Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 26

Go Tell It On The Mountain

 

“And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.” (Luke 2:17-18)

 

Today’s Morsel: The birth of Jesus was not to be kept a secret. It was to be proclaimed to the world. When Jacob came down into Egypt, to be with his son Joseph, they were told to tell Pharoah, when he asked of them of their occupation, that they were shepherds. Because the shepherds were abomination to the Egyptians (Genesis 46:32-34) It’s amazing that the angels would appear to the shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks by night and would appear to them first to bring them light and the good news. Pastors are called shepherds. And they must be abomination to the world while overseers of the flocks and proclaiming the wonderful news of the things told to them of God and the things which they have seen. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isaiah 52:7)

 

Sing: God tell it on the mountain, over the hill and everywhere, go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.

 

Thought For Today: “But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.” (Acts 26:25-26) 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 25

God With Us

 

“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” (Luke 2:6-20)

 

Today’s Morsel: Around the globe today, many will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. And rightfully so, for so He is. Jesus Himself said: “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.” (John 13:13) Matthew wrote: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” (Matthew 1:18-25) Emmanuel, God with us. Jesus Christ was not just a man. He was more than a man. He was God manifested in flesh (1 Timothy 3:16). He is our Master and Lord. And Mary pondered and kept all these things in her heart that was spoken of Him. Do you have these says down in your heart?

 

Sing: So, have a super-duper Christmas with Jesus this year; Super-duper Christmas spreading good cheer, when you are down, your frown with soon disappear. So, have a super-duper Christmas with Jesus this year.

 

Thought For Today: Merry Christmas! 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 24

The Sign

 

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

 

Today’s Morsel: When I first came into the church, it was not uncommon to hear someone say that they needed a sign from the Lord for what they should do in their situation. Why do we need a sign from God? Shouldn’t we just believe Him and walk by faith? Even Gideon sought God for a sign to know that he was chosen to lead. Isaiah states God as saying: “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” (Isaiah 55:10-13) God’s Word would be the Lord name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. The Psalmist states: “I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” (Psalms 138:2). John states: “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” (1 John 5:7); “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) The sign is the Word, and the Word is God. Immanuel, God with us. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

 

Sing: Emmanuel, Emmanuel, His name is called Emmanuel; God with us, revealed in us, His name is called, Emmanuel.

 

Thought For Today: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)” (1 John 1:1-2)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 23

Taxes

 

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.” (Luke 2:1-5)

 

Today’s Morsel: When Israel wanted a king to governor them like of the other nations of the land, the Lord told Samuel to tell them: “And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.” (1 Samuel 8:15) In other words, he is going to tax you. But what the enemy always means to use for evil, God can turn it around and use it for His good. For the scriptures were to be fulfilled which had been spoken by the prophets of old of God sending a deliverer and a Savior, the location, place, and cause had to be in place. Mary and Jospeh were living in Syria. But Caesar Augustus was used by God to implement a tax to force everyone back to their hometown. Thus, Joseph and Mary had to return to Bethlehem, the city of David. The city of bread. The house of God. It was here that Jacob saw the ladder extended from heaven and earth and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the earth and God standing at the top (Genesis 28:10-22) It was here that Jacob buried Rachel after her death birthing Benjamin. He was here, Bethlehem, that Boaz married Ruth. Thus the King to rule the earth would also need to be born in the place that was spoken of His Kingdom. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.” (Micah 5:2-3)Don’t be upset with taxes. It just may be what God is using to draw you to where He wants you to be.

 

Sing: Jesus! Jesus! You know what’s best for me; So, lead on, Jesus, I’ll go wherever You lead.

