Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 31

Running For The Prize

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” (1 Corinthians 9:24)

Today’s Morsel: I like watching the Olympic games. Especially the races. It’s amazing to me just how fast some human-beings are. Both men and woman. Someone said that some of them are so fast, that you could turn out the light in their bedrooms at night and that they would be in bed before the room got dark (humor). But one thing about these races, no matter how fast each of these people are, only one of them is going to win the prize. Paul was aware of the rule of running in a sport events, and so he uses this analogy to emphasis to us the importance of running this Christian race to win the prize that is set before us. The goal to win ought to be each of our desire and purpose. We ought not to be called Christians just for a title. But we ought to be living and serving to win the prize. There is a crown of life that awaits each of us, but we must run correctly and according to the rules to obtain our prize.

Sing: Lord, I’m running trying to make a hundred, ninety-nine and a half won’t do.  Lord, I’m running trying to make a hundred, ninety-nine and a half won’t do.   

Thought For Today: “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:17)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 30

Do You Understand The Mission?

“Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 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 16:14-20)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about warfare is that if you do not understand the mission, you are going to become frustrated, irritated, discouraged, angry, and upset. Soldiers don’t want to be sent anywhere without a purpose. Soldier’s like doing missions. That’s what they have been trained for.  And they want to know what it is, so they can prepare and be successful. They don’t like wasting their time without a reason or purpose. When Jesus told His disciples what the mission was after His resurrection, scripture says, “And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.” And in Acts 8, we read: “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city.” (Acts 8:4-8) And we read in Acts 16: “And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.” (Acts 16:9-10) The mission is to take the whole gospel to the whole world by the whole church, so that people can be made free. As General George S. Patton said, “Don’t tell soldiers how to do a job. Tell them what needs to be done and let them surprise you with their ingenuity.” And that even includes sharing the gospel. 

Sing: It shall be light in the evening time; the path to glory you will surely find through the water way; It is the light today, Baptized in Jesus name. Young and old, repent of all your sin, 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 this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:14)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 29

Where Does God’s Word Fall In Your Heart?

“And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” (Luke 8:4-15)

Today’s Morsel: When you hear the word of God, whether by listening to it preached or reading it, where does it fall in your heart? Are you able to apply it to your everyday living, or is it lost because other things are controlling your heart and mind? What was the last sermon that your pastor preached and what passage of scripture did he use for his text? If you can’t remember, something is blocking the word of God from your heart. Distractions by Satan, hardness of heart because of what others said, did, or mannerisms, or personal cares of life, may be hindering you from receiving God’s word. Let me encourage you, the next time you go to church, get there early, spend some time in prayer with Jesus, have a pen and paper ready to write down what the pastor or minister preaches; what scripture that they use and the title of their message. When they start, stand-up for the reading of the word, read along with them in your Bible, and even highlight it if you think it will aid you. Remember, what the Psalmist said, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalms 119:11)

Sing: Holy Spirit You are welcome here, come flood this place and fill the atmosphere, your glory God is what our hearts long for to be overcome by Your presence, Lord. 

Thought For Today: “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” (John 15:3)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 28

Is It True?

“Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?” (Daniel 3:14-15)

Today’s Morsel: One day my doorbell rang, and I went to the door to see who it was. It was a canvasser for a political figure. She asked me if I was a voter. I told her that I was. She asked me if I had made up my mind as to who I was going to vote for. I told her that I had not because I had not had the time to review or to listen to the candidates to see where they stood on issues. She saw that as an opportunity to try to convince me that her candidate would be the best choice. She began to tell me all the negative things about the other candidate. I listened to her for a moment, and then I stopped her. I asked her if I could ask her a question. She said sure. I said to her, Have you ever met the person whom you are telling me all these negative things about? She said, No I have not. I asked to her, Then how do you know that all these things you are saying against him are true? I went on to suggest to her that she shouldn’t speak evil of anyone whom she had not met. Letting her know that her integrity is on the line. 

When it was told King Nebuchadnezzar that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did not bow to his image, he asked is it true that you do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? He was saying, is what is being told me that you are doing true? He wanted to know for himself. This is how we ought to act in the church. We should not just assume that when we hear things about others that they are true. If we want to know the truth, we should ask them. Have you asked Jesus if it is true that He is God? You have not because you ask not. 

