Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 31

“But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do”(Luke 17:7-10).

Today’s Morsel:  What did you accomplish this year?  Did you complete the goals you set for yourself?   Did you read your Bible through this year?  Did you teach anyone a home Bible study?  Did you draw closer to God during the year?  Did you learn any new memory verses?  What is your number one regret?  Many will look at this last day of the year and question within themselves as to where the year went because they can’t see anything that they accomplished for Christ.  You see, years seem to pass by us faster when we can’t see anything we’ve done for Him.  But those who made goals and stuck with them will see the benefits that He has bestowed up them.  The Psalmist says, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah” (Psalms 68:19).  Do you feel more blessed now than when the year began?  Commit to accomplish some thing for the Lord and to draw closer to Him every day of the new year.  Have a blessed 2017!

Sing: Think about His love, think about His goodness, think about His grace that brought us through.  For as high as the heavens above so great is the measure of our Father’s love.  Great is the measure of our Father’s love.

Thought For Today:  Are you filled with benefits from Him?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 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:  The continuous praise should follow every Christmas holiday.  Knowing that the Savior has come to seek and to save that which was lost, should be cause for rejoicing continually with the fruit of our lips giving praise unto His name (Hebrews 13:15). David said, “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.”  The angels set the tempo at His birth.  Let us continue throughout these coming days and the New Year.   If we praise Him continually, He will be magnified.

Sing: 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, I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all of my fears.

Thought For Today:  The angels set the tempo at His birth. Let’s continue on with the beat!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 29

Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed” (Luke 1:1-4).

Today’s Morsel:  The Greek word for Theophilus means friend of God; or Christian.  Is Luke writing to the church?  Is he trying to inform us of what took place with Jesus?  The church needs to be educated in truth so that it can preach and teach the truth.  Thomas became wiser after he had seen (John 20:29).  Peter became wiser after his denial of Him (John 18:27).  Paul became wiser after he met Him on the road to Emmaus, and the woman at the well became wiser when she came to draw water.  John said, “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:  But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:30-31).  As a friend of God and a Christian, you should know Him.  If Christmas has come and gone and others are not made wiser to its meaning, the church has missed the mark.

Sing:  Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word, tell me the story more precious, sweetest that ever was heard; tell how the angels, in chorus, sang as they welcomed His birth, Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good tidings to earth.

Thought For Today:  It’s after Christmas that the church must follow up with clarity!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 28

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not (John 1:10-11).

Today’s Morsel:  I had a gentleman say to me once, “I know you!”  I asked him, “Where do you know me from?”  He replied, “I don’t know, but I know you!”  I just smiled, as many people know me because I am an author and they’ve read one of my books, or they’ve served with me in the military, or perhaps they have seen my picture on our organization's mission poster.  Jesus was in the world that He made and many did not know who He was.  He told His disciples, “If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him… Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake” (John 14:7;10-11).  Jesus is still in the world if He’s in you.  The question is, do people know Him when they see you?

Sing:  I’m gonna lift up the name of Jesus, I’m gonna tell of my joy since He came.  I’m gonna tell of His power every day and every hour, I’m going to lift up that wonderful name.

Thought For Today:  It’s a sad day when people don’t know that Jesus dwells in you!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 27

“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon”
(Isaiah 55:6-7).

Today’s Morsel:  I often wonder what the news was like around Bethlehem and Jerusalem of Mary and Joseph after the birth of Jesus. I wonder how Joseph reacted to this new born King?  I wonder what the owner of the stable now felt after the shepherds came and departed?  We know that Mary hid the things in her heart that were told her by the shepherds concerning Jesus.  I wonder at what point did Elizabeth and John come to visit Him.  Did Jesus and John play together?  I wonder what people must have thought about so many visitors coming to their home?  Paul told Agrippa this thing was not hid in a corner.  Are you one of them still seeking Him today?  After every Christmas, we should know more about Him than we did the year before.  And every year, we should be seeking Him more and more.  

