Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 31

For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth. (Isaiah 38:18-19)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things that I’ve learned about my salvation is that I am no longer dead in my trespasses and sins.  I am now alive and well.  I am no longer in the grave.  Jesus took me out of that miry clay and set my feet  on a solid rock to stay and established my goings. Christians aren’t supposed to be dead.  Paul said, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” (Ephesians 2:1-5).  Jesus quickened us to newness of life.  Dead things stink.  Ask Martha (John 11:39)!  The grave can’t praise Him and the death can’t celebrate Him. But we which are born again can do both. It’s time to get your praise on.

Sing: Ain’t no grave, gonna hold my body down, ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down. When I hear the trumpet sounding in the sky, I’m gonna get up, gonna get up, get up out of that ground; cause ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down.

Thought For Today: Those third-day Christians praise God! 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 30

Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased. And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me? Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers? Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat. I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness. (Numbers 11:10-15)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about battle fatigue and battle stress is it can sneak up on you and render you ineffective.  Probably some of the greatest people suffering in the ministry from battle fatigue and battle stress are minister’s wives.  This is due mostly because the ministers' wives are drawn into the fight because of their spouses' calling to the ministry, not their own direct calling. Many of them have little or no training as to how to fight and defend themselves against inward and outward attacks by the enemy of their souls.  Moses was battle fatigued.  Due to the children of Israel’s continual rebellion and lack of cooperation, it pushed him to make wrong decisions and wrong choices.  The Bible says, “And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me? Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers? Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat. I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. And if thou deal thus with me, kill me.”  If you ever get to the point in your ministry where you begin to question God, you are tired and need to rest.  And if you as a saint ever feel what you may feel an attack from your spiritual leader, don’t take it personally, he or she may be fatigued because of the mission and others' rebellion.  Lift them up in prayer, support them and help them fight the battle.  

Sing: Lord You know I need a brand new touch, my strength from yesterday is gone, but if You give me Lord another touch, I’ll have the strength to carry on.

Thought For Today:  Jesus said, "Come apart and rest awhile."   

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 29

And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
(Luke 11:27-28)

Today’s Morsel: Probably the greatest things that we can do as Christians is hide, obey, and keep God’s word in our heart.    It has so many valuable purposes for us. Just to name a few:  It cleanses us (Psalms 119:9).  It gives us hope (Romans 15:4).  It lightens our path (Psalms 119:105).  It feeds us (John 6:35).  Jesus said that we are blessed when we hear the word of God and keep it.  And the apostle James tells us the same, “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:25). Obedience to God’s word opens the blessing storehouse.  If you are not blessed and highly favored as a Christian, ask yourself why not?

Sing: When I look into Your Word Lord, when I gaze into its pages, I see You and Your love for me. I find joy unspeakable, and grace unmeasured; I find hope of life in You.

Thought For Today:  Obedience to God’s word opens the blessing storehouse. (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 28

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:1-4)

Today’s Morsel: Blindness can be frightening. Sometimes I wonder what it’s like to be without sight. I have played many games that required me to be blindfolded so that I could not see where I was going. I had to be led by others to find my way. This is one of the reason that it is essential for Christians to teach bible studies. People are blind and cannot see where they are going or what they are doing.  Many people are so stuck in religious traditions that they cannot see where they are going, nor what God is trying to show them in their life.  The religious leaders asked Jesus if they were blind and He told them that if they were blind they would have no sin.  But because they said that they could see, their sins remain.  Paul said that if this gospel be hid, it is hid to those who are lost, because Satan has blinded their minds to truth (my wording). When Jesus healed the blind man of his blindness in John chapter 9, the religious leader tried to tell him that Jesus was a sinner.  Jesus told them, you can call him what you want.  But this one thing I know, where as I was blind but now I see (my words).  Don’t allow tradition to keep you blinded to truth. Because if you do, you will be blind forever.

Sing: I see a crimson stream of blood, it flows from Calvary, it’s waves which reach the throne of God, are sweeping over me.

