Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 30

Praying For The Church

“Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:1-11)

Today’s Morsel: How much of your daily prayer time is for the church? Yes, I know that you may pray for those in the church in which you attend, but how much time do you spend praying for the church? Yes, I know that we are the church, but how much time do you spend praying for the church? If we call our religious institutions the church, how much time do you spend praying for the church? If we invite folks to our church, how much time do you spend praying for the church? If folks are having house church, how much time do you spend praying for the church. Paul was one who wreaked havoc upon and against the church. But now, he has become an intercessor for the church. He told the church at Philippi: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”  In every prayer of his, Paul told them, that he was praying for them. He told the church at Thessalonica, to pray with ceasing and in everything give thanks for that was the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning them (1 Thessalonian 5:17-18). He told the church at Colossi: “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,” (Colossians 1:3) And he told the church at Ephesus that they should: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for him also, that utterance may be given unto him, that he may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which he was an ambassador in bonds: that therein he may speak boldly, as he ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:18-20, Emphasis mine) Prayer still works if we do it. 

Sing: Someone is praying for you. Someone is praying for you. So when you feel you’re alone, and your heart would break in two, remember someone is praying for you.

Thought For Today: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 29

No Kerosene

“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 25:1-13)

Today’s Morsel: One of my dear missionary friends was once telling me a story about his mission’s field of labor. He said that he had one of his national ministers -in-training ministering one Sunday morning to the congregation in that country. And that he had assigned him Matthew 25:1-13, for his text to develop his message. And then he said that as the minister began to minister the Word of God and to relate the story of the Ten virgins, to get his point across, because he knew that the congregation may not understand what he was talking about if he just said oil, he used the word kerosene. And so, he said to the people, that the foolish virgins took no kerosene with them, as that was what most people used in their lamps in the villages where they lived and they would understand what he was talking about. 

Jesus, in relating this parable, stated that all ten virgins received the same call and they each went forth. But five of them were wise and five were foolish. The five wise took extra oil and the foolish did not. While they waited, Jesus said they slumbered and slept. But when the call came to go meet the bridegroom, the foolish realized that they had no oil to light their lamps. And so, when they went to buy more, they missed the entrance with the bridegroom. This is an interesting parable. The only difference I find between the wise and foolish is the extra oil. I think that Jesus’ parable was more than just a story for the disciples, but it was a story against the religious leaders for failing to obey the law and ensuring that the people were following His word to be ready and keep them prepared for His coming. As the law of Moses stated to the priest: “And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always. In the tabernacle of the congregation without the vail, which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: it shall be a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.” (Exodus 27:20-21) We must never let the light go out in the temple. 

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: Always make sure that you got some kerosene.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 28

Spiritual Darkness

“The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.” (Luke 11:34-35)

Today’s Morsel: When God saves us, He brings us out of darkness into His marvelous light. God’s Word becomes a lamp unto our feet and light unto our pathway. Paul tells us that as new believers in Christ, when we are baptized in the name of Jesus, we are risen to walk in newness of life. He said that Christ died once, but in that He liveth, He liveth unto God, and that we ought to think and act the same way. Jesus said that the light of the body is the eye. Our eyes are what we use to see to gain understanding, and direction. Therefore, when our eyes are focused on truth, our entire body ought to be full of light because not only is God truth (John 14:6), but He is also light (1 John 1:5). Therefore, Jesus said, we must take heed to ensure that the light which is in us does not become darkness. We must not allow anyone or anything to pull Jesus from our lives.  Anytime someone rejects God’s word and His truths, they are allowing darkness to separate them from God. Paul cautions us to beware lest we allow any man to spoil us through philosophy and vain deceit after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of this world, and not after Christ (Colossian 2:8-9). He also calls for us to examine ourselves to ensure that we are in the faith. If we are not careful, it can be easy to become darkened and let the light go out in the temple. Ask Eli. The Lord told Cain: “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.” (Genesis 4:7) God said, listen Cain, if you do right, you’ll stay in the light, and you will be accepted.  But anytime you do wrong, sin is right there at your door, and ready to come in and put your light out (my wording). Therefore, we must be vigilant and diligent to ensure that our spiritual perception and actions are truly being aligned with God’s truth, rather than being blinded by error and darkness of man.

