Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 30

Chosen For A Purpose

“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)

Today’s Morsel: One of the important things we must learn as the children of God is to what purpose He has chosen us for. Peter said that we are chosen to show others the marvelous light. Jesus is that light. And we have been chosen to know Him, and to make Him known. The gospel is our message to show others the light. It is also to be applied to our lives so that others can see that we, too, have been brought out of the darkness of this world. Unless we wear the gospel, it will make it hard for others to see the light. People ought to see Jesus in your life by your actions, behavior, and character. If your life does not display that you are a Christian, and that you belong to Christ, your light is dim. As the Lord asked Jeremiah, “How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed!” (Lamentations 4:1) How is it that one who has been called out of darkness to the light, can now become dim? The answer is that there is no oil of the Holy Ghost flowing in their lives. When the Holy Ghost is inactive in you, the light will go out. Ask Eli. And God will not be well pleased.  You are a chosen generation to show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness unto His marvelous light. So shine on.

Sing: This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine; this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine; this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Thought For Today: Don’t let the light go out.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 29

Some Folks Just Don’t Get It

“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.” (Psalms 53:1)

Today’s Morsel: David says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” (Psalms 19:1) And yet, some folks still do not believe that there is a God. He said that the fool hath said in his heart that there is no God. Solomon said, “The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.” (Proverbs 14:18) When one lacks understanding and discernment, they will ultimately suffer the consequences of their foolishness, while those who are wise and thoughtful will be reward with knowledge and understanding. When one doesn’t believe in God, he will soon realize that he has no one to turn to in the time of trouble and hardship. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Without the way, you cannot go, without the truth, you cannot know, and without the life, you cannot live. Some of the most depressed and stressful people are those who do not believe that there is a God.

Sing: Who is this who comes with healing for the halt the blind the lame, bringing sunshine to the dark and shadowed life, always ready to forgive them and to make forgiveness known, who is this forever calling you and me.

It is Jesus, Jesus, sad one weep no more. He had healed the brokenhearted, opened wide the prison door, He is able to deliver evermore. 

Thought For Today: “Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.” (Ecclesiastes 10:3)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 28

Don’t Allow The Fear of Man To Bind You

“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.” (Proverbs 29:25)

Today’s Morsel: I knew this lady once, that was so fearful of man, that she lived in a state on continuous panic and depression. She was so afraid that she continually lived behind locked doors. I said to her, why are you so fearful? Aren’t you a Christian? She said, yes, but I am afraid. I said to her, did not Jesus tell us to not be afraid of him that can only kill the body but cannot kill the soul? I said to her, did not Paul tell Timothy that God did not give us the spirit of fear, but power, love, and a sound mind? She said, yes. I told her, so what are you afraid of? We can’t allow man to put us into a box and bind us that we live our lives in fear.  I can remember when I was asked to work inside the prisons to help counsel and encourage the men behind bars. Some folks looked at me, as if to say, you are going to do what? I said, yes, Jesus said, I was in prison, and you visited me. Some of my greatest times as a minister have been the times I spent in that prison and in the jails ministering to those men. Every one of them had a story. I have laughed with them, cried with them, preached to them, held their hands, and baptized them in the name of Jesus. I have even had some of them come to the church I pastored when they were released from behind those bars, because they saw someone who cared for them. When I see what looks like the one whom some would consider the worst guy or gal in Walmart, I go up to them and talk with them. Even our police officers. I’m not about to let fear put me in a box. And neither should you. Jesus said, I give you power. So, why are you going to let Satan, hinder your joy? Jesus has not given us the spirit of fear.  Yes, fear is a spirit and it does not come from Jesus.  

Sing: I’ve got the victory, over the enemy, and the world, can’t do me no harm; because I’ve got the victory, over the enemy, and the world, can’t do me no harm.

Thought For Today: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 27

A Heart Transplant

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

Today’s Morsel: Medical technology is amazing. When they can kill you, and keep you alive with a machine, remove your old heart because it’s about to kill you, and give you a new heart, and you can live again, that’s amazing. The Lord knew that our old hearts were corrupt and ready to kill us. Jesus said, “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” (Mark 7:21-23) And so, He’s come to give us a new heart. He said, “I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” Do you need a heart transplant? Does it seem that your mind is troubled, perplexed, and you never seem to have any peace and contentment? Well, why not come to Jesus and allow Him, to give you a heart transplant, and put His Spirit in you so that you can live and not be continually troubled with the cares and ups and downs of this life.

