Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 30

I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
(Psalms 34:1-3)

Today’s Morsel:  Throughout the Psalms, we find that it calls for us to praise and to magnify the Lord.  I believe that David found that if he kept praising God in his adversity, then he would be able to stay focused and keep himself headed in the right direction.  Adversity and depression can hinder our praise if we let it.  But if we exalt others to praise Him with us, we can lift ourselves out of the pit and despair that we may be in. And so, like the psalmist, we should cry, “O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.”  When our praises go up, the blessings will come down.  If we make God bigger in our life through our praise, He will be seen bigger in the eyes of others.

Sing:  Magnify the Lord with me, Blessed Lamb of Calvary, for His grace so rich and free, magnify the Lord with me.  Magnify the Lord with me, Blessed Lamb of Calvary, Jesus gives us liberty, oh, magnify the Lord with me.

Thought For Today:  If we make God big in our life through our praise, He will be seen bigger in the eyes of others.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 29

 In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba. And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him. But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places. And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one that passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD, Let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found. But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house. Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and the other priests, and said unto them, Why repair ye not the breaches of the house? now therefore receive no more money of your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house. (2 Kings 12:1-7)

Today’s Morsel: In today’s world, it seems that many want to be paid, but not do any work for that pay.  When Johoash became king, by all accounts he wanted to do what was right before the Lord.  He noticed that there were breaches in the house of the Lord.  For some reason the house of God had been neglected and he wanted it fixed as this was part of the job of the priest.  And so he told them to take the money and repair things.  But after twenty-three years, he noticed that the breaches were still not fixed.  And so he asked the priests why they had not repaired the breaches of the house.  And he told them that they would now therefore receive no more money of your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house.   He said from now on, don’t take any money from the people for yourself; but what they give, you use it to fix the house of the Lord.  As ministers of the gospel, we must repair the house of the Lord for truth.  We are not hirelings.  As men and women of God, chosen by Him, we must not allow it to become dilapidated.  We must ensure that it is ready and well prepared at all times.   As He said through the prophet Haggai, “Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste? Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD” (Haggai 1:3-8). Have you considered what God chose you for?  “And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none” (Ezekiel 22:30).  We must be diligent about the work He has called us to.  

Sing: When He calls we I will answer. When He calls me I will hear. When He calls me I will answer, I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord.

I’ll be somewhere working! I’ll be somewhere working! I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord. I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord.

Though For Today: Don’t ever let the fire go out in the altar!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 28

And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year. And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.

(2 Kings 13:20-21)

Today’s Morsel:  The resurrection to newness of life can be seen in many stories in the Bible.  Paul said that the things which were written before were written for our learning (Romans 15:4).  In today’s passage of scripture, Elisha had died and was buried.  And there was an invasion of the land by the Moabites.  As they were burying a man, they saw a band of men coming.  And so they cast the man that was dead into the grave of Elisha so that they could flee.  When the dead man's body touched Elisha’s bones, he revived and stood up on his feet. Amazing!  This is what happens when we come in to contact with Jesus.  Once we touch Him, as the woman with the issue of blood did, we are going to be revived and stand up.  There is no way one can come in contact with Jesus and not stand up right.  People who say that they are Christian, and have an experience with Jesus should be full of life.  Paul told the church at Ephesus, “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;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:1-6).  Friend, there is no newness of life without coming in contact with Jesus.  As Paul told the church at Rome, “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:3-11).  Has your dead body touched His?  If it has, you are risen to walk in newness of life with Him.

Sing: Get up! Get Up!  Get up in Jesus name. The Lord is calling daily to those who would be saved.  Don't go down defeated while victory's here to claim, so get up, get up, get up in Jesus' name.