Sing: Open the eyes of my heart Lord, open the eyes of my heart, I want to see You, I want to see You. Open the eyes of my heart Lord, open the eyes of my heart, I want to see You, I want to see You. To see You high and lifted-up shining in the light of Your Glory, pour out Your power and love, as we sing holy, holy, holy; holy, holy, holy, I want to see You.

Thought For Today: “The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.” (Proverbs 4:19)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 26

Who and What Are You Glorying In?

“Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about pride is that it can fool you. Pride can make you think that you are someone or something that you are not. The root of pride is oftentimes found in prejudice, hate, narrow-mindedness, and narcissism. Solomon tells us that pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.  Paul calls for us to have the mind of Christ, who went about doing good unto all. If we live out the golden rule, we won’t have to worry about pride getting a foothold in our lives. When we allow pride to reside with and in us, we begin to glory in ourselves and in our abilities and not in God. The Lord tells Jeremiah: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” Notice, the Lord wants us to understand and know Him. That’s what we ought to be glorying in, that we know God. The highest degree you will ever earn or obtain is Truth. We don’t have to glory in what we know, what we have, nor who we are, when we know God, as those other things become secondary to Him.    

Sing: I’m gonna lift-up the name of Jesus, I’m going tell of my joy since He came.  I’m gonna tell of His power every day and every hour, I’m gonna lift-up that wonderful name.

Thought For Today: “… for men to search their own glory is not glory.” (Proverbs 25:27)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 25

Lively Stones

“For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth. The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.” (Isaiah 38:18-20)

Today’s Morsel: Praise must embody each of us who have been born-again of the water and the spirit. Praise must become a part of our daily lives and devotion to God. Peter states: “If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:3-5) What are these spiritual sacrifices. Well the writer of Hebrews tells us: “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15) David stated in his prayer of forgiveness when God exposed his sin with Bathsheba: “Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.” (Psalms 51:14-15) And again Peter informs us for the reason we were chosen: “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) Isaiah informs us that while we are alive, we must praise the Lord, because in the grave there is no praising of Him. If we are lively stones, then we ought to be always showing forth His praise.

Sing: Praise Him, praise Him, praise Him in the morning, praise Him in the noontime. Praise Him, praise Him, praise Him when the sun goes down.

Thought For Today: The dead don’t praise God.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 24

The Plumbline

“Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me; and, behold, he formed grasshoppers in the beginning of the shooting up of the latter growth; and, lo, it was the latter growth after the king's mowings. And it came to pass, that when they had made an end of eating the grass of the land, then I said, O Lord GOD, forgive, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small. The LORD repented for this: It shall not be, saith the LORD. Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me: and, behold, the Lord GOD called to contend by fire, and it devoured the great deep, and did eat up a part. Then said I, O Lord GOD, cease, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small. The LORD repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord GOD. Thus he shewed me: and, behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumbline, with a plumbline in his hand. And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more:” (Amos 7:1-8)

Today’s Morsel: A plumbline is often used for finding depths or determining the vertical on an uprightness of a surface.  But in the Bible, however, it can represent that we are not maintaining and living up to the righteous and holiness of God’s standard in our lives. It can represent waywardness. God expects us to walk uprightly and to do what is right based on the standard which He has already set in His word. Amos, who was not a prophet until God called him but was a shepherd, was shown a host of warnings by visions of Israel’s violation of His standard. He was shown grasshoppers eating up the crops. And then he is shown a wildfire consuming everything. In these two visions, each time Amos asked the Lord to forgive, God repented of the evil in which He was about to bring upon them. But then God stands upon the wall with a plumbline in His hand. “And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them anymore.” What I believe that God was saying to Amos is that when my people violate my standard, I will no longer forgive them for their wrong. Especially when they know what is right. He was no longer just going to allow them to keep doing wrong and expecting good to come from it. But as a righteous judge, He was going to judge right based on the standard and not what they may think. Jesus said: “Not everyone 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) God’s word is His standard and we must become a doer of it and not just a hearer of it, if we are going to live out God’s standard in our lives. Standards are not for your destruction. They are for your good!

