Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 31

“A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations” (Psalms 100:1-5).

Today’s Morsel: I often wonder why many Christians are serving the Lord out of fear instead of joy.  Some folks seem to see God in the light of a terrible judge instead of a loving and kind father.  If we would get into the habit of seeing God as a loving and caring father instead of a cruel and mean dictator, we would see how easy it is to serve Him with joy.  If God didn’t love us, He wouldn’t have saved us and called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.  We are now the sheep of His pasture.  He is now our Great Shepherd and the protector of our soul.  So why fear Him?  Every day we have an opportunity to come before His presence and find help in the time of need because we are His.  What is so great about all this?  Everyone that will come unto Him can receive the same thing.  As David said, “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” Don’t serve God because of fear, but rather serve Him joyfully for His love.

Sing:  Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul. Thank You, Lord, for making me whole.  Thank You, Lord for giving to me, Thy great salvation, so full and free.

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 30

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17)

Today’s Morsel:  “A true, hearty, faithful friend loves in times of adversity as well as in times of prosperity.  There are many that are friends to others while they are in affluent circumstances; but when there is a change in their condition, and they are stripped of all riches and substance; then these same so-called friends forsake them, and stand at a distance from them; as was the case of Job (Job 19:14).  It is a very rare thing to find a friend that is a constant friend, such as one that is described in our opening scripture.  And our scripture says that a brother is born for adversity; for a time of adversity.  "He is born into the world for this purpose; to sympathize with his brother in distress, to relieve him, comfort and support him; and if he does not do this, when it is in his power to do it, he does not answer the end of his being born into the world,” says the Gills commentary.  Jesus said in John 15:13-14, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”  Are you a true friend and brother? 

Sing:  Friend, there will never be a friend, as dear to me as You, there will never be another, closer than a brother, Friend always worth the wait, faithful as the day, You say we are friends.

Thought For Today:  A friend loves at all time; and a brother is born for adversity.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 28

I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem. (Job 29:14)

Today’s Morsel:  If you ever observe some of the commercials for UNICEF or Compassion Services Organizations, many of them show pictures of people hungry and without clothing.  We see that when God created Adam and Eve, they were not clothed.  They were in a state of innocence until they sinned and then they knew that they were naked.  Isn’t it amazing that most people don’t know they are naked or who they are until they come into a relationship with Jesus?  Most people that wore sagging clothes or the bedroom look out into public, immediately see that they need to change when they have a true repentant heart with Christ.  Job said that he put on righteousness and it clothed him.  Do you now see why when people come in contact with Jesus with a broken spirit and a contrite heart, they change?  When they put on righteousness, which is Christ, which is the gospel, they see that their attire needs to be changed also.  They want to be clothed.  You don’t have to tell people what to wear, just give them the gospel in love and watch what Jesus will do in their heart.  If there is a true repentant heart, they will see for themselves and change.

Sing:  He’s changing me, my blessed savior, I’m not the same person that I used to be; well, it’s been slow going, but there’s a knowing, that someday perfect I will be.

Thought For Today:  The best wardrobe is righteousness (Parker).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 27

“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof”
(Matthew 6:25-34).

Today’s Morsel:  So many people in the church today are afraid to step out on faith and sacrifice for fear of not having enough.  Their worry is for material things in this present life.  Jesus said that God knows what things we have need of.  And so He cautions us to not be concerned with these things, but to seek first the Kingdom of God and then those things we have need of materially will be added.  What is Jesus saying?  I believe what He is saying is this:  The Holy Ghost is the Kingdom of God (Romans 14:17).  It’s the most important thing that a person needs in their life.  And when we receive the Holy Ghost, and allow it to lead and guide us, we will be able to see the things that are truly important, and our focus will be on them, and they will become our needs and not our wants.  God is never said to provide our wants only our need.  If you live with a want mentality; you will never walk by faith, but rather only by sight.  Faith requires you not to lean on your own understanding, but it requires you to trust God always and listen to His voice.

Sing: I trust in God, wherever I may be, upon the land or on the roaring sea; for come what may, from day to day, my heavenly Father watches over, over, me.

I trust in God, I know He cares for me, upon the land, or on the raging sea; though billows roar, He keeps my soul, my Heavenly Father, watches, over, over me.

Thought For Today:  The Holy Ghost will keep your mind off wants (Parker).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 26

Elihu spake moreover, and said, Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's? For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin? I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee. Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou. (Job 35:1-5).

