Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 31

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“Moreover the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in the court of the prison, saying, Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name; Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not” (Jeremiah 33:1-3)

Today’s Morsel:  Sometimes, ​I have had people ask me some of those questions that I just don’t have the answer for.  You know, questions like why did someone die so young?  Why didn’t God not stop a plane crash?  Why do bad things happen to good people?  I don’t have the answer and no one else does either.  Only God has those answers. The secret things belong to God.  The Lord told Jeremiah while he was in prison, “C​all unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”  Maybe Jeremiah was concerned and had questions​ about his imprisonment. Maybe he had questions about the state of Israel.  But no matter the questions ​he had, God told him to ask and He would show him great and mighty things which he didn’t know.  What do you want to know?  Have you asked God?  Jesus said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8).  Care to ask?   Jesus is the answer.​

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 F​or Today: The secret things belong to God.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 29

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. (Jeremiah 6:16)

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever heard the elderly speaking about the good old days?   How you could buy a new car for $2000.  A new home for $20,000.  Or a soda for 5 cents and a candy bar for a penny?  Where are those good old days?  The Lord said through Jeremiah, “Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.”  Apparently, Israel had found some good ways, but had now gone from them.  And so the Lord told him to stand and ask for them again.  The Psalmist said that the way of the Lord is in the sanctuary (Psalms 77:13).  This being the case, we can see the value of the house of God for us.  It teaches us how to walk in the good ways, God’s ways, and how to find rest for our souls.  If you are without rest, check your path!

Sing:  I have found the way!  I have found the way! O’ glory hallelujah! I have found the way.

Thought For Today:  If you are without rest, check your path!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 28

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: (1 Peter 2:21).

Today’s Morsel:  Everything that Jesus did for us was for an example for us to follow.  From His baptism by John the Baptist, to the Spirit descending upon Him as a dove, everything was examples.  He didn’t need to be baptized by John.  John knew that he needed to be baptized by Jesus.  He didn’t need the Spirit; He was that Spirit and the one that gives it.  It was all an example for us.  Even His suffering, Peter said, was an example for us that we should follow His steps.  If we do not learn how to suffer, we will never reach that plateau where we know how to endure hardness as a good soldier for Him.  We have exceeding precious promises that He’s not going to leave us nor forsake us.  He’s not going to allow usto be tempted above that we are able.  He will make a way for escape.  He, “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls”, Peter said (1 Peter 2:22-25).  Jesus - What an example to follow!

Sing:  Down in the valley with my Savior I would go, where the flowers are blooming and the sweet waters flow; everywhere He leads me I would follow, follow on, walking in His footsteps’ till the crown be won.  

 Follow! Follow! I would follow Jesus! Anywhere, everywhere I would follow on! Follow! Follow! I would follow Jesus!

Thought For Today:  There is only way one into the sheepfold!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 27

For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. (Hebrews 7:28).

Today’s Morsel:  For some unknown reason, many people seem to be posting on Facebook instructions on how to cook.  I see so many good looking meals and dishes being prepared that I know that it’s from Satan to fatten me up (humor).  I see people on Facebook making so many different things.  I see many doctrines telling people how to become a Christian.  Apparently, there was a question to Paul about the high priest selection process. And Paul said, that the law maketh men high priests. But only by the word could one become a son.  As long as they followed God’s law, they could make and choose men to be the high priest. But they could not make one a son of God. Only God could do that. John said that God was the word (John 1:1,14). Therefore, it is only through Jesus Christ, the word made flesh, that makes us His sons.  Paul said, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ” (Galatians 4:4-7). It is God that makes us sons by His word.  “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14).  If we never become obedient to the word, we can never be His sons. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” (Romans 8:9).  We are born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever”, Peter said (1 Peter 1:23). Therefore, only by the word can we become His sons.

Sing:  You’re my brother, you’re my sister, so take me by the hand, together we will work, until he comes. There’s no foe that can defeat us, when we're walking side by side, as long as there is love we can stand.

Thought For Today: Only by the word can we become His sons.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 26

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:14-18)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about spirit growth is that you have to be willing to say “no” to the world and “yes” to Christ. You can’t say “no” to the world until you are willing to say “yes” to Christ.  Nancy Reagan, in her campaign to say no to drugs said to just say, “NO”.  But just saying “No” doesn’t get you off drugs or deliver you from any other sin.  You have to be willing to say “yes” to Christ before you can say “no” to sin.  When we say “yes” to Christ, and commit completely to Him and His will, it has a built in “no” mechanism to the world so that we can grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Sing: Yes, Lord! Yes, Lord! Yes, Yes, Lord! Yes, Lord! Yes, Lord! Yes, Yes, Lord! Amen.

