Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 20

Things Will Change

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

Today’s Morsel: Job inspires us with these words: “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.” (Job 19:25-27) Do you know what Job was saying? He was saying that things were going to change in his life, even if what he was going through may kill him, he was still going to stand before and see God. What confidence of waiting on change. And James informs us: “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” (James 5:7-11)James is saying, just be patience, because you already know and have read Job’s end state what God did for him. So take his life as an example for yourself and don’t lean on your own understanding. Paul said that our light afflictions are only for a moment, but they are working in us a more eternal and exceeding weight of glory. What you are going through, God just may be pruning you for His rich, solid, and everlasting joy. So, rejoice in the Lord always. 

Sing: He’s changing me, my blessed Savior, I’m not the same person that I used to be. Well it’s been slow going but there’s a knowing, that someday perfect I will be.

Thought For Today: “In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.” (Isaiah 54:8)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 19

Where Is Your Trust?

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever. I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” (Psalms 118:1-8)

Today’s Morsel: You know, if I was to take a poll, since the media thinks that everything is based on polls, I wonder what the number would be if I interviewed a thousand people to find out where their number one trust is? I’m sure AI probably already has the answer; but some folks have lost their trust in humans because they have either been hurt or let down by them, they have been lied to or they have been conned. And because humans have disappointed them, some of them don’t even trust in God anymore. When you try to enlighten them that it is not God’s fault that others did them wrong, they still refuse to believe and put their trust in Him. When the children of Israel received the evil report from the spies of what was inside the promised land, they feared and accused Moses of bringing them out to kill them in the wilderness. And no matter how hard Moses, Joshua, and Caleb, tried to convince them to not to lose their trust in God, they would not believe them. So over the next 40 years, many of them died in the wilderness. The psalmist states that it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. In other words, if you are to put your trust in something, let it be God. Because He will not fail you nor forsake you. God is not the cause of what others do to you. It is their own lust, evil, envy, jealousy, and pride that causes you hurt and harm. It is not God.  So, let me encourage you. Don’t lose your trust and confidence in God, He always has your best interest at heart.

Sing: I trust in God, wherever I may be, upon the land, or on the roaring seas; For come what may, from day to day, my heavenly father watches over, over, me. 

Thought For Today: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 18

 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.” (Acts 12:1-5)

Today’s Morsel: Why do we seem surprised when someone receives the Holy Ghost, get baptized in Jesus’ name, receive a report of being free from cancer, getting a huge pay raise, being selected for a promotion, winning an election, children returning to the church, or someone giving us a gift? Don’t we pray for these things to happen. So why are we surprised when they happen? James said, “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.” (James 5:17-18)  When Peter was cast into prison and awaiting execution, prayer was made for him by the church. But when God freed him, the church didn’t believe that he was free. I know that I have spoken to this manna before, but the scenario has not changed. People are still surprised after their prayers for these types of needs every service and throughout the course of each day are met. I don’t think that we should be surprised when these things happen based on our prayers. I think we should be pleased and happy that God has answered our prayers but not surprised. There ought to be somethings we just expect to happen because of His word.

Sing: Thank You, Jesus, for the blood applied; Thank You, Jesus, You, have saved my life. Thank You, Jesus, You, have saved my life. Brought me out of darkness to Your glorious light. 

Thought For Today: “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” (James 5:14-15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 17

My Light and My Salvation

“A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalms 27:1)

Today’s Morsel: One of the first things that God created was that of light. God knows that everything needs light to live. It has been reported that people who live in areas where the sunlight is given less throughout the course of the day, that those people are more prone to depression, hopelessness, misery, despair, and sadness.  Jesus understood this, and He calls for us to follow Him, so that we would not walk in darkness but may have the light of life (John 8:12). John also informs us that God is light and in Him is not darkness at all. So, my question today is this, are those who are living with depression, hopelessness, misery, despair, and sadness sitting in darkness? If light expels darkness, shouldn’t we all want The Light? David states that God was his light and his salvation. In both the Old and New Testament, Jesus is seen as both features. “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. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5-7)

 “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:8-13) If you want to get out of darkness and be saved, you must come to Jesus, or the darkness will soon overtake you.

