Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 30

"Finally, Brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."  (Philippians 4:8-9)

Today’s Morsel: When we were kids we use to play follow the leader. Whatever the person in front of you did, you had to do the same thing. Paul told the church at Philippi, that they should do the things that they had seen him do, and that the God of peace would be with them. By all account, Paul was a very good example of Christ's character, discipline, motivation, dedication, and wisdom.  He was an example of of the things of God.  As he told Timothy, “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me” (see 2 Timothy 3:10-11).  If Jesus, who is the Prince of Peace, will be with us if we follow righteousness, should we not all pursue it (righteousness)?  

Sing: I will follow. I will follow. Follow, follow Him!

Thought For Today: Peace is always with those who practice righteousness. (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 29

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. (Jeremiah 2:13).

Today’s Morsel:  When we lived in Okinawa, Japan, it was not uncommon for us to be put on water rationing.   Most people in the world today don't understand what it was like in olden times to have to draw water from a well for drinking, bathing, or washing clothes. Getting water from a well or fountain was essential to life and living. But what we find today, is that most people take water for granted. Like the people in Jeremiah's days, they try to find their own water. The Lord told Jeremiah, “For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.”  In trying to do it their own way they had gone from the Lord.  And the Lord said that this was evil.  In other words, this was the wrong thing for them to do. Anytime you go from God you are heading towards evil.  What about you?  Are you trying to satisfy your own soul and thirst?  “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David”, The Lord said (Isaiah 55:1-3).  Friend, only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

Sing: Only Jesus, can satisfy your soul.  Only He can take your heart and make you whole.  He’ll give you peace you never knew, sweet love and joy and heaven, too.  Only Jesus can satisfy your soul! 

Thought For Today:  Satisfaction of the soul requires the real thing! (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 28

“Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him” (Acts 12:5).

Today's Morsel: Do you thank others for praying for you? Do you ever stand and testify and give thanks to the church for praying for you?  Peter found himself in prison, but the church prayed for his release and God answered.  We never know who is praying for us.  It may just be their prayers that are protecting us from bad things happening in our lives. Therefore, we should give thanks to God for those who pray for us.

Sing:  Somebody’s praying for you!  Somebody’s praying for you! When you feel you’re alone and your heart would break in two,  remember somebody’s praying for you.

Thought For Today:  Thank God for the church.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 26

“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22).

Today’s Morsel:  Are you thankful for the blood of Christ?  Many churches no longer preach about the blood.  If it had not been for the blood of Christ, we could not be saved.  From the inception, it was the blood used by God to cover sin.  Life is in the blood.  If Israel had been thankful for the blood, they may not have become overwhelmed with their complaining and missed the promised land.  Get in the habit of thanking God for The Blood.

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

Thought For Today:  Thank God for the blood.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 25

“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! “(Psalms 107:8).

Today’s Morsel:  Do you thank God for your children?  What about other people's children?   Oh, that men (it is meant especially of those men whom God has graciously relieved) would praise the Lord for his goodness to them and for his wonderful works to others of the children of men!  Note, said Matthew Henry (1.) God's works of mercy are wonderful works, works of wonderful power considering the weakness, and of wonderful grace considering the unworthiness, of those he shows mercy to.  (2.) It is expected of those who receive mercy from God that they return praise to Him.  (3.) We must acknowledge God's goodness to the children of men as well as to the children of God, to others as well as to ourselves.  When we think of God’s goodness toward all men, we should all be thankful.

Sing: Jesus loves the little children, all the little children of the world.  Red, and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world.

Thought For Today:  Thank God for children today.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 24

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever” (Psalms 118:1).

Today’s Morsel: How good do you think God has been to you?  Do you ever wonder about His goodness?  The psalmist said that we should thank God because He is good: because His mercy endures forever.  Think about that for a moment if you don’t think He’s good.  We are not getting punished by God for our wrongs.  We are not being chastised by Him because of our wrong motives.  We are not condemned by Him because of our rejections of Him.  He just keeps on loving us and forgiving us because He is good.  Do you think these might be some good reasons to thank Him?

Sing: Thanks! Thanks! I give You thanks for all You have done.  I am so blessed, my soul has found rest.  O’ Lord, I give You thanks.