Thought For Today: A yes spirit to Christ has a built in no mechanism. (Brian Kinsey) 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 25

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
(Acts 1:1-5)

Today’s Morsel: I often wonder why so many people who receive the born again experience so soon lose their passion for the things of God.  Why is it that the majority of the early church seems to be so full of passion for the things of Christ, while it seems that so many today do not? According to Acts 2:44-47 “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” In Acts 8:4, “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word”.  The book of Acts is filled with the early church's passion for the things of God and others.  So what has happened to the church today?  What is sucking the passion out of so many?  Is it worldliness?  Is it fear?  Is it a love for money?  Is it a lack of understanding?  Why are so many walking away from the fountain of living waters (Jeremiah 2:13)?  Why are few involved in teaching and sharing truth?  Ask yourself, where am I at with my passion for the things of God?  Stir up the gift that is within you.  

Sing:  Lord, please move me with compassion for the lost I pray.  For the millions who are lost and cannot find their way.  Melt my callused heart with love no matter what the cost.  Lord, please move me with compassion for the lost.

Thought For Today: Have you lost your passion for the lost?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 24

And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. (Genesis 8:20-22)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about being an effective soul winner is that you have to sow the seed.  We know that the seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11).  But the seed does us no good if we leave it in the barn.  In order for it to grow, it has to be sown into the earth.  The Lord told Noah, “I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more everything living, as I have done. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”  As long as there is an earth, God expects us to sow and reap.  Man was created from the dust of the earth.  So as long as he is alive, we must sow the seed, the word, into his heart so that God can reap a harvest.   Are you doing your part?  “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building” (1 Corinthians 3:9).  Let's all get active in sowing the seed of the Word.  

Sing: Tell somebody, tell somebody about Jesus!  Tell somebody, tell somebody about goodness of the Lord.  Tell somebody, tell somebody about Jesus!  Tell somebody, tell somebody about goodness of the Lord!

Thought For Today: Is there seed in the barn?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 22

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. (Acts 12:8-12)

Today’s Morsel:  What would you do if an angel appeared to you and gave you instructions as he did Peter? Would you be afraid or would you obey?  There was prayer being made for Peter by the church.  When the angel appeared to him and told him to put on his shoes and garment, Peter obeyed.  How many times have you heard your pastor tell you through their preaching to put on the whole armor of God?  Well, they are ministering spirits sent forth to the minister to the heir of salvation (Hebrews 1:14). So put your shoes and garments on as you can’t walk out without them.  If you are going to come out of the world and be effective for Christ, you need to put on the whole armor of God that you will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Sing: Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, lift your voice to God.  Pray in the spirit and with understanding, O’ magnify the Lord.

Thought For Today:  The gospel still has the power to deliver.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 21

I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
(Proverbs 8:12-21).

Today’s Morsel:  How much do you love wisdom?  It seems that so many in the world today are without it.  There seems to be a lack of this precious character trait. Isn’t it amazing that it was there before the world was ever made by God?  Isn’t it amazing that it was brought up by His side?  Isn’t it also amazing that no matter where you turn, she is calling to you, yet few will accept her.  Solomon said that she leads in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. If we love wisdom, we can inherit substance and our treasure will be filled. The Lord said through Isaiah that He would be the substance (Isaiah 6:13).  And Paul said that the Holy Ghost was our treasure in these earthen vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7).  No matter the substance or the treasure, when we find wisdom, we find life, which is Jesus, and we obtain favor of the Lord.

Sing: No one can touch you like Jesus can.  No one can give you peace you cannot understand; No one can heal your wound with nail scared hands.  No one can touch you like Jesus can.

Thought For Today:  Wisdom is the principle thing, therefore get wisdom.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 20

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. (Luke 3:1-6)

Today’s Morsel:  It has been stated that many churches are shutting their doors for fear of the world and it’s ways. But now is not the time for the church to shut its doors, it is time to open them wide.  It’s time that the world hears the voice from the wilderness.  God has chosen you out of the world to proclaim from the house top the salvation of the Lord.  This world is becoming a tough place to live, but we, the true church and the chosen of the Lord, must be that voice that gives the world direction and guidance of how to be delivered and saved.  If people are going to be saved, they must hear a clear voice among all the other voices that are being spoken.  Our voice must become His voice.  From John the Baptist to the apostles whom Jesus had chosen, their message was the same.  Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!  We must present the truth in love.  Make it clear.

