Jered's 2005 Toyota Matrix XRS

I have lived in Prattville, AL my entire life. Being raised in the Bible Belt, I was brought up in church. Being raised in church doesn't save you though. I went through the motions. I got saved as a young kid and was baptised. But, I was really to young to truly understand God on an intimate level. I really just did those things because "that's what you're supposed to do." It almost seemed like it was expected of you. As I grew up, the commitment I had made as a child grew faint. It had no meaning to me. That's not to say that someone can't receive salvation at an early age. I think that they can. Unfortunately, for me, it seemed as though I did it for no reason other than to appease those around me. I played the part while I was at church or anyone from church was around. I basically led two lives. Well technically I led more than that. I led myself into thinking that living that way was okay, which was a lie, and who knows how many countless lives I may have led away from God by the terrible example I set. Thankfully, at the age of 15, I realized the error of my ways. My youth group was having a New Year's service to celebrate the arrival of 2001. I went of course because I was "the perfect little Christian," or at least I was leading people to believe that way. As the youth pastor was preaching he used me in an example. He had used me in millions of examples before considering him and I were pretty close. Something was different this time though. It really grabbed my attention. It hit me. God was speaking to me through the example he had given the youth pastor. That night I was saved for what I considered to be the first time in my life, despite what I had led people to believe. From that night on I have never been the same. PLEASE PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THIS: NEXT TIME YOU THINK THAT YOU'RE NOT ABLE TO DO SOMETHING THAT GOD HAS LAID ON YOUR HEART. REMEMBER THAT GOD DOESN'T CALL THE EQUIPPED; HE EQUIPS THE CALLED. I am living proof of this. The same night I received salvation I felt that God was calling me into the music ministry. Crazy thing was I didn't know how to play any instruments, I didn't even have any, and the only place I had ever sung was in the shower.I questioned God at first but he knew what he had planned. I have never had any type of lesson singing or guitar. I have been a worship leader playing guitar and sing for the last seven years. On top of that, in January 2008 I moved up to become the head worship leader for our entire church, whereas before I led worship for our teenagers in their mid-week services. I don't say this to build myself up. I say this to give glory to God and to maybe encourage some of you to do something that you have felt God leading you to do. Let go of those insecurities and let God have control. Always remember you have brothers and sisters to back you up. After you have read this just take a brief pause and do as Psalm 46:10 says, BE STILL AND KNOW THAT HE IS GOD. God Bless