Thought For Today: Don’t allow tradition to keep you blinded to truth (Parker).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 26

“And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you” (Mark 16:1-7)

Today’s Morsel: Someone said that to understand the resurrection, You have to go by the grave.  Each of us must repent of our sins, be buried in the waters of baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost rising and walking in newness of life. So many have become confused about the resurrection.  I’m still trying to figure out, after 65 years, how the Resurrection of Jesus Christ became associated with bunny rabbits and dyed eggs.  And then we wonder why so many people have no hope in life.  The Resurrection is all about hope.  Hope of a new change.   Therefore, we who are born again and who call ourselves Christians must not be drawn into the world's practices.  We must become wise so that we see the Resurrection for what if is and for what it is meant to be. Resurrection Sunday is not about rabbits and dyed eggs, but it is all about Christ, the One who rose from the dead to give us hope.  Jesus’ resurrection from the dead was so that we too could rise from the dead, so that we can rise above our circumstances and situations, and walk in newness of life.  And so that we can have hope of a better life to come, a hope eternal.  Have you been born again?  Do you have that hope eternal?

Sing: He arose! He arose! Hallelujah Christ arose.

Thought For Today: Have you been born again?  Do you have that hope eternal?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 25

Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude. Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. (Luke 22:1-7)

Today’s Morsel: The Passover, or what many call “Good Friday”, was instituted by God when the children of Israel were preparing to depart from the land of Egypt from bondage and captivity.  He told Moses that on that night He would pass over and destroy all the first born living that were not under the blood.  It was that last plague by God upon the Egyptians, to set His people free (Exodus 12). And for that reason, it is called “The Passover”.  God would only pass over the houses with the blood of the lamb upon them. All others would suffer loss.  It was to be a feast forever. Always a reminder to them of what the Lord had done for them.  Let me encourage you today, don’t ever forget that Jesus shed His Blood so that you could live.  That’s the message you need to obtain about “Good Friday”, The Passover.  When you are covered by His blood through baptism, He no longer see your sins. 

Sing:  When I see the blood! When I see the blood! When I see the blood, I will pass, I will pass, over you.

Thought For Today: His blood still saves.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 24

And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times. And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel. And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel. (1 Kings 18:43-46)

Today’s Morsel:  I’m sure most of you have heard messages preached, then you go back to look at the passage the minister spoke from, and you say to yourself, I didn’t see that before.  One of the things I’ve learned about studying God’s word is that you have to slow down or you can miss a lot of important things.  God’s word is living and He wants to impart wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to you through it.  But if we hurry through it, we may not see what God is trying to show us.  Elijah sent his servant to go look toward the sea.  He didn’t tell him what to look for, he just told him to go look toward the sea.  When his servant returned and said that he saw nothing, he told him to go seven times.  In other words, readjust your focus until you see.  I think he may have said to him, you are looking for something in the natural, I’m looking for a something spiritual.  You are looking for something material, I’m looking for a sign that it’s going to rain.  And when the servant on the seventh looked and returned, he said, I see a cloud about the size of a man’s hand.  Then Elijah said to him, go tell Ahab to get down because it’s going to rain. Always remember, the more you look into the word of God, the more you are going to see what God is doing, and what He desires to do in your life.

Sing: It’s gonna rain! It’s gonna rain, you better ready and bear this in mind. God showed Noah, the rainbow sign, it won’t be water, but fire the next time.

Thought For Today: The answer to your problem is right in the word of God.  So keep looking.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 23

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

(James 1:25)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things we always taught our kids when crossing the street was to look both ways first before crossing.  And it’s amazing how that seems to have stuck with them through life.  I’ve even heard my kids telling their kids the same thing that we taught them. James tells us, “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”  The Bible is a book of directions.  It gives us warnings to keep us safe and protect us.  As the Lord told Joshua if he followed and departed not from it, he would have good success (Joshua 1:7-9).  Do you want to be blessed in whatever you are doing?  Then look into the word of God, don’t forget what it says, and you’ll be blessed if you do what it says.

Sing:  I’ve found a new way of living, I found a new joy divine, I have the fruit of the spirit, I am abiding, abiding in the vine.

