Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 29

“To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats” (Isaiah 1:11).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the major training methods that the Army used when I was on active duty, was called “Battalion Training Management System” (BTMS).  And one of the major objectives in this training process was that of the “PURPOSE”.  You had to stress the purpose for the training so that soldiers knew how it would benefit them on the battlefield.  Failure to give the “purpose” was a sure cause for failure if the training was being inspected by higher headquarters.  God asked the people to what purpose is the multitude of their sacrifice to Him?  In other words, why are you still doing it when I don’t like it.  Are you in a rut with your sacrifices to God and you don’t know it?  When is the last time you examined yourself to see if you are doing the same old thing repeatedly just out of routine and without meaning?  It may be time for you to do something new that may be well pleasing to God and meaningful to your relationship with Him.  

Sing: For me, for me, for me, there’s a mansion there for me, in glory land, so bright and far, where the victor's crown I soon shall wear.  Come and go with me, for I won’t be back you’ll see, if anybody's gonna be happy over there, it’s me, me, me, me, me.

Thought For Today:  When you know the purpose, you will know the cause.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 28

“For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them; In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him” (Isaiah 59:12-16).

Thought for today:  I often wonder why today it seems that it is so hard to get people to be Christians.  We see the state of the world in which we live, but many do not seem to be too concerned with what is taking place.  Church and winning the lost don’t seem to be on people’s radar screen. The mighty greenback seems to have taken people’s attention away from God and the things of God.  Isaiah said that judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.  He said that everyone is in opposition to judgement, justice, truth, and equity.  He said that truth fails.  God’s word doesn’t seem to be able to accomplish its purpose because so many of God's people are in opposition to God’s word.  Now is not the time to be in opposition to God’s word, now is the time to embrace it.  Now is the time to cling to it like never before.  Jesus said that when we see the things that we are now seeing coming upon the earth, we should look up, because our redemption draws nigh. Are you ready for His appearing?

Sing: I’m getting ready to leave this place, I’m getting ready for those gates of pearls; keeping my record right, watching both day and night; I’m getting ready to leave this place.

Thought For Today:  Buy the truth and sell it not.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 27

“He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding”
(Proverbs 15:32).

Today’s Morsel:  When I was a counselor in prison, it was not uncommon to talk with some men who had been in and out of prison multiple times for the same offense. Solomon said he that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul.  Why do so many folks seem to have a hard time with corrective counsel?  When a person shuns godly counsel, whether it is from God’s word, a minister, teacher, or parent, it shows that the person doesn’t care about his life.  But when one hears and obeys, he gets understanding and lives.  “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand”, Solomon said (Proverbs 19:20-21). Do you value godly counsel?

Sing: Lead me Lord, I will follow, lead me Lord, I will go. You have called me, I will answer, lead me Lord, I will go.

Thought For Today:  The best counsel is the word of God.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 26

And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle. (1 Samuel 18:1-4)

Today’s Morsel:  Some folks have maintained their friendships and relationships with each other from their childhood until death.  From the time that Jonathan met David after he killed Goliath, scripture says that Jonathan was knitted with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.  They seemed from that very moment to have an everlasting and unchanging friendship.  Jonathan, by removing his attire and armor and giving it to David, was showing a sign of his willingness to decrease so that David could increase.  David had already been anointed to be the next king of Israel and Jonathan knew this.  And so he was willing to help his friend succeed.  When we have true love one for another, we will help those chosen by God to become what God wants them to be, even if it means giving up our position to do it.

Sing: What a friend we have a Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear, what a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer.

Thought Tor Today:  A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 25

“A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” (Proverbs 15:23)

Today’s Morsel: One of the ministries Paul spoke of to the Roman church was that of exaltation (Romans 12:8). We should all seek to speak good words at the right time and in the right place because death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).  Think of the number of people you may be able to help with a word of exaltation.  If sticks and stones can break bones, think of what a word of encouragement may be able to do for a broken heart.  Remember that a man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” (Proverbs 15:23).

Sing: Say the name, of Jesus! Say the name, so precious. No other the name I know, that can calm your fears, and dry your tears, and wipe away the pain; When you don’t know what words to say and you just can’t find your way, just say the name.

Thought For Today:  Seek the ministry of exaltation (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 24

“The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel” (Jeremiah 18:1-6).

Today’s Morsel: When we lived in Japan, some of the places we would to take visiting guests were to some of the pottery houses.  It was always interesting watching them make vessels on the potter’s wheel with the clay.  As you observed them, you wondered how they could make such beautiful things out of simple clay.  God sent Jeremiah to the potter’s house to observe the potter working with the clay while making a vessel.  Jeremiah observed that the vessel the potter made was marred and so he made it again. This is a portrait of our lives.  We are sometimes marred by the things of this world and God may need to make us again.   Jesus’ mission was to seek and to save that which was lost.  You may only have a small crack, but He’s willing to make you again.

