Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 28

For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. (2 Corinthians 1:20)

Today’s Morsel:  How do you feel when someone makes you a promise and then they don’t fulfill it?  As kids, we often would say to those who were supposed be our friends, “I’m going to tell you a secret, do you promise not to tell anyone?”  They would agree not to tell, but so often we soon found out that they did tell someone else, and the wild fire began to burn.  Paul said that all the promises which God has made to mankind are yes and true in themselves, and amen, faithfully fulfilled to them who believe in Christ Jesus.  The promises are all made about Christ; for it is only through the Gospel of Christ that we can have promises of His grace and mercy.  The writer of Hebrews tells us, “For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec” (Hebrews 6:13-20).  Friend, when God makes you a promise, it will be fulfilled.

Sing:  He’s coming soon, He’s coming soon; with joy, we welcome His returning.  It may be morn, it may be night or noon, we know He’s coming soon.

Thought For Today: God can’t lie!

Monday, February 27, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 27

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Today’s Morsel:  There seems to be a lot of evil in the world today.  But this should not be a surprise to the Christian.  Jesus told us that we would be hated of all men for His name sake (Matthew 10:22);  the angel told Hagar that her son (Ismael) would be a wild man and his hand would be against every man, and every man’s hand would be against him… (Genesis 16:12); and Paul told Timothy, “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13); and, “that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith” (2 Timothy 3:1-8).  So really, what we are seeing taking place in the world is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.  We are seeing the world, Satan’s domain, in operation.  Don’t be surprised at what you are see taking place around you.  Just keep on the whole armor of God, so that you can stand in these evil days.

Sing:  Jesus, hold my hand, Lord, I need Thee every hour; through this pilgrim land, protect me by Thou saving power; hear my feeble plea, O’ Lord, look down on me.  When I kneel in prayer I know You’ll meet me there, blessed Jesus hold my hand.

Thought For Today:  Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 25

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Today’s Morsel:  When we moved back to America from Asia after 16 years, my brothers would tell me that they were going to come see me.  Well, last year, while sitting in my living room reading, unexpectedly, the door that leads to my garage opened and I was thinking that it was my wife and daughter.  But to my surprise, in walked two of my brothers and one of my sisters.  What if this is the year that Jesus returns?  Will you be taken by surprise or will you be ready?  “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” Jesus said (Matthew 25:13).  We know that Jesus is coming again, but the timing we don’t.  Be ready!  Don't be caught by surprise!!

Sing:  O’ my brother, are you ready for the call?  To crown your Savior King and Lord of all?  The kingdoms of this world, shall soon before Him fall, we shall see the King when He comes.

Thought For Today: Don’t be taken by surprise.

Friday, February 24, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 24

“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18).

Today’s Morsel:  I was playing a game with my youngest grandson one evening, and to my surprise, when I looked over at him, he had his hand on his chin the same as I did and was saying the same words that I was saying when I would jokingly cast the die during the game.  Solomon says that the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.  The path of the wicked is gloomy, dark, and dangerous; that of the righteous is open, luminous, and instructive.  Therefore, the path that the righteous blazes that is found in righteousness will not only save himself, but those who also follow him.  As Paul told Timothy, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16).  What trail are you blazing for others?  Take care, because others are watching and following!

Sing: 1. Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul; Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.  O my God, I trust in thee: Let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
        2. Let none that wait, on thee be ashamed;  Let none that wait, on thee be ashamed.  O my God, I trust in thee: Let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
        3.  Shew me thy ways, LORD; teach me thy paths; Shew me thy ways, LORD; teach me thy paths.  O my God, I trust in thee: Let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.  

Thought For Today: Stay on course until the end.

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 23

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi” (Exodus 17:14-15).

Today’s Morsel:  I like reading and studying history. History is a recording of activities that have occurred over-time.  History must be passed to the next generations. Generals read past wars to develop battle and strategic plans.  This is one of the reasons that I feel every Christian needs to read their Bibles through each year as it is a study of history.  One of the most important books in the Bible, that displays and shows history, is the book of Acts.  It shows how the New Testament Church was established and what we must continue to do to ensure that we are following the pattern that was originally established.  Moses was to write in a book the memorial for Joshua and to rehearse it before him.  I believe that God wanted Joshua to remember his first victory and to know that just as God was with Moses, He would be with Joshua and would fight for Him.  You miss out on a lot of direction and assurance from God if you don't know the history!