Sing: Aren’t you getting just a bit tired of fooling around? You’re trying to act your way through life, but you’re not gaining ground.  Why not try the Lord today, just ask Him in your heart to stay, and you’ll find Jesus love to be the best thing that you ever found.

Thought For Today: My voice must become His voice!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 19

And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.  But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.  And the keeper of the prison committed to Jospeh's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.  The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper. (Genesis 39:20-23)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about life is that there are going to be those times of low points.  Those times that we feel that we are all alone and no one cares.  When we look at the life Joseph, it seems that he would be filled with many low points.  Loss of his mother at a young age. Betrayed by his brothers. Sold into slavery, accused of tempted rape.  Lied on.  And who knows what else.  But Joseph did not allow his low points to affect his character.  When you are in your low points, it’s easy to do what is wrong or to accept compromise.  But when we observe the life of Joseph, he did not give in to temptation nor follow the wrongs of others.  Even when the butler and baker forgot him, by all accounts, he held to his character in prison.  What about you?  Do you maintain your character in the low points of life?  Do you remain faithful to God no matter what comes your way?  Remember, character is not developed in crisis.  Character is developed by doing the right thing day by day.

Sing:  I’m learning how to lean, and depend on Jesus; He’s my friend, and He’s my guide.  I’m learning how to lean, and depend on Jesus, I found out that if I will trust Him, He will provide.

Thought For Today:  Character still counts.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 18

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about life is that it offers us so many options.  We can choose which car or home we want to buy.  What school we would like to attend. Where we would like to live.  Where we would like to attend church.  What we would like to eat and wear.  All these options are available, if we can afford them.  Joshua also put an option on the table.  He said, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell.”  Now, they had been given an option as to who they were going to serve.  And that option was left on the table for us as well.  No one who plans to enter heaven can avoid this option.  We have to choose which God/god (big G or little g) we are going to serve.  There is no other way to get around, there is only one door in.   Joshua said that he and his household had chosen to serve the Lord.  What about you?

Sing:  I choose to be a Christian, I choose to be like Him.  Nobody’s making me do it, this is how I choose to live. You decide for you, and I’ll decide for me.  Since the choice is mine, this is what I choose to live.

Thought For Today: Choose carefully.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 17

“And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us” 

(1 John 3:24)

Today’s Morsel:  Jesus made no qualms about those who were His.  He said that you will know them by their fruit. There are certain qualities that come with the Holy Ghost, see Galatians 5:22-23.  However, those who are His must not operate in the flesh as this is contrary to His Spirit.  Paul also wrote, “And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Galatians 5:24).  In other words, the corrupt passions of the soul have been put to death; that is, destroyed.  It is as though they were dead, and have no power over us.  If God has given you His Spirit, then there should be a total change in actions and lifestyle which reflects the Spirit that is with in you.

Sing: I’ve got the Holy Ghost, down in my soul, just like the Bible said.  I’ve got the Holy Ghost, down in my soul, just like the Bible said.  Well I’ve been to the water and I’ve been baptized in Jesus name, my soul got happy and I’m so satisfied.  I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now; just like the Bible, just like the Bible, just like the Bible said.

Thought For Today:  “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” (Romans 8:9). 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 15

“Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people” 

(Isaiah 56:1-7).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the highlights of every church, I believe, should be to usher in a spirit of continuous prayer.  Prayer is a duty that we must all take part of and be continuous in.  When Jesus went up to Jerusalem, He went into the temple of God, and cast out all those that sold and bought in the temple, and He overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves.   And He said to them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves (see Matthew 21:12-13); He was quoting Isaiah's prophecy.  Therefore, we must not allow the church to become a venue for making money and selling things.  It must be God’s house for prayer, not a house of gain.

Sing: Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you, hallelu, hallelujah!

Thought For Today:  Prayer still works! (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 14

“For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer” (Isaiah 54:6-8).

Today’s Morsel:  I believe one of biggest stressers that some people have in their life is that of not being willing to forgive others.  Some people will spend their entire life on earth being angry with someone else.  I know that there are sometimes things that we do cause God anger, but He does not hold that anger forever.  It’s only for a moment, as His mercies are new every morning.  If we think that God is angry with us, then we need to examine ourselves and ask the question "Why?".   In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.  If God is willing to forgive, then we must be willing to forgive, too.

Sing: My Lord is real to me; My Lord is real, yes, real to me; My soul demands reality, my precious Lord is real to me.

Thought For Today:  Forgive!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 13

“Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him. For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody. Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people”
(Isaiah 51:1-4).

