Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 July 8

Building Off Other Momentum

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” (John 14:12)

Today’s Morsel:  Scripture lets us know, through King Solomon there is nothing built, which has not already been and that there is no new thing under the sun (Eccl 1:9). Therefore, we must not think that we are starting from scratch and wanting to give ourselves all the credit. But we should see ourselves as building upon other’s foundation and momentum. This is why history is so important to us. In every country, we can see the sacrifices made by others for us, so that we could build upon their momentum and keep things go.  Jesus told His disciples that the works which He has done that they would do also; and greater works than those would they do. In other words, you are going to build upon what I have already started, and you are going to do so much greater than what I’ve done while here on the earth. And scriptures say they turned their world upside down. What legacy are you going to leave for others to build upon? Don’t go to your grave having not accomplished anything or leaving nothing for others to build upon. Use your talents and abilities for the kingdom of God so that others can build upon your momentum.

Sing: Well, I’m working, working on the building, it’s a true foundation, I’m holding up the blood-stained banner for my Lord. Well, I never get tired, tired of working on the building; I’m going up to heaven to get my rewards.

Thought For Today: “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 July 6

MREs

“As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread... Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.” (John 21:9, 12-13)

Today’s Morsel: MRE stands for Meals Ready to Eat. It is a meal in a flexible meal bag that is ready for consumption by a soldier without needing to be heated. They are usually light weight and can be easily carried by soldiers in their unform pockets. When the disciples had fished all night and taken nothing, early the next morning when they were returning, Jesus was on the shore and had a meal ready for them to eat. He told them to come and dine. When Jesus sent the disciples into town to buy some food, when they return and saw Him talking with the woman at the well (John 4), after she departed, they told Jesus to eat, to which he replayed, “I have meat ye know not of.” The disciples were wondering who had given Him food. Jesus said to them my meat is to do the will of Him that sent me. Soul winning is like having an MRE in your pocket. When you teach someone about Jesus it is going to fill that hungry spot in your soul. As Isaiah admonished: “Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.” (Isaiah 55:2)Every time you go to church you should stock up on His Meals Ready to Eat so that when you go forth you have something for yourself and for others.  

Sing: Jesus has a table spread where the saints of God are fed, He invites His chosen people “Come and dine”; With His manna He doth feed us and supplies our every need; O tis sweet to sup with Jesus all the time.

 “Come and dine”, the Master calleth, “Come and dine.” You may feast at Jesus’ table all the time; He who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine, to the hungry calleth now, “Come and dine.”

Thought For Today:“And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?” (Luke 24:41)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 July 5

Don’t Let Wealth Deceive You

“He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.” (Proverbs 11:28)

Today’s Morsel: What is it about money that causes so many to lie, cheat, steal, and even sell themselves for it? Why are so many deceived by it? Why are so many homes, marriages, careers, and lives lost because of it? What makes those who have it not satisfied, and cause them to want more? What makes others who do not have it jealous of those who do? Why are so many being deceived about it? Did Judas think by selling out Jesus for 30 pieces of silver that it would bring him satisfaction? Did Joseph’s brothers think by selling him into slavery it would rid them of him? Did the religious leaders think by paying the Roman soldiers to lie to Pilate that the disciples stole away Jesus body it would rid them of their guilt? Does a million-dollar payout satisfy and bring happiness to a mother or father who loses a child to malpractice? Just why are s0 many being deceived by wealth? Are we not warned in scripture ab0ut it? Why are there so many born-again believers being deceived by it? Does not scripture tell us: “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10) Do not Solomon also tell us, “For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.” (Ecclesiastes 7:12). He also asks, “Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” (Proverbs 23:5) There isn’t anything wrong with having wealth, but if you are deceived by it with wrong motives and purposes, you will surely fall.  Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.  Always keep Jesus your priority.  

Sing: Covet not this world vain riches, that so easily decay; Seek to gain the heavenly treasures, they will never pass away.

Hold to God unchanging hand! Hold to God’s unchanging hand! Build your hope on things eternal, hold to God’s unchanging hand. 

Thought For Today: “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” (Proverbs 13:11)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 July 4

Freedom

 

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

 

Today’s Morsel: Today across America, we will celebrate Independence Day. Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America. The Founding Fathers declared that the Thirteen Colonies were no longer subject and subordinate to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states. 

