Joy and Strength (Christian life and music)

Social media.  It is the best of times, it is the worst of times. God can and does use it as a blessing in our lives.  But we know that it has also become a source of distraction and isolation for our society, too. When we scroll through others' lives (at least only the parts they allow us to see), and we want to accomplish great things that God has put in our hearts, the temptation is to try and look like or do what others are doing in the same way. Only problem with that is that God is the ultimate Creator.  He is full of new, creative ways and ideas for each of us. Do we dare be different?  Do we dare step out of the box? If God tells us to, then yes! To be open to God's plans for us we need to: 1. Trust Him wholeheartedly. 2. Believe He knows what He is doing 3. Partner with Him in all we do 4. Expect ridicule and naysayers because "it's never been done like that before" 5. Listen to Him daily 6. Step out in faith to whatever He tells us to do 7. Not care what

All the laws in the world do not have the power to change the human heart. Oh there may be outward compliance, but that is no indication of what is going on in the heart. Think about wearing a mask during this pandemic.  Did you ever once feel  like wearing a mask when you went out?  Probably not.  I know I didn't.  Do we always feel  like doing what is right?  In today's world, do we even know right from wrong any more?  I mean, what the Bible calls sin has become acceptable in our society.   Only Christ can change the human heart.  And that is not done from the outside-in. When we are born again, Jesus comes to live in our hearts through the Holy Spirit.  That is how He is able to change us from the inside out.   As far as I have experienced, there is no other route to genuine change.  No self-help, no striving or trying to "be good" can change the heart of the matter.  Doing the right thing outwardly can be done by just about anyone.  But the Lord is after our hear