Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 30

“And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things” (Mark 6:34)

Today’s Morsel:  Having compassion is seeing a need and doing something about it.  Jesus saw the people as sheep without anyone to lead them.  No shepherd. No pastor.  Today, everywhere we look, we see the same thing that Jesus saw.  No one to lead people to truth and understanding.  Therefore, every man, woman, boy, and girl is doing what they think is right in their own eyes. But Jesus put His compassion into action and began to teach them many things.   We must do the same thing.  People are scattered because they don’t know. If we say that we know Him (Jesus), then we must be moved with compassion to act and show them the way by teaching them the truth.

Sing: It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon you look around and the fire is glowing.  That’s how it is with God’s love, once you experience it, it’s fresh like spring, you’ll want to sing you’ll want to pass it on.

Thought For Today:  Compassion is acting.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 29

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” 

(Galatians 6:9-10)

Today’s Morsel:  Okay, we are approaching the end of the year. So I want you to ask you a question.  How many opportunities did you miss to do good to other saints of God?  Based on that number, was it because you were weary and tired?   We must get to the point of nevertheless in our lives.  No matter what evils, troubles or weariness come upon us, we must still learn to seek opportunities to do good.  Especially to those who are of the household of faith.  Let us not grow weary in well-doing.  

Sing:  I’m gonna praise the Lord anyway that I can.  I’m gonna praise the Lord anyway that I can.  Praise Him in the morning, praise Him all day long  I’m gonna praise the Lord anyway that I can.

Thought For Today:  Don't  miss any opportunities to do good.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 28

“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” (1 John 1:1-3).

Today’s Morsel:  How many people have you told what Jesus has done for you?  Do you go about living your life so that others can ask you about Christ?  Our life should be a total reflection of Christ’s character so that others will want to know what happened to us.  That way, we can share with them what we have seen and heard so they too can have fellowship with us and Christ.

Sing:  This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.  This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.  This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Thought For Today:  Be willing to share Him in fellowship with others. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 27

“Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” 

(Romans 6:8-11).

Today’s Morsel:  I’m still trying to figure out how people who say that they are saved and born again can keep sinning.  Paul said that we are dead if we have been baptized with Christ.  How can dead people do anything? We died to sin once and therefore we should live unto God for the rest of our life here on earth, and anticipate the joys of living with Him in heaven for eternity.

Sing:  Saved!  Saved!  I’m happy on my way. Saved! Saved! I love Him more each day.  Saved!  Saved!  I know He’s mine each hour; for He saves, and He keeps, and He satisfies me by His power.

Thought For Today: Dead people don’t sin.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 26

“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.” 

(Hebrews 11:17-19)

Today’s Morsel:  Scripture says that Abraham received Isaac in a figure.  What was this figure?  It was Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son (John 3:16).  When He could find no man to stand in the gap for the land, (Ezekiel 22:30); Isaiah said, “And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him” (Isaiah 59:16).   This shows us that God values His creation and He’s willing to do what it takes to save us even if He must do it Himself.

Sing: I am so glad that our Father in heaven tells of His love in the Book He has given.  Wonderful things in the Bible I see; this is the dearest that Jesus loves me.

I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me; I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves even me.

Thought For Today:  Your salvation wasn't cheap.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 25

"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" (Luke 2:1-7)

Today’s Morsel:  As you reflect on this awesome day that we celebrate the birth of our Savior, may this day in your life and home be a special time filled with love, joy, and peace knowing that our Savior, Jesus Christ, was born to save us all from our sins.

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:   Merry Christmas!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 23

“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:  Billions will be spent on gifts and presents for each other to hopefully bring about joy and excitement during this time of year.  Parents will have listened to their children in hopes of getting them what they have asked for.  Spouses will try to be attentive and get the right gift for their spouse, and those dating and in love will be trying to do the same.  But what we find is that many somehow just seem to miss the mark for the right gift.  James tells us that “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).  Therefore, if they would give them Jesus, that perfect gift from God above, they would hit the mark every time.

Sing:  If the ship of your life, is tossing on the sea of strife; you need someone.  If you feel so all alone, and your house is not a home; you need someone.   If it seems life isn't fair, and there's no one left to share, all those lonely days and nights, Aand things just don't turn out right; And you need someone to care, someone to just be there; you need someone. 

I give you Jesus, He's the peace that passes all understanding; I give you Jesus, He's the perfect love that casteth out all fear; I give you Jesus, He's the water that you drink and never thirst again; I give you Jesus, my friend,
I give you Jesus.

