I used to be a lead singer in a band in my early twenties. We had our own original songs that we played, and we also played a lot of cover songs from secular bands such as limp bizkit, korn, deftones, coal chamber, etc. I was considered a very talented singer and had a very melodic voice with also a heavy scream behind many lyrics. Back then I played in bars and taverns. We used to go out and get drunk and high and play music. I did this for a few years.
I grew up with Godly parents, was raised in a Holy Ghost church, and I was familiar with the Spirit of God, although I had never received it in my heart. I was considered a good kid all the way through school, and made decent grades. It wasn't until I got out of high school that I first got drunk then that turned into pot then pot turned into pills. Everyday I was messed up, and If I didn't go for more than one day without being high or drunk I would have withdrawals. I got into constant arguments with my family, fights with people, hated life, was mad at the world for no reason. I was in trouble with the law, I was a complete failure and an utter shame to my family. I was a disgrace. I overdosed more than once, and was at deaths doorstep many times. You see, I was led away from the good in my life, and it was Satan that was doing the leading......
All of this took place from the age of 18 to 23. But at home, my parents, they were praying every day and every night for me. Before a while I started to get sick and felt nervous, felt scared every time I would get drunk or high. I knew God was dealing with me. Finally after this went on for a couple months I went to my parents home, fell on my face in their living room floor, and screamed the name of Jesus over and over again. I remember screaming His name so loud, no doubt the neighbors had heard me. I was tired of the foolish life I was living, and I needed God in my life. Then after about a minute or two of crying out His name, while my dad was saying to the Lord, "Hear his cry oh Lord, save him", that something powerful happened to me. I felt a force and a power I had never known before in my entire life come over me. It was very real. I felt like I was in heaven. My body felt as light as a feather and I began speaking in tongues, something I had never done before. I was waving my hands in the air and completely consumed by this wonderful love and comfort that I had felt. I had so much joy! I was born again right there in their living room floor!
From that night forward I had not even the slightest desire for drugs or a drink, Jesus took them all away from me! I was a completely different person on the inside, full of love, and hope, full of joy. I had no more bitterness in my life. I was set free. I left everyone I ever knew behind, because I could no longer be around that kind of a lifestyle that was wicked and evil in the sight of God. Fast forward to 11 years later, I am now 34, and Jesus is still very much alive in me. I manage a company and have been there for 10 years now. My home and automobile is paid for, and I have a wonderful relationship with my family. My dad instructs me in God's word, and I am very open to hear it. I have been clean and sober by the grace of God all this time. I do not say any of this to boast, but only to show how God transforms lives. Of course I have made mistakes along the way, like lots of Christians, but my heart has always been and always will be to please the Lord. I used to drive the country roads getting high and singing ungodly music, now I drive the country roads and sing praises to God. I know I have gotten off the subject of music, but I first wanted to explain my background on it and my life.
Back to the music.....When I sang those songs in that band, deep down inside it felt wrong, and I knew I was wrong, but I loved the attention from it. I was in pride. There were ungodly demons working in me, I am convinced of that. When I became born again, I immediately seen how sinful that kind of music is, because it does not glorify God and it is evil. It was full of hate, lust, filthy talk, pride, etc. Things in which God hates. And if something is not of God, then make no mistake, it is evil. I trashed all those cd's and bought Christian music. Now there are some secular music I feel is okay to listen to. It all depends on the lyrics and the beat. Just thought I would share this. And to those who would judge me by my past I caution you not to judge me. Because Jesus said judge not, lest you be judged. The person I was no longer exists, he died 11 years ago. I know belong to Christ, and His blood has cleansed me of all unrighteousness. I hope this message will be a blessing to those who have had similar experiences in life.
