Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 November 13

Children of God

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:1-2)

Today’s Morsel: Do you know what a privilege it is to be called God’s children? Just think about it for a moment. If you have been born-again of the water and the Spirit, the God of all creation is your Heavenly Father, and that make you heirs of God and Christ. Everything that God has, you have access to it. This is why I don’t understand why some of His children live below their privileges. When we read the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, the story tells us of the son, “And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!” (Luke 15:17) Notice, he knew what his father had and there was no need for him to be in the place and condition that he was in. He just needed to go home to his father. Why are you still living in the condition and going through the things that you are going through? You, too, can come home. You don’t have to keep living in depression, hopelessness, and despair. Get up and go home. The Father is waiting on you to come home.  He has all you need.

Sing: Come to Jesus, come to Jesus, come to Jesus, just now; Come to Jesus, come to Jesus, come to Jesus, just now.

Thought For Today: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 November 12

Why Callest Thou Me Good?

“And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” (Matthew 19:16-17)

Today’s Morsel: I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “I know that you think you heard what I said, but I don’t think that you understood what I meant.”  And this is often true in many situations. We see this a lot with Jesus’ teachings and the writings of the apostles in scripture. Yes, every word of God is true, but as Jesus said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39) Paul told Timothy:“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) Remember, Isaiah said, precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little and there a little. One scripture may not give you the full meaning of what the writer meant. Therefore, you may need to search the scriptures for a more complete understanding of what is meant. When Jesus asks the rich young ruler why he had called Him good, and said that only one is good, that is God. I don’t think that Jesus was saying to the young man that He was not God. I think Jesus was asking him where he got the revelation to call him such, since only God is good. Did the young man receive revelation as Peter did and knew who Jesus was? Had the young man observed Christ and knew that only God could do things which Jesus did? Since he seems to know the commandments, he knew that Jesus’ teachings were true, did he want to ensure he was complete in his thinking and actions? Why do you sing that Jesus is a good, good father, if only God is good?  “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.” (John 13:13) Why do you call Him Good?

Sing: For He is Lord, He is Lord, He has risen from the dead, and He is Lord. Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Thought For Today: “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)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 November 11

Lest We Forget

“These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time. And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away: He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil. And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory. And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim. And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD. And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men. And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three. Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three. And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow: And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear. These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men. He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard.” (2 Samuel 23:8-23)

Today’s Morsel: Veterans know better than anyone else the price of freedom, for they've suffered the scars of war. We can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us.” - President Ronald Reagan, 1983, in a radio address to the nation.

All our veterans have protected our democracy, our freedom, our way of life. Today, we honor and thank them. And tomorrow, we must continue to honor them. They have given us the chance to live in freedom today and an opportunity to look forward to tomorrow. We honor those who have served this great nation through sacrifice, time, efforts, energy, and who have made life better for us and our allies as well. The men and women across the globe today who have worn the uniform of this great nation are not looking for handouts. They are not looking for accolades. They are not looking for recognition. They just wanted to serve their country. They just wanted to make the lives of others and this nation a better place for all. Each of them has their own story. Each of them can share with you a time of joy, pain, loneliness, and defeat. Therefore, we must never forget what they have done for us. So, today, if you encounter a veteran, tell them thanks for their service. Veterans, I salute you.  Thank you for your service and sacrifice.  

Sing: Glory, glory, hallelujah; Glory, glory, hallelujah; Glory, hallelujah, His truth is marching on.

Thought For Today: Don’t take your freedom for granted.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 November 10

Apostolic Doctrine

“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” (2 John 1:7-11)

Today’s Morsel: True Christianity does not exist without true apostolic doctrine. If the teaching of any church is not in line with what the apostles of Jesus taught in their letters written to the church and the gospel of Jesus Christ, they are not abiding in the doctrine. The church’s goal is not to be political or siding with one race over another. The church’s goal is to preach the word of God and to lead all people to Christ. The church must not be biased or prejudiced against any. Someone said that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led the march across America against segregation, and yet many of the churches in America are still segregated. And I believe the reason is that people do not know and understand the apostolic doctrine. They have wrapped themselves in the tradition of man.  The apostolic doctrine destroyed race bearers, ushered in Christ’s love and salvation, and lead us to work in unity and harmony to destroy racism and Satan’s kingdom. James tells us in his apostolic teaching: “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” (James 2:8-9). What a shame for a Christian to be called a sinner. “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32) The truth shall make you free. But if you have respect of persons, you are in bondage to sin and that sin will lead to death. Don’t let the media poison your mind. Stay in the word of God. 

