A Slice of Inter-SoulFood Inspiration

Sent 5/16/03 Guy

I am personally being astonished by the Lord's goodness to this ministry. His faithfulness is soooo overwhelming! Forgive me if the King James in me comes out, but I beseech you brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. Now is not the time for any of us to lose focus. Trust me on this. Cover each other in prayer like never before. Be not ignorant of the devil's devices and distractions so that we can hear from God and accomplish His plan without delay. We must continually examine ourselves. I get a sense that we are about to enter into a new phase of ministry and that it is going to be much bigger than we had first feared! However, deeper levels in God come with a price and His anointing to dwell there doesn't come cheap. Without holiness we will never see Him. Without total surrender God simply can't trust us. Without humility we will surely play no part in His plan; for God will not share His glory with any man. I am so grateful that God has put me with guys like you. Are you ready? Praise be to God, I believe you are!!!!

All my love, Guy.

Sent 7/21/03 Guy

Yes I agree. We should always be very careful to make sure that it is only God who is leading Soulfood. It should only be His path that we are taking. It is good to begin to think and pray on these things now because as we increase, so will the temptations to sell out. It is easy for us to stand firm now. We are not getting paid, the money and the fame is not yet lurking around seeking an open door of pride, greed, or lust. And neither is the possibility of failure and the snare of the fear that it can bring. Are we ready to face the serious challenges that lie ahead with our full confidence and trust in God? It's easy to just sit back at the table like Peter and make a lot of boast about our commitment. But the wise and the humble, will not just boast and hope that they will stay true. They will stay so close to Jesus and in prayer and with the Father daily that making Godly choices becomes addictive. We shouldn't wait until the heat of battle to try to hear from God. We should make some firm decisions in our hearts now as to what lines we won't cross. The biggest hurdle, and one that I think we are all coming to terms with is that WE ARE NOT PROMOTING SOULFOOD, WE ARE PROMOTING JESUS CHRIST. I believe if we keep close to that revelation we will never allow the devil to catch us by surprise. There is no question in my mind that God is doing a great work within each of us. I am so thankful to be on a team with such sold out Christian champions.

Thanks for your e-mail. I think we all should prayerfully voice our concerns. We are a team. We must stay in one accord. I personally pledge my heart to serve you guys to the best of my ability, within the confines of course, of serving Him.

Love, Guy

Sent 8/26/03 Guy

Troops,

I really liked the devotional that I have attached below. (If you don't currently get this devotional daily, I would highly recommend you sign up for it.) Comments like these make me more determined than ever to ensure that Soulfood's direction is fulfilling God's plan and that we are making the biggest impact possible for His Kingdom along the way. Forgive me for when my decisions have left us feeling like we did not use our resources wisely. I know your time is valuable. Sadly, some things we have had to learn the hard way. But I want you to know that in the future I pledge to try to seek God more earnestly so that we can become more selective and effective.

I'll bet you've heard me say how honored we should be that God has selected us to be front line warriors. But to take it a step further, I don't believe He has assigned us to be just regular front line foot soldiers. I believe that we are called to be God's best, and most trusted unit. We are going to be like God's Navy Seals, or His Army Rangers. I consider us to be in training to become God's own special Ops forces that will not shy away from any challenge. Are we there yet? I don't think so. I would say we are probably just now completing basic training. But I would also say that I think we are right on track. Are you ready to go where God is leading? To march to His Cadence? It's a big question. I believe that there will be days ahead that we will be called to go well behind enemy lines. It's not for the squeamish, or the self seeking. It's for the sold out. To be a Navy Seal requires a whole lot of commitment. God requires total surrender. The Army Rangers are looking for the especially dedicated, God is looking for totally consecrated. Special Ops forces must have total confidence in their ability. God's Special Ops must have unwavering faith in His ability.

