Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 31

Abstaining From All Appearance Of Evil

“Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-23)

Today’s Morsel: When I was a kid, I looked forward to October 31^st. As kids, we saw Halloween as a time for fun and dressing up with all kinds of garb that reflected fear and evil, and to see who we could scare and impress with our looks and actions to get candy. We did not consider any danger associated with it. It was years later, when I was older and had my own children, that we began to hear that people were lacing the candy with drugs, alcohol, and needles to harm children. And we began to understand the true meaning behind this holiday.  Paul calls for the church to give no appearance of evil. Appearance, according to the King James Bible, uses the Greek word eidos, or eidous, which means type, kind, or form rather than a visual outward look. Therefore, 1 Thessalonians 5:22 commands Christians to reject evil in all its types, rather than just avoiding things that merely look suspicious to others. As believers, we are urged to test everything.  Paul calls for us to prove all things, and to hold on to that which is good.   When he wrote to the church at Ephesus, he informed them: “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:6-16) Remember, we are called to be holy as He is holy, and that we must make an active choice to turn away from sin and all ungodly influence and works of the devil and abstain from all appearances of evil.  

Sing: I command you, Satan, in the name of the of the Lord, to pick up your weapons and flee; for God hath given me the authority to walk all over thee.

Thought for Today: “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-27)

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 30

Do You Love The Lord?

“To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” (Psalms 18:1-3)

Today’s Morsel: Having a love for God can change everything about you and who you are and what you do. The first commandment the children of Israel were taught was: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) Scripture also informs us: “And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:1-6) Notice how God expresses what a relationship with Him should look like. Jesus said that you can’t serve two, for either you will love the one and hate the other, or you will hold on to the one and despise the other. If we love God, He will show mercy unto thousands of them that love Him and keep His commandments. David said I will love the Lord, my strength. How much do you love God? Do you express your love for Him in your life, actions, and conduct? To love God is to place Him before anyone and everything else in your life.

Sing: I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice to worship You; O my soul, rejoice, take joy, my King, in what You hear, may it be a sweet sound in Your ear. 

We exalt Thee, we exalt Thee, we exalt Thee, Oh O Lord; we exalt Thee, we exalt Thee, we exalt Thee, O Lord.

Thought for Today: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 29

Despondency

“How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?” (Psalms 13:1-2)

Today’s Morsel: If we are not careful, despondency can invade the church and get into our lives. As I have often mentioned, despondency causes you to feel hopeless, discouraged, rejected, and unhappy. It is one of Satan’s greatest weapons against you. He knows that if he can get you to this state, he will win if you do not run to Jesus for His help. David shows us that just because he was king, he was not exempt from things coming against him. Remember, from the time Israel was brought out of Egypt and the land of bondage, they have been at war with others. Israel represents the church, and Egypt and the other nations represent the world. Stop and think about that for a moment: David was king for forty years, and Scripture makes no mention of him having rest from war. It was not until Solomon, his son, assumed commanded that Israel had rest from war. But David, from the time he slew Goliath, was at war. This may be why Israel, even today, looks at David as one of their greatest leaders and kings. But David was a praying man who sought God for answers to what he was facing and going through. He prayed: “How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? forever? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?” (Psalms 13:1-2). David sought relief. When you read scriptures like this, you can see that David is expressing a sense of deep emotion and distress. He wanted to know how long he would have to endure this while his enemy triumphed. Do you feel that your soul sometimes is taking counsel and your thoughts are running rampant? Listen to David again: “O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” (Psalms 42:6-11)  Let me encourage you, don’t feel bad or feel as though you are a loser when you sometimes feel like David and need to seek God for uplifting and edification. This is warfare. And in warfare, sometimes even the best soldiers will cry.

Sing: As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee. You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship Thee. You alone are my strength, my shield; to You alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship Thee. 