 

Thought For Today: Don’t despise the day of small things.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 21

The Birth Foretold

 

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:26-35)

 

 

Today’s Morsel: Mary seems not to be taken by surprise by the angel Gabriel’s presence. But she seems to keep her composure at what he has to say to her. She doesn’t seem to interrupt him while he is speaking with her, but she’s very attentive. Once the angel gives her detailed instructions, her question is, “How can these things be since I know not a man?” Great question.  And the angel gives her the answer. “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Today, many still question the miraculous birth of Christ. Some are still asking how this thing can be. But as Paul told Timothy: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” (1 Timothy 3:16). He said that it is a mystery. And mystery must be solved. Jesus told the people: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39) Therefore, if you want to know how these things can be, and Christ’s miraculous birth, then you must search the scriptures.

 

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: “She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.” (John 11:27)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 20

Ignorance of God

 

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” (Hosea 4:6)

 

Today’s Morsel: If you have followed politics, you have probably seen and heard things of people who have no knowledge of God. I listen to people in the church who complain about politicians and people in the world, and I just look at them and say, what do you expect? Sinners are going to do what sinners do, and Christians ought to do what Christians are supposed to do.  I tell them, you are supposed to know what is right, how to talk, and how to act, because God’s word teaches you these things. But you cannot expect people who do not know what is in the word of God to live by the word of God. Just because someone calls themselves a Christian doesn’t mean that they are a Christian. To be a Christian is a lifestyle. It’s not a once a week visit to the church or a Friday time of confession. To be a Christian is to be a believer and follower of Jesus. And that must be a daily commitment in your life. The Lord said through the Prophet Hosea that My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge. When people don’t know Christ, it is easy for them to destroy themselves. Paul, writing to the church at Corinth, states: “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:1-12). The example of who you are to be in Christ and how you are to live is found in the word of God. So don’t become ignorant of His word and ways and you destroy yourself.

 

Sing: I saw the light, I saw the light, no more in darkness, no more in the night. Now I’m so happy, no sorrow in sight; praise the Lord, I saw the light. 

 

Thought For Today: “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (2 Corinthians 2:11)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 19

Behold He Cometh

 

“O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.” (Psalms 96:1-13)

 

Today’s Morsel: If Jesus showed up at your house right now, would you be ready for Him to visit. The Jews for years had heard that the Lord was coming, but when He came, they were not prepared. They were caught off guard. When I was in the army, we had a commander who would never tell folks what unit he was going to visit. He would just check a training schedule and show up at a unit. And if the unit was not doing what they had posted on the training schedule, someone’s head was going to roll. He did not play around; he was quick to relieve commanders who were not ready. The psalmist said that Jesus is coming to judge the earth: He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with truth. Jesus has one standard that He will use to judge every one of us. And that is His word. In book of Matthew we read: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:21-27). And in the book of John we read: “Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:44-48) The first time Jesus came to earth He came to save the world (John 3:16-20). The next time He comes it will be to judge the world by Himself, the Word made flesh (John 1:14). Behold He cometh. Are you ready?

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

 

Thought For Today: “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;” (Hebrews 2:1-3)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 18

Spiritual Service

 

“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” (John 4:34-35)

 

Today’s Morsel: There seems to be an attitude of slothfulness that is invading the world and the church. Few seem to want to work anymore. Few, if any, even seem to want to serve. Even the military seems to be missing their quota. When I was on active duty the military was having to turn people away or place them on delay entry because they had so many who wanted to serve. I thank God for my time in the army. If the army taught me nothing else, it taught me how to be a servant and to serve. When I was a unit First Sergeant, and then up the chain to Command Sergeant Major, I knew that there were certain places my face ought to be seen on Thanksgiving and Christmas. On Thanksgiving, I was expected to be seen serving soldiers in the dining facility. And on Christmas, checking in on them in their living facility to ensure that they were alright and if they needed anything. When overseas, we would often have soldiers in our home for these holidays. We were taught to serve. And I thank God that I have been able to bring this training with me into the church. When we serve others, it brings us joy. Jesus said that His meat was to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. We must open our eyes and see the need to serve. We can’t think like the world. Jesus wants us to serve in His kingdom and harvest field. Somebody has got to get the crops out of the field. Why not you!  Serve the Lord with gladness.  

