Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 11 July 2020

Sinning Willfully

“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.” (Hebrews 10:26-27)

Today’s Morsel: Any man or woman can commit a mistake, yet none but the foolish will continue in it.  When we make a mistake, we can repent and ask God to forgive us.  But if we recognize our error and continue in it, it is foolishness.  To sin willfully is to know that what you are doing is wrong, continue doing it, and then expect that good will come of it.  Once we come into the knowledge of the truth and we understand that truth, our sins should only be those that we are not aware of.  They should not be any of those things that we are aware of and have repented of because we are already aware of the truth.  If we think that we can do it and repent and that God will forgive us, we may be taking God for granted.  Scripture tells us to give no place to the devil.  (Ephesians 4:27)  If you give Satan one opening into your life through sin, he will take complete control of your life.   Do not think that ignorance of the scripture is going to allow you to go free.  You must study to show yourself approved unto God.  That is your responsibility.  Calvary calls for you to live a life of purity. Purity of heart, mind, and soul.  Calvary calls us to remain set apart for Jesus!

Sing: So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross; Till my trophies at last I’ll lay down.  I will cling to the old rugged cross and exchange it someday for a crown.

Thought For Today: Ignorance of scripture only worsens your sins (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 10 July 2020

 Your Place In The Kingdom

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

 (Jeremiah 29:11)

Today’s Morsel:  I often sit and wonder how much talent is going to the grave each day that has never been used for God’s kingdom that He intended it to be used for. I wonder what could be accomplished by those who have so much zeal for the world and not for the kingdom of God.  But I guess that is where we who are born-again come in.  We must learn to reach for the lost and recover them out of the snares of the devil who has taken them captive at his will.  Each of us has a purpose in this world and we need to find out what it is or we will be miserable until we do.  As Paul asked the Lord Jesus, "Lord what will You have me to do?"  As He spoke through the prophet Isaiah, “Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.” (Isaiah 54:16)  God is the one that gives us the knowledge, skills, and abilities to do things.  Do not waste your talents and abilities on this world. Pretty soon, Satan is going to replace you, then what?  So where is your place in God’s Kingdom?

Sing:  Jesus use me, Oh 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: Don’t waste your talents for Satan

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 9 July 2020

A Failure In The Home

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:1-4)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the greatest failures in the home is children who disrespect their parents, grandparents, and each other.  When children are not taught by their parents at the earliest age to respect them and others, it will someday be a reflection on the home.  Children are a heritage from the Lord and the fruit of the womb is His reward.  And so He requires parents, especially fathers, to train them up correctly.  I have found through observation and study that children who disrespect their earthly parents will disrespect God as well.  Giving children liberty does not mean that you allow them to disrespect you.  Their first lesson taught them should be that of obedience and the second should be that of respect.

Sing:  I’ll say yes, Lord, yes, to Your will and to Your way; I’ll say yes, Lord, yes, I will trust you and obey.  When Your Spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I'll agree and my answer will be yes, Lord yes.

Thought For Today:  Respect… Yes, Sir and Yes Ma’am

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 8 July 2020

Weight Restrictions

“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” (1 Timothy 6:7)

Today’s Morsel:  If you have flown lately, you know that they have weight restrictions on your luggage unless you are willing to pay for excess weight charges.  I have seen people (including myself in times past), having to remove or shift things around because their bags are overweight.  Why do people feel that we need to carry so much when they travel?  I hope that you know that there are weight restrictions to the burdens you may be carrying.  You were not made to carry more than you can handle.  That is why scripture tells us to cast all our cares on Jesus because He cares for us.  If you are burdened down with the cares of this life now, chances are you will not be able to get off the ground when the trumpet sounds in the rapture.  Why not unpack and lighten your load now!  “For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” (Psalms 90:9-10)  I think I’m going to change my license plate to 9010FLY.

Sing: I’ll fly away,  Oh glory, I’ll fly away.  When I see Jesus coming after me, I’ll fly away!

Thought For Today:  Lighten the load!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 7 July 2020

Repair the Roof

“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” (Proverbs 6:6-8)

Today’s Morsel:  I’m sure some of you, like me, have seen construction workers or home builders working in the rain and you ask yourself, "Did they not check the weather for the day before they began?"  Or you see people who keep driving in a snowstorm or rainstorm when they are told that it is hazardous driving conditions and to stay put.  Listen, the time to repair the roof is when it is not raining and the sun is shining.  You do not need a degree to figure that out.  Just observe the ants.  You can learn a lot by watching God’s creation.  James admonishes us, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)  Keep your relationship with Jesus intact and you will know when to go, what to do, and when to stay put.

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 going to see me through; You supply my every need and I lean on You.

Thought For Today: “The time to repair the roof is when it is not raining, and the sun is shining.”

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 6 July 2020

Long Life

“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” (Proverbs 3:1-4)

Today’s Morsel: As I sit and visit with the elderly that I meet, many of them tell me great stories and things about how their lives have been so blessed.  And then, on the other hand, I meet those who tell me about how terrible their lives have been.  Some tell me how good God has been to them, while others tell me how terrible life has been to them.  Some of them say, "Well I guess that God is punishing me for my wrong."  While others say, "I cannot wait to see what heaven will be like."  Same age group.  And so I ask myself what is the difference? Solomon admonishes us, “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him: But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.” (Ecclesiastes 8:11-13)  He continues by informing us, “If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he.”   (Ecclesiastes 6:3)  And Isaiah admonishes us, “Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.” (Isaiah 3:10)  You can live long and have a blessed and prosperous life because it is promised to you.  But on the other hand, if your life is not filled with goodness and righteousness, there will be anguish and unpleasant days ahead.  The Psalmist admonishes us, “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. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” (Psalms 34:11-14)  So I guess the quality of my life lies in what I pursue.

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.

Thought For Today:  Seek peace and pursue it.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 4 July 2020

Independence

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:31-36)

Today’s Morsel:  Independence Day, the Fourth of July,  is a Federal Holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776.  The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states.  The Congress had voted to declare independence two days earlier, on July 2, but it was not declared until July 4.  There have been many people placed in bondage and have had their freedom taken from them.  But Jesus came to make us free.  Are you free today?  Jesus says that if we continue in my word, then we are His disciples; indeed, and we will know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  And if He makes us free, we will be freed indeed.  You can be free if you put your trust in Jesus and allow Him to free you.  You can say as the apostle Paul, “But God be thanked, that we were the servants of sin, but we have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered us. Being then made free from sin, we became the servants of righteousness." (Emphasis mine) (Romans 6:17-18)

Sing:  He set me free yes, He set me free.  He broke the bars of prison for me, I’m glory bound my Jesus to see.  Glory to God, He set me free.

Thought For Today: Freedom … No more shackles or chains.