had pastored a Church in Hong Kong, where she was the Sunday School teacher.

We began dating and I would drive to Pensacola where the school was and attended a number of powerful revival meetings. Then at the beginning of  February (2003) I had a dream where Jesus led me to an ocean beach, He bent down and picked up two small stones and said “One of these stones has been brought here from another nation having flowed with the currents of the ocean, for the Father purposed the time when they would be joined together.

So has He brought Emilie (My wife’s name, for those who know her by her nick name Millette) to be joined with you in marriage. I was overwhelmed and went out a bought an engagement ring and decided to ask her to marry me while I visited her for Valentine’s Day.

Now do to a past of many rejections, I had to muster up all the courage I had and drive over from Jacksonville. When I arrived at the home she was staying in I got down on one knee and proposed to her.

Her answer was, No, followed by I don’t even like you that way. Well let’s just say the wind was taking out of my sails. However I had this inner peace where I knew what the Lord had said, so I simply turned it over to Him.

A couple months later while she was visiting a friend in San Diego, she called me and said she had a dream and the Lord told her she was to marry me. We made plans and she graduated in May of 2003, and we got married on June 14th of 2003.

I had a full-time job while at the same time I continued my schooling. We had some struggles but the Lord always saw us through them. Then on June 6, 2004 we were blessed with a beautiful gift from God. For on that day, my wife gave birth to our son, Joshua Karsten Welch.

The Lord had given me his first name which in Hebrew means “Yahweh is salvation” and He gave my wife his second name, which in Greek means “Anointed”. The Lord shared with me why I was to call him Joshua, for he would be the first in many generation of our family to serve him and not be taking captives to addictions or any other curse that was in our family line.

In fact He said that the anpointing He was going to place on His life, would be like the blast shofars sounding, and the sounds of the people, that saw the walls of Jericho come crumbling down. So would the generational curses be cut of by my son, Joshua obedience to the Lord’s call on his life.

Let me take a moment to share a powerful testimony. I had always suffered with migraine headaches from my childhood all the way into my adulthood. Migraines were a curse which had plagued our family for several generation. When Josh was five years old, there was a day when I was unable to do anything because of a migraine, and he begged me to take him to the park. I said your going to have to ask Jesus to take daddy’s headache away.

He leaned over me, placed his little hand on my forehead and said “Jesus, take this stupid headache off my daddy, and tell it to never return”. That headache went away instantly and I have never had a migraine since that humble, innocent hearted prayer offered up by my son.

After graduating with an associate degree in the fall of 2004, I was ordained in February of 2005 and we were led by Holy Spirit to start a ministry called Mighty Arm Ministries, which at the time primarily focused on the elderly in nursing homes.

The Lord said this is a call to be a Spiritual Gatekeeper, as these are those who are about to enter their eternal destiny. Glory to God, for during that time we witnessed a number of people accepting the Lord. My son at 6 years old played a part, as every Sunday he would go with me, knock on the doors, and say “You wanna come here Jesus”. There was a man named Doc, who every week would say “Not today preacher boy”

Then one Sunday to our surprise, he came down, then came back for several more weeks. Then one Sunday, he asked the Lord Jesus Christ to be His Lord. The very next week, he passed in his sleep, but praise the Lord, we know we will see him again one day.

In the spring of 2005 something happened that caused us to leave the Church we had attended since getting married, and I had attended since 2002. Holy Spirt showed me that the Father had allowed this so that we would start holding a Church service in a local nursing home.

Holy Spirit at the time, showed me that many in that home had the desire to go to church but none would pick them up, so the Lord said “Bring my Church to them”.

In the fall of 2005, my Spiritual father (Dr. Don Lynch) who had also left the Church, invited my wife and into attend a weekly meeting they were hosting in their home under the Ministry name the Father had given him called “Ministry Matrix”. Shortly thereafter the Lord led me to take the position known which is referred to as an “Armor Bearer”. Then in November of 2007, we were ordained as leaders in that ministry.

Thing happened that caused us to leave in the beginning of 2010, which Holy Spirt showed me this morning, that the Father had allowed, even though left due to a spirit of rebellion. We went back into doing Sunday services at the nursing home and then in the fall of that year we were invited to be part of the leadership team to launch a new Church start.

 In the spring of 2013, the Lord called me to leave that Church as He had an assignment for me at a local bikers Church, pastored by Chet “Preacher man” Harden. I became the associate pastor there from 2013 up until the Spring of 2016, shortly after having a powerful life changing encounter with the Lord , which stripped me of all the religious garments I had allowed the spirit of religion to put on me, and to be honest, that encounter literally changed my whole theology.

In December of 2015, we were part of the leadership team that founded the “Riverhouse” ministry. After resigning from Highway to Heaven (On a friendly note) in the fall of 2016, I started leading a Sunday service at the Riverhouse.

In 2018 we launched the North Florida Healing rooms” which my wife and I we co-directors. Then, jumping to the fall of 2019, the enemy had some how caused division between me and the other founding leader which led my wife and I to leave that ministry.

However, again looking back on that situation this morning, Holy Spirit showed me that the Father had allowed this to happen as He had a new assignment for me. Ultimately that ministry shut down after the founder went to be with the Lord after a long battle with cancer(lesson in that for a later date).

That assignment was to become the director of a homeless rescue mission in Jacksonville Beach, which lasted until February of 2022. On August 19, 2020, my son and I visited the place of a powerful nation changing revival, Cane Ridge in Kentucky with my son. That date was actually the 219th year anniversary of that revival. We spent about 2 hours walking around, reading the grave stones, and soaking in the presence of the Lord.

 Holy Spirit spoke to me about 30 minutes after leaving there and said “The Father wants you to go back and start discipling His Children even as Jesus discipled His. I immediately said cool.

But then about an hour later, I said what does that even look like, as I have come to believe the Church as a whole has wander away from Christ-like discipleship.

 He began downloading what that looked like, which started with “Jesus discipled the men who followed Him by pouring into them, everything the Father had poured into Him. So unlike giving discipleship teaching from the pulpit, or even holding weekly discipleship meeting, the style Jesus displayed was relational, interacting with each other pretty much on a daily basis.

