Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 28

You Can’t Play Baseball Without A Home Plate

“And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first. And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.” (Genesis 28:10-22)

Today’s Morsel: If you know anything about baseball, then you know that for you to score a run, you must touch all the bases and cross home plate. Life is like a baseball game being played each day. We start out at home plate and there are certain bases that we must cross and pass to get home. From the time we are born again, we are face-to-face at the plate against Satan and his demonic forces. Usually, the first base we will encounter is temptation. Enticement, luring, traps, and sexual innuendos. I like to call it first base. The second base is sin. Wickedness, depravity, immorality, evil, and offense.  We will oftentimes face much sin throughout the course of our life. And the third base is tribulation. Pain, suffering, hardships, difficulties, and problems will be many. From the time Jacob left Bethel, home plate, the House of God, he was tempted, faced with sin, and suffered much tribulation until his death. But Jacob made it back to home plate and he crossed the plate and came home. And scripture says of him: “By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.” (Hebrews 11:21) What will scripture say about you?

Sing: Life is a ballgame being played each day. Life is a ballgame, and each and every one must play; Jesus is standing at the home plate, and He’s waiting for you there; life is a ballgame, but you’ve got to play it fair.

First base is temptation, second base is sin, third base is tribulation, if you pass it, you can make it on in; Jesus standing at the home plate, He’s waiting for you there; you know life is a ballgame, but you’ve got to play it fair.

Thought For Today: Don’t let Satan strike you out!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 27

I Forgot

“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. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-12)

Today’s Morsel: How many excuses have you heard from your children and others because of their slothfulness and unpreparedness? Why didn’t you take out the trash? I forgot. Why didn’t you turn in your school report? I forgot it was due today. Why didn’t you tell me that you had practice after school? I forgot. Why didn’t you tell me that you had to work late so that I did not make dinner? I forgot. Why didn’t you tell me that you were not going to be at church to teach your Sunday school class? I forgot. Does any of this sound familiar? We humans seem to find it easier to make an excuse than to do what is right. I guess the adage that says it is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission is true. Mark Twain said, “It’s easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled.” Why can’t we just be truthful. That is the requirement to enter heaven you know. Liars can’t enter there. Moses told the children of Israel that when they came into the Promised Land to not forget God who brought them out of bondage. But they forgot Him and started making excuses like others. Let me encourage you today, God will not be accepting any excuse for you not doing what His word says.  Nor is there going to be anyone getting by with the excuse that they did not know.  So don’t forget!

Sing: Sometimes I remember how I used to be living in sin. I tried to act happy and free, but I wasn’t within. I fooled a lot of friends of mine, they thought I had some peace of mind; but I never had a thing till open-up and let Jesus in. 

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

Thought For Today: “And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” (Hebrews 12:5-6)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 26

Strength

“And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.” (Isaiah 12:1-6)

Today’s Morsel: Sometimes I have folks ask me to pray for them to maintain and have strength. Is this a topic that should be taught to saints how to maintain strength in their daily lives? We have seen men and woman wearing T-shirts stating, “God’s Gym.” I guess they are saying they are working out with God.  When Nehemiah had completed construction of the wall in Jerusalem, he told the people: “Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) Notice, the joy of the Lord is your strength. Through your rejoicing and gladness, you obtain and retain strength. Paul told the church at Philippi: “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4) David states: “My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:” (Psalms 63:5) “Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.” (Psalms 63:7) “But the king shall rejoice in God...” (Psalms 63:11) Are you feeling as though you don’t have any strength? Isaiah said, Jehovah is my strength. Like Paul, with God in my life, when I am weak, then am I strong. Your strength, like your help, is in you. So, stir it up and get moving.

Sing: He gives strength to me, as I worship Him, as my heart is filled with praise. Jesus breaks the bands, when I raise my hands, He gives glorious victory. 

