tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38458887694425351502024-03-18T16:20:55.834-05:00Morning Manna by Rufus ParkerMorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.comBlogger4437125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-75305961247222886122024-03-18T00:30:00.001-05:002024-03-18T00:30:00.250-05:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 March 18<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Change Your Thinking<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4:4-9)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> One of the most important items in the body is the brain. This is why the enemy of your soul wants to control it. He knows that if he can control your way of thinking, he can control your entire body. Folks are suffering from PTSD because they won’t change their way of thinking. People are depressed, lonely, stressed, hopeless, and joyless because they won’t change their way of thinking. People go to work, come home tired and weary because they won’t change their way of thinking. People say that they don’t find enjoyment in church because things are mundane and boring, and that is because they don’t change their way of thinking. I have yet to find Jesus mundane and boring. People yes. But not Jesus. Church ought to be about Jesus and the gospel not some science fiction movie, or political agenda. None of that is going to fix the broken heart. People need Jesus so that they can change how they think, act, live, and see things. Paul told the church at Philippi, to think on whatsoever <i>things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.</i> He said that if they did this, they would have the peace of God with them. As Isaiah said:</span> <i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> What are you thinking on? I pray that it is the things of God. If you change your thinking, the body will be following. Keep your mind of Jesus and see what happens.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> He’s changing me, my blessed Savior, I’m not the same person that I used to be. Well, it’s been slow going, but there’s a knowing that someday perfect I will be.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">: <i>“Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” (Matthew 17:19-20)<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-17197723523491382024-03-16T00:30:00.001-05:002024-03-16T00:30:00.137-05:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 March 16<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">When God Asks For Your Promise<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him. Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.” (Genesis 22:1-5)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Sometimes, if we are not careful, we can read scripture, we may question Gods motives which is not good. We must learn how to rightly divide scriptures, extract the application from them, and apply it to our lives. What we find with God asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaiah back to Him, is a type and shadow of Jesus Christ. The writer of Hebrews tells us: <i>“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.” (Hebrews 11:17-19)</i> Notice, he received Isaac in a figure. The word figure here means a comparison of one thing with another, or likeness and image. Abraham did not waver at God’s request for him to return his promised son, because he knew that he could trust God to raise him to life again. Isaac was a type and shadow of Jesus. Jesus was sacrificed for our sins, but in three days He rose again. This is why, I believe, that scripture says, <i>“Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.” (John 2:19-22)</i> I believe that’s why anytime God asks us to give something He has already given us, whether money, house, lands, cars, or things that may seem important to us, it is to test our faith. If God asks for it, He will give it back to us with a good measure, pressed down and running over. Would you be willing to give it if He asked you for it?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing: </span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">I’m yours Lord, everything I am, everything I’m not, everything I’ve got. I’m yours Lord, try me now and see, see if I can be completely Yours.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today: <i>“</i></span></b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning...” (Job 42:12)</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-69541331003420609862024-03-15T00:30:00.001-05:002024-03-15T00:30:00.137-05:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 March 15<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">The Importance of The Altar<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“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.” (Psalms 84:1-4)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> I’m afraid that we are losing the understanding and the importance of the altar. In Old Testament times, the altar was for sacrifice, the giving of thanks, and for seeking after God. But today, what we call the altar, has many things placed on them. We preach from the place that we call the altar. We allow children to play on what we call the altar, instead of teaching them to pray at the altar. We have Christmas plays and events on what we call the altar. Coffee cups and children’s sippy cups are spilled on the altar. Are we losing reverence for the altar? Not be critical here. But we can’t lose the importance for nor the reverence of it. The Psalmist states: <i>“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. </i>How lovely, he said, are Thy tabernacles. Then he said that the sparrow had found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars. We can look at this from two points of view. The altar was not maintained, and the birds now occupied the altar, or the tabernacle was open air, and the birds built their houses and nest somewhere close by the altar. But I prefer the analogy of the psalmist as it draws our attention to the importance of the altar. The altar ought to be a place where we spend much time and raise our children at. Our children ought to be laid on the altar so that when they are old, they will dwell in His house. The altar must be a place where we come and seek God for direction, and to offer Him thanksgiving and praise for all that He’s done for us. Where is your house and nest placed? Do your children understand the importance of the altar? Do you reverence the altar? Lord, take us back to the Old Landmark!