Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 31

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10)

Today’s Morsel:  I’m sure we all heard the comment "They talk a good game, but they sure aren’t walking the walk".  If we say that we are Christians, shouldn’t our walk reflect it?  Walking the talk is one of the challenges Christians face every day.  Paul said that we should, “Walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).  We must be careful how we walk, where we walk, and what we do.  It’s true for every aspect of our lives.  From family and faith, to sports and politics, to our jobs and in our communities, there are challenges that we face, and we must walk the talk.  We often say one thing yet sadly do another.  James tells us, “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2).  We can talk about the importance of being committed, being honest, having integrity, being trustworthy, showing respect, taking responsibility, and being dependable; but do we walk it?  We can talk about soul winning, but do we reach out and show compassion to those who do not know Jesus?  We can talk about giving to the Kingdom of God, but do we sacrificially give?  We can talk about heaven, but do we anticipate His coming?  Are we ready to go?  Some people say that they will die for their faith, and yet they won’t even commit to the things of God in their daily lives. Don’t talk it if you are going to walk it.

Sing:  Let me walk with You, Jesus, don’t ever leave me alone.  For without You I could never, no never make heaven my home.

Thought For Today:  Don’t talk it if you aren't going to walk it. (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 29

"Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few."  (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2)

Today’s Morsel:  I’m sure that like me, at one time or another you have said things that we wish we could take back.  I’m sure we’ve even uttered things in prayer saying we would do something if God would just answer our prayers, but we didn’t follow through after He did.  We seem to be good at telling God the things that we are going to start doing better than when it comes to actually serving Him, when our backs are up against the wall.  Even Israel was good at telling God that they would obey and live for Him if He rid them of their enemies.  But their words proved to be shallow.  If we aren’t careful, we too can find that our words can be shallow if we aren’t committed to follow through with what we say we are going to do.  I’m sure you’ve heard these phrases: “Practice what you preach”, “Actions speak louder than words”, “Talk is cheap”.   Solomon said that we should be not rash with our mouth, and "let not our heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few".  So, I guess that the best thing we can do is  to have a little less talk and a whole lot more action.   

Sing:  I know the Lord will make a way for me, I know that Lord will make a way for me.  If I live a holy life, shun the wrong and do the right.  I know the Lord will make a way for me.

Thought For Today:  Let thy words be few and thine actions more (Parker). 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 28

"Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."  

(Matthew 4:1-4)

Today’s Morsel:  Words to live by are just words, unless we actually live by them.  I believe that we could change the world tomorrow if those who say that they are born-again, would live and act like it.  When Satan tempted Jesus to turn the stones into bread, Jesus told him, citing Deuteronomy 8:3, that it is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."   I conclude that if you are not going to live and do what it says, the Bible is simply another book to you.  

Sing: I want to live the way that He wants me to live, I want to give, until there's no more to give.  I want to love, love till there’s just no more love.  I could never, never out love the Lord.

Thought For Today:  Words to live by are just words, unless we actually live by them.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 27

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."  (Colossians 3:17)

Today’s Morsel:  I have come to realize that everything we do in life counts.  Even scripture tells us, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62); “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37); “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons” (Colossians 3:23-25).  There is never a wrong time to do what is right.  Everything we do counts.  This is especially true when it comes to living according to God’s word.  We all need to be doers of His word, not simply hearers.

Sing: Learning to lean, 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: It’s never Okay to do wrong.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 26

"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."  

(Matthew 7:12)

Today’s Morsel:  I’m sure that at one time or another most people have heard about this thing called the “Golden Rule.”  Why was this scripture entitled such?  Jesus never called it the “Golden Rule.”  He simply said treat people the way that you want to be treated and to do unto others what you want them to do to you.  Yet, if it’s golden, shouldn’t we all be keeping it?  This scripture is perhaps the most simple, profound, and universal guide for human interaction.  If you are looking for a crash course on doing right and treating people right, then you don’t have to look any farther than the word of God, as it’s all Golden.