Thought For Today: “God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.” (2 Samuel 22:33)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 25

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

Today’s Morsel: How many times have you heard someone say, “No one is going to tell me what to do.” “I’m grown and I will do what I want to do?” Do you know that many of those people who made such comments and did things the way that they wanted to do them are in prison, dead, pregnant out of wedlock, or suffering some other fate because of their refusal to heed advice or godly counsel. Sure, you can do things your own way, but the Bible informs us that in the multitude of counselors there is safety (Proverbs 24:6) And that wisdom is too high for a fool (Proverbs 24:7). There isn’t anything wrong with doing it your way. Even General George Patton said,” Don’t tell someone how to do something. Tell them what needs to be done and let them surprise you with their ingenuity.” Yes, you can do it your way. But the best plans are those which have God’s backing and advice; and no one has to even know that He told you how to do it. 

Sing: And now, the end is near, and so I face the final curtain, my friend, I'll say it clear, I'll state my case, of which I'm certain. I've lived a life that's full, I traveled each and every highway; and more, much more than this, I did it my way

Regrets, I've had a few, but then again, too few to mention; I did what I had to do, and saw it through without exemption, I planned, each charted course, each careful step along the byway; and more, much more than this, I did it my way.

Thought For Today: Every decision has consequences that are either good or evil. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 24

Fiery Trials

“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. 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? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” (1 Peter 4:12-19)

Today’s Morsel: Some of the things you learn in warfare is that some battles are hot and long, while some others are long, but cold. What is the difference you may ask? Well, when you are in a fiery fight with the enemy, those bullets are hot, and the fight can be long. While on the other hand, when you are stressed, fatigued, confused, and perplexed about the home front and loved ones, the battle can be long and cold. But Peter stresses that we should not think any trial as strange when they come against us. Peter reaches back and reminds us of what Jesus had said. “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” (John 15:18-20) Jesus himself had been tempted by the devil for forty days in the wilderness. And He knew that we, His followers, would also be tempted by the tempter. Paul understood this, and so he informs us: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) Every one of us is tempted by the same things. So don’t think that what you are being tempted with and going through is unique only to you. You are not the first Bronco to ride and face this bull or wild stallion. Every one of us is going to have to get in the saddle. You can defeat him and win, but you must learn how to rejoice when you are in the saddle, or he will come against you again. Oh, and another thing, don’t allow the trials that you are going through be of your own doing.

Sing:  Trials 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, when all the saints of God are gathering home; We will tell the story of how we’ve overcome, we well understand it better by and by. 

Thought For Today: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” (James 1:2-3)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 22

Inseparable

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (Romans 8:35)

Today’s Morsel: Is there anything in your life that is closer to you than Jesus. Paul asks a very serious question here. And that is, who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  The church in Ephesus was chastised by God for leaving their first love. (Revelation 2:4) This church at some point had a strong relationship with Christ but now they had allowed something or someone to pull them away, and they are being called by Christ to repent and to return unto Him. I can assure you that you are not going to find anyone or anything that can compare to Christ in your life. Many people today are suffering with restlessness, stress, depression, fear, and despondency all because they have allowed someone or something to pull and separate them from the love of Christ. Jesus isn’t going to force you to love Him and accept His love. He gives it freely to whosoever will accept it. But if you allow someone or something to cause you to forgo it, you are the loser.

Sing: He knew me, yet He loved me, He who’s glory make the heavens shine. I’m so unworthy, of such mercy, yet when He was on the cross, I was on His mind. 

Thought For Today: “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.” (Romans 8:28)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 21

The Repairer of The Breach

“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” (Isaiah 58:8-12)

Today’s Morsel: A breach is an opening or a gap in a wall or fence. In warfare, this can allow the enemy to infiltrate into your perimeter and destroy you. In our lives, it can be an open door where we just allow anyone to come in and do whatever they want. We may allow them to come in and drink alcohol, smoke, sleep together when not being married, say whatever they want to say, watch whatever they want to watch, and speak evil against us as an adult. When these things are allowed, they are an indication that there is a breach in character and true salvation. The Lord told Ezekiel: “And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD.” (Ezekiel 22:30-31) Once we become born again, we must become repairers of the breach and not allow the enemy of the soul get a foothold into our homes, churches, and families. “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” (2 John 1:10-11)

Sing: “Hold the fort for I am coming,” Jesus’ signals still; Wave the answer back to heaven, “By Thy grace we will.”

Thought For Today: Are you standing in the gap?

2025 Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 20

How Much More Justification Do You Need?

