Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 30

And all the villages that were round about these cities to Baalathbeer, Ramath of the south. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families. Out of the portion of the children of Judah was the inheritance of the children of Simeon: for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them. (Joshua 19:8-9)

Today’s Morsel:  When Joshua was dividing the land of promise between the seven remaining tribes who had not received their inheritance yet, scripture says, “Out of the portion of the children of Judah was the inheritance of the children of Simeon: for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them.” Notice, Judah had to much and so Simeo's inheritance came from Judah’s lot.  Judah means praise.  If you are waiting for your inheritance, why not get out of the hole, as Gad told David, and get into Judah (1 Samuel 22:5).  When you go into praise, you will find that everything you need God’s got it and He’s waiting to give it to you.  It's time to get in to praise!

Sing:  So whatever you need, God’s got it!  Whatever you need, God’s got it!  Whatever you need, God’s got it.  He’s got it, and He’s waiting to give it to you.

Thought For Today: Your inheritance can be found in praise (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 29

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. (Acts 20:7)

Today’s Morsel:  Have you ever missed a flight?  How did you feel?  I don’t know about you, but when I’m flying, I like to get to the airport and my gate early to avoid missing my flight and hassling with the crowd and late comers. Scripture says, “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. ” I don’t know if this was Paul’s sermon title, “Ready To Depart On Tomorrow”, or if he was ready to depart to his next journey the next day.  But either way, he seemed to have preached to them to be ready to depart.  Jesus said, “And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not” (Luke 12:39-40).  Are you ready to depart when He comes?  You don’t want to miss your final flight.

Sing:  Get up, great ready, we’re getting ready to go.  Get a move on time cause in a little while, we’ll be going home. I made up my mind, I’m not wasting time.  The trumpet’s about to blow, so get up, get ready, we’re getting ready to go. (Gold City)

Thought For Today: Staying ready today will ensure you’re ready to depart tomorrow.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 28

And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. But he passing through the midst of them went his way, And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. (Luke 4:28-32)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things I find out about Jesus is that if you don’t want Him, He’s not going to force Himself on you.  Like today's passages, so many people have been witness to God’s love, mercy and grace, but also like today’s passage they have rejected them.  Solomon said, “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1).  When Jesus is continually rejected by a person, pretty soon that person’s life is going to feel the pressures of life and have no one to help.  When Jesus came to the earth, He said that part of His mission was, “To preach the gospel to the poor; ........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).  He cut short this scripture and did not conclude with the words, “and the day of vengeance of our God” as was recorded in Isaiah 61:2.  This will be implemented when He returns to judge the world.  But while He was here on earth, His mission was to reconcile us back to Himself.  Believe me, Jesus will walk away if you reject Him.  He told the religious leaders, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).  Jesus is no respecter of persons.  Welcome Him while He is near.

Sing:  Oh my brother are you ready for the call?  To crown your Savior, King and Lord of all?  The kingdoms of this world, shall soon before Him fall, we shall see the King when He comes.

Thought For Today: Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord, I will repay.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 27

And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11:39-40)

Today’s Morsel:  I am saddened by the number of people who have lost their focus and love for their eternal home. Some of the saddest passages I read in the Bible are those after the spies give their evil report, in Numbers chapters 13 and 14.  God tells them that they will not be able to enter the Promised Land because they did not believe Him.  Every time I read those passages, I pray, "God don’t let this happen to me.  Don't let me lose my focus."   The Psalmist tells us that today, if we hear His voice, don't harden our hearts  as they did.  They did and could not enter into the promise (Psalms 95).  I know that sometimes it seems hard when things are coming against us, and it seems that all the world is against us, but we must not lose focus of where we are headed.  Always remember that the best is yet to come.

Sing: I’m going to a city there'll be no more night. I’ll going to city where Jesus is the light.  The trumpet's gonna sound and I’ll be called away, I’m going to a city someday.

Thought For Today:  Eternity is obtained by faith! (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 26

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalms 46:1)

Today’s Morsel:  After God had led the children of Israel out of Egypt, He gave them laws, commands, statutes, testimonies, judgments, and fears to live by.  One of those laws were the establishment of six cities of refuge.  These cities were to be a place that if one killed someone or did something accidentally, they could flee to until they had a fair trial.  When the woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus, what those who were trying to accuse her failed to realize was that they were bringing her to the city of refuge, they were bringing her before the Great Judge of all the earth (John 8).  Jesus first put her accusers on trial, and they all realized they had fail and should be punished. Then when they were all gone, Jesus turned to the woman. But now because there were no accusers or witnesses to her crime, the Great Judge, Jesus, let her go free with an admonition, “Go and sin no more.”  You can always find a second chance in the city of refuge.  God is our refuge and strength, He is a very present help in trouble.