Sing: He’s the great I Am, the Everlasting Father, He’s the Prince of Peace, the Great Eternal Wonder, Holy Counselor, and Zion’s Righteous Governor, He’s the Great, He’s the Great I Am.

Thought For Today: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” (1 Timothy 3:16)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 26

Did You Forget Your Cross Today?

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things we must do is call to memory the reason for the cross. The faster the world spins and technology abounds, the loss for spiritual things will wane if we are not careful. Many today have no knowledge of the cross and its meaning. Every generation was supposed to share with the next generation the things that God had done for them so that it was not lost. But sad to say, that, too, is slipping by the wayside. The cross still makes a difference in our lives. Salvation was birthed at Calvary. So today, I want you to sing this old hymn and allow it to sink back into your heart, and maybe even start to sing it again in your churches so that the new generations can know the reason and its meaning. Let’s share the cross and its meaning today. 

Sing:

            1.  On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering                     and shame; And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best, For a                     world of lost sinners was slain. (Refrain)

Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross and exchange it someday for a crown.

2. Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me; For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above to bear it to dark Calvary. (Refrain)

3. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see, for ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me. (Refrain)

4. To the old, rugged cross I will ever be true; Its shame and reproach gladly bear; then He’ll call me someday to my home far away, where His glory forever I’ll share. (Refrain)

Thought For Today: “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” (Proverbs 9:9)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 25

Thank God For His Prayers

“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22:31-32)

Today’s Morsel: How do you feel when others tell you that they are praying for you? Do you thank them or do you just brush it off. I thank God daily for all those who pray for me. Paul told the church at Ephesus, “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;” (Ephesians 1:15-16) He told the church at Thessalonica, “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4) And to Philemon, “I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” (Philemon 1:4-6) How do you feel knowing that Jesus has prayed for you?  “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” (John 14:16-17) When Jesus prays for us, we can expect things to happen. Prayer is essential to our walk and faith in Christ. Jesus even told Peter that He had prayed for him that his faith would not fail. And it did not fail. This fishman kept the faith all the way to the end. Jesus has prayed for us. Let’s be faithful to the end as well.

Sing: Somebody’s praying for you, somebody’s praying for you; So when you feel you’re alone and your heart would break in two, remember, somebody’s praying for you.

Thought For Today: “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 24

Submission

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17)

Today’s Morsel: One of the first lessons that I learned in the army was that of submission. The military is all about submission to those over you and to authority. If you fail to submit, they have rules in place to adjust your attitude to where you do. When your unit’s First Sergeant posts the unit’s training schedule on the  bulletin board, he or she isn’t going to tell you to be at formation. They expect you to read it and submit yourself to what it says. If you don’t show up, you soon find out why you wish you had. Submission is like a submarine. The submarine goes under the water. With submission, you are coming under those over you for mission accomplishment. You may not agree with them or even like them, but your submission is so that the mission can get accomplished. Peter cautioned, “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5) Notice how he associates submission with humility. Having a spirit of humility is not seen in those who elevate themselves or who are disobedient to those over them. It is seen in the ones who submit themselves and who are subject to others.

Sing: For He is Lord, He is Lord, He has risen from the dead and He is Lord; Every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Thought For Today: “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 23

How Do You Treat Others?

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:7-10)

Today’s Morsel: I was reading an article a few months ago, and it said that many children want nothing to do with their parents when they become elderly. The report said that many siblings are divided because neither wants to help with their elderly parents’ care. As I read that report, I asked myself, do they not know that if the Lord tarries, they themselves will one day be elderly and that they will reap what they sow. No matter if they have all the finances in the world to place themselves in the best senior living facility ever, there will be those who will not care for them how they would like. We reap what we sow, even in our latter years. Paul said that as we have opportunity to do good, we ought to do good to all people, but especially to those who are of the household of faith. Christian’s ought to care for Christians. But sad to say, most churches do not care for each other. There ought to be follow-up, visits, cards sent expressing love, encouragement given, and words of edification. How do you treat others? 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 comes; There’s not foe that can defeat us when we’re walking side by side; As long as there is love we can stand.

Thought For Today: “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.” (1 Corinthians 13:2)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 22

Is Your Heart Troubled?