“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. And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.” (Judges 6:11-17)

Today’s Morsel: Gideon knew that he was talking with an angel, but he could not believe it. Fear has a way of blinding our minds to what God is speaking and calling us to do. We hear folks all the time in the church saying that we need more miracles so that unbelievers will come to the church. But that isn’t going to persuade people if the people who are already there don’t believe it. Gideon is having a major conversation with the angel, but he doesn’t believe that God is calling him and that it is true. He puts out a fleece before God, but he still doesn’t believe it. He is sent to listen to what the enemy is saying about him, but he’s still not sure. He is told how many men to take with him and the strategic plan of how to select the men he will use to defeat his enemy. We don’t need a lot of justification when God speaks to us. We just need the faith like Paul when he met Jesus on the road to Damascus: “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 9:3-6) Paul did not question God. He received inspiration and revelation, and he did what he was told. If you have a Bible and have read it, then you need no more justification to do what God is asking you to do.

Sing: I command you Satan in the name of the Lord to pick up your weapons and flee; For God have given me authority to walk all over thee.

Thought For Today: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 19

Which Way Is Your Tent Pitched?

“And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him. And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD. And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.” (Genesis 12:7-9)

Today’s Morsel: When God called Abraham, scripture says that Abraham pitched his tent with Bethel (The House of God) on his west side, and Hai (heap of ruins) on the west side. Therefore, Abraham was heading south. On the other hand, scripture says of Lot, “Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.” (Genesis 13:12-13) Before we put down roots, we need to know what is before us because there are many temptations that can draw us into hells doorway. “And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar. And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of: Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father; And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” (Genesis 26:1-5). Let God tell you where to pitch and you will be blessed. 

Sing: In sin I wandered sore and sad with bleeding heart and aching head, till Jesus came and sweetly said, “I’ll take your sins away.”

Thank God for the blood! Thank God for the blood! Thank God for the blood that washes white as snow.

Thought For Today: “Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.” (Genesis 26:12)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 18

Give God Your Ear

“I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.” (Psalms 85:8)

Today’s Morsel: Are you receptive to spiritual things? When is the last time you’ve heard God’s voice speaking to you? You know, if we are not careful, we can allow many voices to speak into our lives and leave the most important voice, which is Christ’s, unnoticed. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28) Samuel had listened to the voice of Eli, the high priest, for so long that when God called him, he thought that it was Eli. But when he went to Eli, Eli told him that the next time he heard the voice, to say, “Speak Lord for thy servant heareth.” (1 Samuel 3:9). Are you able to discern when God speaks to you? Don’t just let anyone speak into your life. You need to know the voice of God, so that you will obey Him and live.

Sing: I’ll say yes, Lord, yes, to Your will and to Your way; I’ll say yes, Lord yes, I will trust You and obey. When Your Spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I’ll agree and my answer will be yes, Lord, yes.

Thought For Today: If we are not receptive to spiritual things, we will miss the voice of God every time.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 17

What Are You Chasing?

“He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.” (Proverbs 21:21)

Today’s Morsel: Some folks seem to be chasing after every new fad, new clothing, new phone, and even new vehicles. “Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.” (Psalms 14:4) They fail to realize that satisfaction and contentment is not found in things and people. It is only found in Christ. Notice what Solomon says that we find when we follow righteousness and mercy; we find life, righteousness, and honor. Jesus tells us that if we will follow Him, that we will not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12) He told Andrew and Peter, who were casting a net into the sea, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. So, what are you chasing? Believe me, sooner or later you will catch up to what you are following after. Just make sure that before you do catch up to it, that it was really what you wanted.

Sing: Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you, hallelu, hallelujah. 

Thought For Today: “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:” (Exodus 23:2)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 15

Times Up

“Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:14-15)

Today’s Morsel: Joshua, who was the leader that led the children of Israel into the Promised Land and led them in battle, was now preparing to transition from life himself. Like Moses, who challenged the people at his death before they passed over into the Promised Land by telling them not to ever forget God and what He had done for them; Joshua tells them to choose whom they would serve. You see, your pastor can keep telling you to not forget what God has done for you, but there must come a time in your life that you must choose who you are going to serve. You must make up your mind for yourself and start acting and living like you believe that God’s word is true, which it is, and that God will do what He says He will do, and He will, for you. Times up for someone to keep prodding you along little doggie. It’s time for you to get your act together and serve God on your own. As the writer of Hebrews says: “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil… “Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.” (Hebrews 5;12-14, 6:1-3) Times up.  Choose you this day.