I know I get so dramatic sometimes, but I thank God for each of you in my prayers. I lift up your families because I know that they are such a blessing to the work whereunto we were called. I pray that God will give you the courage to stand in the fire as He molds Soulfood into a people after His own heart. May we all finish our race with the confidence of knowing that we gave Him our all. On that day may we be able to stand before God and say, "Here I am, a champion of Your freedom. Here I am, a warrior of Your Truth. Here I am, a preacher of the Good News. But nothing without You, just a jewel of Your grace. My Love, Guy.

Sent 9/24/03 Guy

Always remember that we are God's children, and that no child matures overnight. We are on a continuous improvement program doing our best each second to give glory to God. Though we often come up short, God doesn't want us to let it get us down. He has these wonderful outstretched arms of forgiveness that will pick us back up, dust us off, and send us back out to pick up where we left off. In our daily lives, as mundane, or as crazy as they can be, we must not forget that we are still God's ambassadors 24-7. As imperfect as we may be, God is wanting to use us. As He told Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9. Does this mean we should strive to be more weak that His power made be shown more perfect in us? God forbid. No, we are commanded to strive for the mastery. Unrepentant sin does separate us from God's fellowship, and it prevents us from coming to His throne with the boldness and confidence that excites Him to move through us. But His power is always going to make ours seem weak in comparison anyhow, and even when we are at our best it is only because of His grace! My point? God is not waiting for us to get to the top of our game. Even He hasn't got that long to wait! So expect Him to use you this weekend. Yes, you! Not someone you think is more qualified, YOU. Why, because it's not about your ability anyway. It's about your availability. It's about HIM in YOU! Let's not waste another precious second of this life waiting on a day that will never get here while we see the multitudes hurting, dying, and going to hell. Just like Amy sings, "Come just as you are." Bust into the throne room this week and boldly let your Redeemer know, "HERE I AM LORD, BECAUSE OF YOU I AM READY, USE ME!"

Sent 9/29/03 Guy

Great job Saturday and Sunday. A special thanks to Reverend Al Cobos for the uplifting and stirring message yesterday! Honestly, it takes a real man of God to stand up in front of a room full of wheelchairs and encourage them to believe God for a miracle. Al is not ashamed of the Gospel, for he believes that it is the power of God unto salvation to all that believe! See Romans 1:16. Very challenging and thought provoking message Al.  When God looks at us, does He see a confident expectation?

(And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?  I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?") Luke 18:7-8.

Special note:

Now is not a time to slack off. The devil is out to kill, steal, and destroy us. he knows his time is drawing near and that we are yanking people straight out of the pit of his hell and out of his evil clutches. So he is seeking to divide us, to find a foot hold somewhere. Now, more than ever, we must keep each member of Soulfood lifted up in prayer. We must continue to strive for unity, especially within our families so that our prayers be not hindered. Remember that the devil is defeated and has no power over us unless we choose to be deceived by his lies. As children of God we must recognize the devil's devises and refuse to repay evil for evil, railing for railing, or accusation for accusation. Help bear each others burdens. It is only goodness that overcomes evil. God is good. Stand with him. Be long suffering and patient with one another even when you are being treated unfairly. This is the character of our Lord Jesus Christ. This character was best displayed on your cross on Calvary.

Victory in Jesus,

Guy

Sent 10/06/03 Amy

Hey Guys,

I was reading my Bible and praying this morning, and I felt led to share with you that many people from Labelle approached me Sunday to thank us for coming AGAIN and doing such a great job.  I also wanted to share an encouraging testimony that was given at Labelle yesterday during the AM service.  Mrs. Keena (a.k.a. “the cake walk lady”) shared how she met a lady during the festival who brings her children every year.  This lady said that her children always come away from the festival learning something new about Jesus every year.  Mrs. Keena, Pastor Jerry and a few others thanked Soulfood during the AM service for being a part of this ministry.  I just wanted all of us (including myself) to be encouraged today.  Even though there may not always be a crowd sitting in front of us, doesn’t mean that there is no one listening.  I had a number of people from the church who had to work the games come up and thank us for Saturday.  Even though they were busy playing games with the children, they were listening.  I’ll admit that I can get frustrated like anyone else when we perform at festivals or other things that don’t go as scheduled, but I have to keep telling myself that I am doing something that I love and what puts the icing on the cake is that I’m doing it for the Lord!  Praise Jesus that we get to do something that we love and glorify him at the same time.  I also praise Jesus for the people who financially support our ministry.

