Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 4

Where Can We Find Hope?

“And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.” (Psalms 39:7)

Today’s Morsel: If you could find that for which you hope for, how much of it would you gather for later? One of the things that we find when we read our Bibles is that everything that we have need of is found in Jesus. But for some reason, folks don’t want Him. They want to touch and hold what they think is needed in their hands. They want to feel it and see it. But God’s ways aren’t ours. Hope is no more than trusting and believing. It really isn’t something that you can feel or touch, but you can see it when it comes. Hope is holding on with patience and endurance while waiting for that you seek. Paul states: “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” (Romans 8:24-25) Solomon states that: “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12) So where can we find hope? The psalmist said that his hope is in the Lord. What about yours? The writer of Hebrews tells us: “Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 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; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Hebrews 6:17-20) Jesus Christ is our anchor of hope, and you can find Him this very hour.

Sing: My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame; but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand. 

Thought For Today: “For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.” (Psalms 71:5)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 3

What Are You Wearing?

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” (Colossians 3:12-14)

Today’s Morsel: I’m afraid that too many Christians want to be adorned like the world, instead of being adorned like Christ. I often wonder if this is why so many Christians are struggling and losing the battle in this spiritual warfare. Your dress and appearance do cause you to feel good about who you are, whether you think so or not. No, we are not fighting against flesh and blood. Our warfare is with the prince and ruler of darkness. This is a spiritual battle we are fighting, and it is for your soul. This is why you must be clothed correctly.  One of the problems I see in the churches is we focus of the armor of God, but not on the character of God. Character is who you are. It is those things inside of you such as your personality and attitude that attracts others to you. What I learned in my 28 plus years of military service is you can have all the best and greatest equipment in the world for your protection, but if you do not have character of heart as to who you are and what you must be when you put it on, it doesn’t do you much good. What you wear ought to reveal that you are rooted and grounded in God and in His word. Paul said that as the elect holy and beloved, or those who have been chosen by God, must put on compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, and love. These traits are who you are and must be within you, while the armor of God must be worn and seen without. Just what are you wearing? What do you have inside of you? Does your inward character support your outward armor?  Are you battle ready? 

Sing: Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, lift-up your voice to God. Pray in the spirit, and with understanding, oh magnify the Lord.

Thought For Today: Dress for success!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 2

New Every Morning

“It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:22-26)

Today’s Morsel: If you were to ponder your life, you would see that it’s new every morning. Yesterday was the old you. Today is the new you. You can ponder on yesterday and say that nothing has changed, but that isn’t true. Yesterday was good. Yet we have been given a new day by God to make a difference today. Not only in our lives, but also in the lives of others. We have been given a new day to live out our circumstances, trials, and problems. We have been given a new day to change who we were yesterday. He makes all things new. Jeremiah said that God’s compassions are new every morning. God’s care and concern, along with His empathy and kindness for you, are brought about every morning. God wants you to know that He cares. God wants you to live and not die. Therefore, His mercies are new every morning. He wants you to enjoy the abundant life that He brings forth for you. But it’s up to you if you enjoy it or not.  One of the things that we seem to find about David is that he sought the Lord early. He said, “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. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.” (Psalms 63:1-4) Notice, early will I seek Thee. When we seek God early, we will find that life just seems to be better throughout the course of our day. As Isaiah says: “With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” (Isaiah 26:9) Don’t let your morning time slip away without God being in it. 

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

Thought For Today: They say early bird gets the worm. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 1

Be Ready Always

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.” (1 Peter 3:15-16)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things that I learned as a Boy Scout was the motto of, “Being prepared.” Preparation ought to be one of those traits that Christians obey and follow everyday of their lives. Jesus even tells us: “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 24:44) We ought not to get caught by surprise when Jesus returns as He has already told us to be ready. What does it mean to be ready? The children of Israel were told when God was getting ready to bring them out of bondage to have their shoes on their feet and the staff in their hands. They must be ready to go. They must be prepared. Peter said that we must sanctify the Lord God in our hearts, and that we must be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh us a reason of the hope that is in us with meekness and fear, having a good conscience (emphasis mine). We must have a made-up mind, every second, every minute, every hour, every day, every week, throughout the entire year, ready to give an answer as to who we are and why we as Christians live and believe the way that we d0. If our minds aren’t made up, we will not be ready to act when asked. Not only will we be unprepared to share the gospel, but we will not be ready when Jesus comes again either. Stay prepared!

