Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 31 May 2019

Who Told You?

“And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?” (Genesis 3:9-11)

Today’s Morsel:  When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden by eating the forbidden fruit, they hid themselves.  And when God called for them, Adam said that he heard the voice of God and that he was afraid, and he hid because he was naked.   To which God asked him “Who told thee that thou wast naked?”  God had never told them they were naked and so He wanted to know who told them.  What about you?  Who told you that you are not good enough to serve God?  Who told you that God doesn’t love and care about you?  Who told you that you’re no good?”  Who told you that you won’t be accepted in a certain church because of your skin color?  Who told you that there’s no hope for your wayward children?  Who told you that you can’t receive God’s Spirit?  Friend, if God didn’t tell you, then don’t except it.  It’s a lie from the pits of hell.  Who are you listening to?  Only listen to the voice of God.  

Sing:  Whatever you need, God’s got it.   Whatever you need, God’s got it. So, whatever you need, God’s got it, He’s got it, and He’s waiting to give it to you.

Thought For Today: If God didn’t say it, don’t believe it.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 30 May 2019

Wrestling With Fear

“And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands; And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape.” (Genesis 32:6-8)

Today’s Morsel:  Many saints of God spend their entire life living in fear.  They fear what others think of them.  They fear to witness.  They fear to serve God openly.  They just seem to wake up with fear.  Paul told Timothy, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)  If fear does not come from God, then you need to realize where it’s coming from.  It is coming from the enemy of your soul.  John said that fear will torment you.  It will drive you into a deep state of emotional depression.  Jacob was afraid that his brother Esau was going to kill him.  He was so fearful that he didn’t even realize that God was with him.  Not until he took hold of God and would not let go did, he overcome his fears.  You can wrestle with fear to your own destruction, or you can learn to get a hold of God and walk by faith.  Faith always put fear on the run.  It is your choice which you hold onto, fear or faith.  I choose faith!  

Sing: I’ve got Jesus on the inside, working on the outside, Oh what a change in my life.  I’ve got Jesus on the inside, working on the outside, Oh what a change in my life.  I’ve got Jesus on the inside, working on the outside, Oh what a change in my life; Oh what a change in my life.

Thought For Today: Faith always put fear on the run. (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 29 May 2019

The Effects of Holiness

“The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.” (Luke 1:73-75)

Today’s Morsel:  When we read the scriptures, we see that God is a holy God (1 Peter 1:16).  And it should be our desire to become like Him if we say that we say that we are Christians.  The psalmist says, “Holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, forever.”  Therefore, if we say that we are His, then we too must always be holy.  Holiness is not a Sunday lifestyle, it’s a daily lifestyle.  It is an inward and outward lifestyle.  It is a no matter where I am lifestyle.  Paul instructed Titus to teach the aged women that they be in behavior as becometh holiness and to teach such so that the word of God be not blasphemed (see Titus 2:3-5). You can’t play holiness.  Either the temple possesses Christ, or it doesn’t.  Jesus isn’t in you some of the time.  Either His Spirit is in you or it isn’t.  Therefore, Jesus said, “Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.” (Matthew 12:33)  You can’t have it both ways.  Be holy because He is holy.  

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: Holiness becomes thine house forever.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 28 May 2019

Little Creatures

“There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces” 

(Proverbs 30:24-28).

Today’s Morsel:  Solomon lists four things here that I believe we should all take notice of if we are to be successful in this life and the life to come.  He tells us that these little creatures, the ants, the conies, the locusts, and the spiders are small upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise.  So what should we learn from them?  First, he says, “The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer.”  Observing the ants should teach us preparedness.  The ants know that winter is coming and so they do not sit and wait for it, they prepare for it.  Next is the conies, or the rock badgers. He says, “The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks.”  The conies teach us protection and stability. Jesus said that the wiseman builds his house upon the rock (Matthew 7:21-28). If we are not building our homes according to the word of God, we will have no protection or stability against the enemy of our soul.  He says that the locusts, “have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands.”  The locusts teach us the importance of unity.  A threefold cord is not easily broken.  We must take Christ’s yoke upon us and remain connected with Him.  We must endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.  And finally, he says, “The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.”  This teaches us diligence and persistent.  We must lay hold to eternal life and not let it go.   As Paul told Timothy, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:12) Always remember, “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29)  We can learn a lot in life from the little things.  

