Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 September 24

Do Not Allow Your Emotions and Feelings to Fool You

“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” Proverbs 28:26 

Today’s Morsel: One of the essentials of understanding life is to know your emotions and feelings. If they are not controlled, they can cause you to make wrong choices and decisions. Your feelings and emotions are attached to your fleshly wants and desires. And we know that the flesh is never satisfied. It is always wanting more. We must keep it under control. We cannot lean unto our own understanding. As Jeremiah states: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9  Your thoughts are subject to deception and lies. This is why before you make choices and decisions you need to filter them through the Word of God, as choices and decisions have consequences. And some of those consequences can have lasting effects on your health and life. How many times in your life, after you have done something, do you say to yourself, “Why did I do that?” It is because you allowed your emotions and feelings to deceive you. The mind is deceitful. It can lead you astray with false promises and desires. Therefore, you should not trust it. You must put your trust in God who alone is able to understand your heart and who alone can give you directions and guidance for the things you face and desire.

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

Thought For Today: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” Luke 6:45 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 September 23

A Good Soldier

Thou, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” 2 Timothy 2:1-4 

Today’s Morsel: Fifty-Six years ago, while sitting at home trying to decide what I was going to do with my life, while watching the idiot box (TV), an army commercial came on. It said: “If you are good enough to get in, you’ll travel far and wide; if you are good enough to get in, you’ll serve your country well. Oh, the future can be yours in the new action army, if you think you are good enough to get on the team, then a brighter future can be yours.”  And so the next day I went to my local recruiting station and enlisted in the US Army. The army turned me into a lean, mean, fighting machine. They kept their promise. I was good enough to get in, I travelled far and wide, I served my country well, and my future, since hanging up my boots after 28-plus years in uniform, has been nothing but bright and rewarding. I met my beautiful wife while serving in the military  I received salvation while serving in the military. I received my calling into ministry while serving in the military. And I have labored to see other men and women in the military receive salvation and their call into ministry in the military. I have seen soldiers from other nations around the globe receive salvation and the Holy Ghost, because we could relate to each other because of our military experience. The military is not for everyone. But it was for me, and I thank God that He made a way for me. Not only for me to serve my country, but also to take those same training experiences and use them for His Glory and His kingdom. The best soldiers are those who not only serve their country, but those who take those training experiences and apply them to God’s kingdom.

Sing: Well, I’m a soldier, in God’s army, I am marching, claiming victory. I will not give up, I will not turn around. I’m a soldier, marching heaven bound.

Thought For Today: “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” 2 Timothy 2:4 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 September 22

Do Not Forget To Bless The Lord

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalms 103:1-5 

Today’s Morsel: To bless the Lord, is to worship Him. To acknowledge Him for who He is. To come before His presence with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Jesus is worthy of all our glory, honor, and praise. There is none like Him, and there will never be any after Him, there never was nor will there ever be another like Him. He is great, glorious, victorious, and all powerful. He is the One which was and is and is to come. The Almighty! He is the One who awakens you daily. He is the only one that can forgive us of all wrongs, errors, and mistakes. He is the One who opens His hand and we are filled. He is the One who calls us friends, sons, and daughters, and makes a way when there seems to be no way. He is the only wise King. He is the Lord. He is the only One that can satisfy your soul. So, as you rise in the morning, before your feet hit the floor, give Him glory, give Him Honor, give Him praise. Don’t forget to bless His name. “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me:and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.” Psalms 50:23 Praise can work wonders in your life.

Sing: For Thou art great and doest wondrous things, Thou art God alone, teach me Thy way O’ Lord. I will walk in Thy truth, unite my heart to fear Thy name. I will praise Thee O’ Lord, my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Thy name forever more.

