Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 31 January 2022

 A Help Button

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

 

Today’s Morsel:  A medical alert help button should be able to go with you anywhere that you go.  I like that commercial where the elderly woman falls and she pushes her medical alert button for help and says, “Help, I’ve fallen and can’t get up.”  I think to myself, why doesn’t the cameraman help her get up?  He’s right there. (Humor)  Jesus is our helper, and He ought to be with you everywhere you go.  So that when you need help, you can stir up the gift that is with you.  Micah states, “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.” (Micah 7:8)  He states that the Lord will help him.  Solomon stated that two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)  As long as you stay close to Jesus your help is near.

 

Sing:  Take the name of Jesus with you, child of sorrow and of woe.  It will joy and comfort give you, take it then wherever you go. Precious name, O how sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heaven.  Precious name, O how sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heaven.

 

Thought For Today:  Don’t leave home without Him.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 29 January 2022

 Affordable Protection For Life

“Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:23)

 

Today’s Morsel:  How much insurance do you have or need? One of the fundamentals of salvation is free life insurance.  And the good news is, it is available for everyone.  It’s affordable protection for you the rest of your life, and in the life to come.  Life insurance can sometimes be tricky.  Most companies want you to buy a term life policy in the hope that you do not die before the term ends so that they do not have to pay.  Jesus only offers you a whole life policy that has no limit, great dividends, and it's free. How do you get enrolled?  Simple, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” (Acts 2:38-39)  Do you have a policy established yet?  Don’t delay. It is essential that you have it before it is too late.

 

Sing:  I found a new way of living; I found a new life divine. I have the fruit of the Spirit, I am abiding, abiding in the vine.  Abiding in the vine, abiding in the vine, love, joy, peace, health, He has made them mine.  I have prosperity, power, and victory abiding, abiding in the vine.

 

Thought For Today: “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?”

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 28 January 2022

 Peace of Mind in Troubled Times

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.” (Psalms 27:4-5)

Today’s Morsel:  From the time that David defeated Goliath, he seemed to be plagued with trouble.  Saul wanted to kill him.  His son Absolom wanted to kill him.  The Philistines wanted to kill him.  His wife Micael despised him.  And even the priest turned against him.  Talk about trouble on every side.  But one thing you will always read about David in his time of trouble is that he turned to God because he knew that is where his help came from,  he praised Him and gave God thanks for His delivering power.  So how do we maintain peace of mind in troubled times?  Peter tells us to cast our cares upon the Lord.  Jude tells us to keep ourselves in the love of God.  The writer of Hebrews tells us to come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  And Paul tells us to, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)   If we are to maintain peace in troubled times, then we must believe every word that God has promised us and wait on Him for His delivering power.

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:  Trouble don’t last always

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 27 January 2022

 Suffering For Glory

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:16-18)

 

Today’s Morsel:  What I find in the world and church today is that people do not like to suffer.  They do not like to feel pain or endure hardships in their life.  Many get into their comfort zones and do not want it disturbed.  But Jesus lets us know that in this life we will have tribulations.  And the quicker we figure it out, the better we will be when it comes.  The church has always faced persecution and hardships.  In writing to the church of the Hebrews, Paul informed them, “Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.” (Hebrews 13:12-13)  We are told to have the same mind as Christ.  Paul also wrote, “ 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. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:32-40)  They suffered for their faith.  And even Paul himself told the church at Corinth, “Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.” (2 Corinthians 11:24-27)  All this suffering for God’s glory.  Can you endure hardness as a good soldier for Christ so that you may obtain His glory?  

 

Sing:  Glory, glory, hallelujah, since I laid my burdens down. Glory, glory, hallelujah, since I laid my burdens down.  Friends don’t treat me, like they used to, since I laid my burden down.  Friends don’t treat me, like they used to, since I laid my burden down.  Glory, glory, hallelujah, since I laid my burdens down. Glory, glory, hallelujah, since I laid my burdens down.

 

Thought For Today: “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 26 January 2022

 The End

“The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. 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 12:10-14)

 

Today’s Morsel:  If you have ever watched a play, you will have seen that at the end there is often a curtain call.  A curtain call is the appearance of the performers at the conclusion of a theatrical or other performance in response to the applause of the audience. Solomon lets us know that there is going to be an end to this life and to this world.  And so he calls for us to hear the conclusion of the whole matter.  And that is to fear God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.  Solomon tells us that God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.   Folks, there is going to be an end to this play we call life.  Will you receive a curtain call?

 

Sing:  O’ my brother, are you ready for the call?  To crown your Savior King and Lord of all.  The kingdoms of this world shall soon before Him fall, we shall see the King when He comes.

We shall see the King, we shall see the King, we shall see the King when He comes.  He’s coming in His power, we’ll hail the blessed hour; we shall see the King when He comes.

 

Thought For Today: “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matthew 25:21)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 25 January 2022

 The Path of the Just Man

“Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” (Proverbs 4:13-18)

 

Today’s Morsel: When we were kids growing up in the south, we had many shortcuts and paths that we used to get us to our friends' homes more rapidly.  But every so often, we could see where a snake had crossed the path, or there might even be a snake lying in the path.  When that happened, we would quickly choose a different path.  Satan always tries to inflict fear.  Solomon admonishes us to not enter into the path of the wicked and to go not in the way of evil men.  He said that we must avoid it, pass not by it, but turn from it and pass away.  Are you able to discern which path is good and which is evil?  The Lord told Jeremiah, “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” (Jeremiah 6:16)   David cried, “Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” (Psalms 25:4-5)  We must know the right path that leads us to eternal life because all roads do not lead us to heaven. “The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” (Proverbs 20:7)  Choose carefully which path you take today.  