Sing:  God is our refuge and strength, our refuge and strength, our refuge in time of trouble.  God is our refuge and strength, our refuge in time of trouble.   And He will hide me under the rock, under the rock, and He will hide me, under the rock, safe in the time of trouble.

Thought For Today:  Abraham looked for a city whose builder and maker was God.  What about you?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 25

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. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. (Acts 12:1-16)

Today’s Morsel:  The story is told of a church that was praying for a local tavern that was next to the church to burn down or close.  When it burned down, the owner heard that the church had been praying for it to happen. The owner sued the church, and the leaders of the church was asked by the judge if they had prayed such.  They said, “Yes, but we didn’t think that it would happen.”  The Bible lets us know that Peter was in prison and the church was making prayers for him.  When God set him free and he appeared to them where they were, they did not believe that it was him.  Do you really believe God for an answer when you pray?  Scripture tells us, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).  Every time you go to God in prayer, expect results in your favor.  When you pray for rain, get your umbrella out!

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: Always expect results in your favor when you pray (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 23

And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? 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 4:7-13)

Today’s Morsel: Someone asked the question, “If you were on trial for being a Christian would you be found guilty?”  When the lame man at the gate called “Beautiful” was healed, Peter and John were accused of making it happen.  When they were asked by what power and name they had done it, Peter referred them back to Jesus, the One that they had rejected.  The One who came to save them.  He let them know that they were not the one’s who had healed the man, but that it was Jesus.  And it was here that the religious leaders realized that when you associate with Jesus, miracles can happen through you, too.  Are you guilty for being one of His disciples?  Do signs and wonders follow you?

Sing:  Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee.  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.  He went walking and leaping and praising God, walking and leaping and praising God.  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

Thought For Today: Are you guilty of being a Christian?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 22

And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the LORD hath spoken good concerning Israel. And he said unto him, I will not go; but I will depart to mine own land, and to my kindred. And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes. And it shall be, if thou go with us, yea, it shall be, that what goodness the LORD shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee.
(Numbers 10:29-32)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things that Moses realized about his father-in-law was that he was a man of great wisdom.  It was Moses' father-in-law that gave him instruction for dealing with the people’s problems so that he did not wear himself out.  Moses told his father-in-law to come with them because he was as eyes for them.  In other words, Moses was saying that you have the ability to see things that we may not be able to see.  You have the foresight of what is right versus wrong; and the way that we should and should not go.  Solomon said, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).

Don't be be too quick to send away or get rid of the elderly from your life, they may have the foresight to save you from much trouble if you heed their counsel.

Sing:  Let Jesus lead you! Let Jesus lead you!  Let Jesus lead you all the way, all the way from earth to glory, let Jesus lead you all the way.

Thought For Today: Let every purpose be established by counsel. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 21

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them” (Numbers 6:22-27)

Today’s Morsel:  Many churches still follow liturgy in their service each Sunday.  The minister says the first part and the congregation says the ending.  One of the things about the word of God is that it is designed to encourage.  The Lord wanted His people to know that He desires to bless them.  And so He told the priesthood how to bless them.  He said, “Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.”  We must also note that the priest was to put God’s name upon them so that He could bless them.  John wrote in Revelation 22:1-4: “And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.”   Do you have His name upon you?  The blessings of God and entrance into His kingdom are always associated with His name.

Sing: Blessed be the name of the Lord! Blessed be the name of Lord! Blessed be the name of the Lord, Most High.

Thought For Today: The blessings of God are always associated with His name.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 20

 Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. (Psalms 68:1-4)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the reasons we should praise the Lord is because it puts God’s enemies on the run.  Yes, I said, God’s enemies.  Because if they are His enemies they must be ours as well.  Hell cannot stand for you to praise God.  When you come to church, Satan wants you to sit and be quite.  He doesn’t want you to offer praises to God.  He doesn’t want you to testify of God’s goodness.  He doesn’t want you to sing or do anything for the Lord.  He knows that if he can keep you silent and quiet long enough, pretty soon fear of others will sit into your life and you will see yourself as nothing in Christ.  Let me encourage you, “Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.”