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:  His banner over me is love.   

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 22

“And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always. In the tabernacle of the congregation without the vail, which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: it shall be a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel” (Exodus 27:20-21).

Today’s Morsel: One of the things that the Lord required of the children of Israel was that they bring beaten pure olive oil for the lights to the temple each day.  God was very detailed in the requirements of how and where it was to be gathered.  God wanted the people to get into the habit of providing those things that the church had need of.  It was to be the best and the first.  It was an offering for the light.  God is the light.  The offering of the oil was a portrait of Himself.  Isaiah said, “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand” (Isaiah 53:10).  We are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16), and the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).  Therefore, God has not changed His requirement with us.  We must bring to Him our best and the first, and we must bring it daily before Him.  

Sing: Anointing fall on me.  Anointing fall on me. Let the power of the Holy Ghost, fall on me; anointing fall on me.

Thought For Today: Always give God your best.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 21

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you”
(John 15:16)

Today’s Morsel:  Do you remember the children’s Saturday morning educational program, “School House Rock?”   They would always ask the conjunction what their function was.  Do you ever stop and reflect on where Jesus has brought you from?  Do you ever ask yourself out of all the people in the world, why did Jesus choose you? We did not choose Him, He chose us.  The same way that He chose His apostles.  The same way that He chose Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Samuel, and the apostle Paul, He chose you and me.  When God chooses us, I believe, it is for a special purpose.  As He told Moses, “See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship. And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee” (Exodus 31:2-6).  So, just what is your function for which He has chosen you?  Ask Him, He will let you know.  

Sing: He chose me! He chose me!  Out of all the people in this world.  He chose me!  He chose me, and He can use me, till He uses me up.

Thought For Today:  What’s your function? 

Monday, February 20, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 20

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality” (Romans 12:9-13).

Today’s Morsel:  A true reflection of God’s love is seen not only in how we treat others, but also in how we treat our self.  I find that those who continually condemn themselves, or condemn others, do not know love.  Their love is fake.  It’s not real.  I’ve heard people say, “Oh, I have to love you, but I don’t have to like you.”  If that is the case, then is that love real?  If someone tells me they love me, and yet will not talk to me, or they shun me when they see me out and about, isn’t that fake love?  John said, “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen” (1 John 4:20)?  Jesus never avoided anyone. “And he must needs go through Samaria” (John 4:4).   Even those who did not like Him or care for Him, He still went where they were.  Because true love will cover a multitude of sins and it will be willing to forgive.   Ask yourself, is your love true today?  

Sing: Even in death He remembered the thief hanging by His side; He spoke with love and compassion, then He took him to paradise.
If that isn’t love the ocean is dry, there’s no stars in the sky, and the sparrow can’t fly!  If that isn’t love then heaven’s a myth, there’s no feeling like this, if that isn’t love.

Thought For Today:  Let love be without dissimulation.

Saturday, February 18, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 18

“And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations” (Exodus 30:8).

Today’s Morsel:  When we lived in Asia, you could always smell incense burning.  In homes, in temples, in stores, in businesses, at tombs; it was their way of worship to the unknown God as spoken to in Act 17 in Greece by the apostle Paul.  The Lord told Moses that when Aaron lit the lamps at evening he was to burn incense on it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout their generations. Their generation was to do this as a type of shadow of what was to come.  But today, every generation must learn continual praise to God every time the lamps are lit.  The incense was a sweet-smelling offering unto the Lord.  Today, we do not burn incense, but rather we must come before His presence with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise.  Paul told the church at Ephesus, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour” (Ephesians 5:1-2).  Because we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14), each day we must present our bodies as a living sacrifice and as a sweet-smelling savor unto Him.  The writer of Hebrews admonishes us, “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15).  Let your worship be as an instrument of continual praise unto Him.

Sing:  I worship You, Almighty God, there is none like You. I worship You, oh Prince of Peace, that is what I long to do, I give You praise, for You are my righteousness. I worship You, Almighty God, there is none like You.