Thought For Today:  You can lay on a lie or you can stand on the truth.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 27

Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
(1 Corinthians 10:1-4)

Today’s Morsel: What is it about all drivers when we look into our rear view mirror and see a cop car following us that we immediately obey the posted speed limit?  Or if we think that someone is following us, we get that uncertain feeling?  Paul told the church at Corinth that their forefathers were followed by Christ in the wilderness as a Rock. He said that they drank from that Rock that followed them and that that Rock was Christ.  I often wonder what that journey must have been like.  Why were they so discontented with what God was doing for them?  Why were they not satisfied with all the provisions that He was giving them?  Fighting for them.  Delivering them.  Showing them an abundance of compassion and mercies.  God was not impartial with any of them.  Paul said that they all had the same thing.  No one could say that God gave someone else more than them.  And I wonder sometimes why in the church today some think that God isn’t fair. Peter said, “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:39).  If God calls you out, He’s going to care for you if you obey.  Paul said, “Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec” (Hebrews 6:17-20). Friend, before Jesus ever called you out of the world, He knew the things that you would have need of, and you can be assured He will provide them for you.  You don’t have to be discontented.  All He asks is that we obey Him and His word and He will fulfill His promises.

Sing: Drinking at the springs of living water, happy now am I, my soul they satisfy. Drinking at the springs of living water.  Oh wonderful and bountiful supply.

Thought For Today: The best way to make a horse drink is to make him thirsty.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 25

But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. (1 Corinthians 4:19-20)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things that Jesus promised us was that we would receive power after the Holy Ghost came upon us.  Paul said that the Kingdom of God was not meat and drink, but righteous, joy, and peace in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17).   And then he told the church at Thessalonica, “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake” (1 Thessalonians 1:5).  When we understand that the Holy Ghost came with power, we should understand that we have control over ourselves and over any situations that we may face.  When we have power, we can stand for right against wrong.  Good against evil.  Truth against err.  Paul said that the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. The Christian life, with all its achievements and all its hopes, is not in word, but in power.  It should not be about a matter of living, or of eloquence, or of expressions, but of transforming worth by the Holy Ghost in us.  As Micah said, “But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin” (Micah 3:8).  The Holy Ghost is power, my friend!

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

 Thought For Today:  The Holy Ghost is power!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 24

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. And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him. And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people. And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old. And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door. And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life. And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers. And he said unto his father, My head, my head. And he said to a lad, Carry him to his mother. And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died. And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out. And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again. And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well.

(2 Kings 4:8-23)

Today’s Morsel: One of the most important things that I like about the book of Job is not that he endured the things that he went through or even how God blessed him with more in the end, but rather his attitude when he received the evil reports of his loss.  The Bible said that Job worshiped God.  You see, I believe that Job prepared for the day of loss by sacrificing and worshiping God daily.  And when tragedy came, it did not stop his worship. The Shunammite woman was somewhat like Job.  She had prepared a place for the man of God beside her house. And when her son died, she could say, “It shall be well.”  You see, when you know that God has already worked a miracle for you in your life, loss doesn’t stop you from worshiping.  When you know that God has already brought you out from darkness into His marvelous light, loss doesn’t stop your worship.  When God has already worked a miracle in your life, you don’t lose faith in His ability to work on your behalf.  Job believed the dead tree could live as long as the roots were in the ground and it could sense water (Job 14:7-9).  The Shunammite woman believed that her son could live if she got to the man of God.  Let me encourage you, never lose heart over bad news or loss, as all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Sing: It is well, with my soul; It is well, it is well with my soul.

Thought For Today:  A soul well fed with the word of God will be well in adversity.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 23

Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

(1 Kings 8:12)

Today’s Morsel:  If you have noticed the condition of the world which we now live in, there is absolute total darkness taking place.  Sin has blinded the minds of so many.  People are blinded to the truth.  They are blinded to the gospel.  They have no knowledge of Christ and His love for them.  They are calling good evil and evil good.  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” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).  But Jesus said that He would dwell in thick darkness. There can never be an overabundance of darkness of sin that can block out the light of Christ.  If one cries out to Jesus with a sincere heart of repentance, he can find Him. Paul said, where sin doth abound, grace doth much more about (Romans 5:20). If you are a Christian, be not discouraged about all the evil that you see taking place in this world.  If you have a solid relationship with Jesus, you should still be able to see Him at work.  Light always expels darkness and you are a part of that light.

Sing: Every hour of the day, keep me dear Lord I pray, Let me walk in the gospel light: let me hold fast to Him, so my way won’t grow dim, Let me walk in the gospel light.

Let me walk in the light, in the great gospel light. Let me walk in the gospel light; till my journey is over, and I travel no more, Let me walk in the gospel light.