Sing: He touched me, oh, oh, He touched me, and oh, the joy that floods my soul. Something happened, and now I know, Jesus touched me, and made me whole.

Thought For Today: “The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.” (Psalms 37:31)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 26

I’ve Come To Make Known The Vision

“And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.” (Daniel 10:7-14)

Today’s Morsel: Throughout scripture, we see men having dreams and visions and they do not understand the meaning, and they become troubled. I’m sure some of you, reading this, have had dreams and did not understand the meaning and you are still waiting for an answer to see if they come to fruition. Peter, prophesying the vision of Joel said, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:” (Acts 2:17) Daniel’s vision was so troubling to him, that he said that he became physically weak and drained. This vision causes him to lose all strength, turning his face even pale and rending him powerless to do anything. This vision of the man he saw, caused him to faint. But a hand touches him and sat him up and tells him that he has come to give him an understanding and to make known to him the vision for it is for many days. Dreams and visions are the ways that God sometimes speaks to His people, Job said. (see Job 33:15-17) When we are quiet and at peace, God can make known to us His will and purpose and may even change our minds about something we may be about to do that will not reward us a good end state. Maybe, as I said, you are waiting for the answer to your vision or dream and it’s been troubling you. As the writer of Hebrews admonishes us, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 10:35-11:1) Hold on, your answer in on the way.

Sing: Standing on the promises of Christ my King, through eternal ages let 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: “In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, that he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.” (Job 33:15-17)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 25

Your Last Night In The Grave

“Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts. Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD.” (Ezekiel 37:11-14)

Today’s Morsel: As a kid in high school, one of our history assignments was to walk through graveyards and see if we could locate grave sites of people who may have arrived and lived in America prior to the Civil War. It was an interesting assignment. When the Lord placed the Prophet Ezekiel in the midst of a valley of dry bones, He asked him if he thought that those bones could live again. The prophet is somewhat stung by the question. And so, to not appear dumb, and I think to give the answer like most folks would have, he said, Only you know Lord. After conversing with the Lord, and doing what the Lord instructed him to do, the bones are restored to life again and God tells him that the bones are the whole house of Israel. Because they had rebelled and did not do what God had instructed them to do, they found themselves in captivity and saw themselves as dry and dead. But the Lord tells the prophet that he would open-up their graves and cause them to come out and that He would put His Spirit in them and that they would live. In today’s world, if people remain in the world, they are dead in their trespasses and sins and are in the grave. And some of them, have been so long in that state that they feel that this is their lot. But God wants to bring them out. And He has given us the mission to go preach the gospel to every creature, so that their graves can be opened and they can come out and live again. God will bring them out and put His Spirit in them and they can live again and walk in newness of life. But we must do our part and tell them.  We may feel like the prophet, Only thou knowest.  Jesus has told us what to do, Go and tell them.  He will breathe into them the breath of life.  

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

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

Thought For Today: “And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.” (John 11:43)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 23

Rejoice Anyhow

“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

Today’s Morsel: Many Christians lose their joy and excitement when they get bad news from the doctor, lose their job, are made fun of for being a Christian, or told by their employer that they must work on Sunday. But none of these things ought to be able to steal your joy and excitement. Paul tells us, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4:4-9) Notice, rejoice. The verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining a joyful attitude rooted in one’s relationship with God. Regardless of our circumstances or situations, we are commanded to rejoice in the Lord always. It’s an attitude adjustment. It’s a mindset that must be learned and used always.  We just don’t rejoice when we are up on the mountain, we rejoice when we are in the valley, as the same God on the mountain is with us in the valley, too.  Habakkuk said that although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. Bad times or good times, rejoicing must not cease from your lips.

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

We talk of faith, when we’re up on the mountain, but faith comes easy, when life is at its best. But down in the valley, of trials and temptations, oh friend that’s where your faith is really put to the test. 

