Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 31

Abstaining From All Appearance Of Evil

“Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-23)

Today’s Morsel: When I was a kid, I looked forward to October 31^st. As kids, we saw Halloween as a time for fun and dressing up with all kinds of garb that reflected fear and evil, and to see who we could scare and impress with our looks and actions to get candy. We did not consider any danger associated with it. It was years later, when I was older and had my own children, that we began to hear that people were lacing the candy with drugs, alcohol, and needles to harm children. And we began to understand the true meaning behind this holiday.  Paul calls for the church to give no appearance of evil. Appearance, according to the King James Bible, uses the Greek word eidos, or eidous, which means type, kind, or form rather than a visual outward look. Therefore, 1 Thessalonians 5:22 commands Christians to reject evil in all its types, rather than just avoiding things that merely look suspicious to others. As believers, we are urged to test everything.  Paul calls for us to prove all things, and to hold on to that which is good.   When he wrote to the church at Ephesus, he informed them: “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:6-16) Remember, we are called to be holy as He is holy, and that we must make an active choice to turn away from sin and all ungodly influence and works of the devil and abstain from all appearances of evil.  

Sing: I command you, Satan, in the name of the of the Lord, to pick up your weapons and flee; for God hath 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 October 30

Do You Love The Lord?

“To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” (Psalms 18:1-3)

Today’s Morsel: Having a love for God can change everything about you and who you are and what you do. The first commandment the children of Israel were taught was: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) Scripture also informs us: “And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:1-6) Notice how God expresses what a relationship with Him should look like. Jesus said that you can’t serve two, for either you will love the one and hate the other, or you will hold on to the one and despise the other. If we love God, He will show mercy unto thousands of them that love Him and keep His commandments. David said I will love the Lord, my strength. How much do you love God? Do you express your love for Him in your life, actions, and conduct? To love God is to place Him before anyone and everything else in your life.

Sing: I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice to worship You; O my soul, rejoice, take joy, my King, in what You hear, may it be a sweet sound in Your ear. 

We exalt Thee, we exalt Thee, we exalt Thee, Oh O Lord; we exalt Thee, we exalt Thee, we exalt Thee, O Lord.

Thought for Today: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 29

Despondency

“How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?” (Psalms 13:1-2)

Today’s Morsel: If we are not careful, despondency can invade the church and get into our lives. As I have often mentioned, despondency causes you to feel hopeless, discouraged, rejected, and unhappy. It is one of Satan’s greatest weapons against you. He knows that if he can get you to this state, he will win if you do not run to Jesus for His help. David shows us that just because he was king, he was not exempt from things coming against him. Remember, from the time Israel was brought out of Egypt and the land of bondage, they have been at war with others. Israel represents the church, and Egypt and the other nations represent the world. Stop and think about that for a moment: David was king for forty years, and Scripture makes no mention of him having rest from war. It was not until Solomon, his son, assumed commanded that Israel had rest from war. But David, from the time he slew Goliath, was at war. This may be why Israel, even today, looks at David as one of their greatest leaders and kings. But David was a praying man who sought God for answers to what he was facing and going through. He prayed: “How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? forever? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?” (Psalms 13:1-2). David sought relief. When you read scriptures like this, you can see that David is expressing a sense of deep emotion and distress. He wanted to know how long he would have to endure this while his enemy triumphed. Do you feel that your soul sometimes is taking counsel and your thoughts are running rampant? Listen to David again: “O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” (Psalms 42:6-11)  Let me encourage you, don’t feel bad or feel as though you are a loser when you sometimes feel like David and need to seek God for uplifting and edification. This is warfare. And in warfare, sometimes even the best soldiers will cry.

