Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 31

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

Today’s Morsel:  When I read the book of Habakkuk, he paints a dim picture of loss while also repeating his confidence in God.  I know, he says, “The fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls.”  God has still got me covered and He is still with me. And so, he says, “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.”  Habakkuk says that loss, times of unfruitfulness, and lack of labors in time of harvest is not a time to cry over spilled milk in God’s Kingdom, rather it is a time for rejoicing (my wording).  Our praise and worship are not dependent on what He does, but rather on Who He is.  

Sing:  He’s all I need!  He’s all I need!  Jesus is all I need.  He satisfies my needs supply.  Jesus is all I need!

Thought For Today:  that worship Him, must worship Him in spirit and in Truth.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 30

 “I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness”
(Psalms 30:1-4)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about walking by faith is we do not get to see all the enemies that God may be destroying before us as He goes before us to make the way straight.  Paul tells us, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12); and that Satan is the God of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4).  Satan would desire nothing better than to cause you to fall.  You must get into a habit each day of thanking God for not allowing your enemies to rejoice over you.  Stand strong in the power of His might and know that He goes before you making the way straight and also making the way of escape.  

Sing:  Lately I've been winning battles left and right, but even winners can get wounded in the fight.  People say that I'm amazing, strong beyond my years, but they don't see inside of me I'm hiding all the tears.

They don't know that I go running home when I fall down.  They don't know Who picks me up when no one is around.  I drop my sword and cry for just a while.  'Cause deep inside this armor, the warrior is a child.

Thought For Today:  His armor is the best.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 29

“Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon. He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn. The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire. The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory. The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever. The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace”
(Psalms 29:1-11)

Today’s Morsel:  Ever since God confounded the language at the tower of Babel, there have been many voices on the earth.  From beast, fowl, man, Satan, and God, there are many voices throughout the land.  Even John tells us in the book of Revelation that he heard a voice saying, “I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea…” (Revelation 1:10-13).  The uniqueness of these voices is that we must be able to discern which is good and which is evil.  Just as Paul told the church at Corinth when he said, “There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me” (1 Corinthians 14:10-11).  The Psalmist said that the voice of the Lord is mighty and powerful as the sound of thunder.  It can break in pieces the giant cedar tree or even a mountain.  And yet that All Powerful and All Mighty God can speak in a still small voice when He speaks words of love, compassion, and forgiveness. “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God” (Revelation 21:3).  Do you hear what I hear?  Do you know His voice when He speaks?   

Sing:  Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy, do you hear what I hear?  Ringing through the sky shepherd boy, do you hear what I hear?  A song, a song high above the trees with a voice as big as the sea, with a voice as big as the sea.

Thought For Today:  A soft answer turns away wrath.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 27

"How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed! the stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street. The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!" (Lamentations 4:1-2)

Today’s Morsel:  Throughout scripture, the saint’s faith is compared to gold.  Peter said, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:7). Jeremiah asked the question, “How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed!” When our faith in God cannot be seen, it is dim or darken. What are some things that can hinder our faith from being clearly seen? James said a lack of wisdom (James 1:5-8).  Paul said it’s because we refuse to mix it with the word when we hear it (Hebrews 4:2).  And Jesus said, because of our unbelief (Matthew 17:20). Therefore, if we want our faith to burn bright and shine forth, we must get wisdom, mix it with the word of God and believe what God says.

Sing:  Faith can move mountains. Mountains of fear and of doubt.  Faith can move mountains, so why don’t you try your faith out.

Thought For Today:  Faith is rooted in faithfulness.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 26

“Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying, Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:26-27)

Today’s Morsel:  Have you ever heard the comment, “That’s just too hard, nobody can do that?”  But apparently, someone can and has done it if they are asking you to do it.  Someone said that we never know what we can do until we try.  The apostle Paul states that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him.  The Lord asked Jeremiah if there was anything too hard for Him.  Was Jeremiah questioning God’s ability?  Was he not aware who was asking him to do what he was being asked to do?  When we read God’s word, sometimes we may think what it is asking us to do is too hard.  But God isn’t going to let you do it alone.  He will help you.  For example, giving of tithes to your church.  Many will look at their income and say that they can’t give ten percent of their income.  That’s too hard.  But God wouldn’t have placed it in His word if He didn’t know it could be done.  It’s there to build your faith.  If God can’t trust you to return ten percent of your income, He won’t trust you with anything else He has for you.  There is nothing too hard for God.  No situation, circumstance, or problem.  The problem lies in our ability to believe what He’s able to do.  Our God is able to do exceeding and abundantly above and beyond what we could ever think.  