Today’s Morsel:  I think in today’s world, many do not take into consideration the consequence of sin.  I think people believe that they are going to live forever or that there isn’t any consequence for wrong.  Paul said that so many have been blinded by Satan to the truth of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:2-4).  There is punishment for sin.  Ask those who are serving prison terms for their wrong actions.  Ask those who are fired from their job for not showing up on time.  Ask those in the military who went AWOL or disobeyed their leader’s orders.  Ask the children of Israel when they disobeyed God.  All sin has consequences.  Elihu told Job, You ask what advantage will it be unto thee? And, what profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin? He said, I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee.  He said, Sin is expressly against God; it is contrary to his nature, as any opposites can be to each other.  It is against his law, a breach and violation of it; and so against his supreme legislative power and authority, and a contempt of it; it is what He is angry with and is provoked by, being what he hates and abhors, and is abominable in his sight. So, what advantage is there for us to be free from sin?  There is an advantage in every area of our life and in every way. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Sing:  Sin can never enter there, sin can never enter there; So, if at the judgment bar, sinful spots your soul shall mar, you can never enter there.

Thought For Today:  Take every opportunity to stay clean by the Word.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 25

“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit”
(Hebrews 6:1-3).

Today’s Morsel:  It seems that many are graduating from college in hopes of bettering themselves, and having opportunities for a better job, jobs that offer them better pay.  But I am afraid that perhaps most of them that are graduating, are graduating without having been taught anything about ethics or godly principles and values to guide them during their day to day life.  Jesus admonishes us, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul” (Matthew 16:26)?  If we have a degree without principles, it is just a piece of paper.  But if we have godly values and principles guiding us with that degree, then we will see how valuable it can be.  Let us go on to perfection.  In a comparative sense, to a more perfect knowledge of things, which the clear revelation and ministry of the Gospel leads to.  You don’t need to be taught everything in life by the school of hard knocks.

Sing:  Learning to lean, I’m learning to lean, I’m learning to lean on Jesus.  Finding more power than I’ve ever dreamed, I’m learning to lean on Jesus!

Thought For Today:  You don’t need to be taught everything in life by the school of hard knocks. (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 24

"Unto the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:1-5).

Today’s Morsel:  They say that the divorce rate in the church is as high as those of the people in the world.  One would have to wonder what is going on that this is happening in the church.  Isn’t God love (1 John 4:8)? Doesn’t He tell us to love others the way that He has loved us (1 John 4:11)?  Didn't He say that greater love has no man than this that a man would lay down his life for a friend (John 15:13)?  Aren’t husbands and wives supposed to be the best of friends?  Aren’t we told that love is the mark of a true disciple of Christ (John 13:35)?  So why is there even any divorce in the church?  I believe the answer lies in the fact that many leave their first love, which is Christ.  When you put God after anything else, that thing isn’t going to last.  And that includes a marriage.  If you want your marriage to last, then you must keep love in its first place; as it (love) is the bond of perfectness (Colossians 3:14).

Sing: I love Him! I love Him! Because He first loved me. He purchased my salvation, on Calvary!

Thought For Today:  Love is the bond of perfectness.   (Paul)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 23

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”
(1 John 1:7-9).

Today’s Morsel:  The New Birth Experience is designed to give everyone a clean slate.  No matter who you are or what you have done, you can start afresh and anew in Christ.  When they asked Peter on the Day of Pentecost what they should do, Peter said unto them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:38-39).  What Peter was saying to them was, Yes you did wrong, but God is willing to give you a clean slate.  Paul said that he was a persecutor the church, but Jesus gave him a clean slate and a fresh start when he came to an understanding as to who Christ Jesus was (1 Timothy 1:12-14).  Do you need a fresh start or a clean slate today?  Well, John says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  Friend, there is nothing like having a fresh start with Jesus, knowing that all your sins have been taken away.  He makes all things new (Revelations 21:5).

Sing:  The load of sin was more than I could bear, He took them all away, He took them all away; and now on Him I roll my every care, He took my sins away.

He took my sins away, He took my sins away, and keeps me singing every day! I’m so glad He took my sins away, He took my sins away.

Thought For Today:  You can have a clean slate in Jesus! (Parker) 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 21

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Genesis 1:26-27)

Today’s Morsel:  I often wonder why it is that those who say that they are Christians reflect the image of the world more than the image of God.  If man was created in the image of God, should we not be able to see that image?  Writing to the church at Corinth, Paul states:  "The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly” (1 Corinthians 15:47-49).  Now that we are in Christ, we must now reflect the image of Jesus and not of that first man Adam, which was created from the earth.  Our character must be of His character.  Our actions must be like His actions.  Our walk and faith must be of His walk and faith.  If we are going to reflect Him, then we must know Him and apply His word to our life.  What are you doing to develop the man in the mirror?