Thought For Today:  Jesus is the only perfect gift.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 22

“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:  One of the things about Jesus' birth was that it was noised abroad.  Wise men came seeking to worship him from afar.  Therefore, those who say that they are intelligent and have wisdom should be seeking Him to worship Him.  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. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:6-9).  When the angel appeared unto the shepherds, who were watching their flocks by night, and gave them the news of their Savior's birth, once the angel departed, the shepherds went to seek for Him (Luke 2:15-20).  What about you?  Did you seek for Him when you heard about His birth?

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:  Wise men still seek Him.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 21

“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 1:23).

Today’s Morsel:  Looking at Matthew’s writing and comparing it to what Isaiah had written “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14), Matthew states, “they” shall call his name Emmanuel.  In other words, once the truth as to who this child is was revealed and understood, everyone who is truly born again of the water and the spirit should realize that Jesus Christ was God with us.  As Paul stated to Timothy, “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). Case closed.  Emmanuel, God with us.  

Sing: Emmanuel, Emmanuel, His name is called Emmanuel.   God with us, revealed in us, His name is called Emmanuel.

 Thought For Today:  God is not the author of confusion. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 20

“For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light” 

(Psalms 36:9).

Today’s Morsel:  From the creation, the first thing that God said was, “Let there be light: and there was light” (Genesis 1:3).  God knew that we needed light to get us out of darkness.  Sin is always associated with darkness, and Jesus came to save us from our sins, or should I say, get us out of darkness and bring us into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).  David said, "In thy light shall we see light."  He further states, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalms 119:105).  If we do not look in the Word, the perfect law of liberty, we cannot see nor understand the light.  Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).  Do you need an understanding of Christmas?  Then look in the light, the word, and you will see the true meaning and the reason for the Light.

Sing:  Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness, Opened my eyes, let me see.  Beauty that made this heart adore You, Hope of my life spent with You. 

And here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You're my God.  You're altogether lovely, altogether worthy; Altogether wonderful to me.

King of all days, Oh, so highly exalted, glorious in heaven above.  Humbly You came to the earth You created, all for love's sake became poor.

And here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You're my God.  You're altogether lovely, altogether worthy; Altogether wonderful to me.

Thought For Today:  In His light shall we see light.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 19

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17).

Today’s Morsel:  Jesus said that one of the major reasons for His coming into the world was that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:17).  More than anything else, Christmas should offer people a chance to know and receive eternal life.  Christmas is more than gifts, sweets, and presents.  It’s an opportunity for life.  God has given to us a gift that no one else can give.  That is the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.  If we will accept His gift, we can have a life free from worry, loneliness, turmoil, and unrest.  If you will accept His gift, your life can be made whole.

Sing: In this house there is hope.  In this house, there’s salvation for your soul.  In this house, your life can be made whole.  Everything you need is in this house.

Thought For Today:  Eternal life is only found in Christ.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 18

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Today’s Morsel:  We seem to hear a lot about “Peace” at Christmas time.  People seem to be more peaceful with each other during this season.  Isaiah said that Jesus would be called the Prince of Peace.  In other words, He would be Jehovah Shalom, the God of peace.  Paul said that His fruit was love, joy, peace (Galatians 5:22); and that if we would rejoice in the Lord always, and if we would let our moderation be known unto all men; and be careful about nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let our requests be made known unto God, that the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, would keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. God’s peace just seems to surpass all the other peace, because He’s the only One that has and can give us that perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).  If we have His Spirit in us, we should be at peace with ourselves as well as others.

 Sing:  Peace! Peace! Wonderful peace, coming down from the Father above.  Sweep over my spirit, forever I pray, in fathomless billows of love.

Thought For Today:  He is still the Prince of Peace.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 16

“And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD: And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them” (Exodus 6:2-3).

Today’s Morsel:  Most people today know that there is a God, and they call Him God.  But God is not a name, it is a title.  As God told Moses, “I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.”  They knew Him by a title, not by name.  The same way father, son, and Holy Ghost are not names but titles; so is God Almighty a title, not a name.  But God wanted Moses to know His name.  He wanted him to know the only name that delivers, saves, and makes people free.  And so He said my name is Jehovah, the self-existing one, the LORD.  When Phillip requested of Jesus to show them the Father and he would be satisfied. Jesus replied to him, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?” (John 14:9).  Jesus fulfilled Phillip's request by letting him know that the One he sought was Him.   Jesus … Jehovah is Salvation.  Today we can know our God by His name .... JESUS!