Sing:  Make me an instrument an instrument of worship, I lift up my hand’s in Your name.  All glory and honor, to Jesus forever, I lift up my hand’s in Your name.

Thought For Today:  The potter still knows how to make you new.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 22

“Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all” (John 3:25-31)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the toughest things that I found among true leaders in the military, was that of relinquishing command.  It was always hard for them to let go of the reins.  Because they understood the mission and were familiar with the people, it was hard for them to turn loose.  But not John the Baptist.  John understood his role was temporal.  He knew that he had one purpose and that was to set the stage for Jesus.  And once Jesus began His ministry, John realized that he needed to get out of the way.  He said, "I must decrease and He must increase."  Is it time for you to decrease so that others may increase in their ministry?

Sing:  Oh! say, but I’m glad.  Oh! say, but I’m glad; Jesus had come and my cup’s over-run; Oh! say, but I’m glad.

Thought For Today:  Decrease me lesser (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 21

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Today’s Morsel:  Are you living or just existing?  Jesus said that His main purpose for coming was so that we would not perish but have everlasting life.  Everlasting life means that it never ends.  Therefore, I conclude that if one is born again, then one should be upbeat always.  If you purchased a term life policy, you’ll focus on the world.  But if you have purchased a whole life policy, you’ll focus on heaven; because a whole life policy pays great rewards in the end.  You can’t steal my joy, Satan.

Sing:  I've found a new way of living, I've found a new joy divine.  I have the fruit of the spirit, I am abiding, abiding in the vine.

Thought For Today:  Jesus doesn’t sell term life, only whole (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 20

“Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down. And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down. And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's: And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it. Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance. And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it. Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel. Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe” (Ruth 4:1-8)

Today’s Morsel:  Have you ever seen someone throw their shoe at someone else?  It is a sign of rejection. Sometimes when I read scripture, I get a good laugh because at times God’s ways are humorous.  For example, to not purchase Ruth with Naomi’s field, the next of kinsman had to take off his shoe as a witness that he would not redeem her.  Why could he not just sign a paper or use his signet?  No, he had to take off his shoe.  The removal of the shoe was a sign of denial.  Under Moses' instructions, the woman was to take the kinsmen’s shoe off and spit in his face if he rejected her (Deuteronomy 25:9).  This was a Jewish law.  But to spare Ruth, which was a Moabite and an outsider, the embarrassment, Boaz took her place.  Aren’t you glad that Jesus redeemed you?   He took the shame in your place.  

Sing:  We have heard the joyful sound: Jesus saves!  Jesus saves!  Spread the tiding all around: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!  Bear the news to every land, climb the steps and cross the waves; onward!  Tis our Lord’s command; Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Thought For Today:  Jesus is our Kinsman Redeemer.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 19

“And Israel beheld Joseph's sons, and said, Who are these? And Joseph said unto his father, They are my sons, whom God hath given me in this place. And he said, Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them. Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them. And Israel said unto Joseph, I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God hath shewed me also thy seed. And Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth. And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought them near unto him. And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn. And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth” (Genesis 48:8-16).

Today’s Morsel:  Bestowing blessing upon our children and grandchildren should be every parent’s desire.  When Joseph brought his sons to see their grandfather Jacob prior to his death, Jacob bestowed a blessing upon them praying that God would not only let his name be upon them, but also the name of their great grandfather Isaac and their great, great, grandfather Abraham; and that they would grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.  The greatest blessings that we can bestow upon our children and grandchildren is that of asking God to keep them from evil and to fill them with His Spirit, that they would walk worthy of Him, serving Him all the days of their lives.

Sing:  I am blessed, I am blessed; every day that I live I am blessed; when I wake-up in the morning, till I lay my head to rest, I am blessed, I am blessed.

Thought For Today:  Be Blessed! 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 18

And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again. And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him. And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you? And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away. And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept” (Mark 10:1-5).

Today’s Morsel: It seems that so many people are suffering from heart problems.  Cardiovascular disease includes conditions that affect the structures or function of your heart, such as:

·         Coronary artery disease (narrowing of the arteries)

·         Heart attack

·         Abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias

·         Heart failure

·         Heart valve disease

·         Congenital heart disease

·         Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy)

All these diseases of the heart can be fatal.  When the religious tried to entrap Jesus, they asked him, “Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.  And Jesus answered and said unto them, what did Moses command you?  And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away. And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.  Notice, He told them it was because they had a heart problem.  Divorce does not happen when both parties have a good heart towards God and towards each other.  Guard your heart, for out of it are the issues of life.  