Sing: If when you give the best of your service telling the world, that the Savior has come, be not dismayed, if friends don’t believe you, He’ll understand and say, “Well Done!”

Thought For Today: “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 23

Don’t Play With God

“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. And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods; For the LORD our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed: And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the LORD; for he is our God. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins. If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good. And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:14-21)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things that I have learned in my years of ministry is you cannot make people serve God. Even Paul tells us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). Yes, we want to see people saved, but you will find nowhere in scripture where Jesus nor His disciples ran and begged anyone to serve Him. The gospel was shared with folks and then they were asked to choose. If you try to force people to serve God, you are going to find yourself frustrated, and in some cases perhaps even depressed because of others rejection of you and the Truth. Jesus simply said: “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.” (Mark 16:15-16) Joshua told the children of Israel, “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.” And the people said that they would serve the Lord. And then Joshua informs them not to play with God, for if they forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then He will turn and do them hurt, and consume them, after that He hath done them good. People must make a choice as to who they are going to serve. The ball is in their court, and they can either return and serve or lose the game. 

Sing: I love Him too much to fail Him now, too much to break my vow. For I promised the Lord, that I would serve Him somehow, and now I love Him too much not to serve Him now. 

Thought For Today: Moses learned a hard lesson for his disobedience after he had done so much good. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 22

Where Does Your Help Come From?

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” (Psalms 121:1-8)

Today’s Morsel: If you ever read the story of Jesus’ visit to the home of Martha and Mary, Martha seems to get upset that her sister Mary is just hanging out with Jesus and not helping her with serving. She seems so upset that she even asks Jesus if He doesn’t care that Mary isn’t helping her? She even asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her. To which, “Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42) Do you ever feel as though you are the only one doing all the work? Do you feel as though you could use a little help. You know, God has put the people that we need to help us in place, but sometimes we don’t ask them to help us because we want things done a certain way. You aren’t the only one that knows how to skin a cat. Some folks may have a better idea how to do it. Especially if it’s a polecat (humor). The Psalmist states that he will lift-up his eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh his help. He said, my help cometh from the Lord. The psalmist continues by says: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalms 46:1) When we understand that without Christ, we can do nothing, then we need to understand that our help comes from Him, and we must seek Him for His help in time of need.  Paul told the church at Philippi that God would supply all their need according to his glory and riches by Christ Jesus. God will help you if you ask Him. David states: “The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; Send thee help from the sanctuary and strengthen thee out of Zion; Remember all thy offerings and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.” (Psalms 20:1-3) Notice, God will give you help right out of the church. Who do you look to for help in time of need? 

Sing: I lean on You Lord! I lean on You Lord! For the things that I need, I lean on You. When I don’t know, just what to do, I’ve got the faith You’re going to see me through; You supply my every need, and I lean on You.

Thought For Today: “Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.” (Psalms 94:17)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 21

 Do You Need A Tune-up?