Thought For Today: Let everything that hath breathe praise the Lord.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 September 20

One God

“But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” (1 Corinthians 8:6)

Today’s Morsel: One of the major divisions in Christendom is the oneness versus the trinity. Is there just one God, or is there a multiplicity of gods? Is Jesus God, or is He the second person in the Godhead? Does the doctrine of the trinity, which says that Jesus Christ and God are co-equal, co-existent, and co-eternal, true, or is the scripture which says that Jesus is God true? Well, we can sit and debate doctrine all day long, but what does the scriptures say? The Lord, speaking through the prophet Isaiah, states: “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) If we are His witnesses then we had better be right, as we will all be held accountable for what we preach and teach.  “One shall say, I am the LORD'S; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel. Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.” (Isaiah 44:5-8) If God doesn’t know any other God, then neither ought we.  “Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45:21-22). The apostle Paul also helps us with the answer to these questions when he said, “But to us there is but one God the father.”  Jesus said: “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.” (John 13:13). When they asked Peter by what power and by what name had he made the lame man whole, he stated:“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:8-12) There is no other name by which we are saved. The name of Jesus. Paul states in his writings: “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). He continues, “For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” (Romans 3:3-4) How many Gods do you say that there are? You need to settle this issue in your own heart.  And your answer should be settled based on the Word of God.

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 we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 September 19

Pray Before You Answer

“And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence. Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid, And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.” (Nehemiah 2:1-4)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things we must learn to do, when there is a major decision in our lives, is to seek God for His wisdom and direction before we decide to take matters into our own hands. When David and his men returned to Zitlag, and their homes were destroyed and families were taken, scripture said, “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David. And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all… And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives. And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any thing that they had taken to them: David recovered all.” (1 Samuel 30:6-8; 18-19) He sought God first.  When Nehemiah had received word that the wall of the city of Jerusalem was destroyed, he wept because he understood what had happen unto his people. When the King noticed that his countenance had fallen, he asked Nehemiah as to the reason for his sadness and what was his request. Instead of giving the king an immediate answer, Nehemiah prayed and sought God for what he should say. And when he approached the king, the king gave him his request. Anytime you must make a major decision, you should always seek God first. Give God time to work on your behalf and you will much more likely to have what you need to be successful in what you are wanting or needing to do. God will never fail you.   

Sing: Hear my cry O’ God attend unto my prayer, from the ends of the earth will I cry unto Thee, and when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I, so much higher than I.

Thought For Today: “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 3:5-6)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 September 18

Could You Use A little Wisdom?

“Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?” (Job 38:36)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things that David stated about God was: “Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.” (Psalms 51:6) The Lord asked Job, Who has put wisdom in the inward parts? Or who has given understanding to the heart? The verse highlights that true wisdom and understanding comes only from God. Not from human intellect or experience. We can’t simply acquire wisdom on our own. We need the help of God. For as Jesus said, without me you can do nothing. True wisdom and understanding proceeds from God. Solomon says: “When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:” (Proverbs 2:10-11) When we embrace the wisdom and knowledge of God and His Word, we will be better equipped to make sound and wise decisions and hopefully avoid evil and negative consequence, as discretion and understanding will act as our safeguards.

Sing: Deeper, deeper, in the love of Jesus, daily let me go; higher, higher, in the school of wisdom, more of grace to know.

O’ deeper yet, I pray, and higher every day, and wiser blessed Lord, in Thy precious holy word. 

Thought For Today: “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” (Job 28:28)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 September 17

God Is Our Strength

“Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.” (Psalms 28:6-8)

Today’s Morsel: Like faith, our strength is built and made stronger by the things we do. One of the ways the military helped to strengthen our bodies was with push-ups. For every minor infraction or mistake, they made us do push-up, sit-ups, horizontal bars, and the dying cockroach. And for the 12 weeks that we were in basic training, anytime that we were in the company area, or moving throughout the company area, we had better be running. The only time you were allowed to walk was when you were being marched in formation. But if you were solo, you had better be running or your body would be strengthened to help you remember. The psalmist prayed that the Lord would give him His strength. “O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.” (Psalms 86:16) He continues by stating that the Lord was his strength and shield. Do you pray for God to give you, His strength? When we pray for the Holy Ghost, we are asking God to give us, as well as others, His strength. Paul said, “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.” (1 Thessalonians 1:5).God wants you to have His strength and His shield. The shield of faith and the Sword of the Spirit will render you effective and strengthened in all situations. 