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: “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 October 28

Building A Solid Foundation

“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalms 11:3)

Today’s Morsel: Foundations are one of the most essential things in a home or building. Depending on how deep your foundation is will determine if your building will stand or fall in the times of earthquakes and tremors. In Japan, most of the buildings and homes that they build, the foundation is almost as deep as the height of the building. They know that earthquakes are prevalent throughout Japan, and they want people to be safe, so they ensure the foundation is laid and built correctly. One of the surest foundations you can have in your life is the Word of God. It is a foundation that is sure and unmovable. Paul told his protégé Timothy: “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” (2 Timothy 2:19) He also told the church at Corinth: “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.” (1 Corinthians 3:10-13) Throughout the world, we see that the foundation of the church, Jesus Christ, is constantly under attack. If Satan and his dominion can destroy the foundation of the church, what will those in the church do? Therefore, it is essential that every church and those who say that they are Christian, preach and teach Jesus Christ and Him crucified, which is the gospel. You must protect your foundation, or you yourselves will fall when things start coming against you and the church.

Sing: I’m standing on the Rock of Ages, safe from all the storms that rages. Rich but not of Satan’s wages, I’m standing on the solid rock. 

Thought for Today: “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 27

Are You Glad?

“There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” (Psalms 4:6-8)

Today’s Morsel: Do you remember singing that song in church, “If you’re happy and you know it, say amen?” Do you remember how much joy you felt when you sang it? What about some of the others like “At The Cross”, or “I’ll Fly Away”, or “Jesus, Hold My Hand”? How often do you sing them now?  If those old songs brought you joy and happiness when you sang them back then, God knew that you would need them in the days ahead. Paul informs 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) I know that he is speaking about the word of God, but those old songs that were written can also bring us comfort and hope. David said that the Lord had put gladness in his heart more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. Think about that for a moment. Israel’s corn and wine were constantly increased because of God’s mercies. And David said that God had put gladness in their heart more than that. When we stop and consider that with the giving of the Holy Ghost in our lives, God has put more joy and gladness in our hearts than any happiness ever brought by material wealth or worldly success.  How glad are you?

Sing: I have found His grace is all complete; He supplieth every need, while I sit and learn at Jesus’ feet; I am free, yes, free indeed.

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

Thought for Today: I get joy when I think about what the Lord has done for me. 

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 26

Who and What Is Troubling You?

“A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.” (Psalms 3:1-2)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about life is that we must be alert to people and things around us. If we are not attentive and careful, we can allow folks and things to trouble us. For example, if I spend an enormous amount of time on my cell phone or electronic devices, when I start getting spam, unwanted emails, and texts, it can start to trouble me. When I know people who know better and should do better, yet keep doing wrong, if I am not careful, I can allow it to start to trouble me. If I focus on the world, politics, and sports, it’s soon going to start to trouble me. David found himself being troubled by his family, his soldiers, and even his enemies. David was a man after God’s own heart and one who tried to lead right and do right, and yet some were not pleased or satisfied with him, causing him trouble. Some even wanted his position and his head. I believe this is why the Bible encourages us to keep our minds stayed on Jesus, and He will keep us in perfect peace. As Job said: “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.” (Job 3:25-26) If someone or something is troubling you, then cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.

Sing: LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me, many there be which say of my soul, there is no help for him in God. 

But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me, my glory and the lifter of my head. But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me, my glory and the lifter of my head. 

I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of holy hills; I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of holy hills; I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me, my glory and the lifter of my head; But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me, my glory and the lifter of my head.

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 25

Do You Love God’s House?

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” (Psalms 122:1)

Today’s Morsel: How excited are you about going to church? Do you get excited when it’s church time, or have you lost your passion for His house? Paul informs us that before the coming of the Lord, there would be a great falling away. In other words, people would no longer have a zeal and eagerness for the things of God. Your passion for God and the things of God will determine how much you value truth, live truth, and love truth. Your passion for God and the things of God will determine how much you value your family, your loved ones, and your friends. Your passion for the house of God will determine how much Scripture you know and how it applies to your life. Your passion for the house of God will determine your mental and moral state.  When the house of God is neglected, the prophet Haggai says it like this: “Sowing much and bringing in little; eating, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and you earn wages, earn wages to put it into a bag with holes.” (Haggai 1:6) David was a man who loved the house of God. The writer of Psalm 84 states: “How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them…For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” (Psalms 84:1-5,10-12). Do you love His house? If you want to be blessed, you need to go to the house of the Lord. 