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:  Sins can only be removed by seeking Him for forgiveness.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 26

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
(Luke 2:40-49)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about Christmas holiday is that many so soon forget what the holiday was for.  Not only was Christmas for us to celebrate the birth of our Savior, but it was a reminder to us of what our great commission still is.  Jesus waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him and he was about His father’s business.  Now is the time for us to get back to the business of the Father.  It’s not a time to forget what He’s called us to do.  It’s time to tell somebody about Jesus, it’s time to tell somebody about the goodness of the Lord.

Sing: Go tell it on the mountain, over the hill and everywhere, go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.

Thought For Today:  Tell somebody about Jesus today. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 24

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.  Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 
(Matthew 1:21-23)

Today's Morsel:   CHRISTMAS.  One song writer says - it’s the most wonderful time of the year!  I would tend to agree.  Not just because of the gay happy greetings, the kids of good cheer, or the mistletoe!!   It is the most wonderful time of the year, because we are celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I enjoy my own birthday, and I am thankful when my wife bakes a cake for me, and my family and friends help me celebrate the day I was born; so how much more that we celebrate God Himself leaving heaven, being robed in flesh, to save His people from their sins?   Enjoy this great day.  Spend it celebrating the greatest gift of all, Jesus' love for you.

SING:  Happy Birthday Jesus; I'm so glad it's Christmas; All the tinsel and lights; And the presents are nice; But the real gift is you.

Happy Birthday Jesus; I'm so glad it's Christmas; All the carols and bells; Make the holiday swell; And it's all about you.  Happy Birthday Jesus, Jesus I love You.

Thought For Today: MERRY CHRISTMAS! Enjoy your day tomorrow. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 23

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (Luke 2:1-14).

Today's Morsel:  Some call it, "The First Noel."   The first Christmas.   The annunciation of Christ's birth was to shepherds who were tending their sheep.  They were keepers of the flock. Overseers. Caretakers.  We must realize that it is the pastor, the shepherd of the flock, who is responsible for the care of and the feeding of the sheep with truth.  If he is to be overseer and caretaker of God's sheep, he must first receive the good news of the birth of Christ himself and be a partaker of it, because he cannot share what he does not know and has not seen.  As John said, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full" (1 John 1:1-4).  The apostle Paul informs ministers, "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:27-28).   Jesus would later say during His ministry, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep... I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine" (John 10:11&14).  Do you know the Good Shepherd?  His name is Jesus.

Sing: The first Noel, the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter's night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

Thought For Today:  There shall be one-fold and one shepherd.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 22

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child (Luke 2:8-17).

Today's Morsel:  The annunciation of Jesus Christ into the world was demonstrated by a heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."  This was not just another child that was being born, this child was special.  This was God manifested in flesh.  This was the Savior of the world.  This was the one that Moses and the prophets had written about.  This was the one spoken of by the prophet Micah that would come, "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting" (Micah 5:2).  Bethlehem, the city of bread; the city of Naomi, Ruth, Boaz, and David.  And now the city of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Do you see what I see?  Do you hear what I hear?  Do you know what I know?  Listen!  We have a Savior.  We have a King and we have a Lord.  His name is Jesus Christ.  For neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given unto men whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12); "And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDs" (Revelation 19:16).  Do you know what I know?

Sing: Hail the heaven born Prince of Peace, hail the Son of righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, risen with healing in His wings: Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die; born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the new born King.”

Thought For Today:  Who is your king?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 21

“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof”
(Revelation 21:23)

Today's Morsel: Perth Australia is known as the city of lights.  It obtained this name when it turned on its lights for astronaut John Glenn on his space voyage around the earth in 1962.   Each city has a meaning for the name given to it and for its existence.  Many cities are named after some famous explorer or hero, while others are named for their location.  They say that you can learn a lot about the attitude and lifestyle of people based on the city where they live, and who the founder of that city was.  Bethlehem was called the City of Bread, while Jerusalem means the City of Peace."  The New Jerusalem shall be called the City of Lights.