Sing: The itsy-bitsy spider went up the water spout. Down came the rain and washed the spider out.  Out came the sun and dried up all the rain, and the itsy-bitsy spider went up the spout again.    

Thought For Today: “Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering” The Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 11:14-15).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 27 May 2019

Memorial Day

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.” (Exodus 17:14)

Today’s Morsel:  Memorial Day is an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.  Memorial Day remains one of America's most cherished patriotic observances. The spirit of this day has not changed - it remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy.

 The Lord told Moses to write the battle that Joshua had just fought for a memorial in a book and to rehearse it in his ears.  God wanted Joshua to never forget this battle. Lives were lost and a victory was won.  Some men paid the ultimate sacrifice for their freedom. Like today, we honor those, too, who paid that ultimate sacrifice for us.

Sing:  On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame; and I love that old cross where the dearest and best, for a world of lost sinners was slain.

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

Thought For Today: Freedom is not free!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 25 May 2019

Hold To God’s Unchanging Hand

“And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts. For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:5-10)

Today’s Morsel: One of the best ways to grow your faith is to trust God at the things that He says.  If God is an unchanging God, then He cannot lie, and He must do what He says.  The question is, will we prove Him. The Lord said that the people had robbed Him by not giving tithes and offerings.  He told them to prove Him or to test Him.  If they did what was right than He would open the windows of heaven and pour them out a blessing that they would not have room enough to receive it.  I’m a living witness that this passage is true. I might have to buy another house.  This one is filling up fast with the blessings of God.  Care to test Him?  Don’t let money rob you of God’s blessings.

Sing.  Hold to His hand, God’s unchanging hand.  Hold to His hand, God’s unchanging hand. Build your hopes on things eternal. Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Thought For Today:  Don’t let money rob you of God’s blessings.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 24 May 2019

Mail Call

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.”

 (Galatians 6:9-11)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things that most soldiers look forward to is mail call.  This is especially true during in war.  Getting those letters from home means the world to a soldier.  When the internet first came out, some computers would ping and say, “You’ve got mail.” Paul told the church at Galatia that he had written them a large letter with his own hands.  When we review the letter to the church of the Galatians, it is a larger letter. It contains application, determination, explanation, and warning. Paul loved the churches that he established. And he wanted to keep them informed of what was going on.  He encouraged this church to not be weary in well doing for in due season they would reap if they did not faint. In other words, don’t quit.  Church growth takes time so stay with it.  He was telling them, they had the opportunity they should do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.  How often do you read the letters in the Bible written to you?  You should read them daily.  They have some very good information in them for you.  PING.....You've got mail!

Sing: Oh’ how He loves you and me. O’ how He loves you and me, He gave His life, what more could He do; O’ how He loves me, O’ how He loves you, O’ how He loves you and me.

Thought For Today: Your mail is inside the book. The Bible

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 23 May 2019

Compassion

“And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” 

(Luke 10:30-37)

Today’s Morsel:  The story of the Good Samaritan is a story of compassion.  One of the ways we can determine if we have a heart of compassion is when we see others suffering or hurting and that rips at our heart and we desire to do something about their dilemma.  If it doesn’t faze us, then we probably don’t have compassion.  Somewhere, we’ve laid down the cross that Jesus commanded us to carry if we are to be His disciples.  As true cross bearers, we must always have a heart of compassion.  If we always feel that we are better than others, then we do not have a heart of compassion.

Sing: Lord prepare me, to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true. And with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living, sanctuary for You.

Thought For Today: Compassion … the heartbeat of a True Cross-Bearer (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 22 May 2019

Undone Christians

“In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” (Isaiah 6:1-7)

Today’s Morsel:  I’m sure that some of you, like me, at one time or another has had food served to you that was not done.  It is one thing for food to be undone, but for Christians, it’s another.  Once we are born-again of the water and the spirit, we should be complete in Him. In other words, we should be done with the world and its ways.  If we are having a hard time letting go of the world and its ways, then we are not done.  And we may need to be put back on the altar.  When Isaiah saw the Lord, he said that he was undone because he was a man of unclean lips.  But once his mouth was touched with a coal from off the altar, he was done and ready to use his mouth for Christ.  What about you? Are you done? Or are there still areas in your life that need to be cooked longer?  Spend some time at the altar and allow the Lord to make you complete in Him.  