Thought For Today:  Your offering must always be mixed with praise (Parker)

Friday, February 17, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 17

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 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. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power” (Colossians 2:6-10).

Today’s Morsel: One of the most important and fundamental teachings and training in the military is that of knowing the chain of command.  In every unit, the pictures and positions held by these men and women are posted so that a soldier can recognize and know who their leadership is; and should they encounter them, they will know who they are, and render the proper courtesy.  In his teaching, the Apostle Paul, did not fail to inform his audience about the chain of command.  He told the church at Corinth, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God” (1 Corinthians 11:1-3).  He told Timothy, his son in the gospel, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).  Why did Paul place such emphasis on such teaching?  Because he knew that false prophets were in the world and that they would try to pervert the gospel of Christ.  Paul knew that if the churches were going to maintain the teaching of truth, then they needed to know who Christ Jesus was.  As 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.”  He told them that God is not divided in to three parts or three persons, but that God is One, just as Moses had stated. “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD” (Deuteronomy 6:4).  If someone were to ask you, if Jesus is in the Godhead or if the Godhead is in Jesus, what you tell them?  Do you know your chain of command?  Who is The Head, The Commander in Chief?  

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 is 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: Who do you say that He is?

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 16

“Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come” (Psalms 71:18).

Today’s Morsel: One of the things I liked when I was young was hanging around the barbershop listening to the older men tell stories about their war experiences and life in general.  Many of them had fought in Africa and Germany under General Patton.  Some had fought in the Pacific and Asia, while others had stormed the beaches in France.  Relating the stories of life can be refreshing to the younger generations.  But sad to say, many of the millennial generation do not seem to want to know about history and what God has done.  They want to focus on themselves and what they think they can do by and for themselves.  But the psalmist prayed that God would not forsake him until he had shewn unto his generation the strength and power of God to everyone. What about you? Are you willing to do what it takes to ensure that the next generation hears the gospel?  Paul said, that his gospel did not come in word only, but in power and the Holy Ghost and much assurance (1 Thessalonians 1:5).  If the millennials are going to survive, then we (the older generation) must share with them God’s strength and power, or they will surely fail.

Sing:  He gives strength to me, as I worship Him, as my heart is filled with praise.  Jesus breaks the bands as I raise my hands, He gives glorious victory.

Thought For Today:  Seize ever opportunity to share the gospel.

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 15

“Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise. And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also. In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife. And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven. And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err” (Mark 12:19-27).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about Jesus' teachings was that if you lack wisdom of the natural, you would fail in your understanding of the spiritual.  This is because Jesus taught in parables.  When the religious leaders questioned Him about marriage, they were trying to entrap Him against the law of Moses, failing to realize that Jesus was the giver of the law to Moses.  They questioned Him based on the law that if a man married and did not have children and died, the next closest relative was to marry and bear children unto him.  But Jesus did not play into their foolishness.  He told them, “Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?”  The scripture said nothing about who she would belong to.  He told them that God wasn’t the God of the dead, but rather of the living; stressing the point to them not to misconstrue the scripture about death and life, but to realize that they too must be born again for God to be their God, because He is not a God of the dead but the living. And because they did not understand the scriptures and power of God, He told them they did greatly err.  How is your understanding of the scripture today?  Dig in and seek Him for wisdom and understanding.  

Sing:  My God’s not dead, He is alive; my God’s not dead He is alive; my God’s not dead, He is alive; I feel Him and He’s keeping me alive.

Thought For Today:  You must be born again.

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 14

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another” (1 John 4:7-11).

Today’s Morsel: Today’s Morsel is a poem entitled “True Love” that I found on the internet and felt was appropriate for our Morsel today.  

True Love
Love can always conquer, whatever discord brings, 
and love can also cover a multitude of things.
Don't you underestimate what love can ever do, 
for love is God eternal and His love can renew.
What is cold and lifeless, now lost all hope and died, 
for love can breathe new meaning and give it back new life.
Please don't give up on love when it seems that all is lost, 
for there is always hope if we're prepared to pay the cost.
For love is always worth it no matter how much the price, for love will be much stronger when we trust in Jesus Christ.
So let God have full reign, let Him live within your heart then you will know true love, for this He will impart.