Thought For Today: Traffic usually flows both ways. So look.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 22

To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it. (Jeremiah 6:10)

Today’s Morsel:  Have you ever been talking on your phone going on and on only to realize that the party on the other end isn’t there?  We now call it a dropped call.  I’m afraid that too many people are dropping calls from heaven. They are not listening to the words from God.  Jesus is talking, but for some reason the party on the other end isn’t listening.  Jeremiah said, “To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.”  If you are talking with God in prayer and you feel that the call is dropped, let me encourage you, you take the initiative and get back on your knees and call Him back and ask Him to repeat all that was lost since you last heard His voice.  You don’t want to miss out on any warnings or words of encouragement from Him.

Sing:  Telephone to glory, O what joy divine! I can feel the current moving on the line, built by God the Father, for His loved and own, we may talk to Jesus, thru this royal telephone.

Thought For Today:  Heaven’s never too busy to take your call.  (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 21

And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death. And the children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every man by his own camp, and every man by his own standard, throughout their hosts.
(Numbers 1:51-52)

Today’s Morsel: In the military every unit has a standard, which is called a guide-on, flag, or unit colors.  Its purpose is so that every soldier, which is assigned to that unit, knows which company they belong to and what formation they are to gather in when told to assemble.  We see this with the children of Israel.  God told Moses how the tribes were to be placed around the tabernacle. They were to each pitch their tents by their camp, by his own standard or tribe colors.  When we become born again, we become part a new army and a new unit with new colors.  The standard is the Cross.  Therefore, we must always pitch our tent toward it and make sure that we are in the right camp and assembled in the right formation.  Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom. He soon realized that he was in the wrong camp and wrong formation.  Let me encourage you today, don’t make the same mistake as Lot did.  Know what unit you are a part of, know its standard, and stay in the right camp.

Sing:  There’s room at the cross for you. There’s room at the cross for you. Though millions have come, there’s still room for one, there’s room at the cross for you.

Thought For Today: Which way is your tent pitched? (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 19

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 8:28)

Today’s Morsel: I have come to realize, that if people know the purpose for the things that they are asked to do, they are more like to accomplish what they set out to do. When I was in the army, every lesson that we taught had to have a purpose statement so that soldiers would understand the importance for the class and how it would apply to their life or their responsibilities in certain situations.  When they asked to what purpose was the waste of the ointment that Mary poured on Jesus, He told them the purpose. It was for His burial. Paul said, “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.” When we figure out God’s purpose for our life, we’ll be able to see that all things that are taking place in our life are working for our good. This is even true for the tough things. 

Sing: For my good! For my good! Jesus is working all things for my good. Even though I may not understand, He’s working all things for my good.

Thought For Today: “When purposes are defined we accomplish more”. (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 18

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And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid. (Mark 7:24)

Today’s Morsel:  When we were kids, we use​d​ to love to play hide and seek. Trying to find each other was sometimes a challenge. The Bible says that Jesus would have that no man knew that ​He was in the house, but​ He could not be hid. You can’t hide Jesus. It’s just too much light. He’s too big. Peter tried to hide ​Him by denying

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Him and cursing. But it was impossible for him to do so.  If you say that you are a Christian and born again, you can’t hide what is inside of you. Jesus said let it shine. You can try to conceal ​that Jesus is in you, but you won’t be able to. So you might as well get out in the open so that everyone can see that He’s in the house ​and that you are the temple of God.

Sing: Said I wasn’t gonna tell nobody, but I couldn’t keep it to myself, but I couldn’t keep it to myself, but I couldn’t keep it to myself.  Said I wasn’t gonna tell nobody, but I couldn’t keep it to myself, what the Lord had done for me.

Thought ​For ​Today: You can’t hide Jesus!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 17

And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old. And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved. No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better. (Luke 5:36-39)

Today’s Morsel: As I get older, I find myself reflecting on the food and drinks that I grew up with. When I was a kid, we didn’t have all the soda options that they have today. And even though some brands have tried to give their product a new taste, I am still accustomed to the old taste. And so the new taste does not appeal to me. This was what Jesus was saying. When men have drunk old wine for so long and you give him new, the old still tastes better to them. When Jesus turned the water into wine and sent it to the governor of the feast (John 2), he told the bride groom that he had kept the best for last. Even though he was used to and filled with the old, this new now appealed to his taste. The Holy Ghost is that new wine. It is the best that God has saved for last.  But because some men have drunk that old unchanging doctrine for so long, they aren’t ready nor are they willing to accept that new wine (doctrine) that will change them.  A person has to hunger and thirst after righteousness to be filled. Have you tasted of that new wine? Boy is it good. “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4). You can get drunk on this new wine and not have to worry about a hangover, DWI, OWI, foul language, or who you were with the night before. And the best part is, it costs you nothing.

