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.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 3

What Are You Looking For In Life?

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” (Proverbs 3:13)

Today’s Morsel: I’m sure that you like me have heard folks, but especially our teens and young adults, say that life is boring. Some kids drop out of school because they say that it is boring and they are not learning anything anyway. People quit and won’t attend church for the same reasons. Folks quit their jobs for this same reason. But that really isn’t the reason they drop out or quit. That’s just the excuse they give. The real reason is that they don’t know what they are looking for in life. To find contentment and direction in life requires godly wisdom. Wisdom is no more that knowledge and understanding personified in one’s life. Solomon states, “Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.” (Proverbs 4:5-9) It’s hard to find what you are looking for in life when you don’t possess the wisdom to know what it is, and the knowledge and understanding as to how it applies to your life. I have found that the thing that some, oftentimes, are looking for to make one happy and satisfied, is right before them. But because they don’t possess the wisdom to know what it is, they keep running around like a hamster in a cage going nowhere and making excuses for their failures. Remember, life is found only in Jesus. 

Sing: Are you weary, are you brokenhearted? Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus. Are you grieving over joys departed? Tell it to Jesus alone.

Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus, He is a friend that’s well known. You have no other such a friend of brother, tell it to Jesus alone.

Thought For Today: “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 2

You Are Not A Superhero

“LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.” (Psalms 39:4)

Today’s Morsel: I often wonder if folks really know how frail they really are. Life is shorter than most of us may think. Some folks put more confidence in their flesh than they do in their faith in God who made their flesh. Some give no thought that the next month or even tomorrow is not promised. When I was young and in the army, I did a lot of crazy stuff because my trust and confidence was in my flesh and not in God. I could run for miles, do a lot of push-ups, jump across walls without any problem. My trust was not in God, but in myself and in my flesh. But one day at football practice, I was slowly showing the new quarterback and running backs how to run an option play. As I slowly walked and explained, as I began to pivot, I heard something pop in my knee. As I looked down, I saw that my knee was beginning to swell, and the pain immediately rushed to my brain. Luckly, the dispensary was right across the street from where we were practicing. I hobbled over to it, and the doctor informed me that I had torn a ligament in my knee. I was required to spend months on crutches until I got better. But because I still placed my faith in my flesh, I did not listen to his instructions. And now, after two knee surgeries, and continuous pain in the knee, I understand just how frail I truly am! Moses prayed: “For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalms 90:9-12) This flesh is not forever. Life has an end. It’s short and fleeting. And the quicker we figure that out and put our trust in God and not in this flesh, the better off we will be.

Sing: Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. Now, I know that the Lord will save His anointed, He will hear him from His holy heaven; with the saving strength of His right hand, they are brought down and fallen, but we are risen and stand upright. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.

Thought For Today: “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 July 1

Spiritual Knowledge

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.” (Proverbs 1:7-9)

Today’s Morsel: Knowledge, they say, is power. Throughout scripture, we are admonished to learn and grow in the things and ways of God. So many seem to be suffering because they have not the knowledge of Christ. As a matter of fact, scripture tells us that God said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” (Hosea 4:6) Spiritual knowledge is designed to help us make right choices and right decisions. We can’t walk around and bury our heads as an ostrich in the sand. We must know if we are going to be able to navigate through this life. The world is a mind field with many snares and traps to destroy us. And we are going to need the knowledge of God to be able to identify them, step correctly, and get through it. Notice what Solomon says, the fear, or the respect for God and His ways, starts our knowledge. We must learn at the onset whose we are and who is over us. If we reject God, we are not only rejecting knowledge, but we are also rejecting wisdom, love, life, and salvation for our soul. God wants us to be knowledgeable of Him, so that we can live and not die and have an abundant life with peace, contentment, and satisfaction. We must daily spend some time looking into and studying the word of God. The mind is the controlling station of the body, and it is a terrible thing to waste.

Sing: Jesus at the center of it all, Jesus at the center of it all, from beginning to the end, it will always be, it’s always been You Jesus. 