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalms 139:23-24)

Today’s Morsel: If you know anything about your automobile, then you know that sooner or later you are going to need a tune-up in order for it to run correctly and preform the way that it should. Those sparkplugs, oil and filters, wiring, belts, hoses, wipers, and fluids are going to need to be changed out for new ones. Now, we can do it when it’s supposed to be done, or we can chance it, and watch it cost us twice as much when they break or quit working. Which some mechanics like for you to do, as they know that they can charge you what they want because you want your vehicle running again. And in most cases, you are willing to pay for it to get done.  David found himself needing a tune-up. And so, he prayed, asking that God would search him and know His heart, and test him and see if there was any wicked way in him. You see, according to Jeremiah, our hearts are so deceitful and wicked that we cannot know them.  Solomon even tells us that if we trust in our heart then we are fools. Yes, we are called to have prefect hearts, but for some unknown reasons, we do allow things to come into our minds that we ought not to. And when we do, we don’t run and operate the way that we should.  When is the last time you brought yourself to the Chief Mechanic (Jesus), and said to Him as David did: Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.

Sing: On my way home (0h on my way home), on my way home (oh, on my way home) on my way home (oh my way home), come on fix me Jesus, fix me, like You said You would.

 Thought For Today: “Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.” (Psalms 51:6)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 19

Unity

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” (Psalms 133:1-3)

Today’s Morsel: Who would you say is responsible for the unity in your home, on your job, and in your church? Well, we each are. Each of us, Paul said, must endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. Each of us has the responsibility to maintain and build unity. We each must not do anything to break unity with our loved ones, co-workers, and brothers and sisters in the Lord. One of the things that Satan hates is unity. God made Adam and Eve, brought them together through marriage and Satan immediately attacked it. When Adam and Eve began to create their family, Satan came in and brought death to destroy the unity of the family.  We see this all throughout scripture, that Satan do not want us to operate in unity of Christ’s body. This is why each of us must always be alert to his slyness, cunningness, and craftiness. Anytime you feel as though unity is being broken between you and someone else, you must be the bigger of the two and do everything in your power to restore unity. Jesus said that we must not even allow our anger to cause us to break unity.  “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.” (Matthew 5:21-26) You must be willing to seek reconciliation with others. That’s how important the unity of the body is to Christ. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Sing: Bind us together Lord, bind us together with cords, that cannot be broken. Bind us together Lord, bind us together Lord, bind us together with love. 

Thought For Today: Always remember that charity is the bond of perfectness. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 18

Gladness

“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.” (Psalms 92:1-5)

Today’s Morsel: What makes you glad? If you could put your finger on the number one thing that makes you glad, what would it be? The psalmist states that God has made him glad through His works. One of the things that I often thank God for is that He has allowed me to see so much of the beauty of His creation. No matter where I go or have gone, I can see the hand of God’s creation and the beauty of the things which He has created. If you have ever been to the Grand Canyon in Arizonia, or Niagara Falls in New York, or the Wildlife Safaris in Africa, or if you have climbed to the top of Mount Fuji in Japan, anyone one of  these may put you in a state of awe. There have been so many places that I have seen that have made my heart glad. I have walked where Jesus walked. I have prayed where Jesus prayed. I have touched the Sea of Galilee as Christ did. I have eaten fish out of these water as the apostles and Christ did. I have stood on Mount Carmel like Elijah. I have stood on the mountain of Nebo as Moses did. I have walked the lands of many of old. And you cannot convince me that there isn’t a God. My eyes have been open. I don’t think that there will be anyone in that last day who will be able to say to Christ, Lord, I didn’t know You. David said, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.” (Psalms 19:1-3) Everywhere upon this earth, there is evidence of God and His goodness. If you can get outside and just see the beauty of His creation, it will make you glad. Even if you simply look out a window, or open a window and hear a bird sing, you partake of the wonder of God.  The Lord told Isaiah: “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice forever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.” (Isaiah 65:17-18) There isn’t a need not to be glad. There is so much to be thankful and glad for.

Sing: This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord hath made, that the Lord hath made. I will rejoice, I will rejoice, and be glad in it, and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord hath made.