Sing: Drinking at the springs of living water. Happy now am I, my soul is satisfied. Drinking at the springs of living water, oh wonderful and bountiful supply.

Thought For Today: Have you tasted of that new wine that Jesus gives?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 16

And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Luke 5:27-32)

Today’s Morsel: When entering into a foreign country, you have to pass through their Customs and Immigration zone.  It’s here that they stamp your passport as being authorized to enter their country. It is also here, that sometimes, you may have to pay import taxes on goods that you are bringing into that country. Jericho, where Jesus found Zacchaeus, was on a major trade route. Like Zacchaeus, maybe Matthew’s location was on a major trade route, too, and this is how they were able to swindle the system and get rich as many travelers and businessmen would probably be required to pay taxes on their goods.  But when Jesus passed by, both Matthew and Zacchaeus left what they were doing to follow Him. They did not hesitate to follow Him. The church is like a custom and immigration check point. It’s here where you get your stamp to enter that new land of promise, heaven. If Jesus’ name is not stamped in your forehead, you cannot pass through. So make sure you have your stamp before you exit the building.

Sing: There’s a new name written down in glory and its mine, oh yes, it’s mine. And the white robed angels tell the story, a sinner has come home. For there’s a new name written down in glory and its mine, oh, yes it mine. With my sins forgiven I am bound for heaven, never more to roam.

Thought For Today: No visas are required for heaven, just a stamp, or you won't be entering.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 15

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. (Luke 4:18-19)

Today’s Morsel: “Oh he hurt me”. “She said that to me”. “He did that to me”. “Somebody should have helped me”. “They didn’t even consider me”. “I love me”. What is it about me? There are so many scriptures that focus on “me”. When God places His Spirit upon us, He expects us to act with it. Jesus said “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”  Maybe it’s time that I take the Spirit that is upon me and get to work for the kingdom. What about you?

Sing: For me, for me, for me, there’s a mansion there for me. In glory land, so bright and fair where the Victor's crown I soon shall wear. Come and go with me, for I won't be back you’ll see. If anybody’s gonna be happy over there it’s me, me, me, me, me.

Thought For Today: Without Me you can do nothing. (Jesus)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 14

And Moses told these sayings unto all the children of Israel: and the people mourned greatly. And they rose up early in the morning, and gat them up into the top of the mountain, saying, Lo, we be here, and will go up unto the place which the LORD hath promised: for we have sinned. And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of the LORD? but it shall not prosper. Go not up, for the LORD is not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies. For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword: because ye are turned away from the LORD, therefore the LORD will not be with you. But they presumed to go up unto the hill top: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and Moses, departed not out of the camp. Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, even unto Hormah.
(Numbers 14:39-45).

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about church is that you have to know truth for yourself.  I think the reason that so many people struggle in life is because they think church is all about making them feel good, and not about telling them what they should and shouldn't be doing according to the word of God.  But we don’t find this in the word of God. Paul said, “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake” (2 Corinthians 4:3-5).  Yes, the gospel is the good news of salvation, but this same gospel calls for you to let the world go and separate yourself unto God.  And it calls for you to be in submission to the authority over you.  Satan will work to make you feel good emotionally through song, and even create an atmosphere for your emotions, as long as you do not change within and without.  As long as your life continues to reflect him and the world, he will let you go to church, sing in the choir, teach, preach, and even worship God but just don’t go too far with it.  This is what Pharaoh told Moses and the children of Israel.  You can go worship your God, but just don’t go too far (Exodus 8:28).  When the children of Israel did not believe God after all the warnings they were given, they were rejected.  And then when they wanted to enter the Promise Land, Moses told them not to go up because God was not with them.  Let me encourage you today, study to know truth for yourself just as Joshua and Caleb did.  You don’t ever want to find yourself in a position of thinking that God is with you only to find out that He’s not.