Thought For Today: “Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.” (Proverbs 19:2)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 June 30

In The Garden

“Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.” (Matthew 26:36-46)

Today’s Morsel: Sometimes I wonder if Gethsemane was Eden. There was a lot that happened in that garden the night that Jesus was arrested by the mob. There was a cup that Jesus was facing that He knew must be drank. Gethsemane was a place of emptying out. It was a place, as I have mentioned before, of getting to the point of, nevertheless. This garden experience opens our understanding to the price of eternal salvation. It opens our understanding to the bitterness of death. If shows us the weakness of the flesh and the power of the Spirit. It makes us to understand that even in the church folks will betray you. And it even opens our understanding to what may lie ahead for each of us who is committed to the gospel and truth should the Lord tarry. Jesus knew that this was the lot that He must endure. He knew that for us to live, He Himself, as Abraham said, must become the Lamb for the sacrifice. He had robed Himself in flesh for this moment and time. It was in the first garden that He shed blood to make coats of skins for Adam and Eve to cover their sin; and it was also in this garden that He was about to do it again for ours. As He told His disciples, greater love hath no man than this, than that a man would lay down His life for His friend. Oh, how He loved us.

Sing: I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses, and the voice I hear, falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses. And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own; and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other, has ever known.

Thought For Today: Thank God for the blood! 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 June 28

Jesus Got A Hold Of My Life

“They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them. They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet. But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight. And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see? His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him. Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is. The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing. They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out. Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.” (John 9:13-37)

Today’s Morsel: Throughout scripture, we see many whose lives were changed after they had an encounter with Jesus. When Jesus came into the home of Zaccheus, he immediately repented, and his life was changed. Mary Magdalene had seven devils cast out of her and she became a faithful disciple. All the apostles were busy about their daily lives and professions, but when Jesus called for them to follow Him, they left their professions and followed Him. From the Old Testament throughout the New Testament, and even today, many lives are being changed when they encounter Jesus. And like some of the apostles and prophets, they are leaving all to follow Christ. What about you? Are you still trying to hold on to your career and yet follow Jesus? It’s not going to work. Jesus said either you will love the one and hate the other, or you will despise the one and hold to the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. To follow Jesus requires 100 percent commitment. “And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.” (Mark 5:18-20) You must choose whom you will serve.

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

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

Thought For Today: Jesus is still changing lives.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 June 27

Come Quench Your Thirst

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” (Psalms 42:1-5)

Today’s Morsel: Have you heard that song that says, “I need a little church right now?” Sometimes life can get overwhelming, and we need God to restore us to our rightful state. Sometimes, we can get so busy in the hustle and bustle of life that we do not stop at the well of living water and drink. Isaiah even had to call out to the people in his day who were thirsty, when he said: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.” (Isaiah 55:1-2) He said to them, come quench your thirst it's free. Jesus told the woman at the well: “Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.” (John 4:13-15) Are you thirsty? Do you need to quench your thirst? There is a fountain of living water waiting for you. “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” (John 7:37-39) The Holy Ghost is that living water that will quench your thirst. 

Sing: As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee. You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship Thee. You alone are my strength my shield, to You alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship thee. 

Thought For Today: “A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.” (Psalms 63:1-2)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 June 26

Sinning Isn’t Easy

“Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.” (Proverbs 13:15)

Today’s Morsel: May I ask you a question? Would you say that sinning is easy or hard? Well, based on the word of God we know that it is hard. No matter how much the world sugarcoats it, makes it seems like it’s lots of fun, and stresses that it must be sought after, it’s not easy. It’s hard. Television and billboards may advertise alcohol, promiscuity, and wild living, but it never shows you inside the prisons, broken homes, the faces of the abused, raped, suicidal, drug addicts, oppressed, depressed, and the confused. I know what it’s like to be a sinner. Like Paul, I could have been the chiefest of sinners.  If Jesus had not stepped in when He did, who knows where I would be. I am totally amazed when I see Christians leave the church for the world. They think that they are heading for fun and freedom. Satan always allows them to get just far enough from the church, to where he makes it hard for them to return without being scared and in some cases for life. Many young girls get pregnant out of wedlock and are left having to care for a child on their own. Many are drawn into debt and financial hardships because they overspend on what they think is fun. Some even find themselves in the city of Sodom and Gomorrah being used and abused. No, my friend, sinning it not easy. It’s hard. But there is a way out. Jesus has come to make you free. So, flee from the grip of Satan and his demonic forces. Run back into the arms of Christ. It’s not too late for you to turn around. Call out to Him today and He will save you.  He is standing ready to free you from the clutches of sin.  