I started to implement this at the mission, and witnessed the Lord doing some powerful works in the disciple who were at the mission. But then, in the fall of 2021, a spirit of Jezebel, jealousy, and offense took hold of a few members of the leadership. And they began conspiring again with me in the secret place of darkness.

Now, what was happening at the mission up to that point can only be described in a way that gives Glory to the Father, as a portal of Heaven was opened up there. One lesson I learned during that time was I neglected to gather intercessor for me and the mission as a whole.

 Now, looking back at the time I left Highway to Heaven Church, which I previously mentioned that I  left on good terms. I had actually started preaching back there once a month in 2018, then it transitioned into twice per month in 2021.

 In the fall of that year, pastor Chet approached me and said he was considering retiring and wanted me to take his place. This was troubling to me, as I felt the Lord wanted me at the mission.

However, Holy Spirt showed me that I never actually asked the Father. He then showed me that during a Thanksgiving visit to Maine, He had allowed a coup to take place at the mission. What He had allowed to transpire was do to a door I unknowingly opened a door, as having been in a major spiritual battle over the mission for close to 6 months had taking its toll on me, and I began to respond out of the flesh.

This open door gave access to the spirit of disobedience to take place to where the Father’s call to make disciples as had His Son, was put on a shelf. However, having witnessed to results while the discipleship like Jesus was taking place, Holy Spirit said that it was but a foreshadow of what would be the mark of my wife and my calling.

He then shared with me that the mission was not prepared for what He desired to do there. Now from November of 2021 through January of 2022, the spiritual battle I faced every day got uglier and uglier.

I had previously mentioned my departure from the ministry led by Dr. Don Lynch. Shortly after my encounter with the Lord on March 28, 2016, Holy Spirit opened the door for Dr. Don and I for reconciliation After which I was led to lean into his mentorship more and more while at the same time, having been seated by the Lord in the spring of 2016, under the teachings of Apostle Damon Thompson. Holy Spirit also led me to attend many of the Under the Oaks meetings he has held over the years, which I still attend.

But back to the mission and Dr. Don Lynch. In January of 2022, I had multiple conversations with him regarding what was happening at the mission, then at the start of February I had a dream where the Lord said He was calling me to Shepherd the people at Highway to Heaven Church.

I shared this dream with Dr. Don who not only said he felt a witness to the dream but as he put it in classic Apostle Don Lynch fashion “Son, if God told you he wants you to do that, you’d better do it”. We ended the conversation with a “let’s get together after my heart surgery as I have somethings to share with you that I received while praying for you and your wife.

Needless to say that meeting, as a few days after his surgery, he went to be with the Lord. I took is wise advice, resigned from the mission and accepted the position of Senior Pastor at the Church.

However, I felt a loss in my life, not having a Spiritual father to run things by and on occasions have a heart check. Yes, I am most certainly matured enough to lead a Church, and even though I have spiritual sons myself, I understand and fully grasp the importance of having an Apostolic covering, as it is one of the spiritual guard rails the Lord has equipped the Church with.

Needless to say, if was a powerful meeting with Holy Spirit. If I could draw a map of what has taken place over the past 20 years, it would show my stepping off the ordained path, a series of roadblocks which lead to course corrections. In spite of the many times, in which I rebelled failing to ask the Father His desire, and took hold of the spiritual steering wheel of my life, the grace and mercy of the Father has always brought a course correction which I have to be honest almost always came with a hand of discipline.

Today, having just entered a new year, I have committed to dealing with things on a daily basis, leaving tomorrow in the wise hands of the Father. For did not our Lord say: Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time.  Tomorrow will take care of itself.” (Matthew 6:34, TPT)

One of the early lessons Dr. Don taught me was maintaining the ability of never leave a place with offense, but rather leave with the gold that you received – meaning we are to take the good things (lessons, revelations and Kingdom truths) with us, and  a heart of forgiveness and even repentance, leave the negative things behind.

So with that in mind, I am committed to living my life and all the tomorrows it has, under the governing authority of the One whom the Father sent, to lead us into all Spiritual truths, Holy Spirit.

~Dr. Russell Welch
Elder / Apostolic Teacher: Highway to Heaven Church and Founder and Shepherd of Remnant Warrior Ministries / Remnant Warrior School of Spiritual Warfare.


To the devil, I only have this to say:

“Even though you intended to hurt me, God intended it for good. It was his plan all along, to ensure the survival of many people. So, don’t worry. I myself will provide for you all that you need, both for you and your little ones.”

(Genesis 50:20, TPT)

I never liked homework in school and didn’t care much for taking notes at that time either. Years later that all changed as I became consumed with the scriptures and things of the Kingdom.

After I was baptized by Dr. Don Lynch in 2006, having received a prophetic word from him during the baptism, I believe the word imparted something to me. He said I would come up out of the water with a deep hunger for the word.

That literally took place that day and a few months later I found myself writing. In 2009 I started a blog site called “Radical Disciples – A Remnant Revolution”, where I have written close to 400 blog posts since then as well as a number of articles across social media platforms.

In the beginning, my spelling was. let’s just say, lacked grammar excellence and my spelling was terrible. However, over the years with Holy Spirit’s help, I believe my writing and style of writing have improved greatly, Thank you, Father.

In 2010 I started writing outlines and basically wrote them on what I believed would one day be turned into books. I attempted to turn them into books on numerous occasions but due to one thing or another, they never came to fruition.

Forward to November 13, 2023. It was on that day that the devil thought he was going to take me out or at least remove me from the battle with a massive stroke in the Frontal Lobe, which basically affects an individual’s motor skills, executive functioning, speech, language, and social skills.

My doctor said that I was very lucky because of the size and location I should have had symptoms which included motor impairments, problem-solving and judgment issues, behavioral changes, and difficulty with speech.

The MRI and brain scan all showed that this stroke should have left me with server impairments. However, the Lord had other plans. In December of 2015, I met a dear brother who has become a very close friend and fellow servant in the Kingdom, Paul Michel. The Lord used him to prophesy my encounter with Him several months later which took place on March 29, 2016.

He said I was about to encounter the Father and experience His true Love. And was that word accurate, in fact, it was life-altering in a good way as that encounter radically changed the way I view the Father and opened a spiritual door to which I have been swimming in the oceans of His love ever since!