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

Thought For Today: “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.” (Psalms 57:7)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 22

Consider Your Ways

“Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying, Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste? Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD. Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.” (Haggai 1:3-9)

Today’s Morsel: God calls for us to consider our ways. The call was due in part that the people were forsaking the house of the Lord. They were building their own houses, but God’s house was being neglected. The place that God had chosen to place His name must be well cared for. When the things of God do not possess priority one in our life, it is easy for the things of God to be neglected. Churches can easily become a place for storage of junk and personal items. They can be turned into food and clothing pantries. They can become rat’s, bird’s, and other rodent’s homes. And so, the Lord calls for us to consider our ways. He says, Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earnest wages earnest wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus, saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. When we continue to neglect God’s house, he will allow us to see that without Him we can do nothing. Have you considered your ways?

Sing: When you see me working, I’m working on the building, I’m going up to heaven, to get my reward, well I never get tired, working on the building, I’m going up to heaven to get my reward.

Thought For Today: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” (Hebrews 2:3-4)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 21

Doubt

“And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” (Matthew 11:1-6)

Today’s Morsel: Someone asked the question, “Why is it hard for Christians to believe?” Well, the answer is that they have never removed the doubt. For some folks, they have never settled it in their mind that the Bible is true and that Jesus is God, and that He will come through for them. When folks pray for someone to be healed and they still die, their doubt is increased. When one prays for a certain job and they do not get it, their doubt is again increased. James tells is, “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8). When Peter asked Jesus to bid him to come unto him on the water, “And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Matthew 14:29-31) Why did you doubt, Jesus asked him. Faith requires consistency and trust in Jesus no matter what challenges or situations we may find ourselves in. The writer of Hebrews tells us: “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.” (Hebrews 10:35)When Jesus asks the rule if he believed that he was able to heal his son? The man said, Lord I believe, but help my unbelief. In others word, I’ve heard that you’ve done it for others, but I’m just not quite sure about my situation. So, please help me to understand and believe. After the death of Lazarus, Martha doubted that Jesus could raise Lazarus from the dead. And so, “Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (John 11:39-40) If you want to see God do great things for you, remove the doubt and believe.  

Sing: I trust in God, wherever I may be, upon the land or out on the roaring seas; for come what may, from day to day, my heavenly Father watches over, over, me.

And I trust in God, I know He cares for me, on the mountain bleak, or out the raging seas;  for come what may, from day to day, my heavenly Father watches over, over, me. 

Thought For Today: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 20

It’s Okay To Suffer As A Christian

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” (1 Peter 4:12-16)

Today’s Morsel: Some folks don’t think that Christian’s ought to suffer. But we see that this isn’t true in scripture. Many Christians suffered for their walk with and faith in Christ. Job’s friends accused him of sin because he was suffering. They did not think God would allow such suffering to come to such a man as Job. So, they attributed his suffering to sin in his life. The disciples of Jesus were stoned, beaten, imprisoned, killed, and even murdered for just sharing the hope of the gospel so that people could be saved. But in many cases, they suffered for it. And so, Peter tells us that as Christians, if we do suffer, it should not be because we are committing sin like murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. He highlights that suffering for Christ is an honor but suffering because of one’s own sinful acts is not. When we suffer because of sin, it never glorifies God. It only disgrace who He is.  Peter says that if we suffer as a Christian, then don’t be ashamed but give God glory because we are becoming a part of His suffering.

Sing: Trails dark on every hand and we cannot understand, all the way 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 Lord when the morning come, and all the saints of God are gathering home; We will tell the story, how we’ve overcome, and we’ll understand it better by and by.

Thought For Today: “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” (Philippians 1:29)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 19

The Test of Time

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

Today’s Morsel: Do you ever wonder what will happen to all the folks who do not obey the gospel? Do you ever wonder what it was like after Noah entered the Ark, and the Lord shut the door and the rain came? What about the message that got back to the families of Pharoah’s army who drowned in the Red Sea chasing after the children of Israel? Peter informs us that it’s time for us, that are born again, to start judging ourselves. He told us to make our calling and election sure. And he told us that we must be sober, vigilant, and alert because our adversary the devil is walking about seeking whom he may devour. The apostle Paul tells us, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.” (2 Corinthians 13:5-6) James tells us that faith without works is dead. He asked; “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James 2:14-26) Is there enough works in your life to support that your faith is active and not dead. Time is running out.