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

Today’s Morsel: How do you deal with a troubled heart? Throughout scripture, we are told to guard our heart with all diligence because out of it are the issues of life. You see, our actions and thoughts are influenced by what we hear, think, feel, and believe. This is why we are cautioned to be aware of what we let get inside of us. Troubles are not caused by someone else; they are caused by us. Others and things do not create our troubles, we do. When we don’t exercise discretion, wisdom, and understanding, we can create our own troubles. When we overspend or do things that go against God’s word it can cause us trouble and turn those troubles into anxiety and worry, which can lead to depression and excessive stress. So, you must guard your mind or else the enemy will take control of it and render you noneffective for the kingdom. Is your heart troubled? “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:” (Isaiah 26:3-4)

Sing: I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river in my soul. I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.

Thought For Today: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 21

Are You Connected To Jesus?

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” (John 15:1-7)

Today’s Morsel: Do you remember when computers first came out, and folks were taking them back saying that they would not work because they were not plugging them in? Most items aren’t going to work without a power source, and neither are we. What would you say are some of the reasons that folks are not connected to Jesus? Is it a lack of love for God and His word? Is it because people do not have love for the truth that they might be saved? Is it because the world is pulling and tugging at their hearts daily? Or is it because they are not fully persuaded that the Bible is real and that Jesus is coming back. There may be many reasons in a person’s heart that can dislodge them from Christ, but none like oneself. The onus to stay connected to Jesus lies in each of us to make it happen. We each must take the responsibility to remain in Him. Jesus tells us why it is important that we stay connected to Him. He said, For without Him, we can do nothing; and that we will be cast into hell. When we refuse to stay connected, we will not have a power source to keep us going. Like the branches that are dislodged from the vine they will die, so we are going to die if we are not connected to Jesus.

Sing: Lord, I can’t even walk without You holding my hand, the mountain’s too high and the valley’s too wide. Down on my knees, that’s where I learn to stand. Lord, I can’t even walk without You holding my hand.

Thought For Today: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James 2:26)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 19

Do You Know What You Ought To Do?

“There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.” (Acts 10:1-6)

Today’s Morsel: When we observe Paul’s conversion in Acts 9, when Paul meets Jesus on the road to Damascus, scripture says: “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 asked Jesus what He wanted him to do. And Jesus tells him to go to straight street, and it would be told him what he must do. And Ananias is sent to Paul to tell him what he must do. And scripture says: “And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.” (Acts 9:17-18)Now Cornelious was told to send to Joppa for Peter and that he would tell him what He ought to do. Scripture says: “And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.” (Acts 10:42-48) Both Paul and Cornelious needed to be born again of the water and the spirit. If you have never been born again, that is the first thing that you ought to do. And once you’ve done that, many opportunities from God will be opened to you.

Sing: Here I am Lord, here I am. I give all myself to you, here I am. Here I am Lord, here I am. Let your spirit, speak through me; Here I am.

Thought For Today: You must be born-again!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 18

Seize The Initiative

“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.” (Acts 8:4-13)

Today’s Morsel: The story is told of a man who was sitting at home one day, just chilling out when there was a knock on his door. The man was known for his rashness and bluntness each time he answered his door. And so this day was no exception. When he opened his door ,the man said to the stranger, Who are you? The man replied, I am opportunity. The man slams the door in his face and went back in the house and sat down. About 10 minutes later, he heard the knock on his door again, the man went back to the door and opened it and said to the stranger, Who are you? The stranger said, I am opportunity. The man said to the stranger, I thought you only knocked once, the stranger replied, Yeah, usually I do, but today is a slow day!

Opportunity may come your way only once and you must seize it, or it may never come your way again. We read in Luke 18, that there was a multitude following Jesus, but none of them seem to seize the opportunity that He was able to provide for them. But at the end of town, as He was exiting, a blind man cried out to Jesus to have mercy on him. This man seems to realize that he may never get another chance for Jesus to meet his need. And so, he called out. When Jesus stopped to see what he wanted, it confounded many. When Jesus asked the blind man what he wanted, the man said, Lord that I might receive my sight. And Jesus tells him to receive his sight as his faith had made him whole. This man seized upon the opportunity. When the spirit is moving in your church services, that might be a good time to seize upon what your needs are. The woman with issue of blood didn’t care what she had to do to reach Jesus. She just knew that she could not let the opportunity pass her by. Are you going to keep letting your opportunity pass you by?

