Lens n Lyric

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...