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)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 December 5

The Light

“Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.” (Isaiah 9:1-2)

Today’s Morsel: Of all the prophetic writings and prophets, none seem to lay the groundwork for the coming of Christ with truth like Isaiah. From the time that Isaiah got his vision of heaven, cleansing from the altar of God, and committed himself to be used by God, He’s given revelation of truth to share with the people of God. He states that light would shine in the places of darkness and death. Matthew cites Isaiah’s prophesy when he wrote:  “Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:12-17) Do you remember the day that light came to you? Do you remember how He led you out of darkness and into His marvelous light? Paul states: “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” (Colossians 1:10-14) Aren’t you glad the light has shined unto you?

Sing: Light of the world You step down into darkness, opened-up heart, and let me see. Beauty that made, this heart adore You, hope for the world became poor. 

So, here I am to worship, here I am to bow-down, here I am to say that You’re my God; You’re all together lovely, all together worthy, all together wonderful to me. 

I’ll never know how much it cost, to see my sins upon that cross; I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin, upon that cross; so, here I am to worship, here I am to bow-down, here I am to say that You’re my God; You’re all together lovely, all together worthy, all together wonderful to me.

 Thought For Today: Jesus Christ is the light that gets you out of darkness. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 December 4

Feed Your Soul

“Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.” (Proverbs 19:2)

Today’s Morsel: Whether you think so or not, your soul wants to be fed. Many souls are suffering and struggling because they are not being fed healthy food. Your soul is craving daily for the knowledge of God. It’s not good for the soul to be without proper knowledge. Knowledge is power. When we see those pictures of foreign countries where the people seem to be malnourished, hungry, and starving, it grieves our spirits. But are we starving our own selves because we are not feeding our soul with the word of God?  John states: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (3 John 1:2) It’s a sad day when just about every home has a Bible in them, and souls are starving to be fed (and yes they do, it is available right on their phones!). Solomon, said, “A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.” (Proverbs 19:24) A person who is an extremely lazy person who cannot perform such a simple task as feeding themselves illustrates that they do not care for themselves. The children of Israel, in their trek in the wilderness, ate manna every day. When Elijah desired to die, the angel had a cake on the fire for him and told him to eat, because he had a 40-day journey before him. You can’t sit and wait for your pastor or some other minister to feed you on Sunday and Wednesday. There are five other days that you need to eat. Yes, you can fast natural food, but not the word of God. That’s your soul’s lifeline.  You need to get up daily and eat from the Word of God for yourself, so that your soul prospers and is in good health. To wait for someone else to feed you, you may starve to death. 

Sing: Here’s my cup Lord, I lift it up Lord, come and quench this thirsting of my soul; Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more; Here’s my cup, I lift it up, make me whole.

Thought For Today: You better eat your Wheaties!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 December 3

Silence

“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.” (Proverbs 13:3)

Today’s Morsel: Solomon, the wisest man in the world, seems to have a lot to say about keeping silent or knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. He tells us, “He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” (Proverbs 17:27-28); “… a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;” (Ecclesiastes 3:7) Solomon teaches us the value of silence and self-control. He suggests that even a fool can appear as being wise by refraining from speaking. He emphasizes that wisdom is often demonstrated by a person’s ability to refrain their words and to listen more than speaking. Some people just love to hear themselves talk. Jesus said that wisdom is justified of all her children. Those who know Him and accept Him as their Lord and Savior, actions and conduct, and even silence ought to reveal His truth. 

Sing: When He calls for me, I will answer, when He calls for me, I will hear; When He calls for me, I will answer, I’ll be somewhere listening for my name.

I’ll be somewhere listening, I’ll be somewhere listening, I’ll be somewhere listening for my name; I’ll be somewhere listening, I’ll be somewhere listening, I’ll be somewhere listening for my name. 

Thought For Today: “Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.” (Psalms 34:13)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 December 2

Waiting On The Lord

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalms 27:14)

Today’s Morsel: How long is your patience? Words such as patience, consistency, long-suffering, endurance, and commitment are words which we read in the Bible that let us know that we must have some grit and intestinal fortitude in our lives to stand strong and wait. I can remember, when my family and I were stationed in Italy. To own a telephone in your home would cost you over $600 installation fee, and then there was no telling what calls would cost if you called to someone in America, plus there were fees for each local call you made and received. We just could not afford it. So, the military offered us MARS calls. You could go to the USO, put your name on the list, and when it was your turn, you got about a 5-to-10-minute call with someone on the line listening to everything you said because you would talk and the operator would have to flip a switch so the person on the other end could talk and you listen. You see, Scripture tells us that God knows the things we have need of before we ever ask Him for them. And because God’s ways and thoughts are not as ours, we must learn how to wait for Him. Most folks don’t know how to wait for the things that they have need of. They want it now because they have allowed the world to invade their safe space and tell them that they need it now. The writer of Hebrews tells us, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:35-39) He said that God will come through for us, we just need to learn how to be patient and wait for Him to show up. Don’t lose heart your answer is on the way.

Sing: They that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings, as eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint, teach me Lord, teach me Lord, to wait.

Thought For Today: “Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.” (Daniel 10:12)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 December 1

Overcoming Discouragement

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.” (Psalms 42:5-8)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about discouragement is it doesn’t just pop-up in your life and you don’t how to deal with it. Discouragement comes about because we allow many disappointments to take root in our life. Once you allow people to continuously disappoint you or misuse you, and you never cut them off, soon those disappointments are going to take root and then cause discouragement in your life; and eventually if this continues you will become stressed, weary, and lose hope.  Discouragement can also be caused by our own self expectations. When we set high standards for ourselves (and don’t get me wrong, we should have them) or we allow others to place high standards on us because that’s what they want, and we fail to meet those standards, we can become disappointed with ourselves, we can fear what others may think of us, and we start to see ourselves as failures. And this, too, can lead to discouragement. Discouragement can cause you physical and mental health if it is not crushed. Therefore, you must not allow those disappointments to take root in your life. You must crush them and get them out by the roots before they start to grow. 

Sing: He gives strength to me, as I worship Him, as my heart is filled with praise.  Jesus breaks the bands, as I raise my hands; He gives glorious victory.     

Thought For Today: “And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” (Matthew 5:30)