Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 December 13

It’s Time To Hear Again

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7)

Today’s Morsel: I don’t know if you have noticed it or not, but it seems as though many people are having trouble with hearing. For some reason, many have lost their hearing or have a decrease in hearing due to a prolonged period of exposure to loud noises or other medical issues. Just about every day, I receive an ad in the mail about hearing aids and hearing loss. When it comes to the church, Jesus wants us to hear what He is saying to us, as many do not hear what is being said due to distractions, hardness of heart, and cares of this life. If you ask most people what was preached or taught by the minister or pastor the previous Sunday, they can’t tell you. If you ask them how what was preached or taught apply to their life, they can’t tell you. Sadly, in most case they did not hear or understand. Granted, there may be many factors that can prevent hearing. The minister’s mannerism can distract from hearing. Using Greek and Hebrew words that confuse the listener; degrading comments; are a few examples of what can distract the hearer. Jesus wants us to hear what His Spirit is saying to His church. When His church doesn’t hear, it can easily be deceived and led away. Jesus said, My sheep know my voice, and I am known of them and another they will not follow. If you can’t tell someone what was said, you didn’t hear. I’m sure you’ve heard the adage, “I know you think that you heard what I said, but I don’t think you understood what I meant.  Jesus told His disciples to go teach and baptize in His name (Mark 16:15-20, Luke 24:47). He didn’t say in the names of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, He said in the name. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” (Matthew 28:19) When we read the book of Acts and the Epistles, we can clearly see and hear that the name for baptism is in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, as there is no other name given to us whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Is it time to hear again?

Sing: Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere, go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.

Thought For Today: “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:11)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 December 12

Esteeming Others

“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:1-3)

Today’s Morsel: In most of his letters to the church, the apostle Paul calls for others to esteem others better than themselves. I think Paul does this to keep others humble and without self-exaltation. You see, it’s easy to look down on others when we forget where we came from, and we may think that we have arrived. Abraham Lincoln, Americas 16^th President, stated that when we reach the top we should turn around and help someone else up. In other words, help others to achieve and get where you are. Keep in mind, any rewards, diplomas, or accolades you receive, you did not do it all own your own. Somewhere, someone else help you with your achievements. Whether it was a teacher sharing the lessons with you, a fellow student working and helping you, your parents paying for your schooling, or you got a grant, someone helped you. Esteeming others doesn’t’ mean that you are less than others, it simply means that you have a heart to help others achieve and accomplish their goals and to better themselves.

Sing: I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shores; very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more. But the master of the sea, heard my despairing cry, from the waters lifted me, now safe am I. Love lifted me, love lifted me, when nothing else could help, love lifted me. Love lifted me, love lifted me, when nothing else could help, love lifted me.

Thought For Today: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 December 11

Speaking With Compassion

“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.” (Philippians 4:1)

Today’s Morsel: Having compassion can make a difference in the life of others. How we use our compassion may be the life or death of someone. Compassion, in a sense, is like the trait of tact. Knowing what to say and how to say it without offending someone and yet get your point across to bring about change is essential. If you will notice, even though Paul’s letters to the churches are sometimes curt and cutting, as you read them, you will find that he has a deep spirit of compassion and empathy in his writings to his readers. “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.” (Philippians 4:1) This is how we all, as born-again believers, must be. Filled with compassion. Jude calls for us: “And of some have compassion, making a difference:” (Jude 1:22) As Paul said, we must speak the truth in love. If you want to make everlasting friends, let compassion become your daily guide. 

Sing: You’re my brother, you’re my sister, so take me by the hand, together we will work until He comes. There’s no foe that can defeat us, when we’re walking side by side, as long as there is love we can stand.

Thought For Today: Compassion … The cure for the broken and lonely heart of others.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 December 10

Looking For A Place That Is Safe?