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:  The “Golden Rule” is still pure gold. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 25

"Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth."  (Proverbs 17:24)

Today’s Morsel:  Two of the major tenets of combat are wisdom and understanding.  Telling everything that you know sinks ships, and not knowing what you are doing gets people killed.  Solomon said that wisdom is before him that has understanding.  Wisdom is clearly seen by those who have it.  Wisdom and understanding go hand in hand.  Gill commentary says of this passage: “It is near him, to direct and assist him; it is before him as a rule to walk by, and it is the mark he aims at. A man of spiritual understanding has the book of wisdom before him, the Scriptures of truth, which are able to make a man wise to salvation; and he steers his course according to them; he sets Christ, the Wisdom of God, always before him; and keeps his eye on the mark for the prize, all the while he is running his Christian race.”  Yet he of the fool he says: “But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth; where wisdom is not to be found, it is far off from him; his mind is wandering after every object, is unsettled and unfixed to anything; and which may be discerned in his eyes, which are rolling about and turning, first one way and then another; and which shows the levity and inconstancy of his mind.”  Open the Bible, read it, mediate on it, observe it, and watch wisdom and understanding flow into your life.

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:  Wisdom is the principle thing, therefore get wisdom.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 24

"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."  

(2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

Today’s Morsel:  When we were kids, one of the games that we loved to play at night was “Hide-and-Seek.”  It’s easy to play it in the day light, but at night it’s another thing.  Paul said that if the gospel is hidden, it is hidden to them that are lost because Satan has blinded people’s minds.  This is one of the reasons that God calls for us to renew our minds (Romans 12:2).  I would say that in today’s world, eighty to ninety percent of people have no understanding of the gospel and its purpose.  Most people today are struggling through life due of a lack of knowledge of the gospel.  The gospel not only saves us, it encourages us, gives us directions, and brings us newness of life.  If you’ve never read the Bible, why not pick one up and open its pages.  When you read it, you will understand what the psalmist meant when he said: “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” (Psalms 119:130)

Sing: I have good news to bring and that is why I sing, all my joys with you I’ll share; I’m going to take a trip in the good Old Gospel Ship and go sailing through the air.

Oh I’m gonna take a trip, on that good Old Gospel Ship, I’m going far beyond the sky; I’m gonna shout and sing until the heavens ring, when I bid this world good-bye.

Thoughts For Today:  “The gospel is still the answer for the world” (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 22

“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded. But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.” (Psalms 22:1-8)  

Today’s Morsel:  Many people refuse to serve God today because they feel as though God has abandoned them.  Many have lost loved ones and blame God.  Many have lost jobs or careers and blame God.  But isn’t God sovereign? Can He not do with what is His what He wants?  We only think that God has abandoned us if we are not living according to His word, if we will not forgive, and repent. But when the opposite is in play, we know that no matter what happens, God always has our best interest at heart and He will provide that peace that passes all understanding, even if things don't seem to go the way we want them to.  He may feel far way, but He is always as close as the mention of His name.  Don’t mistake the silence!

Sing: I know the Lord will make a way for me.  I know the Lord will make a way for me.  If I live a holy life, shun the wrong and do the right; I know the Lord will make a way for me.

Thought For Today: Don’t mistake the silence! (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 21

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” (1 Corinthians 12:1-11)  

Today’s Morsel:  I believe that Spiritual gifts should be in operation in every church of the people who confess to being born-again believers.  The thing about Spiritual gifts is how they are to be used in the church.  We may not possess all of them in our present life, at this time, but we should pray and seek God to have all of them, and to gain an understanding of the proper use of them in our life and in the church.  Paul mentioned that there are gifts of healing.  I believe that this gift is three-fold; physical, mental, and spiritual.  The woman with the issue of blood, spoken of in Mark 5, was in need of all three types of healings.  She needed physical healing because of her blood condition.  She need mental healing because she had spent all of her money and no one could find a cure and she was seen as being unclean.  She need spiritual healing because she was excluded from the house of God; As faith comes by hearing the word of God.  I believe that if people can be healed mentally and spiritually, they can become overcomers and serve God even in their physical infirmities.  Only Jesus can satisfy and heal the soul.  

Sing: Lord, You know I need a brand new touch, my strength from yesterday is gone, but if You give me Lord another touch, I’ll have the strength to carry on.