My prayer for Soulfood today is that in everything that we do as a ministry, the Lord be glorified and others come to know Jesus.  I pray Lord that we as Soulfood seek you earnestly in our everyday life, so that we will be real and evident to those who are listening to us.  Dear Lord, please let nothing but good come from our mouths and that we will be mindful of this.  No matter where we are (work, church, home, singing, etc.), please let all of our words be to magnify you ALONE!  Jesus, I ask that you protect our minds, spouses, children from the evil one and his evil spirits.  May we put on Your armor everyday and stand strong in You.  Lord give us wisdom as a ministry on where you want us to go and what you want us to do.  Help us to be good stewards Lord.  We love You and thank You.  It’s in Your Holy and Sweet Name Jesus that I pray, Amen!

Sent 10/15/03 Guy

Remember to keep everyone in SFM lifted up in prayer. Especially James who is battling for his health. Pray for Tony and Denise to be strengthened and to stay in unity as the Lord helps them to overcome the trials ahead. Lift up their son Daniel. A little faith should rise up when you think of how God is changing their older boy Nick's life! Our Dad is no respecter of persons. He is going to deliver Daniel from that toothless lion's den too! In fact, a little thanksgiving should rise up when you think about His protection over Felicia! How about a shout of praise for Jamie and Melinda's new daughter Olivia! There is so much more. Did I mention how God has financed this ministry since its inception? I am thankful for Mike and the new life he breathes into the ministry. I am thankful to be part of a group that is in such unity with the Spirit of God. I am grateful to the Lord for giving me friends like you that stick closer than a brother. Let's rise up and praise our way out of these obstacles we face. God is building a people that the gates of hell will not be able to prevail against!

Be praying about Saturday. I know it will be a long hard day. But if we come with the right attitude, unselfish, expecting miracles, believing for God's power, hoping to see lives changed, we will be supernaturally strengthened and empowered to overcome and conquer for the Kingdom of God. We will witness as Jesus watches over His Word to perform it. Brothers and sisters, count it all joy. I am literally overwhelmed by this awesome opportunity to serve the Lord in a way that I know each of us are born to do.

All my love,

Guy

Sent 10/20/03 Guy

I wanted to say thanks to all you warriors for your hard work and faithfulness in sticking it out all day Saturday. It only enforced my belief that we're all just a bunch of rednecks, because we all had one by the time we left! But we came like the Blues Brothers. "On a mission from God!" And I doubt that those people could deny that they felt the Lord's sweet presence; maybe some of them for the first time. We came with a powerful truth that I pray they will not be able to run from. May it be planted firmly in their hearts and sprouts up into everlasting life!

What a rewarding weekend! I had seven out of eighteen young children come up yesterday in my Children's church class and receive Jesus into their hearts. Are those souls not the real treasures here on this earth? How could we let the want of the wood hay and stubble in this life ever interfere with our pursuit of God's plan for our lives and the opportunity He gives us to play a part in someone else's eternity? Oh if we could only keep our eyes on those jewels that God desires. I didn't get to sit through the adult church service, but I heard it was great. I know that the praise and worship was super anointed. Tony and Troy were super tight and Al, I saw a fire in you that I don't always see. It really blessed me. Mike, you're doing a great job on the board too. Barry is obviously a great teacher.

Praise God. I knew the Lord would deliver Daniel! Didn't I tell you? Set free in the jailhouse! Only our God could do that. Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice! Give God the praise He is due, for He is not through. James will be our next victory.

Question: What did Jesus tell Jairus when his servants came back with terrible news telling him not to trouble the Master any further?

Answer:  (Be not afraid, only believe.) Mark 5:36.

Only believe brother James, and see the glory of God revealed in your Temple.