Sing:  Let God arise and His enemies be scattered, let God arise and His enemies be scattered.  Let God arise and His enemies be scattered, let God, let God, arise!

Thought For Today:  Let Jesus be seen in your life and you can determine who is on the devil's side.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 19

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: (James 1:19)

Today’s Morsel:  Did you hear what I said, or did you think you heard what I said?  One of the things about active listening is we must be able to repeat back the things that are said to us by the one speaking to us.  But I am afraid that as I get older, my hearing seems to be slipping a little bit.  And not only that, but there seems to be so many distractions around when some is talking to me.   I am now afraid that I am starting to miss some important facts and data being given to me.  My active listening may be declining.   Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).  There is no way we can follow Him if we do not listen to what He says to us.   James tells us to let every man be swift to hear.  I guess that in today’s world if we are going to do that, then we need to turn off our gadgets and pay more attention to what is being said.  If we hear what is being said, we are more likely to provide good advice and make wise decisions.

Sing:  When He calls me, I will answer, when He calls me, I will hear.  When He call me, I will answer, I’ll be somewhere listening for my name.  I’ll be somewhere listening, I’ll be somewhere listening, I’ll be somewhere listening for my name.  I’ll be somewhere listening, I’ll be somewhere listening, I’ll be somewhere listening for my name.

Thought For Today: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 18

There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces. (Proverbs 30:24-28)

Today’s Morsel:  We can learn a lot from observing God’s creation.  Even Solomon, the wisest man, seems to have spent time observing it.   From the ant, he said we can learn about the importance of preparedness and preparation.  By observing the ants, we can learn to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord.  And then he says, “The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks.”  From the rock badger, he says we can learn the importance of protection and ensuring our homes are protected from the elements.  We can also learn the importance for the armor of God.  Next he says, “The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands.”  Here he shows us the power of working in unity and becoming one in Christ.  And finally he says, “The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.”  Here he stresses the importance of persistence in reaching heaven, as no goal is reached without it.  What have you learned from nature?  

Sing:  The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You. The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You. I want to know You more, I want to know You more, the greatest thing, in all my life, is knowing You.

Thought For Today:  The word Bible means: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 16

Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.  

(John 9:24-25)

Today’s Morsel:  There are many things that I have learned since I have become a born again believer.  After reading the Bible, I am totally surprised at the number of things I have come to realize were bad for me that I did not know.  We can criticize the people in the world, but for the most part, they really don’t know that what they are doing is bad.   Jesus prayed, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).  Paul tells us that if the people had known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:8).  When Jesus caused the blind man to receive his sight, the man said, “One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.”  Have you received your sight?  Are there things that you are now aware of in your life that you didn’t know were bad for you?  Do you have a stronger love for Jesus since He’s been revealed to you?  If you can now see things that are good for you rather than bad, then God has given you back your sight and you should give Him praise.

Sing:  Open the eyes of my heart Lord!  Open the eyes of my heart! I want to see You, I want to see You.  To see You high and lifted up, shining in the Light of Your Glory, pour out Your power and love as we sing holy, holy, holy, I want to see You.

Thought For Today:  Jesus still desires to give sight back to the blind.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 15

Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.  

(John 9:24-25)

Today’s Morsel:  There are many things that I have learned since I have become a born again believer.  After reading the Bible, I am totally surprised at the number of things I have come to realize were bad for me that I did not know.  We can criticize the people in the world, but for the most part, they really don’t know that what they are doing is bad.   Jesus prayed, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).  Paul tells us that if the people had known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:8).  When Jesus caused the blind man to receive his sight, the man said, “One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.”  Have you received your sight?  Are there things that you are now aware of in your life that you didn’t know were bad for you?  Do you have a stronger love for Jesus since He’s been revealed to you?  If you can now see things that are good for you rather than bad, then God has given you back your sight and you should give Him praise.

Sing:  Open the eyes of my heart Lord!  Open the eyes of my heart! I want to see You, I want to see You.  To see You high and lifted up, shining in the Light of Your Glory, pour out Your power and love as we sing holy, holy, holy, I want to see You.