Sing: I was glad when they said unto me, I was glad when they said unto me, I was glad when they said unto me, come let us go unto the house of the Lord.

Thought for Today: A person who says that they are a Christian and never goes to church is fooling themselves. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 24

How Many Gods Do You Know?

“Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.” (Isaiah 43:10-12)

Today’s Morsel: One of the most essential revelations of truth is to know who God is. This question seems to plague many. Many want to serve God and do His will, but when you ask them His name, they are perplexed and do not know. The Lord said that everyone would know Him, from the least to the greatest.  Jesus said: “All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.” (Luke 10:22) Jesus will reveal himself to you if you ask Him. Moses informed the children of Israel: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:” (Deuteronomy 6:4) Notice there is only one God. So, does that God have a name? Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not names; they are titles that represent a person. Notice what the apostle John informs us: “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” (1 John 5:7) So, let’s take a closer look at scripture: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?” (John 14:6-9); “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14); “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:” (John 15:26). The one that these three titles bear witness to is Jesus Christ. He is the Father in creation, the Son in redemption, and the Holy Ghost in operation. Therefore, when we are reading and studying Scripture, we should always be looking for the name of the one that these titles are associated with. And that name is Jesus Christ. 

Sing: The Mighty God is Jesus, the prince of Peace is He, the Everlasting Father, the king eternally, the wonderful in wisdom, by whom all things are made, the fullness of the Godhead in Jesus is displayed. 

It’s all in Him, it’s all in Him, the fullness of the Godhead; it’s all in Him. It’s all in Him, it’s all in Him, the mighty God is Jesus, and it’s all in Him.

Thought for Today: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” (Colossians 2:8-9)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 23

Keep Shining

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Today’s Morsel: Maybe you have heard the story of the man who was charged with keeping the light in the lighthouse burning. As the story goes, fuel oil was low and hard to come by in this country, and the town folks knew that the light in the lighthouse must continue to burn to prevent ships from crashing into the shore. But one day the man who was responsible for the light in the lighthouse was brought a few gallons of fuel oil to keep the light burning. However, a woman came by and asked the man for some of the oil so that her lights would not go out and she and her children would not be able to see in the dark. So, the man felt sorry for her and gave the lady some of the oil for her lights. After a while, a man came by and asked the man in the lighthouse for some oil because it was cold, and if his heater went out, he and his family would freeze to death. And so, the man gave him some of the oil. During the night watch, the man in the lighthouse fell asleep. Around midnight, he was awakened and noticed that the light had begun to flicker and was almost out. His oil was running low.  When he went to get more oil for the lights, he noticed that it was all gone. And while he was panicking about what to do with no oil, the light had now gone out, and he heard a crash. A ship had run ashore, and lives were lost. The man’s reply was that he was trying to help others in need by sharing the oil. In our quest to help others, we must not allow our oil to be depleted so that we are no longer shining brightly to show others the way. Jesus said to let your light shine, that men may see your good works and glorify your father which is in heaven. Doing good is always in order, but not at the expense of placing others’ lives in danger. 

Sing: This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, this little light on mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. 

Thought for Today: “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 22

You Always Have The Advantage With Wisdom

“Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.” (Ecclesiastes 2:13)

Today’s Morsel: We must come to realize that wisdom is always better than folly. Living wisely and prudently is far superior to living in foolishness and recklessly. If I know that something is going to make me better and improve my life, then that is the thing I need in my life. Just as physical light guides our steps and brings clarity, wisdom helps us navigate life safely. In scripture, foolishness is always compared with darkness because it leads to confusion and danger. No matter how good things may look in the world, and no matter how much it may seem that those in the world are having fun and enjoying life, Solomon states: “Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.” (Ecclesiastes 2:13) Those who present themselves as having fun and having everything, should not fool you nor draw you away after their lust. “Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.” (Proverbs 19:2) If you have godly wisdom, you are far superior in knowledge, understanding, and discretion. Don’t be fooled.  