Sing: Time is filled with swift transition, naught of earth unmoved can stand; build your hopes on things eternal, hold to God’s unchanging hand!

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: “But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:20-21)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 18

Stay Alert

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” (1 Peter 5:6-9)

Today’s Morsel: Some folks are not alert. They have no clue to their surroundings and what is going own around them. I have heard folks on the news, when their neighbors are arrested for a crime, say, “I was totally shocked. I would have never thought that they would do such a thing, and they lived right next to me.”  When they asked Jesus about a sign, “He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather today: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” (Matthew 16:2-3) Jesus said that folks can decern the weather, but they could not decern the time. “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” (Romans 13:11) Paul said that now is the time to get saved. Now is time to come out of the world. Jesus is coming. The weather and events taking place around us are warning of His soon coming. The same way that Jesus criticized the Pharisees and Sadducees for their inability to understand the spiritual and prophetic significance of events that were taking place around them, we too will be criticized by Him for not understanding the events around us.  People are saying that we need miracle, wonders, and signs in the church to draw people to the church. But Jesus said to lift-up your eyes and look on the fields, for they are white and ready to harvest. We just need to get out of the building and get into the field and reap the harvest. Maybe if we were more alert to the time, we would be more eager about the harvest. 

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

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

Thought For Today: “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16) 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 16

You Don’t Have To Fall

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 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. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-11)

Today’s Morsel: Peters writings encourage us to make our calling and election sure. We ought to strive and live our lives in a way that confirms that our salvation is real. If you are a hit and miss Christian to church, people are going to start to question your calling and commitment. We should never fall away from God’s grace, love, and mercy. We ought to be committed to the things of God always. Peter tells us to add to our faith so that we don’t fall. If serving Christ isn’t your number one priority, then falling away is always an exit ramp that folks will take when trials, stress, and anxiety come into their life. Paul said they had left him for the world. Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. It’s easy to turn your back on Christ and others if you are not adding to your faith daily. But if you add virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity, Peter tells us that we you will never fall away. Man, hell is a long time to spend in eternity because one was too lazy to add to their faith. “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” (Hebrews 6:4-6). I don’t know about you, but I don’t plan on falling away.  I am going to keep adding to my faith. 

Sing: I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back.

Thought For Today: “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 15

How’s Your Behavior

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?” (2 Peter 3:10-12)

Today’s Morsel: Since you have become a Christian, how would you rate your behavior? Would you say that your life has changed or is it about the same? There is this adage which says, “If nothing changes, then nothing changes.” If you say that you are a Christian, then you should have put on the new man. Paul said that if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. That means that the old you ought to be gone. There shouldn’t be drinking of alcohol, smoking of drugs and other tobacco, fornication, adultery, telling of lies, gossiping, and the list goes on. The old man is supposed to be gone. Your behavior should align itself with Christ and His Word. David said, “I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.” (Psalms 101:2-3) Paul instructed Timothy: “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. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine…Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” (1 Timothy 4:12-13; 16) How’s your behavior? Does it align itself with Christ and His word?

Sing: To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus, on earth I long to be like Him. All through life’s journey from earth to glory, I only ask to be like Him.

Thought For Today: “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1 John 2:6)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 14

Don’t Fool Me

“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” (1 John 2:4) 

Today’s Morsel: I’m sure you hear the saying, “Fool me once, shame on you: fool me twice, I’m the fool.” The meaning is that if someone deceives you once, it’s their fault for tricking you. However, if you allow yourself to be deceived by the same person again, it’s your own fault for not learning from the first experience and being more cautious. As born-again believer, you should never be deceived repeatedly by those who say that they are Christians and even those who are not. Someone said to me one day, you are not supposed to judge people. I told them that I am not, rather that I am just a fruit inspector. I’m not going to allow someone to deceive me. Jesus said that we would know them by their fruit. John even tells us how to decern untruthful saints. He informs us that he that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1 John 2:4) I didn’t write the book, I just obey it and follow it, because too many hearts have been broken, and folks’ anxiety and stress have increased because they allowed others to fool them.  So I don’t know about you, but I am going to know them by their fruit.  