Sing: Well, I’m getting ready to leave this place, I’m getting ready for those gates of pearls; keeping my record right, watching both day and night; well, I’m getting ready to leave this place.

Thought For Today: Don’t let that day catch you unawares. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 31

Special Miracles

“And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve. And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. 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 19:1-12)

Today’s Morsel: When we follow the footsteps of Paul through the book of Acts, Paul’s ministry reveals to us how the Spirit was working with and through Him. Paul had overcome his fear of man, mainly because he himself knew what doctrines the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes taught. Paul could identify false teachers and false doctrines. He stated, “I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.” (Acts 22:3) Paul was a well educate man and knew the mission that the Lord had given him. Scripture says, “But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks”.  Paul daily found himself in arguments and debated with leaders about the apostle doctrine. But they all heard the Word of the Lord Jesus Christ. You see, when you present the truth in love, they are going to hear it. But if they accept it, is another thing. And scripture says that the Lord worked special miracles by Paul. People saw things taking place that were not common nor had ever been seen before. “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 19:12) This was mind boggling.  Paul’s ministry was backed up by these special miracles. And Jesus desires to do the same through your ministry as well. But it all starts with you overcoming fear in your life and putting your trust in the Lord to work through you.

Sing: Jesus use me, O Lord, don’t refuse me, for surely there’s a work that I can do. And even though it’s humble, Lord, help my will to crumble.  Though the cost be great, I’ll work for you.

Thought For Today: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” (John 14:12)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 29

The Anointed Ones

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19)

Today’s Morsel: There are two things that you cannot be taught, or you cannot learn. The one is the anointing of God, and the other is spiritual sensitivity. These things come only from God. Man may put some of their honor on a man or woman, but they cannot put Spiritual things upon them. If God doesn’t give it, it’s not given. Do you ever stop and consider why God saved you and for what purpose He gave you His Spirit? Not only is His Spirit given to us to make us his sons and daughters, but we are also anointed for many other purposes and reasons. Things such as to show others the way (Mark 16:15-18); Pull others out of the fire (Jude 23); To share with others what true love is (1 John 4:7-13); To show that He has brought us out of darkness (1 Peter 2:9-10); and we are to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent us to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 4:8-19). The same anointing which was upon Jesus, is now upon us, and we must execute those same purposes for which He said that it was given.

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

Thought For Today: “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” (1 John 2:27)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 28

Now Hiring

“For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.” (Matthew 20:1-7)

Today’s Morsel: If Jesus were to come to you and ask you how much He would need to pay you to go labor in His vineyard, how much would you tell Him? Most of us would say, I wouldn’t charge Him anything because He’s been so good to me. I would work for nothing. But would you really feel that way? If that is your answer now, shouldn’t it always be your answer? Jesus is still seeking for labors. The harvest is plentiful, He said, but the laborers are few. Pray to the Lord of the harvest that He would send for labors. When we said yes to Jesus, were baptized in His name, and received His Spirit, we became fellow laborers with Him. As Paul said: “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.” (1 Corinthians 3:9) There should never need to be a charge for you to labor or do anything in the kingdom of God. We ought to have a willing mind to help bring in the harvest. Daily, we ought to go forth weeping, bearing precious seed, so that at the end of the day we can bring those sheaves home with us. 

Sing: Lord, I’m available to You; I’ll do what You say do, use me Lord, to show someone the way, and enable me to say, my storage is empty and I am available to you. 

Thought For Today: “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” (Psalms 126:6)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 27

The Golden Rule

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things we find in Jesus’ teachings, is that He always referred the people back to His original Words which He spoke to Moses to give them. The commandments, laws, statutes, testimonies, fear, judgments, and precepts of God were all designed to teach people how to live among each other, and how to care for and to treat each other. They were His chosen people.  And so the ‘Golden Rule’ was just a reminder to them how they ought to live. We should always treat others the way that we would like to be treated. I don’t think any of us want to be talked about behind our backs or backstabbed by others. I don’t think any of us would like to be rejected, lied on, mistreated, or refused because we are a different race or color. We shouldn’t need programs to ensure equality and fair treatment for others.  We just all need to obey the ‘Golden Rule.’ But if someone does you wrong or treats you wrong because of the color of your skin or who you are, don’t worry. They aren’t getting away. They will soon reap what they sow. Paul simply tells us, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10) And as the writer of Hebrews enlightened us with these words: “For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:30-31) Always remember, God is no respecter of persons.  You just worry about treating other right and let God sort the rest out.  