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

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

Thought for Today: “Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.” (Proverbs 24:7)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 21

Keep Your Soul Satisfied

“The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.” (Proverbs 27:7)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things we see in the Word of God is that it is food for the soul. The children of Israel were given a portion of manna daily for their sustenance, but they soon started to loathe what God was giving them because they were always full.  For a person who is full and has everything, it becomes easy for them to become ungrateful and reject what others offer them. When people think that they have everything they need in life, they will reject Jesus, His word, and truth. “And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:19-21) They see their soul as full and satisfied. But when they hit rock bottom and are starving, they will take anything being offered. When their soul is starving, they will accept any kind of religion that comes their way. This is why we must keep our souls filled with the Word of God; and we will not have to worry about being hungry for the things of this world, as our souls will be well nourished and refreshed.

Sing: Here’s my cup, Lord, I lift it; Lord, come and quench this thirsting on my soul. Bread of heaven feed me till I want no more. Here’s my cup fill it up and make me whole. 

Thought for Today: “And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.” (Revelation 10:9)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 20

Change The Way You Think

“My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.” (Psalms 57:7-11)

Today’s Morsel: I have come to realize that depression, stress, anxiety, confusion, fear, loneliness, and despondency can all be cured by the way you think. None of the things that I mentioned came with the Holy Spirit. So that lets us know that they are from the enemy of our soul. To rid them out of our life, we need to refocus. We need to get our mind back on Jesus and not on the world and the evils it produces. If you focus on the things of this world and what the people in the world are doing, you are going to be drawn away by your thoughts. Your mind will be plagued by the evil of the world and make it hard for God’s voice and His word to penetrate to your soul. I’m not saying that God cannot get through to you; I’m just saying what Jesus said: “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” (Luke 8:11-15) If you notice the first three hearts, the word was ineffective in their lives. It wasn’t that Jesus wasn’t sowing the seed; the word was sown, but the soil - the person’s heart - had issues. Jesus isn’t going to take the junk out of your heart, you must do that yourself through godly sorrow or repentance if you want to change, and the word can get through. Watching ungodly media programs and television will clog up your heart. So, change your heart, and your body will follow. 

Sing: Change my heart, O God, make it ever true; change my heart, O God, may I be like You. You are the potter; I am the clay; mold me and make me; this is what I pray. Change my heart, O God; make it ever true; change my heart, O God; may I be like You. 

Thought for Today: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 19

Your Blessing Is On The Way

“Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey. For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after. Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof. And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.” (Jeremiah 30:16-19)

Today’s Morsel: I believe that God is getting ready to do something special for His people who have been faithful and have held true to His word.  I believe that He is getting ready to restore the years that the caterpillars, worms, and beasts have devoured from you. I believe that He is getting ready to open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing that you will not have room enough to receive it. I believe that your situation and circumstances are about to change. Your health is going to be restored, your finances are going to increase, and you will have enough to bless others. So, cast not away your confidence; and don’t lose your patience. He that will come, will come. I believe the backsliders are coming home. I believe the wayward children will be found and returned. I believe that God is going to make a way where there seems to be no way. I believe He’s getting ready to open doors for you that have been shut, those that you were not able to open and go through. I believe His word and promises to you are going to come to pass. So, lift your heads, O ye gates and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors, and rejoice for your blessings are on the way. 

Sing: My blessing is 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 my blessing.

Thought For Today: “Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” (Genesis 18:14)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 18

You Can Find Comfort In God’s Word

“Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.” (Psalms 119:49-50)

Today’s Morsel: The psalmist lets us know that God’s word and promises will provide us with deep comfort, strength, and spiritual renewal during our times of suffering, hardships, and troubles.  The Hebrew word for comfort is ‘Nechamah’, which means consolation, relief, or a soothing presence during distress. The psalmist shows us that we can find solace not in changing circumstances, but in God, who is the Word made flesh (John 1:1;14). Notice he said that this is my comfort in my affliction. He’s saying that the Word will cover all types of pain: physical illnesses, emotional hardships, poverty, and even being mocked and made fun of.  He said that the Word would quicken him. It will give him life. It will restore him to his original state. David said: “And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.” (2 Samuel 23:4) As the writer of Hebrews also enlighten us: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) Not only is God’s word an anchor for the soul, but it is also a rock in a weary land, and the balm in Gilead. 