Sing: He touched me. Oh, 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: Well done, please. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 21 May 2019

Beware of Gradualism

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9)

Today’s Morsel:  Gradualism is the slow and gradual change that happens over a somewhat slow time period. The gradual change may be so that others will be accepted, to slowly remove policies or procedures that some do not like, or to increase pricing.  For example, when I was a kid, gasoline was 20 cents a gallon. Now it’s 3 to 5 dollars or more a gallon, depending on where you live.  It didn’t just jump to that price overnight.  It was a gradual increase.  When it is gradually done, folks are more likely to accept it then if it were done all at once.  Paul cautioned the church at Galatia that he marveled that they had moved from the grace of Christ unto another gospel.  You can be sure that it didn’t happen all at once.  It was probably a gradual process. The same is true with people who stop serving God or church hop.  It’s a slow process.  They miss a Sunday here, they miss a Sunday there, and pretty soon they are gone altogether.  Always be aware of the little changes that you see or hear that is coming or taking place. There is probably a bigger end state that will blow your mind.   

  

Sing: Jesus hold my hand, Lord I need Thee every hour,  Through this pilgrim land, protect me by Thy saving power.  Hear my feeble plea, O’ Lord, look down on me.  When I kneel in prayer, I know I'll  You there, blessed Jesus hold my hand.

Thought For Today: Beware of Gradualism (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 20 May 2019

Following Peace and Holiness

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14)

Today’s Morsel: The writer of Hebrews tells us that we must follow both peace and holiness or we cannot see the Lord.  When we understand that Jesus is both the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) and He is Holy (1 Peter 1:16), then we can understand the One that we should be following.  Jesus Christ Himself.  If we do not make up our minds to follow Him, we will always be without both peace and holiness in our lives, and we cannot expect to stand before Him and to hear Him say, “Well done thou good and faith servant.” “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” Paul said (1 Corinthians 11:1).  Follow Jesus and you will have peace and holiness in your life.  

Sing: Holy! Holy! Holy; Holy! Holy! Holy; Holy is the Lord, God Almighty.  And He’s worthy to receive glory. Worthy to receive honor, worthy to receive all our praise today.

Thought For Today:  Jehovah Shalom … The God of Peace.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 18 May 2019

Armed Service Day

“And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” (Hebrews 11:32-34)

Today’s Morsel:  Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May.  Thanks to President Harry S. Truman, it’s a day to pay special tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces.  President Truman led the effort to establish a holiday in order for citizens to unite and to honor our military heroes for their patriotic service in support of the United States of America.  In addition, the first Armed Forces Day also played an essential part in educating society and expanding public knowledge of the military and the role they play in the community. Therefore, it wasn’t only a means to honor those who serve or who have served in the military, but also a way to showcase its top of the line equipment and abilities used to protect those in our country.  The importance of this day should always be evident.  It is a day that our military members rightly deserve and it is essential that we celebrate it accordingly. We salute and honor our military members today.  Thank you for your service.  

Sing: Thanks! Thanks! I give You Thanks, for all You have done. I am so blessed, my soul has found rest, O’ Lord I give You thanks.

Thought For Today: Freedom is not free.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 17 May 2019

Fresh Anointing

“These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.” (1 John 2:26-29)

Today’s Morsel: How do you begin your day?  Do you begin it with prayer and devotions of thanksgiving to God?  Do you begin by seeking Him for a dose of fresh anointing of His spirit?  His Spirit is Power (Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-4).  If you try to begin your day without His anointing, you will not be able to withstand the evil that comes against you.  You are the priest of your own temple, and the fire within you is to be ever burning. John states, “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.”  To abide in Jesus requires a daily dose of His anointing.  He’s still the oil of joy for mourning.

Sing: Anointing fall on me.  Anointing fall on me. Let the power of the Holy Ghost, fall on me;  anointing fall on me.

Thought For Today:  He’s still the oil of joy for mourning.