Sing: When He call me, I will answer; when He call me, I will hear. When He call me, I will answer; I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord. I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord. I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord.

Thought For Today: “And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” (Hebrews 11:15-16)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 14

Love Never Fails

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-13)

Today’s Morsel: If someone were to ask you what your favorite love song is, what would it be? There have been many songs written about love. From country music, rock and roll, soul music, gospel music, to jazz music. When a heart is broken, people seek a song to sooth their emotions. Paul told the church at Corinth that love does not display attributes and actions that take away from God’s character. But true love displays his character in every situation and circumstance. And when that love isn’t displayed in the church the gifts of the spirit will cease because God’s love never fails. Today around the world millions will be spent on items to display love for others. But if you really want to show true love to others let Christ be magnified in your life.

Sing: I love you, I love you, I love you; What more can I say, but that I truly love you. And I will try to live my life, so that it says it to; I love you, I love; I truly love you.

Thought For Today: “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” (Colossians 3:14)

Happy Valentines Day!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 13

The Real Deal

“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” (Romans 12:9-10)

Today’s Morsel: When we speak of being the real deal, we are talking about a person or thing that is genuine, or a good example. It’s not a copy or imitation. It is not fake or untruthful. You are seen by others as being very good and have the qualities that others say that you have. Paul said that our love must be without dissimulation. In other words, it must not be filled with hypocrisy. It’s has got to be the real deal because it represents God to others and God is love. Paul begins his 12^th chapter of Romans by calling for separation from the world and for holiness. He touches on the importance of the body of Christ as being one, and how we must wait on our callings. But then he shifts to show what bring these things and the body together in the church and in a Christian’s life. And that is love. And that love must stand at the head of every church and every life and be recognizable as God’ love and love that is true and genuine. If our love isn’t the real deal, it will soon be seen. 

Sing: Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong. 

 Yes, Jesus loves me; Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me, for the Bible tells me so.  

Thought For Today: “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.” (1 Corinthians 13:8)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 12

The Proof of Discipleship

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:34-35)

Today’s Morsel: Lately around the church we hear a lot about go and make disciples. What does that look like for you? Just how do we make disciples? Jesus said that others would know that we are His disciples by the love we have for one another based on the display of the love He has shown us. The display of His discipleship is seen by how we relate and treat others based on Christ’s love in us. This may not be as easy as it seems, if we are not rooted and grounded in His love. It’s very hard to share with someone else what we do not have within us. The fruit must be in the seed and the seed must be in the fruit. I’m not saying that you cannot make disciples. But it will be somewhat challenging if we are not one ourselves.

Sing:  Make me and instrument, an instrument of worship, I lift up my hands in Thy name. All glory and honor, to Jesus forever, I lift up my hands in Thy name.

Thought For Today: “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…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 4:12,16) 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 11

Baptism

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” (Mark 16:15-20)

Today’s Morsel: Do you remember the day that you were baptized? How did you feel after that experience? I have heard people say that they felt so clean. Or that they had never experienced anything like that before in their life. I know for me, that is one moment I will never forget in my life. That experience changed my entire life. I have never felt anything like that before or since. I found peace, joy, gentleness, love, faith, kindness, self-control, humility, and love all in one dunk. And for the past 39 years, none of those things have departed from my life. They are new and refreshed every morning. Peter states: “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:” (1 Peter 3:21) and Paul relates it this way: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:3-4) Throughout the book of Acts, those who were baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost were all changed. You see, when we are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of our sins, we are putting on love, because God is love (Galatian 3:26-29). When you put on Jesus Christ in baptism, your life will be changed. Sprinkling doesn’t cut it. We must be buried with Him. And we do that in the waters of baptism. 