Thought For Today:  Jesus is still the light that gets you out of darkness.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 22

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

(1 John 4:7-11)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about understanding love is it should be seen in two ways.  Those whose conduct is in accordance with God’s word, and those whose conduct isn't.  Those whose conduct is in accordance with God’s word will strive to do the right thing at all times. And it is to these that we show Agape love towards.  But those whose conduct isn’t, will not strive to do the right thing.  And it is to these that we will show only benevolence love toward.  This is one of the reasons many people do not understand when we say, God requires you to love everyone.  Many will say, “But they did me wrong.  He treated me unfair. Or he or she was mean to me.  They abused me. How can I love them?”  This is where the second (benevolence) love comes in.  With benevolence love, you speak no evil against the person who wronged you, nor seek to bring them injury or harm.  You pray for them, asking God to remove their mean and evil spirit and to save them.  You wish them well and treat them with kindness and respect the way that you would want to be treated.  You do not respond in like-kind.  Jesus showed more benevolence love than agape love when He was on the earth.  The Lord said, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay."  But at Calvary, He displayed His Agape love for all.

Sing:  Years I spent in vanity and pride, caring not my Lord was crucified, knowing not it was for me He died, at Calvary.

Mercy there was great and grace was free, pardon there was multiplied to me, there my burdened soul found liberty,  at Calvary!

Thought For Today: Always see love through Jesus' eyes!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 21

Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
(Hebrews 13:1-2)

Today’s Morsel:  Since I have been in church, I have seen many visitors come to the church.  Some come and stay, while others never return.  I have had many of them say to me, Oh we are just passing through, or we are just visiting.  It’s those that say that to me that make me wonder if I am entertaining angels?  When Jesus visited certain synagogues and homes, the people had no idea who He was.  Some rejected Him while others embraced Him. What would you do if you knew that those visiting your house were angels.  Would you treat them differently?  Would you go out of your way to make them feel more welcome?  If we would, then that shows us that we have bias in our hearts and that it needs to be removed.  Brotherly love must be shown towards all people, not just the elite or someone who looks like us or dresses like us.  For Isaiah said of Jesus, “For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him” (Isaiah 53:2).   If we are not willing to shake hands or give a hug to a stranger, then we should not expect to shake hands and give a hug to Jesus.  It’s only by our willingness to do it to others that we will be able to do it to Him.

Sing:  As I looked in the crowd, I saw one I did not know; his face was broken from the bitter of the cold.  I said, Sir may I help you and he looked up to me. “I’m just a visitor passing by today, but does your church preach Jesus, that He’s the only way?  Does it tell of His shed blood for the sins of the world?  Do you baptize in Jesus name; the only name by which man can be saved? Does it preach that old rugged cross so despised by the world? And do you welcome everyone the way that He said?”

Thought For Today: Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 20

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 3:19-22)

Today’s Morsel: Often when we hear the story of Jesus visiting the home of Martha, and Mary just sits at Jesus feet and listens to Him while Martha is troubled and cumbered about with many things (Luke 10:35-39), we can judge Martha for not being like her sister.  But what about us?  I’ve noticed lately that so many people in the church seem to be confused and directionless.  Many seem to be carrying heavy loads of burdens. What has gone wrong?  When did the church lose its focus?  Have we shut the door and not allowed Jesus to come in to help us?  Have we focused more on numbers than making the church the healing and deliverance station that Jesus intended it to be?  Have we refused Jesus?  Have we accepted the devil instead?  Have we developed programs to replace the Spirit?  Jesus stands at the door of every life ready to heal and ready to deliver, but it is up to each of us if we will allow Him entrance to work.

Sing: Let Jesus come in to your heart.  Just now, your doubting's give over;  Just now reject Him no more; just now, throw open the door; let Jesus come into your heart.

Thought For Today: You are the only one that can allow Jesus to come in.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 18

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. (Ephesians 6:1-3)

  

Today’s Morsel:  On July 19, 1910, the governor of the U.S. state of Washington proclaimed the Nation’s first “Father’s Day.”  However, it was not until 1972, 58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official, that the day became a nationwide holiday in the United States.