Sing:  Create in me a clean heart, O’ God, and renew a right spirit with me.  Create in me a clean heart, O’ God, and renew a right spirit with me.  Cast me not away from Thy presence, O’ God.  Take not Thy Holy Spirit from me; restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and renew a right spirit within me.

Thought For Today:  Have you checked your heart lately? (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 17

“And Gideon said unto them, I would desire a request of you, that ye would give me every man the earrings of his prey. (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.) And they answered, We will willingly give them. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the earrings of his prey. And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold; beside ornaments, and collars, and purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that were about their camels' necks. And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house” (Judges 8:24-27).

Today’s Morsel:  You know, twice I see in scripture that earrings were a snare to the children of Israel.  Once was when they came out of Egypt, Aaron told them to give him the earrings out of their ears and he made a golden calf and the people began to worship it and it made God angry (see Exodus 32).  And the other is in today’s scriptures.  After God worked such great victory through Gideon, he now requested that the people give him golden earrings that they had gotten from the Ishmaelites and he made an idol that caused the people to go a whoring after it, and it became a snare to Gideon and his house.  Friend, don’t create your own entrapment.  When God delivers you out of the world, don’t bring the world with you.  It can become a snare to you and your household.

Sing:  You can take this whole world, but give me Jesus. You can take this whole world, but give me Jesus.  You can take this whole world, but give me Jesus.  No turning back, no turning back.

Thought For Today.  Don’t create your own trap (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 15

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:(Romans 6:3-5)

Today’s Morsel:  Why do we like to imitate people?  Some folks make millions of dollars each year imitating people just so others can laugh and hopefully not be so depressed.  There have been those who have even imitated Christ’s crucifixion for personal gain.  I pray that those of us who imitate Him in the church are not doing it for personal gain, but only for His glory and for our eternal salvation with Him in heaven.  Paul said that when we are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, we are being buried into His death.  And then he said that if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection.  That’s true imitation, and it’s no laughing matter, because our sins are washed away and we are walking in newness of life.  Thank God for the Resurrection.  He Lives!

Sing: He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me, and talks with me along life's narrow way.  He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!  You ask me how I know He lives? He lives, within my heart.

Thought For Today:  Be an imitator of Christ. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 14

When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!
(John 19:13-14).

Today’s Morsel:  Most Christians spend time each year preparing for the Resurrection Service (what some call Easter), but they forego the Passover Service.  The Passover was to commemorate the exit from Egypt.  It was a type and shadow of coming out of the world.  It was a time to be kept, a time of remembrance of God’s deliverance.  It was to be kept and remembered for the rest of their lives, and they were to teach it to their children.  Are you teaching your family the importance of the Passover?  If we don’t teach them the importance of the Passover, the Resurrection will have little or no meaning.  Jesus has brought deliverance, we must teach that to the next generation.  

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

Thought For Today:  You can’t Passover if you don’t keep the Passover. (Parker)  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 13

“It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law”
(Psalms 119:126).

Today’s Morsel:  As I pondered on this scripture the other day, I asked myself what God’s resume would look like.  The psalmist said that it was time for the Lord to work.  Now, we know that God isn’t slothful and lazy.  But if we don’t put Him to work, He’s going to sit back and let you do it all by yourself.  Scripture says, “And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief” (Matthew 13:54-58).  Here was a carpenter that could build and repair anything, and they wouldn’t put Him to work. Yikes!

David said that if the Lord doesn’t build the house, the builder labors in vain (emphasis mine Psalms 127:1).  Even His mother Mary knew that He needed to work.  When they didn’t have any wine at the wedding, in John 2, she sent for Him.  And when He arrived, she told Him it was time for Him to work.  To which He said, I’m not on duty right now. My hour is not yet come.  But she said “Oh yes, it is.  You are here and You are on duty to work.”  And then she told the servant to do whatever He told them. (My wording).  If you are tired and weary, you may want to put Jesus to work.  Peter said to cast your cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7). “Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it” (Isaiah 43:13)?  Are you going to hire Him and let Him work?  Or are you going to do it yourself?  The choice is yours.  

Sing:  Whatever you need, God’s got it.  Whatever you need, God’s got it.  So, what you need, God’s got it; He’s got it, and He’s waiting to give it to you.

Thought For Today:  Put God to work (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 12

“And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram. And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people” (Genesis 14:13-16).