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

Thought For Today: “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 September 16

Don’t Reject Jesus

“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” (Hebrews 2:1-4)

Today’s Morsel: Many people are suffering today because they have rejected Jesus. Many of them started their lives serving and living for God and doing great things in their lives, but somewhere along the way they allowed others and the temptations of the world to entice and lure them into the world and its ways. And now they are entangled with foolishness and the cares of this life. There have been many people that I have tried to witness to and share the gospel with who have rejected it. I have talked with men and women who are incarcerated that grew up in the church who rejected the gospel. I have seen young girls pregnant out of wedlock, all because they rejected Jesus and His Word for what they thought was fun and excitement. And now, they must live with their decision. Not being critical here, but when we reject Christ and His Word, we need to understand the consequences and how the world’s system works. You may be thinking how does it work? Well Jesus tells us: “And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.” (Luke 10:30) The world will leave you half dead or it will kill you.  Then He said, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy...” (John 10:10). John says:“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (1 John 2:15-16).The world and its system are out to destroy you. If we neglect so great a salvation as Jesus Christ, the writer tells us that we cannot escape damnation. Let me encourage you, you are not going to find anything in the world that will ever compare or even come close to what Jesus can do for you.  His love is the greatest gift you will ever receive.  

Sing: Hold to God’s unchanging hand. Hold to God’s unchanging hand. Build your hope on things eternal. Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 September 15

What If Jesus Had Not Died?

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

Today’s Morsel: If Jesus had not died for your sins, where would you be today. If He had not paid the debt for our sins, where would we be. I often find myself asking myself why would Jesus die for folks whom He knew would betray Him and not serve Him? We know now as believers why He did certain things, because we have the Bible to read to enlighten us, but what if we didn’t have the Bible. What if we didn’t have the witnesses of the disciples and apostles telling us of the reason why He died for us. Would you still be thankful? Would you still share the truth of the gospel? Paul said, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8) Christ died for us. The whole world. One act of love now covers a multitude of sin. As the writer of Hebrews enlightens us, “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22). If Jesus had not died, we would still be living in our trespasses and sin and on our way to an eternal hell. But thank God for Calvary.

Sing: I’m not on an ego trip; I am nothing on my own. I make mistakes and I often slip, just common flesh and bone. But I’ll prove someday, just what I say, that I’m of a special kind; yet when He was on the cross, I was on His mind.

He knew me, and yet He loved me, He whose glory makes the heavens shine. I’m so unworthy, of such mercy, and yet when He was on the cross, you and I were on His mind.

Thought For Today: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 September 13

Don’t Harden Your Heart

“Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” (Hebrews 3:7-19)

Today’s Morsel: The writer of Hebrews enlightens us as to why the children of Isarel could not enter the promised land. He said it was because of their unbelief. I find it interesting that God calls the Promised Land, the land of rest. But they couldn’t enter their rest because of unbelief. And the writer of Hebrews cautions us to be aware that if we allow that spirit of unbelief to get into our hearts, then we too can miss out on the rest. Paul cautions the church at Rome: “For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” (Romans 3:3-4) He said that we should not allow other’s unbelief to prevent us from receiving the promise. Are you restless? Do you have trouble finding your rest? Then let me ask you a question:  How’s your belief in God and His word? Isaiah informs us: “For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.” (Isaiah 28:11-12) The Holy Ghost is the rest. As Jesus said, man was not made for the sabbath, but sabbath for man. Man was not made for the Holy Ghost, but the Holy Ghost for man.  The Holy Ghost will give you sweet rest. 

Sing: I’ve got the Holy Ghost down in my soul, just like the Bible said.  I’ve got the Holy Ghost down in my soul, just like the Bible said. Well, I’ve been to the water and I’ve been baptized in Jesus’ name, my soul got happy, and I’m so satisfied. I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now; just like the Bible, just like the Bible said, just like the Bible said.