Sing:  This star drew nigh to the northwest over Bethlehem it took its rest, and there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.

Thought For Today:  Are you seeking for the light?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 20

“And he lodged there that same night; and took of that which came to his hand a present for Esau his brother; Two hundred she goats, and twenty he goats, two hundred ewes, and twenty rams, Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals. And he delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by themselves; and said unto his servants, Pass over before me, and put a space betwixt drove and drove. And he commanded the foremost, saying, When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, saying, Whose art thou? and whither goest thou? and whose are these before thee? Then thou shalt say, They be thy servant Jacob's; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, also he is behind us” (Genesis 32:13-18).

Today's Morsel:  For the past few weeks, I've been seeing the mailman drop boxes at my door.  I know I haven't ordered anything, and so I'm assuming that my dear children are starting to send gifts for Christmas to their loving Dad/Grandpa/Papa/Poppie.   James tells us that every good gift and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights.  When God robed Himself in flesh and came to the earth to save mankind, He was the greatest gift.  On the day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter told the people that if they would repent of their sins, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins, they would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).  Writing to the church at Corinth, Paul told them to covet earnestly the best gift.  That gift was love, because God is love (1 John 4:8).  The best gift is love, yet the greatest gift is the Holy Ghost.  When we allow God's love to rein within us, and we show forth that love to others, we are displaying the best gift.  When we allow the Holy Ghost to lead and guide us, we are displaying the greatest gift.  You can't put a price tag on the gifts from God.  No amount of money can buy them. "And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money"(Acts 8:18-20).  You can't purchase anything from God, it's already paid for.  His gifts are free and they are the best and the greatest.  How many of them do you want today?  Jesus said that you have not, because you ask not.

Sing:  So have a super-duper Christmas with Jesus this year, super-duper Christmas spreading good cheer, when you are down, your frown, will soon disappear, so have a super-duper Christmas with Jesus this year.

Thought For Today:  What would you like for Christmas?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 19

"Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek. But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth "(Micah 5:1-4).

Today's Morsel: There have been many great leaders that have come from small cities and towns.  Scripture says, "Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see" (John 1:44-46).  They knew through scripture that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, as nothing had been mentioned of Nazareth.  And so, when Phillip said, Jesus of Nazareth, Nathanael rejected it until Jesus told him, "Before Phillip called thee under the fig tree I saw thee."   Bethlehem was the city of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz, where Obed was born; Obed was the grandfather of King David, who was the lineage line to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Therefore, Jesus was often referred to as the son of David.  And because God had chosen this lineage line, it would be only right that He come to earth in the city where the King He had chosen after His own heart had lived.  Jesus wants to be born in your city, your church, and your home, so don't think that it is too small for Him.

Sing:  O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie; above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by: Yet in the dark street shineth the Everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years, are met in Thee tonight.

Thought For Today:  Don’t despise the day of small things.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 17

“And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten” (2 Chronicles 20:21-22)

Today’s Morsel:  Scripture says that when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, while the shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks by night, an angel appeared to the shepherds to give them the great news.  But heaven also felt a great need to rejoice.  And scripture further says, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:13-14).  When God told King Jehoshaphat that the battle was not Jehoshaphat's but God's, he too, felt a need to rejoice.  And so he sent out singers before the army that they should praise the Lord for His mercy endureth forever.  Have you received the God news of the Savior's birth?  If so, are you praising the Lord?  You should be.

Sing: Sing choirs of angels, sing in exultation, O sing, all ye bright hosts of heaven above; Glory to God, all glory in the highest; O come, let us adore Him, O come let adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.