Sing:  He left the splendor of heaven, knowing His destiny was the lonely hill of Golgotha, there to lay down His life for me.
If that isn’t love, the ocean is dry; there’s no stars in the sky, and the sparrow can’t fly!  If that isn’t love, then heaven’s a myth, there’s no feeling like this, if that isn’t love.

Thought For Today: Happy Day of Love!

Monday, February 13, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 13

“And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the LORD: And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace” (Genesis 19:27-28).

Today’s Morsel: I believe that prayer is essential to the life of every believer.  By all accounts, Abraham had a strong relationship with Lord. He also seems to be a man of intercession. When God told Abraham that He was about to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham began to intercede for these cities (Genesis 18:20-33).  But God could not find the ten righteous people that Abraham had petitioned Him for in those cities; and so He rained fire and brimstone upon them as He had said He would.  And when Abraham got up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the LORD: And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.  I’m sure at this point, Abraham could not believe how wicked these cities must have been that God could not find even ten righteous people.  I know many men of God who are interceding for their cities right now.  Yet if God doesn’t find what He is looking for when He returns, these cities, too, will be destroyed.  Therefore, we must follow Jude’s advice when he admonished us; “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh” (Jude 1:20-23).  The gospel is still mighty to save.  Share it with everyone you come in contact with, making a difference.   

Sing: Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, snatch them in pity from sin and the grave; weep o’er the erring ones, lift up the fallen, tell them of Jesus, the Mighty to save.
Rescue the perishing, care for the dying; Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.

Thought For Today:  Don’t ever forget where you came from. 

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 11

And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me. (Genesis 29:32)

Today’s Morsel:  There are so many people who are hurt daily for trying to do things for others because they want to feel loved.  Children work hard in school to get good grades because they want to be loved.  Wives try to prepare the right meal because they want to be loved.  Husbands try to provide for their wives and children because they want to be loved.  But sad to say, many become hurt when they are rejected or not shown love.  I might be able to understand this from the people of world, but not from the children of God.  Leah was loved less by Jacob then his love shown for Rachel.  He loved Rachel from the very first sight.  Rachel was who he wanted.  But Leah loved Jacob and did everything she could to win his heart, all because she wanted to be loved.  Sad to say, there is no indication of how much Jacob loved Leah until the time of his death.  “And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, In the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite for a possession of a buryingplace. There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah” (Genesis 49:29-31).  He desired to be buried with her instead of Rachel.  Don’t wait until the time of your death to show your love, do it now; someone else’s joy may be depending on it.

Sing: Love, love, God’s mighty love; Love found a pardon for me.

Thought For Today:  Someone else’s joy may be depending on your love (Parker).

Friday, February 10, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 10

“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also”
(1 John 4:16-21).

Today’s Morsel:  In both the Gospel and the Epistle that he wrote, the Apostle John seems to focus on one thing, and that is “Truth.”  He shows us that “Truth” by not only declaring that Jesus is God (John 1:1,14; 14:9), but also that Jesus is love.  Which makes Him also God (1 John 4:8).  He said, For God so loved the world that He gave (John 3:16). John addresses perfect love which is Christ.  You see, people may say that they have perfect love, but perfect love only comes from God.  And because of this love, there is no need to fear anyone or anything.  Because, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).  If Christ be in you, then your love should be perfect love, too.  If you have a problem with loving and forgiving others, you may want to check your love.

Sing:  He knew me, yet He loved me. He who's glory made the heavens shine.  I’m so unworthy, of such mercy; yet when He was on the cross, I was on His mind.

Thought For Today:  Perfect love casteth out all fear.

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 9

“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17).

Today’s Morsel:  Do you really love Jesus?  One of the things I often examine myself for, is to ensure that what I say, is what I mean.  I have seen many who say that they love Jesus, but their actions do not reflect their words.  Even Jesus said, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8).  Your heart is bound to expose what is in it.  Peter, who had denied the Lord three times, now found that he was being asked three times by the Lord if he loved Him.  What would your answer be, if Jesus asked you this question?  I know that most of us would say “yes”.  But really, the answering of this question does not require a “Yes.”  The answer to this question requires action.  Because if we say “yes” and our actions don’t align with what we say, we feel like failures.  And this is one of the reasons I believe so many Christians struggle in their walk and relationship with Christ.  They are quick to say “yes” without understanding the requirements.  He loves us.  And because He loves us, we should be willing to share the love that He has shown to us with others by telling them what He has done for us, and how they, too, can experience His love.   You don’t need to answer “yes” just do it.  Actions speak louder than words.

