Lens n Lyric

As a youngster, my favorite t-shirt was trimmed with Japanese characters and had a big orange sun on the front. I wore it the day I declared, "When I grow up, I'm going to Japan." Little did I know that this childhood proclamation would become a reality years later. During a liberty weekend while serving in the US Navy, I found myself walking the streets of downtown Yokosuka, Japan. I encountered a young Japanese girl with jet-black ponytails and beautiful brown eyes. Her gaze lingered on me as if I were something divine, evoking the biblical reference from John 10:34 , where Jesus mentioned, "Ye are gods." Venturing further into the city, I reached an authentic ramen noodle stand, a favorite spot during my time off the ship. A steaming bowl of ramen noodles topped with a boiled egg became a comforting indulgence as I explored the busy streets. The energy of the Japanese locals was appreciable, radiating peace, positivity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Refle...

And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22 Many are familiar with the story of mankind's creation. Adam and his wife were tasked with replenishing the earth and multiplying. In time, Cain and Abel were born. As they grew older, it became customary to offer sacrifices to the Most High. While Abel's offering found favor, Cain's was not as pleasing. Abel’s sacrifice, being blood, is the life force in man and beast. Enraged and jealous, Cain despised his brother and eventually murdered him. When questioned about Abel's blood crying from the earth, Cain cried out, 'Am I my brother's keeper?' When questioned by the Lord for hiding behind the trees, Adam confessed, 'I heard your voice and became afraid.' 'But why were you afraid?' inquired the Lord. 'Did you eat from the tree i...

I am a perfectionist, and the spirit of pride seeps from the pores of my skin, traits I've always disliked. From my earliest memories, I've felt the relentless pressure to excel in everything I do. I would methodically groom myself in front of the bathroom mirror for hours, ensuring every detail from the top of my head to the soles of my shoes was flawless. I believed I was invincible, untouchable by any challenge or setback. However, as I matured into adulthood, I realized the futility of this mindset. Upon reaching the age of 57 in January 2024, I've only begun to grasp the true essence of my life's journey and how to align it with the divine principles of the Most High. For many of us, true wisdom and fulfillment only come in our sixth decade of life, the so-called golden years. Throughout the years, we've stumbled through countless mistakes, navigated through foolish decisions, and ultimately earned the badge of patience. To those who walk in the shadow of K...

The Devil uses many weapons against the children of the Most High; killing, stealing, and destroying are his motives.  The Devil and his demons are in full metal jackets, running a system to win a war they have already lost.  The Devil has a plan in place that controls the thoughts and minds of unbelievers; through manipulation, a subtle, savvy spirit is in operation.  The Devil and his kingdom of darkness know their time is running out.  With this in mind, we must continue to be sober and be on the lookout; the devil and his kingdom of darkness are roaming from here to there, up and down, looking for the weak, the sleeping, the unbelieving, and the unconscious to consume.  Job 1:7 Ephesians 2:2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the (prince of the power of the air).  The spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience I remember the late 1990s; during my weekly visit to my Grandma’s, I noticed...

We find ourselves in a time when spiritual apathy has become a persistent matter in question for believers. The constant barrage of digital distractions, social media platforms, work, school, family responsibilities, and even the government has become the present-day boogeyman for Christians. Amid our busy lives, it is easy to forget the importance of prayer and talking to God. While these practices can undoubtedly lead to a more blissful life, it doesn’t mean we won’t face worries or challenges. To remedy this, it is a positive to intentionally plug into the source of all inspiration, God, daily. By setting aside dedicated time for spiritual nourishment, we can strengthen our relationship with God, find peace in His presence, and gain the guidance and wisdom we need to navigate the twists and turns of life. Out of the 24 hours we are given daily, how much time have we set aside for prayer and meditation in the word of God? This is a question that each of us should reflect upon and...

Darkness and chaos in our lives can be caused not only by external factors like the devil but also by our own actions and behaviors, often referred to as "the works of the flesh.” Paul’s words highlight the inner conflict between wanting to do what is right and sometimes falling into sin. He expresses his frustration by acknowledging that it is not him but rather the sin within him that leads to these actions.    Romans 7:15-20 Paul then addresses whether this gives us the right to continue sinning,  Romans 6:15 . It is not the sin itself but consistent disobedience to the guidance of the Holy Spirit . WORKS OF THE FLESH The flesh represents the trait of human nature, identified by its corrupt desires. Even after a Christian's transformation, it lingers as a disturbing adversary. Those who continue to engage in the sinful acts of the flesh as a lifestyle cannot enter the kingdom of God. It is imperative to resist and overcome them in an ongoing spiritual battle, empowered...