All my love,

Guy

Sent 11/21/03 Guy

I don't know about you guys, but I am feeling like an addict jonesing to sing God's praises. I can't wait to get lost in that secret place of worship with Him. I know that if we could all could just keep our desire for Him in focus, all our other desires for this ministry and for our families would be added unto us. (But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.) Matthew 6:33.  It must be for HIM and through HIM and by HIM that we run this race. Let it not once be said that Soulfood ran in vain. That we fought as one who beats the air, chasing our own shadows and wrestling with our own fleshly desires. But let it be said that we resided under HIS wings and when the clouds came, we soared above them like an eagle. That we ran and did not grow weary, that we walked with HIM and did not faint. That when we reached the mountain top we dropped to our knees, cast our crowns, and gave Him all the glory. Let the world know that HE was always our goal, and let them never question that our Lord JESUS was always our ultimate prize.

Press on brothers,

Guy (Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee:) Isaiah 26:3.

Sent 11/24/03 Guy

I was really blessed this Saturday night as we ministered unto the Lord, and vice-versa. He has blessed us with some awesome songs. I thought the sets that brother Al wrote were very anointed! James did a fine job running both the lights and the sound. You all sounded great! I thought I saw the glory of the Lord at one point, but it was just the fog! We are very blessed to have such wonderful support from on families.

The only problem was that there were very few other people there to share in the blessing. I prayed about that this morning, and as the Lord always seems to do, HE caused me to first look within at the things that are my personal responsibility. While it would be easy for me to play the blame game and point a finger at Higher Ground for not providing the people, it would not improve the situation.  So while I believe we can take some comfort in knowing that we did little thing like putting out flyers in our Churches, I believe we must really first examine things from the ground up. It all starts with our personal evangelism. The Lord brought to my attention a few people that I should have invited personally; a struggling brother in-law, a lost neighbor, a friend from work and so on. He encouraged me to go through all my address books and phone logs and make a list of people to start reaching out to, to post their names in my cubicle at work and pray over these people, to make a point to personally invite each of them to come when Soulfood plays, to be diligent about it, to let them know a few weeks in advance and then follow up with them the week of the service.

I know each of you feel as strongly as I do about the work the Lord has entrusted to us here at Soulfood. I can assure you that the Lord feels very strongly about it. In fact, I am hoping that soon HE will allow me to share with you a few incredible things that HE told me when I was in Atlanta. In the meantime, I ask you to pray about it and see if you should join me in this personal grass roots evangelism effort for our next night at Higher Ground December 13th. We should not despise small beginnings. He is building in us the character that we will need when HE opens the doors that HE has set before us. Our job is to simply do all we can to stand, and then stand. Stand and trust the Lord. Our immediate goal is to here HIM say, (Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things:) Matthew 25:21

Love,

Guy

Sent 12/09/03 Guy

Angie told me that she had fun at practice last night. At first I thought that was an odd thing to say. Practice? Fun? But it got me to thinking and yea, I had fun at practice too. I always do. Heck, I cut my own birthday party short so I could be there! I love you guys. I consider you family and there are no other people I would rather be around. You even make practicing fun.

Guy

Sent 12-23-03 Guy

I really enjoyed last night. I hope you all did too. The fantastic fellowship, the partaking of the Lord's Supper, the encouraging testimonies, the inspired scripture readings, the wonderful Worship of our worthy Savior; surely that is what Christmas should be like. You have all made my Christmas very special this year and I just wanted to say thanks and that I love you all.

