Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 March 20

Following The Thing That Good Is

“But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied. They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.”
(Psalms 38:19-20)

Today’s Morsel: It seems that some folks today will follow after anything. They seem to give no thought and consideration to who they are following, and what the people or groups they are following even stand for. Solomon states that there is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is the ways of death. If you have ever watched a pack of hyenas, they travel in packs, but they will so quickly turn on each other.  The Psalmist stated that his enemies are lively, strong, and they hated him wrongfully, and they that rendered him evil for good were his adversaries, because he follows the thing that good is. You see, when you follow Jesus, and His ways, there are going to be some folks that just don’t like you because of your desire to serve Christ and take a stand for righteous. Even those in your own family will sometimes hate you, calling you goody-two- shoes. But you must not allow them to deter you from seeking and following that which is good. Doing good may not be what saves you, but it sure does show your character to others. So, keep following Jesus, He has the final say.

Sing: Where He leads me, I will follow. Where He leads me, I will follow. Where He leads me, I will follow, I’ll go with Him, with Him, all the way.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 March 18

The Light We Carry

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Today’s Morsel: Michelle Obama has written a book entitled, ‘The Light We Carry’. I haven’t read it, but I hope to some day. The title caught my eye as Jesus speaks to this same subject about Himself and His followers. The gospel is like a baton being carried in a relay race. It must be held tight until it is ready to be passed to the next runner, and then we must pass it off carefully so that they do not drop it.  It is the light of the gospel that each of us are carrying. Our character, attitude, faith, and submission will determine if we carry it right, or cause it to be diminished or extinguished. If others cannot see Jesus on full display in your life, then the light is gone out inside of you, and you have dropped the baton.  Eli, the high priest, was charged with ensuring that the lamp was always burning in the temple. But in his old age he allowed the light to go out; thus, violating God’s command that the lamp should ever be burning.  You must never allow the light in you to God out.  Jesus said that you must give light to everyone in the room. If you allow the world to snuff out your light, then you are not carrying it correctly. This light that we carry must be held high so that the whole world can see. You are called to be a statue of liberty.

Sing: This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 March 17

For An Unlimited Time

“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 25:1-13)

Today’s Morsel: Do you ever get one of those ads in the mail that says, “Apply now to get this item at this price for this is a limited time offer.” Is it a scam or a good deal? Who knows? Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven was like 10 virgins that got a call to go out and meet the bridegroom. But because he delayed, they slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, not so; less there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. They were given a limited time to get in and they missed it because they were not prepared. Jesus said that He Has going to prepare a place for us and will come back for us. Therefore, we had better be ready because when He comes there isn’t going to be any time to get ready. This offer is only for a limited time. And from what I see taking place in the world, I would say that His offer to be saved is just about ready to expire.  Are you ready for His return? 

Sing: O, my brother, are you ready for the call? To crown Your save King and Lord of all? The Kingdom’s of this world shall soon before Him fall; We shall see the King when He comes. 

We shall see the King, we shall see the King, we shall see the King when He comes.  He’s coming in His Power, we’ll hail the blessed hour.  We shall see the King when He comes.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 March 16

Exploring God’s Word

“And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily. Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.” (Acts 16:5-12)

Today’s Morsel: A lot of people are now taking cruises and exploring different parts of the world. They now have a cruise where you can explore the Mississippi River from Minnesota where it begins, to Louisiana where it ends. When is the last time you took an exploring trip through the Bible? Now you can go to the internet or Bible app and follow the trails of Paul, Moses, Jesus, the apostles, and even the children of Israel’s stops and journey in the wilderness. If someone were to ask you about Macedonia, would you know of its history and location, and what Biblical event took place there? It was here that Paul and Silas were beaten and cast into prison then at midnight they prayed and sang psalms, and an earthquake happened causing the prison doors to be open. Afterwards the jailer and his house were baptized. Exploring the Bible could be a great adventure game for you to play with your children and grandchild. Not only will it educate them in geography, but it will also give them an opportunity for increased interest and excitement for knowing more of the Bible.  