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> In the presence of Jehovah, God Almighty, Prince of Peace. Troubles vanish, hearts are mended; in the presence of the King.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <i>“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalms 16:11)<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-1245965653955599702024-03-14T00:30:00.001-05:002024-03-14T00:30:00.141-05:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 March 14<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Did You Really Get A Good Deal?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.” (Proverbs 20:14)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> I have had people say to me when they purchased a new vehicle that they got a good deal. I sometimes want to ask them to define what is considered a good deal. As no car dealer really gives you a good deal. There are more hidden charges than the eye can see. When I purchase a vehicle, I don’t look for a good deal. I will ask the dealer for special incentives such as military discounts, senior citizen discounts, or good interest rates. And I have found that if I go in with an interest rate better than the dealer, they will make theirs lower so that I will use them. But to get a good deal, it doesn’t really happen. When we lived in Asia, one of our yearly highlights were going to Seoul Korea. It was always good to haggle with the vendors for fun to see if you could sometimes get a good deal. But when one once asked me if I wanted to buy a genuine imitation Rolex watch, we both got a good laugh. He told me that it wasn’t real. Now if I wasn’t listening, I could have given in. Believe me, getting four cellphones for 25 dollars isn’t a good deal. Read the small print. This is one of the reasons as Christians, that we need to be good listeners. One of the things that Satan does is offers folks things that may seem like they are getting a good deal, only afterwards it costs them more than they bargain for. Esau thought that he was getting a good deal trading his birthright for a bowl of soup. Scripture said, <i>“And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?” (Genesis 25:32).</i> The writer of Hebrews says: <i>“For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” (Hebrews 12:17) </i>His deal cost him dearly. Don’t let Satan trick you into selling your birthright for things of this world. You are not getting a good deal. You must have this New Birth experience to get into heaven. There are no other good deals out there. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> I really enjoy living for Him, I would trade it for anything, because I, really enjoy living for Him. This feeling inside, I just can’t hide, and I want to world to know, that I really enjoy living for Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">: <i>“Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.” (Hebrews 12:16)<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-59514289101066716492024-03-13T00:30:00.001-05:002024-03-13T00:30:00.184-05:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 March 13<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mercy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalms 118:1-4)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> If you were asked to define mercy, how would you define it from a personal standpoint. Would you just say not getting what you deserve as far as forgiveness and not being punished, or would it be more. Think about that for a moment. You see, God wants us to understand the application of His word. In other words, He wants us to understand and be able to see how things apply to our lives so that we can develop and grow. So, if God forgave you of sin, what are you doing to ensure that He doesn’t have to keep doing it? The Psalmist stated:</span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.” (Psalms 62:11-12)</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Notice if you will, not only does power belong to God, but also mercy. Do you feel as though God has bestowed His mercy on you? If so, what did you do to give Him thanks for it? The writer of Hebrews tells us:</span> <i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> I love this scripture. Not only do we find mercy at the throne of God, but we also find grace to help in time of need. So, how much grace do you have stored up for what is ahead. If grace saves us, surely mercy ought to keep us in His love. Don’t wait until you need grace to come to the throne to get it. Go to the throne daily, get it, and keep it stored up within you so that you will have it when you need it. Should the Lord tarry, you are going to need both grace and mercy to navigate through this life. God doesn’t run out of these things. But isn’t it wise to have what you need to carry you though what you might face from day to day? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Years I spent in vanity and pride, caring not my Lord was crucified; Knowing and not it was for me He died, on Calvary. Mercy there was great, and grace was free; Pardon there was multiplied to me; There my burden soul found liberty at Calvary.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today:</span></b> <i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-37206566471886288802024-03-12T00:30:00.001-05:002024-03-12T00:30:00.128-05:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 March 12<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">It Is Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.” (Luke 18:35-43)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Scripture tells us that when Jesus was upon the earth, great multitudes followed Him. They observed His teachings, heard His preaching, saw His miracles, and even saw His rejection by folks. His fame spread far and wide. There has never been another who impacted so many. What made Him admired and followed? I believe it was His compassion for the lost. Jesus went where others feared to go and did what others failed to do. He asked nothing from those who gave nothing. He went about doing good to all. And those of us who have His spirit ought to be walking the same as He walked (1 John 2:6). When the blind man heard the commotion of the crowd, he asked what was going on and they told him that Jesus was passing by and he began to call out to Jesus for His help, and he received his sight. In John 9, when the religious leader questioned the man born blind how that he had received his sight:</span> <i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.” (John 9:11)</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Peter said that we ought to be ready to give an answer to everyone that asks of us the hope that is within us without fear and doubting. Believe me, people today need Jesus. So, go out and take Him to them and they will be thankful you did. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Jesus is here right now, reach out and touch Him. Jesus is here right now, yours to receive. Jesus is standing near, ready your heart to cheer. Jesus is here right now, only believe.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <i>“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5)<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-83966596000908959692024-03-11T00:30:00.001-05:002024-03-11T00:30:00.134-05:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 March 11<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Don’t Run Out of Gratitude<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> I’ve learned that the giving of thanks and being thankful can go a long way with folks. When we display a heart of gratitude, not only does it make us feel good about ourselves, but it also makes us feel good about who we are in Christ. I always teach that when we pray, the first ten things we pray about ought to be what we are thankful to God for, and the next ten should be what we need God’s help with. When Jesus healed the ten lepers, only one came back to give Him thanks and he was the only one who was made completely whole. The other nine were only healed, but the Samaritan was made whole. The nine may have gotten rid of their leprosy, but perhaps they may not have gotten rid of their troubled minds, bitterness of heart, loneliness, and depression like the one who was made whole. Thanksgiving for the even the smallest things with Christ can make a big difference in your life. Paul speak to the church at Rome stating: <i>“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” (Romans 1:20-21) </i>Notice, when they knew God, they were not thankful, and they became foolish trusting in other things. Let me encourage you, don’t run out of gratitude, because God’s will for our life is that we be always thankful.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul. Thank You, Lord, for making me whole. Thank You, Lord, for giving to me, Thy great salvation so rich and free. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <i>“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-47600244752384124392024-03-09T00:30:00.001-06:002024-03-09T00:30:00.155-06:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 March 9<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">The Grace of God<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:11-14)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> When we think of God’s grace, there ought to be something that swells up inside of us that causes us to put the brakes on when we even think of doing wrong. God’s grace in our lives ought to cause us to pushback on evil, wrong living, and ethical violation. God’s grace ought to cause our character to grow. It ought to cause us to reach out to the lost and fulfill our callings. God’s grace ought to cause us to live holy and separated for His purpose and use. God’s grace ought to cause us to obey the Golden Rule and develop a great love for the things of God and His word. You see, if it had not been for God’s grace, none of us would be saved from our sins. We would all be doomed to hell with Satan and his demonic force. But because of God’s grace, Paul said,</span> <i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:1-7) </span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Aren’t you glad for His unmerited love and influence in your life? I thank God for His grace!<br /><br /><b>Sing:</b> Grace, grace, God’s grace; grace that will pardon and cleanse within. Grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that is greater than all our sins.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Grace only works with gratitude. <o:p></o:p></span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-8370347138539376982024-03-08T00:30:00.001-06:002024-03-08T00:30:00.134-06:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 March 8<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">The Battlefield of the Mind<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">(2 Corinthians 11:3)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Every battle of the warrior is won from within. Your ability to be an overcomer of the things which you face starts with our own self-discipline to look deep inside of you. Your attitude about what you are facing can either be your friend or your foe. Every battle is won or lost in the mind. If the enemy can get you to think that you can’t win, you will begin to think that you can’t win, and you won’t win. But on the other hand, if you think that you can be victorious and think that you will be victorious, you will oftentimes be victorious. As scripture says<i>, “As he thinketh in his heart so is he.”</i> There are going to be many things that you are going to face in life. Problems, circumstances, and situations that will seem insurmountable to you. But you can overcome them if you keep your head in the game. As Isaiah said, <i>“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:” (Isaiah 26:3-4) </i>Let me encourage you today, don’t allow fear to get a foothold into your mind so that you start thinking that you cannot win and be an overcomer. If you keep your mind on Jesus, you will see how easy it is to navigate through the things you face and you then will win.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> When gloom and sadness whisper, “You’ve sinned no use to pray”; I look away to Jesus, and He tells me to say.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“I see a crimson stream of blood, it flows from Calvary; Its waves which reach the throne of God, are sweeping over me.