Sing: I’m gonna take a trip, on that good old gospel ship, and go sailing beyond the blue; I’m gonna shout and sing, until the heaven’s ring when I bid this world goodbye.

Thought For Today: “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 4:4-6) 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 November 8

Joy

“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:9-11)

Today’s Morsel: Stress oftentimes lives and works where joy is absent. Nehemiah states that the joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh 8:10). When the joy of the Lord is missing from our hearts, it makes it easy for Satan to plant doubt and evil thoughts in our minds. Joy is not happiness. Joy is a trait or character which comes with the Holy Spirit, and it should always be in you because of Christ’s Spirit that is in you. If you say that you have His Spirit in you, then you should be able to control the evils such as depression, fear, loneliness, stress, despondency, and all the gloom and doom that trying to discourage you and bring you down. Jesus said that He had told us His Word so that we would know that His joy is in us and that our joy would be full. Is your joy full? David said, “I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalms 16:8-11) If your joy is missing, then spend time back in the presence of the Lord so that you will become full.

Sing: In His presence, is fullness of joy, at His right hand, there’s pleasures forever more. O what fellowship divine, I am His and He is mine. In the presence of the Lord, there’s fullness of joy.

Thought For Today: “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 November 7

Witnesses

“Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.” (Isaiah 43:10-12)

Today’s Morsel: When is the last time you’ve told someone about Jesus? When we are born again, we are chosen to become witnesses for Christ of His death, burial, and resurrection. If those in your own household do not know what it means to be saved, what are you a witness of. No child, spouse, co-worker, nor neighbor should be able to say, I never heard the gospel, if you say that you are born-again. Your life ought to be a witness of what Jesus has done in your life, and it should prompt them to question you about your salvation and what they should do to be saved the same as the man in Acts 16, ask Paul and Silas. Peter states: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10) Go and tell people about Jesus. You have nothing to lose and they have everything to gain. 

Sing: Are you past the point of weary? Is your burden weighin' heavy? Is it all too much to carry? Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus. 

Do you feel that empty feeling? 'Cause shame's done all its stealin' and you're desperate for some healin,' Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus.

… He makes a way where there ain't no way, rises-up from an empty grave, ain't no sinner that He can't save, Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus. 

His love is strong, and His grace is free; And the good news is I know that He, can do for you what He's done for me, let me tell you 'bout my Jesus,
and let my Jesus change your life … Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Amen. Amen. 

 

Thought For Today: “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)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 November 6

Sin Is Too Hard For You To Carry

“Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.” (Proverbs 13:15)

Today’s Morsel: There are many people trying to carry their sin by themselves and all alone. But you cannot carry your sins by yourself. They are too burdensome and heavy. If you hold sand in your hand, it feels light. But put that same sand in a five-gallon pail, and you may need someone to help you carry it. This is how sin is. When you are playing in it and participating it in, it doesn’t seem heavy or burdensome, but once it becomes a part of your life, you soon realize just how heavy it is for you to try carrying it. You need someone to help you. And this is where Jesus comes in. Scripture says: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Peter told the people on the Day of Pentecost, when they asked him what they should do; he stated: “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) You must understand that you cannot carry sin by yourself. You need a helper. Even Cain told the Lord, “And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.” (Genesis 4:13) When we understand that the wage of sins is death, we ought to be ready to unload them as quickly as we can and never take them up again. As Paul said, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:14) You must get dominion over your sin, or they will destroy you.  And Jesus is the only answer.  

Sing: I came to Jesus weary worn and sad; He took my sins away; He took my sins away. And now His love has made my heart so glad, He took my sins away.

