Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 December 31

“And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host; And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it. Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore. And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you. And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee” (Joshua 3:1-7)

Today’s Morsel: Israel passing over the Jordan River not only shows us that their time in the wilderness was over, but it also shows us that God was about to do a new thing and fulfill His promises to them.  We are about to enter a new year.  It is a passing over from one year to another year.  Maybe you have felt as though you have been in the wilderness like Israel for a long time and it’s your time to pass over.  I believe you are going to pass over the hurts from times past.  I believe you are going to pass over the sickness that you have been carrying.  I believe you are going to now pass over into the promises that God made to you years ago.  So, keep your eyes on the Ark, because you have not passed this way before.

Sing:  Jesus!  Jesus!  You know what’s best for me. Lead on, Jesus! I’ll go wherever You lead.

Thought For Today: What awaits You on the other side?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 December 29

“And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.”

(Luke 2:21-32).

Today’s Morsel: I have been asked people why I do not baptize babies.  I tell them it is because baptism is for the remission of sins, according to Acts 2:28, and babies do not know sin.  Therefore, there is not a need to baptize them.  I tell them that I dedicate them to the Lord as Jesus was our example.  Scripture said, “And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord.”   Notice, they present him to the Lord.  In a way this is what a baby dedication is, presenting the child to God asking for His blessing and covering to be over the child until God either fills the child with the Holy Ghost, or the child has an understanding as to why they are being baptized. Remember, any time you need an example for your life and that of your children, look to Jesus.

Sing: Jesus loves me He will stay close beside me all the way.  If I love Him when I die, He will take me home on high.

Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me.  Yes, Jesus loves me for the Bible tells me so.

Thought For Today: See that you do all things according to the pattern.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 December 28

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” 

(Matthew 2:1-11).

Today’s Morsel:  One can determine through reading the scriptures that Jesus did not remain in the stable forever.  Some scholars think that Jesus may have been around 2 to 3 years old when the wise men arrived bearing their gifts.  But no matter the time, scriptures let us know that they found him in the house when they came to worship Him.  For it had been written, “Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised. The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!” (Psalms 113:1-6).  The first reason for worship is love. The second is for mercy. “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6-7). What is your purpose for worship and seeking Him?  Wise men still seek Him.  

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

Thought For Today: True worship is from the heart.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 December 27

“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” 

(Luke 2:6-7)

Today’s Morsel:  Some have questioned why royalty would be born in a stable with animals.  Some have questioned why God, who knows all things, did not have a place for His Son to be born.  Well, He did have a place.  It was the place that He was born!  In a stable. Why you may ask in a stable?  A stable would show that He would be humble.  It may represent that the first Adam was placed in the garden among God’s creation by him. And because Jesus Christ was the second Adam, he would need to start among God’s creation afresh and anew.  And now Paul said, “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly” (1 Corinthians 15:45-49).  God always has a plan and His plan is perfect.  

Sing: He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove; the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love, and wonders of his love, and wonders, and wonders, of His love.

Thought For Today: “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life” (1 John 5:20).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 December 26

“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them” (Luke 2:16-20)

Today’s Morsel:  When the shepherds were told of Jesus’ birth, they made haste to see Him.  And once they had seen Him, they departed rejoicing that it was as they were told.  They also shared with Mary the things that they had been told them about Jesus, and Mary hid the sayings in her heart.  What do you do with what the pastor tells you about Jesus?  Do you accept it or reject it?  Do you hide it in your heart to keep forever?  Remember, they shepherds.

Sing: Joy to the world! The Savior reigns; let men their songs employ; while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

Thought For Today: Behold I give you pastors after my own heart. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 December 25

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them” (Luke 2:7-20).

Today’s Morsel:  As New Commentator Paul Harvey would say, “And now you know the rest of the story!”  Merry Christmas and May God bless each of you today!

Sing: Joy to the world, the Lord is come; let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Thought For Today:  Jesus is the reason for the season.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 December 24

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS” 

(Matthew 1:18-25).

Today Morsel:  One of the things about a well-written paper is the writer will put the bottom line up front and then prove their point in the body of the paper.  If you will notice the gospel writers, this is what they did. Matthew draws our attention to Jesus through Christ’s lineage lines and then prove it in the rest of the book. Mark draws our attention to Him through prophecy and proves it in the rest of the book.  Luke draws our attention to Him through history and does likewise. And John draws our attention to Him by His personal relationship and revelation of truth and proves it in the other chapters.  But no matter which gospel writer you follow, you will conclude with the same understanding that they each had… “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (1 Timothy 3:16).  Bible… the number one best seller every year all because of its Great Author.