 

Sing:  Every hour of the day keep me, dear Lord, I pray; let me walk in the gospel light.  Let me hold fast to Him, so my way won’t grow dim, let me walk in the gospel light.

Let me walk in the light, in the great gospel light; let me walk in the gospel light. Till my journey is o’er and I travel no more, let me walk in the gospel light.

 

Thought For Today: “Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.” (Psalms 27:11)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 24 January 2022

 Is It Worth It?

“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:  When I used to counsel inmates in prison, I would often ask them what lessons they had learned by now being incarcerated?  And many of them would tell me they had learned that what they had done was not worth the time they were now having to serve in prison.  What most people fail to realize is there are consequences to every decision we make.  Many people will lie, cheat, and steal to get ahead, but is it worth it?  As Solomon tells, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)  People will lie on their tax returns, but is it worth it?  Is it worth living knowing that you are wrong?  Is it worth living in fear of what someone else will find out about you.  Is it worth losing your good name or disgracing your family because of what you think is a secret affair? Once we are born-again, we must consider every decision, relationship, friendship, or dealing carefully, because if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, the fires of hell will not be worth it.  With every decision comes a consequence.  He sets before us a blessing or curse, I choose the blessing.  

Sing:  Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of this earth will go strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

Thought For Today: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 22 January 2022

 Where Does Your Loyalty Lie?

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)

 

Today’s Morsel:  I was listening to a Christian radio broadcast a few weeks ago, and the announcer stated that many people had left the church during Covid and had yet to return.  He stated that many pastors had said that many who had called the church their home church and stated that they had a strong relationship with Jesus had yet to return.  I thought to myself this was not surprising since Paul said that in the last days there would be a great falling away (2 Thessalonians 2:3).  And even other scriptures inform us that, “Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” (Luke 21:26); and, “ For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4)  One of the things you are going to find out about serving Jesus is that sooner or later He is going to test your loyalty.  Jesus is going to put you in a situation where you are going to have to decide if you are really true to Him.  As He said already that you cannot serve two masters.  Either Jesus is going to be your Lord or He isn’t.  Either He is going to be your God or He isn’t.  As He said, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46)  Are you ready for the test? Prepare your heart now so you pass when the test is given.  

 

 

Sing:  I love Him too much too 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: Loyalty … True faithfulness.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 21 January 2022

 A Thankful Heart

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the essentialities that scripture points us to do is guard our hearts. When the Bible speaks of the heart, it is referring to thoughts and feelings.  It is referring to our mind or thinking.  Solomon informs us, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)  He also admonishes us, “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool…(Proverbs 28:26)  Jeremiah tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)  Just having this little bit of knowledge about our heart should cause us to take notice and remain on guard with it.  Isaiah tells us, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)  We must learn to be thankful if we are to keep our hearts from wrong thoughts and motives.  When someone does something for you, whether big or small, be thankful.  If someone offers you a compliment, be thankful.  If you can see, read, write, or talk, be thankful.  If you have a job, be thankful.  If you have a roof over your head, be thankful.  Why? Because scripture tells us, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)   Jesus always has our best interest at stake.  Have an attitude of gratitude to help keep your heart right.  

 

Sing:  Create in me a clean heart, Oh God, and renew a right spirit within me.  Create in me a clean heart, Oh God, and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from that presence, Oh God, take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.  Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and renew a right spirit within me.

 

Thought For Today: “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 20 January 2022

 Dealing with the Issue

“And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” (Mark 5:24-34)

 

Today’s Morsel:  How many times would you say that you have heard this story about the woman with the issue of blood in the church?  Well, if you have been in the church for any time, I’m sure that you have heard it numerous times.  This story can really reach home in so many areas of our lives.  This woman seems to be dealing with an issue that has no cure or end.  She is trying to find a solution yet to no avail.  She seems to be well off financially and can afford to see doctors.  But she also suffered many things from these physicians, never gets better, things got worse.  Can you identify with her?  How much time and money have you spent seeing doctors and your issue keeps getting worse?  So, how did she deal with her issue when she had no more money or help?  She heard about Jesus.  Someone told her about a man called Jesus who could heal her, and she built her faith and confidence in him until she could meet him.  This is how we must deal with our issues.  Believe and wait on God.  Scripture says, “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.” (Hebrews 10:35-39)  Notice, 'for yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.'  What is your issue today? Jesus knows your need, so tie a knot at the end of the rope, hold on tight, and wait upon Him.  He has the answer and will show up at the appointed time.  

 

Sing:  He touched me, O’ 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: “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 1:3)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 19 January 2022

 The Day the Dead Heard

 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.” (John 5:25)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Three kinds of death are mentioned in the scriptures: Natural, spiritual, and eternal.  With these three kinds of death, there is a threefold life: Natural life, which consists in the union of the soul and body.  Spiritual life, which consists in the union of God and the soul, by faith and love.  Eternal life, which consists in the communion of the body and soul with God, by holiness, in the realms of heaven.  Of the dead, our Lord says, the hour is coming, and now is, when they shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and live.  The hour is here.  Now is the acceptable time.  Now is the day of salvation.  Now is the time to preach the word.  Now is the time to give them life.  According to scripture, those who do not know God and that are not born again are dead. But Jesus said, “… I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)  Paul, writing to the church at Ephesus states, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” (Ephesians 2:1-5) This could be your last day in the grave.  Jesus came to give us all life.  

 

Sing:  Ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down; ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down.  When I hear the trumpet sounding in the sky, I’m gonna get up, get up, I’m gonna get up out of that ground; cause ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down.

 

Thought For Today: “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)