Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 19 October 2021

 Proving The Sincerity Of Your Love

 

“I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.” (2 Corinthians 8:8)

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about saying that you are a Christian is you better back it up with love.  If you say that you are a Christian and demonstrate hatred towards others, you are deceiving yourself.  James tells us, “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” (James 2:8-9)  If we say that we belong to Jesus, and our love is not revealed for others to see, we are false witnesses.  Paul told the church at Rome, “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” (Romans 12:9)  Let it be without dissimulation.  Without hypocrisy.  Let it be sincere and unfeigned.  Let it not consist in words or works only, but let it be manifested in acts of kindness and in deeds of love.  Do not have hypocritical love; do not let your love wear a mask.  Love God and your neighbor as yourself.  Show that your love is sincere.  Paul said that he wanted to prove the sincerity of the Corinthian church's love.  Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him.  I think Peter passed the test.  Would you pass the test if your love was tested?  John informs us, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:7-10)  Always remember, that love is the bond of perfectness.

 

Sing:  I love Him. I love Him, because He first loved me.  He purchased my salvation, on Calvary!

 

Thought For Today: “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” (1 John 4:11)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 18 October 2021

 The Clay In The Potters Hand

 

“The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.” (Jeremiah 18:1-6)

 

Today’s Morsel:  When I was in elementary school, we spent a good amount of time playing with clay.  Our time was spent making flowers, animals, houses, automobiles, or some other item. Those items revealed our thought process.  When I lived in Asia, it was neat to observe the potters working with clay on the potter’s wheel,  they made so many beautiful items.  I have seen the potter crush what they were making and start anew.  They seem to have in mind what they were making, and how it should look before the completed process.  And so, they saw a flaw and started over if the item on the wheel did not look right to them.  That is how it is with Jesus.  He sees what He wants us to be.  And so, He remakes us for His beauty and glory.  Sometimes in this process, it is not pleasing to us, as it can sometimes be very painful.  But He knows what He wants us to be, He has a perfect end vessel in mind.   As Isaiah says, “To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3)  He makes everything beautiful in His time, we can trust the Potter.  

 

Sing:  He gave me beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that we might be trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.

 

Thought For Today: “Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?” (Romans 9:21)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 16 October 2021

 The Unspeakable Gift

 

“For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” (2 Corinthians 9:12-15)

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about spiritual gifts is they should be in operation in every true church of Jesus Christ.  Some churches don’t want the gifts to be in operation in the church. Many preach against the laying on of hands for the sick.  Others forbid speaking in tongues.  While others are against prophecy, the word of wisdom, and the word of knowledge.  But God’s church must operate under His anointing and spiritual gifts.  In writing to the church at Corinth, Paul tells them that he is thankful to God for His unspeakable gift.  What is this unspeakable gift?  It is God’s grace.  Grace isn’t spoken, grace is lived and seen.  It’s God’s divine influence in your life.  It is revealed in a changed lifestyle.  A life of holiness and separation to God.  It is a renewed mind and spirit towards God’s word, His people, and His ways.  It is a life dedicated and committed to God.  “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)  Only by mere favor.  It is not by your own merit; it is not because you have any claim to it.  This was a favorite doctrine with Paul, the same as it must be with all who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity and in truth.  It is the gift of God.  Salvation by grace is His gift.  It is not of merit; it is totally by favor only.  

 

Sing:  O’ yes I’m saved and I’m happy today, thanks be to God, for this I can say; I’m saved and I’m happy today, walking up the King’s highway.

 

Thought For Today: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 15 October 2021

 Your Praise In The Gospel

 “And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” (2 Corinthians 8:18-21)

 

Today’s Morsel:  For our scripture reading today, it has been generally supposed that this anonymous brother was Luke.  Some have supposed, however, that it was Mark, others that it was Silas or Barnabas.  It is impossible to determine with certainty who it was; nor is it material to know.  Whoever it was, it was someone well known, in whom the church at Corinth could have entire confidence.  Paul also mentions in 2 Corinthians 12:18, “I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?”  Again, he doesn’t name the brother that he sent with Titus, only a brother, following Jesus’ example of sending them out by two.  But no matter who it was, he was one whose praise was in the gospel.  One who was well known and highly esteemed for writing the gospel, or for preaching the gospel.  In some way, he was celebrated for making known the truths of the gospel.  As Isaiah stated, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isaiah 52:7)  How is your praise in the gospel?  When Jesus sends you out, are you known?  Now is the time to make your calling and election sure.  

 

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

 

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 14 October 2021

 

God’s Word

 

“Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:10-11)

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the most important things about being in church or attending church is that it is all for your good.  Paul said that when the minister ministers he is ministering seed to the sower, bread for your food, to increase the fruit of your righteousness.  The Lord states in Luke 8:5-8 “A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”   “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” (Luke 8:11-15)  The Lord also says through the prophet Isaiah, in Isaiah 55: 10-13 “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”   God's word has so many purposes for our lives. But none like the salvation of your souls.  It is the seed that will bring forth good fruit.  

 

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

 

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 13 October 2021

 Equality

 

“For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.” (2 Corinthians 8:12-15)

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things that the Civil Rights Movement advocated for under the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was that of equality.  The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.  Equality stands in relation to justice, treating all people fairly and equally regardless of the color of their skin or national origin.  James says, “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” (James 2:8-9)  Paul warned the church at Corinth how God was fair in treating and dealing with Israel.  He uses the manna as an example of God’s provision (see Exodus 16:18).  He said, “As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.”  None of them lacked anything. When it comes to the church, we must exercise equality also.  If a church or pastor is struggling, those who have more should help them.  We should never allow a brother or sister, or any church to be without if they are faithful in the things of God.  We must be fair and impartial towards all.  

 

Sing:  Give and it shall be given, good measure, pressed down shaken together, and running over.  Give, and it shall be given; when you give, you give to the Lord.

 

Thought For Today: Let's get on the road to equality.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 12 October 2021

 

Spiritual Cleansing

 

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” (Psalms 51:7)

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the most important things for a person once they become born again of the water and the spirit to do is to remain clean.  If God delivers you from drugs, alcohol, fornication, adultery, lust, perversion, abusing yourself with mankind, or filthiness of the flesh, then you must remain clean.  The psalmist asked, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” (Psalms 119:9)  Jesus said, “When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.” (Matthew 12:43-45)  We are living in a wicked generation that is being overcome by unclean spirits.  About ten years ago, when I assumed the duties as pastor in the city where we now live, the Lord cautioned me to pray against the unclean spirits in my city.  And I have not ceased to pray against them. Daily I call for the Lord to eradicate them from this city.  The Lord said in John 15:3 that we are cleansed by the word that He has spoken unto us.  If we do not obey the word of God and live according to it, we can easily be overcome by unclean spirits.  Do you need to be cleansed today?  “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” (Isaiah 1:16-20)  We should all daily pray for the Lord to search us and cleanse us.  

 

Sing:  There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Immanuel’s veins; and sinners plunged beneath the flood, lose all their guilty stains, lose all their guilty stains, and sinners plunged beneath the flood, lose all their guilty stains.

 

Thought For Today: “Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.” (Isaiah 52:11)