Over the course of 9 years, the Lord has spoken to me numerous times through Brother Paul. Then on November 14, 2023, having no idea where I was or what had happened, Paul called me with a prophetic word from the Lord that He was going to erase everything the enemy had attempted to pout on me.

Within hours that word came to pass. In fact even to the amazement of the stroke specialist who was treating m,e in the hospital. She was standing at the foot of my bed explaining to me that they were going to have to increase my blood pressure medication as everything they had tried to that point had failed to bring it below 190/147.

As she was telling me this her eyes got very large, and she muttered “That’s impossible”. I immediately said, what’s impossible? Are you saying you’re not going to be able to bring my blood pressure down?

She said no, and pointed to the machine I was hooked up to, where my blood pressure had consistently read, even after multiple shots of medication to lower it, at 190/147. Except now it read, 110/77. It literally went down as she was talking to me.

I was released the next day, and I couple of days after getting home I heard Holy Spirit say, Now is the time to write those books. I thought great, as I had lost the flash drives I had all those years of notes on.

A couple of days later I came across a small box in my office that I hadn’t gone through since moving to our house in 2020 and guess what? In that box, I found the flash drives that contained

close to 10 years of extensive notes from some very in-depth studies as well as words and revelations that I had received over the course of 8 years.

So now, I spend my days taking those notes and turning them into lessons for our ministry school and into books as Holy Spirit leads me. What the enemy thought would create a disaster, or even destruction in my life, the Father has turned into opportunity and blessings.

Since that turning point in November, I am about 1/4 way through those years of notes. How many lessons and books are left to go? I don’t know, in fact, all I do know is that my days are designed, planned, and in the control of Holy Spirit. #SELAH

~Dr. Russell Welch, A.K.A. WindWalker

Remnant Warrior Ministries


Introduction to the book, Spirit-Wind People, written by Dr. Russell Welch

Spirit-Wind People – 1

Spirit Wind People

Those who are moved by the impulses of Holy Spirit

Preface

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

At the heart of my latest offering lies a profound exploration into the very essence of spiritual fulfillment—living a life moved and shaped by the Holy Spirit. This book delves deep into the teachings of Romans Chapter 8, unfolding the rich tapestry of guidance it offers for navigating daily life under the influence of the Spirit.

Driven by a personal mission to bridge the gap between biblical teachings and practical, everyday application, I have penned this book to serve as a beacon for those seeking clarity and direction. The journey through these pages aims to equip you with knowledge and insights necessary to lead a life that not only adheres to spiritual doctrines but is also dynamically led by the Holy Spirit.

Over the years, in my role as Senior Pastor at Highway to Heaven Church, I’ve encountered numerous individuals who earnestly seek deeper spiritual engagement but grapple with the practicalities of such a commitment. Their struggles and triumphs alike have inspired me to craft a narrative that is not just instructive but also deeply empathetic to the spiritual dilemmas faced by believers today.

I am immensely grateful for the diverse experiences that have shaped my understanding and approach to ministry—from pest control management where I learned about persistence and attention to detail, to leading discipleship training which honed my skills in nurturing and guiding others. These experiences have enriched my perspective, allowing me to approach the writing of this book with both practical wisdom and spiritual depth.

This book would not have been possible without the inspiration drawn from various corners of my life—my early days of being saved at a David Wilkerson crusade, the impactful years spent ministering in jails and nursing homes, and not least, the supportive community at our church. Their stories and insights have been instrumental in shaping the narratives and strategies discussed in this book.

To every reader who has chosen to embark on this journey through these pages, your time and engagement are deeply appreciated. This book is crafted for anyone who feels a disconnect between their spiritual beliefs and their day-to-day actions. It’s for those who desire not just to understand but to practically live out their faith under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

As we proceed, remember that this is more than just reading; it’s about transformation and empowerment. It’s about taking actionable steps towards a life vibrantly led by the Spirit. Thank you for trusting me to guide you through this journey. Let us step forward together into a deeper understanding and practice of living by the Spirit Wind.

Embark on this journey with an open heart, and may you find both enlightenment and practical strategies within these pages that resonate with your spiritual aspirations. Let’s continue our exploration together.

Chapter 1: The Compass Within

The sun had just begun its descent, casting long shadows across the narrow streets of the small coastal town. Maria walked slowly, her shoes scuffing against the cobblestones. The scent of saltwater mixed with the aroma of fresh bread from a nearby bakery. She clutched her worn leather bag closer, feeling the weight of decisions she needed to make.

Maria’s mind drifted back to earlier that morning when she’d knelt by her bedside, whispering prayers for guidance. Her grandmother used to say that the Holy Spirit was like a gentle breeze, always ready to steer you if you were willing to feel its touch. But today, Maria felt more like a ship adrift than one guided by any divine wind.

She stopped at a small café, its tables spilling out onto the street. The clinking of cups and low hum of conversations mingled with the distant cry of seagulls. Sitting down, she ordered a coffee and gazed out at the sea, its waves rhythmic and unending. She thought about Manuel, her fiancé, who wanted them to move to the city for better opportunities. Yet her heart tugged towards staying here where life was simple and familiar.

As she sipped her coffee, Maria recalled a recent conversation with Father Luis at church. He’d spoken about how sometimes the Holy Spirit’s guidance comes not as a clear voice but as an inner peace or restlessness. “When your spirit is uneasy,” he had said, “it might be because you’re ignoring what you know deep down is right.” His words echoed in her mind now as she watched children playing by the shore.

A gust of wind swept through the café’s terrace, rustling napkins and carrying away stray bits of conversation. Maria closed her eyes briefly and tried to listen—not just with her ears but with her heart—hoping for some sign or clarity amidst the chaos inside her head.

Suddenly, an old woman approached selling handmade trinkets. She reminded Maria of her grandmother with wrinkled hands and kind eyes that seemed to see right through her worries. As Maria purchased a small wooden cross from the woman’s basket, she wondered: Could this chance encounter be more than it seemed? Was it possible that even in this fleeting moment lay an answer waiting to be discovered?

Could it be that recognizing and responding to these subtle nudges was precisely how one learned to navigate life’s uncertainties?

Unlocking the Divine Compass Within

The Holy Spirit is more than an abstract concept; it functions as a dynamic guide, steering believers towards their spiritual destinations. This chapter delves into the profound role of the Holy Spirit as a divine compass, much like the wind guiding a ship. Unlike static guides, the Holy Spirit offers guidance that is both responsive and attuned to our circumstances and choices. This introductory chapter sets the stage for understanding how to live a life moved by the impulses of the Holy Spirit.

