Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 21

When You Come To The End of Yourself

“And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.” (Luke 15:11-19)

Today’s Morsel: Sometimes we may remain in our dilemmas due in part because we never want to take responsibility for our actions. We can blame our parents, boss, co-workers, or someone else, but not until we come to the end of ourselves is there going to be a change in our life and situation. The prodigal son realized that he had sinned against his father and God. Not someone else. His condition was of his own making. It shows us that the world will drain us of everything that we have, if we do not control ourselves of wasteful spending and worldliness. But he came to the end of himself while sitting in a hog pen watching them eat husks or bean shells. He decided to go home to his father and ask to be restored as a servant just so he can have something again. But the father shows us that sons don’t become servants, they remain sons.  Paul informs us that if we are led by the Spirit of God, we are sons of God. Jesus is our Heavenly Father, and He has everything that we need to restore us to our rightful state. Yet the decision to get up and go to Him rests with each of us and not someone else. 

Sing: Going home, I’m going home, there nothing to hold me here. I’ve got a glimpse of that heavenly land, praise God, I’m going home.

Thought For Today: “And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.” (Genesis 31:3)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 20

Just Do It

“And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.” (John 2:1-11)

Today’s Morsel: Do you ever wonder why so many Christians seem to have a problem when it comes to doing what the Bible says? Many of them will reason within themselves over if what the Bible says is even true. If the Bible is the inspired word of God, and if it is, then we must do what it says. Paul informs us in his writing, in reference to the children of Israel: “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:6-12) Because Israel failed to do what God told them to do, they suffered the consequences.  And their example is for us. Paul continues by telling us: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)When we read what Israel did wrong and what they did right, both lessons are to teach us right from wrong, obedience and disobedience. I know that it may not make sense when it comes to tithing, praying for people for healing, or just sending a word of encouragement through texting, Messager, or Instagram.  But just do it and God will bless you for your obedience to His word.  When God tells you to do it, simply obey.

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

Thought For Today: The ten lepers were only cleansed when they went to show themselves to the priest as Jesus told them to do. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 18

What Is Your Purpose?

“But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” (Acts 26:16-18)

Today’s Morsel:  I have sad news today.  One of the situations in the church these days is that some of us say that we do not know our purpose. Perhaps the reason we don’t know what our purpose is, is, because we have not asked God to tell us or show us. When you don’t know your purpose, you can become frustrated. You can start to think that no one wants you to help them. And the devil starts playing on your mind telling you that you can’t do anything comparing you to others. When Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul was struck blind, and scripture says: “And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” (Acts 9:4-6) Paul wanted to know what he was to do. Jesus tells him to go into the city, and it will be told him what he must do. And in Acts 26:16-18, Paul shares with us what he was told what his purpose was. “For I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” Peter tells us as Christians: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” (1 Peter 2:9) Your purpose, like Paul’s and all Christians, is simple.  It is to bring people out of darkness and into the light.  We each do this by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now you know your purpose.  So, let’s get to work. 

Sing: Let me walk in the light, in the great gospel light, let me walk in the gospel light. Till my journey is over and I travel no more; let me walk in the gospel light.

Thought For Today: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 17

The Just Shall Live By Faith

“And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:2-4)

Today’s Morsel: Throughout scripture, the believers are commanded and encouraged to live and walk by faith. Faith and hope are like identical twins. You see one, you see the other. They both require you to believe in something that you presently cannot see, but you believe that it is coming and will come. When Paul writes in Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, and Hebrews 1o:38, that the just shall live by faith, he’s just quoting what the prophet Habakkuk had already stated. Habakkuk is told by God to, “write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that read it.  For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” What God was telling him, was that what He had told him was going to come and that he should wait for it to happen. The same way that Jesus told His disciples to go to Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Ghost, because it would come, they had to go and wait for it to happen. God gives us a glimpse of what He is about to do, so write it down, because it’s going to come to pass. And those who read it and take heart, will have to live by faith, and believe it, if they want to see it. That’s all faith is. God says it, I believe it, and I will trust Him while I wait for it. We see this throughout scripture. God shows us a vision or dream, and now it’s up to us to believe Him for the fulfillment, and to bring it unto fruition.