Thought For Today:  Jesus still desires to give sight back to the blind.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 14

​​And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither. And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there. (2 Kings 4:8-11)

Today’s Morsel:  One of my favorite poems that I had to learn in school was, “The House by the Side of the Road” by Sam Walter Foss.  The theme of the poem is to live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man that pass by.  Scripture says that Elisha passed through Shunem, where there was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread.  And that whenever he passed by, he went in and ate bread there.  The woman perceived that Elisha was a man of God, and she requested that her husband build a room onto their house for him so that he would have a place to stay when he came by.  In some ways, this is what Mr. Foss’ poem is about.  Both our scripture reading and the poem are admonishing us to do whatever it takes to be a friend to man.   He that will have friends must show himself friendly.  Scripture also tells us to, “Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:1-2).

Sing:  What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear, what a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer.  O’ what peace we often forfeit, O’ what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer.

Thought For Today:  Jesus is a friend to man!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 13

For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. (Luke 22:37)

Today’s Morsel:  Let me ask you a few questions today. Do you have a file in place of what you want when you die?  Does your family know what your wishes are about your estate?  Who have you trained to replace you as pastor or in your area of ministry? How do you want your finances divided?  Who do you want to do your funeral?  I know that these may not be questions we like to think about over our morning coffee, but whether we like to think about it or not, we do all have an end to our time here on earth.  Even Jesus' time on earth had an end and we are no exception to the rule.  (Ecclesiastes 3:2)   As Paul admonished us, “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:7).  I know that the things concerning me have an end, even my ministry, and so I’m making plans for when the end comes.  I am laying up treasures in heaven.  I want to hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."  What about you?

Sing:  Well, I’m getting ready to leave this place. I’m getting ready for those gates of pearls. Keeping my record straight, watching both day and night, well I’m getting ready to leave this place.

Thought For Today: Are your records in order?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 12

And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread. Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
(Matthew 16:5-12)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about leaven (yeast) is that it will make bread rise.  Throughout scripture, we see that God told the children of Israel to not eat bread with leaven in it.  Jesus told His disciples to beware of the leaven (doctrine and teaching) of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The Pharisees were prideful and hypocrites.  They said one thing and did another.  And the Sadducees were the elite, the high priests.  They ruled with control and power.  We are starting to see these two sects resurfacing in churches today.  Jesus did not caution us about this for nothing.  He knew that the New Testament Church would face this teaching and He wanted us be aware of it.  Many do not understand that pride and hypocrisy are evil leavens.  One can easily be deceived by it in their dress and appearance, preaching and teaching, and not even realize it.  This is why I believe scripture never shines pride and hypocrisy in a positive light.  They are always associated with evil.  The other is power and control.  Abraham Lincoln said, “If you want to see the character of a man give him power.” Controlling and ruling with uncontrolled power will show your true colors every time.  Possessing a Jezebel spirit will kill any ministry and church.  Therefore, we must remain humble before God and not allow these leavens of evil to enter into our churches and ministries.  “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9).

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

Thought For Today.  “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 11

My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger, Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend. (Proverbs 6:1-3).

Today’s Morsel:  The big thing today is many people wanting you to join them as their friend on Facebook.  But are they really your friend?  What would you classify as a friend?  They say that most people can count the number of their true friends on one hand.  Solomon said that a friend loveth at all times and a brother is born for adversity.  True friends will call to check up on you.  True friends will tell you when you are right and when you are wrong.  True friends will ensure you don’t do wrong things when they are with you.  True friends will follow through with what they say they will do for you.  True friends will stick by you when everyone else walks away, even when you have done wrong and are found guilty.  Solomon said that before you cosign with someone, you need to make sure that they will repay, or you will find yourself having to repay it for them.  I suggest that you make sure your friends before you accept them as your friends.

Sing: I, I have a friend His name is Jesus, Jesus.  I, I have a friend His name is Jesus, Jesus.  He’s a Rock that I can lean on, He’s a shelter from every storm.  I, I have a friend, His name is Jesus.

Thought For Today: Keep your face in “The Book” and you can make sure your friends.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 9

"And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage."
(John 2:1-2).