Thought For Today: Thank God for His goodness.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 23

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

Today’s Morsel:  The apostle Paul concludes this whole matter with, Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.  Some think that by this unspeakable gift he means the gift of grace bestowed on the churches in making them able and willing to supply the necessities of the saints, which would be attended with unspeakable benefit both to the givers and receivers.  It should, however, seem rather that he means Jesus Christ, who is indeed the unspeakable gift of God to this world, a Gift we have all reason to be very thankful for.  Thanks be to God for His greatness, glory, and inexpressible love that He has bestowed upon us. 

Sing: It is Jesus, Jesus, sad one’s weep no more.  He has healed the broken hearted, opened wide the prison door, He is able to deliver evermore.

Thought For Today:  Thanks be to God!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 22

“Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help. Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation” (Psalms 35:1-3).

Today’s Morsel:  How excited are you about your salvation?  How often do you thank God for saving you?  Some people think that salvation is free the same as they think that freedom is free.  But neither of these are free.  Our natural freedom is because our soldiers put their lives on the line daily for us.  Our salvation came because Jesus gave His life for us.  Therefore, having these things should cause us to be thankful.  It’s those who lack gratitude that think these things are deserved.  Only two people ever died for you; the American soldier and Jesus Christ (Fonzell Marsh).  How thankful are you?

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

Thought For Today:  Only two people ever died for you. The American soldier and Jesus Christ (Fonzell Marsh).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 21

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalms 91:1).

Today’s Morsel: Do you ever thank God for His protection for you and others?  Do you ever consider what evils the Lord may be protecting you from?  Do you consider how many accidents, evil people, unpleasant situations, or those desiring to harm you that you are being kept from?  If we remain in that secret place, we don’t have to worry about the evils.  We can thank Him for His hand of protection.   

Sing: There’s an eye watching you.  Watching you, watching you, every day mind the course you pursue; there’s an all-seeing eye watching you.

Thought For Today:  Stay under His wing!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 19

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches.  I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
(Revelation  22:16)

Today’s Morsel: There is nothing to me like good preaching.  I love to hear some good old fashioned preaching.  I often wonder what it was like under Paul’s preaching.  I wonder if he spoke with fire and zeal about Jesus.  I wonder when Ezra stood on the pulpit and preached, what the people thought of him (Nehemiah 8:4). Granted this was not a podium like we use today, it was more like a tower.  Or how do you think Peter delivered his message of Christ when he entered the house of Cornelius? No matter how they did it, they all had one common message to deliver.   And that was, Jesus Christ was the root and the offspring of David, the bright and morning star.  If this message is preached, one will realize as Paul said, “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.  And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power” (Colossians 2:9-10); and that this was the faith which was once delivered unto the saints, Jude said (Jude 3).

Sing: He is fairer than lily of the valley.  He brighter than the morning star.  He is purer than the snow, fresher than the breeze, lovelier than all of these.

Thought For Today:  Jesus is still God, no matter how you look at it.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 18

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Today’s Morsel:  To trust in the Lord with all of one’s heart, requires a self-development of one’s faith.  Those who struggle with their faith in God will also have a harder time putting their trust in God.  Paul said that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Faith is not only knowing that God can, it is knowing that God will work all things for the good to them that love Him and are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). You see, to trust in God is to simply take Him at His word.  The prophets and people of old had to believe what God said or it did them no good.  The same holds true for you and me today.  When we read His word, we must believe what it says.  If not, we are wasting our time as it will do us no good to read the Word if we do not believe it.  If you lean to your own understanding, it could be very possibly be the wrong direction and the wrong motives.

Sing:  I’m learning to lean, learning to lean, learning to lean on Jesus; finding more power than I’d ever dreamed; I’m learning to lean on Jesus.

Thought For Today:  Trust in the Lord always.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 17

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Today’s Morsel: The Bible is the most valuable book a person can own.  It teaches one how to develop character, good behavior, make right choices, and live a successful life should a person choose to obey it.  Peter said, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:20-21).  There has never been another book like the Bible, it is the inspired Word of God.  Paul said that every writing Divinely inspired is profitable for doctrine.  The Lord said through Solomon, “For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law” (Proverbs 4:2).  Paul told Timothy, “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained” (1 Timothy 4:6).  Doctrine teaches us how to live and how to stay saved.  Make sure you follow it and obey it.

Sing:  To worship You I live!  To worship You I live, I live to worship You. 