He took my sins away. He took my sins away, and He keeps me singing every day. I’m so glad he took my sins away, He took my sins away.

Thought For Today: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.” (Romans 6:6-7)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 November 5

Hear Counsel

“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.” (Proverbs 19:20)

Today’s Morsel: A good end state starts with listening early. The earlier a child is taught to listen and obey, the more likely they are to grow-up listening and obeying. To be counted among the wise in the end requires you to listen to advice and be willing to accept discipline when it is given today. Counsel and instructions are for our good. Solomon says that we ought to hear counsel, and receive instruction, that we may be wise in the end. He continues with these words: “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:8-10) Paul tells us that: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Most people only pass the test when they listen, read, know, and follow the instructions.

Sing: I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice, and it told Thy love to me; but I long to rise in the arms of faith and be closer drawn to Thee. 

Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord, to the cross where Thou hast died; Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to Thy precious bleeding side.

Thought For Today: “He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” (Proverbs 17:27-28)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 November 4

Don’t Move That Fence

“Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.” (Proverbs 22:28)

Today’s Morsel: Often, people like to remove things before they know why they were put there. G. K. Chesterton states: "Don't ever take a fence down until you know the reason why it was put up."  Chesterton was saying that you need to know why the fence was put there before you start removing it. There may be danger ahead of you. It may have been placed there for direction and guidance. It may have been for livestock’s protection from wild animals. Or to keep a child from wandering off while playing in the yard. For whatever reason, we must know the reason before we move it. This scripture may seem as though it is speaking to the natural, and it may be, but the book of proverbs is often a warning against disregard for foundational truths, doctrines, and customs established by past generations. It is a call for integrity, a respect for inherited wisdom, and caution against subtle dishonesty that erodes established principles and boundaries. That fence may be to show land marking and property ownership. If you move it for your own gain, it will surely reveal your dishonesty to others.

Sing: There shall be light in the evening time; the path to glory you will sure find, through the water way; it is the light today, baptized in Jesus’ name. Young and old repent of all your sins, then the Holy Ghost will enter in, the evening time has come; tis a fact that God and Christ are one.

Thought For Today: “Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.” (Deuteronomy 19:14)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 November 3

Are You Going To Stay Down Or Get Up?

“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” (Proverbs 24:16)

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to quit then to continue? Failure doesn’t mean that you are done. Failure just means that you may have missed a step, or that there is something that you need to learn in this point of your failure. I believe that failure, like fear, is from the enemy of our soul. Failure desires to keep us down, because of the evil impact that it will have on our lives. Many people may see the apostle Peter as a failure because he took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink when he was doing good walking on the water. Peter didn’t fail. He just allowed his situation to cause him to take his focus off Jesus, and to put them on himself and his surroundings. Even though he’s seen as a failure, he did not allow that to stop him. He remained a disciple of Christ and went on to do what Jesus said that he would do and become. He could have quit and stayed down from this one falling (failure), but he didn’t, he kept getting back up and continuing on. You can’t allow your failures to stop you, or you will never know what you can be, see, and become. Life is filled with men and women who fail. But we don’t often read of their failures, we only read of their accomplishments and greatness. All because they did not allow their failures to keep them down. So, get up.

Sing: Get up! Get up! Get up in Jesus’ name. The Lord is calling daily to those that would be saved.  Don’t go down defeated when victory is here to claim. So, get up, get up, get up, in Jesus Name.

Thought For Today: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)   

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 November 1

 Turn Around

“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.” (Proverbs 27:12)

Today’s Morsel: Most people who have a hard time reading their Bible through in a year are oftentimes not reading for application for themselves, but for showing and committing it to others. They are oftentimes not looking for how it applies to themselves and their life, but rather to the life of others.  The application of scripture is designed to allow us to see who we are, where we are, and then to make the appropriate life adjustments. The psalmist states: “For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.” (Psalms 36:9) When we read God’s word, it ought to open our understanding so that we can apply what it says to our life. Notice what the writer says: A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. When scripture reveals evil to us, we ought to be smart and wise enough to not go that way. God is saying, I’m showing you what is bad for you, so turn around or suffer the consequences (my wording). Only a fool takes a dog by the ears. 