Today’s Morsel: I often wonder why so many people have such a hard time doing what is right.  But then I guess, since schools teach that there are no absolutes, people feel that no one can be right nor righteous.  But those who know truth and follow after righteousness must always look to the Lord and seek His face so that they can learn to do what is right. Paul told the church at Ephesus, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints…” (Ephesians 5:1-3).  There are certain things we learn with our new birth experience and salvation.  As followers of Christ, we must learn to do what is right at all times and at all cost.  Jesus still requires righteousness to enter heaven.  There are no shortcuts to getting in. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin”, James said (James 4:17).  Determine today that you will always do the right thing.

Sing: I will follow, I will follow, I will follow Him; all through life’s journey, from earth to glory, I only ask to be like Him.

Thought For Today:  Jesus still requires righteousness to enter heaven (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 12

And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 

(2 Peter 3:15-18).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about being a Christian is that we must learn and grow.  Even Paul’s instructions to the church is for them to study and grow.  One of the things that I believe every Christian should grow in is God’s grace.  God’s unmerited love and favor and His divine influence in their lives.  The reason that I believe this is so that when God tells us “no”, as He told Paul, we can still say just as Paul, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).  God’s grace will keep us worshiping and praising Him even when He says “no!”

Sing: Grace! Grace! God’s grace.  Grace that will pardon and cleanse with in.  Grace! Grace! God’s grace.  Grace that is greater than all our sins.

Thought For Today:  God’s grace is sufficient for thee.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 11

For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. (Hebrews 12:18-24)

Today’s Morsel: We know that Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than his brother Cain, whereby he obtained witness that he was righteous.  The writer of Hebrews said that the Blood of Jesus and this New Testament plan of salvation speaks better than the offering of Abel.  We know that Abel gave a perfect sacrifice, but Jesus was better than Abel’s offering.  Because of the blood of Jesus, we can now come boldly to the throne of grace and find help in the time of need.  While Moses was on the mount, the children of Israel could not approach it nor come near lest they die.  The same was true with the tabernacle in the wilderness.  The only one who could go into the holy of all was the high priest, once a year, with blood for himself and the people.  But when Jesus was pierced in His side on Calvary, scripture says that the veil of the temple was rent from top to bottom giving all access to the mercy seat.  This is why we can come boldly.  And so the writer of Hebrews said that we have come to the general assembly and church of the firstborn.  Acts 2:38 puts us into this assembly and church of Jesus Christ, not of the latter day saints, but of the first day saints.   Aren’t you glad that you are in the church?

Sing: It’s the old ship of Zion, it’s the hope for the lost and dying, It’s a soul saving station, the tower of salvation.

Well it’s the “Church Triumphant” O’ Lord, and its built by the hand of the Lord.  I’m talking about the church in the Book of Revelation; it’s built on the Rock, it’s got a firm foundation; it’s been through the flood and it’s been through the fire, but one of these day the church is gonna move up higher.  It’s the church triumphant, O Lord, and it’s build by the hand of the Lord.

Thought For Today:  Calvary speaks of better things (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 10

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A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. (Psalms 27:1-6)

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Today’s Morsel:  There​ are so many people who live their entire life in fear.  Many people are phobic of heights, elevators, airplanes, being aboard ships, being in a crowded room with other people​, of dying, sickness, pain, of people’s race and even those of another country. So much phobia abounds,​ that people are becoming depressed and afraid to even venture out of their homes.  Paul told Timothy: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).   John said that if we are not careful, we can allow fear to torment us (1 John 4:18).  We must put fear where it belongs​, behind us and under our feet.  We must not allow it to control our lives.  For if we do, we will even ​be afraid of seeing Jesus when He return​s​.

Sing: Some trust in chariots and some in horses,​ but we will remember the name of the Lord of God.  Some trust in chariots and some in horses,​ but we will remember the name of the Lord of God. Now I know that the Lord will save His anointed.  He will hear them from His Holy heavens.  With the saving strength of His right hand, they are brought down and fallen, but we are risen and stand upright.  Some trust in chariots and some in horses,​ but we will remember the name of the Lord of God.

Thought For Today: Ain’t scared! 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 8

The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. (Proverbs 20:7)

Today’s Morsel:  I think that one of the biggest distresses in people’s lives is a lack of integrity.  So many live their lives in a depressive state for fear of being exposed for being dishonest.  When Job’s wife tried to get him to forget his integrity, he told her that she spoke as a foolish woman (Job 2).  When his friends accused him, he told them that he would not forgo his integrity to justify them (27:5).  And he even requested that he might be weighed in an even balance that God would know his integrity (Job 31:5).  Being honest with oneself and others is a great treasure to have and to hold on to.  With a lack of integrity in the world today, the Christian must maintain his integrity as it is the key to entering the holy hills of God.