Today’s Morsel:  Jesus’ first miracle of turning the water into wine at the marriage in Cana of Galilee has confounded many.  Some have even used this story to justify why they drink.  But the marriage isn’t about being without wine and Jesus turning the water into wine, the miracle is about the Holy Ghost.  The best for now!  When the Holy Ghost was poured out on the Day of Pentecost, Peter began to preach and told the people, “But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: ...” (Acts 2:16-17).  As the governor told the bridegroom, you’ve saved the best until now (John 2:10).  Writing to the Hebrews, Paul said, “God having provided some better thing for us…” (Hebrews 11:40).  You see, our forefathers didn’t receive the Holy Ghost because Jesus was not yet glorified (John 7:37-39).  But it is now for us today.  Have you tasted of that New Wine?

Sing:  Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up Lord, come and quench this thirsting of my soul. Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more; here’s my cup fill it up and make me whole.

Thought For Today:  Jesus always has something better for His disciples.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 8

“But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man”
(John 2:24-25).

Today’s Morsel:  I have heard people say, “If I had known that they were like that, I would have never trusted them.” Or, “If I had known what I know now, there is no way I would have married them.”  One of the things about every person is God knows what is inside of them.  This is why we need God to cleanse us and reveal to us what is inside.  His word is designed to cleanse us (Psalms 119:9, John 15:3). We also need to read and study His word before we get into a relationship with others.  If that person hasn’t asked for God’s cleansing, then we can find ourselves in a mess. If God knows what is in man, then every child of God should have the same gift of spiritual discernment to at least see if others are true or not.  It’s not God’s fault if you find yourself in a mess.  The quickest way to put your life back together is to return to the word of God and obey it.  Try the spirits and see if they be of God.

Sing:  Amazing grace, shall always be my song of praise, for it was grace that brought my liberty, I do not know, just why He came to love me so, He looked beyond my faults and saw my need.

  

Thought For Today:  Beauty is only skin deep!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 7

Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. (Deuteronomy 4:1)

Today’s Morsel: What would you say are the requirements to enter heaven?  So many struggle in their walk with God because they will not follow His word.  I’m amazed at the number of people who will obey the rules and instructions for their secular job, which has no eternal value, but yet they reject the word of God which can give them life and lead to eternity.  The Ten commandments are probably the easiest thing in the word of God to do. Actually, Jesus said that the whole law is fulfilled in these 10 scriptures.  Love God and love you neighbor as yourself. What Jesus was really saying is that if you don’t love Him, you aren’t going to love your neighbor.  But if you love Him, then you shouldn’t have a problem with loving your neighbor.  It’s amazing how the “Golden Rule” can change us if we obey it.  Moses told the children of Israel that in order to live and possess the land that God had promised them that needed to obey God’s statutes and judgments which He had taught them.  In other words, don’t expect to enter the promise without obedience.  The Bible is the road map to heaven, but we have to obey it.

Sing:  Oh there's a highway to heaven, none can walk up there, but the pure and heart. Oh there’s a highway to heaven, walking up the King's highway.

Thought For Today: The Bible holds the key to your entrance to heaven.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 6

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:1-14).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things I’ve learned about reading the Bible is that if you go too fast or you get distracted, which Satan wants, is that you can miss out on some key scriptures that can help with your understanding. According to John’s writing, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made… He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.”  If we understand that the world was made by Him, and that He was in the world, then we should understand that this passage is referring to Jesus Christ (John 1:14).  As the apostle Paul would later write, “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (1 Timothy 3:16). “Whom say ye that I am,” asked Jesus?  I ask today, "Who do you say He is?" 

Sing: The Mighty God is Jesus, the Prince of Peace is He, the Everlasting Father, The King Eternally, The Wonderful in Wisdom, by whom all things were made, the fullness of the Godhead in Jesus is displayed.

It’s all in Him! It’s all in Him! The fullness of the Godhead is all in Him. It’s all in Him! It’s all in Him! The Mighty God is Jesus, and it’s all in Him.

Thought For Today: Truth will make you free!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 5

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)

Today’s Morsel:  During the month of February, here at our church, the theme was Christian Soldiers in Love. We discussed and taught on the importance of loving God, loving our neighbor, and loving ourselves.  Jesus tells us that by love people would know that we are His disciples. Isn’t it amazing that many of those that say they follow Jesus so soon reveal that they are not His disciples?  Even many that followed Him while He walked here on this earth cried out on that Friday to crucify Him because He was not in their hearts!  Paul told the church at Ephesus that he desired that Christ dwell in their hearts by faith, rooted and grounded in love, so that they could comprehend Christ’s love.  So many do not understand God's love because He is not in their heart.  Until you are filled with the Holy Ghost, you can never fully know God’s love.  God is love and He desires to make His abode in us.  Jesus desires to write His law in our hearts so that we will know Him (Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 8:10-11).  Until we have a clear understanding of Him, and have Him in our hearts, we will never understand His love.