The first key takeaway from this chapter is understanding the role of the Holy Spirit as a dynamic guide. Think of it not as a rigid map but as an ever-present companion, adjusting to your path and providing direction in real-time. This responsive nature makes it essential for believers to remain open and attentive to its promptings. The Holy Spirit’s guidance is not merely about avoiding pitfalls but about navigating toward spiritual growth and fulfillment.

Secondly, we will explore how the Holy Spirit can direct your decisions and spiritual journey. Many believers often find themselves at crossroads, unsure of which path aligns with their divine purpose. By tuning into the Holy Spirit, you can receive clarity and direction in making choices that resonate with your faith and values. Whether it’s career decisions, personal relationships, or moments of moral dilemma, the Holy Spirit offers insights that transcend human wisdom.

The third focus will be on recognizing and responding to the Holy Spirit’s guidance daily. It’s one thing to understand that guidance exists; it’s another to actively seek and follow it. Practical strategies will be shared on how to cultivate an awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence in everyday life. From daily prayer routines to mindfulness practices, these approaches help you stay connected and receptive to divine direction.

As we delve deeper into this book, we aim to address the lack of in-depth understanding about living a life governed by the Holy Spirit, as depicted in Romans Chapter 8. Many struggle with comprehending what it means to be led by the Holy Spirit practically. This book seeks to bridge that gap by providing clear, actionable insights into integrating this divine guidance into every facet of life.

By exploring Romans Chapter 8, readers will gain not only a theological understanding but also practical applications of living under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Apostle Paul emphasized that living according to the Spirit leads to life and peace—a stark contrast to living according to fleshly desires which lead to death. Our goal is to equip you with knowledge and spiritual tools necessary for this transformative way of life.

Living a Holy Spirit-led life involves surrender—a concept often fraught with confusion and uncertainty. Through this chapter and subsequent ones, we will break down what true surrender looks like without losing personal agency or feeling lost in ambiguity. Surrendering is about aligning your will with divine purposes, allowing yourself to be guided rather than controlled.

Ultimately, this chapter serves as both an introduction and a roadmap for those seeking a deeper connection with the Holy Spirit. By understanding its role as a dynamic guide, identifying ways it can direct your path, and learning how to recognize its presence daily, you are setting yourself up for a spiritually enriched journey that aligns closely with divine intent. This foundation will empower you throughout this book’s exploration of living as Spirit Wind People, moving harmoniously under the impulses of the Holy Spirit.

This journey promises not just knowledge but transformation—leading you toward a life characterized by spiritual depth, purpose, and peace.

Understanding the Holy Spirit as a Dynamic Guide

The role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer is often likened to that of a navigator in the vast ocean of existence. Just as a navigator provides direction, the Holy Spirit guides individuals through the complexities of life. This guidance is not static or rigid; it adapts and responds to the situations each person faces. The Holy Spirit’s role is crucial in helping believers make decisions that align with their faith and values.

Imagine you are sailing across an uncharted sea. Without a compass, your journey could quickly lead to confusion or even danger. Similarly, without the Holy Spirit, believers might find themselves lost in their spiritual journey. The Holy Spirit acts like an internal compass, pointing towards the north star of divine will. This metaphor helps us grasp how essential the Holy Spirit is in navigating life’s moral and spiritual challenges.

It is important to recognize that this guidance is highly personalized. What works for one individual may not be the same for another because everyone’s life journey is unique. The Holy Spirit understands these differences and tailors guidance to suit each person’s specific circumstances and spiritual maturity.

This personalized guidance encourages growth and development in faith. Believers are urged to remain sensitive to these divine prompts, which often come during moments of prayer or reflection. By tuning into this guidance, believers can make choices that foster spiritual growth and deeper connection with their faith community.

The Holy Spirit serves as a dynamic guide, offering tailored spiritual navigation for each believer’s unique journey.

Identifying Ways the Holy Spirit Directs Decisions

The influence of the Holy Spirit in decision-making can often be subtle yet profound. Believers might experience this as a sudden insight during prayer, an unexplainable peace about a particular decision, or even through advice that resonates deeply when shared by others in their community.

This influence extends beyond personal comfort or assurance; it involves steering believers toward actions that uphold spiritual truths and ethical integrity. For instance, when faced with moral dilemmas, believers may feel an inner conviction that guides them to act honorably and justly.

Consider the scenario where you must choose between two job offers. One position pays more but requires compromising on values you hold dear; the other pays less but aligns with your ethical beliefs. In such cases, believers might sense the Holy Spirit nudging them towards the choice that maintains their integrity, even if it seems less beneficial at surface level.

Engaging with scripture is another vital way through which the Holy Spirit directs decisions. Scriptures can often offer timely wisdom and clarity, acting as a mirror reflecting God’s will in various circumstances.

To deepen understanding of this divine direction, believers are encouraged to cultivate a regular prayer life and engage actively with their faith community. These practices help maintain an open heart and mind, which are essential for discerning the Holy Spirit’s guidance accurately.

What might change if you viewed every decision as an opportunity to experience divine guidance?

Recognizing and Responding to Daily Guidance from the Holy Spirit

Recognizing the guidance of the Holy Spirit involves developing a heightened sense of spiritual sensitivity. This can be likened to tuning into a specific radio frequency where divine signals are broadcasted clearly amidst life’s noise.

Daily practices such as prayer, meditation on scriptures, and moments of quiet reflection contribute significantly to this spiritual attunement. Over time, these practices enhance one’s ability to perceive subtle promptings which might otherwise go unnoticed amidst daily routines.

Responding effectively to these promptings involves courage and trust. It requires acting on divine insights even when they contradict conventional wisdom or personal desires. For example, being led to forgive someone who has wronged you might seem difficult from a human standpoint but could be a clear directive from the Holy Spirit towards healing and freedom.

A practical step-by-step approach can aid in this process:

  1. Pause: Take time regularly to quiet your mind and listen.
  2. Perceive: Pay attention to feelings, thoughts, or scriptures that resonate during these times.
  3. Ponder: Consider what these promptings might mean practically.
  4. Proceed: Take actionable steps based on this understanding while maintaining openness for further guidance.