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

Thought For Today: “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” (Proverbs 8:13)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 October 31

The Day Salvation Came To Your House

“And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:1-10)

Today’s Morsel: Do you remember the day that salvation came to your house? Do you remember the day that you were born again of the water and the Spirit? I remember it like yesterday. It was September 2, 1985, in Wiesbaden Germany, our church was Schloss Frauenberg, one of Hitler’s old Officers Clubs. It was there on that Sunday, where I was baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of my sins, and He filled me with the Holy Ghost, and He called me into the ministry. That day has been etched into my mind. That was the day that salvation came to my house. Forty years ago, and it’s still refreshing daily as I walk with Him and tell others about Him. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus. And so, because of the crowd and his height, he climbed up into a tree so that he could see. But Jesus, knowing all things, looked up into the tree, calls him down, and tells him that today he would abide at his house. Zacchaeus climbs down and when Jesus comes into his house, he repented of his sins. And Jesus said that salvation had come to his house. Jesus is our salvation. And anytime He is in the house, there ought to be a change of hearts to where folks see their sin, repent of those sins, and come to Jesus for their salvation.  What day did He come to your house? It’s not too late for you to invite Him in. Salvation can come to your house today. 

Sing: Have you been to Jesus for His cleansing power, are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Are you washed in the blood, in the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb? Are your garments spotless? Are they wash as snow? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Thought For Today: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 October 30

Failing Hearts

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 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. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:25-28)

Today’s Morsel: The coming of the Lord has confounded the minds of many. Many have been troubled lately about what they are seeing taking place on the earth. Jesus said prior to His coming, there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 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. Notice, He said that men’s hearts would fail them because of fear. Paul told Timothy: “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:5-7) He said that God didn’t give him the spirit of fear. Did you catch that? Fear is a spirit. It’s a spirit of the evil one. It is a spirit from the pits of hell to cause you anxiety, apprehension, alarm, panic, to distress you, terrorize you, and to distress you. If the devil can get into your head, he’s going to drive your off the cliff. But notice what Jesus said. Their hearts would fail them for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. Let me encourage you. Get your eyes off what is happening in the world and keep them on Jesus, as that is where your peace and contentment comes from.

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: “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.” (1 John 2:28)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 October 29

What Spirit Are You Of?

“And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.” (Luke 9:51-56)

Today’s Morsel: One of the first lessons we must understand when we become Christians is that God’s ways are not our ways. Jesus said that He did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them. Sometime folks will get under your skin to where you would like to help them to gain eternity faster, but we cannot allow our flesh to push us in that direction to where we help them reach that destination. We must put on the new man, which after Christ is created in righteousness and true holiness. Like James and John, as Christians, when people reject the gospel, which is them rejecting Jesus Christ, we may be tempted to request for bad things to happen to them. But that is not Jesus’ way. His ways and thoughts are so much higher. The Spirit that we now possess is that Spirit that still shows them love and compassion, and one that will pray for the eyes of their understanding to be opened that they can see and understand the truth so that they might be saved. Do you know what spirit you are of? Don’t let Satan deceive you into thinking that his way is better. 

Sing: Holy Spirit You are welcome here, come flood this place fill the atmosphere. Your Glory Lord is what our hearts long for, to be overcome by Your presence Lord.

Thought For Today: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 October 28

Get It Settled In Your Heart

“Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:” (Luke 21:10-14)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things we are told that will happen prior to the coming of the Lord is that there will be a great falling away. Many people will quit serving God and go after other things and even back into the world. They are going to lose focus on their ministry, calling, and even brotherly kindness and love. Paul even informs us of the last days in this way: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Timothy 3:1-7) You have got to get it settled in your mind right now that you will not backslide and go back to your old way of life. You must not allow Satan to deceive you as he did Eve in the garden, making you to think that you are missing out on something. Believe me, hell is a poor substitute for eternal life.

Sing: I’ve got a made up, I’ve got a final destination, I’m gonna keep on pressing on to my final destination; I’m gonna burn all the bridges behind me, break all the ties that bind me; I’m gonna keep on pressing on, till reach my, home sweet home, that New Jerusalem. 