Sing: Deeper! Deeper! In the love of Jesus, daily let me go. Higher! Higher! In the school wisdom more of grace to know.

O deeper yet I pray, and higher every day.  And wiser blessed Lord, in Thy blessed holy Word.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 March 15

Reset

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” (Acts 3:19)

Today’s Morsel: Oftentimes in our walk with God, we may need to hit the reset button so that we remain focused and on track. It’s easy to lose focus and get off track if we are not careful. This is war that we are in it, and it can be with confusing noises and garments rolled in blood. When there isn’t a steady flow of the Holy Ghost in our lives, we may need to hit the reset button and get it flowing again. Peter told the people to repent and be converted that their sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing would come from the presence of the Lord. Sin will block the flow of the Holy Ghost in your life if you aren’t careful. It’s easy to let sin in when you are tired and lose focus.  Paul told Timothy: “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.” (2 Timothy 1:6) At this point, Timothy may have begun to lose faith and trust in the ministry to which he had been called. Sometimes serving can become lonely. So, Paul wanted him to realize his legacy of his faithful mother and grandmother, and that he should immediately hit the reset button and get the Spirit stirred up and flowing again in his life. Let me encourage you today, if you are on the verge of losing hope and faith, go to your knees or lift your hands to Jesus and sing a praise song to Him, and allow Him to reset and revive your spirit.

Sing: In moments like these, I sing out a song, I sing out a love song to Jesus. In moments like these, I lift-up my hands, I lift-up my hands to the Lord.

Singing I praise You Lord, singing I praise You Lord, singing I praise You Lord, I praise You.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 March 14

Little Moments Can Have A Big Impact

“And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.” (John 4:4-26)

Today’s Morsel: Strong social connections are central to our physical, mental, moral well-being. And yet many people live in isolation out of necessity, or they may choose to live in isolation. But either way, isolation is not good for any of us. Jesus made us to connect. After making Adam, He said that it is not good that man should be alone, and He made him a helpmeet. One of the things about being a Christian is we must be social to people and those that we encounter. Just a little moment with others can have a big impact on their lives, and our’s, too. When Jesus met the woman of Samaria at Jacobs well, she was probably perplexed that He was talking with her, and Jesus may have been surprised that she was responding to Him, since they each knew that there was division between the Jews and the Samaritans. Even Jesus’ disciples were shocked to learn that He talked with her. But we see that just a little moment with her by Jesus, made a big impact in that city. The woman ran back into the city after talking with Him, saying: “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” (John 4:29) Just a little moment made a big impact. “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.” (John 4:39-42) Do you have a little moment for others? It could make a big impact in their lives. 

Sing: Little is much when God is in it, labor not for wealth and fame.  There’s a crown and you can win it, if you go in Jesus’ name.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 March 13

Membership Is for Me

“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.” (Ephesians 4:25)

Today’s Morsel: I’m sure most of you like me are aware that to be a member of certain groups and organizations you will have to believe and do certain things.  They may not be a secret society as some are, but their members are identified by tattoos, rings, pins, buttons, flags, and handshakes. Even though I am thankful to be a member of many organizations, such as the Occupations Chaplains of America, the US Army Sergeants Major Academy, and the US Army’s Sergeant Morales Club, none of them compares to holding a membership in the church. Membership in the church of Jesus Christ is important. Even though we have many members, Paul said, there is but one body. Membership means that you maintain affiliation, relationships, and association.  You just don’t want to have any Tom, Dick, or Harry, making rules, setting policy and procedures, and leading others.  You don’t want someone leading who is not born again and does not believe the apostolic message. Paul even stresses the rules for membership in the church: “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. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.”  I don’t know about you, but when it comes to the church, I want men ruling over me who are just, ruling in the fear of God; and those who believe the same apostolic message that Jesus and His disciples taught. Friend, that type of membership is for me.

Sing: I’m so glad that I’m a part of the family of God; I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood. Joint heirs with Jesus, as we travel this sod.  I’m so that I’m a part of the family of God.