Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 28

“Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth” (Psalms 96:8-13).

Today’s Morsel:  One thing we can all be sure of in the end of life, and that is everyone will be judged fairly.  God has one standard that He will use for everyone.  And that standard is His word.  Truth.  The psalmist said, “For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.” The world will be judged based on right and wrong.  But the people will be judged based on truth, the word of God.  The will be judged on if they have lived and obeyed it.  “Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:44-48); And again John records, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17); As “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God… And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:1-2, 14).   Is your life in line with the truth? The teachings of God’s word?  “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).  God is a fair and equal judge, we have His word now to know what He will judge us by.

Sing:  There's just one, one, one, one way to God. There’s just one, one, one, one way to God.  There’s just one, one, one, one way to God, baptized in Jesus Name.

Thought For Today:  The center letter in the word truth is “U”.   Have "U" made sure your life is in accordance with the truth?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 27

“Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:1-11).

Today’s Morsel:  When I was a kid in school, I used to love it when the teacher would ask me to erase the blackboard and go outside and dust the erasers.  Erasers are designed to wipe the slate clean.  When the people on the Day of Pentecost realized their sin after Peter preached, they asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do”?  To which Peter replied if you want the slate clean then (my wording), “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:37-42).  Three-thousand people allowed their slate to be cleaned.  As the Lord told the people through the Prophet Isaiah: “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:16-18).  When you repent of your sins and are washed in the waters of baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, it serves as an eraser to wipe the slate clean.  Have you had your slate cleaned?

Sing:  Are you washed in the Blood, in the soul cleansing Blood of the Lamb?  Are your garment spotless, are they white as snow, are you washed in the Blood of the Lamb?

Thought For Today:  Baptism doth now save us (1 Peter 3:21).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 26

“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” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).

 

Today’s Morel:  One of the grave dangers that our children face in the world today is that of wanting to fit in. It has been reported that some kids get into gangs and prostitution rings because they want to fit it.  They want to be liked and accepted by other people.  They want the cell phones, I-devices, tattoos, body piercings, sagging pants, designer clothing, the fake nails, fake hair, and fake jewelry because they want to fit in.  However, the danger with fitting in is that most kids usually don’t fit in.  Satan always has a trap.  Children who are born again or have been raised in the church must succumb and be willing to accept great danger to fit into the world.  Most them have no knowledge of street language and aren’t street smart.  Moses told the children of Israel that they were to teach their children the ways of God always.  Your children don’t need to fit in with the world.  They need to be more concerned with fitting in and agreeing with Christ.  Your kids need to know the ways of the world, but they shouldn’t learn it from the world. They must learn it from you, their parents.  We should never try to fit in with the world.  We just need to be the missing piece of the puzzle in the church.

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

Thought For Today:  “Never try to fit in with the world. Just be the missing piece of the puzzle in the church." (Parker).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 24

“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” (Colossians 3:8-10).

Today’s Morsel: One of the quickest ways to destroy unity is through lies.  When you go to someone and confront them because they lied on you, their first response is usually, “I didn’t lie on you.  Who told you that.”  As Christians, we must get to the point in our walk with God that we stop lying and making excuses and start telling the truth even if it hurts.  We are new creatures in Christ.  The same holds true with anger, jealousy, filth, malice, and blaspheme.  All these things should never be in our lives as Christians because the old man is dead and buried.  We must endeavor to keep the unity of the body in the bond of peace.  We must not lie one to another, seeing that we have put off the old man with his deeds; and we have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after Jesus Christ.   Of all the funerals I’ve performed, I have never had a dead man tell me a lie yet.

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

Thought For Today:  The truth shall make you free.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 23

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matthew 6:19-34)

Today’s Morsel:  When I joined the military back in 1969, it wasn’t long before I took my first airplane ride.  A little afraid at the time, but the attendants wanted us to know that there was nothing to worry about and so they gave us a safety briefing before we were airborne.  This wasn’t anything new to me, because everything we did in the military when it came to training, was to give the troops a safety briefing. It is no different with the airlines.  They give you a safety briefing before that plane is airborne to hopefully calm your fears and worries.  In so many ways, in today's passage, Jesus is giving us a safety briefing.  He said “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” 

(Matthew 6:33).  We never know what tragedy lies ahead of us.  But if we have listened to and obeyed the safety briefing, we will know how to react.

Sing:  The name of the Lord is, a strong tower, the righteous run into it and they are safe.  The name of the Lord is, a strong tower, the righteous run into it, and they are safe.

Blessed be the name of the Lord.  Blessed be the name of the Lord.  Blessed be the name of the Lord, most high.  Blessed be the name of the Lord.  Blessed be the name of the Lord.  Blessed be the name of the Lord, most high.