Thought For Today: “Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.” (Psalms 95:10-11)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 September 12

Faithfulness

“And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD: Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:18-26)

Today’s Morsel: The root word for the word faithfulness is the word faith. According to the writer of Hebrews 11:1, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. In other words, faith is the source. It is the foundation upon which all our beliefs and hopes are founded upon. So, why does God require us to be faithful? But before you answer that question, what must we be faithful to? First and foremost, we ought to be faithful to God. Then we ought to be faithful to our neighbor, to our employer, our church, our leaders over us, our family and loved ones, and any vows that we may make. Because we are God’s children and God is faithful, that same trait ought to be in us as faith came with the Holy Ghost. Listen to Paul for a moment: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2) Are you faithful? God has entrusted us with His word, His goods, and His finances to advance His kingdom. Are you using it for what He’s given it to you for? Faithfulness is just a by-product of the character trait trustworthy. Can Jesus trust you? Can you trust yourself?  Be faithful to Jesus.

Sing: He’s been faithful, faithful, to me, looking back, His love and mercy I see.  In my heart, I have questioned, even failed to believe, yet He’s been faithful, faithful to me. 

Thought For Today: Be Thou Faithful unto Death and God will give you a crown of life.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 September 11

Behavior

“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13)

Today’s Morsel: Jesus said that wisdom is known of her children (my wording, Luke 7:35). In other words, true wisdom is revealed by those who embrace it. Those who embrace wisdom will display it in their lives. As the manifestation of wisdom is seen in one’s behavior. James asked the question, “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?” His question sets the stage for what true wisdom is. He says that if one has wisdom, then it ought to be seen in their behavior and actions. He said that wisdom and behavior ought to be like peanut butter and jelly, or like a Moon Pie and RC Cola. Some things just go together. Your actions should reflect wisdom not just knowledge only. Remember, wisdom is just knowledge and understanding personified.

Sing: I’ve got Jesus on the inside, working on the outside, O’ what a change in my life. I’ve got Jesus on the inside, working on the outside, O’ what a change in my life. I’ve got Jesus on the inside, working on the outside, O’ what a change in my life, O’ what a change, in my life.

Thought For Today: “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 September 10

Are You Deceiving You?

“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (James 1:21-25)

Today’s Morsel: One of the greatest deceptions is self-deception. Folks are deceiving themselves daily into thinking that body piercing, tattooing their body, fornication, watching all the programs with sexual innuendoes, and listening to all the vulgar and vile language on radio, television, and social media will not have a negative impact on their well-being and health. These things go against the Word of God. The enemy of your soul will do everything in his power to lure you away from God’s Word. More than anything else, Satan is using psychological warfare to meet his goal in the lives of many today. Psychological warfare is just as real and as dangerous as physical warfare. In some cases, it’s even more lethal and damaging with longer illness and without cure. Psychological warfare plays on the mind. Causing restless nights and confused thinking. Psychological warfare can lead to obesity, drug and alcohol abuse, unkemptness, pain, and a sense of loneliness, hurt, and unforgiveness in oneself. Psychological warfare can cause suicidal thoughts and actions if not gotten under control immediately. James tells us to be doers of God’s Word so that we do not deceive ourselves. God has a greater purpose for your life then you may think. He knows the thoughts that He think about you, and that is to give you a great end. God’s wants you to be who He made you to be. His sons and daughters, not ones to be confused by the enemy of your soul. Let me encourage you. Stick with the Word of God so that the enemy cannot get a foot hole into your life. As Jesus said, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)  Keep yourself pure, inside and out.  

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

Thought For Today: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 September 9

The Qualities of A Christian

“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-24)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about the apostle Paul that we see in scripture, is that he wanted his followers and all believers to know Christ and to make Him known. Paul understood warfare and how important it was for saints of God to learn, grow, and conduct themselves and to be on the alert for each other, and to guard against wrongdoings. He teaches us how to protect ourselves and others from wrongdoing and evil association and temptation. Notice the valuable points he instructs the church here that they should do to remain alert and ready for the coming of the Lord:

1.    Know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake

2.   Be at peace among yourselves

3.    Warn them that are unruly

4.   Comfort the feebleminded

5.    Support the weak 

6.   Be patient toward all men 

7.    See that none render evil for evil unto any man

8.   But ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men 

9.   Rejoice evermore

        10.  Quench not the Spirit 

11.   Despise not prophesyings 

12.  Prove all things

13.  Hold fast that which is good 

14.  Abstain from all appearance of evil

 

Where do these points fit in your life? Are you well-protected against wrongdoing?

