Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 April 27

Faithful Wounds

“But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?” (Galatians 2:11-14)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about confrontation is it can sometimes be seen as being wounded by others. Some folks dislike confrontation for that very reason. But confrontation is good when it is used to correct, reprove, and guide someone in the right way, or into a better place or position. Paul’s confrontation with Peter probably set Peter on edge. But later in his epistle to the church, Peter states: “And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” (2 Peter 3:15-16) I don’t think Peter would have written this about Paul if Paul’s confrontation with him had not been for his good. Solomon states: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Proverbs 27:6) Keep this in mind, that a friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. A true friend doesn’t mind causing you temporary pain to tell you the truth, correct your mistakes, or prevent you from walking down a dangerous path. These types of wounds are acts of love which are meant to help you. So let me encourage you, the next time someone confronts you, and tells you that you’re wrong, don’t see their confrontation as a negative thing, but see it as love in a different suit for your benefit and help.

Sing: He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; Surely, He borne all our sorrows, and by His stripes we are healed.

Thought For Today: One of the best places to receive wounds is in the house of a friend.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 April 25

Undependable

“Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.” (Proverbs 25:19)

Today’s Morsel: Everyone who says that they are born-again ought to be dependable and reliable when it comes to the Kingdom of God. When we tell people that we are going to do things, we ought to be faithful in doing them. And we ought to do them as unto the Lord. When folks are not dependable and reliable it can cause heartache and pain. Solomon said depending upon someone who is unfaithful in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. Have you ever tried to eat with a broken tooth, or walk on a sprained ankle? They both hurt. That’s how it is when folks who are unreliable do not do what they said that they will do. James said, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17) Unfaithfulness and being unreliable can lead to sin. Let me encourage you today. Some of the best friendships and marriages that are made, are made when others show that they are dependable and can be relied upon. Being dependable should be a watchword of every Christian.

Sing: He came looking for me, He came looking for me. He made a way when there was no that I could see. When I drifted so far, Jesus was near, to rescue my soul and calm all my fears; now I’m safe from all harm, since I met the one, who came looking for me.  

Thought For Today: “Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.” (Philippians 4:15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 April 24

Fainthearted

“If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” (Proverbs 24:10)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about warfare is that it will sometimes take the wind out of your sail. Warfare is nasty with confused noise and garments rolled in blood, Isaiah said (my wording. See Isa 9:5). True character and strength are oftentimes seen by how you handle hardships and difficult times. Warfare is challenging and oftentimes will reveal a person’s true faith and endurance. Your faith will be shaken in warfare when your comrades are hurt, wounded, maimed, or killed. To faint on the battlefield is to become discouraged and causing you to give up. Solomon says that if you faint in the day of these challenges and hardships your strength is small. You see, in warfare you cannot just rely on your own strength, you need a more superpower to help you stay focused and one you can turn to when the going gets tough. You will need God’s power and strength when you face adversity and difficulties in your life. As Jesus said: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” (John 14:1) Again, Isaiah informs us: “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2) Jesus is the strength we need in adversity.

Sing: He gives strength to me, as I worship Him, as my heart is filled with praise. Jesus breaks the bands, as I raise my hands, He gives glorious victory.

Thought For Today: “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 April 23

Don’t Cast Your Pearls Before Swine

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” (Matthew 7:6)

Today’s Morsel: In scripture, dogs and swine represent people who are “chronically antagonistic” to the gospel. These are those that are willfully resistant and disrespectful to the word and anything that reflects God. Solomon states: “Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.” (Proverbs 23:9) Keep in mind, it is the fool that says in their heart that there is no God, so don’t waste your time. This is one of the reasons why we need wisdom and the spirit of discernment when we go about to witness the truth of the gospel. You can oftentimes know those who want to hear the gospel. They are more open and willing to listen to what you have to say and may even ask you some questions without trying to trip you up or show contempt toward you. But the antagonistic will often get loud and try to embarrass you. “But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.” (Jude 1:17-19) They may call you names and try to drive others away from you. These are those that you must not waste your time on. Jesus didn’t, His disciples didn’t, and neither should you. The gospel is holy. And because it represents who Jesus is, you must not cast it before dogs which return to their vomit nor the swine which will return to wallow in the mire. He is holy, and so is His word.