Today’s Morsel:  I think that a lot of people are confused about Christianity.  I think they think that they are enlisting in the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts.  But really, they are entering the Lord's Army.  And in this army, you must learn how to fight.  Paul told the church at Ephesus to put on the whole armor of God because they were fighting against an enemy that they could not see with the naked eye (emphasis mine - Ephesians 6:10-18-19).  It’s a fight of good against evil.  Therefore, as servants of God, we must be able to fight.  When Abraham was told that his nephew Lot was taken captive, scripture says, “He armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.”  You are not in God's army to sit on the pew.  You are in this army to fight and deliver those taken captive.  

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: Arm up (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 11

“Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me” (Psalms 119:133).

Today’s Morsel:  They say that one of the best ways to exercise is to walk up and down stairs.  The more steps that you do, they say, the more it will help your cardiovascular and increase your energy.  We can also now buy what they call a “fit watch” and other instruments that will count how many steps we take per day.  But I wonder how many of those steps that we take each day are ordered in the Word. Many folks' steps are ordered by the enemy of their soul and their goal is nothing but iniquity and sin.  But if we are born again, then the majority  of our steps should be in God’s word.  “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law” (Psalms 119:18)

 Sing: Order my steps in Your word dear Lord, lead me, guide me every day, send Your anointing, Father I pray; order my steps in Your word, please, order my steps in Your word.

 Thought For Today:  Take a step in the word today (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 10

“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. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth” (Genesis 1:26-28).

Today’s Morsel:  I was pondering the other day on this passage of God making man, and thought to myself that if God just took dirt and molded it into what we call man, and then breathed into the nostrils and man became a living soul, then one of the reasons we could be having so many issues is because we are not playing enough in and with the dirt!  When we fellowship with each other and teach home Bible studies, we are playing with dirt.  It is said that gardening, playing in the dirt, relaxes and refreshes a person; that it is good therapy for a person.  The more we get outside and play in and with dirt, the better we are going to feel.  

Sing:  Breathe on me, breathe on me, Holy Ghost power, breathe on me.  Yesterday’s gone, today I’m in need, Holy Ghost power breathe on me.

Thought For Today:  Get out in the dirt (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 8

“And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:16-19).

Today’s Morsel:  Luke chapter 4 is one of my favorite passages of scriptures.  Everything that the people had been waiting for was now right at their fingertips and yet they rejected it.  When Jesus read from Isaiah 61, the people were amazed at what He said.   But Jesus left off one part of Isaiah, which most readers do not catch.  And that was, “and the day of vengeance of our God” (Isaiah 61:2).  The reason He did not speak that to them at that time was because His goal, Luke said, was to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10).  But the Apostle Paul was very adamant that this day will come when the Lord returns.  He told the church at Thessalonica, “Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).  So don’t try to take matters into your own hands.  Always remember, that as a child of God vengeance is the Lord's and He will repay.

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

Thought For Today:  Vengeance is mine saith the Lord.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 7

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the basic subjects that the military teaches all its members is “First Aid.”  From how to stop the bleeding to restoring life.  It’s very intense training.  Therefore, when as a soldier comes upon an accident they will react to see where and how they may help.  It has been engrained in them to act.  The first case of mouth to nose resuscitation was performed by God.  He breathed into the nostril of Adam and Adam became a living soul.  God put life in to his lifeless body.  Adam was without life.  God did what we now call today the first aid method of mouth to nose resuscitation.  It’s one of the quickest ways to get air into the body when the mouth is blocked or there is some other obstruction.  Paul said, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1).  Yes, while we were in sin we were dead.  But thanks be to God that He breathed in us the breath of life and now we are living souls.  The first “First Aid” measure that every Christian must know is how to apply the gospel, which brings life to a dead soul.

Sing:  Born again, there’s been in change in me, born again, just like Jesus said.  Born again, and all because of Calvary, I’m so glad that I’ve been born again.

Thought For Today:  The first “First Aid” measure that every Christian must know is how to apply the gospel. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 6

“Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes. For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth you” 

(Deuteronomy 12:8-9).

Today’s Morsel:  ​ If you are a parent and have taken your kids on a trip, then you have heard these words, “Are we there yet?”   I’m sure that this is what Moses got to hear every day, “Are we there yet?”  What is it about a trip that causes us to focus on the destination instead of the journey?  What is it that makes us ready to get to the end rather than enjoy the beauty on the way?  Why do so many choose to take the fastest way rather than the rural and country routes and enjoy the scenery?  Moses told the children of Israel that they had not yet come to the rest and to the inheritance which the Lord had given them.  They were still roaming in the wilderness because God had some lessons to teach them enroute.  Things like humility, obedience, trust, commitment, and righteousness.  I wonder if the reason we are not at our final destination is because God is trying to teach us some lessons?