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: “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:9-10)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 26

It’s Time to Come Out of Egypt

“And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.” (Matthew 2:13-15)

Today’s Morsel: For the Christian, Egypt is seen as a type and shadow of the world. Throughout scripture, we see that many of God’s chosen found themselves in Egypt, because of a famine or rebellion. But God did not intend for them to stay there. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, all went down into Egypt. And scripture tells us that even Joseph and Mary took Jesus, as a young child, into Egypt to escape the threat of Herod from killing Him; so that it might be fulfilled, out of Egypt have I called my son. This revelation shows us that even though we are in the world, we are not to be of this world. We must not consider this to be our eternal home. Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, opened the door for us to come out from this world. The plan of salvation, through the gospel, is to bring us out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. Paul, writing to the church at Corinth, states: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) You were not birthed to be used and abused by the world. You were birthed to become a son of God. Calvary speaks for you to come out of the world to Christ. 

Sing: This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through, my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me, from heaven’s open door, and I can’t feel at home in the world anymore.

O Lord, You know I have no friend like You, if heaven’s not my home, then Lord what will I do. The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door, and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore. 

Thought For Today: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 25

God With Us

“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)

Today’s Morsel: One of the greatest revelations that one will ever receive in their life is the revelation as to who Jesus Christ was. As all doctrines, truths, and spiritual knowledge flows from this understanding. Paul thought that he was doing the Lord’s will until he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. We read in Act chapter 9; “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” (Acts 9:1-6) Paul received his revelation by firsthand experience. All of Christ’s apostles knew who He was. He had revealed himself to them before the crucifixion, and again even after the resurrection. Luke wrote: “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:” (Acts 1:1-3) John opens our understanding with these words, “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;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:1-3) Matthew wrote “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.”  So, now the question is to you. Who do you say that He is? There is no greater revelation or understanding we can have.  

Sing: He’s Jehovah God, the coming King of glory, He’s the true Nissi, the Lord of grace and favor, He is Jesus Christ, Redeemer, Friend, and Savior, He’s the great, He’s the great I Am.

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: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 24

The Fruit of The Spirit

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things we find about Paul’s writings to the church, is that he will often identify if something went against the Law of God, or if it went in anyway against God’s word. Paul seems to always want to give revelation and inspiration, so that his audience would know what they were to do with what he wrote or said to them. In today’s passage on the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’, he ends by saying, “against such there is not law.” In other words, the law did not speak against, nor were there any warnings that one could not possess as many or as much of these attributes in their lives. There were no limits placed on them, because these are by-products of the Spirit of God. And if we have His Spirit in us, then these character traits ought to be manifested so that everyone can see them in operation in our lives. Does your life reveal that His Spirit is present in your life? Always remember, the fruit is in the seed and the seed is in the fruit.

Sing: It’s my desire to live like Jesus, it’s my desire to be like Him; Though often I fail and bring Him much shame, it’s my desire to live like Him.

If you could see where Jesus brought me from, to where I am today; Then you would know the reason why I love Him so.  Now you can take this world’s wealth and riches, I don’t need earth’s fame; It’s my desire, it’s my desire to live for Him.

Thought For Today: “For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:8)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 22

Are You Listening?

“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” (Proverbs 22:17-21)

Today’s Morsel: Spiritual growth and spiritual development begin with listening. Most folks have a problem with listening. Some folks listen, but they don’t hear. My wife often accuses me of this (lol). When I told my audiologist that that was what she says to me, she laughed and said, “Your hearing is good, you just have selective listening.” In other words, I’m focusing on certain parts of the conversation, while ignoring others.  The Lord calls for us to bow down our ears and hear the words of the wise and apply our heart to His knowledge. Notice the reason that He gives for why we should do this: For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the LORD. Paul, speaking of Isaiah’s prophecy in Romans 10:18-21, said: “But I say, have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.” (Romans 10:18-21) They would not listen.  Also through the prophet Isaiah, God calls for us to “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 55:3) Many people are struggling and going through things in their lives due in part because they are not listening to what God is saying to them. They sit on the church pew week after week with selective listening. We must get to the point where we block everything out and give God our undivided attention so we can grow and develop as Christians. 