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

Thought For Today: “Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (John 11:40)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 16

Dead But Alive

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:1-11)

Today’s Morsel: For one to become a Christian, they must die to self, and the world and become alive unto Christ and his ways. Repentance is death. Baptism is buried with Christ. And the infilling of the Holy Ghost is Resurrection power. Yes, we are still alive in this flesh and living in the world, but we must be dead to it. What do we mean when we say the world? John tells us that it is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). Think about those things for a moment. Lust is what draws us. Lust is oftentimes associated with a desire, craving, or longing for what is forbidden. The lust of one’s flesh: The desire for physical pleasure and self-gratification. The lust of one’s eyes: Greed, boasting, the temptation for covetousness and materialism, being enticed by the things that you see. The pride of life: Trusting in oneself, their status, and successes. John says that these things are of the world. But Christians should not struggle with these things because they are dead to them. These things should not have power over you any longer, these things should not draw you or pull you into them. We are dead to sin but alive to God. And sin should not have dominion over you.

Sing: The world is not my home, I’m just a passing through, my treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue. The angels are beckoning me, from heavens open door, and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore. 

Thought For Today: “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 15

Light Afflictions

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-18)

Today’s Morsel: What are afflictions? Afflictions can be physical, emotional, or spiritual trials, hardships, or persecutions, that we as believers may face. Scriptures tells us, “Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.” (Exodus 1:11-12) We see that Pharaoh afflicted them, and yet even through those afflictions they multiplied and grew. David states: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” (Psalms 34:19) David showed us that God will deliver the righteous out of their afflictions. Paul calls them light afflictions. Light afflictions have a purpose. And what is that purpose? He said, they worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. He said that God’s presence is waiting on us. So don’t lose heart when they come. Jesus said: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12) Jesus is with you in all situations in your life, you trust Him to see you through.  

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

Thought For Today: Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” (1 Peter 4: 16)

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 14

Dealing With The Noise

“For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.” (Isaiah 9:5)

Today’s Morsel: Sometimes while sitting in our home, my wife will say to me, “What is that noise?” Sometimes you can hear noises from miles away. In Vietnam, the artillery guys would tell us infantry guys that as long as you can hear the sound of the artillery shell overhead, you are alright. But if you hear it and it’s not overhead, then you may be in some serious trouble. Jesus said that the angels in heaven rejoiceth over one sinner that repents. So, if the noise is overhead, you should be rejoicing also. Isaiah states that every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood. I am of the belief that the reason so many are depressed, stressed, filled with anxiety, and perplexed, may be due in part to noise. Workplaces have become noisy. Travel has become noisy. Medical appointments have become noisy. Dining out has become noisy. Sad to say that church has even become noisy. Folks are losing their hearing due in part to noise. No matter where we go or what we do, there’s noise. No wonder Calgon cried, “Take me away!” Is there a solution? Yes, Isaiah said: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)Don’t let the enemy get into your head. Keep your mind on Jesus and the noise won’t impact your life.  Take time to have those moments of “Selah” with Jesus where you have stillness with Him.  

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

Thought For Today: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 13

Having A Love For The Gospel

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)

Today’s Morsel:  Paul said that the gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthains 15:1-4). He told the church at Rome, “… 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 10:15). Paul was not ashamed of the gospel. He was not ashamed to talk about Jesus Christ and the reason for His coming to the earth; the messages of salvation, holiness, grace, mercy, compassion, love, and spiritual death from sin. Paul understood by his revelation of truth from Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), that there was something about the gospel that changed people. He knew that once we encounter Jesus and have an understanding and personal relationship with Christ, as he did, there was going to be a true change. We must not be ashamed of the gospel, or people will remain lost. The Great Commission requires us to share the gospel of Christ. You know who you were and what you did before you understood the gospel. But now that you have come to know it and understand it, it’s time to take it into the whole world.