Sing:  Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there's just something about that name.  Master, Saviour, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain.  Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let all heaven and earth proclaim kings and kingdoms shall all pass away but there's something about that name.  

Thought For Today:  Who do you say that He is?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 15

“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” (Matthew 1:18-21).

Today’s Morsel: How would you like to have been Joseph?  What do you think you would have done differently than him?  I think most of us would have been just as perplexed as he was when he got the news no matter who it came from or how spiritual we may think we are. What about being Mary?  Go tell the guy you are to be married to that you are pregnant and not by him, but of the Holy Ghost.  Talk about anger in the camp.  Who would believe such a story?  It took divine intervention for Joseph to believe and it will take the same for us to believe it, too.  I think more than anything, this miraculous story is all about faith.  Both Mary and Joseph had to believe to bring to fruition what the angel said, and so do we.  Jesus said, “Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:23-24).  As the angel told Joseph, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” The first step to understanding the miraculous birth is belief, and the first step to salvation believing.

Sing:  I believe God, I believe God, that He will do just as He says; Trust and obey, believe Him and say, I believe, I believe God.

Thought for today: The first step to salvation is belief (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 14

“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 7:14).

Today’s Morsel:  The birth of Christ has confounded the minds of many.  But really, the Lord desires to bring forth sons through all of us.  When we maintain a pure and holy life and His seed, the Word, is in us, we are to bring forth sons and daughters after His kind.  Mary brought forth a son and called his name Jesus.  Immanuel, God is with us (Matthew 1:23).  Are you birthing sons and daughters like Him?

Sing:  Immanuel, Immanuel, His name is called, Immanuel.  God with us, revealed in us.  His name is called, Immanuel.

Thought For Today:  Let’s reproduce His image (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 13

"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)

Today’s Morsel:  When speaking on wisdom, Solomon states, “The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was” (Proverbs 8:22-23).  Paul told the church at Corinth, speaking of Jesus Christ, “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:21-24).  To the church at Rome he said, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33).  Therefore his going forth have been from of old, from everlasting, Micah said.  Paul told the church at Colossi, about Christ said, “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist” (Colossians 1:15-17).  Do you know this Wisdom of God?

Sing: For lo, the days are hastening on, by prophet bards foretold, when with the ever-circling years comes round the age of gold; When peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling, and the whole world give back the song which now the angels sing.

Thought For Today:  Wisdom is known of her children.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 12

“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” (Luke 2:1-7).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things that God told Samuel to tell the people when they wanted a king like every other nation was that they would be taxed (1 Samuel 8).  Yet they still wanted a king like every other nation.  And late in life, their children complained about being taxed.  But we see that God used this process of taxing to bring about His plan and purpose; Jesus was born in Bethlehem because of the taxing process.  Yes, He could have been born anyplace God desired; but God likes to use man-made ways to accomplish His purpose.

Sing: Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word.  Tell me the story most 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:  God’s ways aren’t our ways! 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 11

"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)

Today’s Morsel:  Bethlehem means the house of bread. And Ephratah means fruitfulness.  Micah prophesied that this small town would bring forth an abundance of bread.  Jesus told the people, as this prophecy reference to Him, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not” (John 6:32-36).  There will never be a need to beg for bread when you know Jesus.  Don’t despise the small city you live it.   You just might be God’s next preacher.

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

Thought For Today:  Don’t despise the small city you live it. You just might be God’s next preacher.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 9

“Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.”  (Isaiah 51:11)

 Today’s Morsel:  If you will notice, Christmas is always expressed with joy, happiness, gladness, and anticipation. We see smiles and songs on people faces that we may not see other times.  Isaiah said that the redeemed of the Lord shall come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.  Those of us who are born again should realize that we are the redeemed of the Lord and God’s fruit of joy should always show on our countenance, and we should share that joy.  His joy is associated with gladness and excitement.  Where there is His joy, sorrow and mourning will flee away.  This season, and every season, share His joy with everyone you meet.  

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: The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 8

"Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God."  (1 Corinthians 4:1)

 Today’s Morsel:  One the things about this time and season for the church is that it gives us the opportunity to bring revelation for the reason for the season.  Many will question and say that Christmas is a pagan holiday, while others will say that this is not the time and the date that Christ was born.  But as believers of Christ, we must not be unwise.  We must bring about the revelation of the mysteries of God.  As Paul told Timothy, “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 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 3:15-16).  If those you encounter don’t know who Jesus is after the season and after you have talked with them, you’ve missed a great opportunity.