By consistently applying these steps, believers can more readily recognize when they are being guided by the Holy Spirit and respond appropriately.

The key learning objectives converge here: recognizing our dynamic guide in everyday decisions leads us into deeper communion with our spiritual selves through attentive discernment and active response—this is how we live guided by the Holy Spirit every day.

As we wrap up this first chapter, it’s vital to grasp the immense significance of recognizing the Holy Spirit as a dynamic guide in your life. The Holy Spirit isn’t a passive observer but an active participant, constantly steering and guiding you through the complexities of your spiritual journey. By understanding this role, you unlock a profound resource that offers wisdom, direction, and comfort in every situation.

Identifying how the Holy Spirit directs your decisions is not just beneficial—it’s transformative. This divine guidance empowers you to make choices aligned with higher purposes and deeper truths. Embracing this can lead to more meaningful experiences and a heightened sense of purpose in your daily life.

Moreover, learning to recognize and respond to the Holy Spirit’s guidance daily is a practice that can enrich every aspect of your existence. It’s about being attuned to subtle prompts and bold directives alike, ensuring that you remain on a path that is both fulfilling and divinely orchestrated. This practice fosters a closer relationship with the divine and cultivates a life marked by peace, clarity, and purposeful action.

Looking Ahead

As you journey through this book, you’ll delve deeper into these themes and discover even more ways to harness the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. Each chapter builds on these foundational insights, offering practical advice, inspiring stories, and actionable steps to help you become more attuned to this divine compass.

You’ll explore how others have experienced transformative guidance from the Holy Spirit and learn strategies for overcoming obstacles that may impede your spiritual growth. The chapters ahead are designed to equip you with tools and wisdom that will empower you to live a life moved by divine impulses.

Embrace the Journey

Get ready for an exciting adventure! The pages that follow promise not just knowledge but transformation. By fully engaging with the content, you’ll find yourself increasingly aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance in your daily life. This awareness will lead to decisions imbued with wisdom, actions driven by love, and a heart open to divine inspiration.

Stay engaged, stay curious, and most importantly, stay open. The journey ahead holds incredible potential for growth and discovery. Embrace it wholeheartedly, knowing that you’re being guided every step of the way by an unfailing divine presence.

Let this be just the beginning of an exhilarating exploration into what it truly means to be moved by the impulses of the Holy Spirit. Your spiritual adventure awaits!

~Dr. Russell Welch

Chapter Two will be released on Tuesday, June June 11, 2024


Spirit-Wind People – Dr. Russell Welch

A Spirit-Wind People according to John 3:8 and Romans 8:14

As Spirit-Wind People, we embrace the divine transformation ignited by God’s breath of life, aligning our lives with the Spirit’s guidance according to John 3:8 and Romans 8:14. Through spiritual rebirth, we experience inner renewal and a profound connection with the unseen yet powerful wind of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit-led living empowers us to live in alignment with God’s purposes and impact the world for His glory.

Key Takeaways

  • We embrace the divine transformation ignited by God’s breath of life.
  • Through spiritual rebirth, we experience inner renewal and a connection with the Holy Spirit.
  • Spirit-led living empowers us to align with God’s purposes and impact the world.
  • The concept of a Spirit-Wind People is rooted in John 3:8 and Romans 8:14.
  • Ongoing spiritual renewal is necessary for Spirit-filled living.

Embracing the Breath of God’s Spirit

As Spirit-Wind People, we wholeheartedly embrace the transformative power of God’s breath of life. Through spiritual rebirth, we experience a divine transformation that goes beyond mere outward change, penetrating the depths of our being. This process of inner renewal aligns us with the regeneration by the Spirit, as described in Romans 8:14 and John 3:8.

Divine Transformation through Spiritual Rebirth

When we are born of the Spirit, we become a new creation, no longer defined by the flesh but by the spirit-filled living that the Holy Spirit ignites within us. This divine transformation is not a superficial change, but a profound work of the Spirit that renews our hearts and minds, aligning us with God’s purposes for our lives.

The Wind of the Spirit: Powerful and Unseen

Like the wind, the Spirit of God moves in powerful yet unseen ways, guiding and empowering us to live as spirit-led people. We may not always comprehend the full extent of the Spirit’s work, but we can trust in His sovereign and divine direction, allowing ourselves to be carried by the wind-driven force of God’s breath of life.

The Essence of a Spirit-Wind People

At the heart of being a Spirit-Wind People is the understanding that we are a new creation, born of the Spirit. Our identity is no longer defined by the flesh, but by the transformative work of the Holy Spirit within us. Through the power of the wind-like Spirit, we have experienced a divine transformation that has stripped away our old nature and ushered in a profound regeneration by the Spirit.

Born of the Spirit: A New Creation

As Spirit-Wind People, we have been born of the Spirit, no longer shackled by the constraints of the flesh. Our spiritual rebirth has made us a new creation, empowered by the wind-driven God’s breath of life. We are no longer defined by the inner renewal of the world, but by the divine transformation that the Holy Spirit has wrought within us.

Living by the Spirit’s Leading

As we embrace our identity as Spirit-Wind People, we discover the freedom and power to fulfill God’s purposes and bear fruit for His Kingdom. By living by the Spirit’s leading, we are spirit-filled and spirit-led, empowered to navigate the challenges of life with the unseen, wind-driven force of the Holy Spirit. Our spirit-filled living becomes a testament to the transformative power of the regeneration by the Spirit.

A Spirit-Wind People according to John 3:8 and Romans 8:14

The concept of a Spirit-Wind People finds its roots in the biblical passages of John 3:8 and Romans 8:14. In John 3:8, Jesus speaks of the Spirit as the wind that blows where it wills, emphasizing the unpredictable yet powerful nature of the Holy Spirit. Similarly, Romans 8:14 declares that those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God, affirming the Spirit’s central role in guiding and empowering believers.

As we embrace our identity as a Spirit-Wind People, we are called to walk in step with the divine wind of God’s breath of life, aligning our lives with the regeneration by the Spirit and the born of the Spirit experience. This spirit-filled living and spirit-led way of being empowers us to undergo divine transformation and experience inner renewal, becoming a people marked by the power of the wind-driven Spirit.