Sing:  To be like Jesus. To be like Jesus. On earth, I long to be like Him.  All through life’s journey, from earth to glory, I only ask to be like Him.

Thought For Today:  What are you doing to develop the man in the mirror? (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 20

“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments”
(Habakkuk 3:17-19)

Today’s Morsel:  Have you ever allowed anything or anyone to steal your joy.  Have you ever allowed what someone else said or did take the pleasure out of your day?  Do you allow things and people to steal your joy?  Habakkuk seems to strike the cord of continual joy and rejoicing for us when he says that he will continue to rejoice in the Lord though nothing else is going well for him.  You see, when your relationship and hope is in the Lord, nothing should be able to separate you from doing what you know to do is right.  Especially when you know it deals with your state of joy and you know that it will glorify God.  Continue doing the things you know to do that are right in the Lord.

Sing:  Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.  Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.  Rejoice, rejoice, and again I say rejoice.  Rejoice, rejoice, and again I say rejoice.  Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.

Thought For Today:  Be a praise singer today.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 19

“Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform” (Romans 4:16-21).

Today’s Morsel:  How persuaded are you of the promises of God? Paul addresses this point, I believe, because he wants us to be persuaded that the things of God are true and we can believe Him for them.  The Bible says that Abraham did not stagger at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that what he had promised, he was able also to perform.  He didn’t just have faith, he had a strong faith, full assurance of faith.  And his faith rested upon the power of God, with whom nothing is impossible.  Paul goes on to say that He was persuaded that nothing should be able to separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:35-39).  You see, we have to be convinced that God is great and that He is able to do exceeding, abundantly, above all that we can ask or think according to the power that worketh in us (Ephesians 3:20).  If we are never persuaded in our minds that this is truth, we’ll never cross into the promise land.

Sing:  I lean on You Lord, I lean on You Lord.  For the things that I need I lean on You.  When I don’t know just what to do, I've got the faith You're gonna see me through.  You supply my every need and I lean on You.

Thought For Today:  Be persuaded that what God says He will do He will do.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 18

“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe” 

(Philippians 3:1)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the best sounds that a base runner trying to steal a base during baseball can hear is that of the umpire when he shouts, “Safe!”  Paul said that to write the same things to you, to him indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.  Someone said that there is safety in numbers.  Throughout scripture, we see warnings being given to us of things not to do and things that we are to do.  These are all for our safety.  Someone also said that doctrine teaches us how to live, while reproof teaches us what happens if we fail to live as we should. And righteousness teaches us how to behave, while corrections teach us what happens when we don’t behave.  Some folks don’t like correction and reproof, yet they are really for our safety.  We must remember that God always has our best interest at heart, and therefore we can expect to hear the same things repeatedly from His word.  But woe unto him that continues to reject it, Solomon said.  “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1).  Always remember something repeated twice is a wake-up call.

Sing:  Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so, little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong.  Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me.  Yes, Jesus loves me, for the Bible tells me so.

Thought For Today:  Something repeated twice is a wake-up call.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 17

Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. (Malachi 3:8)

Today’s Morsel:  At the end of last year, while reading through my Bible for the year, this passage caught my attention.  Not that it hadn’t caught it before as I have preached many times from it about tithes and offerings.  But this time, what caught my attention was the onset question, “Will a man rob God?”  Ask yourself, are you robbing God? I’m not talking just about tithes and offerings, I’m talking about His character in your life.  Are you robbing Him of His ability to accomplish in you what He desires because you are not studying and applying His word to your life?  I’m talking about you robbing Him from calling you His sons and daughters because you love the world more than you love Him.  I’m talking about using the time that you promised you would spend with Him in communion to focus on sports, games, personal agendas, and worldly careers.  Friend, God loves you so much that He was willing to die for you.  Are you going to rob Him of His ability to rejoice over you?  Don’t rob God, not with your tithe and not with your love.

Sing:  Thank you, Lord for saving my soul; thank you, Lord, for making me whole.  Thank you, Lord, for giving to me, Thy great salvation so rich and free.