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

Thought For Today: “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:14)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 11

Stop Giving The Devil Credit

“There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” (Psalms 91:10-16)

Today’s Morsel: From the time that Satan deceived Eve in the garden, every wrong that some folks do, like Eve, they blame the devil. It’s amazing to me how so many born-again believers are always having a fight with the devil. I once knew this lady in the church that if you mention the word devil or demons, she’d jump-up out of her seat and yell as if she was doing a judo chop, (Hy Ya). I thought to myself, why are so many folks wasting their time fighting a defeated foe. Jesus defeated Satan for us at Calvary. We don’t have to worry about him overcoming us when we walk in the Spirit and stay close to Jesus. James said, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” (James 2:19) Notice what he says, if we believe that Jesus Christ is God, then we have nothing to worry about. But if not, then the devils are going to torment you. “Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.” (Acts 19:13-17) Jesus told us, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19) So, use your power that Jesus has given you,  and stop being as comedian Flip Wilson, who would always say, “the devil made me do it.”

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

Thought For Today: “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-27)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 10

The Power of Obedience

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)

Today’s Morsel: If you have ever observed a person enlisting in the military, you will notice that they all recite the same oath of enlistment when they join. Part of that oath states: “I will obey the orders of the President of the United States, and the orders of the officers appoint over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, so help me God.” No matter what service they elect to serve in, everyone falls under the Department of War and are governed by the same rules. If you will notice, the creed speaks to obedience. In other words, if you fail to obey a lawful and legal order from the president or the officers over you, you are subject to punishment under the military judicial system. What many do not understand is the power that one has when they obey. Obedience show that you are well disciplined, submitted to authority, and that you can be trusted. Obedience will sooner or later kill and remove any disobedience that may be in your life, and a lack of obedience will kill you. Once, during my military service as a soldier, I showed up late for formation. My military supervisor asked me where I had been and why was I late? When I told him that I was late because my alarm clock did not go off, he looked me in the eyes as serious as he could be and asked me, “What is that on your collar?”   I said, “My rank, Sergeant.” He replied, “That’s your alarm clock, and if you want to keep it, I suggest that you ensure that it wakes you up on time so that you are never late again!” I got his message loud and clear and knew that I had better obey if I did not want to be punished and lose my rank, money, and time; as these three were linked together under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Paul states that we should be ready to revenge all disobedience when our obedience is fulfilled. When we are fully submitted to Christ, then we can make the proper corrections on other. But if we ourselves are not in obedience and we try to change others, we will be seen as hypocrites.  

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

Thought For Today: “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 9

 Humility Draws Christ

“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5) 

Today’s Morsel: Humility is a powerful trait of character. Like the other traits of character, this trait, too, is birthed out of a continual day to day spiritual lifestyle. Humility comes about remaining abase, not thinking more highly of yourself then you ought. It’s developed by taking the lower seat and not elevating yourself to any position of authority or role. It’s allowing God to do and place you in whatever positions he may have for you. Humility will draw God to you. David said that God is nigh them that are of a broken heart. He’s not talking about those who get caught with their hand in the cookie jar and start crying because they got caught and must now face the consequences. He’s talking about those who display a heart of compassion, those who consider the well-being of others and go about to alleviate their suffering. If you remain humble, God will exalt you in due time.

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

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

Thought For Today: “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” (Psalms 34:18)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 8

Sit Down and Listen

“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)

Today’s Morsel: In my early years of school, the teachers would either sit and talk and teach you, or they would stand and talk and teach you. They might call on us to answer a question or ask if we understood, but they didn’t care too much about my opinion. They wanted me to know truth and the correct way. Today though, schools and churches are getting away from teaching and training truth. They don’t want to offend anyone, so they teach and facilitate based on folks’ opinion. The problem with this type of teaching and training is folks are often left with someone else’s opinion instead of solid truth. The devil isn’t a fool. Jesus said that the thief cometh not but for to steal, kill, and destroy. You need to know truth if you are going to be saved. Yes, you can listen to others’ opinions, but make sure it aligns with truth. Scripture says of Martha and Mary, “Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”  I believe that Jesus was showing us from this little lesson that sometimes you just need to sit down and listen to truth, and stop worrying about what we may think others need or may want; because it is only by truth that people are saved and made free. 