Sing: I love Him too much to fail Him now, too much to break my vow, for I promised the Lord, that I would make it somehow, and now I love Him too much to fail Him now.

Thought For Today: Calvary speaks of His love.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 4

“O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee: Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry; For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave. I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength: Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand” (Psalms 88:1-5)

Today’s Morsel: The other day I was sitting musing on all the things that Jesus has made me free from.  And the number one thing was from myself.  I now find myself preferring others over and before myself, where in times past it would have been all about me.  Jesus told the religious leaders, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).  When we become born again, we are made free.  We become new creatures in Christ.  Therefore, those who are not not new creatures, are still dead spiritually and we are free among them.  So what do we do with this new given freedom.  Yes, we work to keep ourselves free and not become entangled with the yokes of bondage again to fear (Galatians 5:1), but now we must go about seeking to make those who are dead spiritually free by sharing the truth of God’s word with them.  If the word made us free, that same word still has the power to make others free also. “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30).

Sing: He set me free, He set me free, He broke the bonds of prison for me, I’m glory bound my Jesus to see, for glory to God, He see me free.

Thought For Today: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 2

Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there. And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions: But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb. And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb. And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat. Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons? (1 Samuel 1:1-8)

 

Today’s Morsel: There are many who are full of things but empty within.  The world seems to be on a slippery slope of discontentment.  This snowball of internal emptiness seems to be rolling and picking up speed faster and faster.  Not only is it in the world, but it is also wreaking havoc in the church.  Homes are full of things, but they empty spiritually.  Most of it is of one’s own doing while the other part is because churches are trying to be politically correct and please people, instead of telling them what they need and how to pleasing God.  People don’t need more stuff; they need more Jesus.  Solomon said, “The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough: The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough” (Proverbs 30:15-16).  The horseleach has two daughters. The first is cruelty. Her offspring are unkindness, meanness, nastiness, spitefulness, and vindictiveness.  And the second daughter is covetousness. Her offspring are greediness, materialism, and envy.  Solomon said that they are crying give, give and they are continually uneasy to themselves.  In other words, they always want more.  And because so many have allowed these two daughters to control their lives, they are never full and content.  They are always empty.  Hannah realized that in order for her to be full and content, she needed a personal altar where she could talk to God.  And after spending personal time with God and her prayer was heard, scripture says, “So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad” (1 Samuel 1:18). Sadness is an indicator of emptiness.  Hannah was no longer empty but full.  It is amazing what a little talk with Jesus can do.  Give it a try.

Sing:  Now let us, have a little talk with Jesus, tell Him all about our troubles, He will hear our faintest cry, He will answer by and by. When you feel a little prayer wheel turning, you’ll know a little fire is burning, just a little talk with Jesus makes it right.

Thought For Today: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 April 1

At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall? (Ezra 5:3)

Today’s Morsel: 

​ ​

If someone were to ask you why you go to church, what would you tell them? 

​ ​

If they were to ask you why you act the way that you do, what would you tell them?

​ ​

 One of the things we must do as believers in Christ, is to build our lives based on the Word of God. 

​ ​

Satan had almost destroyed the majority of us before Christ delivered us from his grip and 

​h

e will continue

​ to try to destroy us​

. 

​ ​

This is why we must fortify our lives based on God’s word 

​because 

that is the only thing that will stand against 

​Satan's 

attacks.  Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God so that we can stand (Ephesians 6:10-18). 

​ ​

Peter tells us to add to our faith so that we do not fall (2 Peter 1:5-11). Two simple passages 

​tell us 

how and why we must build. 

​ ​

So are you 

​continuing to 

build

​ and fortify​

 the wall? Who told you to do it?

Sing: I’m standing on the Rock of Ages, safe from all the storm that rages, rich but not from Satan’s wages, I’m standing on the solid Rock.

Thought 

​F​

or 

​T

oday:

​ ​

 A straggly look is 

​a sign that your fortification is weak and

 you need to rebuild.