Sing: He is my everything, He is my all. He is my everything, both great and small. He gave His life for me, made everything new. He is my everything, oh, how about you?

Thought For Today: “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” (Ephesians 5:6)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 13

Victory Over The World

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4)

Today’s Morsel: Being born-again brings with it many advantages. We now, with this new life in Christ, have the power to overcome the world. What is the world? John informs us that it is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). We now have power over these lusts and pride as these are the thing’s which drove Satan from heaven and into the world. And so, as he is the god of this world, he uses these same weapons today to destroy others. Lust of the flesh and of the eyes and pride of life are destroying many daily. Paul said that it would be divers lust in the last days, that would be used to creep into houses and lead away captive silly women laden with sin (2 Timothy 3:6). And Jesus said that it would be pride that would come out of a man to destroy him (Mark 7:20-23). But with the Holy Ghost working in and through us, we can now obtain victory over the world with its lusts and pride which have and is destroying so many. If you have the Holy Ghost, you have the power to overcome the enemy.  

Sing: I’ve got the victory, over the enemy, and the world, can’t do me no harm; I’ve got the victory, over the enemy, and the world, can’t do me no harm.

Thought for Today: “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren.” (James 1:13-16)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 12

The Record In Heaven

“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” (1 John 5:7)

Today’s Morsel: Are you confused about heaven and what you will see when you get there? Jesus has not hidden anything from us about heaven. People just aren’t reading and studying the Word to satisfy their understanding. Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:1-2) Notice, there are many mansions in His father’s house and if it was not so, He would have told us. John even tells us, “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (John 20:30-31) We have been given enough in God’s Word and information to believe on Him, so that we can be saved and reign with Him in heaven. John also informs us that there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: And that these three are one. These are not three separate persons. These are simply manifestations of the one true God. This same John informs us, “And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.” (Revelation 4:2) Notice, there is only one on the throne. As the Lord said, “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” (Isaiah 42:8); “Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.” (Isaiah 44:8); “I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45:5-6); “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45:22)The record in heaven is true. There is only one God and His name one. The Lord Jesus Christ.

Sing: The Mighty God is Jesus, the Prince of peace is He, the everlasting Father, the king eternally, the Wonderful in wisdom, by whom all things were made, the fulness of the Godhead in Jesus is displayed.

It’s all in Him, it’s all in Him, the fulness of the Godhead is all in Him; It’s all in Him, it’s all in Him, the Mighty God is Jesus and it’s all in Him.

Thought For Today: “Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.” (1 Corinthians 12:3)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 11

Beware of The Deceivers and The Antichrist

“And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. 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.” (2 John 1:6-7)

Today’s Morsel: For the forty years that I have been born again, I have heard about the coming of the antichrist. But I have realized that we maybe we waiting for something that is already here. When Nehemiah was rebuilding the wall, scripture says, “And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.” (Nehemiah 4:11) John informs us that 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. This may be why we see so many churches going the way of the world, and why there is a great falling away from truth. When people deny the gospel, they are denying the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, baptism in Jesus’ name, and holy living separated from this world, and that Jesus Christ was God manifest in flesh, they are a deceiver and an antichrist, because they are teaching and have been taught contrary to the Word of God. Notice what the adversaries of Nehemiah said. “They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.” The deceivers and antichrists will come in and folks won’t even know it. Churches are crying out, “Just come as you are.” Believe me, I have seen many deceivers and antichrists in the church in my lifetime. I have seen many young men and women led astray by deceivers. And now their lives are turned upside down. All because the overseers allow the adversary to come in and deceive.  Once your adversary can teach others the wrong way, he knows the likelihood of them changing to truth simply won’t happen. Therefore, you need to read your Bible for yourself, and pray to God for an understanding, or you will be deceived and not even know it.