Sing:  He is my everything, He is my all.  He is my everything, both great and small.  He gave His life for me, made everything new.  He is my everything, oh how about you?

Thought For Today:  The hard things belong to God.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 25

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is”
(1 Corinthians 3:10-13).

Today’s Morsel:  To achieve the results required by their vision and to be standard bearers and developers of Christ, Christians must be rooted in a firm system called “ethics”. Things such as integrity, truth, truthfulness, trustworthiness, morals, principles, right and wrong, decency, and proper conduct must flow from this system into one’s life.  Peter saying of Jesus Christ tells us, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Peter 2:21-23).  This system is the cement in the foundation of the church.  It is Jesus Christ Paul said.  And Peter goes on and tells us that we must, “Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing” (1 Peter 3:8-17).  To build our lives on this true foundation, we must be ethical in all that we do.

Sing:  It’s the old ship of Zion; it’s the hope for the lost and the dying; it’s a soul saving station; it’s the tower of salvation.  Well, it’s the church triumphant, O’ Lord, and it’s built by the hand of the Lord.  I’m talking about the church, in the book of Revelation.  It’s built on the Rock, it’s got a firm foundation.  It’s been through the flood, it’s been through the fire, but one these days the church is going to move up a little higher.  It’s the church triumphant, O Lord, and it’s built by the hand of the Lord.

Thought For Today:  There is only one foundation for the church.  Jesus Christ.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 24

“And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:44-49).

Today’s Morsel:  Someone has done a study of the scriptures and has determined that there are over 7,474 promises given by God in His word.  I have not checked to see if this is true, but I would not be surprised if there aren’t even more. You see, to me, all of God’s word are promises.  When God gave Moses the law, the first commandment He gave with a promise was “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1-3). Paul said, “For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise” (Hebrews 6:13-15).  After His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples, “Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”  And Luke continued his writings by saying, “And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts 1:4-5).  Therefore, we see that the promise that Jesus made to them of the Father, was the gift of the Holy Ghost.  And he further writes, “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4).  Have you received the promise of the Father?  It is still a promise for today. 

Sing: Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord, bound to Him eternally by love's strong cord, overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword, standing on the promises of God.

Standing, Standing, standing on the promises of God my Savior.  Standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God.

Thought For Today:  Have you received the promise of the Father?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 23

“And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:9-12).

Today’s Morsel:  I don’t think that I can ever remember calling my earthly father, "father".  We either called him dad or pop, but never father.   Jesus said that we should call no man father upon the earth, for one is your Father, which is in heaven.  And we can’t have two fathers.  John said, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one” (1 John 5:7).  As Jesus told Phillip when he inquired of Him, “Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake” (John 14:8-11).  Jesus said that only one is your father and He is in Heaven.  What a wonderful and loving father we all have.  

Sing: Heavenly Father I appreciate You. Heavenly Father I appreciate You.  I love You, adore You, I bow down before You.  Heavenly Father I appreciate You.

Thought For Today:  “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 22

"Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?"  (Proverbs 22:17-21)

Today’s Morsel:  For my grandson's sixteenth birthday, my son had some men write letters to him expressing and giving him advice for his life for the future.  If you were asked to do that, what would you write?  If we want to impart wisdom to those coming after us and to our own children and family, we must obtain wisdom from God’s word as that is the only thing that will last.  Scripture says that He has written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,  That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee.  We must realize that the man who has learned the certainty of the words of truth, should learn to observe it in all that is committed to him or else it did him no good to learn them.  The words of the doctrines of truth (whether doctrines of salvation, holiness, or righteous living), are true in themselves when they come from God’s word.  And they are classified as excellent things written to us.  They come from the God of truth and are truly fulfilled to all that believe.  They are certain, they are not of dubious or a difficult interpretation; they point directly to the great end for which God gave them; they are a promise, and they are fulfilled (see Isaiah 55:11).  

Sing: Deeper! Deeper! In the love of Jesus daily let me go.  Higher, higher, in the school of wisdom, more of grace to know.

Oh, deeper yet I pray, and higher every day, and wiser blessed Lord, in Thy precious holy word.