Thought For Today:  Always pay attention to the safety briefing (Parker).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 22

"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." (Proverbs 22:4-5)

Today’s Morsel:  In today’s world, where there seems to be a large increase for one to be filled with pride, be prideful, and show off one’s pride, humility is pushed to the sidelines.  The world teaches that the way to riches, honor, and life is through pride.  Wear what you want, say what you want, act like you want, look like you want, follow your heart, and be what you want to be.  But they fail to tell you that there are consequences for pride and none of them give you riches, honor, and life.  The consequences of pride are destruction and eternal damnation (See Proverbs 11:2, 16:18, 29:23; Ezekiel 16:49,56; Matthew 7:20-23).  Solomon states that it’s only by humility and the fear of the LORD that there are riches, and honour, and life.  There isn’t any other way.   Peter tells us, “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:5-6).  Always remember, humility requires “u” to make it happen.

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:  Humility requires “u” (Parker).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 21

“Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus” (Philemon 1:1-6).

  

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about our faith is it must communicate our trust and the belief that we have in God.  When others fear, we must stand strong.  When others are lonely and despondent, we must be joyful and hopeful.  When others display a lack of self-confidence, we must show forth our confidence in God’s ability.   Paul told Philemon, “I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”  Paul wanted Philemon to know that by actions to free and accept Onesimus back as a brother and fellow labor he would show his faith.  You see actions speak louder than words.  How do you communicate your faith?  Remember, communication is a two-way street, and so is faith.

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:  How do you communicate your faith?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 20

“When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you” (Deuteronomy 20:1-4).

Today’s Morsel:  Warfare can bring out certain qualities in a man.  Some of those qualities are bravery, compassion, fear, trustworthiness, gallantry, endurance, and commitment, just to name of few.  Moses told the children of Israel that when they go to battle against their enemies and they see that their enemies seem to be more powerful and stronger than they, they should not be afraid, become faint-hearted, tremble or be terrified because God was with them and God would fight for them.  What a promise.  And that promise is still for us today.  God is with us no matter how huge our enemies may look or seem.  Praise will always bring about your salvation and deliverance.  Remember, intimidation is just your enemy’s way of trying to inflict fear.

Sing:  Standing on the promise 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:  Intimidation is just your enemy’s way of trying to inflict fear.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 19

“Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD. Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour. A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him. He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good” (Proverbs 19:1-8).

Today’s Morsel:  In today's world, integrity seems to have taken a back burner in many folks' lives.  We hear of many who have and are violating their integrity for personal gain and selfish desires.  But Solomon lets us know that it is better to be poor and have integrity than to be rich and have no integrity.  Integrity is the value that we place on ourselves.  When a man walks in the uprightness of his heart before God and men, he will be honored.   When a man is sincere in his worship of God and walks in his integrity, he will have a good name and be found blameless before the Lord.  But if he does not walk in his integrity, he will never find good and will be void of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.   A man may be a poor man with respect to worldly things, and yet be rich towards God.  Jesus said that a man's life does not consist in the abundance of the things which he possesses (Luke 12:15). Never compromise your integrity.  It is probably the hardest thing to be recovered.

Sing: O there’s a highway to heaven, none can walk up there, but the pure in heart.  O there’s a highway to heaven, walking up the King's highway.

Thought For Today:  Never compromise your integrity.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 17

“Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways” (Haggai 1:5-7).

  

Today’s Morsel:  Do you ever feel like you are losing ground in your walk and relationship with God?  Have you stopped to consider your ways?  What would you say is causing you to feel this way?  One of the things about problem-solving is you must first determine what is causing the problem before you can work on a solution to fix the problem.  The Lord told the children of Israel, “Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.”  So, what was their problem that He issued such a stern rebuke?  Why weren’t they bringing in much after sowing much?  Why was their money running out? Why were they not full and warm?  It was because God’s house was being neglected.  He told them, “And ye run every man unto his own house. Therefore, the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit. And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labour of the hands” (Haggai 1:9-11).  As the writer of Hebrews admonished us, “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:19-25).  Are you neglecting the house of God?  Consider your ways!

Sing:  It’s the old ship of Zion, it’s the hope for the lost and 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 a Rock, it’s got a firm foundation.  It’s been through the flood and it’s been through the fire, but one of these days the Church is going to move up a little higher.  Well, it’s the Church, triumphant O Lord and it’s built by the hand of the Lord.

Thought For Today:  Consider your ways.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 16

“And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD: Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD” (Lamentations 3:18-26).

Today’s Morsel:  I believe that one of the reasons people are often times despondent is because they do not stop and reflect on God’s goodness.  They keep focusing on where they are now, not on where God has brought them from and what He has brought them through.  Many of them think that they got to where they are on their own merits and strength not realizing that Jesus said, "For without Me you can do nothing."  They fail to realize that Jesus has brought them to this point and that He will continue to walk with them if they will just trust and believe in Him.  Jeremiah states, “And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD: Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”  He said that even though he felt that God wasn’t there, once he considered his life and where he was, he concluded that God was there.  He said that it was because of God’s mercies that he wasn’t destroyed. Don’t look at your situation and think that God isn’t there and is unaware.  He just might be waiting for you to acknowledge that He is there.   His compassions are new every morning.