 

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: “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” (2 Timothy 2:24-26)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 17

Blessing

 

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” (Revelation 14:13)

 

Today’s Morsel: How many songs have been written about the blessings of the Lord? Just what are the blessings of the Lord? The blessings of the Lord are God’s favor, wisdom, protection, abundance, ability, grace, mercies, joy, freedom, and peace that rest upon our lives and endeavors. It’s the good things that He does for us, whether in our spiritual life, circumstances, provisions or needs. Paul said: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” (Ephesians 1:3) Spiritual blessings in Christ. Just think of all the blessings you have received since you gave your life to Jesus. Salvation. Mercy. Love. Adoption into His family. Words of Wisdom. Discernment. Faith. Healings. Peace. John the Revelator wrote, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.  When we repent of our sins, we are dying out to the things of this world and its ways which can cause us eternal death. To me, this is the first death, on which the second death has no power. Once we are born-again, and we have spent our time laboring in His vineyard, our next death, we ought to die in the Lord. Then we should be ready for our eternal reward and enter that eternal rest. 

 

Sing: My blessing in coming my way, it’s only a matter of time, until His purpose come to pass, it’s only a matter of time. My blessing in coming my way, it’s only a matter of time, until His purpose come to pass, it’s only a matter of time. I’m waiting for my miracle, I’m waiting for my miracle, I’m waiting for my miracle; overtaken by my blessing. 

 

Thought For Today: “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:” (Deuteronomy 28:1)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 16

Spiritual Dawning

 

“The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.” (Isaiah 21:12)

 

Today’s Morsel: Every day of our lives, as born-again believers, there ought to be a spiritual dawning. We ought to begin each day afresh and anew. David stated, “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.” (Psalms 63:1-3) He cried, “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.” (Psalms 57:7-11) Is your heart fixed. Is your mind stayed on Jesus. What’s your goal in the morning?  Paul said that the thing which was written afore was written for our example. There must be a new dawning in your life daily. God is doing a new thing. Again, Paul said: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10) You can’t sit still and not learn and gain understanding. God is moving. Jesus has already gone before us, and He is waiting for us to catch up. You’ve got to get up and seek Him with your whole heart. Mary Magdalen and the other women went to the tomb early to anoint the body of Jesus. But when they arrived, the stone was rolled away. And when they looked inside, they saw two angels, one at the head and one at the foot where Jesus had lain. And they said unto them, why are you seeking the living among the dead. He is not here. He has risen as He said. A new dawning. A spiritual awakening. When you seek Him early, there is going to be a new beginning in your life. As Isaiah said: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 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. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.” (Isaiah 55:1-3) God dropped manna early every morning, but the sabbath, for the children. Do you have any meat? 

 

Sing: By and by when the morning comes, when all the saints of God are gathering home, we will tell the story how we overcome, and we will understand it better by and by. 

 

Thought For Today: “From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised.” (Psalms 113:3)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 14

Fearless

 

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” (Psalms 23:1-6)

 

Today’s Morsel: Abraham Lincoln, our 16^th President states, “If I am killed, I can die but once; but to live in constant dread of it, is to die over and over again” We must not fear dying. This evil has many trapped today. Many people are suffering due to fear of dying. Some fear their bosses. They fear other employees. They fear their neighbors. They fear people because of the color of their skin and the language that they speak. They fear flying. They fear the inner cities. They fear travel. And the list goes on and on. But as Paul informed 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). God wants us to be fearless and not to fear because it can hinder us from maintaining our peace and joy and from accomplishing what He’s called us to do. Our confidence in God and His abilities ought to give us confidence, courage, and hope in our daily life. Faith must overcome our fears. David said, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Knowing that God has promised to never leave us nor forsake us, should help us to be fearless in this world. Fear should not have dominion over you. You have been given power to walk and tread all over the power of the enemy. “For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” (Isaiah 41:13)

 

Sing: Let me walk with You Jesus, don’t ever leave me alone. For without You I could never, no, never make heaven my home.