You know, growing up as a kid, I will be honest, I didn’t like some of the things that my father made me do.  My father was a man that believed in the word of God and its principles.  He believed in doing the best at what you put your hands to do.  By the world's standards, we would have been classified as poor.  But by God’s standards we were rich, because there was always food in our house and lots of love.  My dad did not spare the rod (according to scriptures) when we were wrong or disobedient to him or someone else in authority that gave us instructions. And today, I can say that I am where I am because my father taught us good work ethics, respect for authority, how to treat other people, and made us go to church and Sunday school.  Being a dad is no joke.  You’re a teacher, a counselor, a coach, a financial adviser, a judge and jury, and a protector all rolled in to one.  If you’re already a father, you know that all too well.  If you aren’t, then the prospect of that becoming a reality is likely as terrifying as it is exciting.

 When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He began by drawing their attention to giving honor and respect for their heavenly Father by saying, "And when you pray say, “Our Father which art in heaven, hallow it be Thy name" (Luke 11:1-2).  There seems to be a loss for the respect of our Heavenly Father and the position of fatherhood these days.  But those of us who are born again must learn to give honor to whom honor is due.  Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.  Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.  Dad’s may you be blessed this day.  Children (of all ages) may you honor your Dad today and every day.

 Happy Father’s Day!

Sing: Heavenly Father, I appreciate You! Heavenly Father, I appreciate You! I love You, adore You, I bow down before You, Heavenly Father, I appreciate You.

Thought For Today: “The greatest mark of a father is how he treats his children when no one is watching.”  Dan Pearce

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 17

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed. Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.

(Psalms 28:7-9)

Today's Morsel:  One of the things about aging is that our strength can begin to wane.  Therefore, it is essential that we do those things that will help us maintain our physical strength as well as our spiritual strength on a day to day basis.  The psalmist said that the Lord was his strength and shield.  He saw God as his power and his protector.  He said that by God he could run through a troop and leap over a wall.  Therefore, he said his heart trusted in Him and he was helped.  When we trust in the Lord with all our heart and we do not lean not unto our own understanding, we, too, will see that He is our strength, shield and helper.  When we maintain consistency in praise, worship, reading and obeying God’s word, it will help us to stay strong in His power and might and we will see His protective hand at work for us.  Caleb was as strong at 85 as he was at 40 all because he put his trust in the Lord.  What about you?  Do you find Him to be the the saving strength of His anointed and the saving strength of His right hand.  Are you strong in Him?

Sing:  What have I to dread, what have I to fear, leaning on the everlasting arms?  I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, leaning on the everlasting arm.

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Thought For Today: Strength for today begins with eating your morning manna.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 16

And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague (Mark 5:24-34)

Today’s Morsel: Some people would just love to have an opportunity to touch or to shake the hand of a president, or some countries' officials, or some sports or Hollywood icon.  Yet they can't because these people have guards keeping people away from them.  I often wonder what the big deal is!  Aren’t they human beings just like we are?  Many people wanted to get close to Jesus, but they could not because of the huge crowds that always followed Him.  But Jesus was not against people touching him.  As a matter of fact, He went where they could touch Him.  He joined in with publicans and sinners.  He ate with them.  Drank with them.  Sang with them.  Put their children on His lap. Went to their churches.  Visited their homes.  And when the woman with the issue of blood touched Him, He even stopped and spent time talking with her.  Still today, you can touch Jesus if you will just believe when you call on His name!  He is always available to us.  

Sing: Touching Jesus, is all that really matters, and your life will never be the same. For there's only one way to touch Him, just believe when you call on His name!

Thought For Today: Touching Jesus is all that really matters. Just believe when you call on His name.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 15

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you” (John 15:13-15).

Today’s Morsel:  We don’t hear most people introducing people by saying, “This is my friend_______” anymore. However, I do sometimes hear my wife on the phone when certain other ministers' wives call her or she calls them, greet them by saying, “Hi friend!”  Why don’t we have more friends?  What do you look for in people before you make them your friend?   If Jesus called us His friend, then shouldn’t we have more friends if we say that we are Christians and believers of His?  Solomon tells us that a friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity. You see, true friends contact you to see how you are doing. True friends are willing to set things aside and spend time with you.  True friends will tell you what you need to hear and give you advice for correction.  True friends will hold your hand when you are going through the storms or rivers of life and help you reach safety.  True friends joy with you in the good times as well as cry with you in grief.  Hi friend!