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:  Bible… the number one best seller every year all because of the Author.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 December 22

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child” 

(Luke 2:1-5).

Today’s Morsel:  Do you wonder why you were born in the city or town where you were born?  When is the last time you stopped and looked at the place you were born to see what historical facts are there?  Have you retraced history to see what may have been taking place during your birth?  I’m sure Mary and Joseph had not considered Bethlehem, the city of David, as the place that Mary would give birth to Jesus.  She was probably just ready to deliver and didn’t care where it was that she was going to have him.  It probably never crossed their minds about the place and lineage.  But God took it all into consideration.  He knew the reason for the place and time because it was already a part of the plan. God’s word had to be fulfilled.  And so He caused the Romans to implement a tax that would require everyone to return to where they were from. Thus, completing His plan for divine entrance into the world. Why not retrace the town you were born.  It may seem insignificant to us, but God may still have a plan for your being born there.

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

Thought For Today: Bethlehem…the city of Bread.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 December 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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17).

Today’s Morsel:  Most people do not associate these scriptures with the birth of Christ, but rather more about His death.  But really, they are more about His birth than his death.  God loved us enough to give us His Son to save us.  Isn’t that the reason He came?  To redeem us from our sins.  Yes, I know that He had to die so that we could live, but if He had not come to the world first, there would have been no hope for us. Aren’t you glad that God loved us enough to give us His Son?

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

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

Thought For Today: God is love!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 December 20

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:26-35).

Today’s Morsel:  For many years, people brought magazines subscriptions hoping that Ed McMahon would someday show up at their door to tell them they had won 25 million dollars in the Publishing House Clearance Sweepstakes.  But sad to say he’s never shown up nor will he.  But Mary did receive a visitor to tell her that she had been chosen to bear the Savior of the world.  She won more than sweepstakes.  She won the title to be called blessed and highly favored of the Lord.  The writer of Hebrews tells us, “Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:1-2).  Be careful who you turn away when they knock or ring your doorbell.  It just might be an angel with a task for you from God.

Sing:  Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?  Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?  Did you know that your baby boy had come to make you new?
This child that you'd delivered, would soon deliver you. Mary, did you know?

Thought For Today:  God loves surprises.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 December 19

“Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek. But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:1-2).

Today’s Morsel:  A few years ago, on our trip to Israel, we had an opportunity to tour Bethlehem.  I was surprised at how small it really is.  Why was this city chosen?  It was the city of David.  Here Rachel was buried and Ruth gleaned in Boaz’s field.  David was anointed to be king here, and Jesus was born in a manger, and the wise men came from the east seeking the Savior here.  There was something special about this little town.  The name itself enlightens us.  Bethlehem, the city of bread.  Jesus is the bread of life (John 6:35). Isaiah said that His going forth have been from of old, from everlasting.  From the moment that time had its birth, He came forth.  He was before that time in which He began to come forth to save the souls that He had created.  He was before all things.  He is the Creator of all things, so He is the Eternal.  Paul said that Jesus is the Creator of all things  (1 Corinthians 8:6).  Therefore, He is God; for He cannot be a part of His own work.

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

Thought For Today:  Bethlehem, the city of bread.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 December 18

“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. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” (Jude 1:20-25)

Today’s Morsel:  Christmas seems to be one of the best times to make a difference in others lives, as we usually associate it with giving more than receiving. Jude tells us to have compassion on some making a difference.  What can you do for others that will make a difference in their life?  When is the last time you took a few moments and searched through your closet and removed some of those clothes that you do not wear and took them to a homeless shelter?  When is the last time you went to a nursing home and sang Christmas carols to the elderly and shut in?  What about bell ringing for the Salvation Army?  What about going to the children’s hospital to read a book?  Or maybe send someone a Christmas card?  Better yet, instead of a text, why not give someone you have not talked to in a while a call.  Jesus said that when you have compassion on others, that you are doing it to Him (my wording).  (See also Matthew 25:31-46.) The best way to show compassion is to live the ‘Golden Rule’.