Thought For Today:  Doctrine still saves.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 16

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (Philippians 4:11)

Today’s Morsel:  There seems to be lots of folks who are discontented these days.  I am an observer of people.  I like to watch peoples' actions.  And most of the time I can tell what they are battling with in their lives.  It is amazing to me the number of people that I see arguing with pharmacists about not being able to get certain medicines because the doctor or someone did not put in a prescription.  I see those that are overworked and under paid.  Others who got the wrong knight in shining armor, or the wrong princess with the golden slipper.  Somewhere they were hoodwinked by the enemy of their soul.  And now it is hard for them to find contentment with life.  Paul said that he had to learn contentment.  Like so many of us, Paul went through many things in his life.  And it was those things that taught him contentment.  He learned how to wait and depend on God no matter where he was and what he was facing.  That’s what learning contentment is.  It is realizing our error and learning not to run again into the same old trap.  As my wife says, “I’m not sticking my hand twice into the cage of the dog that bit me once.”  If you are without contentment, why not trust Jesus and His word.  Become obedient to His word and you will develop contentment.

Sing:  I need Thee, O’ I need Thee, every hour I need Thee. O’ bless me now my Savior, I come to Thee.

Thought For Today:  Contentment is just another word for satisfied. (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 15

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 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 2:11-14).

Today’s Morsel: How would you define grace?  Someone has written a book title, “What’s So Amazing About Grace?”  Why does Peter tell us to grow in grace, and how do we do it (2 Peter 3:18)?  And why does Paul say that we are saved by grace and not of works lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9)?  One of the things about salvation is that it does not proceed from oneself.  Salvation is a gift from God only.  There is nothing that we can do to merit it. It is God’s divine favor upon us.  To me, to “grow in grace” is to increase in that which constitutes pure religion (James 1:27).  Like anything else in our Christian life, grace must be cultivated for it to grow, the same as any other virtue of the soul.  Paul said that there are many things that come with our salvation (Hebrews 6:9), but it doesn’t grow without work.  Even though God’s grace brought us salvation, we must add spiritual things to our lives to ensure that we keep it and that it grows in our lives

Sing:  Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!  I once was lost, but now am found, twas blind but now I see.

Thought For Today:  Grace still brings salvation.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 14

For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt” (Exodus 12:12-13).

Today’s Morsel:  Scripture says that the life of the flesh is in the blood, and that the blood makes atonement for the souls of men (Leviticus 17:11).  No one can live without blood.  Whether in the flesh or in the spirit, blood is required.  Israel needed the blood to atone for their sins when they departed Egypt, which Egypt is a type and shadow of the world.   We, too, need blood to atone for our sins to we come out of the world.  Therefore, Jesus shed His blood for us.  Scripture says, “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22).  If Jesus had not shed His blood, we would have no atonement for our sins.  Thank God for the blood.

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

Thought For Today: The blood still gives life! (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 12

"For who is God, save the LORD?  and who is a rock, save our God?  God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect."  (2 Samuel 23:32-33) 

Today’s Morsel: What are you building your hopes on? What and who are you trusting in? What do you do when the world around you seems dark and you can’t seem to see the light of day or find your way?  What do you do when the storms of life keep blowing your way?  What do you do when it seems that every place you stand is sinking sand?  What do you do when the support network that you so much depended on gives way?  What do you do when you feel as though nothing you do is right or seems to be going your way?  Where do you go and where do you turn to? David said, “For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness” (2 Samuel 22:29); “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalms 16:10-11); “For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God? God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect” (2 Samuel 22:32-33); “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD”(Psalms 118:17).  The child of God should never panic in the trials and storms of life because Jesus is always with him.

Sing:  On Christ the solid Rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.

Thought For Today:  Jesus still cares!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 11 (In Honor of Veterans Day)

“These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time. And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away: He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil. And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory” (2 Samuel 23:8-12)

Today’s Morsel:   Veterans Day is an official United States public holiday, observed annually on November 11, that honors military veterans, that is, persons who served in the United States Armed Forces.  Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day; Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who died while in military service.  President Calvin Coolidge said: “America has many glories.  The last one that she would wish to surrender is the glory of the men who have served her in war.  While such devotion lives, the nation is secure. Whatever dangers may threaten from within or without, she can view them calmly.  Turning to her veterans, she can say: 'These are our defenders.  They are invincible.  In them is our safety.'  The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.”   To me, veterans are those like Shammah, one of King David’s mighty men, who was willing to defend what was rightfully his.  They are those who are willing to sacrifice themselves so that others might live.  And so today, we honor our Veterans.  We salute all of you for a job well done!