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:  Actions speak louder than words.

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 8

The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in… Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master” (John 20:1-5;10-16).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things that I have noticed about people who have a love for God, is they are some of the first to arrive and some of last to leave church.  Mary Magdalene, whom Jesus had cast out “seven devils” from, really loved Jesus.  When she realized that Jesus was missing from the tomb, she became concerned and told the disciples.  John, who also loved Jesus, ran along with Peter to the tomb to verify Mary’s news.  After discovering that what she said was true, they departed the sepulcher.  But Mary stayed behind and decided to look again.  To her surprise, she noticed two angels sitting on the place where Jesus should have laid.  This was a portrait of the Ark of the Covenant; two angels overshadowing the mercy seat.  But then to her surprise, what she thought was the gardener, just happened to be the one that she loved.  Jesus!  Because she was willing to go early and stay behind when others had left, she was the first to know of the resurrection and to spread the good news.  Don’t ever be too quick to leave church.  Jesus may wanting to show you something.

Sing:  He touched me; oh, oh, He touched me; And oh, the joy that floods my soul.  Something happened, and now I know, Jesus touched me, and He made me whole.

Thought For Today:  Don’t ever be too quick to leave church, Jesus may want to show you something (Parker)

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 7

 “The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 7:7-8)

Today’s Morsel: I’m sure that you’ve heard the saying, “Love at first sight.”  This saying means that on first seeing or meeting someone, you fell in love.  Seeing Rachel, Jacob loved her; and he worked 14 years to have her become his wife.  Moses told the children of Israel that God’s love for them was not based upon them, but was based upon a promise that He made to Abraham.  God, who loved the world, gave His Son to be a propitiation for our sins, not because of us, but because of His promise to Abraham.  If we are going to display His love, then we must follow His example.  John said, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another” (1 John 4:10-11).  God’s love is always about fulfilling His promises.

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

Thought For Today:  God’s love is always about fulfilling His promises.

Monday, February 6, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 6

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:15-17).

Today’s Morsel: When John speaks of not loving the world, he is not speaking of the beauty and splendor of the world that God has created.  Not even Jesus prayed that His disciples would be taken out of the world (John 17:15-18).  The world was created by God for His pleasure and for our good.  So what is John referring to when he speaks of the world?  He said, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.” This is the world that John speaks to.  Lust and pride that is associated with so many in the world.  Hollywood and technology is helping Satan fulfill his agenda.  If we do not control our lust to appease of flesh and eyes of the things that make for pride in our life, we will never be overcomers of the evils ruled and controlled by Satan and the things around us.  This is his world that John speaks of and the one that Satan desires for everyone to partake in and become a part of; the one in which we see so many have already become a partaker of.  If we love Satan’s world, then Jesus' love isn’t in us.  We are commanded to come out from among them and be separated unto God (2 Corinthians 6:17-18).

Sing:  This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through, my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue, the angels are beckoning me, from heaven's open door and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

Thought For Today:  Don’t let Satan deceive you (Parker).

Saturday, February 4, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 4

f I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: (Psalms 66:18)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things we find as Christians, is that sin will hang around for us to open the door and allow it back in even after we have been cleansed from it in the waters of baptism.  As the Lord told Cain, “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him” (Genesis 4:7).  We must examine ourselves continually to ensure that we have not allowed sin to reenter unaware.  The psalmist said that if we regard iniquity in our hearts, the Lord will not hear us.  In other words, if I think highly of or esteem sin, or allow it to be in my life, the Lord will not hear me.  Isaiah said, “Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2). If you are feeling as though God is far away, you may want to examine yourself for hidden sin.  Because sin will block God’s ears from hearing you until you repent.