Thought For Today: Don’t rob God.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 16

“But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams” (Acts 2:16-17)

Today’s Morsel:  I like listening to people share some of their dreams.  But are we supposed to be sharing our dreams with others, or are we supposed to be pondering on them to see how they apply to our lives and waiting for them to come to fruition?  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is not only known for leading the “Civil Rights Movement” in the 60’s, but also his famous “I Have A Dream” speech.  This was the public speech delivered by him during the march on Washington for jobs and freedom on August 28, 1963, in which he called for an end to racism in the United States and called for civil and economic rights.  In so many ways, his dream has come true.  Today, more churches and businesses are multi-racial.  Doors of opportunities are open to all. Public buses are no long segregated.  Our military and schools offer racial equality.  People of different races are marrying.  Children of all races now play and eat together.  What Dr. King dreamed, was what God desired all along.  And that is that His people would realize that He (God) is no respecter of persons and that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

Sing: No more shackles, no more chains, no more bondage, I am free!

Thought For Today:  And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.

“Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me; and, behold, he formed grasshoppers in the beginning of the shooting up of the latter growth; and, lo, it was the latter growth after the king's mowings. And it came to pass, that when they had made an end of eating the grass of the land, then I said, O Lord GOD, forgive, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small. The LORD repented for this: It shall not be, saith the LORD” (Amos 7:1-3)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things that most people fail to realize is how much God loved Israel.   They were nothing special, yet  ​they were His chosen to fulfill His promise to Abraham.  But they became a rebellious and stiff-necked people who went against His way.   And so they often found themselves suffering for their wrong.  God created grasshoppers to show Amos His judgement against Israel who had deemed themselves as grasshoppers (Numbers 13:33). God also opens our eyes and lets us see Himself, framing the punishment for those who desert from His way.  Grasshoppers can be mighty and used in God’s good purpose, or He can use them for destruction as well.  Israel saw themselves as grasshoppers in a weakness, but God saw them in power. Because they failed to obey, God revealed one of the things He would use to judge them.  You must never have a grasshopper mentality, unless it is being used in unity for God’s purpose.

Sing: Victory ahead! Victory ahead! Through the Blood of Jesus, victory ahead; trusting in the Lord, I hear the conqueror’s tread, by faith I see the victory ahead.

Thought For Today: You must never have a grasshopper mentality unless it is being used in unity for God’s purpose (Parker). 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 13

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark: But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light. And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one. (Zechariah 14:6-9)

Today’s Morsel:  Zechariah had prophesied that light would come in the evening time and that that living water shall go out from Jerusalem.  The apostle Paul, speaking to the church at Corinth, said, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).  John said that He was in the world and the world knew Him not (John 1:10).  Luke records, “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” (Luke 2:4-11); “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). “And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen” (Mark 16:20). Friend it’s only through the Water Way you get to glory (Acts 2:38).

Sing: It shall be light in the evening time; the path to glory you will surely find through the waterway; it is the light today, baptized in Jesus name.  Young and old, repent of all your sin, then the Holy Ghost will enter in. The evening time had come; Tis a fact that God and Christ are one.

Thought For Today:  Only through the “Water Way” can you get to glory (Parker).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 12

“Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:13-16)

Today’s Morsel: James asked is any among us afflicted? By afflictions he means sickness, bereavement, disappointment, persecutions, loss of health or property, etc.   The word used here refers to suffering evil of any kind.  And James says that if there is, let him pray.  That is, prayer is appropriate by him for his trials.  Our minds naturally resort to prayer, and in every way, it is proper when we are facing trials.   God only can remove the source of sorrow; He can make them the means of sanctifying the soul.  It matters not what is the form of the trial, it is a privilege which we all have to go to Him in prayer.  Health fails, friends die, property is lost, disappointments come upon us, danger threatens, death approaches and to whom shall we go but to God?  Paul said that He ever lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25).  He never fails us or disappoints us if we trust in Him, as His ear is ever open to our cries.  This would be a sad world indeed if it were not for the privilege of prayer.

Sing: Are you weary, are you heavy hearted?  Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.  Are you grieving over joys departed?  Tell it to Jesus alone.  

Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus, He is a friend that’s well known

​.  

You have no other such a friend or brother, tell it to Jesus alone.

Thought ​For Today:  Prayer still works!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 11

And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life. And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers. And he said unto his father, My head, my head. And he said to a lad, Carry him to his mother. And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died…And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed. He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD. And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm. Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son” (2 Kings 4:17-20;32-36)

Today’s Morsel:  There are many CPR methods that may be used to restore life to the body.  Life restoring methods begin with knowing the procedures and which ones to use in each case.  We see that Elisha used the mouth to mouth resuscitation method to restore life.  But what method do we use when the church body is dead? Paul said that it is the Spirit that giveth life (2 Corinthians 3:6).  Therefore, the Spirit of God must be in operation and able to have free course in every church for there to be life.  Ezekiel said, “The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest. Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD. So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone. And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them. Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live. So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army” (Ezekiel 37:1-10).  If the church is going to be the mighty army of God, it must have the Spirit of God in operation. Are you a part of the church?