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)

Today’s Morsel: It seems that it was just a few years ago that America and the world’s streets and neighborhoods were safe places. You could hitchhike along the road and people would pick you up and take you safely to your destination. You could leave your home, car, and barn unlocked and no one would take your car nor enter your home or barn without your permission. So, what has happened? What has happened is, we have allowed the prince of this world and its corruptness, murder, lies, backbiting, sexual promiscuity, and lawlessness, to become a part of the family and we have invited it right into our homes through television, radio, sports, and social media, which has corrupted the minds of children and adults alike, causing them to think that gain is godliness. And now Satan and his evil ones rule the neighborhood and streets. Paul tried to warn us when he wrote under the unction of the Holy Ghost, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Timothy 3:1-7) So, are there any safe places anymore? Yes, you can always find a safety in Jesus. But it will require you to trust Him and believe in Him to know that He is there and that you are under the shadow of His wings. He will protect you and keep you safe, even in these perilous time. 

Sing: Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O’ what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchased of God; born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.

Thought For Today: “Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.” (Psalms 63:7)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 December 9

24/7 Peace of Mind

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Today’s Morsel: The loss of peace seems to have invaded the life and homes of so many. Like Little Bo Peep, who lost her sheep and didn’t know where to find them, many have lost their peace and don’t know where to find it. They keep looking, yet in all the wrong places. Isaiah tells us where we can find it. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:” (Isaiah 26:3-4) Your peace is only found in the Lord Jesus Christ, as He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) You see, we can forfeit a lot of the things that we need, like peace, contentment, and joy, in our life, if we don’t keep Jesus in His rightful place and as priority one in our life. Scripture tells us that without Jesus we can do nothing (John 15:5). Paul states: “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;” (Ephesians 2:14-15) If we want 24/7 Peace of Mind, then we must stay focused on Jesus, and allow Him to keep us in perfect peace.

Sing: Peace of God, cover me, through the storm cover me. Peace of God, cover me, through the storm, cover me. Cover me when I’m hurting, cover me when I’m not strong, cover me when I’m going through the storm! Cover me when all seems hopeless, cover me when my faith is gone, let the peace that passes all I understand, so cover me.

Thought For Today: “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 December 8

Throw Out The Lifeline

“And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship. And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.” (Acts 27:39-44)

Today’s Morsel: There have been many people who have stated that they feel as though they are drowning in their day-to-day duties and activities, and that they don’t seem to be able to keep their heads above water. When you hear this from folks, it’s time to throw them a lifeline. Whether you realize it or not, we are not only called to be servants and witnesses, but we are also called to be lifeguards. We can be someone else’s support that will enable or allow them to continue doing what they are doing without them going under. Paul became the lifeline to those who were sailing with him to Rome when they encountered a major storm during their ordeal at sea. Luke wrote: “And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat: Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven. And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” (Acts 27:13-25) Paul wanted them to know that even though they had not listened to him, everything was going to be alright and that they should eat and take comfort. He became their lifeline by his encouraging words. They had lost hope, Luke said. But Paul threw them a lifeline. Be of good cheer! And we read that even though the ship did crash and break into pieces, they all escaped safe to land. Some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. (Acts 27:44) That battered ship also became their lifeline.  You can be a lifeline for others. Just listen and be ready when you hear that defeated cry. Jesus will show you what you can do to help someone else.  

Sing: Throw out the lifeline! Throw out the lifeline! Someone is drifting away. Throw out the lifeline! Throw out the lifeline! Someone is sinking today.

Thought For Today: “And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” (Jude 1:22-23)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 December 6

How’s Your Attitude?

“And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:1-12)

Today’s Morsel: One of the most important things about the Bible is that it requires you to make an attitude adjustment. If you are not going to adjust your attitude and yet think that you can make it into heaven without doing so, then stay away from the Bible. Jesus came to give us life. And that life requires life adjustments based on the word of God.  Natural thinking oftentimes doesn’t apply to the Bible; it’s a spiritual book and therefore you must think Spiritually. If you struggle daily with your flesh, it’s usually because you have not made the appropriate attitude adjustment. You must be led by the Spirit and not the flesh. After we obey Acts 2:38, we are risen to walk in newness of life. We set our affections on things above, not on the things of this earth.  You aren’t supposed to be the same person that you were before. You are now a new creature in Christ, and your attitude ought to reflect that. The Beatitudes were spoken by Jesus so that we would adjust our attitude to His teachings. Jesus wants us to be blessed. And part of receiving those blessings is having a life changing attitude. 

Sing: He touched me, o-oh, He touched me; and oh, the joy that floods my soul; Something happened, and now I know, Jesus touched me and made me whole.

Thought For Today: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)