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today: </span></b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:10)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-31158946783353955952024-03-07T00:30:00.001-06:002024-03-07T00:30:00.139-06:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 March 7<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Dwelling In His House<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“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.” (Psalms 84:1-4)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> As Christians, we should have a habit of going to church. There ought to be something inside of us that draws us to God’s house. Not only to hear the word of God and the fellowship with brothers and sisters of like precious faith, but also, to worship God with these same people. The psalmist states, <i>“Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee.”</i> In other words, if we have it a habit of being in God’s house, nothing should be able to stop us from praising Him. Our situations and circumstances ought not stop our praise and worship to Him. Our afflictions ought not affect our relationship with God. If anything, they ought to draw us closer to Him. Do you know what I have found about those who have a love for the house of God and those who dwell there? All hell can be unleashed on their life, and they will not be fazed by it because they know that they are under the shadow of His wings, and He will bring them out. Make it a habit to be in the house of the Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> In His presence is fullness of joy, at His right hand, pleasures for every more. Oh what fellowship divine, I am His and He is mine; in the presence of the Lord, there’s fullness of joy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <i>“I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the LORD.” (Psalms 122:1)</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-9891036020373540312024-03-06T00:30:00.001-06:002024-03-06T00:30:00.141-06:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 March 6<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">True Worshippers<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.” (John 4:19-26)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">: Through study, we know that the gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. But what many fail to realize about the gospels is that they are training instructions for leaders. We find that when we read the gospels, Jesus chooses twelve men and trains them for the mission that He would have them perform. The stories listed in the gospels are training tools to teach us how to deal with and answer people that we may encounter of our journey. In today’s lesson, Jesus encounters a woman at Jacobs well in Sychar or Shechem. This is the place that Jacob returns to when he returns into the land of promise from his uncle Laban after 20 plus years. It was here in this place that Levi and Simon kill all the males of Hamor and his son Shechem for raping their sister Dinah. Scripture says that Jesus had need to go through Samaria. The disciples wanted to go a different route because they knew that the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans. But Jesus had need to go there because His mission was to seek and to save that which was lost. And after sending His disciples away to buy bread, he encounters a woman at the well. And their discussion leads not only into discussion of living water, the Holy Ghost, but also the true place for worship. She tells Jesus that our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Why was Jesus telling her that she should be worship in Jerusalem? Here’s the reason, I believe. Scripture says, <i>“And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.” (Zechariah 14:16-17) </i>Every nation was to worship in Jerusalem. But the Samaritans were worshipping in that mountain because they had allowed division to divide them. They were now worshipping many things and many gods. We must not allow anything or anyone to prevent us from worshipping the Lord our God. Jesus said that God is a spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. Do you know where you ought to be worshipping?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> To worship You I live, to worship You I live, I live, to worship You. To worship You I live, to worship You I live, I live, to worship You. Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> True worship always springs out of an understanding as to who God is and what He has done for us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-6589173617959241822024-03-05T00:30:00.001-06:002024-03-05T00:30:00.164-06:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 March 5<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Don’t Even Try It<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> There are many people today that are trying to make it through life without Jesus. It may seem as though they are making it on their own, but when you look a little closer you will see that they are working in their own strength and power and their life is not as successful as it appears. If you ask them how they are doing, they will tell you that they are tired and can’t sleep. They are restless and depressed. They have little or no joy, no true happiness within. They are taking medications daily simply trying to exist. They are burning the candle at both ends trying to get ahead. They are troubled on every side. Scripture says, <i>“Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” (Proverbs 1:23-33) </i>We can’t make it without Jesus. We have got to have Him as the head of our life, or we are not going to make it. We cannot do anything without Him. It’s foolish to even try. He is the giver and sustainer of life and the only One who can give us peace and contentment. So trust Him and let Him lead and direct your steps. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> He leadeth me, He leadeth me by His great power He leadeth me. His faithful follower I will be, for by His grace He leadeth me.