Sing:  What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!  What are 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: “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 14

Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. (Romans 9:27-28)

Today’s Morsel:  Have you ever had someone ask you to help them with some work and they tell you that it will only take about an hour, but you find yourself working longer?  Did you feel cheated?  Paul said that Isaiah had cried that the Lord would do a short work upon the earth in righteousness.  Within three years, Jesus chose twelve men, taught them in the way of righteousness, and sent them forth to establish His church in righteousness.  A short work.  What are we establishing?  Every church must be established in righteousness or it will not stand.  We, too, can do a short work if we forget about the numbers and stick to establishing His righteousness.

Sing: I’ll be somewhere working! I’ll be somewhere working! I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord. I’ll be somewhere working! I’ll be somewhere working! I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord.

Thought For Today: Let’s getter done for Jesus!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 13

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. (Proverbs 2:6-8)

Today’s Morsel:  As saints of God, we should always rest in serenity knowing that God cares for us and protects us. The same way that He covered and protected Israel, He does the same for His saints.  Scripture tells us that He preserves the way of His saints.  God does this by His grace.  As the psalmist said, “He suffereth not our feet to slip” (Psalms 66:9).   In her prayer, Hannah said, “The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them. He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail” (1 Samuel 2:6-9).   And by His angelic host, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways” (Psalms 91:11).  The saints are ever under the watchful care and mighty protection of The Lord Jehovah. “Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies” (Psalms 108:13).  God is a buckler to them that walk upright before Him.  He keeps us in all situations and circumstances.

Sing:  He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock that shadows a dry, thirsty land; He hideth my life in the depths of His love, and covers me there with His hand, and covers me there with His hand.

Thought For Today:  He maketh my feet like hind’s feet and causes me to walk upon my high places.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 11

What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?  (Romans 9:22-24)

Today’s Morsel:  What if God had allowed you to be born in a different country then you were, would you see things differently?  What if God would have let you be born a different race or nationality, would you see things differently?  What if God had allowed you to be born into the lineage of royalty or great status, would you act differently?  You know, “What if” is one of those phrases that could really make us think and see things differently. The apostle Paul asked the church at Rome, “What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?”  He said, what if God was willing to show His anger and to make His power known as He did to the Egyptians and Pharaoh to those who are in rebellion against Him and are ready right now for destruction (my wording)? Or those who have received His Spirit but still choose to live in sin (my wording)?  God is long-suffering towards us not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance.  What if God would judge us?  Who could stand?   His mercy is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), and His goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives (Psalms 23:6). Yet, please don’t take His long-suffering towards us for granted.  There is coming a day that we must all stand before Him. Then what?

Sing: Thank God for the blood! Thank God for the blood! Thank God for the blood, that washes white as snow.  

Thought For Today: “If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? (Psalms 130:3)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 10

Then tidings came to Joab: for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he turned not after Absalom. And Joab fled unto the tabernacle of the LORD, and caught hold on the horns of the altar. And it was told king Solomon that Joab was fled unto the tabernacle of the LORD; and, behold, he is by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall upon him. And Benaiah came to the tabernacle of the LORD, and said unto him, Thus saith the king, Come forth. And he said, Nay; but I will die here. And Benaiah brought the king word again, saying, Thus said Joab, and thus he answered me. And the king said unto him, Do as he hath said, and fall upon him, and bury him; that thou mayest take away the innocent blood, which Joab shed, from me, and from the house of my father.

(1 Kings 2:28-31)

Today’s Morsel:  In scripture, the altar has always been associated with a place of sacrifice and death.  And even today in the church, we see it as a place of prayer, re-commitment to God, a place to leave our burdens, and even a place that we can come and die to our sins.  The altar is a good place to get direction for your life.  When Solomon sent Banaiah to kill Joab, Joab when into the tabernacle and took hold of the horns of the altar and said, I will die here.  And when it was told Solomon what he said, Solomon said, then let him die there.  What a great place to die from the sins of the world, or to die to the things that have you shackled, things that torment you , have you ensnared, and things that you feel have you trapped. It’s at the altar that life can turn around for you.  What better place to die to sin than at the altar of the Lord.