Our mother passed away when we were young, and I remember getting sick during lunchtime in the first grade; I still can’t drink whole milk as I reminisce. The disconnect became a reality on that day. The physical disconnect became a spiritual reconnect to the Father and the spirit domain. My spiritual senses were awakened. My maternal grandmother took us in; she was a heavy churchgoer in those days (C.O.G.I.C), Church of God in Christ, for those who don’t know. It was something new at first, but then it became something I hated. “Derick, it’s time to get ready for church.” That melody from my sister still rings clear in my head. She seemed to always sound off in the middle of a pass play during our street football games. Football was a childhood compulsion, and church seemed always to interrupt the obsession. Attendance was mandatory and a routine repeated every week that I wouldn’t say I liked growing up. I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior at an early age, eleven or twelve. I ...

In 2010, I distinctly recall a moment when I sat on my couch, lost in deep thought. A commercial on the television blared, disturbing my meditation. In response, I grabbed the remote control and powered it off. Then, intentionally with purpose, I got up from the couch and disconnected it from the outlet. As I settled back into the newfound silence, I noticed the significance of this small act. 2014, I initiated a similar journey, but this time, the disconnection was from social media, which consumed my precious free and personal time. In a moment of resolve, I deleted all my social media accounts, seeking peace of mind from the digital noise that ran through my life. Fast forward to the present day, we find ourselves in the midst of 2023, almost an entire decade since my initial disengagement from what I can only describe as a modern-day matrix. I took the proverbial "red pill," as it were. The question I pose now is: Are you also paying attention to the profound shifts a...

In the realm of spiritual warfare, where the adversaries are often unseen beings, our combat mode leaves no choice but to wield spiritual weapons. This ongoing battle is not a mere allegory; it's a reality that's vividly described in religious texts and experienced by many believers. At the heart of this conflict lies the clash between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Darkness, a notion underscored in Colossians 1:13-14 . Digging deeper into the adversary's character, Satan emerges as a central figure, embodying bitterness and cunning. His presence is pervasive throughout religious scriptures, spanning from the Old Testament to the New. Described as the prince of the power of the air Ephesians 2:2 and the great deceiver who seeks to ensnare the whole world Revelation 12:9 , Satan epitomizes rebellion and spiritual corruption. What distinguishes Satan from other divine beings is his fall from grace, a devastating event rooted in pride and defiance. Once adorned with wi...

The concept of light, both literal and metaphorical, has profound significance across cultures and religions. Beyond its physical illumination, light often symbolizes guidance, clarity, and enlightenment. In various spiritual texts, light is portrayed as a force that dispels darkness and leads the way forward. It's within this metaphorical framework that we can understand our personal and professional journeys. I like to envision light as a guiding lamp or a path to prevent stumbling during life's dark journey here on Earth. Life's journey is often fraught with challenges and uncertainties, akin to navigating through darkness. In such times, having a guiding light becomes paramount. This metaphorical light can manifest in different forms, goals, aspirations, or even a sense of purpose. By defining our objectives and staying committed to them, we illuminate our path forward, making it easier to navigate life's twists and turns. Have you recorded your primary and secondar...

In a world consumed with challenges and uncertainties, Isaiah 26:7 reminds us that our approach to life holds immense power. Amidst the large waves of negativity, the beacon of positive thinking shines brightly, offering guidance and hope. It's not merely about wearing a facade of confidence; rather, it represents a profound shift in perspective that can fundamentally alter our experiences and interactions with the world. At its core, a positive mindset is akin to walking a straight path in a series of twists and turns. It's the unwavering belief that the glass is not only half full but can be refilled time and again. Optimists perceive challenges as opportunities waiting to be seized, setbacks as stepping stones toward personal growth, and uncertainty as a blank canvas brimming with potential. With such a perspective, they navigate life's storms with resilience, uncover innovative solutions, and maintain an unwavering sense of hope amidst adversity. The journey toward posi...

Psalm 139:14 beautifully captures the essence of self-appreciation and gratitude, stating, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knows right well." These words resonate deeply, reminding us of the divine craftsmanship that has gone into the creation of every individual. In a bustling urban setting, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, I had a chance encounter with a woman whose presence exuded a sense of inner peace and beauty. Wrapped in African garb, her demeanor was a testament to the timeless elegance that emanates from within. As we exchanged brief conversations, her gentle spirit left an indelible mark on my soul. "Where are you from?" I inquired, curious about the origins of this radiant soul. With grace and simplicity, she responded, "Mozambique," her words infused with the music of her native tongue. Despite the language barrier, her essence spoke volumes, transcending poetic...

In the profound words of Ecclesiastes 9:11, "I returned and saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all." These timeless words encapsulate the essence of life's unpredictability, reminding us that despite our best efforts and preparations, we are subject to the whims of fate. Reflecting on the first half of 2022 and the initial quarters of 2023, I find myself immersed in a whirlwind of memories, each one a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It was a period marked by trials and tribulations, where every sunrise brought with it new challenges to overcome, and every sunset offered a moment of respite before the cycle began anew. Amid chaos and uncertainty, there were moments of profound clarity, like beacons of light cutting through the darkness. It was dur...