Guy

Sent 12-30-03 Guy

Amy,

As a song in the old Smokey and the Bandit movie said, "We got a long way to go and a short time to get there..." I believe that Jesus is coming back real soon, but first I feel that He has an awesome job for Soulfood to do. We just got to keep moving and motivated and growing spiritually. He has a hard time steering a parked car! You weren't there when we got together to worship Him this Christmas, but Mike prophesied these words, "Run to your destiny. Do not run from it." Was that just encouragement and direction, or was that correction? Either way, I plan to get about doing it. It reminded me of what Andrew once wrote of us, "One of the most influential bands of all times." It seemed funny at the time, because we couldn't see ourselves making that kind of impact. But I believe that both of those sayings were inspired of God, and I have recently hung those words on the wall of our practice room. I want us all to get the vision. I don't despise small beginnings, but God did not snatch Diesel Jane out of Cane Creek to spend the rest of our lives playing empty coffee houses. We must not sell ourselves short, for as far as our faith will reach, God will give us. As far as we can see ourselves going, God will take us. He told Abraham, (Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it,) Genesis 13:14-15. Can you see it? I believe we will be up and running this next year and marching towards God's vision. Souls! Souls! Souls! Millions of them. Yes, millions. Let it roll off your tongue, "Millions!" Proclaim it sister. For they shall be jewels for His crown. It shall come to pass, and you will be part of that Amy.

Love you,

Guy

Sent 1/26/04 Guy

Yesterday as I walked the halls of the nursing home and felt the heavy spirit of depression, and saw the hopelessness in the eyes of the forgotten, I felt a determination and resolve more firm than ever before. Suddenly, the reason why I have been getting up at 5:45AM to jog became crystal clear. It is because God has blessed me with legs that are capable of pushing a wheel chair. Why do I listen to so many preaching tapes and sermons? Why do I stay in the Bible? Why do I stay hooked up and active with my Church? Why do I make myself pray and worship even when I don't feel like it? Why do I push myself so hard and still feel like it's never enough? My answer was crystal clear yesterday in the eyes of every lonely person that I meet. My life is about more than just me. More than just about making sure my little family gets by. The gifts that God has entrusted to me are seeds too precious to consume only on myself when there is so much fertile soil everywhere I turn. There are more people with more broken lives and hearts than I will ever be able to fix. But the Spirit of the Living God dwells within me, and quite frankly, I don't think I will be able to live with myself if I don't do all I can to make sure that I point them to the One who holds the key to their salvation.

When I prayed with that old gentleman and he began to shout, "Hallelujah! Praise God!" and told me with tears in his eyes that he was so excited about our music, and how our message stirred him so that he could not contain himself, I could not help but to shout with him!

My God is too good to keep to myself. I was nothing before I met Jesus, nothing, no good to anybody. I am still nothing without Him. But this one thing I am determined to do, to press on into Jesus where there is worth to be found for my life. To seek Him with all that I am. To continue to let Him mold into me a heart that continually yearns to seek and save that which was lost, one like His. Then just maybe, one day when a lonely soul needs a hug I will be able to offer them more than just my flimsy little arms, I will be able to wrap them in the strength of the right arm that cradles eternity. And they will feel more than just a little petter patter against their breast, they will experience the pounding of a Love so intense that He would allow His own Heart to be broken and pierced for them.

(I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God,) Galatians 2:20-21

Sent 2-18-04 Guy

I wanted to say thanks to everybody who showing up Monday night to help with the practice room. I'm sure Tony especially appreciates it. He has worked real hard on the new additions and has always gone above and beyond to keep the room nice and available. Thanks also to our esteemed VP "T-Roy" for running off the CD's for us.

While I'm thanking people, thanks to Amy for keeping our financial records together and getting things together for our taxes. She has been very faithful to that mundane job that nobody else really wanted for a long time. There are so many things going on behind the scenes that are the crucial to the success of SoulFood as a ministry. Jamie has been working diligently on booking us for some major festivals this up coming Spring. He has some good news that he will be sharing with us soon! Brother Al has just taken over the responsibility of the web-site and I know for a fact that he has spent many hours on it already. Keep an eye on it, he has big plans for it. James and Andrew have left him a wonderful foundation to build upon. Brother Barry recently spent an entire night over at my house loading our new power amp into the rack. Without his expertise I would hate to think where we would be. Brother Tommy has contacted me and expressed his desire to become more involved in the ministry again. Come on Brother! We have missed you. Thanks Heath for being such a generous contributor to the funding of the ministry. Sadly, many ministries have to expend most of their energy and time chasing finances. Through the generosity of people like you, the Lord has certainly blessed us beyond our wildest imaginations. It has allowed Soulfood to focus the bulk of our attention on the true riches, souls for the Kingdom. What can I say about the zeal and dedication that Mike has shown since he has joined our family?