 

Sing: Jesus! I’m depending on You. Jesus! I’m depending on You. Jesus! I’m depending on You, depending on You, to see me through. 

Thought For Today: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 September 8

Prayer

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:9-13)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things I have seen some ashamed to do in the church, when called upon, is to pray. Some folks go almost into convulsions if they are called on to pray. I have even seen it at the dinner table in homes; folks act as if they are ashamed to pray. Especially if a preacher is present. Prayer is no more than you communicating with God. Just think about it. If you and Jesus were in a conversation, what would you say to Him? Moses talked with God, scripture said, face to face. God wants us to talk with Him the same way we would to others. The disciples whom Jesus had chosen asked Him to teach them to pray the same way that John the Baptist had taught his disciples how to pray. This lets us know that prayer is taught to people so that they know how to pray. You see, prior to following Jesus, we know that Andrew, and probably Philip, were disciples of John the Baptist (John 1:40). Maybe it was these two that had told the others of how John the Baptist had taught them how to pray, and now the others wanted Jesus to teach them the same as John had his disciples. To which Jesus gives them instruction on what to pray. And it is straight-forward and simple:  1. They are to acknowledge God for who He is (Worship); 2. Pray for the Holy Ghost to come (The Kingdom); 3. Seek for their daily previsions (Daily bread); 4. Seek for forgiveness and be ready to forgive (Repentance); 5. Seek for protection from evil and temptation (Protection); 6.Thanksgiving (In everything give thanks).   Basically, Jesus just recites for them what David had prayed just prior to relinquishing the kingdom to his son Solomon.  Scripture says: “Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.” (1 Chronicles 29:10-13) We don’t need to be afraid or ashamed to pray. It’s just a means to staying connected to Jesus. Simply talk to Him as you do your friend, that is who He is after all.  

Sing: Thank You Lord, for saving my soul, thank You Lord, for making me whole. Thank You Lord, for giving to me, Thy great salvation so full and free. 

Thought For Today: “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” (Luke 18:1)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 September 6

The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)

Today’s Morsel: Throughout scripture, we see that God calls for us to walk humbly. According to Solomon, before honor is humility (Proverbs 15:33). The Prophet Micah informs us that, to come and appear before God, we must learn to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before our God (Micah 6:8).  The apostle Peter tells us to be clothed with humility (1 Peter 5:5). And the apostle Paul instructs us: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:3)Meekness, or humility, ought to be the clothing that we don daily as we go about our lives and responsibilities if we desire to inherit the earth. Jesus isn’t talking about this earth which we now live and occupy, as it will soon pass away. He’s talking about that new heaven and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. If you desire to inherit that heaven and earth, then you must understand the importance of meekness and humility of heart in your life. 

Sing: Your only Son, they crucified, they laughed and scorned Him as He died. The humble King, they named a fraud; and crucified the Lamb of God. O’ Lamb of God, sweet Lamb of God, I love the holy Lamb of God. O’ wash me in Thy precious blood, my Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

Thought For Today: “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:8)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 September 5

The Truth Leads You to Truth

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” (John 16:13)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about truth is that it leads you into more truth. Truth is unchanging. Truth helps you identify truth from error. Truth, Jesus said, will make you free. Truth is not temporary. It’s everlasting. You can’t say that you know truth and not love, live, and abide in truth. Well, you can, but it will be to your own detriment. That’s why I have trouble with those who say that they are in truth, and then they walk away from what they said was truth, taught others that they were in truth, and yet they go away from what they said and taught was the truth. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Jesus said that when the Spirit of truth, which is His Spirit (the Holy Ghost), comes, it will guide you into all truth. Because Jesus is the truth (John 14:6), and the Word (John 1:14), He’s not going to lead you into error. He’s going to open your understanding and lead you to more truth. Truth does not take you from truth, it brings you to truth. Are you living and walking in truth?