Sing: I have found the pleasure I once craved; it is joy and peace within; what a wondrous blessing I am saved from the awful gulf of sin.

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory, full or glory, full of glory; it is joy unspeakable and full of glory, oh, the half has never been told.

Thought For Today: “And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:32)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 7

Rebuilding The Altar

“And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.” (Genesis 35:1)

Today’s Morsel: Throughout scripture, we see the importance of the altar. The altar was a means of atonement for sin and to show complete dedication and reconciliation, or reunion, with God. When Jacob returns into the land of promise after 20 plus years of trials and test with his uncle Laban, God tells him to go up to Bethel, the house of God, and make there an altar unto God. You see, when Jacob passed through this place going to reside with his uncle, God tells him in a dream that he will give him the land that he was now sleeping upon. After Jacob awakes, he took the stones which he used for a pillow, set them up as a pillar, anointed them with oil, and called it Bethel, the house of God. Now God tells him to return to the same place and rebuild the altar. Sometimes when we have been away from God, even though we may be at church, we may need to rededicate and resubmit ourselves to God afresh and anew. If you find that you may have lost focus or direction, you should return to the last known point that you had peace and contentment with God, which you will often find was the altar.  Rebuild it, recommit yourself, and start walking in your promise afresh and anew.

Sing: Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it Jesus is my plea; daily walking close with Thee, let it be dear Lord, let it be.

Thought For Today: Don’t ever forget what the altar can do for you.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 6

Put On The Whole Armor of God

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,” (Ephesians 6:10-19)

Today’s Morsel: I think that some Christians are not aware of what they have chosen to be a part of. Being a Christian isn’t just about going to heaven and making sure that I have punched the right ticket for life and doing good. Being a Christian is about warfare. It’s about defending and protecting the lives of others and yourself, so you can get to heaven. You have enlisted into the Lord’s army. Jesus is your Commander, and other Christians are your fellow soldiers. Satan is the commander of the evil forces, and his demons are his soldiers and the enemy we are fighting against. We are told to put on the whole armor of God, so that we may be able to survive in the battle. If you do not understand your armor’s importance and how it supports your life and the life of others, you are setting yourself up for failure. Warfare is going to put you in some very tough situations. You are going to find yourself with your back to the wall, weeping because of loss of loved ones, pain, hurt, rejection, and sickness. You may then find yourself unable to sleep, popping pills trying to relieve pain, and confusion. Stress, depression, and suicidal thoughts are going to try to pound your mind often. That’s war my friend. But God’s armor, if worn and maintained, can give you a safeguard and help to keep your focused so that you will be an overcomer. You can only win with the tools that Jesus has given you to use to win.  Know who you are in Christ and know the armor He has given you to win the battle. 

Sing: Only the strong are going to make it, only the brave are gonna win, so fight, until you can’t fight any longer, then stand up and fight again. Jesus knew that you had what it takes to make it. That’s the reason why He called your name. He knew you’d love hHim in the sunshine, and He’s hoping you’ll love Him in the rain, then you and He together can win over, and over again.

You’re gonna make it, you’re gonna make it, you’ve got what it takes to win, and I know that you’re gonna make it, yes, you’re gonna make it, just as long, as you and Jesus stay friends. 