Thought For Today: “Let us be glad and rejoice and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.” (Revelation 19:7)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 17

Stop Complaining

“I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.” (Psalms 77:1-3)

Today’s Morsel: Have you noticed that there is a lot of complaining going on these days? But of course, this isn’t anything new. Complaining has been around ever since creation. But we must learn how to control and channel our complaining and the complaining of others to good. One day in the army, I was coming from my supply room, and one of my soldiers was sitting on the steps with another one of her friends complaining about nothing to do. They were not aware that I was standing behind them and hearing their complaining. For a soldier to be caught complaining, especially by their First Sergeant, was the wrong thing to do. But I seized upon the opportunity to help these two soldiers. The one, I sent to my office, and the other I sent to find her platoon sergeant to come see me. The one that I sent to my office, I put her in my office as my company clerk, and she became a wonderful supportive soldier and doing great things. She went on to become a great officer in the army, retiring as a Major. She became like a daughter to my wife and I, and even today she is still like our dear daughter and our kids still loves her because she would sometimes care for them.  The psalmist said that when he was troubled, he remembered God. But when he complained, his spirit was overwhelmed. Complaining will weigh you down. It will render you noneffective in what you ought to be, know, and do. The children of Israel complained so much that they could not believe God for anything. They kept complaining about having to eat manna, a lack of water, and never getting to the land they were promised. And then their complaining turned into wishing that they had died in Egypt. And so God gave them their wish, and they died in the wilderness. Listen, if you are going to complain, make sure it’s something that you or someone else can do something about. But if it is because of something that God is doing, then you may want to hold your peace.

Sing: Before every victory, there’s a battle to fight; before every sunrise, one must live through the night. Before the grave burst open, on that resurrection morn, there was a hill to be climbed and a cross to be borne.

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

Thought For Today: Hold your peace and let complaining go!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 16

When God Hears Your Cry

“I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me. In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” (Psalms 18:1-6)

Today’s Morsel: David found himself in many situations where he needed God’s help, protection, and strength. The ability to lead the people of Isreal was no small task for him. Trying to care for others while fighting to defeat his enemies, and the enemies of God’s people required him to have a relationship and steadfast faith in his God. David knew that God had come through for him in so many ways. David knew that he had went where others feared to go and did what others had fail to do. He asked nothing from those who gave nothing and was willing to accept eternal loneliness if he failed. He had seen the face of terror and felt the cold string of fear. He had cried, experienced pain, hoped, and had lived times in which others would say were best forgotten. David understood the goodness and kindness of God. He knew that he could trust in God no matter where he was. He knew that it was God who had chosen him and placed him as King of Israel. And so when he found himself in need he said: “In my distress I called upon the LORD and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” Who do you call upon in your times of distress?

Sing: Where do I go, when the storm of life is raging? Where do I run to, when there’s not foundation stable? Who do I talk to, when no one wants to listen? I go the Rock, I know He’s able I go to the Rock.

I go to the Rock of my salvation, I go to the Stone that the builders rejected; I run to the mountain and the mountain stands by me. When the earth all around me is sinking sand, on Christ the solid Rock I stand. When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to the Rock. 

Thought For Today: “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” (Psalms 50:15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 15

What’s That Behind You?

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” (Psalms 23:1-6)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things that I learned while in the army was to always know your surroundings. If you were to go into bar, night club, or restaurant, you should always know where the exits were. You should aways observe people in the place where you were, and if possible, always sit with your back to the wall. One of the safety features that are now displayed in vehicles is the backup cameras. This allows you to see what is behind you as many people, including children, and pets have been ran over because drivers were not aware of what was behind them. Some folks have even accumulated much damage to their vehicles because they did not consider what was behind them. David said that goodness and mercy would follow him all the days of his life. David knew that no matter where he would find himself, God’s lovingkindness and compassion and forgiveness would be right there. Knowing that Jesus would not leave nor forsake him, he found comfort in knowing that God was with him. When is the last time you stopped to consider what is behind you? It’s amazing how many Christians know when the devil is behind them and on their tracks, but they cannot discern when Jesus is there. Solomon admonishes us: “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 3:3-6). God will always be your rereward. He’s got your back; do you have His? What’s behind you?