Of course, behind every person who puts their time into the ministry, there are several people praying and having to keep the home fires burning. So I want to tell all your families thanks from the bottom of my heart. We will all share in the harvest together.

SoulFood is a special body of believers that God has assembled for this end time. But like any body, it only functions by the effort that every joint supplies. Each of you is critical to the success of the mission that God has called us to. Is there room for improvement? Always. But I just wanted to take a minute and offer a simple thanks to all of you. Your labor is not in vain. The vision that the Lord has cast for this ministry cannot be carried on the shoulders of one or two. We will only reach its fullness together. May God richly bless you for your faithfulness to your call.

Guy

Sent by Guy 5-10-04

First let me say, "No practice tonight!". Take a well deserved break.

This Past Week:

·         I was inspired by each of you as you went beyond the normal call of duty Saturday before last and unselfishly gave up your day off  to get in one last rehearsal. No murmuring or complaining, only attitudes of champions seeking excellence in their service to the Lord.

·         Last Monday I was astonished by the hard work and attention to detail that our wonderful crew and whole ministry put into setting up for the concert. Every one giving their talents and working together like a well oiled machine in order to assemble something that we would later find out would pay great dividends.

·         Wednesday night I was overwhelmed by the true humility displayed in our prayer before the show. Everyone rejoicing that they were counted worthy to represent the Lord and acknowledging that all the extras, the lights, the fog, the special effects, were not to glorify SoulFood, but the Lord Jesus. And so they did, the anointing of God pouring out of each of us into the songs until a whole room full of Christians were united in their run for the Throne of God. Then God honoring us all with His manifested presence, so gentle, so wonderful, and so heavy within the room that many people wept openly. How can I describe the high I received when seeing the determination on the faces of those two men as they came up to turn from their lives of sin to give their hearts to Jesus. Grown men trembling, tears in their eyes. Men that the world had giving up on. Then the exhilarating celebration that ensued! And if that was not enough, after the service a young lady continued to weep quietly in the back until she was spotted by another spiritual young woman of the church who would minister to her and lead her to salvation. Warrior Ministries had gone out into the byways and the highways inviting the lost and picking them up and bringing them in. Members of the Church bringing neighbors, co-workers, and loved ones. Everyone planting, watering, and reaping. The Church being the Church. Glory to God.

·         I was so happy about the way we responded Saturday as we encountered opportunity after opportunity to get in the flesh. We could have easily allowed pride to rise up and cause us to start complaining how unfair everything was. When we were persecuted we could have easily returned railing for railing and accusation for accusation. But we each were mature enough in the Lord to recognize the devices of the enemy and overcome this evil with Good. We  learned that a soft answer turns away wrath! We passed the test praise God and the Lord honored us for it by again blessing us with the anointing. Saturday we exemplified what it means to truly be an ambassador for Christ, not just while on stage, but 24/7. I am so proud of you guys.

·         There was one more incident that touched my heart that I must share with you. I was blessed to witness the most wonderful mother's day present that I could imagine. Sunday, midway through praise and worship at our Church, a God fearing mother walking in with her young twenty something son and sat down beside Angie and I. I believe it may have been his first time to set foot into our church, maybe any church. This mother had recently lost her other son. Just the week before, she later explained, The Lord had ministered to her at a women's meeting and her grief had subsided to the point that was a new gleamer of hope returning to her eyes. That her was heart was yearning for her son she now had in tow was greatly evident. The young man sat there during the message, seemingly uninterested, and as Pastor Billy made an invitation for the lost to come to the Lord, I felt a call to pray for the young man. I know I was not the only one. And then suddenly, as I yet prayed, the boy stood. The only one. He scooted past us boldly out into the isle to go before the entire church to receive Jesus and bless his Momma with the greatest Mother's day present ever. I cannot describe the guttural depths of the praise that that woman unloosed for the Lord. I will never forget it. It brings tears to my eyes to think about it. Unbridled joy of the Lord.

