Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 28

When Hope Tests Your Hope

 “Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4:18-25)

Today’s Morsel: Sometimes, our faith and hope in that which we are told that would happen in our lives, may find themselves being pushed to the side when they do not come to fruition in a timely manner. Paul tells us that Abraham did not stagger at the promise of God through unbelief; but he was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.  Abraham had a promise, he was getting old, and so he found his hope against his hope. Solomon said that hope deferred make the heart sick, but when it cometh it is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12) Abraham has a promise but nothing is coming forth. He still believes God, but time seems to be slipping away. He’s anticipating what God said, but this delay is starting to play on his mind. I’m sure some of you may have been in this condition yourself. You have a promise from God, you believe in God, but that delay is starting to play on your mind. It’s hope against hope. But as the writer of Hebrews cautions 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. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 10:35-11:1) If God told you it would happen, sit back and take a sip of that sweet, iced tea because it’s going to happen. Know that God doesn’t operate on our timeline, but His.

Sing: I lean on You, Lord, I lean on You Lord, for the things that I need, I lean on You. When I don’t know just what to do, I’ve got the faith You’re gonna see me through, You supply my every need, and I lean on You.

Thought For Today: Remember, God’s ways and thoughts are not ours.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 27

Connected With The Anchor

“Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Hebrews 6:17-20)

Today’s Morsel: The writer of Hebrews calls our attention to God’s promises and faithfulness to Abraham. He said that when God made promise to Abraham, because He could sware by no greater, because there is none greater than God, He, God, swore by Himself. God put His own word and oath on the line to Abraham. Telling him that if he left home and followed Him, He would bless him, multiply him, and make him a great nation. And Abraham obeyed. And the writer tells us that by those same two unchangeable things (His word and oath), that we, too, might have a strong consolation, or support, in the hope that is set before us. And he said that it is in this hope that we have an anchor for our soul, which is both sure and steadfast. Abraham found himself facing the time element. He has a promise, he knows that God cannot lie, and so he anchored himself to God’s word and oath, which becomes an anchor for his soul. He understood it was sure and steadfast. The writer uses Abraham’s belief in God, so that we will connect our lives to this same anchor, Jesus Christ. As He is both sure and steadfast.

Sing: There’s a storm out, on the ocean, and it’s moving this away; And if your soul’s not, anchored in Jesus, you will surely, drift away.

Thought For Today: Know the ability of your anchor or your ship will surely drift away. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 25

The Day That Changed History

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4)

Today’s Morsel: I saw an article on Facebook that said that the renowned author and teacher, Max Lucado, did not believe in speaking in tongues until he was 64 years old. It stated that Mr. Lucado said that he did not believe in speaking in tongues until he was reading 1 Corinthains 14:1 one day where Paul states, “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.” (1 Corinthians 14:1).  While he was praying and seeking God, he just started speaking in tongues. God had promised through the Prophet Joel that in the last days He would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh (Joel 2:28). The receiving of the Holy Ghost by the 120 believers in the upper room in Jerusalem was the starting of bringing  about a change to the way religion would be seen and done. The requirements to bring animals for sins was done away with. Having to come to a priest to confess their sins and seek forgiveness for those sins to man were now done away with. They could all come boldly to the throne of grace themselves. The division between the Jews from the Gentiles was done away with. Prejudice, hate, anger, and anything that would divide the church, was now to be done away with. They were to all be one in Christ. No matter race, creed, color, or origin, this day would change history. And it would now be the church who would have the responsibility, and not the Levitical priesthood, to ensure that people knew God and to lead them into perfection in Christ. In Ephesians 4, Paul stated: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:11-16) Pentecost changed history and it changed peoples’ lives. “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?” (Acts 10:44-47) Have you experience your own personal Pentecost? The promise is unto you!

Sing: I’ve got the Holy Ghost, down in my soul, just like the Bible said; I’ve got the Holy Ghost, down in my soul, just like the Bible said; Well I’ve been to the water and I’ve been baptized in Jesus name; My soul got happy and I’m so satisfied. I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now, just like the Bible, just like the Bible, just like the Bible said.

Thought For Today: Have you received the Holy Ghost since you have believed?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 24

Do You Know The God of Your Father?