Sing:  As I travel through this pilgrim land there is a Friend who walks with me.  Leads me safely through the sinking sand, it is the Christ of Calvary.  This would be my prayer dear Lord, each day to help me do the best I can.  For I need Thy light to guide me day and night, Blessed Jesus hold my hand.

Jesus hold my hand, yes, I need Thee every hour.  Through this pilgrim land, protect me by Thy saving power.  Hear my feeble plea, O’ Lord, look down on me.  When I kneel in prayer, I know I'll meet you there, blessed Jesus hold my hand.

Thought For Today:  His compassions are new every morning.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 15

“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee” 

(Titus 2:1-15).

Today’s Morsel: Paul’s instructions to his protégées Timothy and Titus was to teach and to preach sound doctrine. Paul knew Jesus had taught to beware of false prophets (Matthews 7:15).  He knew that the Judaizing teachers not only taught a false doctrine, but they led an unholy lifestyle as well; much like we see today.  He wanted Titus to act directly opposite to their teaching and lifestyle.  He wanted him to teach a sound and sacred doctrine, and the things which would proceed from it.  He must proclaim the truth and illustrate that truth by his life.  And that the people must not only be well instructed, but they must be holy in their lives as well, as sound doctrine always produces a good lifestyle. Principles are taught and practices often go hand and hand.

Sing: He’s changing me, my blessed Savior, I’m not the same person that I use to be.  Well, it’s been slow going, but there a knowing that someday perfect I will be.

Thought For Today:  Principles and practices often go hand and hand.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 14

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

Today’s Morsel:  It has been estimated that billions of dollars will be spent around the world today on chocolate, cards, dinners, flowers, and jewelry all by people trying to express their love to others.  Shouldn’t these things be a daily occurrence since we know that God is love?  If these procedures were practiced daily, would we have less divorce and less hatred?  Paul said that love does not behaveth itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things, and that it never fails (1 Corinthians 13:5-8).  Jesus won’t fail you as He’s love (1 John 4:8).  If we really want to know what true love is, then we must allow Jesus to be in our lives.  Then and only then we will be able to express that love to others.

Sing:  I want to live the way that He wants me to live.  I want to give until there’s just 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:  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity (1 Corinthians 13:13). 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 13

 “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” 

(John 3:14-16).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the biggest fallacies in many Christian’s life is that most them do not believe.  They think that that they can violate God’s Word and there be no consequences.  Israel could not enter the promised land because of unbelief, and Paul tells us to not allow that same evil spirit of unbelief to get into our hearts.  “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12).  Notice, he calls it an evil heart of unbelief.  If your mind is evil, your whole body is evil.  John said that for us to obtain eternal life, we must believe in Jesus Christ.  If you do not believe in Him, there is no righteousness.  “Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness” (Romans 4:3). Therefore, if we desire eternal life, we must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

Sing:  I believe God, I believe God, that He will do, just as He said.  Trust and obey, believe Him and say, "I believe, I believe God."

Thought For Today:  Belief equals righteousness.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 12

“There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do” (Acts 10:1-6).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about life is that we can often see what others ought to do, but we sometimes have trouble following through with what we ought to do.  We can become judgmental and critical with our followers who do not communicate with us, but at the same time, we refuse to communicate with those over us.  We can be stern with those under us who do not meet standards, but at the same time violate them ourselves.  When the angel appeared to Cornelius, he told him to send to Joppa, for Simon Peter, and he would tell him what he ought to do.  Cornelius did not delay but sent for him.  And when Peter came, he said, “And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:42-43).  He told him what he ought to do.  He told him to believe in Jesus Christ and he would receive remission of sins.  Cornelius was already a believer, but his sins were not remitted.  He needed his sins covered in the blood of Jesus.  And what was the results of him believing on what Peter told him he ought to do?  “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days” (Acts 10:44-48).  Even though Cornelius was a believer in Christ, he stilled need to be born-again of the water and the spirit as salvation is much more than just believing.   Are you a doer or merely a hearer of the word?

Sing:  If you will come to Jesus Christ today, He’ll take your sins away, He’ll take your sins away.  And keep you happy in His love each day, He’ll take your sins away.

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

Thought For Today: Do you know what you ought to do?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 10

“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?” 