·         The devil took his best shots at us the week, and he came up a total loser. SoulFood Ministries is the Lord's. He goes before us in battle. He has molded us and He has empowered us to be Jewel's of His grace. We have simply surrendered, and He has done the rest. Glory to Him forever. I love you guys so much, you are true brothers and sisters to me, and I am completely honored to be a part of you. This past week I have seen what God can do with a group of people who will dare to put Him first and take a firm stand. We have all been rewarded with things no money can buy. May God bless each of you.

Guy

Sent by Guy 8-02-04

It has become obvious to me that we have been going through a period in the ministry where our humility has been severely tested. I don't have the answers why, the obvious one would be that we need it to prepare us for the journey ahead. But no matter what the temptation has been, we must not get discouraged, we must simply have to hold on to God's wonderful promise in Romans 8:28. (And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.) 

Really I don't know why I am telling you guys this, for each of you has been awesome during this time. We all have had our moments, but before one of us can get a negative thought out, four or five others will jump in quickly to take that thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and I find myself further humbled by the unity of my brothers and sisters. I also believe that we have been far more successful in our pursuit of spreading the Gospel during this time because of our wiliness to submit to the hand of the Potter.

Anyway, certain Scriptures have helped sustain me during this time. By your actions I know that you are all familiar with them. But I really feel that it would be good for us to keep meditating on them until we pass this present test. I know you will be blessed and I would consider it a personal favor if you would print these off and read them over in context. If you have other Scriptures that have helped you, please share them with us. I want to thank each of you for always being there for me.

Guy

Mark 10:29-31

Luke 14:8-11 

Philippians 2:5-11

John 13:3-5

Psalms 119:139-143

1 Corinthians 1:27-31

Hebrews 11:24-26

Hebrews 11:32-12:3

Sent by Guy 9/27/03

First, let me say what an awesome job we did Saturday. We really humbled ourselves and I considered an honor and a pleasure to serve right along side all the other good people that so unselfishly gave of themselves that day. It was a quite a day for all of us.  I definitely have a new found respect for Barry and Tommy after not having them there to run the sound! But then of course, we absolutely stomped once we got on stage! I mean stomped! We stomped the devil flat! I really enjoyed myself. Are you like me? I think I'm beginning to see it. I'm beginning to see us up on those big stages reaching more folks. Seeing a little further each day. Are you seeing it? If we can see it, we can have it. Don't run from your destiny, run to it!

Everybody I talked to just went on and on about how great we were. And while I love encouragement as much as the next guy, I am so thankful that I am with a group who understands that the way to greatness in God's eyes is through humility. The best compliment I heard all night was when a group of fellows told me that they really saw Jesus in us. It doesn't get any better than that. I do feel that some people crossed the line by making comparisons between us and other groups that played that night.  It was almost embarrassing, and I thought about it and though I had tried to play it off, I should have done more. I should have told them that it's not a competition and that we are all on the same team. I hope I will remember to be quick to diffuse those types of comments in the future. They may satisfy the flesh, but they come to no good. James, I thought it was a wonderful idea to have our picture taken with Messiah Reign. I love those brothers.

I love you guys so much. I'm so proud of each of you in God's way.

Guy

Sent Guy 1-31-05

Wow, what an amazing day yesterday. I had the opportunity to minister from the Children's Church all the way to the nursing home! My little four year old Joshua asked Jesus into his heart right there during my invitation! I got to lead him through the prayer.

Then at Senior Services, what a humbling experience it was to overhear that sweet little old lady in the wheelchair explain how blessed she was to be in such a fine nursing home. (Not something you would expect to hear.) Then after we played she was so excited that she exclaimed, "Ain't it so good to be saved!" Then she looked at me with those glazed over faded blue eyes that could probably barely make me out and confided with such sincerity, "I'm going to get to see Jesus soon." I felt like I was looking at Him right then.