Thought For Today:  Jehovah Rophi, the Lord our Healer!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 20

“And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.” (2 Samuel 23:11-12)  

Today’s Morsel:  I really like reading about David's mighty men.  As a matter of fact, I like reading and watching battle all together.  Scripture says that when everyone else ran from the Philistines, Shammah was willing to defend his pea patch even if it cost him his life.  I find four very important points from Shammah here.  (1) Don’t run when the odds are against you; (2) If it’s worth planting, it’s worthy fighting for; (3) Always stand on God’s word knowing that you cannot be defeated; (4) You have to leave some kind of legacy of what God did through you in your life.

Sing: Great and mighty is the Lord our God, great and mighty is He.  Great and mighty is the Lord our God, great and mighty is He.  Lift up your banner let the anthem ring, praises to our King.  Great and mighty is the Lord our God, great and mighty is He.

Thought For Today: If it’s worthy planting, it’s worthy defending (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 19

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)  

Today’s Morsel:  When is the last time you’ve thought on something good so that you can speak good?  If we aren’t careful, we can tune our ears to more evil than good.  Even in the church today, there seems be more complaints and evil being spewed and coming after us than exaltation.  I want to be like David, when he said, “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.” (Psalms 141:3-4).  Like David,  I don’t want to say anything rashly, unadvisedly, or improperly.  He prayed that God would guard him from the temptation to say something wrong.  He prayed that God would keep the door of his lips and mouth that he would not open except when it was proper and right; when something good and true was to be said.  Have you requested that God keep your mouth?

Sing:  I will praise Him! I will praise Him! Praise the Lamb for sinners slain!  Give Him glory all ye people, for His blood can wash away each stain.

Thought For Today: “You win more flies with honey than vinegar” 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 18

“Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. 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: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.” (Deuteronomy 6:1-12) 

Today’s Morsel: The Book of Deuteronomy is a book of remembrance.  The word “Deuteronomy” arrives from two Greek word:  “Deuteros”, meaning second and “Nomos” meaning Law.  Thus, “Deuteronomy” is the giving of the law a second time to Israel by Moses, because the generation that he gave it to first had rejected it and had died in the wilderness; hence it was important that he should repeat and expound it to the next generation before they entered the promised land.  It is to be seen as a book of divine requirement of obedience.  In it he stresses to them how God dealt with them in their past.  He cautioned them to be a separated people, and obedient to Gods’ divine commandments.  He told them that they must live by God’s code and laws in the promise land; and that blessings would come through their obedience to that law while curses would come upon their disobedience if they reject God's law.  And his finally admonishment to them was to never forget God.  He warned them that no matter how good life got for them, they must never forget God and His word.  He let them know that if they forgot, God would cast them off forever.  There is much we can heed from these warnings give by Moses to the children of Israel.  

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

Thought For Today: Don’t forget God!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 17

“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 ways that military Drill Instructors train new recruits is by stating what they want them to know over and over again.  They will say it three or four times to ensure that they have a clear understanding of what they are talking about.  Paul told the church at Philppi, “To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.”  Sometimes it is necessary to say and write the same things over and over again so that people may be able to better understand them, and so that the message you are trying to give may be more strongly fixed in the person's memory.  For the church, this is important because it helps to establish the saints in truth.  Paul said it’s not grievous to repeat the message, but safe for the hearer.  In other words, it was necessary to warn them and to keep them from false doctrine and the evil ways of the wicked one by repeating the message over and over again.  So, for him to repeat it wasn’t a burden.  Therefore, in the church, we should not be upset if we hear the same messages and admonitions over and over because it is safe for us.

Sing: Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life; Let me more of their beauty see, wonderful words of life; Words of life and beauty, teach me faith and duty. Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.

Thought For Today: Don’t kill the messenger. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 15

"I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me. I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame."  (Psalms 119:30-31)

Today’s Morsel:  Most of us will remember the song, “I am stuck on band-aid, cause band-aid is stuck on me.”  I turned this into a message a few years ago to stress the importance of being stuck on Jesus and His word so that He will be stuck on you.  The Psalmist said, "I have stuck unto Thy testimonies: O Lord, put me not to shame."   David, said, that the testimonies of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple (Psalms 19:7).  When we are obedient to the law, commandments, and word of God, it sticks to us.  Paul said that nothing would be able to separate him from the love of God.  What about you?  Are you stuck on Jesus?  Is He stuck on you?

Sing: I am stuck on Jesus, cause, Jesus is stuck on me.  I am stuck on Jesus, cause, Jesus is stuck on me.

