Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 November 12

What Are You Thankful For?

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Colossians 3:12-15)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about serving God is that if we are not careful, we can start to feel comfortable with this new life and forget to be thankful. Israel, instead of being thankful that God had sent the apostle to share the truth of the gospel with them, rejected them. “Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.” (Acts 13:46-49) When we are not thankful for what God do for us; He has no problem taking it and giving it to those who will accept it and appreciate it. We can be thankful for the word of God now and accept it, or be without it when the famine comes: “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.” (Amos 8:11-12) Are you thankful for the word? What about your family, your job, your home, your car, your career, your church, your pastor, your children, your spouse? Are you thankful for these things? Do you tell God you are thankful for them? If we are not thankful, God just might take them away. 

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

Thought For Today: And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful (Colossians 3:15).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 November 11

Prayer

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” (Daniel 6:10)

Today’s Morsel: One of the first lessons the apostle of Jesus asked Him to do was to teach them how to pray (Luke 11:1). I have seen many people afraid to pray because they were afraid of not knowing what to say, which would cause them or their family embarrassment, or even others. When we see this, we could become critical, but what if they had never been taught? We can say that everyone ought to know how to pray, but if they have never been taught, it can be fearful. Like a child who first experiences trying to learn how to ride a bicycle, it is frightening and fearful to them. They are afraid of falling and getting hurt. As a parent, you spend many hours with them, teaching them to overcome their fear of falling and getting hurt. But once they get the hang of it, they can do it on their own without fear. The same is true with prayer: you must teach your children, and your new brothers and sisters in the Lord, how to pray so that they can get acquainted with how to approach God and come into His presence to make their petitions and supplications known, without fear. Daniel was a man who was not afraid to pray. Daniel had learned the value of prayer and its importance, and he had become well beloved of the Lord.  When prayer becomes a habit in your life, you will see that other important things become habits as well, like reading your Bible, giving, and attending church. Everything has a root for its growth, and prayer is not different. The root for prayer is a love for God.

Sing: Here my cry, O’ God, attend unto my prayer; from the end of the earth, will I cry unto Thee, and when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock, that is higher than I, so much higher than I. 

Thought for Today: “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” (Mark 11:24)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 November 10

Do You Love Mercy?

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

Today’s Morsel: To love mercy is to appreciate all the things God does for us; Whereas grace is getting something we do not deserve, mercy is not getting what we do deserve. Jeremiah informs us: “It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) Because God is full of compassion (Psalms 86:15) and not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9), He gives us mercy. But the sad thing is, many do not understand or love His mercy. The prophet Micah tells us that we cannot appear before God if we do not love mercy (Micah 6:8). David cried, “For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.” (Psalms 86:13) David understood God’s mercy toward him. The woman caught in adultery understood mercy (John 8:1-11). The man at the pool in Bethesda understood mercy (John 5:1-14); Zaccheus understood mercy (Luke 19:1-10). Do you love mercy? If we do not love mercy, chances are we will not love anything else God does for us. Fall in love with mercy.  

Sing: Thy lovingkindness is better than life; Thy lovingkindness is better than life. My lips shall praise Thee; thus, will I bless Thee; I will lift-up my hand unto Thy name. 

Thought for Today: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” (Psalm 23:6)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 November 9

Adding Temperance 

“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” (Proverbs 25:28)

Today’s Morsel: Temperance is self-control, moderation, and restraint in one’s life and actions. The Greek word for Temperance is the word ‘egkrateia’, which translates as “self-control or mastery over oneself.” The apostle Paul informed his protégé Timothy: “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” (2 Timothy 2:4-5) You must be disciplined. The apostle Peter encourages us to add temperance to our faith and knowledge (2 Peter 1:5-6). Solomon tells us that if we do not control our own spirit, we become like a city that is broken down and without walls. In other words, we are completely defenseless against temptation, poor decisions, and outward harm. In Biblical times, a strong wall was a city’s primary defense against invading armies and foes; Whereas a city without a strong wall was easily breached or open to easy plunder, chaos, and destruction. Without personal discipline and self-control, our hearts and minds are wide open to destructive habits, anger, greed, or sinful temptation. Temperance serves as a barrier; it does not stop the enemy and temptations from coming, but it does show us what we possess to prevent them from coming in and destroying our lives. 

Sing: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will go strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace. 

Thought for Today: Either you learn to control yourself or the devil will.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 November 8

The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth

“And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:1-12)

Today’s Morsel: Meekness does not mean weakness. When I first went into the army, if you were a leader who showed meekness or compassion, you were seen as being weak. But now the study has proven that this type of leadership shows power, strength, influence, command, and control of oneself and one’s actions, and that of one who understands true leadership. A meek person relies on God instead of using force to get their way and causing people to do things. Jesus has promised us that if we humble ourselves and submit ourselves to those over us, we will inherit a kingdom not made with hands but His kingdom. In Psalm 37:8-11, the Psalmist states: “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” (Psalms 37:8-11) When we maintainour humility and trust God rather than seeking revenge, we will win and live in everlasting peace. It can all be yours with just a little bit of humility.

Sing: Here I am worshipping You, with lifted hands worshipping You, bowing down in spirit and truth, with lifted hands worshipping You.

Thought for Today: If the highest place I reach is your feet, I have done it all.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 November 7

Balancing Faith Against Unbelief

“And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” (Mark 9:17-24)

Today’s Morsel: I am sure there are many who feel as this man in the story today felt. You want to trust in God’s ability to do what His Word says that He will do, but you find yourself doubting when all hope is lost. The story shows us that even though we may have great faith, there are still going to be those moments of doubt. He also shows us that sometimes trust and weakness stand together, and sometimes grace and mercy can seem to be overpoweredby our uncertainty. When Jesus tells the father of the son possessed that all things are possible to him that can believe, straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. I believe he was saying to Jesus, ‘Lord, I believe, but I have taken him to others, and they could do nothing for him. I believe that You can, but please forgive me for the doubt in my heart.’ You see, when we do not obtain the answer to the results we were hoping for from the doctor or others, we soon start to doubt. And once doubt takes root in our heart, it grows and hamstrings our faith. We must learn how to balance our faith with our unbelief. And the way we learn to balance faith with unbelief is to know, “that the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:26-28) If we embrace this principle, we will keep our faith in God strong and in its rightful place; and keep doubt and unbelief in theirs. 

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: Do not ever try to change horses in the middle of the stream.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 November 6

Living A Life of Goodness

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” (Psalms 23:6)

Today’s Morsel: Living a life of goodness requires us to act with selfless love, integrity, and genuine care for the well-being of others. It is an active daily choice to do what is right. Serving others and requiring nothing in return. When we listen with care and consideration, and support others through small acts of kindness, we are living out a life of goodness. When we honor our word by doing what we said we would do, and be dependable, and choosing moral excellence when it is difficult, we reveal a life of goodness. When we are willing to let go of wrongs and forgive others for those wrongs, we are revealing God’s goodness in our life. To live a life of goodness is to think higher of others than ourselves. Paul enlightens us as to how to live a life of goodness when he wrote to the church at Philippi: “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:1-5) Paul said that Christ has shown us what a life of goodness looks like. Jesus even said that when He judges in the final judgment, the sheep will be placed on His right and the goats on his left. When they asked Him why? He said:“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:34-40) Jesus shows us in the parable the importance of using the trait of goodness He has given to us for His glory and our salvation. Are you living a life of goodness? 

Sing: To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus, on earth I long to be like Him.  All through life’s journey from earth to glory, I only ask to be like Him.

Thought for Today: “(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:9-10)