Sing: Who is this who for our sorrows offers comfort and relief, bringing sunshine to the dark and shadowed life? Saying softly, cease repining; lift thy soul above its grief, let the peace pass understanding still the strife.

It is Jesus, Jesus, sad ones weep no more. He will heal the brokenhearted, open wide the prison door; He is able to deliver evermore. 

Thought for Today: “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:11-12)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 17

You Can’t Hide Sin; It Will Cause You Shame

“Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” (Psalms 51:9-13)

Today’s Morsel: I don’t care who you are; you cannot hide your sin. The devil isn’t going to let you do it. He will expose your iniquities and wrongs every time. Some have been embarrassed because their sins were exposed. If your sins are exposed, make sure that they are those under the blood before you became a Christian. As Paul highlights for us: “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. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:6-14) “For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.” (Romans 6:20) “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:22-23) Sin is of the devil, and he’s the one that Jesus came to destroy.  So, don’t try to hide your sin; confess it and let Jesus get rid of it for you. If you hang on to them too long, Moses said, be sure your sin will find you out. Jesus desires to forgive us of all our sins.  

Sing: I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shores, very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more, but the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry, and from the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

Love lifted me, love lifted me, when nothing else could help, love lifted me. Love lifted me, love lifted me, when nothing else could help, love lifted me.

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 - 2026 October 16

God Will Show You the Right Way If You Ask Him

“Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” (Psalms 25:1-5)

Today’s Morsel: Do you ever feel as though you may be on the wrong path and heading in the wrong direction? Even in the church, some folks are in a rut and have no clue where they are going. And also in politics, some folks have no clue who they are following and where they are being led. “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” (Jeremiah 6:16); “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)David cried and asked the Lord to shew him the ways of the Lord and to teach him the Lord’s paths. He asked that God would lead him in truth and teach him. When the apostle Thomas told Jesus that they did not know where He was going so how could they know the way, Jesus replied to him:  “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) If we follow Jesus, we will not walk in darkness, but we will have the light of life and walk in the right way.

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

Thought for Today: “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1 John 2:6)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 15

Keep Walking In Your Integrity Even If Times Are Hard

“Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide. Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.” (Psalms 26:1-3)

Today’s Morsel: Integrity is one of those traits of character that must be maintained, lived out, and never removed. Job told his friends: “God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.” (Job 27:5) Job’s friends tried to get him to confess to something that he knew he had not done. And so he tells them that he is not going to confess to their lies as truth. He said, until I die, I will not remove my integrity from me. Job’s wife asked him if he would retain his integrity forever and she suggested that he curse God and die. Why would a wife, a woman who is supposed to love you in sickness and in health, request that you do something foolish against God so that you could die? Well, we see Job’s answer to her: “But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” (Job 2:10) Integrity is more than just words; it is a lifestyle. It is a firm mindset set on honesty. It is a position taken before the battle rages, and before the storms of life come. Daily, many men and women are being sent off to jail and prison for integrity violations. Integrity is like being handed a birthright because you are the oldest and next in line for the blessing, just like Esau. But if you take on the mindset of Esau and hate or do not value your birthright, the devil will give you a bowl of beans for it every time. If you lose anything in the storms and trials of life, don’t let it be your integrity.

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 to you.

Thought for Today: “But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.” (Psalms 26:11)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 14

Be Careful Of What You Feed Yourself

“When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.” (Proverbs 23:1-3)

Today’s Morsel: I was at a church potluck once, and this young man in front of me had on a T-shirt with the caption on the back that said, “I bet you wish you were in line in front of me, because when I finish, there will be nothing left.” I wanted to tap him on the shoulder and ask if I could cut in front of him. (humor). Solomon states that if we are one given to appetite, then we should probably consider putting a knife to our throat. Solomon is trying to show us the reason for having and possessing self-control in our lives. Especially when it comes before those with power. As we say down south, there may be death in them their pots (humor). In olden times, kings, and even today many leaders, do not just sit down and start eating. They have someone who tests and tastes their food and drinks to ensure they are safe for them to consume. Nehemiah was a cupbearer. He tasted everything the king was to be given, and he had proven himself faithful and trustworthy. If you are one of those who sits down and begins eating before your host, you may be setting yourself up for failure. Eating before your host shows a lack of self-discipline and respect. So, be careful how you are presenting yourself, remember you represent The King.   