Sing:  At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away, it was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day!

Thought For Today: What better place to die to sin than at the altar of the Lord?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 9

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever. I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
(Psalms 118:1-9)

Today’s Morsel: Testimony service times are such a good time for standing and giving thanks to God before others for what He has done for you.  I don’t know about you, but I love sharing how God saved me and what He is doing in my life.  As Rev. A. L. Clanton stated in his song, “My Thanks to Him," “I love to tell how Jesus saved my soul, when I was lost and facing dark despair; but mortal tongue could never tell the whole, nor thank Him for such wondrous love and care.”  In writing to the church at Thessolinica, the Apostle Paul stated, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). I know for some that may seem hard to do, especially when things don’t seem to be going in your favor.  But really it isn’t hard when we understand that all things work together for our good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).  Remember that if God be for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31).  Then thanks should be given to Him without hesitation or reservation.  A little gratitude goes a long way with Jesus.

Sing:  He is more than all the world to me, the dearest friend that I have ever known; and it will take the whole eternity, to thank Him for the love that He has shown.

Thought For Today: A little gratitude goes a long way with Jesus.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 8

 “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).

Today’s Morsel: I can remember back in the day, when the circus would come to town.  People would line the side of the streets to see all the animals, clowns, attractions and show people.  It was the circus' and town's way of advertising the big event that was going to happen.  Jesus having just passed through Jericho, was on His way to Jerusalem, by all accounts, heading for Calvary.  And scripture says, “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 sycamore 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 today I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.”  To Zacchaeus, this was the main attraction passing by.  To him, there was nothing like being able to get a glimpse of the One who had opened the eyes of the blind. To be able to see the One that calmed the stormy sea, walked on water, the One who had turned the water into wine, the One who had caused the dead to be raised again, and the One who had who fed the multitude with two fish and five loaves of bread.  To him, nothing could compare to this moment.  He was like a kid watching the big top roll into town!  Like a kid in a candy shop. What about you?  Do you get excited when someone leading worship or preaching says, “I feel Jesus in the house!” “I feel Jesus is passing by this very moment!”  Do seek for Him?  “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” (Isaiah 45:22).  Zacchaeus took a look and became a part of the greatest show on earth.

Sing:  O I want to see Him, look upon His face. There to sing forever of His saving grace; on the streets of Glory let me lift my voice, cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice.

Thought For Today: When you walk through those gates of pearls and see Jesus, it will be worth it all.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 7

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
(2 Timothy 2:15)

Today’s Morsel:  How much of your day do you spend in studying the Word of God?  Do you ever learn anything that you did not know the day before?  One of the purposes for reading and studying the Bible is to challenge you so that you know more about God and how His Word applies to your everyday life and situations.  The Bible is a life book.  It is designed to instruct you in spiritual growth and maturity. If we falter and quit when trials and unwarranted circumstances come against us, it can be a strong indication that we are not being doers of the Word of God. We must remember that the Word of God builds our faith.  It is not for our abandonment or our demise.

Sing: Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.  Every day with Jesus, I love Him more and more. Jesus saves and He keeps me, He’s the One I’m waiting for, every day with Jesus, is sweeter than the day before.  

Thought For Today: Study to show yourself approved unto God.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 6

And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host; And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it. Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore. And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you. And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. (Joshua 3:1-6)

Today’s Morsel: June 6, 1944, marks what was called the D-Day invasion.  More than 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline, to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France.  General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which, “We will accept nothing less than full victory.”  More than 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, and by day’s end the Allies gained a foot-hold in Continental Europe.  The cost in lives on D-Day was high. More than 9,000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded, but their sacrifice allowed more than 100,000 soldiers to begin the slow, hard slog across Europe to defeat Adolf Hitler’s troops.

But many years before the invasion on June 6, 1944, there was another D-Day invasion.  The armies of God, led by the Captain of the Host, King Jesus, and His chosen, Joshua, aligned themselves along the shorelines of the Jordan River, and prepared themselves to pass over to eradicate the enemies of God from their promised land.  Joshua, the commander of the forces, told them to keep their eyes on the Ark because they had not passed that way before.  He told them to stay focused and to keep their eyes on God so that they would not fail. Every born again child of God has had a D-Day.  And now we must keep our eyes on God so that we do not fail.  