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:  Unfold the mystery of the season (Parker).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 6

“O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed. My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long? Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake. For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?” 

(Psalms 6:1-5).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things I never wanted to happen to me when I was a kid was for my parents to punish me if they were angry and displeased with me for doing something that I knew I should not have done.  I always wanted them to cool down first, as the punishment was often times less severe.  The Psalmist also prayed that God would have mercy on him and not chasten him when he was angry and displeased.  The writer of Hebrews tells us in Hebrews 12:5-11, “And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”  Our Heavenly Father is going to chasten us when we do wrong because He knows it is for our good.  Yet we can pray that when He does, He does it when He’s not displeased or angry with us as He did with the children of Israel in the wilderness; as this would not be enjoyable for any of us.  The best thing to always remember is that self-discipline is the best correction.  If we apply discipline ourselves, the Lord will not need to correct us.  Be obedient to His word.  

Sing:  You're a good, good Father, it’s who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are.  And I'm loved by You, it's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am.

Because You are perfect in all of Your ways, You are perfect in all of Your ways, You are perfect in all of Your ways to us. 

You're a good, good Father, it’s who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are.  And I'm loved by You, it's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am.

Thought For Today: Self-discipline is the best correction. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 5

“Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!” (Job 6:8).

Today’s Morsel:  If you could have anything you wanted, what would be your request?  Would it be for something material or spiritual?  Job said that he wished that he might have his request; and that God would grant him the thing that he longed for.  By all accounts, Job wanted relief from his suffering.  Job was in much pain and suffering because of the attack of the enemy upon his flesh.  Scripture says in Esther 7:2-4, “And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom. Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request: For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage” (Esther 7:2-4).  Esther requested that she and her people would not be killed, and the king honored her request.  What is your request?  Jesus said you have not because you ask not.

Sing: Here my cry O’ God, attend unto my prayer, from the ends of the earth will I cry unto Thee, and when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I, so much higher than I.

Thought For Today: You have not because you ask not.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 4

“Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished” (Ezra 5:16).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about building a church is that it never seems to get finished.  And I think God designed it that way.  Noah’s Ark was a type and shadow of God’s house.  The Tabernacle in the Wilderness and Solomon’s Temple were too; and so are we that are born-again.  God is still working on us to make us what He wants us to be.  In writing to the church at Philippi, Paul states: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).  And to the church at Ephesus he said: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). And then he informed the church at Corinth, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” (1 Corinthians 3:11-17).  Knowing that God desires to build us according to the pattern which He has established, let’s allow Him to work.  Let's allow Him to build us how He desires to, according to His pattern and plan.  

Sing: He's still working on me, to make me what I need to be.  It took him just a week to make the moon and stars, the sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.   How loving and patient He must be, 'cause He's still workin' on me.

Thought For Today: God isn’t finished with us yet!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 December 2

“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made” (Genesis 2:1-3).

Today’s Morsel:  What day is your Sabbath?  What day do you rest? Our bodies need to be refreshed and replenished from our day to day activities and work that we do.  If we do not rest, we will come apart and not be able to be effective for the Kingdom.  Daniel said in Daniel 7:25, “And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.”  Satan knows that God desires for you to rest and be refreshed.  So Satan does things to wear you out.  I have concluded that the jobs and the things we do aren't as taxing as we think they are, it is just the fact that we don’t take any time for rest.  Because of this, we see our jobs and everything we do as over taxing and as burdensome.  For starters, if we would begin our day with a fresh dose of the Holy Ghost, which is the rest and the refreshing (Isaiah 28:11-12), we could continue in His strength and power.

Sing: They that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles.  They shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint, teach me, Lord, teach me, Lord, to wait.

Thought For Today: Rest!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 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: I like John’s gospel.  John doesn’t feel a need to discuss the lineage line of Jesus.  He just cuts to the point and tells us who Jesus was.  God manifested in flesh. Jesus is not three persons or a triune God.  John said that He was God, (vs 14).  And Paul would echo the same message, “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).

John, and those chosen by God who had firsthand knowledge of Jesus and His teachings, knew that all knowledge flows from this understanding as to who He was.  And in their zeal to reveal the deity of God through Jesus Christ, John uses miracle after miracle to inspire faith.  John shows through his writings that everything that Jesus did was so that we would believe that He was the Christ, and come to an understanding that we too might be saved.

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

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

Thought For Today:  There is only one God and Jesus is His name.