Thought For Today:  Worship still makes men free!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 16

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)

Today's Morsel:  Nehemiah, who spearheaded the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem, told the people after their work was finished, "Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength."   There is nothing like sitting down eating and drinking after you have finished a project that at the first seemed as if it would take you forever to complete.  When it's all over and you look back, you rejoice for what you've accomplished.  Paul told the church at Philippi, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4-7).  Paul wanted the church to know that if they would joy in the Lord and allow their lives to reflect Him, God's peace would always be with them.  The same is still true for us today.

Sing:  Hail the heaven born Prince of Peace, hail the Son of righteousness!  Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in His wings; Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die; Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the new born King.”

Thought For Today:  The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 15

And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel 

(Isaiah 7:13-14).

Today's Morsel: Isaiah said, "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."  

​ ​

Matthew wrote, "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS" (Matthew 1:18-25).    If you want to know who Jesus Christ was, here's your sign:  God manifested in flesh (1 Timothy 3:16; John 1:1; 14).  

Sing: Hail the heaven born Prince of peace, hail the Son of righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, risen with healing in His wings: Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die; born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.  Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King."

Thought For Today:  In Him (Jesus) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.​

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 14

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
(Luke 2:1-14)

Today's Morsel:  I often wonder why we seem to wait until the month of December to tell the Christmas story.  Didn't Jesus commission us to go preach the gospel to every creature?  So why do so many wait until December to do it?  I recently read in a magazine that most Christians are afraid to share their faith with others.  Why do we go about wanting to do more good deeds in December than the rest of the year?  As born again believers, Jesus said that we should always be letting our light shine.  Therefore, we should be telling the world every day about the Savior and seizing every opportunity we get to share Him with others.  I believer that many would enjoy Christmas a whole lot more if they knew what it meant before December arrived.  

Sing:  Go tell it on the mountain, over the hill and everywhere. Go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born!

Thought For Today:  Why don’t you be a Christmas tree this year?​

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 13

​And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:8-14)

Today's Morsel:  What would you do if you looked up in to the sky and saw a host of angels praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men?”  Well, this is what happened in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago at the birth of Jesus.  The heavenly host announced His arrival just as scripture said they would.  ​Even today, this annunciation by the angels that a Savior had been born should cause us to be excited and ready to worship Him.  Many in Jesus' time were looking for Him to come, ​yet others were not.  ​Like today, some had no idea what it was all about.   Many people wondered what the shepherds told them, and even today, many still wonder when the shepherd, their pastor, tells them.  But not Mary.   Scripture says that she kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.   And ​when the shepherds had seen Jesus they went glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.  What is your response when you hear the gospel?  It is the good news about Jesus Christ, you know?   Let's respond by praising and glorying God, and telling others the Good News.​

Sing: Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy, do you hear what I hear, ringing through the sky shepherd boy, do you hear what I hear?  A song, a song high above the tree with a voice as big as the sea, with a voice as big as the sea.

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king, do you know what I know, in your palace warm mighty king.  Do you know what I know?  A child, a child, shivers in the cold, let us bring him silver and gold, let us bring him silver and gold.​

Said the king to the people everywhere, listen to what I say, pray for peace people everywhere.  Listen to what I say, the child, the child, sleeping in the night, He will bring us goodness and light, He will bring us goodness and light. 

Thought For Today:  Get ready for the revelation of truth.​

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 12

 “And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed” (Luke 1:42-48).

Today's Morsel:   When we look at the Christmas Story, many fail to understanding the picture that is being painted here with Mary. What was going on here?  How was Mary going to conceive without knowing a man?  We all understand that it takes a man and a woman to birth a child.  The angel Gabriel told Mary, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."   This miraculous birth was done by the Spirit of God.  The word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us (John 1:14).   Remember, Mary had to have the seed planted inside her to conceive.  The seed is the Word of God (Luke 8; 1 John 5:7).  Don't be confused with the natural, this message has a spiritual application. 

Sing: Mary did you know that your baby boy would someday walk on water?  Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?  Did you know that your baby boy had come to make you new?  This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man?  Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand?  Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?  And when your kiss your little baby, you've kissed the face of God.

