Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 January 8

The Point of No Return

“Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread. Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah. And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept. And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people. And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me. And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.” (Ruth 1:6-18)

Today’s Morsel: Located between North and South Korea, on the 28^th Parallel line, lies a bridge known as ‘The Bridge of no Return.’ At the signing of the armistice on July 27, 1953 to halt the war between North and South Korea, many soldiers were allowed to return over this bridge into their homelands. But once they crossed over, there was no opportunity for them to ever return into that country. And even today, North and South Korea are at odds with each other. 

When Naomi’s’ husband along with her two sons died in the land of Moab, she was left with two daughters-in-law. She knew that she really had no place for them to go, nor did she have any more sons for them to marry.  And so, she gave them an option, return home to their families. Orpah chose to return home, but Ruth chose the bridge of no return. It would have been easy for Ruth to return home as well. But Ruth saw the greater need of her mother-in-law. She saw, I believe, a woman who needed her in her greatest hour of need. And when she chose the bridge of no return, God saw the opportunity to fulfill His plan through her life. And scripture says, “So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son.” (Ruth 4:13) “And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.” (Ruth 4:17) “And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.” (Ruth 4:21-22) 

Don’t be too quick to go back because the situation looks direr or dreary. Wait and see what God will do for and through you.

Sing: Trails dark on every hand and we cannot understand all the ways that God will lead us to that blessed promised land, but He’ll guide us with His eye, and we’ll follow till we die, we will understand it better by and by.

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 January 7

How Do You See Yourself?

“And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.” (Judges 6:11-16)

Today’s Morsel: Now that you are born-again, how do you see yourself? Are you still fearful? Are you still seeing yourself as what others always said about you? Do you see yourself as unskilled and unqualified to do anything for God. Just how do you see yourself? Do the thoughts of witnessing and telling others about Jesus, and being used in the ministry frighten you? Are you afraid of confrontation? Are you hiding your talents? Now that you are filled with the Holy Ghost and baptized in Jesus’ name, how do you see yourself? What causes you anxiety, stress, restlessness? Have you read these scriptures:

·      “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1)

·      “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)

·      “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)

·      “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:28-31)

·      “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” (John 14:1)

·      “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 1:6-7)

How do you see yourself? God is with us, and He will not forsake us. God was just looking for a man to fill in the gap for Israel. And Gideon just seemed to fit the bill.  God looks for the weak to help them build their faith and trust in His ability to do great things through their lives.  

Paul said: “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.” (1 Corinthians 1:25-29) Let me encourage you. God wants to do something great in you and give you a testimony that will shake the world. If you feel that God is calling you, do as Samuel did and say, “Speak Lord for thy servant heareth.”

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 January 6

Be Strong And Of Good Courage

“Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:1-9)

Today’s Morsel: One of the major strength stealers is death. Death just seems to zap people of their strength and encouragement. Death has sent many people into depression, anxiety, fear, and even hopelessness. God knew that Joshua, Moses’ minister, would be despondent because of Moses’ death the same way that others would be because Moses had been their leader for the past 40 years. A loss of Godly leadership can hurt.  But God speaks with Joshua and tells him that he has now been chosen to replace Moses, and that it is he who would now lead the people into the promised land. God instructs him what he must do to be strong and of good courage. And that was, to not let His Word depart out of his mouth. In other words, Joshua must read God’s word, study God’s word, speak of God’s word, and obey God’s word, and that this word would keep him encouraged, strong, and bring him good success. God’s promise has not changed. If we want to remain encouraged, strong, and have great success, then we must keep the word of God hidden in our hearts and mediate on it daily. “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)

Sing: When my life is burdened with sorrow, and it seems all help is gone, Jesus whispers, “Do not falter; I will leave thee not alone.” Then somehow, amidst my trials, how it is I cannot see; Still, I hear a voice from heaven, gently saying, “Follow me.” 