Sing: Let me walk with You Jesus. Don’t ever leave me alone. For without You I could never, no never make heaven my home.

Thought For Today: Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 12

“And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country” (Luke 4:14-24).

Today’s Morsel: How do you handle rejection? I was told of a story of a young lady that came into a relationship with the Lord and all that she wanted to do was attend church and serve God. When her parents found out, they had a family meeting and told her to decide.  It was either them or this Jesus that she talked so much about.  And the young girl looked at her parents and said, “I wish you would not have me to make such a choice.  But I will choose Jesus.” And as she stood to walk out to return to church that evening, her brother told her to wait because he would go with her to see for himself about this Jesus that she chose over her family.  In the end, the entire family became saved because of her choice.  When Jesus returned to His hometown, He went to church. By all accounts, everyone was glad to see Him. He read the scripture for the day.  But when He revealed revelation of truth, He was rejected.  Sad to say, this is what happens in so many families and churches.  God reveals more truth about Himself to others, but they and the truth He reveals are rejected because people are set in their church doctrine and traditional ways. When they rejected Jesus in His church and hometown, He told them that no prophet is accepted in his own country. Revealing truth against the establish regimes, and people's thinking is a sure to get you rejected.  “And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them” (1 Samuel 8:7).  The choice may not be an easy one, but the sure choice is always Jesus.

Sing: Though all hell assails me, I shall not be moved,  Jesus will not fail me, I shall not be moved, just like a tree planted by the waters, I shall not be moved.

Thought For Today: Someone is bound to reject you when you choose truth. (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 11

Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant. Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree. Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it. (Jeremiah 1:4-12)

Today’s Morsel: Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people who say that they are Christians would do what they say?  From the time that the Lord called Jeremiah, He told him that He would perform what He said that He would do. He said that He would even hasten His word to perform it. Paul said that God is faithful. If God says that He will do something, He will do it because He cannot lie. He’s a God of truth. The writer of Hebrews said, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).  It’s quick and powerful. “The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed…And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour” (Matthew 8:8;13).  God’s word will not return void, but will accomplish what He sends it to do and shall prosper wherever He sends it.  How about you?  Is your word true?  Do you do what you say?  

Sing: One night while on life's raging sea it looked as if I would suffer defeat. As the blackness of night closed off the light my heart sank with fear. My desperate cry rang out with fright; all I could see was no hope in sight. With faith all but gone I met the one who came looking for me.

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

Thought For Today: “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 10

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And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:1-10)

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Today’s Morsel: I don’t know about you, but as far me, I don’t like sitting in the back.  I like to be up front so I can see what is going on. I just don’t like those distractions ​that are ​in front of me​ if I am in the back​. I want a clear view.  ​The Bible says that ​Zacchaeus was little i​n stature. He wasn’t tal​l. Others crowded him out. But he wanted to see Jesus. And so to accomplish his desire, he climbed up into a sycamore tree so that he could see Jesus as He passed by. But to his surprise, Jesus called him out of the tree and went to his house. Isn’t it amazing that if you want to see Jesus​,​ He will make a way for you to see Him? He knows all of our lives and where we are​ and our desires. We don’t have to climb a tree to see Him, just get out front in worship and He’ll meet you there​ every time​.

Sing: I came to Jesus weary, worn, and sad, He took my sins away, He took my sins away, and now His love has made my heart so glad, He took my sins away.

Thought ​For Today: Get out front and Jesus will see you.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 9

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Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. (Proverbs 10:12)

Today’s Morsel: Our ​church ​theme for February was Christian Soldiers in Love. When we truly understand the love of God, we can understand why it is essential that we keep a strong relationship with Him. He must remain first in all that we do.  John wrote that God is love (1 John 4:8). And if we say that we love ​Him and hate our brother that we are lairs.  You see, love covers sin. And hate is sin. Love is willing to forgive you of your sin. Love is willing to turn the other cheek. Love is willing to go out of its way so that you can live. If we love God, then our sins are covered under His blood. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins.​  His love caused Him to sacrifice for our sins.  ​

Sing: I am covered, covered, covered by His blood, walking in faith, living in love; I am covered, covered, covered by His blood, Jesus has rescued me.