Oh Mary did you know ?
The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will walk again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the Lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?  Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?  Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?  This sleeping child you're holding is the great I Am.

Thought For Today:  Miracles still happen!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 10

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.  (James 1:17)

Today's Morsel:  James tells us that every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above and comes from the Father of lights; meaning that they only come from God.  This season of Christmas, many will focus on what they want instead of what they can receive.  Many will soon realize that their credit cards are maxed and yet they did not get what they wanted, nor did they give what the other person wanted.  There is nothing wrong with giving gifts.  But the gift of the Holy Ghost is the only good and the only perfect gift, because it is God Himself.  Wouldn't it be nice to know that you and your children have received the best gift that was ever given; God Himself living inside of you.  I pray that you receive God's gift for your life as well as your family.  

Sing:  O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. 

Thought for today:  There is no gift like the Holy Ghost.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 9

And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee. (Isaiah 12:1-6)

Today's Morsel:  The reason I believe that many people do not have joy is because they are seeking for it in things rather than the One who can give it to them.  Happiness is predicated in circumstances, but joy is predicated in Jesus.  Isaiah said that with joy we can draw waters out of the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3); David said that joy comes in the morning (Psalms 30:5); Nehemiah said that the joy of the Lord is our strength ​(Nehemiah 8:10); Solomon said, For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight … joy (Ecclesiastes  2:26); Jeremiah said, that he found the word, ate ​the word; and they were to him the joy and rejoicing of his heart… (Jeremiah 15:16); Zephaniah said that ​The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing (Zephaniah 3:17​)​.  When we truly understand Jesus, we can see that one of the things that He loves is being in the midst of His people and bringing us joy.

Sing:  Joy to the world!  The Lord is come, let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Thought For Today: He will rejoice over thee with joy!​

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 8

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her” 

(Luke 1:26-38).

Today's Morsel:  It is my opinion that all births are miraculous.  We see many births taking place throughout scripture.  Abraham and Sarah with Isaac.  The Shunammite women that Elijah spoke to.  Zachariah and Elizabeth with John the Baptist.  And Mary and Joseph with Jesus.  All of them had questions in their hearts when they were told of these miraculous births.  And even today, most people are confounded when it comes to their New Birth experience that Jesus spoke of, much like Nicodemus (see John 3),  You see, your New Birth Experience is the Holy Ghost in you the same way as it was Mary.  Mary was the first one to carry the gospel!  Have you experienced that New Birth experience?  Every New Birth is a miraculous spiritual birth by God.

Sing:  O’ holy child of Bethlehem, descend on us we pray; cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.  We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel.       

Thought For Today:  God desires to dwell in you!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 7

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth. And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men. (Micah 5:2-5)

Today's Morsel:  A couple years ago now, my wife and I, and some other ministers from our organization, got to go to Israel on a Holy Land Tour.  What an exciting time it was to walk the grounds of our Lord and Savior.  The Bible truly does come to life when you are there.  One of the places that we got to visit and tour was Bethlehem, the birth town of our Savior.   Just knowing that we were walking in the land of the Nativity of our Savior was awesome, and especially during the month we as Christians celebrate His birth.  This little town, just five miles south of Jerusalem, attracts visitors from all over the world.   It is not only revered by Christians as the birth place of Jesus Christ, but it holds great significance to the Jewish people as the burial place for Rachel (Jacob's wife), the home of Ruth and Boaz (found in the story of Ruth), and the birth place for King David, and from it, you can see the shepherds' fields. According to some, Bethlehem had only about 300 to 1,000 inhabitants at the time of Jesus' birth.  To know that I was standing in this little town that our Lord had chosen thousands of years before I was ever conceived in my own mother's womb left me mesmerized.  And today, having been there, makes the Christmas story even more enjoyable to me.  

Sing:  O' little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie; above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by: Yet in the dark streets shineth the everlasting Light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

Thought For Today:  Isn't it amazing that the Bread of Life would be born in the City of Bread?   