Thought For Today:  The word works better than Band-aids! 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 14

"There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down” (Luke 13:1-9)

Today’s Morsel:  I am of a firm belief that anyone who says they are born-again should be committed and doing something in their local church by their second year of being saved.  I was in the church for a year before I was baptized and received the Holy Ghost, but this was my own delay, not God’s.  But immediately after I was baptized and received the Holy Ghost, my pastor had me cleaning church, leading worship and teaching Sunday School.  I even got to see some of my co-worker baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost.  Jesus came to a fig tree and there was nothing on it.  He said, “Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.”  Is this the end of your third year without any fruit?  

Sing: Jesus, use me and  O’ 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:  Get busy!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 13

"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all. A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them. Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:1-6)

Today’s Morsel:  How many times have you heard Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he’s old he won’t depart from it?”  But many parents are left scratching their heads when they see their kids going in the opposite directions of what they taught them.  I think the problem here is that we focus on verse 6 and miss verse 1-5.  To me, verse 6 comes through understanding verses 1-5.  But we do not focus on verses 1-5, we just focus on the promise in verse 6.  Solomon first tells you what you need to direct him in.

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

1.  Teach children the importance of a good name and how to maintain a good reputation.  Abraham Lincoln said, “Character is like a tree and reputation is like the shadow of it.  The shadow is what you think of it, the tree is the real thing.”

The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

2.  Teach children that God is just.  He causes it to rain on the just and unjust.  Teach them that God is no respecter of persons.  Teach them not to be prejudice and unfair, but to treat everyone with respect.  Teach them honesty and integrity.

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

3.  Teach children how to recognize dangers and walk away from them.  Teach them to flee wrong and not to join themselves to anyone who tries to draw them to do wrong.  Teach them how to be wise, sensible, careful and cautious.

By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.

4.  Teach children that riches and honor come through respect, good work ethics, humility and a relationship with God.

Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.

5.  Teach children that there are traps and pitfalls in life and that they must watch themselves and their actions so that they do not fall into those traps and pitfalls.

Once they understand this, then they will not depart from it.  Teach them and set the path for your children to follow. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:1-6).

Sing: Let me walk with you Jesus, don’t every leave me alone. For without You I could never, no never make heaven my home.

Thought For Today:  The twig grows the way it is bent.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 12

“Moreover the LORD stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that were near the Ethiopians: And they came up into Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons. And after all this the LORD smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease. And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers. Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired. Howbeit they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings” (2 Chronicles 21:16-20)

Today’s Morsel: I have conducted and attended quite a few funerals lately, and I am often taken aback of those who are departing with no respect or honor.  In other words, those who were hated while they lived, are neglected when they die.  Only a few, if any, seem to have anything good to say about the person.  And I think to myself, what did the person do that only a few family members may have anything to say.  Solomon said that a good name is better to be chosen then great riches (Proverbs 22:1).  The children of Israel lamented for Moses for thirty days.  David lamented over Jonathan and Abner.  Yet we read that Jehoram was buried in disgrace.  He reigned but eight years, and then departed without being desired.  To show what little affection or respect they had for him, they would not bury him in the sepulchers of the kings of his fathers. Their memory of him was far from being sweet and precious to them, and therefore they did not honor him with any kind of sweet odors or precious spices showing they desired him.  Nobody valued him while he lived, and none lamented him when he died.  Sad!  What legacy are you leaving? What will others say about you?  Will others rise up to call you blessed even when you are gone?  

Sing: Lord prepare me, to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true; with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living, sanctuary for You.

Thought For Today:  A good name will follow you to the grave. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 11

"And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beersheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers. And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city, And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment."  

(2 Chronicles 19:4-6)

Today’s Morsel:  When we observe “Lady Liberty” outside the Department of Justice, she has on a blindfold, in her left hand she holds a set of scales, and a sword upon her right hand.  The blindfold represents objectivity, in that justice is or should be meted out objectively, without fear or favor, regardless of money, wealth, power, or identity; blind justice and impartiality.  A set of scales typically suspended from her left hand, upon which she measures the strengths of a case's support and opposition. And the sword represented authority in ancient times, and conveys the idea that justice can be swift and final.  David said, “The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God” (2 Samuel 23:3).  When King Jehoshaphat appointed judges to oversee the land, he told them to take heed what they did because they were not judging for man, but for the Lord.  With the fear of God there is no injustice.