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

Thought For Today: “And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.” (Acts 16:10)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 17

Do You Know What It Takes To Be Saved?

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:25-30)

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever had someone ask you what it takes for them to be saved? Sad to say, there are many Christian denominations in the world, and each one of them will tell you that their way is the way to be saved. I find that hard to believe when in most cases we read the same Bible, believe in the same Jesus, worship the same God, and say that we are all born again. If this is true, then why do we have so many ways of salvation? Isn’t Jesus Christ the same, yesterday, today, and forever? Did He not say, “For I am the LORD, I change not...” (Malachi 3:6); and “Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.” (Isaiah 43:10-12). So, as His witnesses, do you know what it takes to be saved? “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:37-41); “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) What do you tell folks it takes to be saved?  Let’s all stick with the Bible for our doctrine.

Sing: Born-again, there has been a change in me; Born-again just like Jesus said. Born-again and all because of Calvary. I’m so glad that I been born-again.

Thought For Today: “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:” (2 John 1:10)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 16

Speak Softly

“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

Today’s Morsel: Why is it that folks who think that they need to get their point across to others and to their children oftentimes feel a need to yell and scream? Shouldn’t a kind voice tone, especially for Christians, be able to get their point across. Do they want to yell and scream to incite fear? Or is this what they have learned from their parents, coaches, teachers, pastors, leaders, and mentors? Scripture tells us: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” (Proverbs 18:21) Sticks and stone do break bone and more importantly, words sure do hurt. In some cases, evil words, and yelling and screaming have caused much fear, depression, stress, hate, and anxiety in marriages, spouses, children, and employees, and relationships; some that will never recover from it without the help of God. A soft answer turns away anger. Kind words ought to produce for you the same end state that you want without having to scream and yell, or perhaps even a better end state. If it doesn’t keep doing it until it works. “Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.” (Psalms 34:13)

Sing: Say the name of Jesus, say the name so precious, no other name I know, that can calm your fears, and dry your tears; and wipe away your pain; When you do know what else to pray, when you can’t find the words to say, Just say the name of Jesus.

Thought For Today: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 15

God Is With Us

“Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.” (Psalms 138:6-7)

Today’s Morsel: A few days ago, I wrote that we cannot escape God. I don’t know why anyone would want to go away from a loving and caring God. Yet some folks do. But as Paul admonished the church at Galatia: “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3) From the time that God led the children of Israel out of bondage, God desired to be with them. He told Moses: “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering…And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” (Exodus 25:2,8). God wanted to be with them. For as long as the Ark of the Covenant was present, Israel knew that God was present with them, and so did their enemies. David said that even in the valley of the shadow of death he would fear no evil because he knew that God was with him. The psalmist states: Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. Keeping that in mind, do you remember what Paul said, if God be for us, who can be against us?

Sing: If God be for us, who can be against us. If God be for us, who can be against us. If God be for us, who can be against us, just have faith in the power of the Lord.

Thought For Today: “For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” (Isaiah 41:13)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 14

Do You Hear Wisdom When She Calls You?

“Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.” (Proverbs 8:1-11)

Today’s Morsel: As a kid living on the farm in North Carolina, I could easily recognize my mom’s voice from my dad’s. But no matter which one called, I knew that I needed to respond with a yes ma’am or yes sir. There was no, “yeah, or what” allowed in my family. Proper address was given, or you would suffer the consequence. When Samuel was a young boy, he heard a voice calling to him which he thought was Eli the prophet. But he soon learned how to response to the voice of God’s calling from the prophet. Eli told him to say, “Speak Lord for Thou servant heareth.” Paul informs us that Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God and the power of God. When Jesus calls, do you hear Him? Solomon says that wisdom cries at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. Can you discern the voice of wisdom from the voice of the enemy when he calls. Why do you need to heed the voice of wisdom? “For wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.” (Ecclesiastes 7:12); “Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.” (Ecclesiastes 7:19); “Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.” (Ecclesiastes 9:18); “If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.” (Ecclesiastes 10:10); “He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.” (Proverbs 19:8) There are more benefits for listening to the call of wisdom then listening to the voice and call of fools.

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 listening for my name. 