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

Thought For Today: “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 Feb 10

Manifested In Death

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16)

Today’s Morsel: During Memorial Day, I don’t think some folks seem to grasp its meaning and what it means for one to pay the ultimate sacrifice. Those who die while in the service, show their love by laying down their lives for others. John tells us that the way we can come to realize or understand God’s love is because He laid down His life for us. Jesus Christ gave His life so that we might be saved and live.  Scripture also tells us: “Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.” (John 13:1) Marriage vows often have this statement: “Do you promise to love, obey, and cherish until death do you part?” God’s love must be unchanging all the way until death. Jesus manifested His love to us when He cried from the cross, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) And when the thief on the cross said unto Jesus, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43) Even in His death He manifested His love. For He Himself had said: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

Sing: Loving God, loving each other, making music with my friends; loving God, loving each other, and the story never ends.

Thought For Today: “And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!” (John 11:34-36)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 8

Running In Vain

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” (Philippians 2:12-16)

Today’s Morsel: In Matthew chapter seven, Jesus makes this comment: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:21-23) Ponder on that for a moment and ask yourself this question, “Am I running in vain?” Am I serving God without truth? Am I saying one thing and doing another? Am I running empty and devoid of the truth? Jesus finishes his comment by telling us why he made the first comment: “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:24-27) If you are going to run in this Christian race, then you must do it based on truth. The word of God. As it is only by and through truth that we are made free and gain access into heaven to appear before Him.

Sing: I’m running for my life, I’m running for my life, I’m running for my life, I’m running for my life. If anybody asks you, what’s the matter with me, tell them, I’m saved, sanctified, Holy Ghost filled, and water baptized, I’ve got heaven on my mind, and I’m running for my life.

Thought For Today: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:14-15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 7

Trust

“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 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 3:1-6)

Today’s Morsel: How many times have you heard someone say, “I don’t trust him.” Or “I don’t trust her.” Or “I don’t trust them.”  One of the things that I have discovered is that most people, and even children, if they have been let down or abused, they will have a lot of trouble with trust. Solomon even tells us, “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” (Proverbs 18:19) In other words, when a person is wronged, it is almost impossible for reconciliation between the one offended and the offender. Trust is built through consistency and love. When we tell someone that we are going to do something, we must have strong follow-through each time. And if there is a reason that we cannot do what we say, we ought to immediately contact the person so they know that we cannot meet the obligation. Jesus has never let us down. Therefore, it ought to be easy for us to trust in Him. The enemy of your soul will try to get you to think that Jesus has let you down, but in the end, you will find that He did not. God is faithful. He cannot deny who He is. So put your trust in Him. He won’t leave you nor forsake you. And He will never fail you.

Sing: I trust in God, wherever I may be, upon the land, or 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, upon the mountain bleak, or out on the raging seas. For come what may, from day to day, my Heavenly Father watches over, over, me.

Thought For Today: “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.” (Psalms 56:11)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 6

Stop Complaining

“That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.” (Psalms 144:14)

Today’s Morsel: Complaining seems to be running off the charts. Everyone seems to be complaining about something. No one seems to be happy and content anymore. Folks complain that they must get up and go to work for the very job that they applied for. They complain about their spouse and children that they wanted. They complain about the seat on the airplane being to small, even though they knew the size when they purchased their ticket. They complain about the traffic, the potholes in the road, and fast speeders. They complain about the restaurant food. I guess David’s prayer failed because there sure is a lot of complaining in our streets. Even the children of Israel complained all the way from deliverance to the Promised Land. they complained so much that it made God so angry that He overthrew them in the wilderness.  Complaining does not edify us nor anyone else. As a matter of fact, scripture tells us that when we complain we become overwhelmed. The manna and quail that God gave to Israel in the wilderness was not a blessing. It was to appease their complaining. If we are not careful, we may think that God is blessing us, when, He really may just be appeasing our complaining because He doesn’t want to zap us for doing it. So be careful what you are complaining about. God just might give it to you and it may cause you sickness as the quail did Israel. 

Sing: You know the Lord’s been good, He’s really been good, He’s been so good to me, I just can’t let Him down, I can’t let Him down; He’s been so good to me.