“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” – John 3:8

Our spiritual rebirth into this Spirit-Wind People is a testament to the God’s breath of life that breathes new life into us, empowering us to live in alignment with the leading of the Spirit and fulfill the purposes of God’s Kingdom. As we embrace this Spirit-Wind identity, we are transformed from the inside out, becoming a people who bear fruit for the glory of God.

The Necessity of Spiritual Renewal

As guidance, rather than succumbing to the dictates of the world or our own selfish inclinations.

Letting Go of the Flesh

Becoming a requires a willingness to let go of the flesh and its temporary pleasures. We must be and allow them to shape and refine us, rather than clinging to the passing fancies of the earthly realm. This spiritual is essential for us to experience the that aligns us with the calling to be led by the Spirit of God.

Embracing God’s Breath of Life

As we do, we open ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit, embracing the that breathes new life into our souls. This empowers us to live in freedom, no longer bound by the limitations of the flesh, but empowered to walk in the fullness of the ‘s identity.

Walking in the Wind of the Spirit

As Spirit-Wind People, we are called to walk in the wind of the Spirit, attuned to His promptings and yielding to His guidance. This requires a deep sensitivity and responsiveness to the movements of the Holy Spirit, allowing ourselves to be led and empowered by the unseen yet powerful force of God’s Spirit.

By aligning our lives with the Spirit’s direction, we experience the fullness of the abundant life that Christ has promised. We must be ever vigilant, discerning the Spirit’s subtle whispers amidst the noise and distractions of the world, and boldly stepping out in faith to follow where He leads.

Sensitivity to the Spirit’s Promptings

Cultivating a sensitive heart and attunement to the Holy Spirit’s promptings is essential for Spirit-Wind living. We must learn to quiet our souls, to still the chatter of our minds, and to discern the gentle stirrings of God’s Spirit within us. As we become more attuned to the wind of the Spirit, we discover the profound joy of walking in step with the divine, being led and empowered by the very breath of the Almighty.

Yielding to the Spirit’s Guidance

Once we have sensitized our hearts to the Spirit’s promptings, the next step is to yield ourselves fully to His guidance. This requires an unwavering trust in the wisdom and leading of the Holy Spirit, even when His path seems to challenge our own desires or understanding. As we learn to submit our will to the Spirit’s direction, we unlock the transformative power of God’s Spirit to work in and through us, accomplishing His purposes in ways that far exceed our own limited vision.

The Power of Spirit-Filled Living

When we embrace the Spirit-Wind way of living, we tap into the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. As , we are empowered to overcome obstacles and challenges that would otherwise overwhelm us. Through the Spirit’s empowerment, we find the strength and resilience to navigate life’s difficulties, no longer relying solely on our own finite resources.

Overcoming Obstacles through the Spirit

Our experience as Spirit-Wind-driven people, grants us the ability to face even the most daunting circumstances with unwavering faith and supernatural grace. By yielding to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we discover innovative solutions and uncover hidden opportunities for growth. Our empowers us to persevere through trials, emerging stronger and more resolute in our commitment to.

Bearing Fruit for the Kingdom

As we surrender to the wind-driven force of the , we find ourselves bearing abundant for God’s Kingdom. Our lives become conduits of His love, grace, and redemptive purposes, impacting the world around us in profound and tangible ways. Through the power that flows within us, we are equipped to fulfill the divine calling placed upon our lives, bringing glory to the and who has transformed us from the inside out.

The journey of being a is one of extraordinary spiritual fruitfulness and impact. By embracing the transformation of the Holy Spirit, we discover the fullness of life that Christ has promised, and we become vessels through which His Kingdom advances in the world.

Cultivating a Spirit-Led Heart

At the core of being a spirit-wind people is the cultivation of a heart that is fully surrendered to the leading of the Holy Spirit. This involves a daily, intentional process of aligning our thoughts, desires, and actions with the spirit’s promptings, allowing Him to shape and guide us in all areas of our lives. As we cultivate this spirit-led heart, we experience the profound joy and fruitfulness that comes from walking in harmony with the divine wind of God’s breath of life.

Through regeneration by the Spirit, we are born of the Spirit, becoming a new creation in Christ. This spiritual rebirth empowers us to live according to the spirit’s leading, rather than the dictates of the flesh. As we yield to the Spirit’s guidance, we discover the freedom and power to fulfill God’s purposes, bearing spirit-filled living that glorifies His name.

Cultivating a spirit-led heart requires a deep sensitivity and responsiveness to the wind-driven movements of the Holy Spirit. We must be ever-attentive to the divine transformation He is working within us, allowing Him to renew our inner being and align our lives with His God’s breath of life. This spirit-filled way of living equips us to overcome obstacles, walk in the Spirit, and bear abundant fruit for the Kingdom.

As we cultivate a spirit-led heart, we discover the profound joy and purpose that comes from being a Spirit-Wind People, empowered by the unseen yet powerful wind of the Holy Spirit. Let us embrace this divine transformation and live in harmony with the Romans 8:14 and John 3:8 principles that define our identity as God’s spirit-filled and spirit-led people.

The Joys of Spirit-Wind Living

The journey of being a spirit-wind people is marked by the profound joys that come from walking in step with the Holy Spirit. We experience the liberating freedom found in Christ, no longer bound by the constraints of the flesh. Through our intimate connection with the divine, we are empowered to make a lasting impact on the world around us, fulfilling God’s purposes and bringing glory to His name.

Freedom in Christ

As Spirit-Wind People, we revel in the freedom that comes from being reborn in the Spirit. No longer shackled by the dictates of the flesh, we embrace the divine transformation that allows us to live in inner renewal and abundant life. This Spirit-led living liberates us to fulfill our God-given purpose without the burden of worldly constraints.

Intimacy with the Divine

Our spirit-filled journey is marked by a profound intimacy with the divine. As we cultivate a Spirit-led heart, we enter into a deep, wind-driven connection with the breath of God’s Spirit. This regeneration by the Spirit fuels an ever-deepening relationship with the unseen yet powerful Creator, empowering us to live in divine harmony with His will.

Impacting the World for God’s Glory

Ultimately, the joys of Spirit-Wind living compel us to make a lasting impact on the world around us. Filled with the Spirit’s guidance and empowerment, we become conduits of God’s love, grace, and redemptive purposes. Our lives become living testimonies to the transformative power of the Holy Spiritinspiring others to experience the same spiritual rebirth and wind-driven renewal.