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

Thought For Today: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” (Proverbs 12:15)   

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 21

Stop Casting Your Pearls Before Swine

“Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.” (Proverbs 23:9)

Today’s Morsel: Some folks just hate it when others know more than they do, or that you have accomplished more than they have. There are those that always seem to have to get an up on you. If you say that you climbed a mountain, they have climbed a taller mountain. If you say that you have been to China, they have been to the ends of the world. Solomon said, don’t speak in the ears of a fool, for they will despise the wisdom of thy words. He is saying stop wasting your time on trying to explain stuff to folks. Especially if they don’t have a heart to listen to what you are saying so that they may gain wisdom, knowledge, instruction, and understanding. He’s not listening to you, Solomon said. He is going to reject what you are saying and treat you with scorn. Jesus said, “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” (Matthew 7:6) Somewhere you must stop wasting your time on stupidity or you will soon start acting like them. Paul informed Titus: “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” (Titus 3:10-11) You must not keep casting your pearls before swine. A hog is always going to go back into the mud no matter how clean you try to make him.

Sing: Farther along we’ll know all about it. Farther along we’ll understand why; Cheer up my brother, live in the sunshine. We’ll understand it, all by and by.

Thought For Today: “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 20

Looking For A Faithful Man

“Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6)

Today’s Morsel: It seems as though all the faithful men are fallen away. David prayed: “Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.” (Psalms 12:1) Not only have men lost their seriousness for holiness, but they are also starting to lose their seriousness for honesty, sincerity, truth, love, mercy, grace, and behavior. Paul told Timothy: “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2) He also told him: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12); “It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” (2 Timothy 2:11-13) Jesus Christ is faithful no matter what others think or say. The church is still looking for faithful men. Men who will abide by the word of the Lord. Men who will hold fast to sound doctrine and truth. Men who will not say one thing and do another, but rather men who will do what they say. Paul told the church at Corinth: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2) Nothing sets the pace of a godly man more than one who is faithful. 

Sing: He’s been faithful, faithful to me; looking back, His love and mercy I see. Though in my heart, I have questioned, even failed to believe; yet He’s been faithful, faithful, to me.

When my heart looked away, though many times, I could not pray, still, my God, He was faithful to me. The days I spent so selfishly, reaching out for what pleased me; even then, God was faithful to me. Every time I’d come back to Him, He was waiting with open arms, and I’d see once again. 

He’s been faithful, faithful to me; looking back, His love and mercy I’d see; Though in my heart, I have questioned, even failed to believe; yet He’s been faithful, faithful, to me.

Thought For Today: “Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.” (Daniel 6:4)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 19

What Is the Name of That Tower?

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)

Today’s Morsel: When my wife and I were stationed in Italy during our military days, lots of weekends and Sunday afternoons were spent at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I can’t tell you the number of times that I have climbed those staircases up the Tower. I have been to the Shanghai Tower, in Shanghai China. I have been to the Lotte World Tower, in Seoul, South Korea.   Even today, when I see pictures of these towers, they bring back many great memories. After the flood, the people of God tried to build a tower to reach the throne of God. We read that it was named the Tower of Babel because God confounded their languages there. Towers were used as outlooks and watch points of a city to give warning of arriving foe or others. Habakkuk states:“I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” (Habakkuk 2:1-3) He was in the tower waiting to hear from God.  Solomon states that the name of the Lord is a strong tower, and the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Towers can provide us with safety and protection. When we understanding that Jesus Christ is the Lord, then we can understand that this tower would be named, “The Tower of Jesus Christ.”   

Sing: A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; Our helper He, amid the flood, of mortal ills prevailing. 

Thought For Today: What is the name of the tower that you are building? 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 18

Developing Obedience

“My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.” (Proverbs 7:1-3)

Today’s Morsel: When I was a kid, I oftentimes got punished because I did what others did, not what my mother told me to do. When I tried to tell her that others had done the same thing, she would tell me, “I don’t care what others do. You belong to me, and I told you what to do.”  She was teaching me the value of developing obedience in my life. Paul told the church at Ephesus that the first commandment that God gave with a promise was that of children obeying their parents in the Lord (Ephesians 6:1-2). Somewhere in this journey of salvation, if we desire to live and to see Christ, then we are going to have to kill disobedience in our lives and start developing obedience. Paul told the church at Corinth that they must having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:6) In today’s passage of scriptures, Solomon  refreshes his sons mind as to what God had spoken through Moses to the children of Israel for them to do and to obey. He states: “My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.” He is fulfilling what Moses had said of the importance of teaching the law and commandments to their children. If you want your children to develop obedience in their lives, then you must live out the law and commandments before them and teach them knowledge and understanding.