I’ll be somewhere listening, I’ll be somewhere listening, I’ll be somewhere listening for my name. I’ll be somewhere listening, I’ll be somewhere listening, I’ll be somewhere listening for my name. 

Thought For Today: “It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.” (Ecclesiastes 7:5)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 12

The Key to Right Living

“When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths: To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.” (Proverbs 2:10-17)

Today’s Morsel: Right living isn’t hard if you use the tools that God has prepared for us. As Christians, there are certain attributes and traits that ought to be visible in our lives. Things such as wisdom first and foremost, knowledge, understanding, and discretion. These things don’t just appear in you. They must be learned and taught. We can easily see how many lives that these things are missing from. There are folks that have been in church all their lives, and yet who have no clue why these things are important to them. Discretion is missing from many lives. When spiritual leaders do not understand that the pulpit is not for politics, but for preaching the gospel and bringing all races of people together for the unity and good for the kingdom, discretion is missing. When parents allow their teens to date and fornicate, discretion is missing. When credit cards are maxed out, discretion is missing. When Christians think that it’s okay to partake in the world and its ways and that it does not have an evil impact on them and their family’s life, discretion is missing. You say, how do you know that? Because I have been there and done that, because my life was without discretion.  But now I have learned it and teach it. Discretion is key to living and having a good and productive life, yet most people don’t consider it because the devil has camouflaged it from them and the church. Jails would be empty if people had discretion. There probably wouldn’t be teen pregnancy if children were taught discretion. Discretion is no more than having the ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes which could result in undesirable consequence. Discretion should be seen as a sister of wisdom. 

Sing: Jesus hold my hand, Lord, I need Thee every hour, through this pilgrim land, protect me by Thy saving power; Hear my feeble plea, oh Lord, look down on me. When I knell in prayer, Lord I hope to meet You there, precious Jesus hold my hand. 

Thought For Today: Always consider the consequence for your actions. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 11

Precious Thoughts

“How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.” (Psalms 139:17-18)

Today’s Morsel: Do you ever stop and think about how much God thinks about you? The Lord told Jeremiah to tell the people: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11) What do you think that God is thinking about you about? God knows what He desires to do in our life from before conception.  He was thinking about Jeremiah before he was even born. He told Him, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5) God had already thought about him being a prophet and the purpose before he was ever formed in his mother’s womb. WOW! The psalmist said that God’s thoughts toward him were so precious that he couldn’t even count them. That they were more than the sand. And because God is no respecter of persons, that means that those same thoughts that God thinks are towards us as well. I’m sure the early church prayed for God to take Paul out. But God knew what He thought about Paul. “And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.” (Acts 9:10-16) God already knew what He was going to do with Paul. I think maybe God said, if he has that much zeal, I think I can us him for the advancement of my kingdom. And Paul did just that. Don’t be too quick to throw in the towel and write others off, God already knows what He is going to do with them. When you prayed for them, His thoughts went towards them. And His thoughts are towards you, too. 

Sing: When I think of the goodness of Jesus, and all He has done for me, my soul cries out hallelujah, praise God for saving me.

Thought For Today: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 55:8)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 10

Don’t Lose Your Praise

“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land?” (Psalms 137:1-4)

Today’s Morsel: Trials, affliction, depression, anxiety, stress, despair, hurt, a lack of spiritual encouragement, feeling as though you are being beaten-up in every church service, being chastised and made to feel as though you are not given enough or being involved enough in church, and evil doctors reports, all can push you to the point of losing your praise. These things can push you to the point of giving up and throwing in the towel and walking away if we are not careful. Elijah found himself depressed and at the point of suicide when he was threatened by Jezebel. One minute he had a great church service with miracles, wonders, and signs, and the next minute his life is threatened, and he’s ready to call it quits. What happened? He lost focus. This can happen when we listen to and watch others instead of keeping our eyes on the Lord. Church isn’t about others; it’s about you and Jesus. You go to church for Jesus and yourself. Not others. If you focus on others and their mannerisms, you are probably going to lose your praise. So, don’t hang your harps on the willow, keep playing them for Him and let God take care of the rest.