Sing:​  Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it Jesus is my plea, daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

Thought For Today:  "Stop and smell the roses."

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 5

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

Today’s Morsel:  I think that each of us has a certain item of clothing that we just really like to wear.  It just seems to fit right, feels good, and look good; at least that is what we feel and think when we are wearing it.  And we want it to last forever.  I find myself reflecting on some of my military uniforms that I wore that are now hanging in my library.  I like talking about how I felt when I wore them back in the day.  I’ve even told my wife that I want to be buried in my Dress Blues and a pair of tennis shoes!  I just felt a sense of motivation each time I put those uniforms on.  Job said that he put on righteousness and it clothed him.  I believe that he felt a great comfort knowing that he was doing right, being right, and living right.  I believe that he felt a warmth of God’s love and protection surrounding him each time he put that robe on.  I believe that each time he donned his robe of righteousness and walked down the lane, he walked with a strong gait and a step of courage. What about you?  Do you feel better about yourself when you know that you are doing right, living right, and being right?  Now is not the time to sag in your righteousness.  It’s time to gird up your loins like man.

Sing:  The windows of heaven are open, God's power is falling tonight.  It’s joy, joy, joy in my heart, since Jesus made everything right.  I gave Him my old tattered garments, He gave me a robe of pure white.  I'm feasting on manna from heaven, and that’s why I’m happy tonight.

Thought For Today:  Holiness is right.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 4

“For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat”
(2 Thessalonians 3:10).

Today’s Morsel:  There are just too many people being encouraged to do wrong.  They are being enabled through some governmental system or service and not being made to work.  Don’t get me wrong, I believe in helping people. But if a person does not desire to help themselves, then the spigot must be turned off.  Paul told the church at Thessalonica that they did not eat any man's bread for nothing; but they worked with labor and travail night and day, that they might not be chargeable to any of them (Emphasis mine, 2 Thessalonians 3:8).  And since they had worked and given them an example, if a man doesn’t work then he shouldn’t eat.  I believe that everyone can do something for the services that they receive.  Whether sitting in a chair ringing the bell during the Salvation Army drive at Christmas, handing out water for runners during special events, or picking up litter along the road, everyone can do something for what is given to them.  Yet if we never share the gospel with people, then we are no better than the system which continues to enable others.  We have freely received, and so we should freely give.  People will never see that Jesus came to give them a better hope and a better life if we do not tell them.  

Sing:  Something beautiful, something good, all of my confusion, Jesus understood; all I had to offer Him, was brokenness and strife, but He made something beautiful out of my life.

Thought For Today:  Don’t be an enabler! 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 3

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Romans 6:1-6).

Today’s Morsel:  A couple of weeks ago, I had to have some major brake work done on my truck.  It was bad.  I thought to myself, "What if my wife had been driving it and she would not have been able to stop when she pressed the brakes?!"  As I pondered those brakes, I thought about sin.  So many just can’t seem to stop when they try.  Sin can be like the brakes on my truck.  I had failed to inspect and repair them prior to their failure, and it cost me.  If I had inspected them and repaired them earlier, I may have been spared the huge repair cost.  If we do not inspect and rid our life of sin now, the cost is going to be more than we can bear.

Sing:  I came to Jesus, weary worn and sad, He took my sins away, He took my sins away, and now His love has made my heart so glad, He took my sins away.

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

Thought For Today:  Put the brakes on sin (Parker). 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 April 1

As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. (Proverbs 11:22)

Today’s Morsel:  When I entered 9^th grade, I decided to take Future Farmers of America (FFA).  Since my dad was a farmer, I thought about taking this path as a career, too.  But God had other plans.  However, one of the things I learned was how to raise hogs.  One thing I learned is that hogs don’t like to stay where you put them.  They will do everything they can to get out.  And often, they will do this by rooting with their noses into the ground close to the fence to get out.  And so, we would put a staple into their noses to prevent them from rooting.  Solomon said, “As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.”  He said, the same way it is for a hog to have a gold jewel in his nose it is the same as being a beautiful woman who has not discretion, tact, morals and decorum.   He is saying it is all useless.  His caution is for women of God to be careful how they conduct themselves.  Holiness is still beautiful.

Sing:  Jesus got a hold of my life and He won’t let me go. Jesus got into my heart, He got into my soul.  I used to be oh so sad, but now I’m happy, free and glad, because Jesus got a hold of my life and He won't let me go.

Thought For Today:  Holiness is still beautiful.