Thought for Today: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 28

Building A Solid Foundation

“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalms 11:3)

Today’s Morsel: Foundations are one of the most essential things in a home or building. Depending on how deep your foundation is will determine if your building will stand or fall in the times of earthquakes and tremors. In Japan, most of the buildings and homes that they build, the foundation is almost as deep as the height of the building. They know that earthquakes are prevalent throughout Japan, and they want people to be safe, so they ensure the foundation is laid and built correctly. One of the surest foundations you can have in your life is the Word of God. It is a foundation that is sure and unmovable. Paul told his protégé Timothy: “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” (2 Timothy 2:19) He also told the church at Corinth: “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.” (1 Corinthians 3:10-13) Throughout the world, we see that the foundation of the church, Jesus Christ, is constantly under attack. If Satan and his dominion can destroy the foundation of the church, what will those in the church do? Therefore, it is essential that every church and those who say that they are Christian, preach and teach Jesus Christ and Him crucified, which is the gospel. You must protect your foundation, or you yourselves will fall when things start coming against you and the church.

Sing: I’m standing on the Rock of Ages, safe from all the storms that rages. Rich but not of Satan’s wages, I’m standing on the solid rock. 

Thought for Today: “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 27

Are You Glad?

“There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” (Psalms 4:6-8)

Today’s Morsel: Do you remember singing that song in church, “If you’re happy and you know it, say amen?” Do you remember how much joy you felt when you sang it? What about some of the others like “At The Cross”, or “I’ll Fly Away”, or “Jesus, Hold My Hand”? How often do you sing them now?  If those old songs brought you joy and happiness when you sang them back then, God knew that you would need them in the days ahead. Paul informs us: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) I know that he is speaking about the word of God, but those old songs that were written can also bring us comfort and hope. David said that the Lord had put gladness in his heart more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. Think about that for a moment. Israel’s corn and wine were constantly increased because of God’s mercies. And David said that God had put gladness in their heart more than that. When we stop and consider that with the giving of the Holy Ghost in our lives, God has put more joy and gladness in our hearts than any happiness ever brought by material wealth or worldly success.  How glad are you?

Sing: I have found His grace is all complete; He supplieth every need, while I sit and learn at Jesus’ feet; I am free, yes, free indeed.

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory, full of glory, full of glory; it is joy unspeakable and full of glory. Oh, the half has never yet been told.

Thought for Today: I get joy when I think about what the Lord has done for me. 

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 26

Who and What Is Troubling You?

“A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.” (Psalms 3:1-2)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about life is that we must be alert to people and things around us. If we are not attentive and careful, we can allow folks and things to trouble us. For example, if I spend an enormous amount of time on my cell phone or electronic devices, when I start getting spam, unwanted emails, and texts, it can start to trouble me. When I know people who know better and should do better, yet keep doing wrong, if I am not careful, I can allow it to start to trouble me. If I focus on the world, politics, and sports, it’s soon going to start to trouble me. David found himself being troubled by his family, his soldiers, and even his enemies. David was a man after God’s own heart and one who tried to lead right and do right, and yet some were not pleased or satisfied with him, causing him trouble. Some even wanted his position and his head. I believe this is why the Bible encourages us to keep our minds stayed on Jesus, and He will keep us in perfect peace. As Job said: “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.” (Job 3:25-26) If someone or something is troubling you, then cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.

Sing: LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me, many there be which say of my soul, there is no help for him in God. 

But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me, my glory and the lifter of my head. But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me, my glory and the lifter of my head. 

I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of holy hills; I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of holy hills; I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me, my glory and the lifter of my head; But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me, my glory and the lifter of my head.

Thought For Today: “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” (Psalms 50:15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 25

Do You Love God’s House?

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

Today’s Morsel: How excited are you about going to church? Do you get excited when it’s church time, or have you lost your passion for His house? Paul informs us that before the coming of the Lord, there would be a great falling away. In other words, people would no longer have a zeal and eagerness for the things of God. Your passion for God and the things of God will determine how much you value truth, live truth, and love truth. Your passion for God and the things of God will determine how much you value your family, your loved ones, and your friends. Your passion for the house of God will determine how much Scripture you know and how it applies to your life. Your passion for the house of God will determine your mental and moral state.  When the house of God is neglected, the prophet Haggai says it like this: “Sowing much and bringing in little; eating, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and you earn wages, earn wages to put it into a bag with holes.” (Haggai 1:6) David was a man who loved the house of God. The writer of Psalm 84 states: “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. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them…For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” (Psalms 84:1-5,10-12). Do you love His house? If you want to be blessed, you need to go to the house of the Lord. 

Sing: I was glad when they said unto me, I was glad when they said unto me, I was glad when they said unto me, come let us go unto the house of the Lord.

Thought for Today: A person who says that they are a Christian and never goes to church is fooling themselves.