Sing: Aren’t you getting just a bit tired of fooling around, you try to laugh your way through this life but you’re not gaining ground. Why not try the Lord today, just ask Him in your heart to stay; and you’ll find Jesus’ love to be the best thing that you’ve ever found.

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

Thought For Today: “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)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 June 25

Are You Doing Your Duty?

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

Today’s Morsel: According to General of the Army, Omar Bradley, in his speech to a graduating class of soldiers at West Point, he said, “Duty, Honor, Country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, and what you will be. They are your rallying points: To build courage when courage seems to fail; to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith; to create hope when hope becomes forlorn." Every time I hear his speech it causes me to realize the importance of these three words to one’s life. Jesus told His disciples: “But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” (Luke 17:7-10) The performance of one’s duty should be based on their love for what they are being asked to do, or what they have signed up to do. Duty is something that we must do because it’s part of our job, or something that we feel is the right thing to do. The difference between duty and responsibility is you cannot delegate responsibility. I can only delegate authority or duty. Responsibility is hidden inside of that authority or duty.  We have a duty to uphold the truth of the gospel and to carry it to the whole world. We know that based on God’s word. But if we do not do it, then Jesus will hold us responsible for failure to do our duty.  

Sing: If I walk in the pathway of duty, if I work till the close of the day; Lord, I shall see the great King in all His beauty, when I’ve gone the last mile of the way.  

Well, when I’ve gone, the last mile of the way, I shall rest at the close of the day. Lord, for I know, that there is joy that waits my heart and my soul, when I’ve gone, the last mile of the way.

Thought For Today: Never mind your happiness; do your duty.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 June 24

What Do You Think About Yourself?

“He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.” (Proverbs 19:8)

Today’s Morsel: What do you think about yourself? If you had to do an honest assessment of you, where would you fall on the scale? Would you be a loving and kind person? A depressed and stressful person? One who could care less about life? A person who thinks that they have been dealt a bad hand in life. Or would you be one who is kind, loving, considerate, brave, and excited with life? A lot of people rate their life based on others. Who their parents may be. Other’s looks. Where others live. The academics of others. What others possess.  And even what others say about them. If we base our lives based on these things, we are always going to fall short and live in a despondent state. You should rate yourself based on the word of God. As that is the standard for every life. What others have and may think of you is not who you are. Who you are is who God says that you are. If a person is considered by some to be ugly, it’s usually based on their character. You can be, as Fred Sanford would tell Esther on the show Sanford and Son, that she was so ugly that she could put her face in a pan of dough and make some gorilla cookies, because that was how he saw her based on her actions. But a life in Christ, filled with God’s wisdom, ought to reveal His beauty. Solomon stated that he that loves wisdom loves himself. Wisdom should cause one to be wise and understand that it is only through God that we live, move, and have our being. It is not what someone else may think of us. 

Sing: Wonderful, wonderful, Jesus is to me. Counselor, Prince of peace, Mighty God is He. Saving me, keeping me, from all sin and shame. Wonderful is my Redeemer, praise His name.