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <i>“The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.” (Psalms 14:2)<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-60273428560329295872024-03-04T00:30:00.001-06:002024-03-04T00:30:00.130-06:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 March 4<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Read Your Bible Daily<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.” (Proverbs 23:12)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> The Bible is a book to make you better. It tells us that a soul without knowledge is not good (Proverbs 19:2). In today’s world, you and your loved ones need God’s wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to navigate through the mind fields that Satan is laying before you. From the I-devices we hold in our hands, to the purchasing of produces, we need God’s wisdom. And the Bible has our answers. The problem that most people face in life today is their lack of knowledge and understanding in dealing with what is coming against them. As Daniel said, <i>“And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.” (Daniel 7:25)</i>. Think about that verse for a moment and then ask yourself, have I allowed Satan to deceive me? Now days, good is already being called evil, and evil is being called good. Satan is trying to change the times and laws. He’s trying to twist the Word of God so that you will not believe, and you will be confused. He is trying to get you to think that the Bible is not true. He wants you to think that the stories that were written within its pages are fiction. He is trying to gain command and control of your mind so that he can wear you out and control you. But if you read your Bible daily and apply your heart to it, and your ears to the words of knowledge, God will open your understanding and you will prosper and have good success.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> The Lord saved me, tell me why should I be bound? The Lord saved me, tell me why should I be bound? The Lord saved me, tell me why should I be bound, why should I be bound? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <i>“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1:8)</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-38926843108673621342024-03-02T00:30:00.001-06:002024-03-02T00:30:00.148-06:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 March 2<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Who Is A God Like Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.” (Micah 7:18)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Every year that I begin to read my Bible through again, or when my wife and I are doing our morning devotions, God just seems to drop little nuggets of encouragement right in my lap. And today’s scripture is one of them. I have read my Bible through for the past 38 years, and so when I was reading our devotion a few weeks ago, this passage again opened my eyes to truth. Micah wrote, <i>“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.”</i> The Lord, through the prophet Isaiah, said <i>“Who among you will give ear to this? who will hearken and hear for the time to come?” (Isaiah 42:23)</i> The psalmist states, “<i>If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.” (Psalms 130:3-4).</i> God is not willing that any of us should perish, but that we would all come to repentance. God is willing to give us a second chance when we do wrong. He is full of compassion and mercy. They are new every morning. As the writer of Hebrews tells us,</span> <i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Jesus loves mercy, what about you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> He knew me, and yet He loved me, He whose glory makes the heavens shine. I’m so unworthy, of such mercies; Yet when He was on the cross, you and I were on His mind.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <i>“It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” (Lamentations 3:22)<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-52591357655633237242024-03-01T00:30:00.001-06:002024-03-01T00:30:00.132-06:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 March 1<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Growing Through Afflictions<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.” (Exodus 1:12)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">: Afflictions are defined as a state of pain, distress, grief, or misery. It can also be sickness, poverty, the oppression of the weak by the strong and the rich. It can be perverted justice. There are two ways that we can deal with our afflictions. We can attack them head on, or we can seek the Lord for His help and assistance to carry us through them. No matter what our afflictions may be, Paul, who would have been labeled as a man that endure much affliction, stated that they are light, and that they are working a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory for us. David said that many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivered him out of them all. (Psalms 34:19) And Moses informs us that the more the children of Israel were afflicted, the more they multiplied and grew. If you want to win this race, then you must learn how to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Peter stated, “<i>Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)</i> There are going to be those times in your life when you feel as though all hell has been unleashed against you. Afflictions are going to rattle your cage, but don’t lose heart. Stay focused on the prize and where you are headed. Be strong and of a good courage, and when you have come through the affliction you will be stronger then when you first believed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Trials dark on every hand and we cannot understand, all the ways that God would lead us to that blessed promised land; But He guides us with His eye, and we’ll follow till we die, for we’ll understand it better by and by.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">By and by, when the morning comes, when all the saints of God are gathered home, we will tell the story how we’ve overcome, for we’ll understand it better by and by. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br />Thought For Today: </span></b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">(2 Peter 3:18)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-70794085376690929452024-02-29T00:30:00.001-06:002024-02-29T00:30:00.141-06:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 29<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">How High Can You Jump?