Sing: The cross before me, the world behind me. The cross before me, the world behind me. The cross before me, the world behind me, no turning back, no turning back.

Thought For Today: The world ought to always be behind you, and the cross before you. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 14

 When Trouble Comes

“For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.” (Job 3:25-26)

Today’s Morsel: What are your thoughts when you see people’s homes lost due to tornadoes, fires, or hurricanes? What goes through your mind when you receive a call to pray for someone who was just rushed to the hospital because of a major accident? Or what do you think about when you hear that some elderly person’s bank account or credit has been hacked or stolen? These calls enlighten us to consider that sometimes bad things do happen to good people. The Bible says that Job was a perfect and upright man and one that feared God and avoided doing evil. Job was a praying man. Job is seen as one who helped others. Therefore, Job would have known what other’s troubles were, what they had to go through, and would have considered what he would do if he faced the same troubles and situations. He said, “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.” Job had anticipated what others had faced and gone through, and that it could someday come to him. And now it had come, and he didn’t know why. And so the only thing Job could do was keep his focus on God, His word, and wait for his change to come. The story of Job is a great story for our study and learning as sometimes bad things do happen to good people. Therefore, he shows us that we must build a strong relationship with Christ now, so that when these unexpected trials and troubles come, we too can stay focused on where our help comes from. As our help comes from the Lord.  We will make it through any situation if we keep our focus on Jesus.  

Sing: Have we trials and temptations? Is there troubles anywhere? We should never be discouraged, take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness, take it to the Lord in prayer. 

Thought For Today: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” (Psalms 34:19)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 12

Behold He Cometh

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.” (Zechariah 9:9)

Today’s Morsel:  This upcoming week marks the beginning of what is often referred to as Holy Week.  It began with Jesus fulfilling the prophecy by Zechariah by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, John said, when the people filling the streets with palm branches crying, Hosanna, blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest (John 12:12-16). Hosanna means “save us.” Some have questioned why did Jesus’ ride in on a donkey and not a horse. A person riding on a donkey meant peace, whereas a king on a horse represented war.  It was a display of humility. The prophet said that he would be lowly and riding upon an ass. Jesus had to display everything that was written about Him to fulfill His word. Zechariah said that He is just, having salvation, and lowly. Jesus Christ is fair and impartial towards all. He judges in righteousness, and He will judge everyone fairly when the time comes. He has salvation. 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)He is the only one that can save. And He is lowly. Jesus said: “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) The psalmist asked: “Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!” (Psalms 113:5-6)  Writing of Jesus Christ, Paul states: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11) Behold your King cometh. Are you ready to receive Him? 

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

Thought For Today: “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” (Revelation 1:7)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 11

God’s Hand, God’s Power, and God’s Word

“And Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month. Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them? And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not. And Moses went out, and told the people the words of the LORD, and gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people, and set them round about the tabernacle. And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.” (Numbers 11:21-25)

Today’s Morsel: Moses, a humble and caring man seemed to wonder how God would provide meat for six-hundred thousand footmen, plus women and children. Like so many, we think that God must operate on how we think and see things to work. But as God told Isaiah: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9) You would have thought that Moses would be at a point in his walk with God that he knew that nothing was impossible for God. He had seen God part the Red Sea. He had seen the ten plagues upon Egypt. And he had seen God fight for them. He had seen the manna each morning that God said would be there. So, what was his problem with not believing that God could provide meat for them? Was the complaining of the people causing him to doubt.  Was he starting to become weary of the journey? Why was he questioning God’s abilities? And so he wanted to know if God wanted him to start killing animals to give the people meat. To which God asked him does he think that His hand is short that He can’t provide and do what He says. Moses failed to realize that he was just the leader of the people, not their provider. When God tells us that He will do something, we just need to stand back and watch Him work. As He told Jehoshaphat, “And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.” (2 Chronicles 20:15) If we will not doubt, we, too, will see His mighty hand and His power bring to fruition His word in our lives. 