Thought For Today: “I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.” (Psalms 77:3)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 5

Abounding In Love

“Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13)

Today’s Morsel: I’ve been watching this commercial by sports players and coaches calling for a time out. And their reason is, they say, is that hate is winning. They are calling for everyone to take a time out on hate. We can’t allow hate to win. And Jesus doesn’t expect us to let it win either.  We must change out game plans and strategy to end hate. The apostle Paul gives us the answer as to h0w to combat hate. And that is to let our love abound. Our love must excel, increase, and become so much better than hate or everything else. Our love ought to be overflowing in each of our lives so that it will crush hate, and cause others to see Christ in us the hope of glory.  Do you need to call a time out on hate?

Sing: I want to live above the world, though Satan’s darts at me are hurled; For faith has caught the joyful sound, The sound of saints on higher ground. Lord, lift me up, and let me stand, by faith on heaven’s table land, A higher plane than I have found. Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

Thought For Today: “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:” (1 Thessalonians 3:12)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 4

Love Is the Standard

“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

Today’s Morsel: When I first came into the church, many were arguing and fighting over what they called standards. Some even left the church because they said that they disagreed with the standards. I wanted to ask them if they were going to leave their jobs as they had standards to be met there, too. No matter how much you tried to show them in scripture that what they were calling standards, were just articles of faith to enhance their spiritual walk, they had allowed the enemy of their soul and others to poison their mind to see them as standards which they could not obtain to, and which they did not want to try to obtain. But you will never obtain or reach the end state of anything without consistency. 

When I was in the military, we had standards that we were required to meet and maintain. There were certain standards you had to meet to pass your physical fitness test. There were certain standards for your unit to prove its combat readiness. So, is there a problem with a church having standards? I don’t think so. Jesus set the basic standard for His church and that standard is love. “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4:7-12) You will never reach peace and contentment in your life until you first meet His standard of love. And that is to be complete in Him. Are you striving to get there?

Sing: I’m pressing on the upward way; new heights I’m gaining every day. Still praying as I’m onward bound, “Lord plant my feet on higher ground.”

Lord, lift me up, and let me stand, by faith on heaven’s table land. A higher plane than I have found, Lord plant my feet on higher ground.

Thought For Today: “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” (Proverbs 10:12)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 3

Unselfishness

“But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:34-40)

Today’s Morsel: Love has a way of stopping others in their tracks. The Pharisees and Sadducees not only had a problem with Jesus’ doctrine and teachings, but they also had a bigger problem with His actions. They could not believe that a Jewish Rabbi would even dare to get close to sinners. But Jesus simply tried to show them that it is not the righteous that needed healing and deliverance, it was the sick. Jesus was trying to show them that love always puts others and the mission before one’s own self. Jesus was trying to show them that love cannot be selfish. It cannot be a me first mentality. It must always be an unselfish mentality. Especially among leaders and those who have been chosen to lead. Leaders must always be moved with compassion. Both for others and also for themselves. When Jesus was questioned by the lawyer which was the greatest commandment, I don’t think the lawyer was expecting the answer that he received. Nor do I think he was expecting the question that was imposed to him by Jesus.  Love has a way of putting you on the spot. Especially when it comes to disagreements among others. Especially in the church. Somebody is going to have to get down off their high horse to prove that they belong to Him. 

Sing: I want to live the way He wants me to live. I want to give until there’s just no more to give. I want to love, love till there’s just no more love.  I could never, never out love the Lord.

Thought For Today: Selfishness is just a life filled with pride.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 February 1

Impartiality

“And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good? Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD'S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is. Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day. Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked. For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 10:12-19)

Today’s Morsel: I want to begin this morsel with a question? If scripture tells us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves, the question is, how much do you love God and yourself? One of the lessons that Moses told the children of Israel was that when they came into the Promise Land, they were to love the stranger because they were once strangers in the land of Egypt. Folks from a different country may be seen by you as foreigners or strangers because they speak a different language. But the same could be said if you were to visit their country. James informs us that God is no respecter of persons (James 2:1-13). Therefore, as his servants, we must not be impartial when it comes to loving others. We must learn to love others the same way that Jesus Christ loved us. But for that to happen, we must learn to love Christ and ourselves first. Always remember, you reap what you sow. 

Sing: You’re my brother, you’re my sister, so take me by the hand, together we will work until He come. There’s no foe that can defeat us, when we’re walking side by side, for as long as there is love, we can stand.

Thought For Today: “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” (Philippians 2:1-2)