Thought For Today: “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” (2 Peter 3:8)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 October 27

Patience

“In your patience possess ye your souls.” (Luke 21:19)

Today’s Morsel: How many times have you heard that patience is a virtue? While virtues are behaviors that shows high moral standards or qualities that contribute to a good character and a wholesome lifestyle, ‘Patience’ is our ability to wait, endure, and remain calm and unruffled in difficult situations and circumstances. Jesus said that patience must be possessed in our lives if we desire to maintain our souls (my wording). Because things aren’t usually done on our timeline, and trials and troubles will come while we are on this Christian journey, we will need patience to help us remain calm and unruffled while we wait for Jesus to work on our behalf and deliver us from what we may be facing and going through.  So yes, we may just possess our souls in our patience.  

Sing: Walk with me Lord, walk with me. Walk with me Lord, walk with me. While I’m on this, tedious journey, I want Jesus to walk with me. Be my guide Lord, be my guide.  Be my guide Lord, be my guide.  While I’m on this, tedious journey, I want Jesus to be my guide.

Thought For Today: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 October 25

What Is God Doing With Your Hands

“And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.” (Acts 19:11-12)

Today’s Morsel: Since Covid, some folks are even afraid to shake hands with people. Everywhere we turn we see hand sanitizer, signs saying wash your hands, put your hands over your mouth when you cough or sneeze. But what do you do if they do that just before you walk up and then they want to shake your hand? (Humor) Scriptures said that the Lord worked special miracles by the hands of Paul. What is God doing with your hands? Is He working special miracles by your hands.  “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” (Mark 16:15-18) If you never put your hand out and take someone else’s, or you never lay your hands on the sick and pray for them, or you never offer a hand to someone in need, or you never put your hand to the plough, or you never shake someone’s hand, you may never see the special miracles you want to see God work in your life. God will work if we get self out of the way. 

Sing: Take my hand precious Lord, lead me on let me stand; I am tired, I am weak, I am worn. Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light;, take my hand, precious Lord and lead me home. 

Thought For Today: “Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.” (Acts 3:6-7)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 October 24

Remember Lot’s Wife

“And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation…Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Remember Lot's wife.” (Luke 17:20, 28-32)

Today’s Morsel: I think folks are thinking that Jesus’ coming will be with observation. Peter informed us, “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” (2 Peter 3:3-7) Jesus said, that as it was in the day of Lot inside Sodom, they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. And then He makes this profound statement. Remember Lot’s wife. We all know that she looked back after they were told to not look back, and she became a pillar of salt. The warning is to you and me. We don’t know when Jesus is coming again. This is why we must not look back to the world. We must keep pressing forward for the prize of the high calling of God. Heaven for us might be just around the corner. Those five foolish virgins missed the bridegroom because they went back to get more oil. But if you keep looking forward, I promise you, you will never run out of oil for your lamp.

Sing: I’m pressing on the upward way, new heights I’m gaining every day; Still praying as I’m onward bound, “Lord plant my feet on higher ground.” Lord, lift me up and let me stand, by faith on Heaven’s table land, A higher plane than I have found, Lord plant my feet on higher ground. 

Thought For Today: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 October 23

The Disciple Is Not Above His Master

“Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” (John 15:20)

Today’s Morsel: I don’t understand why some folks think that just because they are chosen to lead, that they are greater than others. Some of them even think that not even Jesus can tell them what to do. You may say, ‘How so?’ Well, how many folks do you know that are not willing to forgive others? Jesus always put the onus on the one who thinks that they are right to go and ask for forgiveness from the one who did them wrong. I don’t know about you, but the thought of hell isn’t too pleasing to me. How many folks do you know that say one thing and do another? What about those who make a vow and don’t keep it? You see, when we don’t take God’s word at face value, we are exalting ourselves above Him. Scripture tells us that He has exalted His Word even above His name (Psalms 138:2). If we think His name is important, where ought we to put His Word. You see, Jesus wants us to be doers of the Word, not just hearers of His Word. He said that the servant is not greater than his lord. Jesus carried out His Father’s Word before us, and He expects us to do likewise. 