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God save the LORD? Or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.” (Psalms 18:29-33)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> When I was in high school, I wanted to be in track. And so I went out for the pole vault. I thought it was neat to be able to run with this long pole and propel yourself into the air over this high cross bar. Things were going well until I didn’t clear the cross bar and it came down and smacked me across the head. Then I thought maybe I should participate in the lower jumps! David said that he had run through a troop and leaped over a wall. Now I understand that, as this was very much of my initial military training. We were always jumping over walls and simulating combat. And the same ought to hold true with our trials and troubles. With Christ’s help, we ought to be able to leap over them when they come our way. We must not allow them to stop us from reaching our goals. Jesus said, behold I give you power to tread over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Are you feeling that you are being weighed down with trials and troubles? Do you feel that something is in your pathway that is preventing you from reaching your goal. Then why not leap over it and not allow it to hinder your advancement in the things of God.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> I can run through a troop and leap over all wall. Hallelujah, Hallelujah! He’s my sword and my shield, He gives power to all. Hallelujah, Hallelujah! Well, He’s the Rock of my salvation, in Him there is no condemnation. I can run through a troop and leap over a wall. Hallelujah, Hallelujah! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Sometimes you must leap over the things that you wish to overcome.<o:p></o:p></span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-89632939199140828552024-02-28T00:30:00.001-06:002024-02-28T00:30:00.142-06:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 28<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Beware of Unbelief<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” (Hebrews 3:12)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Over the past few years, there seems to be a great shift in the commitment of many who said that they love and would serve God. There has been many falling away. Many seem to be compromising on Truth. Church just doesn’t seem to have the same importance as it once did in their lives. The elderly saints are not given opportunity to speak into the lives of many any longer. Holiness and separation living from the world doesn’t seem important to most any longer. But as Paul told the church at Corinth:</span> <i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3) </span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">The truth about Jesus is very simple. He is God, and the enemy desires to corrupt and distort your understanding of that knowledge the same way that he did Eve. You see, if he can get you to not believe, he knows that you will depart from the faith and no longer serve God, and you will return to your old way of life. That is his overall goal. So,</span> <i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“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. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” (Colossians 2:8-10) </span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Christ made you free, so stay that way!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Standing on the Rock of ages, safe from every storm that rages. Rich, but not of Satan’s wages, I’m standing on the solid rock.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “<i>If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-82465246134275494892024-02-27T00:30:00.001-06:002024-02-27T00:30:00.141-06:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 27<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">The Grace of God<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” (Titus 2:11-15)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Paul told the church at Ephesus that it was based on God’s grace that we are saved. Grace is not only getting something that we did not deserve. It is not only God’s unmerited love which He’s shown to us. Grace is also God’s divine influence in your life. When God saves us, He empowers us to become holy. Notice what Paul tells Titus here: <i>For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world</i>. God’s grace is supposed to change you. It ought to cause you to pushback on sin and cause you to avoid wrongdoing. Lusting after the things of this world. Bad conduct and immoral actions. As well as developing poor character. Again, as Paul told the church at Ephesus: <i>“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” (Ephesians 5:3-4) </i>God’s grace ought to inspire us to follow and have a strong desire for the things of God and lead us to holiness and godly living.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Grace! Grace! God’s grace, grace that pardon and cleanse with in. Grace! Grace! God’s grace, grace that is greater than all our sins.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today: </span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">For by Grace are you saved.<o:p></o:p></span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-27914508209468981932024-02-26T00:30:00.001-06:002024-02-26T00:30:00.134-06:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 26<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Don’t Disrespect God<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.” (Mark 3:22-30)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> One of the biggest fallacies that some folks make is that when they do not understand the word of God, they are quick to find fault and to criticize the Bible, and to speak disrespectfully against it without seeking for understanding. And because of their lack of understanding, they can easily disrespect God or the things that are holy not considering the consequences. Jesus told His disciples: <i>“If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. 