Thought For Today:  Have you read God’s book lately?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 20

“Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him” (Psalms 68:1-4)

 Today’s Morsel:  David gives us the key to ridding ourselves of our enemies.  He said to let God arise and your enemies will scatter.  How do we let God arise?  First, we must realize that we are risen with Him through baptism to walk in newness of life.  We must let others see in our behavior, conversation, and attitude that we are not the same person that we used to be.  We must be what God has called us to be.  Holy, separated, set apart, and called out ones.  We must pray, worship, and give Him the praise that is due His name.  We must study and apply His word to our life.  We must trust Him and not lean unto our own understanding.  And we must give Him the glory due His name with the fruit of our lips giving Him thanks.  If you want to see your enemy gone, then let God arise in your life.  Praise is your get out of Satan’s jail free card.

Sing: Let God arise and His enemies be scattered. Let God arise and His enemies be scattered.  Let God arise and His enemies be scattered.  Let God, Let God arise.

Thought For Today:  Praise is your get out of Satan’s jail free card (Parker). 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 19

“Then Job answered and said, Even to day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning. Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments. I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me. Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me” (Job 23:1-6).

Today’s Morsel:  If you had an opportunity to stand before God, what would you ask Him?  I’ve heard people say that when they get to heaven they are going to ask God why certain things happened and why He allowed them to happen.  Not me.  I’m not asking Him anything.  I’m just going to praise Him that I’m there!  Job said that if he knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.  I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me. Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me.  He said that if he could find God, God would be fair and listen to him and that God wouldn’t use His power to crush him, He would use it to strengthen him.  Job said God would be fair and impartial towards him as he would to others.  Often in our pain and sufferings we may want to ask God why.  Yet we must remember that He is sovereign and that He can do with us as He wishes.  One of the things about becoming a good soldier is to endure, not complain.  Rather than pondering what you will ask Him, spend your time praising Him.  

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

Thought For Today:  Your abilities to endure lies in your ability to endure (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 18

“David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him. And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men. And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me. And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold. And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth”
(1 Samuel 22:1-5)

 Today’s Morsel:  King David seems to be a leader that knew how to take people from where they were and transform them into mighty men of God.  David seemed to look for transference in people just as Jesus and the apostles did.  Once they shared the gospel, they were looking for people to change who they were and also their outlook on life.  Scripture says that David, 'therefore, departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him.  And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them'.  Notice, everyone that was distress, in debt, and discontent came to him.  This sounds like the world we live in today.  Most everyone in our world today seems to fall into one of these categories.  Like David, I see this as a great leadership challenge.  How do we turn these type people into mighty warriors for God?  First, we must get them to understand that if nothing changes, nothing changes.  Second, they must understand that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all they can ask or think.  And third, once they come to Christ, they must learn that godliness with contentment is great gain; in other words, they must be content with who they are in Him, where they are, and what they have.  And finally, people have to get back to worshipping and praising God, because He has given us a garment of praise for the spirit of Heaviness.

Sing: I’m Yours Lord! Everything I am, everything I'm not, everything I’ve got; I’m Yours Lord! Try me now and see, see if I can be completely Yours.

Thought For Today:  Transference means change. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 17

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore” (Psalms 121:1-8).

Today’s Morsel:  I seem to get more calls at the church from people asking for help at Christmas time than any other time of the year.  I wonder if they think that people are more generous during Christmas than at other times?   Where do you look when you need help?  Do you look to the church, others, or do you look to God?  The psalmist said, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved.”  He knew where his help came from.  The Lord.  And he said that the Lord would not suffer him to be moved.  As Christians, we should realize that God is our helper, we need to know that our help comes from Him.  The Psalmist tells us, “Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me” (Psalms 50:14-15).  Writing to the Hebrews Paul states, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:5-6).  Do you know where your help comes from?  You can depend on God.

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

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

Thought For Today:  Our help comes from the Lord.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 16

“The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:1-7)

Today’s Morsel:  Pride seems to be center stage these days. Parents tells their kids they are proud of them.  Teachers tell their students they are proud of them.  Coaches tell their athletes they are proud of them.  Commanders tell their soldiers they are proud of them.  And if we are not careful, we can allow that pride to enter our hearts and cause us to think more highly of ourselves then we should.  Paul told Timothy that in the last days men would be proud (2 Timothy 3:1-2). To me, pride is one of those downhill snowball affects.  It starts out small but increases with the more accolades that are given and received.  Solomon tells us that everyone that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.  He goes on to tell us, “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, …” (Proverbs 6:16-17). God hates pride.  We must not allow pride to become a part of our lives.  When we are told how good we do things, we must remain humble before our God and others.  A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit (Proverbs 29:23).