Conclusion

As we embrace the calling to be a Spirit-Wind People, we commit ourselves to a life of deep spiritual rebirth and divine transformation, guided and empowered by the unseen yet mighty wind of the Holy Spirit. By aligning our lives with the Spirit’s leading, we discover the abundant joy, freedom, and purpose that comes from walking in harmony with the divine.

Let us continue to cultivate a Spirit-led heart, boldly living out our identity as a people ignited by God’s breath of life, and impacting the world for His glory. As we surrender ourselves to the regeneration by the Spirit and the wind-driven power of the Spirit-filled living, we will experience the fullness of inner renewal and the transformative impact of being a born of the Spirit community, according to the timeless truths found in John 3:8 and Romans 8:14.

May our journey as a Spirit-Wind People continue to inspire and empower us to live with unwavering spirit-led conviction, radiating the God’s breath of life to all those around us. Together, let us rise up as a people of the wind-driven Spirit, bringing divine transformation and impacting the world for His glory.

FAQ

What does it mean to be a “Spirit-Wind People” according to the Bible?

As a Spirit-Wind People, we embrace the divine transformation ignited by God’s breath of life, aligning our lives with the Spirit’s guidance according to John 3:8 and Romans 8:14. Through spiritual rebirth, we experience inner renewal and a profound connection with the unseen yet powerful wind of the Holy Spirit.

How does spiritual rebirth lead to divine transformation?

Through spiritual rebirth, we experience a divine transformation that goes beyond mere outward change, penetrating the depths of our being. This inner renewal empowers us to live in alignment with God’s will, as we are no longer defined by the flesh, but by the transformative work of the Holy Spirit within us.

What does it mean to live by the Spirit’s leading as a Spirit-Wind People?

As we live by the Spirit’s leading, we discover the freedom and power to fulfill God’s purposes, bearing fruit for His Kingdom. This involves a continual process of letting go of the flesh and embracing the life-giving breath of God’s Spirit, allowing ourselves to be empowered and guided by the unseen yet mighty wind of the Holy Spirit.

How can we cultivate a Spirit-led heart?

Cultivating a Spirit-led heart is a daily, intentional process of aligning our thoughts, desires, and actions with the Spirit’s promptings. This requires a deep sensitivity and responsiveness to the movements of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to shape and guide us in all areas of our lives.

What are the joys of being a Spirit-Wind People?

The journey of being a Spirit-Wind People is marked by the profound joys of experiencing the liberating freedom found in Christ, the intimate connection with the divine, and the empowerment to make a lasting impact on the world around us, fulfilling God’s purposes and bringing glory to His name.

~Russ Welch, A.K.A. WindWalker

Remnant Warrior Ministries

Remnant Warrior Ministries YouTube Channel


Hello everyone,

I wanted to invite you to read the intro to my new book “God’s Wind Walkers 2: Stepping into Your Divine Destiny with Holy Spirit”

Preface

“The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.” – Søren Kierkegaard

In the midst of an era where the clamor and chaos of daily life often drown out the whisperings of spiritual wisdom, “God’s Wind Walkers 2: Stepping into Your Divine Destiny with Holy Spirit” emerges as a beacon of hope and guidance. At its heart, this book is a clarion call to those yearning to live a life led not by the fleeting desires of humanity but by the eternal guidance of Holy Spirit.

Crafted from years of pastoral experience, personal journeying, and countless stories of transformation, my inspiration to write this book was born out of witnessing the profound struggles and subsequent victories of individuals stepping into their divine destiny.

As a pastor and servant of the Kingdom, I have had the privilege to walk alongside many who have faced the precipice of indecision – torn between the world’s chorus and the gentle yet unwavering call of the Spirit. Their journeys, fraught with challenges, yet ultimately triumphant, illustrate the transformative power of surrender to God’s direction.

This narrative captures not only the essence of living a Spirit-led life but delves into practical wisdom on how to discern, embrace, and act upon divine guidance. It is a manual for those who find themselves at crossroads, seeking not the path of least resistance but the route marked out by the divine for their lives.

Through these pages, readers will discover strategies to break free from the entanglements of fear, doubt, and confusion that often hinder our spiritual walk.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the countless individuals whose lives and stories have enriched the tapestry of this book. Special appreciation goes out to my faithful congregation at Highway to Heaven Church, my global family nurtured through the Rushing Mighty Wind School of Ministry, and the many mentors who have shaped my journey. Your experiences, shared in vulnerability and trust, have been indispensable in illustrating the profound impact of living by the Spirit.

To you, the reader, thank you for embarking on this journey with me. By choosing to explore the depths of this book, you are taking an audacious step toward unleashing the full potential of your divine destiny. I write not as one who has mastered this path but as a fellow traveler, eager to share the insights gathered from a life dedicated to following God’s winds.

This book speaks to those who identify deeply with their Christian faith yet feel an aching void for something more profound in their spiritual journey. It is for those who stand at the threshold of decision, wrestling with the tension between the promises of scripture and the practicalities of daily living. There are no prerequisites here, other than an open heart and a willingness to be led by Holy Spirit, even into the unknown.

As you turn these pages, I invite you to do so with expectation and an open heart. My prayer is that by the end, you will not only be informed but transformed; not just reading about the ways of the Spirit, but walking in them. Thank you for your trust and may your journey through “God’s Wind Walkers 2” be one of discovery, empowerment, and profound alignment with your divine destiny.

Continue reading, for the winds of divine direction beckon, ready to transform your life immediately as you surrender, without fear of losing your way.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

It was a fun journey with the company of Holy Spirit writing the pages of this new work and from the start, this book was created with a vision to take readers to a world where they can view life through a spiritual lens, make peace with uncertainties, and cultivate the ‘surrender’ to God’s will. This is not about religion. Instead, it’s about unraveling the mystery that binds us all in the cosmos and developing a profound connection with the divinity within us.

In this journey, what I aim to draw the readers towards is not a destination, but a way of experiencing life. A mode of existence that brings forth love, faith, patience, resilience, and ultimate surrender to life’s wind that gently yet irresistibly propels us toward our individual spiritual awakenings.