Thought For Today: “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” (Proverbs 3:13)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 June 23

The Key To Learning

“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)

Today’s Morsel: The key to learning begins with listening and understanding the instructions. Most people never read or listen to the instructions, they just want to get through the test and move on. But instructions are important for learning. The children of Israel never grasped the instructions being given by Moses from the Lord for their spiritual growth and maturity. They thought that they understood what was being required of them, but they soon found out that they did not know. Paul told Timothy: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16) Just what are the instructions in God’s word for righteousness? If you were taking a test about righteousness, how would you know what to look for? The instruction for righteousness starts with understanding the righteousness of God. In speaking of the righteousness of God to the Romans, about the Israelites trying to establish their own righteousness, Paul said: “For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” (Romans 10:3-4). God’s righteousness ought to cause us to live moral and upright lives. God’s righteousness turns our hearts from darkness to His marvelous light. God’s righteousness ought to cause us to align our thoughts, words, and actions with His will and principles for our betterment.  God’s righteousness requires us to commitment ourselves to moral integrity, ethical behavior, and to chase after justice and love. The instructions of righteousness start with studying God’s word, seeking His guidance through prayer, repenting when we fall short, and submitting ourselves to every ordinance of God.

Sing: I am thinking of the rapture in our blessed home on high, when the redeemed are gathering in. How we’ll raise the heavenly anthem in that city in the sky, when the redeemed are gathering in.

Well, when the redeemed are gathering in, washed like snow, and free from all sin.  How we will shout, and how we will sing; when the redeemed are gathering in.

Thought For Today: “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”(James 1:20)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 June 21

Confident In Prayer

“For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.” (Psalms 32:6)

Today’s Morsel: How confident are you in your prayers? When you go to God in prayer do you believe that God will come through for you? The writer of Hebrews tells us: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) Prayers must be accompanied with faith. In Acts 12, after the beheading of James, the disciples were praying, but by all account they did not have faith to believe that Peter would be set free. When Peter knocked on the door, and Rhoda told them that Peter was at the door, they did not believe her. If we aren’t going to believe that Jesus will answer, then there is no need for praying. We must be confident in our prayers. Remember, we are not the ones that give the answer to the prayers, it’s God that does that. Our tasks are to bring the need to Jesus for His help. “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” (Matthew 6:5) So, let me encourage you. Don’t lose hope because your prayers aren’t answered on your timeline. God’s ways are not ours, nor are His thoughts like our thoughts. Sometimes we may just need to exercise our faith on what we already know is His will, and watch the miraculous take place.

Sing: Faith can move mountains, mountains of fear and of doubt; faith can move mountains, so why don’t you try your faith out. 

Thought For Today: “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” (Mark 11:24)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 June 20

Pet Sin 

“Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.” (Proverbs 14:9)

Today’s Morsel: I’m not against people have pets, but I totally disagree with folks having snakes, rats, mice, and even piranhas for pets. Why would folks choose something dangerous to be a pet without considering their life, the life of others, and even their children’s safety? The same is true when it comes to sin. Some folks treat sin like it is a pet or a dear friend. Solomon says that fools make a mock at sin. In other words, it’s the fool that says in his heart that there is no God (Psalms 14:1), and it is the fool that doesn’t see sin as dangerous to their life, the lives of others, or their loved ones. Sin is like being wrapped by a python. Pretty soon it will wrap itself tight around you and squeeze the life right out of you. Or it’s like have your pet rats or mice get loose in your home, soon there will be more rats and mice than you care to live with. Sin is dangerous, and you shouldn’t play around with it. Paul said that it should not have dominion over you or be a part of your new life.  “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” (John 8:34) We must not be a servant to Satan. We must not allow sin to be a pet in our homes. It must never be allowed to enter our doors.

Sing: I was once a sinner, but I came pardon to receive from my Lord. This was freely given, and I found that He always kept His word. There’s a new name written down in glory, and it’s mine, o yes, it’s mine! And the white robed angels sing the story, “A sinner has come home.” For there’s a new name written down in glory, and it’s mine, o yes, it’s mine! With my sins forgiven I am bound for heaven, never more to roam.