Sing: I have found the way that leads to endless day, yonder in the glory land; And the road is bright for Jesus is the Light, and I hold His guiding hand.

I have found the way, I have found the way, oh glory, hallelujah, I have found the way.

Thought For Today: “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart” (Deuteronomy 6:6)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 17

A Happy Man

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” (Proverbs 3:13)

Today’s Morsel: If you were to talk with some of the men who are found not guilty for a crime that they were accused of committing, they will usually speak of how thankful and happy they are. If you can remember some of your past school days, you can probably remember how happy you were when you were assigned a project in school, and you and your team were able to figure out what you were doing, gave a good report, and received a good grade, you became very happy. Solomon states that when a man finds wisdom and gets an understanding, he is happy. I can remember, when I first discovered who Jesus was and the importance of being baptized in His name, that was a happy moment for me. When you know that you know, it gives you confidence within yourself and causes you to feel good about what you have learned and understand. Wisdom not only teaches you knowledge and character, it opens your understanding as to how it all works.  And that brings great happiness.  

Sing: If you’re happy, and you know it, say amen, say amen. If you’re happy, and you know it, say amen, amen. Cause when God’s Spirit falls on you, it makes you shout hallelujah; if you’re happy and you know it, say amen!

Thought For Today: “Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.” (Proverbs 28:14)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 15

It’s Time for Me

“Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.” (Psalms 119:33-40)

Today’s Morsel: Do you ever just want some ‘Me Only Time’ with God. Throughout the scriptures, the psalmist seems to want some just me time with God. He said to the Lord, teach me. He’s asking God to be his mentor, tutor, instructor, and coach in the statutes of God. Then he asks God to give him an understanding so that he could keep His law. He wanted God to give him clarity and to open his understanding so that he would know how things work and why they were important to him. Then he asks God to make him to go into the path of His commandment. He’s asking God to be stern with him when he isn’t doing what he knows he isn’t doing what he ought to be doing. He said I delight in your commandments to do them, but sometimes I might be dragging my feet. So, prod me just a little bit. Now, he asks God to incline his heart unto His testimonies and not unto covetousness. He wanted God to help him with his thought process in insuring that his mind isn’t focusing on the wrong things; but that his mind is stayed on Him. Next, he asks God to turn his eyes away from beholding vanity; and quicken him in thy way. He’s asking God to keep him from being drawn away with temptations through the lust of his eyes, and that God would show him the right way that leads to eternal life. And then he asks God to establish His word unto him his servant, who was devoted to His fear. Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. He wants God to put His Word deep within him so that he will be devoted, show respect, and reverence for God. And that he would be fair and just toward all in exercising sound judgment and justice in decision making. And finally he asks God to quicken him in His righteousness. Why was this request last? I believe it was because He is asking God to make him as He is. For he knows that he will see God for who he is, the Righteous Judge of all the earth. For scripture says for we shall see Him as He is. What does your “Me Time” looks like with God?

Sing: He leadeth me! He leadeth me! By His own hand He leadeth me; His faithful follower I will be, for my His hand He leadeth me.

Thought For Today: Just a little talk with Jesus can change everything about you. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 14

Comfort In Afflictions

“This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.” (Psalms 119:50)

Today’s Morsel: What is it about afflictions that cause some folks to crawl up into a fetal position or go into a dark room and desire to end it all. How is that afflictions seem to zap folks of their faith and belief in God? We must not see afflictions as a no way out or let’s end all. We must see them as a part of life that must be overcome and solved. Problems aren’t designed to destroy you. Problems are designed to educate you and teach you how to fix your own situations and difficulties that come into your life. They are part of life development and character building, so that you can help your children and others become overcomers. Notice what the psalmist says: “This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me” The word of God has the solution to all of life’s problems, disorders, and difficulties. That’s why it is a comfort to you. But you have to read it and use it to overcome.  It teaches you how to be an overcomer. Paul told the church at Rome: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) Hope is found in God’s word because Jesus is the word made flesh. He said, I will not leave you comfortless. I will come unto you. John states, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26) Grab ahold of the word of God and stop fretting over the small stuff. Afflictions are to help you grow and multiply. 