Sing: He’s got the whole world in His hands, He’s got the whole world in His hands, He’s got the whole world in His hands; He’s got the whole world in His hands.

Thought For Today:   God is just.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 10

“I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.” (Psalms 9:1-2)

Today’s Morsel:  What is your favorite praise song?  Is there one that you’ve made to give God praise?  Why do we feel that we must sing the songs that others have already written to praise God with?  What if those songs were only how they felt at the time in their lives?  What do you think moved David to write and sing the songs that he did?  I believe that it was that he realized God’s goodness toward him.  And so to show his thankfulness to God, he wrote words that would express his thanks to God for His goodness towards him.  Why not make your praise song today to Him for His goodness and mercy toward you?  Sing unto the Lord a new song!

Sing:  When I offer praise to You for what You’ve done for me, it’s not that I am worthy of it at all.  But You’ve shown me You care, and that You’ll always be there, and so I offer this praise up to You.

Thought For Today:  Praise is just another way of saying thanks.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 8

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged” (John 16:7-11).

Today’s Morsel:  A young girl came home from church and her mother asked her what the pastor's message was for that day.  She replied, “You’ll Get Your Quilt.”  The mother somewhat surprised of the message title, and decided to call the pastor and inquire about it; the pastor told her his message title was actually, “Your Comforter Will Come.” (humor)  The Greek word for Comforter is par-ak'-lay-tos, an intercessor, consoler: advocate, comforter.  Jesus told His disciples that it was expedient for them that He go away.  For if He did not go away, the Comforter would not come unto them; but if He departed, He would send it to them.  Because Jesus is the Holy Ghost, they could only receive it if He departed.  Jesus wanted them to know that even though they would not see Him with them physically, He would be with them spiritually. When the Comforter came, it would reprove the world of sin, unrighteousness, and judgment.  In other words, the Holy Ghost will reveal sins in one’s life, allow you to see right from wrong, and reveal to you what the end state will be for those who reject it.  The Holy Ghost is God's Spirit within us.  

Sing: O’ Lord send the fire just now, O’ Lord send the fire just now, O’ Lord send the fire just now and baptize everyone. 

Thought For Today:  Do you need a comforter!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 7

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.” (Matthew 13:44).

Today’s Morsel:  Why do you think that God wanted people to be filled with His Spirit?  Many do not understand the value of the Holy Ghost in their life.  Some think that it’s just a nice thing to have and do not understand the value of it.  Some think that it gives them an advantage over those who do not have it, but they still do not understand the value of it.  Jesus said that it’s more than just something to have.  He said that it’s like finding a hidden treasure in a field.  You sell everything else to buy it, because you understand the value of the treasure.  When Jesus places His Spirit in you, He expects you to leave trying to be satisfied with other things and enjoy the treasure that you have found.

Sing: Welcome Holy Spirit, we are in Your presence, feasting on Your manna, come live inside of me.

Thought For Today:  The Spirit gives life!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 6

"Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps” (Psalms 85:10-13).

Today’s Morsel:  With the number of so called churches in the world, you would think that truth would be springing up out of the earth everywhere, as they say that they believe in Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).  So why is there so much evil and truth hidden?  Solomon said, “When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.” (Proverbs 28:12).  When we allow wickedness to rise, the man of truth is hidden.  Isaiah said that Jesus Christ would grow up as a root out of the dry ground (Isaiah 53:2).  I say that it’s time that we raise truth to another level.  Where mercy and truth are met together, righteousness and peace will kiss each other.  It's time for us to stand for His truth and walk in it. 

Sing: Alive! Alive! Alive forever more, my Jesus is alive, alive forever more; Alive! Alive! Alive forever more, my Jesus is alive.

Thought For Today: Don’t let truth fall in the streets.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 5

"For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah."