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: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.” (John 15:22-27)</i> To blaspheme, and the blaspheme against the Holy Ghost, means to show disrespect for God or something that is holy. Or something that one says or do to show disrespect toward God or these things. The Ten Commandments begins with a call to show respect. Not only to God, but to our neighbors as well. You can disrespect the president, politicians, teachers, police officers, and even your parents and perhaps get away with it; But when it comes to God and the things of God, we had better be very careful about the things that we say against Him that are disrespectful. Solomon states that God has no pleasure in fools (Ecclesiastes 5:4) as it is the fool which saith in his heart that there is no God (Psalms 14:1). John said: <i>“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20)</i> Remember, Jesus is God manifested in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16). Be cautious of your words. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> He is the great I Am, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the great eternal Wonder, Holy Counselor, and Zions righteous Govern, He is the great He is the great I Am.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Don’t speak disrespectful of and towards God!<o:p></o:p></span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-33055755753106651502024-02-24T00:30:00.001-06:002024-02-24T00:30:00.133-06:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 24<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">The Light That Gets You Out of Darkness<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.” (Psalms 139:11-12)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> When we are sinners and living in the world, we associate the church as being in darkness. But once we come into a relationship with Jesus Christ, we come to the light, because God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. The psalmist said, the darkness and the light are both alike to Christ. No matter if we are in the church or in the world, God is the same. He's still light. The darkness cannot prevent God from finding you and shining on you. Paul told the church at Corinth:</span> <i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Satan’s goal is to blind you. And he’s doing a pretty good job at it with confusing people’s minds, so that they will have a hard time understanding, not only the gospel, but also who they are. But Paul said that the gospel is design to bring you to the light, which is Jesus Christ, so that, <i>“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,” (Ephesians 1:18-19)</i> No matter how dark your world around you may seem right now, if you seek for Jesus He will be found of you, and you will find yourself standing in the light and not in darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Send the light the blessed gospel light, let it shine from shore to shore. Send the light, the blessed gospel light, let it shine forever more.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.” (Psalms 36:9)<o:p></o:p></span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-91002641421277027262024-02-23T00:30:00.001-06:002024-02-23T00:30:00.137-06:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 23<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Are You Complete?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” (Colossians 2:10)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> I have come to realize that a lot of people are struggling with who they are. They say that they are Christians, but they keep living in the past, they keep trying to change who they are through makeup, Botox shots, and weight programs. I’m sorry, but that stuff doesn’t change you. It’s an outward expression of a hurting heart inside. Not until you change who you are inside, will you be content on the outside. If I am a Christian, then my satisfaction and completion is in Christ. Nothing else matters. My goal is to now please Him. He is now the head of my life. The joy that I was missing I find in Him. The peace that I was missing, I now find in Him. The beauty I think I was missing; I now find in Him. As He makes all things beautiful in His time. Stop wasting your money trying to change the outside. <i>“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.” (Ezekiel 36:26-28) </i>Turn your life over to Jesus and allow Him to make you complete in Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Well, I’ve been changed, I am newborn now, all my life has been rearranged. What a difference it made when the Lord came to stay, in my heart, oh yes, I’ve been changed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <i>“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-51836348720331660072024-02-22T00:30:00.001-06:002024-02-22T00:30:00.153-06:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 22<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">It’s Still A Hog<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.” (Proverbs 11:22)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> As a young country boy living on the farm, one of my highlights was helping my dad put rings in the hogs’ noses to prevent them from continuously rooting out of the pen. No matter how much make-up, miniskirts, and jewelry that Hollywood or the cartoons put on Miss Piggy, she’s still a hog. A hog is still going to be a hog and return to the muck and mire no matter how much you clean them up. As Peter said: <i>“But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” (2 Peter 2:22)</i> You can spend thousands of dollars to have a dog groomed or sent to doggie daycare to teach him how to obey and have fun with other dogs. But it’s still a dog and it’s going to act like a dog. It’s going to bark even when you tell it to hush and be quiet. Solomon’s call here is not to degrade people or to make them feel bad. His call is for wisdom, knowledge, instruction, and understanding. And he compares putting a costly jewel in a hog nose, to a good-looking or beautiful woman which has no discretion. It’s a waste. As Paul states:</span> <i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” (1 Timothy 2:9-10) </span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Those words shamefacedness and sobriety means with honor and respect and sound-mindedness and self-control. “<i>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:” (Proverbs 2:10-15) </i>As a woman of God, it’s your character that make you beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Would you be free from your passion and pride? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood; Come for a cleansing to Calvary’s tide; there’s wonderful power in the blood.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">There is power, power, wonder working power in the blood, of the Lamb; There is power, power, wonder working power in the precious blood of the Lamb.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">: Discretion can keep you from a lot of trouble. <o:p></o:p></span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-70176980449449349682024-02-21T00:30:00.001-06:002024-02-21T00:30:00.158-06:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 21<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Put Your Own Mask On First<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">(Acts 2:37-40)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> If you have ever flown on an airplane before, you have heard the safety briefing that states if the plane loses altitude pressure and the masks drop from the ceiling, to put your mask on first before helping others. The reason is clear, if you become unconscious you aren’t going to be able to help anyone else. The same is true with salvation, if you are not saved, you are not going to be able to help anyone else. Peter told the people on the day of Pentecost to save themselves from this untoward generation. And about 3,000 heard him and responded. You can do all the good in the world to help others, but if you are not saved, it will do you no good.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> For above all else, I must be saved. For above all else, I, must be saved. Lord whatever, You have to do to me, don’t let me be lost for eternity. For above all else, I must be saved.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">: Save yourself from this untoward generation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-42852988897877634242024-02-20T00:30:00.001-06:002024-02-20T00:30:00.131-06:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 20<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">I’m Going Through<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word: But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD. Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.” (Numbers 14:20-24)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> From the time that the Lord sent Moses in to lead the children of Israel out of bondage, Joshua, and Caleb set their hearts on what God had said and had promised. They were not about to allow anything to deter them from reaching their goal. Yet many complained and murmured, and they died in the wilderness without obtaining the promise. The writer of Hebrews said of them:</span> <i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” (Hebrews 4:2)</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Anytime we hear God’s word we should mix it with our faith so that it will come to fruition. The Lord told Moses, <i>But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it. </i>From the time you are saved, your focus ought to be on the promise that God has gone to prepare for you. You must change your attitude, or you will miss the promise. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Well, I’m going through, yes, I’m going through, I’ll pay the price no matter what others do. I’ll take the way with the Lord’s despised few. I started out with Jesus and I’m going through. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Heaven is just around the corner!</span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845888769442535150.post-70167533447739313462024-02-19T00:30:00.001-06:002024-02-19T00:30:00.143-06:00Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 19<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Habits<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east. And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.” (Job 1:1-5)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today’s Morsel</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">: When I first became born-again, my pastor would stand in the pulpit, look straight at me, hold up his Bible and say, “Brother Rufus, you must love this more than anything else in the world. And he did that every service. I never heard him say it to anyone else. And so, I took him at his word and started doing what he said. And now, I have people asking me how do I memorize so many scriptures? I am in no way proud or boastful of this ability that God has given me. I am just grateful that someone inspired me to love the Word of God, and that God has given me the ability to memorize His word. Memorization and the study of God’s word has become a habit for many years for me. There is just so much that flows from the pages of the Bible. As Christians there are certain things that ought to become a habit in our lives. Things such as prayer, reading and studying the Bible, going to church, giving, and witnessing, these things ought to top the list. The Bible says of Job, that when Job’s children went about their feasting, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, it may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually. Notice it became a habit of his. The Lord told Joshua to make reading and studying the word a habit in his life and that he would be strong and have great success. And Paul told Timothy, <i>“Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” (1 Timothy 4:13-16) </i>When you make something a habit, it oftentimes means that you love it. Remember the acronym for bread. <b>B</b>ible <b>R</b>eading <b>E</b>nriches <b>A</b>ny <b>D</b>ay.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> He’s the great I Am, the everlasting Father, He’s the Prince of Peace, the great eternal Wonder, Holy Counselor and Zion righteous Govern; He’s the great, He’s the great I Am.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thought For Today:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <b>B</b>ible <b>R</b>eading <b>E</b>nriches <b>A</b>ny <b>D</b>ay<o:p></o:p></span></p>MorningMannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06004056442043050246noreply@blogger.com0