Sing: Let me walk blessed Lord; in the way Thou has gone, leading straight to 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: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 October 22

Do You Need A Doctor?

“And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:31-32)

Today’s Morsel: I am amazed at the number of people that I see at the medical facilities. When I go in for my annual check-up, my doctor always schedules me for the next one a year out. I ask her why. She says because there are so many people in the system, that they don’t know if they will have any appointments left if I wait. I said to myself, What is going on? Why are there so many people needing doctors? Have we lost our trust in Jesus? Do we no longer believe that Jesus has the power to heal? Are we all getting to a point that we are afraid to die? Have we all put our stakes down here in this world, and now we don’t want to take them up to leave? Jesus said that it is not the whole that need a doctor, it is the sick. Why aren’t born again believers whole? Why aren’t folks complete in Christ? Why don’t they trust Him to fulfill His word. Doesn’t James tell us, “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” (James 5:14-15). We must follow God’s word and pattern if we want to be made whole, or we will find ourselves on the roller coaster of medical facilities and medications. Turn to Jesus and trust Him first, before you turn to the ways of man. 

Sing: He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, surely, He bought all our sorrows, and by His stripes we are healed. 

Thought For Today: “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?” (Jeremiah 8:22)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 October 21

The Lord of The Sabbath

“And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.” (Mark 2:27-28)

Today’s Morsel: The Sabbath day was to be a day of rest. Man wasn’t supposed to work. It was to be a day of rest. But man changed it and now we see that many are distressed, stressed, oppressed, hopeless, and with low self-esteem. They are always tired and worn. Jesus told His disciples to come apart and rest awhile. Jesus said that the sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. The rest was made for man, not man for the rest. Jesus Christ is Lord of the Sabbath. That means that our rest is found in Him. It’s not a day that we rest, it is Who we find our rest in. Paul informed the church at Colossi, “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” (Colossians 2:16-17) He said that the Sabbath was a shadow of things to come. What was this shadow? The sabbath was a fore shadow of the rest we find in the Holy Ghost. “For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.” (Isaiah 28:11-12) There is no rest without the Holy Ghost in your life. We don’t find rest in the day; we find rest in the One who made the day. Jesus Christ!

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: “And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?” (Luke 14:3)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 October 20

Wrong Place Right Time

“And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him. And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.” (Mark 15:20-21)

Today’s Morsel: Sometimes in life, people have found themselves in the wrong place but at the right time. There have been many lives saved because someone was in the wrong place but there in the right moment of time. Simon of Cyrene by all accounts found himself in the wrong place. Scripture says that he was just passing by, coming out of the country. He probably didn’t want to have anything to do with what the Roman soldiers were doing to Jesus. But they compelled him to bear Jesus’ cross. We don’t know how heavy this cross was. But Simon, who must have been a man who presented himself as having great strength, was coming out of the country. Wrong place, but right time. Simon represents to us what Jesus meant when scripture says, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) Simon had to deny himself in order to bear Jesus’ cross. Just think of the amount of royal blood that was splattered upon him. Just think of going down in history as the one who was made to carry the cross of Christ. And because he was at the wrong place but at the right time, his son Rufus would become a follower of Jesus Christ (Romans 16:13)

Sing: At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away, it was there by faith, I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day.

Thought For Today: “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 October 18

The Right Hand of Power

“But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” (Mark 14:61-62)

Today’s Morsel: Abraham Lincoln states, “If you want to see the character of a man, give him power.” David said, “God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.” (Psalms 62:11) Jesus said, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Matthew 28:18) When we understand who Jesus Christ is, then we can understand what scripture means when it says that He is seated on the right hand of power. In the military, the senior person always walks or sits to the right. When John gets a glimpse into heaven, and he writes the book of Revelations, he states that it is a revelation of Jesus Christ. He says, “And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.” (Revelation 4:2) He does not see the Father in the middle of the throne, Jesus standing at his right hand, nor the Holy Ghost on his left. He sees one sitting on the throne, because God will not share His glory with another. Paul informs us: “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)

Sing: There is power in the name of Jesus; there is power in the name of Jesus, to break every chain, break every chain, break every chain.