(Psalms 32:6-7)

Today’s Morsel:  I am so thankful that God brought me into the church during the time when they sang songs of deliverance.  Don’t get me wrong, I am a man that loves all music.  But those songs of deliverance back then just did something for the soul.  Songs like, “He Set Me Free”, “Love Lifted Me”, “There Is Power In The Blood”, “He Rescued Me”, “He Took My Sins Away”, and “At The Cross”.  Those old songs of deliverance edified and soothed the soul and showed what God had done for us.  The Psalmist said, “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.”  He’s compassed us with songs of deliverance. Isaiah said that God has given unto us the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3).  So, the next time you feel that you are in troubles over your head that you can’t handle, get on your garment of praise and pull out an old song of deliverance, and sing unto the Lord.  For, “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God”; “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me” (Psalms 50:15,23).

Sing: The blood that Jesus shed for me, way back, on Calvary, It’s the blood that gives me my strength, from day to day, it will never lose its power.  For it reaches to the highest mountain, and it flows to the lowest valley.  The blood that gives me strength, from day to day, it will never lose, its power.

Thought For Today:  Only Jesus can make you free.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 4

"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 4:18-19)

Today’s Morsel:  The Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Lincoln in January 1863, declared "that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free."  However, many of those slaves chose to remain under their masters for food and shelter, while others accepted their freedom and moved on. Today, so many people who think that they are free, are finding themselves being enslaved by the enemy of their soul.  Drugs, alcohol, body piercing, fornication, teen pregnancy, body tattooing, uncleanliness, and adultery are just some of the ways that Satan is taking people captive at his will (read what Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:26).  But I want you to know that today you can be made free and liberated from the snares of Satan and recover your soul. Jesus said that He came to preach deliverance to the captives.  Do you, or someone you know, need freedom today?  Then the gospel is for them and you.  Jesus paid the price for your freedom.  Today can be your Independence Day.  You don't have to wait!

Sing:  Once like a bird in prison I dwelt, no freedom from my sorry I felt; but Jesus came and listened to me, glory to God, He set me free.

He set me free, yes, He set me free.  He broke the bonds of prison for me.  I’m glory bound, my Jesus to see.  Glory to God, He set me free.

Thought For Today: Freedom is not free!  Jesus paid the price!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 3

"And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, to the oracle of the house, into the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubims: For the cherubims spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above. And they drew out the staves of the ark, that the ends of the staves were seen from the ark before the oracle; but they were not seen without. And there it is unto this day. There was nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses put therein at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt."

(2 Chronicles 5:7-10)

Today’s Morsel: After Solomon had completed the building of the Temple of the Lord, he had the priest bring in the Ark of the Lord and place it in its place.  However, scriptures says,  “There was nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses put therein at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt.”  But God had commanded Moses to place a pot of manna and Aaron's rod that budded in the ark as a testimony of what He had done for them (see Exodus 16:30-34; Number 17:10; Hebrews 9:1-5).  But now we see that there are only the two tables written on by the hand of God inside of the ark.  Some may question what happened to the pot of manna and the rod.  The manna and the rod were testimonies of what God had done for Israel’s provision in the wilderness.  Now, in the church, the temple, the pastor must feed and lead God’s flock according to and by His Word only (Jeremiah 3:15).  The Word remains forever.  

Sing:  I was glad when they said unto me, I was glad when they said unto me, I was glad when they said unto me, come let us go unto the house of the Lord.

Thought For Today: The Word will never pass away.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 July 1

“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: When John the Baptist arrived on the scene, he first preached, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2); his next action was that of baptism (Matthew 3:5-6); and then he told them that there was One coming that would baptize them with the Holy Ghost and fire (Matthew 3:11).  The reason they could not receive the Holy Ghost at that time was because the Holy Ghost was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified (John 7:37-39).  Repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost fulfills Jesus' command to Nicodemus in John 3:3-5 of being born again of the water and the spirit.  (See also Acts 2:38 spoken by Peter on the Day of Pentecost.)  Every believer in Christ must be born-again of the water and the spirit in order to be His (1 Peter 3:21, Romans 8:9).  Scripture says that we are buried with Christ 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. You can only walk in newness of life after you come up out of the watery grave.  Have you been baptized with water and the Spirit?

Sing:  I’m so glad that I've been buried in the name of the Lord, in the name of the Lord, in the name of the Lord.  Well I’m so glad that I been buried in the name of the Lord, since the name of the Lord has been revealed.

Thought For Today: Jesus Christ is Lord (John 13:13-14).