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

Thought For Today: Praise is comely!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 9

The Blessings of The Lord

“O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children. Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.” (Psalms 115:10-15)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things that I have learned over the years serving and walking with God is that He will fulfill His promises, and bless you beyond measure, if you love Him and do what His word says. God is bound by His word, but only if we obey it and do what it says. The psalmist tells us that not only will God be our protector and bless us if we respect Him, and reverence Him, but that the LORD shall increase us more and more, and our children. Notice, it starts with me. If I trust God and do what He says, not only will I be blessed, but so will my children. God’s blessings are like a ripple effect. They just keep right on coming. 

Sing: My blessing in coming my way, it’s only a matter of time, until His purpose comes to pass, it’s only a matter of time. I’m waiting for my miracle, I’m waiting for my miracle, I’m waiting for my miracle, overtaken by a blessing.

Thought For Today: “Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.” (Psalms 128:1)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 8

You Can’t Escape God

“O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” (Psalms 139:1-10)

Today’s Morsel: You know, I have traveled around the world, and I can tell you that everywhere that I have gone, God has always been right there with me. Can you imagine how shocked David must have been when the Prophet Nathan told Him that God had sent him to him, and that God was aware of the sin that He had committed with Bathsheba? David, however, does give us a glimpse of how he felt in Psalms 51. This exposure of his sin was a wakeup call for David. He now understands that there is nothing hidden from God, nor is there any escaping of His presence. He states that God knew everything about him. He states that no matter where we go or what we do, God is aware of it. “Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.” (John 1:45-50) There is no escaping God. He knows where we are at all-times, and in all places. Even the King of Syria found out that God knew his intentions (see 2 Kings 6) As the Psalmist says: “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” Not only is God omniscience, He’s also omnipresence.  

Sing: Why should I feel discouraged, and why should the shadows come, and why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home? When Jesus is my portion, a constant friend is He, His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches over me.

Thought For Today: You cannot run from God so give up.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 7

Who Do You Trust?

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever. I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” (Psalms 118:1-8)

Today’s Morsel: Why is it that folks will trust man more than they do God? Is it because they cannot see God, but they can see man? Or is this the way they were brought up from childhood and they think that man has all the answers? The Psalmist states that it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. Man will oftentimes fail you. Solomon states, “Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.” (Proverbs 25:19) An unfaithful man can cause you much pain. Especially in times of trouble. We see from creation that man cannot be trusted. God gave Adam and Eve one tree to avoid, and they let God down. They proved that man is weak in times of temptation and cannot be relied on to do what they know that they ought to do or are told. They may have good intentions, but most of them will fail you sooner or later and let you down. But God will never forsake you nor let you down. May I suggest that you learn to put your trust in Him and not man. 

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 land or out on the stormy seas; For come what may from day to day, my Heavenly Father watches over, over, me.

Thought For Today: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 5

 Looking For Guidance

“For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.” (Psalms 5:4-8)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things that we see in scripture is that those whom God had chosen to lead His people, often sought Him for guidance to do just that. When God asked Solomon to ask what he wanted, Solomon prayed, “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?” (1 Kings 3:9) When Paul was chosen on the road to Damascus by Jesus he prayed, “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 9:6) There are two questions that Paul asked the Lord. Who art thou Lord, and what will thou have me to do? You can never lead correctly if you don’t know who Jesus is and what He wants you to do. We can make all the plans and program that we want, but if it is not His will, we are just wasting time and resources in our own thinking and actions. If we really want God to lead us and be with us, then we need to seek Him and obey Him when He speaks to us. “Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying, It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.” (1 Samuel 15:10-11) 

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

Thought For Today: “But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.” (Matthew 8:22)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 4

Freedom

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:31-36)

Today’s Morsel: Today, across America, the United States will celebrate its liberation from Great Britain. Called Independence Day, this annual celebration is held on July 4^th of each year. It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of the Independence by the Continental Congress on this day in 1776. The document announced the separation of the 13 original colonies from Great Britain. It was seen as a day of freedom. But many today are not free. Satan still has many bound and captive at his will. But Jesus said, that if we will continue in His word, we would know the truth and the truth would make us free. Freedom is available to everyone if they will obey the word of God and live it.

Sing: Once like a bird in prison I dwelt, no freedom from my sorrow I felt, but Jesus came and listened to me, and glory to God, He set me free. He set me free, yes, He set me free, He broke the bars of prison for me; I’m glory bound my Jesus to see, glory to God, He set me free.

Thought For Today: Repentance starts your freedom.