Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 January 24

The Message

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5)

Today’s Morsel: How many text or email messages would you say that you receive each day? Probably more then you wish to receive. The novelty of texts and emails are wearing people thin. I looked at my email trash and junk folder and realized that I had over a thousand messages in them. Some of those messages may have been important while others were not.  John said this then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. The message is clear. You can’t say that you know Christ and walk in darkness. As Paul asked the church at Corinth: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) There must be a separation from the darkness if we are going to be believer and followers of Christ. That, my friend, is an important message.  

Sing: There shall be light in the evening time, the way to glory you will sure find; Through the waterway, it is the light today, baptized in Jesus’ name. Young and old repent of all your sin, and the Holy Ghost will enter in. The evening time, has come, it is a fact that God and Christ are One.

Thought For Today: Light is only greater than darkness when we allow it to shine. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker -2026 January 23

The Shocking Question

“And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.” (Luke 7:36-50)

Today’s Morsel: The story of the woman with the alabaster box appears in all three of the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). But we find in the gospel of Mark and Luke whose house Jesus was in when this alabaster box of precious ointment was broken and used upon Jesus.  It was a man name Simon.  After Mary did what she did with her ointment upon Jesus, Simon stated within himself that if Jesus was a prophet, he would know that Mary was a sinner. He failed to realize that Jesus already knew who she was, and he knew Simon’s thoughts the same as he knows ours. And so when Jesus asked him a question about forgiveness to test his understanding of forgiveness, it took Simon by surprise. When Simon gave Jesus the answer to his question, Simon, probably felt good about himself. Especially when Jesus told him that He had rightly judged. But when Jesus explained Mary’s actions, what Simon failed to realize was that Jesus’ parable was questioning his forgiveness of others. The parable should also speak to us, that we must be ready to forgive others for their wrongs and actions when they come to Jesus.

Sing: He set me free, yes, He see 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: Forgiving someone 460 times for their wrong will increase your faith every time.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 January 22

Surprise Your Prayers Have Been Answered

“Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.” (Acts 12:1-16)

Today’s Morsel: I am so glad that I learned at an early age as a Christian, that God’s ways are not my ways nor are His thoughts. In today’s passage, we see that Peter had been arrested and placed in prison by Herod, after he had killed the apostle James, and he was holding him to kill him at Easter. But prayers for Peter were being made by the church for his release. When God sent an angel and released him, Peter went to home of Mary, John Mark’s, mother. But when he knocked on the door, the people did not believe that it was him. To their surprise it was him, but they did not believe it even with him standing right before them. I have always questioned, and asked myself this, if they were praying for his release, why didn’t they believe he would be released? If we are going to pray and ask God to heal, deliver, provide for, and make a way, then we should not be faithless. We must get ready to receive His answer and see the outcome at the door! 

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: All things are possible to him that can believe.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 January 21

Let’s Go To Church

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

Today’s Morsel: There seems to be a spirit that is stealing the joy of people and preventing them from wanting to go to church. Paul states: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” (Ephesians 4:11-15) If Satan can stop your development and stability in Christ, he wins. The Psalmist informs us: “Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?” (Psalms 77:13) We learn God’s way when we go to church. And again David said, “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.” (Psalms 27:4-6) He only wanted one thing. To go to church. It’s in the church where we learn and understand the ways of God and get on the road to heaven. Jacob, while sleeping on a rock under his head, had a dream and he observed the angels of God ascending and descending on a ladder in heaven, and God was at the top of the ladder. And when he awakens, he said, this is none other than the house of God and the gateway to heaven. Let me encourage you, go to church, and get on the road that will lead you there.

Sing: In His presence, there’s fulness of joy, at His right hand, there’s pleasures forever more. O’ what fellowship divine, I am His, and He is mine.  In the presence of the Lord, there is fulness of joy.

Thought For Today:  A person who says that they are a Christian but does not go to church is fooling themselves.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 January 20

Watchout For That Spirit Of Unbelief

“But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” (Hebrews 3:17-19)

Today’s Morsel: If you are a follower of the news, then you’ve probably said to yourself and to others time and time again, “I can’t believe that people can be so unwise and senseless.” Those last days, which were spoken by Jesus and the apostles, seem to be closer than we may think. Jesus said, “And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” (Luke 17:26-30) Paul tells us: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Timothy 3:1-7) Now is not the time to allow that spirit of unbelief to get into your heart and captivate your mind to where you fall short of the promise and miss the mark of the prize. Remember, the just must live by faith. 

Sing: Well, I’m getting ready to leave this place, I’m getting ready for those gates of pearls; keeping my record straight, watching both day and night. Well, I’m getting ready to leave this place.

Thought For Today: He that cometh to God must believe that He is and a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 January 19

The Time Is Always Right To Do What Is Right

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)

Today’s Morsel: Today our Nation celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Because he was a minister of the gospel, many of his speeches against inequality, racism, and wrong in America, came from the word of God. And when you sit and listen to his speeches, there is always an undercurrent, telling other’s that there is always a right time to do what is right. Especially when it comes to the treatment of others. No matter if he was speaking to the President of the United States, congress, business dealers, a church congregation, or the young students in colleges or school, his messages were the same; There is always a right time to do what is right. When he led marches in the streets across America, they were peaceful marches. There was no burning of buildings, looting, or robbing. It was always peaceful, because anything else would go against the word of God and not accomplish the intended purpose of the march. There is always a right time to do what is right if we say that we are born-again and know Jesus.  The apostle Peter states: “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” (1 Peter 2:21-24) Dr. King, like Jesus, left us an example of how we should live unto righteousness and do what is always right. Are you following their example?

Sing: You’re my brother, you’re my sister, so take me by the hand, together we will work until He comes. There’s no foe that can defeat us, when we’re walking side by side, for as long as there is love, we can stand.

Thought For Today: “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 January 17

Life’s Lessons

“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.” (Proverbs 4:1-4)

Today’s Morsel: If you were to stop and evaluate your life, what life lessons would you say that you have learned? Everything in life teaches you a lesson, but you must be willing to learn. If you are not willing to learn the lessons of life the first go round, you are sure to repeat them again. Life is so much easier when we are willing to learn the first time. Especially from God’s Word. David said, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalms 119:11) Remember, the Bible is just Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. If you study the Bible in advance, when the trials and test of life come, you will probably pass them with flying colors and learn the lesson for which they came. Do you know why Job didn’t give up in his troubles? He prepared for them before they came. He said, “My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” (Job 23:11-12); “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” (Job 13:15). Job understood that what happens to others can also happen to him. He knew that it rains on the just and the unjust. He understood that life can throw you some curve balls that you sometimes aren’t going to be able to hit. And even if you swing out as the might Casey did in Mudville, you can still go down in history with your head held high.

Sing: Years I spent in vanity and pride, caring not my Lord was crucified; Knowing it 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. 

Thought For Today: Lessons of life comes in all shapes and sizes.