Thought For Today: “Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.” (Isaiah 43:10-12)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 October 17

Where Is Jesus In Your Life?

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)

Today’s Morsel: John the Baptist enlightens us on where Jesus must be in our lives. He said that we must decrease so that Jesus can increase in our lives. Humility and submission must become our traits of character that others must now see in us. Jesus must have preeminence in our lives and over everything that we do. He’s not about to share His glory with another. Therefore, we must humble ourselves and allow Him to reign supreme over everything that we are and ever hope to be. 

Sing: Number one, Jesus is number one; Number one, Jesus is number one; Number one, Jesus is number one; Number one, Jesus is number one. 

Thought For Today: “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” (Colossians 1:18)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 October 16

Why Are You Worshipping Where You Are Worshipping?

“Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.” (John 4:20-26)

Today’s Morsel: Jesus’ conversation with the woman at the well seems to transition from talking about living water and her husband to worship. We don’t read anything from John about their discussion about worship prior to the woman bringing it up. The woman tells Jesus that He said that in Jerusalem is the place that they ought to worship, but that their fathers worshipped in that mountain. You see, there were high places chosen by their fathers to worship God and even false gods. Even though in some cases it was mixed with idol worship, they often chose the high places, which, in some cases, would be the mountains. As we read in scripture that some kings, even though they did the right things before God, they did not remove the high places of worship. They still allowed the people to worship wherever they wished to.  Jesus saith unto her, ‘Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.’ Jesus tells us that she doesn’t know what she is worshipping. By following how their fathers worshipped, they were more than likely worshipping idols. Like so many, they have no clue what they are worshipping. Some of them were worshipping a multiplicity of gods. While others, worshipped they know not what. The first commandment was, “I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:2-6) If one is not worshipping Jesus, they don’t know who they are worshipping, because neither is their salvation in any other. 

Sing: I worship You, Almighty God, there is none like You. I worship You, O’ Prince of Peace, that is what I long to do. I give you praise, for You are my righteousness. I worship You, Almighty God, there is none like You.

Thought For Today: But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 October 15

Obedience

“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

Today’s Morsel: I often wonder why certain folks who say that they are Christians have such a hard time with obedience. Especially to God’s word. I hear politicians who say that they are Christians, but the foul language which flows from their mouths speaks otherwise. Foul language and its usage are a sign of disobedience, and a lack of self-discipline. Paul said that we must be ready to revenge all disobedience when our obedience is fulfilled. James tells us: “Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.” (James 3:3) The psalmist tells us not to be as the horse and the mule which have no understanding (Psalms 32:9). Obedience is key to a well-disciplined lifestyle. The writer of Hebrews tells us, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17). It never ceases to amaze me that some in the church will not obey their pastor, but will go to their secular job and obey everything their supervisors and bosses, who are not Christians, tell them to do. And in some cases, they even work in fear under them doing it. But the man of God, who must watch for their soul, they reject and shun him every time, not giving him any obedience. As James said, My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Obedience is better than sacrifice. Saul lost his kingdom because he failed to obey. So I caution you, don’t lose yours.

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

Thought For Today: Disobedience never rewards you good.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 October 14

It Starts Right Here, Right Now

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)

Today’s Morsel: Joshua called for the people to make an immediate decision whether they were going to serve God or not. He did not tell them to go and pray about, think about, ponder on it, and then come back tomorrow with an answer. He told them choose you this day. He said it starts right here right now. Are you going to serve the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell. He said, just so that you know, I have already made up my mind for me and my family. We are going to serve the Lord. Elijah even asks the people: “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, how long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.” (1 Kings 18:21) You must choose whom you are going to serve and become committed and dedicate to Him. Jesus said “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, the ball falls in your court. Who are you going to serve?

Sing: Jesus is all the world to me, I want no better friend, I trust Him now, I’ll trust Him when Life’s fleeting days shall end. Beautiful life with such a friend, beautiful life that has no end. Eternal life, eternal joy, He’s my friend.

Thought For Today: “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)