Sing: What can wash away my sin?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus.  What can make me whole again?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Oh! precious is the flow, that makes me white as snow; no other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Thought For Today: “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 15

“For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality” (2 Corinthians 8:12-14).

Today’s Morsel:  Today in America and around the world we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Dr. King has been labored as a champion for Civil Rights for all.  In his famous "I have a dream speech," he cried from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, "One day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed...that all men are created equal."  Dr. King was speaking to a crowd of 250,000 black and white Americans that shared his dream of equality.  As a Baptist minister, he knew the scripture stated that God created everyone equally and that man did not have the right to change it.  I believe that he knew that if he could get those who say that they are Christians and those who knew what the constitution of America stated to listen, then there would be a change with equality within the land for all people, regardless of race, creed, or origin.   In writing to the church at Corinth, the Apostle Paul wanted them to understand equality.  He told them that at the present you can provide more because you are blessed while other churches are not.  Yet he wanted them to know that that could change and they could become dependent on others.  The same is true with how we treat people.  James tells us, “If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors” (James 2:8-9).  We never know when the shoe might be on the other foot.  Jesus said that we should always do unto others as we would have them do unto us.  

Sing: You’re my brother you’re my sister, so take me by the hand, together we will work until He comes; There’s no foe that can defeat us, when we are walking side by side, as long as there is love, we can stand.

Thought For Today:  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (Jesus Christ).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 13

"Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak” (Psalms 12:1-2).

Today’s Morsel:  I preached a message many years ago from this passage entitled, “Where Have All The Good Men Gone?”  My wife and daughter still joke about it today because at the time they say the title was a downer; perhaps it was the setting!   I usually try to preach with edification as I know that folks need encouragement, but I may have to preach it again because this scripture seems to be on center stage in the church as well as in the world today.  God told Ezekiel, “And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none” (Ezekiel 22:30).  You see, to be a godly man is to reflect Jesus Christ in one’s life.  It is to be a man that will stand upon every vow that he takes.  It is to be a man with integrity and uprightness.  It is to be a man with strong character and commitment to follow Christ. It is to be a man that will lead his family in all the ways of God.  If you fit the above categories, you are a godly man and the one that God and the world need and are looking for.  We need good and godly men in our world today.  I ask again today, Where have all the good men gone?   

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: His character is reflected in your actions (Parker).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 12

“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad” (Proverbs 12:25)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the most important gifts that came with the Holy Ghost, and is probably not used the way that it should be, is the of the gift of exaltation.  Ask yourself, how many of you when you wake up in the morning begin your day by saying to yourself, “I’m going to see how many people I can make happy today?”  Probably none of us do this.  But think about how many people we could impact if we used this gift. Sometimes, by just listening or offering to purchase someone a meal we could change a life.  Sharing a clean humorous joke or helping someone with a task or chore.  The right words spoken at the right time can reach down inside and pull hurt from folks if used right and lifting them up.  Solomon said that heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.  We have been given power to know how to speak.   We must realize that death and life are in the power of our tongue.  If we listen to hear and not answer, we can help a whole lot of folk.  Purpose to use this gift from God for the remaining 354 days of 2018!  What a powerful gift we have been given to impact our world.  

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

Thought For Today:  Death and life are in the power of the tongue. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 11

“In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright” (Psalms 11:1-7).

Today’s Morsel:  They say that if you see a crack begin to form in the corner of your house, the foundation or the cornerstone was not laid properly and that there isn’t much you can do from that point but pray that it doesn’t get worst. David asked the question that if the foundation be destroyed what can the righteous do?  There has been a move lately in many nations to remove the foundation by which it was established.  Solomon admonished, “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set” (Proverbs 22:28).  If the gospel of Jesus Christ that was set forth by the apostles of Jesus Christ on the Day of Pentecost in 30 AD, the foundation of the church, is removed what can the righteous do?  I believe as Isaiah said, that when the foundation is destroyed, the foundations of government are despised and disregarded; judgment is perverted, and justice stands afar off; the doctrines and principles of religion are derided and subverted; so that there is no standing, either in a political or religious sense (See Isaiah 59).  Therefore, we must ensure that we are preaching and teaching truth so that people’s lives are built on something solid and that there will be no shifting or cracks.  On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand!  