Sing: Farther along we’ll know all about it. Farther along we’ll understand why. Cheer up my brother, live in the sunshine. We’ll understand it, all by and by.

Thought For Today: “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 September 4

All You Need

“And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubims. For the cherubims spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above. And they drew out the staves, that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place before the oracle, and they were not seen without: and there they are unto this day. There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.” (1 Kings 8:6-9)

Today’s Morsel: From the construction of the Ark of The Covenant, God had instructed Moses to place three items inside the Ark for a memorial for the children of Israel as a reminder to them of His previsions for them during their 40 years in the wilderness. These items were a pot of manna, the table of stones, and Aaron’s rod which budded. But now, years later, we see that only the two tables of stone remained inside of the Ark. These table of stones represented the Word of God.  This lets us know that when we have the Word of God, we not only have the Word of life, but we also have the bread of life, and His rod and staff to guide us and to lead us into all truth. As the psalmist said: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:105) If we have the Word of God in our life and in our churches, then we have everything that we need to be successful and to lead us and others to the Promise Land and His eternal rest.

Sing: He’s all I need, He’s all I need, Jesus is all I need. He’s all I need, He’s all I need, Jesus is all I need.

Thought For Today: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 September 3

Good Tidings

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isaiah 52:7)

Today’s Morsel: Sharing the gospel to bring about change in one’s life cannot be understated. All of us who are born-again, had someone share the gospel with us, and that brought about change in our lives. Stop and think about the major impact that you are making in someone’s life when you bring them good news of peace and salvation for their soul. The gospel hasn’t loss its power to heal and to deliver. People today are suffering with so many issues, but their issue is no match for the gospel. The gospel can cover all sin and bring about a beautiful change in their life. Many lives today are in a state of confusion, with no peace, no contentment, and no joy. But when you bring them good tidings of good things, it is going to restore that which they are missing and change their life. You must simply go and take the message to them. “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.” (Mark 16:15-18) Your feet are only going to be beautiful if you share the gospel.

Sing: Go tell it on the mountain, over the hill and everywhere; go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born.

Thought For Today: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:13-15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 September 2

What’s Your Cause?

“Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob.” (Isaiah 41:21)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things I like about God is that He is not afraid to challenge you when you think that He is wrong and that you are right. Even those of you who may worship idols, false gods, and practice false doctrine, God is not afraid to ask you to prove your cause. God says present your case before me. Bring forth your strongest reason that you can come up with, and let’s see if you can prove me wrong and yourself right. The psalmist states: “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them. O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. 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 115:4-15) He said that idols and false gods can do nothing for you. As Elijah told the false prophets of Baal: “And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under. And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made. And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked.” (1 Kings 18:25-27) You can worship and serve idols and false gods all day long, but there is nothing they can do for you. You need the One true God. So, what is your cause for serving them?

Sing: There is none like You, no one else can touch my heart like You do. I can search through all eternity long and find, there is none like You.

Thought For Today: “To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.” (Isaiah 40:25)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 September 1

God’s Word Stands Forever

“The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” (Isaiah 40:6-8)

Today’s Morsel: For centuries the Word of God has been an inspiration and strength for many. Many who were lost, confused, depressed, stressed, despondent, and saw life as having no meaning have found their way back with joy and purpose of life, all because of God’s Word. Yes, some have rejected the Bible, citing it as untruth, and as a crutch for the weak and feeble Christians to lean on. But as scripture says, it is the fool which says in their heart there is no God. (My wording, see Psalms 14:1). God’s Word, according to the apostle Paul, was written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of Scripture might have hope. The Word of God can change and turn any life around. The Word of God is not meant to hurt or destroy you, even though some may make it out to be that way. The Word of God is designed to build your character and give you understanding of how to live and enjoy life with abundance.  As Jesus said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)

Sing: I read an old, old story, how the Savior came from glory, how He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me. I heard about His groaning, and His precious blood’s atoning. Then I repented of my sins and won the victory.

O’ victory in Jesus, my Savoir forever. He sought me, and He bought me with His redeeming blood. He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him. He plunged me to victory, beneath the cleansing flood. 

Thought For Today: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)