Sing: I lean on You, Lord, I lean on You, Lord, for the things that I need I lean on You. When I don’t know just what to do, I’ve got the faith You’re going to see me through. You supply my every need, and I lean on You.

Thought For Today:  “Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1-2)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 10

Salt

“As for the oblation of the firstfruits, ye shall offer them unto the LORD: but they shall not be burnt on the altar for a sweet savour. And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt.” (Leviticus 2:12-13)

Today’s Morsel: For years we have heard that salt is bad for you. I never gave into that false saying because I knew that God’s word had has always said: “Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves and have peace one with another.” (Mark 9:50). Jesus even says that we are the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). Salt changes things. It changes the taste of meats and other foods. It makes melons taste sweeter. It makes water that is nonpotable potable for drinking.  The Lord told Moses, “And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt.” Because we are to be salt in the earth, we must change things. Our lives ought to reflect true change. And we ought to be changers of our environment and surroundings. When we bring our offerings to Him, it ought to be offered with abundance of salt. As the salt represents our covenant with Him. And in keeping of that covenant, we should offer God our very best every time.  

Sing: Lord, I give you my heart, I give my soul, I live for You alone. Every breathe that I take, every moment I’m awake, Lord, have Your way in me.

Thought For Today: Salt without taste is worthless.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 9

When Evil Turns Into Good

“And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” (Genesis 50:18-20)

Today’s Morsel: What would you do if you knew that all the evil things that you are going through or have gone through that God meant it for the good of others. The life of Jospeh carries with it many examples of how God can turn evil into good. Jospeh had seen his mother Rachel die in the childbirth of his younger brother Benjamin. He had seen his sister raped, and his brothers commit murder. He had seen the grief and hurt on his father’s face. He had seen the hate of his brothers toward him. He knew what it felt like to be sold on an auction block as a slave. He had spent time in prison for the false accusation of rape against him. This would be enough evil to make any grown man cry. But for Jospeh, somewhere his development and love for God and the word of God stuck deep within his heart. Somewhere Jospeh had learned that character counted. And when it was all said and done, Jospeh realized that his evil was not of other’s doing, but God had allowed these things to happen in his life to preserve the life of an entire nation. By all accounts, David was happy with just being a shepherd boy and doing his father’s bidding. But like Joseph, he too, found himself being hated by his brother, sought to be killed by the king for jealousy, called names by his enemy, and saw his best friend killed in battle. But these things which he endured made him a deliver of God’s people, and a man after God’s own heart.  Evils can sometimes make us feel as though we have done wrong and that we are being punished by God for something that we have done. But as Jesus told His disciples when they asked Him who sinned that the man was made blind: “……. neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” (John 9:3) God always has a way of turning our evils into good. So don’t be too quick to become weary of them. Just wait and see what good God will bring out of them.

Sing: Temptations, hidden snares often take us unaware; and our hearts or made to bleed for each thoughtless word and deed. And we wonder why the test, when we try to do our best; we will understand it better by and by.

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

Thought For Today: “There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” (Psalms 91:10)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 8

Your Peace Shall Return

“And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made: And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth. Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground; But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark. And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark; And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth.” (Genesis 8:6-11)

Today’s Morsel: Certain branches of trees were used in olden time to express certain actions or gestures for victory, peace, and love. The palm branches were used to display victory or to honor a returning king from victory in battle. The myrtle tree branches have been used to symbolize love, beauty, and happiness.  The dove with the olive branch in his mouth has always been associated with peace. I often hear folks requesting prayer for peace. This often happens when they are suffering an illness, backslidden child or loved one, a trial or situation with a dominating boss or evil employees. I have yet to figure out how these things rob a person of their peace, but if they feel that it is missing and they ask me to pray for them for peace, then I will oblige and ask God on their behalf. But I want to encourage you today, if you feel that you have lost your peace and that you need peace, just rest in the Lord and it will return to you. Get your mind back on Jesus and your peace will return.  The same way that the dove returned to Noah in the ark to show him that the waters were abated, your peace will return to show you that your situation have abated as well. As Isaiah encourages us:  “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3) Your peace will return. Just stay is the old path and walk in the good way.

