Joy and Strength (Christian life and music)

I am an artist.  As an artist, truth is very important to me.  Seeking it, wanting it, finding it, revealing it. I want to get to the heart of the matter in life, in others, in my environment, and just plain everywhere. And therein lies the bane of my existence!  Why?  Because "All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players," said Shakespeare. Most people live in denial of the truth - about God, about life, about themselves.  So when people like me come along, they get uncomfortable.  "You're rocking the boat!"  "We like the little world we've created for ourselves - even if it is a house of cards!" I am drawn to those who "tell it like it is."  I admire those who are themselves no matter what others think of them.  They won't be kowtowed into the status quo, or bullied into believing the latest ism.  They stay true to themselves, who God made them to be. They don't find it necessary to "play act" t

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