Thought For Today:  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 June 19

Bridle Your Tongue

“Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2)

Today’s Morsel: Scripture tells us that if any man can bridle his tongue, he is a perfect man. James tells us: “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.” (James 3:2-12) Why can’t people control their tongue if they have the Holy Ghost? Isn’t the Holy Ghost Christ in you the hope of glory? Doesn’t scripture tell us that Jesus Christ had no deceit, and neither was guile found in His mouth? And didn’t Jesus tell us that we should not worry about what to say when we stand before men, as the Spirit would tell us what to say? Then why can’t we bridle our tongue? Why do we feel a need to reply or justify ourselves?  Why do we feel as though we need to get one up on someone else’s story? We shouldn’t need bits and bridles as a horse or mule to control our tongue. The Holy Ghost should do that for us.  Guard your words, they will help keep your soul.  

Sing: Lord, You are more precious than silver. Lord, You are, more costly than gold. Lord, You are, more beautiful than diamonds; and nothing I desire compares with You.

Thought For Today: Put a lid on it! 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 Jun 18

Eternity

“LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.” (Psalms 15:1-5)

Today’s Morsel: The older I get; it just seems as though time is gaining speed. I was talking with a few folks who I know here in the city where I live, and they asked me where I had been. When I told them to Alaska and that I had an opportunity to see and hold my first great grandson, they said to me, you don’t look old enough to have a great grandson. I said, yeah, I know, but my body speaks otherwise (humor). If time passes as fast as it has, and the Lord tarries, I will be one-hundred years old in 26 short years. Crazy isn’t it. But I will tell you that there isn’t a day that goes by that I do not consider eternity. Daily, I make sure that I check in with Jesus through prayer and reading of His word and asking Him to show me any character flaws, sins, and wrongs that may be in my life that need revealing and removal. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to come short of the mark of the prize. Jesus tells us to hold fast to that we have, that no man takes our crown (Revelation 3:11). Like Paul, I don’t want to preach this wonderful gospel of Truth to others and then come up short in the end and find myself being a castaway. As the song writer said and as my wife prays for our family every morning, for above all else I must be saved. Jesus even said: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36) Have you considered eternity lately?

Sing: If we never meet again, on this earth my blessed friend, if to God, we have been true, and we’ve lived above all sin, then for us, there’ll be a greeting, for there’s going to be a meeting, I’ll see you in the rapture some sweet day. 

Hallelujah, I’ll see you in the rapture, I’ll see you in the rapture, I’ll see you in the meeting in the air.

Thought For Today: Eternity has no end!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 Jun 17

Adjustments

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Today’s Morsel: The story is told of two ministers who were standing along the road with a sign that read, “Turn Around.” But cars passed them by and just kept going, and soon the cars would just disappear. After about an hour of this, one of the ministers turned to the other one and said, “Do you think we should change our sign to say that the bridge is out?” At what point in your life would you say that you need to make some adjustments in your life? That adage that says, If you always do what you have always done, you will get what you’ve always got, is true. We shouldn’t live our lives in a rut. We should make changes in our lives as God’s word enlightens us and opens our understanding. When Jesus told and explained to Nicodemus that he must be born-again to see and enter the kingdom of God, I think that Nicodemus went home and made some adjustments. Scripture says of Nicodemus: “Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.” (John 7:50-52); “And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.” (John 19:38-40) I believe that he heard something from Jesus that caused Him to realize who Jesus was, and that truth calls for change.  If we say that we have been with Jesus, and know Him, then there ought to be some adjustments in our lives that will make us more like Him and be ready to represent Him no matter where we are. What changes and adjustments is Jesus showing you to make in your life?

Sing: He’s changing me, my blessed Savior, I’m not the same person that I use to be. Well it’s been slow going, but there’s a knowing that someday perfect I will be.