Sing:  Thy loving-kindness is better than life.  Thy loving-kindness is better than life.  My lips shall praise Thee, thus will I bless Thee.  I will lift up my hands unto Thy name.

Thought For Today: You reap what you sow.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 December 17

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:3-4).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things that Isaiah said that Jesus would be called was the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).  You see, He had no violence nor guile in His lips, as these attributes usher peace within oneself. A mind that is stayed upon Christ, that is the mind that has confidence in Him, shall not be agitated by the trials to which it may be subject, not by persecution, poverty, sickness, want, or bereavement.  It will have the serenity to smile and show forth strength in these things.  Since we know that He is our peace, should we not have plenty of it?  Jesus gives us peace that passes all understanding, what a precious gift to receive.  

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

Thought For Today: Keep your mind on Him and you will always be at peace. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 December 15

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Galatians 4:4-5)

Today’s Morsel: I can always tell when Christmas is getting closer.  You may say, "How do you know?" Well, my wife keeps track.  As soon as Christmas passes, she says, "It’s only 365 days until Christmas."  And the countdown and anticipation begins!   Paul writes that when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law to redeem us.  If there had been a man, Isaiah said, that could have brought righteous and salvation and deliverance from sins for us, there would not have been a need for God to come.  But he said, “And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him” (Isaiah 59:16).  There was no one qualified to stop evil and sin from destroying mankind, and so Jesus took on the role for us. Thank God for His amazing grace.  Do you anticipate sharing His story with others this season?  Jesus is their hope for tomorrow.  

Sing: God sent His Son, they called Him Jesus.  He came to love, heal and forgive.  He lived and died, to buy my pardon, an empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.  And because He lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives, all fear is gone.  Because I know, He holds the future, my life is worth the living just because He lives.

Thought For Today:  Neither is there salvation in any other but Jesus.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 December 14

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

Today’s Morsel:  I don’t know if you ever noticed it or not, but from the time football season begins, there is always more advertisements on T.V., junk mail in your mailboxes, posts on your Facebook page, and billboards along the highways, all about purchasing the perfect gift for Christmas.  Well friend, I don’t mean to discourage you, but the world has no perfect gifts.  They are all manmade and will have many deficiencies.  So, don’t fall for the bait stick.  However, James tells us that every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.  The general sense is, that God is the author of all that is good and perfect.  Everything that is good on the earth we are to trace back to him.  It is from above, from God, who is often represented as dwelling above.  And it comes down from Him, the Father of lights.  From Jesus Christ, who is the source of all light (John 8:12;1 John 1:5).  If you are looking for that perfect gift, then you must give others Jesus.  

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

Thought For Today:  The Holy Ghost is the only perfect gift.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 December 13

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

Today’s Morsel:  Sometimes when we read scripture, we can get sidetracked by the adjectives, adverbs, or nouns instead of whom the writer is writing about. Somewhat like when we read Matthew 28:19, which says, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”  If we are not careful, we can think that we are doing what was said and miss what we were commanded to do.  You know the old saying, “I know you think you understood what I said, but I’m not sure you understood what I meant.”  For example, Isaiah said "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."  If you will notice, both Isaiah and Matthew use the word, ‘name’ instead of the actual name of the person they were talking about.  Therefore, we must get an understanding of the one whom they are talking about when they say 'name'.  Well, the apostles John and Paul help us with our understanding. “But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him”  (1 Corinthians 8:6); “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life” (1 John 5:20).  His name is Jesus.  

Sing:  His name is Wonderful, His name is Wonderful, His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord. He's the Great Shepherd, the Rock of All Ages, Almighty God is He. Bow down before Him, love and adore Him. His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord.

Thought For Today: The truth shall make you free.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 December 12

“Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears. Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth. Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.” (Isaiah 43:7-11)

Today’s Morsel:  Are you really a true witness for Christ?  John wrote, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full” (1 John 1:1-4).  If we are His witnesses shouldn't we Him?  If we are His witnesses shouldn't we believe in Him?  If we are His witnesses, shouldn't we testify of Him before others?  If you know where the righteousness, goodness, truth, and salvation is, don’t hide it, tell it.  To me, Christmas is the best time to be His witnesses by all those who say that they know Him.   Let's go tell others about the Savior who they are celebrating this season.  

Sing: I love my Savior, He loves me too; I’ll seek His favor in everything that I do.

Thought For Today: The Day of Pentecost brought forth witnesses.