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 6

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38). 

Today’s Morsel:  We often associate Christmas as a time of sharing and giving gifts.  The giving of gifts extends back into the Book of Genesis.   When a man wanted to marry someone's daughter, he brought gifts to the father.  When it comes to giving, many of the principles and practices that we do today are handed down to us from times past; and many are based on biblical principles.   The wise men were the ones who brought gifts to Jesus.  What is it about gifts?  Why do we give gifts at Christmas time?   It is a part of sharing with others what we have.  There is a principle of giving, as the best gift and the perfect gift comes from a heart that has been touched by God. 

Sing: Then entered in, those wise men three, full reverently upon their knee, and offered there in His presence, their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. 

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

Thought For Today:  The best gift and the perfect gift is that which comes from a heart that has been touched by God.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 5

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
(Matthew 2:1-2)

Today's Morsel:  Someone said that the wise men were firemen because they came from a-far (humor).  One of the things about wise men (and women), is that they still seek Him.  Through scripture, the wise men knew that the Deliverer was to be born in Bethlehem; the Prophet Micah had recorded this.  And when they had seen His star in the East, the place where Jesus was born, they came seeking Him to worship Him.   According to the apostle John, he said that Jesus spoke to him saying, "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).   Are you seeking the Star today?  Isaiah said, "Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55:6-7).   Now is the time that wise men and wise women should seek Him and worship Him.

Sing: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.

Thought For Today:  Wise men and wise women still seek Him.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 3

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. (Genesis 3:15)

Today’s Morsel:  After the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden, God immediately established a plan of salvation and redemption for mankind.  He told Satan, I will put enmity between thee and the woman.  God knew in his current state, man would be no match for Satan; and therefore God would need to defeat him Himself.   Paul records in Galatians 4:4-5, “But when the fullness 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."  Jesus came for one purpose, to redeem us from the bondage of Satan.

Sing:  Down from His glory, ever living story, My God and Savior came, and Jesus was His name.  Born in a manger, to His own a stranger, a man of sorrow, tears and agony.

O’ how I love Him!  How I adore Him!  My breath, my sunshine, my all in all!  The great Creator became my Savior, and all God’s fullness dwelleth in Him. 

Thought For Today:  He came down so that we could live.

Mornining Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 2

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (1 Timothy 3:16).

Today’s Morsel: There seems to have been some concern as to who Jesus was.  Paul wanted Timothy to ensure that in his ministry he had an understanding as to who He was.  And so he explains to him that Jesus was God manifest in the flesh.  Paul said that the creator of heaven and earth came to earth, and then went back up into glory.  He told the church at Colossi, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:8-9). There are many deceptions about Christ and we need to be aware of them.  “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” (Matthew 16:13).  Christmas is not a time to debate doctrine. It’s a time to understand who Jesus is so that you no longer live in confusion and miss the clear meaning of Christmas.

Sing:  And the first time that You opened Your eyes, Did You realize that You would be my Savior.  And the first breath that left Your lips, Did You know that it would change this world forever.

And so this Christmas I’ll compare the things I felt in prior years, 

To what this midnight made so clear; That You have come to meet me here.  

Thought For Today:  Truth shall make you free.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 December 1

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

Today’s Morsel:  Of all the gospel writers, John seems to be more interested in giving his readers a clear understanding as to who Jesus was.  In his gospel, John uses miracles, parables, and stories to reveal the truth to his audience.  He begins his gospel by putting the bottom line upfront.  He said that God was the word and that word became flesh.  In his epistles written to the church he wrote in 1 John 1:1-4, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full”; and in 1 John 5:7 he writes “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." John knew that if he could get his readers to believe that Jesus was God, they would be filled with joy at the revelation of the truth. We, too, must repeat the sounding joy!

Sing:  Joy to the world! The Lord is come; let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and heaven, and nature sing.

Thought For Today:  Repeat the sounding joy!