Sing:  Holy Spirit rain, rain down on us. Holy Spirit rain down on us.  Like a mighty wind, blow in this house, baptize me with the Holy Ghost; like a mighty wind, blow in this house, baptize me with the Holy Ghost. Holy Spirit rain, rain down on us.

Thought For Today:  Life restoring methods begin with knowing the procedures (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 10

“And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word”
(1 Kings 18:21)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things that we are starting to see in the church is inconsistency.  People who say that they are Christians live a lifestyle in total contradiction to the word of God.  There seems to be so many discrepancies and contradictions in what some think that a Christian is.  When God sent the prophet Elijah to His people to give them warning, it was for the same reason. Their lifestyle did not match who they said that they were. They had begun to live a life of compromise.  They were the people of God, yet they were embracing more of Satan’s ways than God’s ways.  Because of their inconsistency, Elijah told them to choose between God and Baal because they could not have it both ways.  Are you remaining consistent in your walk with Him?  The choice is easy, so choose you this day whom you will serve.

Sing:  Jesus, I’ll never forget what You’ve done for me. Jesus, I’ll never forget how You set me free.  Jesus, I’ll never forget how You brought me out.  Jesus, I’ll never forget no never.

Thought For Today:  Inconsistency begins with compromise (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 9

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”
(Romans 8:35-39)

Today’s Morsel:  I’m noticing that so many are being persuaded to do wrong.  It seems that many do not realize that there are dire consequences for doing wrong.  Even if people do not want to hear that there is a God, His ways are still used to judge people when they do wrong. Solomon wrote, “By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth” (Proverbs 8:16).  How persuaded are you of your walk with God?  How about His word and His ways?  How about your stability in Him?  Do you check yourself daily to ensure that there is nothing that can separate you from His love?  Build your life on the solid Rock, and ensure that you are secure in Him.

Sing:  I love Him too much to fail Him now, too much to break my vow, for I promised the Lord, that I would make it somehow, and now I love Him too much, to fail Him now.

Thought For Today:  God is love.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 7

“For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive” (Matthew 20:1-7)

Today’s Morsel:  Many campaign promises are made during election years by candidates to increase people’s wages in hopes to sway people to vote for them.  On January 5, 1914, Henry Ford introduced $5.00 per day wages for all his Ford workers.  This would fall in line with the parable that Jesus told of the man that went out to hire laborers.  He agreed with them for a penny a day.  There was not a set hourly wage, but a daily wage, the same as Henry Ford made with his workers.  I’m sure at the end of the day with Mr. Ford, some of them were probably angry that those that got hired later in the day made the same as everyone else did, somewhat like Jesus said.  But the agreement was for a day not an hourly rate.  We must work for the Lord all day long and be content with our wages at the end of the day.  Are you laboring in Christ’s vineyard?   The harvest truly is plentiful, but the labors are few.  Working for Jesus may not pay much here on earth, but the retirement benefits are out of this world!

Sing:  Jesus, use me; Oh Lord don’t refuse me, For surely there’s a work that I can do.  And even though its humble, Lord, help my will to crumble, though the cost be great I’ll work for You.

Thought For Today:  Working for Jesus may not pay much here on earth, but the retirement benefits are out of this world.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 6

“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work”
(2 Timothy 2:20-21)

Today’s Morsel:  On this day in 1920, the New York Yankees major league baseball club announces its purchase of the heavy-hitting outfielder George Herman “Babe” Ruth from the Boston Red Sox for the sum of $125,000.  Babe Ruth would go on to hit 714 home runs and Yankee stadium would go on to be known as, “The House that Ruth Built.”  Paul said that in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.  If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.  In Jesus house, we are to be vessels of honor and meet for His use.  It all starts with us purging ourselves from all filth of the flesh and spirit and perfecting holiness unto the Lord.

Sing:  Jesus, use me;  Oh Lord don’t refuse me, for surely there’s a work that I can do; and even though it’s humble, Lord help my will to crumble, though the cost be great I’ll work for You.