Sing: Here’s my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord, come and quench this thirsting of my soul. Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more; Here’s my cup fill it up and make me whole.

Thought For Today: “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.” (1 Corinthians 8:9)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 13

Humility 

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Psalms 51:17)

Today’s Morsel: Humility is a virtue that we all need. Humility does not mean that you are weak; humility is seen as a virtue of strength. It means that you do not allow pride to control or ruin your life. As people of God, we are called by Scripture to be clothed with humility. The same way that a servant puts on their apron to serve their master, humility is a deliberate act of serving others. Jesus said that it is our duty. Whereas pride makes a person rely on themselves and push God and others away, humility admits that we need God and others. When we humble ourselves before God and others, God will give us favor and show us His strength and grace to accomplish His perfect will in our life. 

Sing: Here I am worshiping You, with lifted hands, worshipping You; Bowing down in spirit and truth, with lifted hands worshipping You.

Thought for Today: “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 12

You Have No Reason To Fear When You Know Jesus

“Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.” (Isaiah 44:6-8)

Today’s Morsel: The apostle John, writing to the church in 1 John 4:18, states: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18) Fear will cause you heartache and depression if you allow it to get into your heart. You must control fear. And the way you do that is with love. Love for God first and foremost, then His word, and then love for others. Remember the greatest command is to love God and others. The only reason folks live in fear is that they don’t know God, who is love. When you are complete in Him - in other words, your life is wrapped in His life - you know that you are sealed by Him, and nothing can hurt or harm you. When you know God, you have nothing to fear. As the old saying goes, you have nothing to fear but fear itself! David said: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.” (Psalms 27:1-6). You have no reason to fear when you know Jesus; He has all power in heaven and on earth. 

Sing: He’s the great I Am, the everlasting Father, He’s the prince of peace, the great eternal wonder, holy counselor, and Zion’s righteous governor, He’s the great, He’s the great I Am.

Thought For Today: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 11

The Lord Takes Pleasure In Those Who Reverence Him

“Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God: Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains. He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.” (Psalms 147:7-11)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things that I often read in Scripture is that God takes pleasure in those who reverence Him. Those who love God and do what His word says will not go unnoticed by Him. God also takes pleasure in those who love His mercy. When God forgives you for your wrong and sin, you ought to show your kindness back to Him. When God gives you His grace and saves you, you ought to thank Him. When God brings your children home from school each day or your spouse home from work, you ought to thank Him. When the doctor tells you that your cancer or some other ailment that you may have had is no longer there or is no longer visible, you ought to thank Him. Don’t wait for the negative report to turn good, you go to the doctor and you get a report that all your initial labs came back normal, you ought to give God great praise and thanks! As the writer of Hebrews informs us:“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (Hebrews 6:10)God will not forget the things you do for others and the kingdom. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He’s watching us, too.

Sing: Why should I feel discouraged, and why should the shadow come? And why should my heart feel 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 me.

I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, for His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches over me.

Thought For Today: “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)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 10

Inward Fire

“I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?” (Luke 12:49)

Today’s Morsel: Jesus said that He came to send a fire on the earth. But if the fire is already burning, then what will He do if it’s burning? If the Holy Ghost is working inside and through you, Jesus won’t have to reignite you. If the fire in your altar is burning, then Jesus won’t have to get you relit and burning again. Jeremiah said that the word was like fire shut up in his bones, and he had to tell someone about it. The Holy Ghost in you ought to have you on fire and burning always. Jesus asked if when He comes is He going to find faith on the earth? Are you going to be burning and being as effective as you were when He first filled you? Are you going to be as excited and as passionate about the work and things of God as you were when He first called you and chose you? You must never let the fire go out of your altar. You must always be burning. The men with the five talents and two talents received more because their fire was burning for the things of God. The men on the road to Emmaus said: “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) That inward fire must always be burning within to rid yourself of the sin and chaff in life.