Sing: I have found a friend in Jesus, He’s everything to me, He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul; The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see all I need to cleanse and make me fully whole. In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay, He tells me to every care on Him to roll. He’s the Lily of the valley, the bright and morning Star, He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

Thought For Today: “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” (Romans 8:11)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 13

The Middle Scripture 

“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” (Psalms 118:8)

Today’s Morsel: Some say that this is the middle scripture in the KJV of the Bible. If this is true, then it is rightfully placed and the right verse to be in the middle.   It is always better to trust in God than man. Man will fail you and reject you. But God will never fail us nor forsake us. Solomon tells us too, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) If our trust isn’t in the Lord, then what is it in? We must believe that God will do what He says without hesitation or reservation. If God says it, then we must take it at face value. This is why faith is essential to the believer. We can’t see God. We can only see what He has created and what He does to prove Himself to us, so that we will trust Him. David was confident in God, and he said: “For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us. In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.” (Psalms 44:6-8) David knew where his help came from, and he was not about to trust in other people, nor other things, over God. And neither should we. “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.” (Psalms 56:3-4) Where is your trust today?  

Sing: Trusting in Him who will not leave you, whatsoever years may bring; if by earthly friends forsaken, still more closely to Him cling! 

Hold to God’s unchanging hand! Hold to God’s unchanging hand! Build you your hopes on things eternal. Hold to God’s unchanging hand!

Thought For Today: For without me, Jesus said, you can do nothing (John 15:5)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 12

Is Your Heart Fixed?

“A Song or Psalm of David. O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory. Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth;” (Psalms 108:1-5)

Today’s Morsel: One of the biggest causes for depression, stress, unhappiness, and misery, is that people will not make up their minds. If you never committed to serving God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, you are going to struggle with a lack of peace and contentment, and with them the things which I stated are going to begin to happen in your life. James tells us: “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8) You must have your mind made up, so that when trials, challenges, problems, and unwarranted situations come, you will not waver from who you are, nor will you forsake what you know what God’s word says.  You must decide if you are going to live for and serve God now, so that there is no confusion in your life when things aren’t going as you think they should. Nothing ought to be able to come before God in your life. So, make up your mind and you will remain free in your mind.  

Sing: Aren’t you getting just a bit tired of fooling around? You’re trying to laugh your way through life but you not gaining ground. Why not try the Lord today, just ask Him in your heart to stay.  And you’ll find Jesus’ love to be the best thing that you’ve ever found.

Jesus got ahold of my life, and He won’t let me go. Jesus got into my heart; He got into my soul. I used to be oh so sad, but now I’m happy free and glad; cause Jesus got ahold of my life, and He won’t let me go. 

Thought For Today: The mind is a terrible thing to waste.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 11

Oh, That Men Would Praise The Lord For His Goodness

“O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south. They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalms 107:1-8)

Today’s Morsel: Four times in this chapter, the psalmist states “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”  Do you ever stop and consider what God does for you and your children? You see, every promise of God from salvation and truth is to every generation. What God has done for you is offered to others as well. Why? Because Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. He changes not.  It’s not God’s fault if people don’t accept what He offers them and what He has for them. Our job is to praise Him for His goodness to us as well as for others. As the adage go, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.”  We must not allow what others do to stop us from praising the Lord. Every man must work out his own salvation. The psalmist tells us, “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.” (Psalms 127:3-5) Your kids and others might be driving you nuts right about now, but don’t let them stop you from praising God. And here’s one reason why: “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.” (Psalms 50:23) Praise will always open your understanding to eternal salvation. If you keep praising Him, it just might catch on to those that you love. 

Sing: I’m gonna praise the Lord any way that I can; I’m gonna praise the Lord any way that I can; I’m gonna praise Him in the morning, praise Him all day long; I’m gonna praise the Lord any way that I can.

Thought For Today: “Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.” (Psalms 147:1)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 10

Spiritual Progression

“Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.” (Job 8:7)

Today’s Morsel: How do you see yourself in ten years, should the Lord tarry? What goals and visions do you have set for yourself? Spiritual progression starts by setting a vision for yourself. Peter tells us, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18) If you were to evaluate yourself on Peter’s challenge, where are you in your understanding of God’s grace and your knowledge of Him? Solomon also tells us, “Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.” (Proverbs 19:2) You can’t keep living your life as a Christian and not possess spiritual knowledge and understanding. Everything in your life flows from the knowledge of who Jesus Christ is. If you don’t know Him, then you will not understand how the Bible (His word and instructions), apply to your lives. Spiritual progression begins with knowledge and a desire to go on unto perfection. Heaven has got to be your goal. But you can’t get there not knowing God and the way.  You must add spiritual things, such as wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and discretion, to your life. You don’t want to be a runt Christian. You may start out small, but in the end, you want to be fat and flourishing.