Sing: There shall be sunshine in the shadows; there is sunshine in the rain; there is sunshine in our sorrows, when our hearts are filled with pain. There is sunshine when we are burdened; there is sunshine when we pray; there is sunshine, Heavenly sunshine, blessed sunshine all the way. 

Thought For Today: “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 16

Are You About The Father’s Business?

“Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” (Luke 2:41-52)

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever lost something important and that sense of Oh No! gripped your heart? I can sense what Mary must have felt when she discovered that Jesus was missing? Mary and Jospeh think that He’s in the crowd with everyone else only to find out that He’s missing. And after a frantic searching for three days, they find Him in the temple. Mom is not a happy camper when she finds Him. I wonder if Jesus got a spanking? She says to Him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, how is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my father’s business? Mary has a tender voice the way that Luke writes. Jesus’ reply to His mother is not with disrespect, it is in the form of a question and with politeness: “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? I must be about my father’s business. The business of the father, as Jesus would tell his disciples, is to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). The synagogue was probably one of the best places for Him to start. As He came on the scene and they did not recognize who He was. When the church is confused as to who He is, it is time to be about the father’s business. When those in authority and leadership do not know who He is, it is time to be about the father’s business. When the church is no longer following the original pattern of the first church, it is time to be about the father’s business. When holiness is no longer stressed and seen in the life of believers, it is time to be about the father’s business. When the church is no longer holding to apostolic doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, it is time to be about the father’s business.  Do you see the need in your sphere that it is time to be about the father’s business?

Sing: Let’s talk about Jesus, the King of kings is He, the Lord of all supreme throughout eternity; The Great I Am The Way, The Truth, The Life, The Door, let’s talk about Jesus, more and more.

Thought For Today: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 15

Everybody Ought To Know

“That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.” (Psalms 83:18)

Today’s Morsel: One of the first things that every born-again believe ought to know is who Jesus Christ was. Isaiah informs us: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) Matthew highlights this passage in his gospel by stating: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” (Matthew 1:18-25)  “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace..” (Isaiah 9:6 Jesus said that the truth shall make you free.   Freedom starts with an understanding of truth. If Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and He is, and no man can come to the Father except by him, and He states that He is the Father (John 14:9), and the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of truth (John 15:26), and in Him was the life (John 1:4), then I ask - who do you say that He is? As Brother G.T Haywood, along with 150 other minister were kicked out of the Assemblies of God for their stance for the Oneness of God said, “everybody ought to know who Jesus is.” Again, truth shall make you free.

Sing: Everybody ought to know, everybody ought to know, everybody ought to know, who Jesus is. Everybody ought to know, everybody ought to know, everybody ought to know, who Jesus is. He’s the lily of the valley, He’s the bright and morning star, He’s the fairest of ten thousand, everybody ought to know.

Thought For Today: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 14

Change Your Heart

“And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13)

Today’s Morsel: Moses, in his explanation to the children of Israel, is informing them what is required of them to serve the Lord.  He tells them, and these instructions are for us a well: 1. To fear the LORD thy God, 2. To walk in all his ways, 3.To love him, 4. To serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, 5. To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes. That seems pretty simple to me. When the man asked the prophet Micah, what was required for him to come and appear before the Lord, he is told: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8) Both Moses and Micah call for us to change our heart and the way that we think if we are intending to make heaven our home and to stand before our Lord our Savior. This stuff isn’t hard. The problem is that most people don’t have a passion for the things of God and the things they want. If you don’t have passion, change your heart and see doesn’t your body follow. Your heart (mind) is what controls everything else in the body. Get your heart under control and your body will follow!

Sing: Change my heart O, God, make it ever true; change my heart O, God may I be like You. You are the potter, I am the clay, mold me and make me, this is what I pray. Change my heart O, God, make it ever true; change my heart O, God may I be like You.

Thought for Today: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he...” (Proverbs 23:7)