Sing: Peace, peace wonderful peace, coming down from the Father above, sweep over my spirit forever I pray, in fathomless billows of love.

Thought For Today: If you have the Holy Ghost, you still have peace.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 7

Walking With God

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

Today’s Morsel: Walking with God requires a lifetime of commitment. It requires you to do what you said that you would do no matter if others do it or not.  Walking with God is about love for what He has done for you. It’s about staying focused on where you are now headed as you cannot reach heaven without a consistent walk with God. It is amazing to me how that twelve men who were chosen by God as His disciples, committed themselves to Him and were willing to give their lives to Him and for Him in such a short period of time. I have listened and seen many who have committed themselves to Christ and are walking with Him. Scripture says that Enoch was sixty-five years old when he begat Methuselah. But then he walked with God for three hundred years afterwards. Three-hundred years of commitment. Three-hundred years of obedience to God and for God. And the writer of Hebrews tells us: “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 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 11:5-6)Enoch’s life reveals to us what it takes to walk with God. His life pleased God. Do you know how to make your life please God? The writer of Hebrews again shed some light on this topic: “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16) And Paul tells us: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)there’s just something about doing what is good that pleases God. 

Sing: I thought number one, would surely be me; I thought I could be whatever I wanted it to be. I thought I could build on life’s sinking sand, but I can’t even walk without You holding my hand. 

Lord, I can’t even walk without You holding my hand, you see the mountains too high and the valleys too wide. Down on my knees, that’s where I learn to stand, and I can’t even walk without You holding my hand.

Thought For Today: Commitment to excellence begins with one step toward God. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 5

When God Runs Out of Pleading

“And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.” (1 Samuel 16:1)

Today’s Morsel: Saul was chosen by God to lead His people, Israel. God had given him everything that he needed to be successful as the king of Israel. Scripture tells us: “Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house. And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.” (1 Samuel 10:25-26) God had given him the men he needed to succeed, but Saul allowed fear to get into his heart; and he started to do things his way and not God’s way, which led to his demise. Samuel had pleaded with Saul time and time again to obey God, but he kept rejecting what God said to do. And so, God’s pleading for him ran out. Every story in the Bible are examples for us. We must not allow ourselves to keep doing things our own way when God keeps showing us in His word the way in which He wants us to do things. He’s not going to keep pleading with us to obey. Somewhere in our walk with Him we must kill disobedience in our lives. Paul said that we must be ready to avenge all disobedience, in our lives, when our obedience is fulfilled. Whether you know it or not, you didn’t just get saved to live, but also to kill the disobediences in your life. Disobedience will rob you of all peace and contentment. It will put such a state of fear within your heart that you won’t know if you are coming or going like Saul. Saul didn’t have any need to fear. God was with him. But when he kept disobeying, fear gripped his heart. And it will yours, too. John enlightens us that: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18) Fear will torment you and keep you doing the wrong things. You can only become complete in Christ when you learn to obey Him.

Sing: When the host of Israel led by God, around the walls of Jericho softly trod; trusting in the Lord, they knew what God had said, by faith they saw the victory ahead. 

Victory ahead, victory ahead, through the blood of Jesus there’s victory ahead; trusting in the Lord, I will not fear nor dread, by faith I see the victory ahead. 

Thought For Today: Obedience starts with killing disobedience. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 4

Where Can We Find Hope?

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

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

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 April 3

What Are You Wearing?

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

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

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

Thought For Today: Dress for success!