Sing: I want to be washed in the Blood of the Lamb, I need a cleansing from the fountain.  My soul is thirst, I’ve got this yearning within, I want to be washed, in the Blood of the Lamb.

Thought For Today:  Honesty is the only policy!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 7

Bread corn is bruised; because he will not ever be threshing it, nor break it with the wheel of his cart, nor bruise it with his horsemen. (Isaiah 28:28) 

Today’s Morsel:  I love bread.  I think it’s my downfall.  I have been in many countries and no matter the country, it seems that people just know how to cook bread.  To make bread, the corn has to go through a process of being beaten and bruised to be turned into flour or corn meal for the making of the bread.  In olden times, it was smashed with a rock or rolled over with a huge stone pulled by an ox or mule to crush it.  Isaiah said that bread corn is bruised. Referring to Jesus Christ, who is the bread of life, he said: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).  Jesus told the people, “This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” (John 6:50-51).  He’s been bruised for you.  So you might as well eat and live.

Sing:  "Come and dine," the Master calleth, “Come and dine!”  You may feast all Jesus' table all the time.   He who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine, to the hungry calleth now, “Come and dine!”

Thought For Today:  Bread corn is bruised!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 6

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:30-31)

Today’s Morsel:  Sometimes, if we are not careful, we can forget what Jesus is to us.  Paul said that Jesus was made to give us wisdom. That is, He is to us the source of wisdom; it is by Him that we are made wise.  James said, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).  And He is our righteousness. We become righteous through Him.  As Isaiah said, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6).  “The LORD hath brought forth our righteousness…” Jeremiah said (Jeremiah 51:10).  Sanctification; by Him we are sanctified or made holy.  Paul told the church at Corinth, “But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11).   Redemption; Jesus Christ atoned for our sins.  David said that He redeemed our life from destruction, and crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies (Psalms 103:4).  Paul also said of Him, “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14).  But Isaiah made it very plain when he said: “Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away” (Isaiah 51:11);  And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken”(Isaiah 62:12).  So if you are going to glory, then glory in the Lord.

Sing: Therefore, the redeemed of the Lord shall return and come with singing unto Zion, and every lasting joy shall be upon their heads.  They shall obtain, gladness and joy, and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.  Therefore, the redeemed of the Lord shall return and come with singing unto Zion, and every lasting joy shall be upon their heads.

Thought For Today:  Glory only in the Lord!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 5

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers” 

(John 10:1-5)

Today’s Morsel:  Jesus makes it pretty clear that there is only one way in to the sheepfold and that is going to be through Him.  We know that He tells us that the thief comes not but for to steal, kill, and to destroy.  And the robber also steals, kills, and destroys.  But the shepherd, on the other hand, leads and guides in to the fold.  Satan has one goal, and that is to steal your joy, kill your faith, and destroy your home and life.  While Jesus, on the other hand, wants you be filled with joy unspeakable, walk in faith, and build your life on Him and His promises.  With Jesus, you don’t have to try to sneak in.  You can come through the door.  “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee” (Revelation 3:8-9).  No matter your sin, if you are willing, you can come through the door.  Repentance opens the door wide.  

Sing:  Walk on through the door, into a greater harvest, than you’ve ever known before.

Thought For Today:   The door is open.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 4

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There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 

(1 Corinthians 14:10-12)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about being a Christian is that if we are going to move on to perfection, then we have to get to a point that we model the doctrine and teachings of the apostles.  For so long, I believe the church has missed the important things of the ministry.  As Jesus told the Pharisees and Sadducees in the temple, who only focused on certain things that benefited them and had left the important things of God’s word undone: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone” (Matthew 23:23).  We must not omit the important things for the body.  Things such as growing in the knowledge and grace of God, and excelling to edification.  If you look at the world today, it’s hurting. And many in the church are​,​ too.  Therefore, each of us who know truth, must excel to edifying so that the church can be strong and able to accomplish its mission.  

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Sing:

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Jesus I’ll never forget what

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​Y​ou’ve done for me.

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Jesus, I’ll never forget how

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Y​ou set me free.

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And Jesus I’ll never forget how

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​You brought me out.  

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Jesus I’ll never forget no never.

Thought For Today:  Speak words of edification always. (Parker)