Thought For Today: Change your mind and your body will follow.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 June 16

Embarrassed

“Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.” (Psalms 12:1)

Today’s Morsel: How would you like to live in a city or town called Embarrass. Well, there is such a place here in Wisconsin. There are about 400 people that live there. The town is called Embarrass, and there is even a river that carries the same name. According to Wikipedia, its name is a French word meaning to impede, to obstruct, or to entangle. The lumberjacks gave it that name because their logs would get blocked because of the snags or debris in the river.  There are many people today who are afraid to ask Jesus for His help, even though they see that things are not flowing as they should in their lives. They see that things are impeding and hindering them from being what God wants them to be, but they will not ask Him for His help. The Syrophoenician woman was not embarrassed to ask Him to deliver her daughter from the devils, even though she was an outsider and knew that she may not be helped. But she believed that there was a chance or opportunity that Jesus would help her, and she was not disappointed.  Jarius, the Ruler of the synagogue, was not embarrassed to asked Jesus for His help with his daughter who was on her sick bed dying, even though he knew that the other religious leaders may chastise him for going to Jesus. We can’t be embarrassed to ask Jesus for His help when things aren’t going right for us. He’s already told us that we have not because we ask not. He said that everyone that asks receives. So, what are your needs? You don’t need to be embarrassed. Jesus would have never told us to ask Him if He wasn’t going to help us. David was a man that shows us not to be afraid to ask God for His help. Don’t be embarrassed to ask Jesus for His help, if you do it may impede your life.  

Sing: I need Thee, O I need Thee; every hour, Lord, I need Thee! O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee! 

Thought For Today: “For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.” (Luke 9:26)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 June 14

The Army Goes Rolling Along

“And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?” (Joshua 5:13-14) 

Today’s Morsel: Today, the US Army will celebrate its 250 years of existence. We call it the Army’s Birthday. Around the world, soldiers will celebrate this day with parades, unit runs, balls, parties, and even a day off. For over 250 years the US Army has proven time and time again that they are ready for whatever duty or task that they may be called upon to fulfill. They have fought for America and her ally’s freedom on every continent in the world. The US Army flag is filled with screamers reflecting every battle and conflict that she has endured. Many have worn her uniform with distinction and have represented her to the world. She stands as a torch for liberty, a beacon of hope for the wayward, and a light for all who are oppressed and tormented. When Joshau saw a man with His sword drawn ready for battle, he needed to know if the man was for them or their enemies. The answer that He received was, No, the man said, I am the captain of the host of the Lord. Be assured, God won’t allow you to fight your battles alone.

 Sing: Gods got an army, it’s marching through the land, deliverance is their song, there’s healing in their hand; with everlasting joy, and gladness in their heart, well in this army I’ve got a part.

Thought For Today: Happy Birthday, Army! Hooah!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 June 13

The Glory of Children

“Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.” (Proverbs 17:6)

Today’s Morsel: This Sunday we will celebrate Father’s Day. It is probably one of the most important days of the year. Every creature living has a father. The role of a father is different than the role of a mother.  A father’s role is that he must be the head. The protector. The provider. The director. The same way that everything in the church flows from the head, so it is in the home. While the mother’s role is to be the keeper of the home, the father must set a good example when it comes to being the provider, teacher, trainer, developer, leader, and the overseer within the home. Children are always observing their fathers. That old saying that the acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree is true. Most children, one way or another, will take on the nature of their fathers.  What we see taking place throughout the world today is that Satan, along with his demonic force, is doing everything in their power to destroy men and fatherhood, and so much more the role and responsibility of fathers. You may ask why. It’s because man is to be a representation of Christ. And Satan doesn’t want anyone or anything that reminds him of Jesus. Homes are being destroyed for a lack of fatherhood. Churches are dying due to a lack of godly fathers and men. Our nation is slowly crumbling due to a lack of godly men. If the church is going to be successful in its mission, then she must have godly fathers who will follow the example of Christ, by becoming rooted and grounded in the Word of God and then pass that same Word on to their sons and daughters. When a man patterns his life after Christ, it gives the devil a headache! Come on dad, man up and fill your role.

 

Sing: Heavenly Father, I appreciate You. Heavenly Father, I appreciate You. I love You adore You; I bow down before You. Heavenly Father, I appreciate You.

 

Thought For Today: You can still make a difference, dad.