 

These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated”? ― Thomas Paine, The Crisis

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32) The only way that America will remain a free nation is if she keeps God and His word as her true foundation. The day she removes that foundation will be the day she chooses to no longer be a great nation. 

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

Thought For Today: Happy Birthday, America!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 July 3

Forethought

 

“The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.” (Proverbs 14:8)

 

Today’s Morsel: Decision making requires a lot of forethought. When I was in the army, no matter what mission I was given, my supervisor and commander, always wanted a plan A, a plan B, and a plan C. A plan A, how we planned to do things. A plan B should plan A fail; and a plan C, if both plans A and B failed. So, how much forethought do you give when it comes to your operational planning.  The same ought to be done in our everyday living. Solomon states that the wisdom of the prudent (the wise) is to understand his way. You need to know what you are doing and why you are doing it; where you are going and why you are going there. You need to have a plan on how you are getting there.  If someone were to ask you why you are a Christian, what would you tell them? How much forethought do you give to this question? The apostle Peter admonishes us: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” (1 Peter 3:15) You need to give some forethought to this question so that you are ready to give an answer. If you are doing something, and your child walks up to you and asks you what you are doing, and you give them and answer, the next question which comes from their little mouth is, Why?! Forethought can save you a lot of trouble. Especially, when it comes to marriage, buying a home or automobile, where you take your family to church, and even the career you choose. Always remember, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

 

Sing: O’ my brother, are you ready for the call? To crown your Savior King and Lord of all. The kingdoms of this world shall soon before Him fall, we shall see the King when He comes.

We shall see the King, we shall see the King, we shall see the King, when He comes. He’s coming in His power; We’ll hail the blessed hour. We shall see the King when He comes.

 

Thought For Today: “Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.” (Haggai 1:7)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 July 2

Right Living Produces Good Things

 

“In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.” (Proverbs 15:6)

 

Today’s Morsel: There is just something to be said about right living. When we live our lives according to God’s word, good things just seem to happen to us. We are usually not bothered and troubled about the world situations and circumstances, because we know that God has our best interest at heart. Most people who find themselves in trouble, are those who do not do right. I think that was the purpose for the law and judgments. Solomon states that in the house of the righteous is much treasure: But in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. Having that understanding, which do you desire to have? This is what I love about God and His word. God always tells us about the consequences for our actions.  And yet some folks like to declare God as being unfair and wrong. God is only trying to help you, that’s why He shows us the end state in hopes we will choose correctly. Somewhat like Moses told the children of Israel: “See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” (Deuteronomy 30:15-20) Do you see how Moses shared with them the consequence for right living versus wrong living? Right living will always produce good things in your life. But if you refuse to live right, then you must learn to live with your own troubles.

 

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

 

Thought For Today: “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.” (1 John 3:7)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 July 1

Nostalgia

 

“Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?” (Haggai 2:3)

 

Today’s Morsel: I am a man that loves history. “The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history.” ― George Orwell. I love talking about my life as a young boy, where I grew up and where I lived. Every so often, I also like to look at the picture of the home where I lived in growing up. As I begin to reflect on the fun, meals, visitors, family time, and what my bedroom was like while living there, it always brings a smile to my face. Then I like to look at the plaque which my wife has on her wall of the Schloss, one of Adolf Hitler’s Officers Clubs in Wiesbaden, Germany, which our missionaries had turned into a church.  This was where I got baptized and received the Holy Ghost, and where I received my calling into the ministry. Somedays I just long to return to those places and turn back the hands of time and live through it all over again. The Lord told the prophet Haggai to ask “Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?” God’s call here, I believe, is to not forget your history. God said in comparison to what it was and what you see now, you may see it as nothing because it is old and rundown. But when we look back, we will see that God was with us, and that He is still with us.  Don’t let the devil destroy your history of where you came from and what God has done for you. When you go back or look back you can see that the hand of God has worked on your behalf through so many things.

 

Sing: When I look back over my life, and I think things over, I can truly say, that I’ve been blessed, I’ve got a testimony.

 

Thought For Today: Don’t ever forget where God has brought you from.