Thought ​For Today: “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 8

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And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:) Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD'S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour. And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men. For Moses had said, Consecrate yourselves to day to the LORD, even every man upon his son, and upon his brother; that he may bestow upon you a blessing this day. And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin. (Exodus 32:25-30)

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Today’s Morsel: One of the things about sin that isn’t revealed up front by Satan is the shame and nakedness that it will cause you. When we think of nakedness, we often think of being exposed and uncovered. When Adam and Eve ​sinned
 in the garden by eating the forbidden fruit, they immediately realized that they were naked and they were ashamed. They knew that they had sin against what God had said. When Arron built the golden calf for the people from all the jewelry they were wearing, they,​ too, realized that they had ​sinned and ​were now naked. And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies,​)​ he was upset with Aaron.  Notice, Aaron made them naked unto their shame among their enemies. As a pastor or minister, you must not allow the people to cause you to go against the word of God and create any idol for the people to worship. The​ only God you must ever present for people to worship is Jesus Christ.  People will sin, but never let it be because of you​,​ their minister​,​ making them naked.

Sing: ​Cover me when I am hurting, cover me when I’m not strong, cover me when I am going through the storm………cover me when all seems hopeless, cover me when my faith is gone, let the peace that passes all I understand cover me….. cover me…

Thought ​For Today: Sin always causes shame.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 7

And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God. (Exodus 31:18).

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Today’s Morsel: There hav​e​ been some very beautiful art painted with the finger of man. When I was in elementary school, part of our art class was doing drawings and paintings​ with our fingers. There have been lessons developed on how to pray using your fingers. For example, the thumb which is the closes​t​ to you, should encourage you to pray for those closest to you, like your family and loved one​s​. Your pointer finger, for those who have pointed you in the right way, such as your​ pastor and​ mentors. The middle finger, ​which is your tallest finger reminds you to pray ​for your leadership. Your ring finger, which is the weak​est​ finger​, reminds you to pray​ for those that are weak and feeble. And then your pinky​ finger​, which ​is the smallest finger, represents you, ​and at the end you ​pray for yourself​ and your needs​.  When the woman which was taken in adultery was cast before Jesus, scripture says that Jesus sat and wrote with ​His finger on the ground, as though ​He ​had not ​heard them talking to him (John 8:1-11). Many have wondered what ​He may have written. When they accused ​Him of casting out devils by the spirit of Beelzebub, He told them, “And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you” (Luke 11:19-20). 

​ ​Even 

​the finger of ​God is stronger than Satan.

​ ​ Moses received the Ten Commandments written by the finger of God on tables of stone. And today 

​God 

desire​s​ to ​write ​them upon the table of your heart with the same finger.

Sing: Hold to God​'​s unchanging hand. Hold to God​'​s unchanging hand, build your hopes on things eternal. Hold to God​'​s unchanging hand.

Thought ​F​or ​Today: ​ Are you using your finger to point someone in the ​right

 direction?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 March 5

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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  (Psalms 42:7-8).

​ ​Today's Morsel:  

Have you ever sat listening to someone teach or preach and asked yourself what they are saying?  I have gone to many conference​s​, and at the end I ask some of the people what they thought of the conference?  And ​sometimes ​I ​see that deer in the headlight look on their faces, and they say, “​It was okay. But some of it I just didn’t understand.” The disciple​s​ of Jesus, often time​s​ found His teaching over their heads. But they were smart, and ask​ed​ Jesus to explain it to them. They weren’t about to let ​Him go without an explanation. So the next time someone is teaching or preaching and you don’t understand what they are talking about, ask them to explain themselves. You don’t want them to keep going over your head or you may drown due to a lack of understanding.

​ Sing:  And He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, no

ne​

 other, has ever known.

Thought F​or 

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oday: Jesus is not the author of confusion.