Sing: Standing on the promises of Christ my King, through eternal ages let His praises ring; Glory in the highest I will shout and sing, Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing, standing on the promises of God my Savior.  Standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God.

Thought For Today: Keep standing for truth.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 10

“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:22-27).

Today’s Morsel:  The older I get; the more my flesh seems to locate more pain.  Sometimes I want to complain about it, but then I think about Job, the Disciples of Christ, Paul, and Jesus Christ Himself, and I say to myself, it’s just weakness leaving the body.  Paul said, "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." In other words, we are in a world of misery and death.  David said, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all” (Psalms 34:19). Paul told the church at Thessalonica, “But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention” (1 Thessalonians 2:2).  The apostles preached the word with much contention, and the Gentiles received it in much affliction and the Holy Ghost (1 Thessalonians 1:6).   Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.  Gird up your loins and be ready, we are going to have painful situations and circumstances while we wait for Jesus to come, so we might as well get used to it and see it as weakness leaving the body.  

Sing: He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, surely He bore all our sorrows and by His stripes we are healed.

Thought For Today:  Pain is just weakness leaving the body. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 9

“And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it…And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them” (Mark 11:11-14;20-24).

Today’s Morsel:  Many have tried to determine why Jesus cursed the fig tree when it was not the time for figs to be on the tree?  The tree had leaves but no figs.  In some places, figs grow on the fig tree before the leaves.  This isn’t a story to make you think that Jesus doesn’t know what He was doing, nor is it an error in His word; He’s God, and He created the fig tree, so He knows when the tree should bear. The story isn’t about no figs on the fig tree and Jesus being hungry.  The story is to draw our attention to the importance of believing when we pray.  As we see Jesus’ answer to Peter when Peter told him the tree was withered away that he cursed.  To which Jesus replied, “Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."   Faith requires you to simply take God at His word.

Sing: Faith can move mountains, Mountains of fear and of doubt.  Faith can move mountains, so why don’t you try your faith out.

Thought For Today:  Faith requires you to take God at His word.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 8

“And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant. But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused. And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD. In this thing the LORD pardon thy servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon thy servant in this thing. And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way. But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him. So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well? And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments. And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him. And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed. But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow” 

(2 Kings 5:15-27).

Today’s Morsel:  The story of Naaman the leper is not only a story of hope, healing, and deliverance; but also a story that shows us what happens when God’s servants desire riches and material things than Him.  When Elisha refused to take gifts from Naaman the Syrian, his servant Gehazi ran after him to take it for himself.  And he lied to Naaman to obtain them.  But when he returned to his master, Elisha, Elisha asked him where he had been.  He again lied and told him nowhere.  Elisha replied and told him, "My heart didn’t go with you. I saw when Naaman turn to meet you.  Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and olive yards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?  The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed forever."  And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.   Leprosy is often associated with sin.  I wonder just how many people are running after Satan, going after riches and material possessions not realizing they are bringing sin upon themselves and their children forever.  Not realizing that God's heart is not with them, and that judgment will come upon them.  Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and He will add everything else you have need of.   

Sing: There are millions in this world who are craving the pleasure earthly things afford, but none can match the wondrous treasure that I find in Jesus Christ my Lord.

Fill my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord! Come and quench this thirsting of my soul; bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more, Here's my cup, fill it up and make me whole.

Thought For Today: Nothing compares to God’s riches.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 January 6

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Today’s Morsel:  Why is it that we put our trust in things and others over God?  We get into an airplane, fly at 35,000 feet in the air, trusting the aircraft and pilot and give it no thought.  We get into our automobiles, drive 70-80 Miles Per Hour, trusting in the tires, brakes, and other gadgets and don’t give it a second thought.  We go to the doctor, listen to what they say, allow them to tell us what to do, then take and we trust their opinion.  Yet when it comes to God, who has our best at heart, died so that we could live,  we question His existence and His ability to heal, deliver, provide, and save. We fret and worry over situations that come our way, rather than trust that He has a purpose and a plan and has our expected end in mind.  We must get to the point that we trust God always and not lean unto our own understanding. 

Sing:  I trust in God, wherever I may be, upon the land, or on the raging sea.  For come what may, from day to day, my Heavenly Father, watches over, over me.  And I trust in God, I know He cares for me, upon the land, or on the stormy sea.  For come what may, from day to day, my Heavenly Father watches over, over me.

Thought For Today:  Trust God. He knows what He’s doing.