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 tableland. A higher plane than I have found; Lord, plant me feet on higher ground. 

Thought For Today: The more you know, the more you grow!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 8

Abraham’s Seed

“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:26-29)

Today’s Morsel: The Apostle Paul informs us that if any of us that do not have the Spirit of Christ, then we are none of His (Romans 8:9). He continues by telling us that for us to become the heirs according to the promise which God made to Abraham, then we must become Abraham’s seed. He told the church at Galatia: “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.” (Galatians 3:16) Jesus Christ is of the seed of Abraham. He came by the linage line of Abraham’s great grandson Judah. Therefore, Paul said, that when we are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, we are putting on Christ, and we become the seed of Abraham, and heirs according to the promise. Don’t reject baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. That’s where we put on Christ.  As the apostle Peter informed us: “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) And it is the only name that make us heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.  

Sing: Standing on the promises of Christ my King, through eternal ages lets His praises ring, glory in the highest I will shout and sing, standing on the promises of God. 

Standing, standing, standing on the promises of Christ my Savior, standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God.

Thought For Today: “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Romans 8:16-17)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 7

With All Your Heart

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)

Today’s Morsel: What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, and might? To me, it means with all my being. Every part of my life ought to be used to show that I love God. When we consider His mercy, grace, long-suffering towards us, His forgiveness, and love which He has already shown towards us, our thoughts ought to be focused on Him. We must not allow anything to come between us and God. Nothing ought to be able to steal the love that you have for Him. The same way that His compassion and mercies are new every morning, our love for Him ought to be the same. God has proven He loved us when He went to calvary for our sins, so that we might live and have life. He can’t do more than that. He told the disciples, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:13-14) Jesus proved His love by giving His all. Are we better than He is? “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” (1 John 4:18-21) Your love for God must be without dissimulation. 

Sing: Oh, Lamb of God, sweet Lamb of God, I love the holy, Lamb of God; oh, wash me in Thy precious blood, my Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

Thought For Today: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 March 6

All These Things Are Against Me

“And it came to pass as they emptied their sacks, that, behold, every man's bundle of money was in his sack: and when both they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid. And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me.” (Genesis 42:35-36)

Today’s Morsel: If you grew up in the 60’s, then you may have seen the television show HEEHAW where they would sing the song, “Gloom despair and agony on me. Deep dark depression excessive misery. If it wasn’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all. Gloom despair and agony on me.” Sometimes in life, bad news, death, loss, and even hardships can drive us into a deep state of depression and misery, if we allow them to. But we must realize that God is not the one sending it our way. Since none of these things came with the Holy Ghost, then we must assume that they are coming from the adversary of our souls, or of our own doings. Jacob’s sons prove to be a group of liars and deceivers. But of course, this entire family fell into that category. When Jacob asked them why they had told the man that they had another brother, they told him that the man (Joseph who they did not recognize) had asked them. But Jospeh never asked them until they mentioned to him that they had a father and younger brother.  They told Jospeh that their one brother, who was Jospeh, was missing, and that they had a younger brother who was home with their father. Once they mentioned this, Joseph now desires to see his father and brother Benjamin. But he’s not ready to expose himself to them to get even with them for the way they had treated him. And so he tells them that they will not see Simeon, their brother, again until they bring Benjamin to him. Jacob is not about to let Benjamin go. He tells his sons that they had bereaved of his children. And that now all these things were against him. Do you feel as though everything is against you? Let me encourage you, God will not leave you nor forsake you. The promise that all things work together for good to them that love the Lord, to them that are called according to His purpose, is true. Both Jospeh and Jacob loved the Lord, and God worked everything out for both their good, and He will do the same thing for you. Just don’t stop loving Him no matter if it seems as though all things are against you, and everything is gloom and despair.

Sing: I have found a friend in Jesus; He’s everything to me. He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul; the Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see. All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.

In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay, He tells me every care on Him to roll. He’s the Lily of the valley, the bright and morning Star, He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

Thought For Today: Keep your hand in the Master’s hand.