Sing: Jesus hold my hand, Lord, I need Thee every hour. Through this pilgrim land, protect me by Thy saving Power. Hear my feeble plea, oh Lord, look down on me. When I kneel in pray, Lord I hope to meet You there; blessed Jesus hold my hand.

Thought For Today: “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” (1 John 2:18)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 9

Don’t Imitate Sin

“Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” (3 John 1:11)

 Today’s Morsel: To not follow after wrong in these last days will require you to be self-disciplined, self-motivated, and possessing great self-restraint. You are going to need self-discipline to walk away from wrong, the self-motivation to encourage and pick yourself up, and the self-restraint to say no and not give in to and support the wrongs of others. Paul told the church at Rome, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” (Romans 6: 14-18) Sin must not control nor have dominion over you. You must learn how to control sin and keep it out of your life. Yes, it’s easy to fall into the trap of sin the same as others do. But we are called not to be like the mule and the horse, or others, which do not have an understanding. Sin, James said, when it is conceived in your life will bring forth death. So don’t err (James 1:15-16). Jesus has given you power to say no. The Holy Ghost that you say is in you, is the power within to say no, and to not imitate sin, nor allow it into your life. You have the power to walk away from sin. But will you?

Sing: Goodbye to sin and things that confound, not of this world shall turn me around. Daily I’m working and I’m praying too. Glory to God I’m going through. 

He set me free, yes, He set me free. He broke the bars of prison for me. I’m glory bound my Jesus to see. Glory to God, He set me free.

Thought For Today: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 8

The Common Salvation

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

Today’s Morsel: Are you saved? When did you get saved? Who saved you? What did they save you from? What did they use to save you? David informed us, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death.” (Psalms 68:19-20)Notice, he that is our God is the God of salvation. So, who saved you? Peter said, “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) So, who saved you? Who is your God? As God is the only one that can save us. “Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” (2 Timothy 2:10) “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)So what was the common salvation that Jude spoke of? “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)

Sing: Oh, yes, I’m saved and I’m happy today, thanks be to God for this I can say, that I’m saved and I’m happy today, I’m walking up the King’s highway. 

Thought For Today: “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.” (Acts 19:2)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 7

Don’t Leave Your First Love

“Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” (Revelation 2:1-4)

Today’s Morsel: Marriages were to be forever. Scripture says, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24) Notice, they are to become one. To leave one’s first love is to not see the value and importance of a true relationship. When we give our lives to Christ, nothing is supposed to be able to separate us from Him. We are supposed to keep Him as our first love and never allow anything, or anyone, to pull our hearts and minds away from Him. We are supposed to strengthen our relationship and love for Him more and more daily. If you allow something to come between you and Christ, it’s closer to Him than you are and it will steal your love for Him.

Sing: I love Him too much to fail Him now; Too much to break my vow. For I promised the Lord that I would make it somehow, and now I love Him too much to fail Him now.

Thought For Today: “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.” (John 15:9)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 6

 The Rider On The White Horse

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:11-16)

Today’s Morsel: Like the Gospel of John, John seems to have one point in mind with writing the Gospel of John, the epistles of John, and the book of Revelations, and that is to make Jesus Christ well known to his readers and followers. In his writings, you will notice that John stresses faith and eternal life often. John wants us to put our faith in Christ, and to believe Him for the things we have need of. In today’s scripture passages, you will notice that John writes from his vision of what he sees in heaven. Now, this is just one of the visions that he sees to help us gain an understanding of who we will see when we get there. He sees a man on a white horse. And he says that he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. First, he tells us, that the man’s name isn’t known to anyone but he himself. But then he tells us that the man’s name is called ‘The Word of God. Where have we heard this before? “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1;14).  Then John informs us that the one on the white horse he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. The apostle Paul informs Timothy, “I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” (1 Timothy 6:13-16) John again helps our understanding with whom he’s writing about with these words, “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” (Revelation 22:16) Don’t ever lose sight of who is on the white horse; as the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.” (Revelation 19:14)

Sing: I’ll be riding with Him, when he comes back again, on that white horse He’ll be riding, and I’ll be right behind Him; oh, I’ll be riding with Him, together we will ride like the wind, on that white horse he’ll be riding, just look for me, and I’ll be riding with him.