Thought For Today: Are you the house Jesus built? (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 5

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart” (Deuteronomy 6:4-6)

Today’s Morsel:  Last year I purposed in my heart to hide as much of the word of God in my heart through memorization of the scripture that I could so that I would not forget God.  I figured that if I were studying and memorizing the word, it would help me stay focused on the most important thing in my life; and that is to know God and to make Him known and maintain a close relationship and walk with Him.  Moses told the children of Israel that they were to love the Lord with all their heart, soul and might and to keep this command in their heart.  If we do not love God with all our being and keep Him first in all that we do, then we may not prosper and be in good health.

Sing:  I love Jesus best of all.  For He saves my soul from sin, gives me peace and joy within; I’ve been buried in His name and of Him I’m not ashamed, for I love Jesus best of all.

Thought For Today:  The most important thing in life is to know God and to make Him known.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 4

“Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail” (Job 38:22)

Today’s Morsel:  This week in history, Alaska became the 49th state of the United States of America. Alaska, northwest of Canada, is the largest and most sparsely populated U.S. state.  It's known for its diverse terrain of open spaces, mountains and forests, with abundant wildlife and many small towns.  It’s a destination for outdoor activities like skiing, mountain biking and kayaking.  It gets an average of 79 inches of snow fall on Anchorage every year.  But Talkeetna, only two hours north, gets considerably more snow due to the higher elevation, and Alyeska, just an hour from Anchorage, receives an average of 178 inches annually!  It has been stated that every snow flake is different and yet God in His awesome wisdom makes it all.  The Lord asked Job, “Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow?”  Snow here is represented as something which is laid up like treasure, and kept in reserve for use when God shall require it.  Silver and gold were thus laid up for occasions when they would be wanted, and the figurative sentiment here is that snow and hail were thus preserved for the use to which the Almighty might devote them, or for those great occasions when it would be proper to bring them forth to execute His purposes. What is His purpose?  He told Isaiah, “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:10-11).  Don’t complain about the snow, for without it and rain we don’t eat.  God has a purpose for everything.

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

Thought For Today:  Don’t complain about the snow it has a purpose (Parker).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 3

“And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?” (Genesis 3:8-9)

Today’s Morsel:  In 1974, the United States instituted a country wide speed limit of 55 miles per hour on its major highways.  This implementation ushered in what was a wave of sales of the Citizen Band Radio (CB) which prior to this time was used only by major truckers.  It’s purchase was to help drivers increase their speed and avoid a traffic ticket for speeding by the police.  They would contact others over their radios asking if they had seen any police.  And if so, where?  This radio also became a tool for aiding in emergencies and communicating with others, which I believe also helped usher in the cell phone.  The Bible says that when Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, that they heard the voice of God and hid themselves from Him. God called for them, but they were afraid to answer because they knew that they had done wrong.  I believe that if Adam and Eve had obeyed the warning given by God, the world would not have so many people speeding through life heading for destruction.  One of the things about speeding is you sure miss some beautiful sights.  So, slow down, the life you save may be your very own.  Listen for His voice calling you.

Sing:  When He calls, me I will answer. When He calls me, I will hear. When He calls me, I will answer; I’ll be somewhere listening for my name.

Thought For Today:  Slow down, the life you save may be your very own (Parker).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 January 2

“And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you” (Exodus 12:1-2).

Today’s Morsel: Even though we celebrated yesterday as the beginning of the New Year, it also has many other events that began on that day as well.  For example, in 1892, Ellis Island, in New York, began as an Immigration gateway into American.  It was the opening of a new life and a new door of living and opportunity for many.  For many, this day became a New Year and the beginning of months.  When the Lord sent Moses to lead the children of Israel out of bondage, He told them that this would be the first month of the year for them.  This would become the institution of the Passover, freedom, and would become one of those sacred feast days that every male was required to keep in Israel.  Like the other two days, Pentecost and Tabernacle, it was to be kept for a remembrance.  They were never to forget what God had done for them by bringing them out of bondage and into His marvelous light.  And even today, every believer who is born-again of the water and the Spirit, should never forget the month and the year that God brought them out.  It should be a sacred day and one never forgotten.  Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it, Jesus said (Revelation 3:8).  Jacob said, Therefore, the gateway is open for all and this is the gate of heaven (Genesis 28:17).  Praise Him and celebrate His goodness and grace every day of this coming year. 

Sing: He brought me out of that miry clay, He set my feet on the Rock to stay; He put a song in my soul today, a song of praise, hallelujah.

Thought For Today:  Step off on the right foot and you’ll stay in step with the Lord.