Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 6

A Loss of Passion

“And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.” (1 Kings 19:1-4)

Today’s Morsel: One of the major signs of loss of passion is stress and burnout and a desire to quit. Passion is having a deep love for something or someone. I have yet to figure out why so many lose their passion for the things of God and His ways. But I see it happening often in the world and sadly even in the church.  Some must have certain jobs, but then they lose passion for them. Then there are those in the church who want to be in ministry, but they, too, soon lose their passion for it and want to quit. Why do people lose their passion for something that they say they love? Does Scripture give us an answer? Yes. Paul tells us: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2) If we take our eyes off the prize, we will lose focus and become weary, worn, and despondent about what we are doing. Elijah had just had a major victory on Mount Carmel. He had seen God answer his prayer and work wonders right before his eyes. But for some reason, he lost his trust in God’s ability to save his life after he had just seen God answer his prayer. There ought not to be anything that hinders and stop you from loving the things of God and for others. As we move forward, let’s keep a heart for the things of God and allow Him to complete the work which He has begun in us. If you lose your passion for the things of God, it will make it easy for you to lose your passion for others and even for God Himself.

Sing:  He is my everything. He is my all, He is my everything, both great and small. He gave His life for me, made everything new. He is my everything, Oh how about you?

Thought For Today: “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 5

Characteristics of Pilgrims

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” (Hebrews 11:8-16)

Today’s Morsel: Some of those who first came to America seeking religious freedom were called pilgrims. They were those wayfarers seeking a better life where they could worship God. Isaiah informs us: “And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up there on, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” (Isaiah 35:8-10) It shall be for those wayfaring men. The writer of Hebrews lists Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob as some of those wayfaring men who classified themselves as strangers and pilgrims on earth, who were looking for a city whose builder and maker was God, and that they were looking for a better country where God was not ashamed to be called their God, because He had prepared for them a city. Are you a pilgrim or a homebody? Are you pleased with where you are, or are you looking for a city whose builder and maker is God? If you don’t seek it, you won’t find it.

Sing: This world is not my home; I’m just passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue. The angels are beckoning me from heaven’s open door, and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

O Lord, you know I have no friend like You. If heaven is not my home, then Lord, what will I do? The angels are beckoning me from heaven’s open door, and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore. 

Thought For Today: “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (Hebrews 11:13)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 4

Signs of Progress

“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” (John 17:15-21)

Today’s Morsel: A sign of progression and growth is found when we all become one in Christ. If there is division between you and others, then someone isn’t growing and progressing. Paul informed the church at Rome: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” (Romans 6:3-12) He informed the church at Corinth: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) Are you progressing or stuck in a rut? Peter tells us: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18) The sign that you are progressing is that you are one with Christ and others, and you have a deep passion for the things of God and His church.

Sing: I love Him too much to fail Him now, too much to break my vow; For I promised the Lord that I would make it somehow; And now I love Him too much to fail Him now.

Thought For Today: “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;” (Ephesians 2:14)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 3

The Supreme Virtue

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1:8)

Today’s Morsel: In the Bible, virtue is defined as possessing moral excellence, goodness, and spiritual strength. The New Testament uses the Greek word Arete, which means human or moral excellence and fine character. The Old Testament uses the Hebrew word Chayil,which means strength, valor, or nobility. In 2 Peter 1:3-5, believers are called by the apostle Peter to add virtue to their faith as a core building block of a godly life. In Philippians 4:8, Paul tells believers to focus their minds on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and that are of a good report, which defines a virtuous lifestyle. And Solomon tells us in Proverbs 31:10 that a virtuous woman's strength, character, and wisdom are above rubies. So, what is this supreme virtue that we must all possess in our lives? It is that of obedience. From creation until the Lord comes again, the Bible calls for us to obey. The first lesson that God taught Adam and which he failed, was that of obedience. God told Adam: “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” (Genesis 2:16-17) If you plan to enter the gates of pearls and walk upon the street of gold, and enjoy your heavenly mansion, then you must learn to obey and do what God commands here on earth.

Sing: When we walk with the Lord in the light of His word, what a glory He sheds on our way; While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Thought For Today: “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 2

Hold Your Tongue

“Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.” (Psalms 34:11-13)

Today’s Morsel: The control of one’s tongue should be an easy thing to do, especially for a Christian, since temperance comes with the Holy Spirit. James informs us: “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.” (James 3:5-12) James is showing us the danger of a tongue out of control. Solomon informs us that death and life are in the power of the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21) Therefore, we must learn when to speak and when to keep silent. Again, James asks: “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13) Wisdom should help you control your speech. As Solomon again says there is: “… a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). Have you learned the time?  David informs us that if we want to know how to respect and honor God, then we must learn to avoid harmful speech, such as gossip, insults, cursing, or cruel words, and that we must refuse to deceive, cheat, or use flattery to trick and deceive others. 

Sing: Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, sing of His mercy and His grace; In the mansions bright and blessed, He’ll prepare for us a place. 

When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be; When we all see Jesus, we will sing and shout the victory. 

Thought For Today: “Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 1

Greed

“He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.” (Proverbs 15:27)

Today’s Morsel: When I was in the army, I saw many soldiers and spouses addicted to BINGO because of greed. They wanted more.  I saw many of them troubled in their minds, depressed, stressed, and even fearful because they were addicted. One of the hidden snares I believe Satan uses to hinder people, and even those in the church, and cause division is greed. Notice what the writer of Proverbs tells us: “He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house.” In other words, chasing money or taking bribes can harm one’s own family. How would you feel if you were arrested and your family and neighbors found out that it was because of greed? Solomon also informs us that: “He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.” (Proverbs 28:8). You may not even know that greed is in you until you start to get angry at others for what they have, you start going about trying to be like them, or you start to lose what you already have consistently over get rich quick schemes, or you think that you need more than what you have now. Paul informs Timothy that a deacon must be free from the love of money. Deacons are helpers and administrators. If they love money, they may rob the offering plate. We all need to be cautious that we do not let greed overtake us or become dissatisfied with what we have. 

Sing: I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.

The cross before me, the world behind me, the cross before me, the world behind me; The cross before me, the world behind me, no turning back, no turning back. 

Thought For Today: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:1-3)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 30

I’ll Fly Away

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Today’s Morsel: Are you ready for heaven? Are you ready to meet Jesus in the air? During the old military times, the sound of trumpets was used to give warnings to soldiers, and others. They had calls for gathering, eating, preparing for battle, retreating from battle, burials, and even going to bed. And the soldiers were aware of each. During the early days of the Israelites, they, too, were given warning through trumpets. Paul informed the church at Thessalonica, For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so, shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. He said that the trumpet is going to sound and we are going to fly away. Are you ready?

Sing: Some glad morning when this life is over, I’ll fly away; To a home on God’s celestial shores, I’ll fly away. 

I’ll fly away O’ glory, I’ll fly away, when I die, hallelujah by and by, I’ll fly away.

Thought For Today: “For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?” (1 Corinthians 14:8)