Thought For Today: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” (1 Peter 5:8-9)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 4

Are You Free

“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: For 250 years, America has celebrated her independence from Great Britian. Men and women who wanted religious freedom, and a new way of life, chose to fight and sacrifice for their independence. And they secured that freedom with the help and hand of Almighty God. And since that freedom was obtained, she has gone about to bring liberty to so many others around the world. Many nations and people have been made free because America has sought diligently to carry the whole gospel, to the who world, by the whole church, and to set the oppressed free. Jesus said, “and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the word made flesh. And His word is truth. And if the truth, Jesus said, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. Do you need freedom? Then seek for Jesus, and His word. For, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

 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: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 3

That Which Delivers

“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. For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead. None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life. That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.” (Proverbs 2:10-22)

Today’s Morsel: When God enlightens us as to what will deliver us from hidden trials, troubles, and hardships, we had better take heed. 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) Some folks see church as a sign of weakness, until they find themselves in trouble for doing wrong, and their life and freedom of life is on the line, then they present themselves as Christians. If you ever watch any kind of court appearance, you will notice that often the accused will appear as a well-dressed and a good, well-behaved upright citizen. But most good jurors can see right through that smokescreen and listen to the facts. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee, Solomon says. To deliver thee from evil men and the strange woman. He’s referring to Satan’s territory and domain. The strange woman is a woman who seduces men away from wisdom, righteousness, and their covenant with God. Solomon uses the term to warn young, and not so young, men against sexual immorality and forbidden relationships. He uses evil men as those who engage in harmful, or wicked behavior, often causing pain, destruction, or injustice for personal gain or pleasure. Gangs and gangsters. Unlike misguided individuals, evil men deliberately set out to cause distress, unhappiness, and the suffering of others. Hopefully, you can see by these two types of people, why one needs wisdom, knowledge, discretion, and understanding in their life. God has given us the tools to keep us safe and out of Satan’s domain. But it’s up to us to use them for our protection and deliverance. 

Sing: The Lord saved me, why should I be bound, the Lord saved me, tell me why I should be bound; The Lord saved me, tell me why I should be bound, why, should I be bound.

Thought For Today: “Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.” (Proverbs 6:5)

***Today's Morsel, Volume 2, by Rufus M. Parker, is now available!

You can purchase it online at:  https://rufusparkerministries.square.site/

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 2

A New Direction

“And the LORD spake unto me, saying, Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward.” (Deuteronomy 2:2-3)

Today’s Morsel: Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years, passing the same mountain repeatedly. I’m sure that there were those who got tired of looking at that mountain and were glad when the word came for them to change direction. If we are not carefully, we, too, can find ourselves going round in circles for not heeding the word of God. That adage that says “history repeats itself” is just saying that if you don’t learn from your mistakes, they will reemerge again. If you seem to find yourself going through the same old trials and troubles, then stop and find out why. Somewhere you may need to make some adjustments in your life. Only a fool keeps making the same mistakes and expecting good to come from them. Seek God for what you are doing wrong, so that He can get you going in the right direction that will take you home to the promise land.

Sing: Let me walk blessed Lord, in the way Thou hast gone, leading straight to the land above; giving cheer everywhere to the sad and the lone; Fill my way every day with love.

Fill my way everyday with love. As I walk with the heavenly Dove; Let me go all the while with a song and a smile, fill my way every day with love.

Thought For Today:  “In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.” (Proverbs 12:28)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 1

A Good Defense

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:8-11)

Today’s Morsel: If you are a follower of sports, then you know that no team ever wins without a good defense. Some folks like to think that offenses win games, but it’s really the defense. Your offense can score one hundred points, but if your defense gives up one-hundred and one, guess who is going to win.  You can go out and win hundreds of souls to the Lord, but if you don’t retain your own defense and alertness, you’re going to lose your own soul. Paul’s comments, “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:27), he is basically saying the same thing. You must keep your own self in check. Even Jesus asked, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36) If you want to win the game of life, then you must, “… be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. And Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” Ephesians 6:10-18 (Emphasis mine) Stay on the alert for anything that may seem too good to be true. Watch out for those tricks played by the enemy.

Sing: Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun, let us talk of all His wondrous love and care; then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done, and the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there. 

When the roll is called up yonder, when the roll is called up yonder, when the roll is called up yonder, when the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Thought For Today: In the back of the book, it tells us that we win. But that will only be for those who protected themselves with a good defense in their life.