 

Thought For Today: “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” (Psalms 118:6)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 13

The Congregation of The Dead

 

“It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.” (Proverbs 21:15-17)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the things we find in scripture is that when Jesus brings us out of darkness and into the marvelous light, and we become born-again, He expects us to remain in that straight and narrow pathway of understanding. We have now been chosen to fulfill a purpose. And that is to show others the way more perfectly. If we backslide or walk away from that truth and way of understanding, we will remain in the congregation of the dead. You see, before we came to Christ, we were dead. What does that mean? It means that those who do not know Jesus are spiritually dead. And if they do not repent and come into a relationship with Him, they will someday die without Him and will have no hope for eternal life.

As Paul stated: “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;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” (Ephesians 2:1-6) You see, the gospel in designed to bring us out of darkness and unto His marvelous light. But Paul said that if the gospel is hidden, which is what Satan wants, folks are lost and blinded by Satan, the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:3-6). And this is why many are still in the congregation of the dead. They are blinded to understanding.  But Jude said that our goal is to: “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” (Jude 1:21-23) The great commission is to get people out of the congregation of the dead and to teach them how to remain in the congregation of the righteous. There are many today who have wandered out of the way of understanding and who are now back in the congregation with the dead. But you, beloved must “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). 

 

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: “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 12

A Little Bread and A Bottle of Water

 

“And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.” (Genesis 21:14)

 

Today’s Morsel: When we study history, we can read stories of men who have been incarcerated in prison, who because of conduct were placed on bread and water. Even King Ahab, who hated and despised the prophet Micaiah, placed the prophet on bread and water of affliction for not telling him what he wanted to hear (2 Chronicles 18:1-27). Sarah despised Hagar, because her son Ismael laughed at Issac, required Abraham to send her away. He sent her away with a little bread and a bottle of water. And it was not long that the water and bread ran out. When Elijah became discouraged because Jezebel, who said that she was going to kill him, an angel of the Lord met him in the wilderness and prepared him a little cake and a cruse of water telling him to raise and eat for his journey would be long. It would be a 40-day journey for him (1 Kings 19). When it seems that our resources are limited, God’s resources endure. The song writer tells us that little is much when God is in it. And that we should not labor for wealth or fame for there’s a crown and we can win it, if we go in Jesus’ name. Paul said: “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) Not only does this bread and cup serve as a reminder to us of what God has done for us, but it also serves as a reminder that little is much when God is in it.  We can trust God to provide for what we have need of.  

 

Sing: Little is much when God is in it, labor not for wealth and fame. There’s a crown and you can win it, if you go in Jesus’ name.

 

Thought For Today: “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:42)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 11

The Message

 

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5-7)

 

Today’s Morsel: I have noticed that many seem to be enthralled with all the lights that they are seeing in the sky at night. The Bible tells us that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. And Jesus tells us: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16) Because we are attached to Christ, our lives should be a representation of Him. When people see us, they should see Jesus. When we speak, they should hear Jesus. When we are near, they should feel Jesus. When we preach, they should know Jesus.  And when we pray, they ought to believe in Jesus. God is light, John said (1 John 1:5). And according to both John and Paul, Jesus Christ was God manifested in flesh (1 Timothy 3:16, John 1:14), which makes Him also the living Word. And according to the psalmist: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:105); “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” (Psalms 119:130). When we open our Bibles, light immediately appears. And when we read and study His Word and hear the name of Jesus light ought to appear. Your understanding ought to be enlightened. The psalmist continues by say: “If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.” (Psalms 139:11-12) Light always repels darkness. Darkness cannot overpower light. That’s why Satan cannot defeat you. Your light of the word and Holy Ghost causes him the fear the same way that Dracula fears the light and Superman fears kryptonite!  With Christ in you, your life ought to be a bright and shining light. And everything that is out to destroy you should flee.

 

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: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalms 27:1) 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 10

What Good Is Joy?