Sing: Burn in me, burn in me, Holy Ghost fire burn in me.  Yesterday’s gone, today I’m in need, Holy Ghost fire burn in me.

Thought For Today: “My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,” (Psalms 39:3)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 9

No Reason To Worry

“For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. 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. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.” (Jeremiah 29:10-14)

Today’s Morsel: Do you ever wonder why so many Christians are filled with worry? What is it that has them gripped that causes them to live in such a state? I’m perplexed. How can one say that they are filled with His Spirit and yet live in a state of worry? The Lord said, 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. If you follow the life of Jacob, he seems to live in a state of worry from the time he cons his father until his death. Jacob has the blessing and birthright from his father, and a promise from God that He will not leave him, yet it seems he lives in a state of worry and fear all the days of his life. You shouldn’t live like this as a Christian. Jesus came to give us life, and that more abundantly. If you live in a state of worry, sooner or later it will cause you to move from a state of worry to deep depression and fear. There is no need for you to worry and fear; you are a child of God, and God is not going to leave you nor forsake you. You need to put your trust in Him and not in yourself or man.

Sing: He is my everything, He is my all. He is my everything, both great and small. He gave His life for me, made everything new. He is my everything; Oh how about you?

Thought For Today: “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)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 8

Petty Excuses

“And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them? And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief. For they said unto me, Make us gods, which shall go before us: for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.” (Exodus 32:21-24)

Today’s Morsel: I’m sure some of you, like me, have wondered why God didn’t smite Aaron for lying. He tells Moses that he threw the earrings into the fire and, poof, out of it came this golden calf. What a lie. Scripture says: “And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 32:2-4) He made the calf himself. That’s what excuses are: a lie.  If you have a valid reason for why you can’t be somewhere or do certain things, it’s not an excuse; it’s a valid reason. When Samuel asked King Saul why he didn’t do what God told him to do and destroy all the Amalekites: “And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. 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 15:20-23) His excuse was that it was the people. No, said Samuel, that’s not going to fly with God.  You didn’t do what He told you to do, not what someone else didn’t do. Your excuse isn’t going to save your Kingship (my wording). When it comes to eternal salvation and eternal life, excuses for failing to obey God’s word will not be accepted by Him from any of us. If we are to reign in heaven with Him forever, we must get rid of our petty excuses and do what He tells us to do in His word. We will each answer for ourselves; there will be no excuses accepted.  

Sing: He made me free, yes, He made me free, He broke the bars of prison for me, I’m glory bound, my Jesus to see, glory to God, He made me free.

Thought For Today: Don’t allow any excuse to keep you out of heaven.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 7

How Well Do You Understand The Resurrection?

“But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:5-6)

Today’s Morsel: Paul informs us that the gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In other words, Christ Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day according to scripture. But how well do you understand the resurrection? When Jesus told Martha that her brother Lazarus would rise again, she tells Him: “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” (John 11:24) Martha believed in a future resurrection from the dead, but not right now. But Jesus said unto her, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.” (John 11:25-27) Did Martha avoid the question by Christ, or was she perplexed by it? When folks don’t know, they are more likely to change the subject to avoid embarrassment for not knowing. Jesus was telling Martha that the resurrection is not only a future event that will happen but it is a present one when people put their trust in Him. When Jesus tells her that I am, He is saying to her, I am God, and I have the power to give life now and in the future. Do you believe it? What is that first resurrection to which John speaks? It’s what Paul speaks to in Romans 6. “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:” (Romans 6:3-5) To be a part of the first resurrection is to obey Acts 2:38: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38) If you have taken part in the first resurrection, the second death will have no power over you, if you have kept yourself in Christ and His ways.

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

Thought For Today: “And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,” (Luke 24:5-6)