Sing:  What can wash away my sin?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus.  What can make me whole again?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus.  O’ precious, is the flow, that makes me white as snow; no other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Thought For Today:  Sin will block God’s ears from hearing you until you repent (Parker).

Friday, February 3, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 3

“Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches” (Proverbs 24:3-4).

Today’s Morsel:  The word “house” is figurative of the whole life, the “chambers” of all regions, inward and outward, of it.  It also applies to the church and the family. A family is built up, furnished and supplied with the necessary and conveniences of life, and brought into flourishing and prosperous circumstances, by wise and prudent management, by diligence and industry, through the blessing of God upon them.  The house of God, the church of the living God, is built by wisdom, that is, by Christ; on a good foundation, a rock, upon Christ Himself, against which the gates of hell can never prevail (Read Matthew 16:18).  Every good man's house, himself, his soul, and the eternal salvation of it, are built on the same foundation and rock; and he is a wise man that builds his house through wisdom; that builds on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, the one and only foundation which God has laid, which is Jesus Christ.  As Paul said, “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:19-22).   Without God’s wisdom, you cannot build a house. “For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:4).  Build your life on the Rock of God's wisdom.  

Sing:  Ain't a-gonna need this house no longer.  Ain't a-gonna need this house no more.  Ain't got time to fix the shingles.  Ain't got time to fix the floor.  Ain't got time to oil the hinges, nor to mend the window panes.  Ain't a-gonna need this house no longer.  I'm a-gettin' ready to meet the saints.

Thought For Today:  Every house is built by wisdom.

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 2

“But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?” (Job 28:12)

Today’s Morsel:  So many seem to be trying to live their lives without wisdom.  They have degrees, but no wisdom. They have careers, but no wisdom.  Job asked his friends where can wisdom be found?  So many are looking for it in all the wrong places.  He said, “Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living. The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me. It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire. The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold. Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding? Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air. Destruction and death say, we have heard the fame thereof with our ears.” (Job 28:13-22).  But then Job said to them, “God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof” (verse 23).  He said, If you want to know where wisdom is found, then seek it from God.  “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28).  Friend, if you are looking for wisdom, “…Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).  For she (wisdom) dwells with prudence.

Sing:  Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus daily let me go; higher, higher in the school of wisdom, more of grace to know.
O’ deeper yet, I pray, and higher every day, and wiser, blessed Lord, in Thy precious holy word.

Thought For Today:  Wisdom is the principle thing. Get wisdom. 

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 1

Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. 
(Psalms 60:4)

Today’s Morsel:  “Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee"; the word rendered “banner" means properly anything elevated or lifted up, and hence, a standard, a flag, a sign, or a signal.  It may refer to a standard reared on lofty mountains or high places during an invasion of a country to point out to the people a place of rendezvous or a rallying place.  “And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly” (Isaiah 5:26).  Here it doubtless refers to the flag, the banner, the standard of an army; and the idea is that God had committed such a standard to His people that we might go forth as soldiers in His cause.  We have been enlisted in His service, and we are fighting His battles.  David said that it may be displayed because of the truth.  In the cause of truth; or in the defense of justice and right.  It was not to be displayed for vain parade or ostentation; it was not to be unfolded in an unrighteous or unjust cause; it was not to be waved for the mere purpose of carrying out desolation, or of securing victory; it was that a righteous cause might be vindicated, and that the honor of God might be promoted. This was the reason for this banner, and we were appointed to maintain and defend it.  What was true then of the people of God, is true of the church now.  God has given to His church a banner or a standard that it may wage a war of justice, righteousness, and truth; that it may be employed in resisting and overcoming His enemies; that it may carry the weapons of truth and right against all injustice, falsehood, error, oppression, and wrong; that it may ever be found on the side of humanity and benevolence - of virtue, temperance, liberty, and equality; and that it may bear the great principles of the true religion to every territory of the enemy, until the whole world shall be subdued to God.” (Barns Commentary).  Jehovah Nissi! The Lord my Banner.

Sing:  I may never march in the infantry, ride in the Calvary, shoot the artillery; I may never soar over the enemy, but I’m in the Lord’s army, yes Sir!

Thought For Today:  His banner over me is love.  (Song of Solomon 2:4)