There is sunshine in the shadow; there is sunshine in the rain; there is sunshine in our sorrow, when our hearts are filled with pain. There is sunshine when we’re burdened; there is sunshine when we pray; there is sunshine, heavenly sunshine, blessed sunshine all the way. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 January 4

Holiness

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.” (Leviticus 19:1-2)

Today’s Morsel: How would you define holiness? Holiness means to be separate and set apart. Holiness is who God is. It’s His character. God’s holiness comes from His spirit. We call it the Holy Spirit. The same as the fruit of the Spirit comes by the Spirit, God’s holiness comes the same way. Notice, if you will, it is not a command whether you want to be holy or not. God say’s, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.” You don’t get a choice in the matter. Either we are going to be like Him, or we are not. God isn’t going to change who He is. Therefore, we must change who we are so that we can become like Him. If we say that we are His and we are not holy, then we are not His. The same way as Paul told the church at Rome:“Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” (Romans 8:9) If we are not His, if we do not have His Spirit, then we are not His if we are not holy. The writer of Hebrews tells us: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” (Hebrews 12:14) We cannot enter heaven without being holy. Isaiah enlightens us with these words: “And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.” (Isaiah 35:8) Notice, there is a way called the way of holiness. Jesus Christ states, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) We must follow the way of holiness or none of us will see the Lord.

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 January 3

Bitter Water

“So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water. And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them, And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.” (Exodus 15:22-26)

Today’s Morsel: One of the most important commodities for life is water. We can usually go a while without water, but not for long. When we review American history, we read about the wagon trains heading west, and that there were times when the people found themselves suffering because they found no water during their travels across the Badlands, and many perished. We read that in some cases, even when they found water, they could not drink the water because they were poisoned or diseased. But they prayed and it wasn’t long before God would give them water to drink. 

When God lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, they crossed the Red Sea, and they, too, soon found themselves without water to drink. But when they found water, it could not be drunk because it was bitter. In other words, these waters had issues, and they could not be consumed. And so, they cried out to God for His help. And God gives Moses instructions for making the waters potable and able to be consumed. This event shows us for our need and dependence upon God in every situation and circumstance. One of the things we learn is that we must not lean unto our own understanding. God knows the things that we have need of. And even when we think that there is no way, God will always make a way when we trust Him and believe in Him. The waters may seem bitter and not able to be drunk, but God knows how to make them sweet for consumption.

Sing: I thirsted in a barren land of sin and shame, and nothing satisfying there I found. But to the cross of Christ one day I came, where springs of living waters did abound.

Drinking at the springs of living water, happy now am I, my soul they satisfy. Drinking at the springs of living water; O’ wonderful and bountiful supply.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 January 2

Walking With God

“And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” (Genesis 5:21-24)

Today’s Morsel: In the genealogy of scripture, we don’t read much about Enoch’s life other than who his father was. Nothing is known much of his character other then he walked with God for three-hundred years and God took him. His life must have been inspiring and well pleasing, since the writer of Hebrews tells us: “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” (Hebrews 11:5) There was something that captivated Enoch to follow and to do what God had said. Does your walk talk louder than your talk walks? John tells us: “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1 John 2:6) Some folks struggle with their walk with God and desire to return to their old way of life. But it’s not hard to walk with God. The question becomes how much do you love Him? You may just need an attitude adjustment. In other words, simply make up your mind. The same way that we decide if we are going to do other things, that is the same mindset we must have for walking and serving God. If you never make up your mind to walk like Him, it will be hard. But if you choose to walk with Him, and serve Him, it will be a whole lot easier.  

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 January 1

A New Beginning

“And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.” (Exodus 12:1-2)

Today’s Morsel: At the beginning of each new year, some folks will make a new year’s resolution for what they desire to do for the year. Many will make vows to lose weight, become a better person, read and study their Bibles more, and even get back to attending church. Many start off good, but they soon fizzle out because they lose interest, or they allow others and things to hinder their progress. 

When God was getting ready to bring Isreal out of captivity from Egypt, he told Moses, “This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.”  I believe God was saying, I’m going to give every one of you a brand-new start. That is what God does for each of us when we first become born again Christians. It’s a new start. God is bringing us out of the world, and we are starting afresh and anew. Paul states: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). You don’t have to worry about the mistakes that you have made. You are made new. So, you really do need to make a new year’s resolution for what you are going to do. As Nike said, “Just do it!” Goals are good, but all you really need to do is be the person Christ has chosen you to be, and you can accomplish many great things.  

Sing: I was once a sinner, but I came, pardon to receive from my Lord; This was freely given, and I found, that He always kept His word.

There’s a new name written down in glory, and it’s mine, oh yes, it’s mine! And the white-robed angels sing the story “A sinner has come home” For there’s a new name written down in glory, and it’s mine, o yes, it’s mine! With my sins forgiven I am bound for heaven, never more to roam.