“And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” (Isaiah 12:1-3)

Today’s Morsel: Every time I read this passage of scriptures; it draws my heart back to my childhood. We had to get our water from a pump out in the yard. But I never saw it as a drudgery to have to go get it. I always did it with joy, because I liked priming the pump to get the cool, clean water to come up from the earth through the pumps head and into the bucket for us to drink and cook with. Isaiah said that with joy shall you draw out of the wells of salvation. He continues by saying, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2) Peter told the religious leaders when questioned about how the lame man was made whole: “This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12) Therefore, if you want living water you can draw it with joy. When we do justly, obey scripture, and yield ourselves to God’s will, we can draw living water from the wells of salvation which is Jesus Christ.  John wrote: “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” (John 7:37-39) Your joy can make a difference in you obtaining the things that you need. If you want a good job, go to your interview with joy and not fear. If you want to have a good outlook on life, purpose to wake every day with joy about Jesus in your life.  You must remember that joy is a by-product of the Spirit. If the devil can steal your joy, he’ll block your eternal salvation. 

Sing: I get joy, joy, joy, when I think about the Lord when I’m standing in His presence, I say give me more and more. Well it starts in my hands, and it moves down in my feet; I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, all over me. 

Thought For Today: Don’t let the devil steal your joy.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 9

Finding Peace

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Today’s Morsel: My wife always jokes by saying that whatever you are looking for you will be sure to find it in the last place you look. 

Many seem to have lost their peace. Like little Bo Peep who lost her sheep and didn’t know where to find them, they become worried. I don’t understand how some folks cannot value the things which God gives to them. Jesus calls these things treasures.  And He tells us not to let them go. You must take responsibility for the things that God gives you. Your peace came with the Holy Ghost. Therefore, if you say that you have the Holy Ghost, then your peace is inside of you. It may seem like its missing but it’s still there. You may have just lost focus on what is important. You just need to stir up the gift that is in you.  The apostle Paul tells us, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Colossians 3:15) What does that look for you? Don’t let things trouble you, Jesus said. His peace is there with you. You must allow His peace and contentment to control your life in every situation. You can find your peace and all the other gifts that God has given you when you seek Him daily. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything 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)

Sing: Peace, peace, wonderful peace, coming down from the Father above. Sweep over my spirit forever I pray, in fathomless billows of love.

Thought For Today: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 7

The Gospel Is Always Good News

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:13-17)

Today’s Morsel: On December 7th, 1941, when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, folks couldn’t believe the news. As one of Japan’s admirals, Yamamotto, stated to one of his pilots when he came back with the news of the attack on Peral Harbor and the damage done, and who was in such a state of great elation of what they had done, He was told by Yamamotto, “I fear that all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and filled him with a terrible resolve.”  And as they say, “The rest is history.”   The gospel, Paul said, is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day. Paul continues with these words: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16) The good news. It was this news that changed Paul, and it is the same news that can change you. We are living in a world where all the news seems to be fake news, evil news, and news that you can no longer use, and news which seems to cause people to fear, hate, reject, regress, lie, cheat, and steal, and news that only pushes folks further from God, and news that causes many to go into depressed and discouraged states, and to become befuddled and scratch their heads, and many being rejected. And so, the question is, is there any news that you can use?  Some may ask themselves, is there any good news?  And the answer is yes. The gospel is the news which you can use to change your life. It is the good news that will give you peace, joy, and happiness. It is this news, the gospel, that will cause you to love everyone because it will help you first love yourself. It is the news that will allow you to be able to see through all other fake news and bring you into a relationship with the One who the good news is all about, Jesus Christ.  It’s the good news of life and that more abundant news that you can have if you use it. 

Sing: I have good news to bring, and that is why I sing, all my joys with you I’ll share; I’m going to take a trip in that old gospel ship and go sailing through the air.