Sing:  I may never march in the infantry, ride in the Calvary, shoot the artillery, I may never soar over the enemy; but I’m in the Lord’s army, yes sir!

Thought For Today: Every born again child of God has had a D-Day. Keep your eyes on God so that you do not fail.   

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 4

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)

Today’s Morsel: Every May, we see many students who are graduating from colleges and high schools. Many of them will go on into the world and do great things, while others will not. What is the difference? I believe it has a lot to do with their character. Those who maintain a consistent walk with God in their lives and maintain moral values, usually do good in life while others do not. They may not make millions, but they understand what is most important in life. God and character, these are what matter the most in life.

Sing: Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand, but I know who holds the future, and I know who holds my hand.  

Thought For Today: Success is determined by “U”.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 3

And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
(Luke 15:11-24)

Today’s Morsel:  I grew up attending church, but I will tell you that my heart was far from serving God.  I went to church, but I will be honest, I had very little idea what it was about or what I should be doing.  I had one and a half foot in the world and the other half foot in the church when my parents made me go, or I felt a need to go.  Now I’ve learned that it’s better to be in the house of God than to dwell in the world.  I believe that the story of the Prodigal Son, told by Jesus, was to give us an understanding of how easy and destructive the world can be when there is no godly wisdom involved.  This story also teaches that money cannot buy happiness, and when we are outside of the will of God we can find ourselves in places that we will wish we were not. And it further teaches that God still loves us even though we sometimes make foolish decisions.

Sing: Jesus, hold my hand, Lord I need Thee every hour, through this pilgrim land, protect me by Thy saving power; Hear my feeble plea, O’ Lord, look down on me.  When I kneel in prayer I hope to meet you there, blessed Jesus hold my hand.

Thought For Today: Don’t let money pull your heart from God.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 2

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

(Romans 1:16)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about the gospel is that it will reveal those who are without understanding.  Paul told the church at Rome that because man would not glorify God as God, they would become foolish in their own imaginations, change the truth of God into a lie, and worship and serve the creature more than the creator who is blessed forever.  We seem to be living in a world without understanding.  It seems that fewer and fewer are giving any consideration to the choices being made in  their lives or the lives of others.  Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, saith the Lord (Psalms 53:4)?  Are His people being destroyed because of a lack of knowledge (Hosea 6:4)?  Is the world destroying its own self?  Are the evil decisions that are being made by those in authority putting the world on the course for soon destruction?  Those of us who know the truth of the gospel, must not allow ourselves to be drawn into the ways of this world that we also find ourselves being drawn away from our faith in Christ.  God did not save you to be lost or without understanding.  Paul said that God saved you so that, “Ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:9-13).  The mind is a terrible thing to waste, and so is this life.  Use both for God and His glory and purpose.

Sing:  This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.  The angels beckon me, from heaven's open door, and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

Thought For Today: The decision you make today will affect your tomorrow! (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 June 1

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.  (Matthew 24:35)

Today’s Morsel: From the creation, the word of God has been here and it will be here when we are gone.  Jesus said that it will never pass away.  The Bible is still listed as the number one selling book in the world, the number one book proven to help heal the broken heart, bring comfort the bereaving soul, give wisdom to the simple, and life to the dead spirit.  When we understand John 1:1&14, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was 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; and we parallel those scriptures with 1 John 5:7, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one”; and 1 Timothy 3:16, “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," we can understand why the word will never pass away.  Simply put, it will not pass away because it is God, and God never dies.  If you will read, study, and obey the word of God, you will have great success and not be surprised when you stand before Jesus in the final judgement.  You will already know who He is, and you will have done what He has asked of you to do.

Sing:  If we never meet again, on this earth my blessed friend, if to God, we have been true, and we live above all sin, then for us, there'll be a greeting, for there’s going to be a meeting, I’ll see you in the rapture some sweet day.

 Hallelujah! I’ll see you in the rapture, I’ll see you in the rapture, I’ll see you in the meeting in the air.

Thought For Today: You can find the answer to any question that you have in the word of God.