Sing: Thanks, Thanks, I give you thanks, for all you have done, I am so blessed, my soul has found rest, O’ Lord, I give You thanks.

Thought For Today:  Freedom is not free!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 10

This then is the message which ye have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.  (1 John 1:5)

Today’s Morsel:  It has been stated that people who reside in places that have very little daylight are more susceptible to depression and may have a negative outlook on life.  I believe this is one of the reasons that Jesus came to give us light.  This world is dark.  There is no light in this present world.  This is why people of the world and those who walk according the world and its ways, often suffer from depression and hopelessness.  Paul said, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).  When we obtain knowledge of Him, we realize that He is The Light (1 John 1:5).  If you find yourself feeling depressed or hopeless, why not try Jesus and live according to His word for He is The Light that will get you out of darkness (John 8:12).

Sing:  Send the light, the blessed gospel light, let it shine from shore to shore! Send the light, the blessed gospel light, let it shine forever more.

Thought For Today: Jesus is The Light that gets you out of darkness!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 9

"Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches:  He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit" for without me ye can do nothing.  If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered away; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned" (John 15:4-6).  

Today’s Morsel: One thing is for certain, branches, limbs, arms, legs and leaves cannot survive off the body that there were attached to.  God, in His wisdom and knowledge, shows us these things so that we can learn the importance of staying attached to Him.  We cannot live without Christ. We will surely die without remaining attached to Him.  He is life, John said, (John 1:4).  It’s not hard to stay attached to the source that gives us life if we obey Him.  “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (2 Peter 1:5-10) (emphasis mine).   What are you doing to stay attached to the vine?

Sing:  Hold to God’s unchanging hand, hold to God’s unchanging hand; build your hope on things eternal, hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Thought For Today: Stay attached to Jesus and you’ll never die.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 8

And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money. And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee. And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread. But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread? (1 Kings 21:1-5)

Today’s Morsel:  I can usually tell when others are sad and unhappy.  I may ask them what is wrong, and I may try to brighten them up.  If I can say something that will bring them a little joy or cause them to smile, I can hopefully help alleviate the sadness.  If a person gets too much sadness, they will soon see no reason to live.  Therefore, I believe the Spirit brings with it peace and joy to motivate us and lift us up.  If we can get people to keep the Holy Spirit stirred up in their life and not allow what others say or do to affect them, and if they also realize who they are in Christ, they will hopefully live above the shadows of this life and see the reason to live.  Ahab was sad because he wanted something that belonged to someone else.  Discontentment is sure to make a person sad.  Paul said that he had learned how to be content (Philippians 4:11).  Are you content?  Contentment is where happiness is. 

Sing:  If you’re happy, and you know it, say amen, say amen; If you’re happy, and you know it, say amen, amen; Cause when God’s Spirit falls on you, makes you shout, hallelujah; if you’re happy and you know it, say amen.

Thought For Today: Happiness begins with thinking that way! 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 7

“The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry” (Psalms 34:15).

Today’s Morsel:  Who is watching you?  What would you do if you knew that nothing you do was hidden from others?  What would you do if you knew that someone was following you and observing your every move?  David said, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…” (Psalms 23:6).  God is watching us.  His eyes are on the righteous.  He observes our actions and knows our ways.  There is nothing hidden from Him.  The Lord will be the Protector of the righteous; He will watch over and defend them.  Job said of Him, “He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them forever, and they are exalted” (Job 36:7).  Always know that God has your best interest at heart. 

Sing:  Why should I feel discouraged?  And why should the shadow come?  Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven and home?  When Jesus is my portion.  A constant friend is He.  His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches over me.

Thought For Today:  The eye of the Lord is in every place.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 5

“And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do” (Acts 9:1-6).