I’m going to take a trip in that old gospel ship, I’m a-going far beyond the sky, I’m gonna shout and sing ‘til heaven rings, When I bid this world goodbye

Thought For Today: “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 6

The Work On The Wheel

“The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.” (Jeremiah 18:1-6)

Today’s Morsel: If you have ever observed a potter working on a vessel, you will notice that they are very detailed about what they are doing. I have seen them begin to fashion the clay, spin it into a vessel, and I think that is going to be a nice vessel when they are finished, only to watch them smash it down and start all over again. To make the right vessel, the master potter already knows in his mind what he is making, what it should look like, and even the design. He knows how long it needs to stay on the wheel for it to be able to handle the heat to keep from cracking once it goes into the fire. He’s the master and he knows the detail. Jesus Christ is the Master Potter. And He knows how long we need to stay on the potter’s wheel for us to be able to endure the fiery trials that we may have to go through that could cause us to crack. Jesus came to make us all new and to give us newness of life. And that may require Him to place us back on the potter’s wheel and to spin us again. He’s the Master Potter and He knows what He wants out of our lives. Sin will render us vessels that are not worthy of His use. And so, He makes us again and He makes us anew.  

Sing: He’s changing me, my blessed Savior, I’m not the same person that I used to be. Well it’s been slow going, but there’s a knowing; that someday perfect I will be. 

Thought For Today: “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:20-21)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 5

Happiness

“I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee. It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword. Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood: That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace: That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets: That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets. Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.” (Psalms 144:9-15)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things that I have discovered in my ministry is that God’s word has the answer to every problem that will come our way. We just need to search the scriptures and stop wasting money on worldly folks who are going to keep sending you as a dog chasing his tail.  Some folks’ problems are caused by their own choices. While others are caused by their own disobedience. Notice if you will how the scripture tells us how to be happy. Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord. The psalmist also tells us: “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:” (Psalms 146:5) Just those two scriptures alone tell you how to be happy. We need God in your life to be happy. Jesus even said, “For without me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Do you have Jesus in your life? If you do, then things such as discouragement, low self-esteem, bitterness, loneliness, suicidal thoughts, and all unhappiness should not have control of your thought process. Every day, you ought to awake with excitement knowing that you have the God of Jacob in your life and that He is on your side. Solomon even tells us, “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding…She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is everyone that retaineth her.” (Proverbs 3:13,18). Remember, Jesus Christ was God manifested in flesh, and is both the wisdom of God and the Power of God. Happiness is just a by-product of what’s inside of you.

Sing: For the God on the mountain, is still God in the valley, when things go wrong, He’ll make them right. And the God of the good times, is still God in the bad times. And the God of the day, is still God in the night.

Thought For Today: Is it time for you to start thinking yourself happy?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 4

Comparison

“To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?” (Isaiah 46:5)

Today’s Morsel: If you were asked to compare God to someone or something that He would be like, what would your answer be? Well, before you try to figure that out, let me help you. There is no comparison with God. The words we may try to use to compare Him are already in some form of Himself. There is no equal with or to God. And once we have that understanding, we can understand Him and the love He has for us. Nothing is equal or like God. When we are complete in Him, it causes us to reflect Him in our attributes, spirit, and holiness. Your life ought to be a true reflection of Christ, so that when people see you, they see Christ in you the hope of glory. But trying to figure out and compare God to anything is a waste of time. He alone is the Great I AM.  

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: “For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45:18)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 3

My Rock And My Salvation

“Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.” (Psalms 62:1-2)

“My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” (Psalms 62:5-8)

Today’s Morsel: David seems to associate God with many objects to show that God is not only strong and solid, but that He is also our protector and defense. David placed His trust in God because he had seen how God had protected him and delivered him. David’s testimony of God should draw us even closer to Him. David found refuge and strength in God. He learned to trust and believe in God for his salvation at an early age. He had seen God deliver him from the bear and the lion, and even the giant Goliath and King Saul. David said that his expectation for what he had need of came from God. Therefore, he would not lean unto his own understanding, but he found great strength and refuge in waiting upon His God. Even as Paul told Timothy: “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.” (2 Timothy 3:10-11) He further state: “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (2 Timothy 4:16-18) These words are for our learning and hope, and designed to cause us to know that when others refuse us, God will never leave us nor forsake us. He will stand with us in all situations. 