Sing: If I walk in the pathway of duty, oh Lord; If I seek for His sheep that’s already gone astray, I’m sure a reward in His glory, when I’ve gone the last mile of the way.

When I’ve gone the last mile of the way, I shall rest at the close of the day, for I know there is joy that waits my heart and my soul, when I’ve gone the last mile of the way. 

Thought For Today: “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 April 22

Diligence

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” (Proverbs 22:29)

Today’s Morsel: Why is diligence important to a Christian? Let me insert a few synonyms for the word ‘diligence’, to see if that will help us.  We must be industrious, meticulous, thorough, conscientious, attentive, careful, and persistent. Some folks are always busy. And when you ask them what they are busy doing they have no clue. If you are going to be busy, then at least know why you are. If you keep the word ‘busy’ in your vocabulary, you will wear yourself out. Try using one of the other synonyms, it’s more Christian and you will feel better about yourself. Solomon said that if you see a man industrious, meticulous, thorough, conscientious, attentive, careful, and persistent, he will stand before kings, he shall not stand before mean men. Jospeh was placed in prison for being charged with attempted rape. His sentence seems to have been, or maybe was, life in prison. But even though he was accused, he still did his business with diligence. And in the process of time, God elevated him to stand before Pharaoh, King of Egypt, who elevate him to second-in-command. I don’t think Jospeh was busy, I believe he was diligent. Scripture said that daily he went into the house to do his business. He went in to do his duty. 

Sing: When you see me praying, I’m working on the building, I’m going up to heaven, to get my reward. Well I never get tired, working on the building, I’m going up to heaven, to get my reward. 

Thought For Today: “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:17)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 Apr 21

The Wages of Sin Is Death

“What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:15-23)

Today’s Morsel: I often ask myself, Why would a person walk away from the sweet word and goodness of God? But they do. But my prayer daily is that the Lord will keep me from falling and preserve me blameless before Him. I want to hear Him say, Well done. For the past 41 years, I have seen just how good and wonderful God truly is. For the first 34 years of my life, I was not aware of all His goodness and benefits. I had heard some of the truth, but not enough to draw me to Him. I would go to church, but nothing shook me to the point to where I wanted to let go of my sins. It was never made known to me that the wages of sin was death. It had never been told me that if I wandered out of the ways of understanding that I would remain in the congregation of the dead (Proverbs 21:16). I was never told that, “Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.” (Proverbs 13:15) But now I understand why my life was turned upside down. I was trying to live without the power to overcome the sin in my life. But one day, when Jesus revealed Himself to me, and I obeyed the gospel and was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and filled with His Spirit, sin lost its grip on me. And now I no longer fear death or dying, because sin no longer has a grip on me.

Sing: Once like a bird in prison I dwelt, no freedom from my sorrow I felt, but Jesus came and listened to me, and glory to God, He set me free. 

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: Stay in the way of understanding, as both death and life are eternal. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 April 20

The Spirit of Man

“The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.” (Proverbs 20:27)

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever heard some speaking about others say, They have a good spirit about them? Or, They have such a sweet spirit. Ones with this kind of spirit are oftentimes selfless, showing unconditional love, and people who radiate kindness and generosity without expecting anything in return. They are often emotionally sensitive to the needs of others, forgiving, and peace-loving. They build others up. They can often see the good in others and help push them to the top. They give when they see the need, and their actions are genuine, not intending to draw attention to themselves nor fuel their own ego. Solomon states that the spirit of these types of people is the candle of the Lord. Their inward man is being fed from God’s word, and they can see what God is doing and desires of them to do. They are what Jesus calls a city on the hill. They are what He calls the salt of the earth and the light of the world. The spirit of these types of people is called the anointed ones.

Sing: Anointing fall on me, anointing fall on me. Let the power of the Holy Ghost fall on me. Anointing fall on me.

Thought For Today: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (3 John 1:2)