Thought For Today: “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:” (Ephesians 1:17)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 5

Miserable Comforters

“Then Job answered and said, I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all.” (Job 16:1-2)

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever had someone whom you thought was your friend try to tell you what you ought to do when it comes to your medical procedures and health. Here you are suffering and going through pain in your life, and instead of being a strong and reliable supporter of what you are dealing with, they keep dropping a ton of bricks on you. Well, this is how Job felt with his friends. Job is suffering and in great pain, and they are accusing him of sin. Instead of trying to bring comfort, they are adding more pain to his life. And so Job tells them that they are like physicians without any cure and are a bunch of miserable comforters. Really! When these types of people show up to your home, you just need to open the door and say, See later alligator. Satan, please take your bags and move out smartly. These kinds of people do not add anything profitable to your life, so why let them hang around. Jesus said, “Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.” (Matthew 18:8). Anything or anyone that causes you to sin and feel worse, you should get rid of it or them. Because for me, these types of people will make you want to reach out and touch somebody. And they are not worth me going to hell. So, I’m gonna send them packing on their way before they make me lose my crown in glory.  I want to keep those in my life that draw me closer to Jesus, not those that push me away from Him.

Sing: I command you Satan in the name of the Lord, to take up your weapons and flee, for God hath give me the authority to walk all over thee.

Thought For Today: You can’t fix stupid!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 4

 Storing Up The Word

“Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!” (Job 19:23-24)

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever wondered why there is always so much information revealed about folks whom we see as famous, or that are seen as great leaders? Well, in most cases it is because someone took notice of them and kept good notes and records of them when they were growing up. I’m sure most of them, such as a president, never thought that the things that they did in life would resurface about them. But, as Moses said, we live our lives as a tale that is told. Just think about the Bible for a moment. Someone kept good notes and a record of all the things that God did from creation to today so that we would have hope, as Paul said (Romans 15:4). Job said, “Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!” (Job 19:23-24) Job wanted his life story to be recorded and stored up so that they would be remembered for future use by others. Job knew that God would come through for him and that others would be inspired. And his word was recorded and stored. James even tells us, “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” (James 5:11) Paul said that we are epistles known and read of all men. Someday, should the Lord tarry, someone is going to read your life’s story. What will the pen have recorded of your life that will inspire others on in Christ?

Sing: Look what the Lord have done. Look what the Lord have done. He heal my body, He touched my mind, He saved me in the nick of time, oh, I’m going to praise His name, each day He’s just the same, I’m going to praise Him, I’m going to praise Him, look what the Lord have done.

Thought For Today: “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 2

 Someone Afar-Off Is Better Off Because Of You

“Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Philippians 4:15-20)

Today’s Morsel: When I was living on the island of Okinawa, my wife, daughter, and I, went to Hawaii to see our son who was stationed there. At church on Sunday, I had shared our testimony and the mission of the military church of Okinawa, after service an elderly brother from the Philippines came up to me to share his testimony. He told me that during World War II, some GI’s had come through his village and one of them had given him a small Bible, he had kept it and over the years once he learned English and could read it, he saw his need for salvation. And that now he had repented of his sins, was baptized in the name of Jesus, filled with the Holy Ghost, and he loved serving Jesus. Are you aware that it’s the small things you do that can make an impact on others? Just who is better off because you did some seemingly small thing for them?

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

Thought For Today: Don’t let the opportunity pass you by.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 August 1

There’s An Advocate

 “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2)

Today’s Morsel: Do you ever feel as though you are running out of help for your sin? Have you ever heard or seen someone just throw up their hands and say, “There just isn’t any help?” Why do you think so many seem to get to a point of helplessness and hopelessness? Do you feel as though you are drowning in sin? Do you feel like it’s coming in over your head? The apostle John lets us know that we have someone to help us. That someone is Jesus Christ.  John says that He is the atonement for the sins of the whole world. You don’t have to carry the sins you’ve committed around allowing, them to burden you and hinder you. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgives us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. As He states in the book of Isaiah, “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).

Sing: I came to Jesus weary worn and sad, He took my sins away, He took my sins away. And now on Him, I roll my every care, 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: Sin shall not have dominion over you.