Sing: God is my refuge and strength, my refuge in times of trouble, trouble. God is, my refuge and strength, my refuge in time of trouble. And He will hide me, under the rock, under the rock, under the rock. And He will hide me, under the rock, and I’ll be safe in the time of trouble.

Thought For Today: The foundation you build upon will be the foundation that saves you.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 December 2

You Can’t Recall Your Words

“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” (Psalms 141:3)

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever had one of those moments when you said something to someone, and you immediately wished that you could recall your words? Life is like that sometimes. This is why I believe we must develop temperance in our life so that we can use our words wisely so that they do not destroy ourselves or others. The Apostle James admonishes us “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” (James 1:19). Even Solomon tells us that there is “… a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). The Holy Ghost inside of us ought to channel our words and teach us when to speak and when to be silent and even what words we ought to use. Words are an indicator of what is in the heart. Jesus said, “There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.” (Mark 7:15-16) If we wish to not to have to recall any of our words, then we must learn how to use our words to edify and not destroy. “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” (James 3:10)

Sing: Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of Life. Let me more of their beauty see, wonderful words of Life. Words of life and beauty, teach me faith and duty.  Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of Life.

Thought For Today: The unruliest member of the body is the tongue.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 November 30

All Hope Is Not Lost

 

“And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” (Acts 27:18-25)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about serving God is that He causes it to rain on the just and unjust. Sometimes other’s lack of obedience to God’s words can affect us as well. Throughout scripture we see that many suffered for the lack of other’s obedience. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, and their families were lost because of their rebellion (Numbers 16). Achan and his family were lost because of his disobedience. And in today’s passage, we see 276 souls aboard a ship in the middle of the ocean, in a storm, and their lives in jeopardy because the captain listened to the owner of the ship instead of Paul, the man of God. And Luke writes, And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. When we are outside of the will of God, it will always cause us to feel that hope is lost when we are in a life threating situation. But when we are in His will, all hope is never lost for us. As the writer of Hebrews admonishes: “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 The woman with the issue of blood never lost hope. And neither did Job. Hope is never lost for the children of God. So be of good cheer, He that will come, will come. Simply stay obedient to His word.

 

Sing: I was sinking deep in sin far from the peaceful shore, very deeply stain with sin, sinking to rise no more; but the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry, from the water He lifted me, now safe am I.

Love lifted me, love lifted me, when nothing else could help, love lifted me. Love lifted me, love lifted me, when nothing else could help, love, lifted, me. 

 

Thought For Today: “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” (Hebrews 6:18-19)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 November 29

Where Did Our Love Go?

 

“Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:1-7)

 

Today’s Morsel: If you were asked to rate your love for God on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being highest, what would be your answer? “Ooh, baby, baby Where did our love go?  Ooh, don't you want me? Don't you want me no more? Ooh, baby, baby, baby where did our love go? And all of your promises of a love forever more.” If you are a baby boomer like me, or you grew up in the 60’s, then you probably heard this song sung by the pop group, Diana Ross and the Supremes, entitled, “Where Did Our Love Go.” Why is it that many seem to lose their love for God and others even though they promised that they would always love Him? Jesus informs the church at Ephesus that for all the good things which they were doing, they had now omitted the most important. They had left their first love. What was their first love? According to the apostle Paul, it was their "… faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints” (Ephesians 1:15) Where did their love go? They started to separate themselves from the other believers. This is why, I believe, that when we read Paul’s letters to this church, he addresses oneness and the unity of the body. And that Christ and God are one, and thus that His church must be one. Anytime we start feeling as though we don’t need others and the church, we break the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace, which will cause us to lose our faith in Jesus and love for the saints. And so, Paul tells them: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:1-6) It’s easy to leave your first love if you do not stive to maintain unity in the body. 

 

Sing: Let me walk blessed Lord, in the way Thou hast gone, leading straight to the land above. Giving cheer everywhere, to the sad and the lone, fill my way everyday with love.

 Fill my way everyday with love, as I walk with the heavenly Dove; let me go all the while with a song and a smile, fill my way everyday with love.

 

Thought For Today: “We love him, because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)