“And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.” (1 Chronicles 28:9-10)

Today’s Morsel: Scripture says, “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” (Matthew 16:13). Jesus knew that the people of Israel were never to forget who God was. They had been instructed from the time that they were delivered from Egypt not to forget what God had done for them. And they were to teach all the laws, statutes, testimonies, commandments, fears, and judgments to their children. Jesus knew the question was on the streets as to who He was, and so He wanted to know who His disciples thought that He was. David told his son Solomon to know the God of His father and serve Him with a perfect heart and willing mind. He told him to know His God. Do you know Him? Is the reason that many will not serve Him is because they do not know Him? We are to know Him and to make Him known by our lives. Our character and behavior should reflect Him. Everything that we do ought to be a revelation of Him. God told Moses, “And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.” (Exodus 6:3). Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, knew Him as El-Shaddai. The God of supreme power, sovereignty, and the ability to provide and to multiply. This is how they understood God. But by His name Yahweh, or Lord, Jehovah, he was not known to them. Yes, they knew Him as Yahweh, but they did not know what the complete meaning of, or what that name meant. The name Jehovah is tied to His covenant-keeping faithfulness and deliverance. God was telling Him that Israel was not only going to know Him as an all-powerful God that gave promise, He was getting ready to show them, that He is a God that fulfills His promises. And Moses would tell the children of Israel, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) Do you know Him? 

Sing: There’s just so many wonderful things about Jesus, there’s just so many wonderful things about Him; His name is wonderful, He’s a wonderful counselor, there so many wonderful things about Him. He is the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, He is the Prince of Peace, there so many wonderful things about Him.

Thought For Today: If you know Him and love Him, then serve Him.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 23

Who Can Be Saved?

“And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:16-26)

Today’s Morsel: When the Rich Young Rule, wanted to know what he must do to be saved, Jesus told him to go sell all that he had, give to the poor, come follow Him, and he would have treasures in heaven. But he walked away. When Jesus asked His disciple how hard was it for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, his disciples were shocked at his answer, and they wanted to know how one could be saved? The Bible says that Jesus loved this young man because he had kept the law. But now when Jesus tells him that there is one thing lacking, and that was to detach himself from his riches, he couldn’t take that step. Ouch! You mean to tell me that I can’t be rich and make it into heaven? Jesus didn’t say that. He asked them how hard it was for a rich man to enter heaven? He didn’t say that it could not be done. He asks how hard it was, as most rich people are attached to their possession, and they spend most of their time attached and monitoring them. You find salvation in obeying the Word of God and doing what it tells you. It’s not impossible with God for everyone to be saved. But it can be impossible for anyone to be saved who is not willing to see their need for Him over their attachment to the things of this world.  We must want Jesus more than anything or anyone.

Sing: He’s the great I Am, the Everlasting Father, He’s the Prince of Peace, the great Eternal Wonder, Holy Counselor, and Zion’s Righteous Governor, He’s the great, He’s the great I Am.

Thought For Today: “Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.” (Isaiah 55:2)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 22

What Fault Have You Found In Jesus

“Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.” (John 19:1-6)

Today’s Morsel: I don’t know about you, but I have known people who blame Jesus for everything that happens to them. They blame Him for their parents. They blame Him for where they live. They blame Him when they don’t get hired for a job. They just seem to find fault with Jesus no matter what they are facing and going through. I even had a lady ask me why God let her dog die.  The Jews even wanted to stone Him for telling them that He was God.  “The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.” (John 10:33) Pilate told the people, “I find no fault in Him.” I don’t know how you can find fault with the One that is all knowing, all loving, all carrying, full of mercy and truth, and whose compassion is new every morning, and who only has your best interest at heart. Mary didn’t find any fault in Him. “Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.” (John 20:15) Mary said, if you moved Him, because you don’t want Him here, tell me where you took Him and I’ll take Him away, as I find no fault in Him.  I promise you, if you try Jesus and you find fault in Him, and you don’t like Him, the devil will take you back every time. “And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:9)

Sing: He knew me, yet He loved me, He’s whose glory made the heavens shine. I’m so unworthy of such mercy, and yet when He was on the cross, I was on His mind.

Thought For Today: You are not going to find fault in God!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 21

When You Come To The End of Yourself

“And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.” (Luke 15:11-19)

Today’s Morsel: Sometimes we may remain in our dilemmas due in part because we never want to take responsibility for our actions. We can blame our parents, boss, co-workers, or someone else, but not until we come to the end of ourselves is there going to be a change in our life and situation. The prodigal son realized that he had sinned against his father and God. Not someone else. His condition was of his own making. It shows us that the world will drain us of everything that we have, if we do not control ourselves of wasteful spending and worldliness. But he came to the end of himself while sitting in a hog pen watching them eat husks or bean shells. He decided to go home to his father and ask to be restored as a servant just so he can have something again. But the father shows us that sons don’t become servants, they remain sons.  Paul informs us that if we are led by the Spirit of God, we are sons of God. Jesus is our Heavenly Father, and He has everything that we need to restore us to our rightful state. Yet the decision to get up and go to Him rests with each of us and not someone else. 

Sing: Going home, I’m going home, there nothing to hold me here. I’ve got a glimpse of that heavenly land, praise God, I’m going home.

Thought For Today: “And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.” (Genesis 31:3)