Today’s Morsel:  You know as a child and a teenager, we may have made fun of preachers and saints of God.  We may have persecuted the church. Many of us even played church. We even called many of them fakes.  But I’m thankful that God didn’t have to do to me what He did to Paul to get my attention and put me in the ministry.  Yes, I did many of the things that Paul did, but I have come to know that God had mercy on me.  Paul’s life reflects those who do not know Christ.  Somewhat like the world today.  We can find fault with so many for their actions toward us as Christians, but we must realize they don’t know our God.  But once they come into a knowledge of the truth, and embrace that truth, they will see Christ and you in a whole different light just like Paul and so many others did.

Sing: Bring them in, bring them in, bring them in from the fields of sin; bring them in, bring them in, bring the little ones to Jesus.

Thought For Today: Light still repels darkness.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 4

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” Galatians 6:9).

Today’s Morsel:  It seems that so many today have obtained a quitting spirit.  They are quitting on the jobs. Their careers. Their marriages.  Their dreams and visions. The church.  Their ministry.  They seem to have found a quitting spirit instead of a doing spirit.  Solomon said, “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small” (Proverbs 24:10).  In other words, if you give way to discouragement and despair in the day of adversity, time of trial or temptation, your stamina has not been developed. Yes, being a Christian can sometimes become wearying. There is so much opposition to our plans for doing good, because there is so much good to be done in today’s world and the devil doesn't like it.  There are so many calls on our time and charity and there is often so much ingratitude among those whom we try to benefit, that we can become disheartened.  We know that all scripture is inspired by God, and Paul, knowing that Christians would have opportunity to become weary, addressed this issue, and exhorts us not to give up, but to persevere to the end because that is when we will receive our reward.  So let me encourage you today, keep your heart and mind stayed on Jesus, and don’t quit.

Sing:  Don’t let me forget where You found me, let me remember You had to reach way down; let me toil till I’m foot-sore, let me search till I’m weary, but don’t let me stand without a star in my crown.

Thought For Today:  Never! Never! Quit! (Sir Winston Churchill)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 3

“In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land. In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness”
(Jeremiah 33:15-16)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about studying the Bible is we see that God is a God of righteousness, and that righteousness is the white linen of the saints of God.  Paul said that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).  In other words, the scriptures teach you how to live and how not to live.  How to behave and how not to behave.  Paul said that they give instruction in righteousness.  If we never learn who Jesus is and apply His word, we can never be right. “For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring” (Acts 17:28).  He is that Branch of righteousness.

Sing:  When you see me singing, I just want to be right. When you see me testify, I just want to be right.  When see me giving God the praise, I just want to be right.  When you see me worshiping the Lord, I just want to be right.

Thought For Today:  Jehovah Tsidkenu: The Lord my Righteousness! 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 November 2

The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 33:11)

Today’s Morsel:  Why does it seem that during the holiday season, that now we seem to hear people talking about Jesus, filled with joy and gladness, singing, and willing to sacrifice more?  Is it because they are feeling a sense of relief?  Is it because during these times the weight of the world is being lifted off their shoulders?  Are they feeling the reason and meaning of the season that brought them liberty and salvation?  Yet those of us who know the Lord should not wait for the holiday season to have joy and gladness and to bring the sacrifice of praise, we have been made free, we should always offer Him the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15).  Start your celebration early, praise Him daily.

Sing:  We bring the sacrifice of praise, into the house of the Lord, we bring the sacrifice of praise, into the house of the Lord.  And we offer up to You, the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and we offer up to You, the sacrifices of praise.

Thought For Today: Sacrifice begins with self.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 Nov 1

“Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal? When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal? Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye” (Ezekiel 18:25-32).

Today’s Morsel:  I have often heard siblings tell their parents that it isn’t fair that one of their other siblings got something that they didn’t.  What they are saying to their parents is, “You aren’t being fair?”  This is what the Lord was saying to Israel.  You say that I am not equal.  But really, it’s the other way around.  We are the ones that are not equal.  Some people say that God isn’t fair or equal.  But He is.  Those who say that God is unfair don’t know Him.  He causes it to rain on the just and unjust equally.  He died for the whole world.  And He established a plan of salvation that is equal for everyone because He has no pleasure in people’s death.  “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. 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 2:38-39).   He couldn’t be God if He was unfair.

Sing:  I know the Lord will make a way for me.  I know the Lord will make a way for me.  If I live a holy life, shun the wrong and do the right.  I know the Lord will make a way for me.

Thought For Today: Those who say that God is unfair don’t know Him.