Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 20 May 2020

The Sunshine Kids

“Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.” (2 Samuel 23:1-4)

Today’s Morsel:  I have heard people say that their parents, minister, or spouse gave them some instructions on their deathbeds when they knew it was going to be their last days on earth.  I have received instructions from two men that I knew gave me instructions just before they died.  I still cling to both of their sayings.  Scripture says that these be the last words of David.  David didn’t say This is what I’m telling you.  He said this is what God said to tell you. That was what one of the gentlemen that called me told me.  Notice what God told David to tell them, “He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain."  If we lead and rule over God’s people in righteousness and respect for Him, we will shine bright like the sun.  There will be no distress, affliction, or dark times that overtake us.  We will shine just like Jesus, who is that bright and morning star!  Those that have the light of Jesus in them should be shining that brightness into the lives of others. 

Sing: When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we've no less days to sing God's praise then when we first begun.

Thought For Today:  This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 19 May 2020

Giants Keep on Coming

“And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like a weaver's beam. And yet again there was war at Gath, where was a man of great stature, whose fingers and toes were four and twenty, six on each hand, and six on each foot: and he also was the son of the giant.”
(1 Chronicles 20:5-6)

Today’s Morsel:  When the children of Israel were sent to spy out the promised land, they returned with a report that there were giants in the land.  Years later, we see that there were still giants in the land.  But Israel had a promise from God that He would fight their battles for them.  However, Israel refused to walk by faith, they chose rather to walk by their sight.  Even though David had killed Goliath, the champion of the Philistines, he still had other brothers.  And it was one of those brothers that almost killed David later in battle. You may defeat many of your giant problems. But be assured, that they have brothers that will keep trying to destroy you.  Therefore, you must keep on the whole armor of God and trust in your brothers and sister to protect your back in prayer and give you warning just as David did.  When you are confronted with giant-size problems which way do you turn?  The cross is always the best direction.

Sing: When gloom and sadness whisper, you’ve sinned no use to pray; I look away to Jesus, and He tells me to say.

I see a crimson scream of blood, it flows from Calvary; its waves which reach the throne of God, are sweeping over me.

Thought For Today: Never let your guard down (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 18 May 2020

Stop Complaining

“And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp. And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the LORD, the fire was quenched. And he called the name of the place Taberah: because the fire of the LORD burnt among them.”

(Numbers 11:1-3)

Today’s Morsel:  There seems to be a whole lot of complaining going on these days.  Not only in the world, but also in the church.  Everywhere you turn, someone is complaining about something.  Jude states, “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ…These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage… But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.  (Jude 1:3-4, 16,20-21)  Complaining is a sign of fear starting to take hold or that it has already taken ahold of your life.  Scripture says, "I complained and was overwhelmed" (Psalms 77:3).  I read a quote that said, “Some people complain because God put thorns on roses, while others praise Him for putting roses among thorns.”  How do you see it?  The Bible said that the children of Israel complained so much that finally God was angry with them and He sent fire and consumed the uttermost part of the camp.  That's why I always sit in the front of the church (humor).  If we allow ourselves to become a complainer, sooner or later fear is going to overtake our lives and we will be destroyed.  Not only will complaining destroy our faith, but it will destroy our entire lives as well.

Sing:  I know the Lord will make a way for me!  I know the Lord will make a way for me!  If I live a holy life, shun the wrong and do the right, I know the Lord will make a way for me! 

Thought For Today:  “Some people complain because God put thorns on roses, while others praise Him for putting roses among thorns.”

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 16 May 2020

How Much Does God Love You?

“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”

(Hebrews 12:6-11)

Today’s Morsel: I have come to realize through scripture that in order to receive directions from God, we must be willing to accept corrections from God.  A lot of folks like to talk about God, and how much they love Him, but not too many of them like Him to correct them when they are wrong.  Scripture says, "Now no chastening for the present seem to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."  Correction is to bring about right to those who do wrong since there is no need for correction for those who are doing right.  If you ever feel a strong chastisement from God or those over you, just know that it is because they love you.

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

Thought For Today:  In order to receive direction from God, you must be willing to accept correction from God.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 15 May 2020

Faith And Courage

“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31)

Today’s Morsel:  When I first joined the Army, it was hard for me to believe that a few pieces of nylon cord could support a 250-pound man in the air.  But once you test it and try it, you see that it can, and you build your faith and trust in it.  Why is it that one person can have faith and courage, and another doesn’t?  How could Joshua and Caleb have faith and courage in God’s ability and the other ten spies didn’t?  The answer usually lies in not believing what you hear or testing what you need to use.  True faith and courage are like a kite, opposing winds raise it higher.  You see, fear, anxiety, oppression, and worry should push your faith and courage off the charts.  Even scriptures tell us, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)  Paul said in reference to the children of Israel, “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)  Faith comes by hearing but it stands in the power and demonstration of the spirit.

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

Thought For Today:  True faith and courage are like a kite, opposing wind raises it higher.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 14 May 2020

 Work

“Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit. Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me. And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 2:17-19)

Today’s Morsel:   They say that no one on their deathbed ever said that they wish they had spent more time at work.  I saw a bumper sticker once that said, "A bad day of fishing is a better day than a good day at work every time."  Solomon seems to caution us to life lessons about work.  He said that he hated labor because everything that he had gained was useless because it was going to be left to someone else when he dies.  And he said that he doesn’t know if the person it is left to will be wise with it or foolish.  I believe in an honest day's work, yet how sad for a person to spend all their days working and never have learned to enjoy life.  How about you, have you smelled any roses lately?  

Sing:  Life is good cause God is.  Life is good cause I’m His.  Springing up new life, growing in the sun, walking hand and hand and having some fun.  Life is so so good.

Thought For Today:  Gone Fishin'! 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 13 May 2020

The Secret of Contentment

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Philippians 4:11)

Today’s Morsel:  I was watching a YouTube documentary a few weeks ago on inground homes. These two guys had only what looked like a piece of metal pipe with a sharp end and they began to dig in the ground.  And through their determination, persistence, and skills, they built this wonderful underground home for themselves.  They even included an underground swimming pool with it.  It was a dirt home, but it was absolute beautiful when they finished it.  And when it was completed, they seemed so content.   Paul stated that he had learned that no matter what state he found himself in to be content.  Shipwrecked, imprisonment, hungered, and thirsty yet he thought himself contentment.  One of the best ways to develop contentment is to realize that life is a gift not a right.  If you are not contented with what you already have, chances are you will not be content with what you would like to have even if you get it.  

Sing: I am, so satisfied, I am, so satisfied, with my Savior; He means more to me than anything, anything than this world could ever offer me.

Thought For Today: “If you are not content with what you already have, chances are you will not be content with what you would like to have even if you get it.”