 We came to bring the encouragement and we got encouraged. We came to bless someone with our musical gifts and find out that one of the little old gentlemen there had just recently been inducted into the Music Hall of Fame. I overheard one gentleman with the missing leg tell one of the nurses down the hall how much he enjoyed the music, he said, "They gave up being professional and started playing Gospel music." He didn't know how true he was! Fame and fortune have got nothing on the simple pleasure of being a participant in the exchange of Christ's love. I didn't come with a message yesterday afternoon, but I got so caught up in the worship that I believe I gave one anyway. I hope it was good, because I don't remember what I said! See you tonight!

Guy

Amy’s Response 1-31-05

That’s wonderful Guy!  Yesterday was a humbling experience.  I was amazed at how well we all flowed together yesterday.  I don’t think I have ever heard us sound so good (instruments & vocals).  I spoke to some of the little older ladies that were sitting in the back and they are so excited about Jesus.  They always express how much they love hearing us.  I love seeing those, who are able, clapping and praising Jesus.  I think we all got caught up in the worship and that’s why it sounded so good.  It wasn’t us, it was all Jesus.  I think we all had a message and our hearts showed it yesterday.  Jesus used everyone in that room to lift each other up.

Guy Sent 4-29-05

I hope you all enjoyed your night off from practice Monday. As I had stated, I really felt that I personally needed the night off to recharge my batteries in the presence of the Lord. I appreciate you all for being so understanding.

I have been thinking about that a lot this week, especially since my time with Jesus was so wonderful. There just seems to be a refreshing that only comes from Him. That is something that I have known for a while, but so rarely do I pursuit His rest the way I should. It seems that most times I would rather seek my rest on the couch, fishing, or in leisure time with the family etc. There's nothing wrong with that, but a real rest, something more than merely a physical recharging, can only be found in His presence. In these hectic times that we live in, I want to encourage each of you to seek first things first. Without being firmly established in Him and His rest, we are doomed spend a majority of our time like a rat in a maze; frustrated and guessing which door to choose. The love that we are supposed to be known by only comes from time spent with Him. Take a second and meditate on this:

For thus said the Lord Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel, In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength. And ye would not: 16 but ye said, No, for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift. 17 One thousand [shall flee] at the threat of one; at the threat of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on a hill. 18 And therefore will Jehovah wait, that he may be gracious unto you; and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for Jehovah is a God of justice; blessed are all they that wait for him. 19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem; thou shalt weep no more; he will surely be gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear, he will answer thee. Isaiah 30:15-19

In our quiet time with Jesus, we find our true strength. Yet we so easily get tricked by the enemy into jumping back into his maze to play by his rules. Meanwhile God waits for us with the grace and mercy He knows we really need.

If we, SoulFood, as a ministry, are going to really make a difference and be set apart, we must be just that, different and set-apart. I believe with all my heart that our success as a ministry will be in direct proportion to our pursuit of Him as individuals. Hear that again, I believe with all my heart that our success as a ministry will be in direct proportion to our pursuit of Him as individuals.

I have taken the liberty to place our name in place of Moses in the following scripture. May God bless each of us with a renewed hunger and passion in our personal relationships with Him.

Love, Guy.

12 Soulfood said to the LORD, "I know that you have told me to lead these people to the land you promised them. But you have not told me who my assistant will be. You have said that you are my friend and that you are pleased with me. 13 If this is true, let me know what your plans are, then I can obey and continue to please you. And don't forget that you have chosen this nation to be your own." 14 The LORD said, "I will go with you and give you peace." 15 Then SoulFood replied, "If you aren't going with us, please don't make us leave this place. 16 But if you do go with us, everyone will know that you are pleased with your people and with me. That way, we will be different from the rest of the people on earth." 17 So the LORD told him, "I will do what you have asked, because I am your friend and I am pleased with you." 18 Then SoulFood said, "I pray that you will let me see you in all of your glory." 19 The LORD answered: All right. I am the LORD, and I show mercy and kindness to anyone I choose. I will let you see my glory and hear my holy name, Exodus 33:12-19