Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 December 31

Are You Sold Out For Christ?

 

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39)

 

Today’s Morsel: Are you sold out for Christ? As we bring this year to an end, many are going to make New Years Resolutions of the things they will plan to do in 2026. And so my question to you is are you 100% committed to serving Jesus at all cost? You see other things don’t really matter. Our eternal life is at stake every day that we live. Someday this life will end. Then what? Where will you spend eternity? You see, I am afraid that some have begun to think that they have a lot of time to make up their mind about serving Christ. But Solomon lets us know that, “It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:5); and then he ends with these words, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Paul said that nothing would be able to separate him from Christ. Do you have that same attitude?

 

Sing: Wherever I am, I’ll praise Him, whenever I can, I’ll praise Him, for His love surrounds me like a sea; I’ll praise the name of Jesus, lift-up the name of Jesus, for the name of Jesus has lifted me.

 

Thought For Today: Commitment only has one “I” therefore it requires you for it to happen.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 December 30

The Making Of A Good Soldier

 

“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” (2 Timothy 2:1-4)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the things we discover about the apostle Paul is that he seems to have taken notice of his surroundings, and he used those things which he saw as Jesus did to educate the church on what it should be, know, and do, as well as what it should look like. He told Timothy, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” What did Paul see in soldiers that he desired Timothy to be as such?  I believe Paul saw that good soldiers were:

Submitted

Obedient

Loyal

Discipline

Indubitable

Enthusiastic

Respectful

 

These qualities must be found in every born-again believer in the church if the church is to fulfill and accomplish its mission. Are you a good soldier?

 

Sing: Well, I’m a soldier, in God’s army, and I’m marching, I’m claiming victory; I will not give up, I will not turn around, I’m a soldier marching heaven bound.

 

Thought For Today: The more sweat is peace, the less blood in combat!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 December 29

Making Him Known

 

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:17-20)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the fallacies I find with some folks who say that they are Christians is that they do not know how to seize the opportunity to make the mystery of the gospel known. Paul tells us, “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 15:34) Throughout the holiday season, it is one of the best opportunities to share truth with folks. You don’t need to talk about Christmas as being some pagan holiday as some folks do. You don’t need to say that this isn’t the time of year when Jesus was born. Your duty as a Christian is to make Christ known to those who do not know Him, no matter what time of year it is.  Solomon tells us, “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” (Proverbs 18:19) If you offend people, know that you may never get another opportunity to make Christ known to them. Paul tells us to speak the truth in love (Ephesian 4:15). The apostles made Christ known first, then they baptized those to whom they had shown Him and then taught them the ways of God more perfectly. Remember, you were commissioned to go preach the gospel, not debate unknowns. 

 

Sing: Who is this who comes with healing for the halt, the blind, the lame, saying softly to the sinner follow me; only come in faith believing as of old the people came, and the lame shall walk the blind again shall see.

It is Jesus, Jesus, sad one weep no more. He will heal the broken hearted, open wide the prison door; He is able to deliver ever more.

 

Thought For Today: “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 15:34)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 December 27

About The Father’s Business

 

“Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?’ (Luke 2:41-49)

 

Today’s Morsel: Everything about Jesus’ life is an example for us to emulate. After His birth, He grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him (Luke 2:40), and He immediately started putting that wisdom and grace into operation. He was found in the temple sitting amid the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.  And when His mother questioned Him about His whereabouts, He asked her, how is it that ye sought Me? Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business? I think Jesus may have said to Mary, if anyone should have known My purpose and who I am, it should have been you. You received the message and purpose of My coming before I was even born of flesh. “He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end”, The angel Gabriel had told her (Luke 1:32-33).And His business Jesus said, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10) Are you about the Father’s business?

 

Sing: Jesus use me, O’ Lord don’t refuse me, for surely there’s a work that I can do. And even though its humble, Lord help my will to crumble. Though the cost be great I’ll work for You.

 

Thought For Today: Let’s getter done!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 December 26

And The Child Grew

 

“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” (Luke 2:40)

 

Today’s Morsel: We don’t read much in scripture about Jesus’ childhood. Luke seems to be the only writer that even mentions anything about His birth and childhood. Luke tells us that Jesus grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. Not only was Jesus God, but He was also human. And that humanity was subject to all the temptations and sins as we are. But Jesus increased in knowledge, strength, and character. From His humanity standpoint, He learned wisdom, even though He possessed all wisdom. He found grace in the sight of God, even though He is the One that gives us grace. From just this little bit about Jesus’ infancy, we can learn how we must grow as well. Peter admonishes us, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18) You can’t stay a child forever. You must become strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. You must grow up and mature as a child of God. Peter said that milk belong to babies, and meat to men (my wording). You must be filled with His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, if you are going to grow and become like Him.

 

Sing: To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus; On earth I long to be like Him. All through life’s journey from earth to glory, I only ask to be like Him.

 

Thought For Today: Growth always begins with submission (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 December 25

Don’t Forget The Reason For The Season

 

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” (Luke 2:1-20)

 

Today’s Morsel: All over the world today, many will enjoy a time of family and fun. A tradition of old. A time of peace, love, joy, and happiness will fill many homes. I pray that as you share in fellowship and times together with your loved ones and family, that you will also remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.

 

Sing: So, have a super-duper Christmas with Jesus this year, super-duper Christmas spreading good cheer, if you are down, your frown, will soon disappear, so have a super-duper Christmas with Jesus this year. 

 

Thought For Today: Jesus is the reason for the season!  Merry Christmas

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 December 24

The Clear Night

 

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:8-14)

 

Today’s Morsel: I have always loved my early morning walks before the morning light appears. I can remember during my army days when we would be out in the field for training, and even during war times, I would look skyward on a clear night and see the beauty of the stars and moon, and I would think to myself how majestic and beautiful it was. Every so often, I would see a shooting star, and I would think to myself, I wonder if that was an angel. Scripture says that the shepherds were keeping watch over their flock by night and, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. It was a night for them as never before. A message of hope, joy, peace, and salvation was delivered to them for all men. And that message is still for everyone today.  Behold, I bring you tidings of great joy today!

 

Sing: It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old; from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold: “Peace on the earth, good will toward men, from heaven’s all gracious king:” The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.

 

Thought For Today: Look up for your redemption draweth nigh.