Many enjoyed the first Wind Walkers book I wrote, so as I launch ‘God’s Wind Walkers 2′, I invite you to step in the continued journey with me, to see the world and its panoramic landscapes through the spiritual lens they offer. I believe that within these pages you will find yourself immersed in the richness of spiritual exploration, the wind guiding your path, and the immense love that binds us all together.

My prayer is that you the reader will join with others reading this book in this journey of faith. Holy Spirit is inviting you to be part of the expedition that transcends geographical boundaries, cultural divides, and even the limitations of temporal existence. Welcome to the world of ‘God’s Wind Walkers 2’.

Remember, the wind is supposed to blow. It is supposed to be fierce sometimes. But in the end, it’s God’s wind, and we are merely walkers.

Yours in spirit,
Dr. Russell Welch.

Here is the Link to purchase Wind Walker’s 2 from Amazon


But God now unveils these profound realities to us by the Spirit. Yes, he has revealed to us his inmost heart and deepest mysteries through the Holy Spirit, who constantly explores all things. After all, who can really see into a person’s heart and know his hidden impulses except for that person’s spirit? So it is with God. His thoughts and secrets are only fully understood by his Spirit, the Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10-11, TPT)

I find it way to often when counseling people that they have no real relationship with Holy Spirit.

Now one needs but look out across the country to see the vacancy of Kingdom influeance. It is clearly evident that very few who call themselves followers of Jesus truly read & meditate on the Word and sadly even more evident that few engage in conversations with Holy Spirit.

How can you discern between your own hearts voice and that of the Father if you spend no time in conversation with Him?The majority of people that I meet who attend a “Church” are often very knowledgeable about the quotes of their favorite Pastor yet as to the actual words of Jesus, not so much other than the popular often quoted scriptures.

I find that many are far more reliant on getting answers from man then they are the spirit, and they wonder why they are not experiencing the abundant life.

The Father says in His Word: This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes the flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD. (Jeremiah 17:5)

Now for years I beleived that God would put a curse on me for this, because having not spent time in His Word with the very One who He sent to guide me into all spiritual truth, Holy Spirit I found myself sitting under bewitching religious doctrinal opinions of the nature of the Father which were totally false. He is not a judge sitting on bench, eager to pour His wrath out on all who didn’t follow His way.

This isn’t a threat from the Father, rather a warning that if you trust in man, you walk in a limited place of wisdom & blessing, whereas if you trust in Him you are walking in the realm of inexhaustible blessings.

Basically it would be like trusting the repairs of your vehicle to your neighbor who has spent his entire life putting mere models of cars together rather than entrusting it to a skilled and professional mechanic.

Holy Ghost has become my best friend, we talk constantly throughout the day, when I read the Bible or open a book, I invite Him to join with me, to highlight the truth as well as any error that may be written (yes that is including the translations of scripture).

Here is an often quoted scripture but rarely is it put to use by the pew warming crowds who go to participate in the favorite religious performance once or twice a week.

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6)

I personally have reached the place in my life where I am totally surrendered to the place of complete peace being at the mercy of the Lord’s guidance and provision. If He doesn’t give me wise advise, or show up and provide it could turn out to be a disaster, yet I have found that He is soever faithful in holding to His promises.

I will end with this eternal truth:

Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go. (Proverbs 3:5-6, TPT)

Russ Welch, Director Beaches Rescue & Recovery Mission


spirit-led

I can remember as a young Christian I was compelled to seek the Spirit in all matters. Then as I started earning my degrees and hanging out with “seasoned” ministers I started making decisions based upon what I had learned and or heard from the experiences of others. All the while I thought I was doing great with one exception – I noticed that I was having little effect in reaching others with the Gospel and those whom I counseled who were Christians didn’t seem to get any break-thru’s.

In 2010 when I stepped down from leading a ministry I had started in 2004 in order to begin serving as an co-pastor in a start-up Church, believing this was where the Lord wanted me to serve. During this season of transition the Lord hit me with one verse and for several months everywhere I turned it popped up:

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (1 Cor 2:10)

Then one day during a prayer session I finally got it. I had unknowingly traded the indescribable and inexhaustible wisdom of Holy Spirit for the wisdom of men and myself. It was like a light going off and then Holy Spirit started showing me places in the Word that I had missed as well as taking me back to times that I had thought I was given sound advice only to see how far off the target I was. Even in my personal and business financial decisions I had made countless mistakes all the while believing that I was using sound Biblical principles.

Now today I am continuously asking Holy Spirit to guard my heart and thoughts that I don’t err back to my old patterns. Even when I open the Word I welcome Him to join me in my studies. Especially before going out to witness I have disciplined myself when I out to evangelize the homeless or others whether it be by myself or with a group. In fact I serve as an associate pastor at a Church because Holy Spirit spoke to me with a clear directive – “the Father wills you to serve here” – which was at a time in my life when I had no earthly inclination to serve in a Church that from the outside is heaped in the traditions of doing Church. I am so thankful today for the directive Holy Spirit gave me as this ministry is exactly what the Lord prepared me for.

Looking back I could kick myself and it sometimes saddens me knowing that I had the availability to lean upon His wisdom and didn’t. I know that more than likely the out-come of these times would have been a whole lot different. How many lost souls did I not impact, how many business decisions did I make or not make that could have created more seeds for the Kingdom. Recently while in a teachings session with several of the men that I mentor I told them that if I had different color socks I would more than likely seek Holy Spirit’s directive as to which color to wear. Does this sound a bit over board or extreme? Well what if I had a pair of green socks and sitting on a bench or in a public place these socks opened the door for a conversation to share the gospel.

Let us ponder this thought for a moment – If God is so concerned with us that He even takes time to number the hairs on our head, why would we think anything was too small of a concern for Him. Where would our ministries be today if we were to be totally sold out on not moving to the left or right lest Holy Spirit said which way to go? We read in scripture of how Paul desired to go many places and at times even had his friends attempt to persuade him to either go or not to go yet Paul writes that the Spirit with-held him. He obviously was in communication with Holy Spirit to hear this.

So again, How important is seeking and hearing Holy Spirit in your life – Church – Ministry???

For does not the Bible declare “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Rom 8:14)

Fellow saints, let us not disregard this awesome gift that the Father has given us: But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (John 14:26)