Tag Archives: learn from history

Remembering a Prince

Posted on April 29, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Not many people know that Prince Rogers Nelson grew up in a Methodist church in Minnesota.  Rather, this individual who pop culture came to know simply as Prince was an icon in the music industry.  While there are several memorable songs the world will remember, Purple Rain became to Prince like Thriller was for Michael Jackson.

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did, 1 Corinthians 10:6.

Unfortunately, fame and fortune can took a toll on the human soul.  Although autopsy reports are not complete, some in the media are speculating Prince’s death may have resulted due to an addiction to drugs.  When tragedy takes the life of a star, there is a tendency to reflect upon the legacy of a person rather than what led to their downfall.  Therefore, unless you learn from history, people will continue to make the same mistakes time after time.

Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise, Proverbs 20:1.

After a while, some longer than others, the mourning process for Prince will end.  Thus, as people will go back to partying like its 1999, make sure you don’t become ensnared.  Rather,  take a page out of the Bible, be sober and alert so that you will escape an addiction that drags many down to the grave.  As the world says goodbye to an earthly Prince, make sure you don’t forget about the Prince of Peace, waiting to embrace those who call upon His name.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Learn from History or Relive Past Mistakes

Posted on December 3, 2015 by expressyourself4him

If each life were made into a book, biographies would possess a section where readers scratch their heads.  The audience may think, “I can’t believe they are making the same mistake over and over again.”  Backsliding, downward spirals and periods of neglect cause the average person to repeat the sins of their past.

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did, 1 Corinthians 10:6.

During a visit to the city of Corinth, the apostle Paul witnessed a cycle church members were stuck in.  Wondering if these people knew the history of Israel, he begins to share life lessons from past failures.  Since Corinth was a port city, an influx of outsiders were leaving a negative impact on the culture, causing many to relive past mistakes of previous civilizations.  The point of Paul’s message was to learn from history or relive the past.

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come, 1 Corinthians 10:11.

No matter how hard I try to follow my New Year’s resolutions, its not long before I fall back into bad habits.  When I go a day or days without reading and studying the Bible, I’m one step closer away from embracing sins of the past or welcoming temptations of the present.  The disciple whom Jesus loved was right, “you can’t remain within Christ if you become unattached.”  In view of this, may those hungry for change turn back to the ultimate power source, Jesus Christ to get plugged in so that you learn from the history by avoiding past mistakes.

by Jay Mankus

 

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How Can It Be So Bad to Take Your Own Life?

Posted on November 13, 2015 by expressyourself4him

On Monday night, former MLB starting pitcher Tommy Hanson died of a massive organ failure following a drug overdose at age 29.  Last August, legendary actor Robin Williams who made millions of dollars in Hollywood also took his own life.  Unfortunately, the older I become, the lists of deaths by suicide continue to rise.  Thus, I wonder how can it be so bad to want to end your own life?

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly, John 10:10.

In a 2013 study, suicide was the second leading cause of death among teenagers.  Some of these statistics can be attributed to bullying.  Others may be related to an unhealthy family or living arrangements.  When you add on depression, low esteem and unguided youths, perhaps individuals come to a point where they think, “it can’t get any worse?”  Meanwhile, some may believe dying is less painful than facing reality.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life, John 3:16.

At the heart of this deception is the Father of Lies, Lucifer.  The more isolated individuals are the louder these whispers become.  Invisible to the eye, demonic spirits cherish each perishing soul.  Yet, beyond the pain of life is a purpose, greater than anyone realizes.  If those who have taken their own life just tasted the abundant life promised in the Bible things would have been different.  For now, all you can do is learn from history, avoid demonic doldrums and set your mind on a higher purpose.  And if it get’s any worse, hold on to Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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