(Matthew 16:13-15)

Today’s Morsel:  Everything in the life of a believer of Jesus Christ flows from them understanding who Jesus was.  This question must be clearly and fully understood by them, or they will always struggle in their walk with Him and desire to quit.  The revelation of Him is only given through fellowship, study, church attendance, and communion with Him.  When people backslide and walk away, it’s because of a lack of knowledge of Him.  When Jesus told his disciples, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you…Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, this is an hard saying; who can hear it?... From that time many of his disciples went back and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. (John 6:53, 60, 66-69). When there is knowledge and a clear understanding of Christ, you won’t walk away from Him.  It’s only through a lack of knowledge and understanding that people walk away and destroy themselves (See Hosea 4:6, 1 Corinthians 15:34).

Sing:  The Mighty God is Jesus, the Prince of Peace is He, the everlasting Father, the King eternally; The wonderful in wisdom, by whom all things were made. The fullness of the Godhead in Jesus is displayed.

It’s all in Him, it’s all in Him, the fullness of the Godhead is all in Him; the mighty God is Jesus, and it’s all in Him.

Thought For Today:  Knowledge is powerful.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 9

 “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).

Today’s Morsel:  It seems that everyone or everything that goes down in the history books happens on a certain day.  We never know when God desires to cause us to do something great that may land us in the history books.  The disciples of Jesus probably never figured that they would make history when He called them.  I’m sure there were times that they just felt like a part of a team watching Jesus perform miracles and change peoples' lives.  It may have never crossed their minds when Jesus told them, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (John 14:12).  Maybe they thought this was for someone else.  But Luke records, “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).   And once they were filled with that Spirit, they turned their world upside down.  And every year, on this day, the Day of Pentecost, every true church of Jesus Christ, celebrates this day; and preaches about this day and the establishment of His Church, and the first outpouring of His Spirit upon all flesh as spoken by the Prophet Joel (See Joel 2:28).  Have you experienced your Pentecost?  This could be the day that you make history and your name is written in His book (see Acts 2:38).

Sing:  The wind is blowing again. The way is blowing again. Just like the Day of Pentecost, the wind is blowing again.

Thought For Today:  This is the day of salvation.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 8

“Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst” (John 8:1-9).

  

Today’s Morsel:  Many have speculated what Jesus wrote on the ground when the women caught in adultery was cast before Him.  Scripture doesn’t tell us what He wrote.  Maybe He was just drawing a picture on the ground.  Maybe He was just drawing a heart with an arrow through it expressing His love for the people.  But after He was pressed upon continuously by the men to give them an answer as to what they should do to the woman, He stood and said to them, ye without sin cast the first stone.  What a verdict of conviction. In other words, Jesus was saying, check yourself before you render a verdict because you reap what you sow.  This was also a verdict of Mercy and Grace.  In other words, the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them (Luke 9:56).  Don’t ask Jesus to destroy someone when He came to save them.  And that even includes your enemies. Always make sure you are not guilty of the verdict you render.

Sing:  I know it was the blood.  I know it was the blood.  I know it was the blood saved me.  One day when I was lost, Jesus died on the cross, I know it was the blood saved me.

Thought For Today:  Make sure you are not guilty of the verdict you render (Parker) 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 7

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Today’s Morsel:  I once asked a young lady to tell me what the cross she was wearing around her neck meant.  She said that she didn’t know because her parents had given it to her as a gift.  I find that this seems to be with many who wear crosses around their neck.  They just see it as ornamental jewelry. They are without the meaning.  Paul said that the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  If you are born-again of the water and the spirit, when you see the cross, it should cause you to realize the power that has been given to you.  That cross should remind you of what Jesus did for you at Calvary. It should be a reminder that He died for your sins.  His blood was shed for you.  He was bruised and pierced for you.  This should give you power to believe that there is nothing impossible that you cannot do through Christ.   As a born-again believer, the cross should motivate you to explain its true meaning to those who do not know this precious truth. Taught any Bible Studies lately?

Sing:  At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away.  It was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day.

Thought For Today:  The Cross still makes a difference.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 6

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (John 3:19-21).

Today’s Morsel:  Thomas Edison is credited with creating the light bulb, but few are aware that it was Lewis Latimer, an African American, that created the filament for the bulb. From the creation, God called for light.  Noah placed a window in the top of the ark to give light.  There was no light placed in the Tabernacle in the Wilderness, created by Moses, in the Holies of All, because God would be the Light.  Jesus told Nicodemus that light has come into the world, speaking of Himself (John 1:4).  And He said that men keep condemning themselves because they won’t come to the Light.  If you are always finding fault with yourself and never think that you are good enough and can never seem to obtain contentment in your life, ask yourself are you close enough to the Light.

Sing: Send the light, the blessed gospel light, let it shine from shore to shore.  Send the light the blessed gospel light, let it shine forever more.

Thought For Today:  Jesus is the light that gets you out of darkness.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 5

“And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God” (John 1:32-36)

  

Today’s Morsel:  When God told Abraham to offer Isaac on Mount Mariah, Isaac spoke to Abraham his father, and said, "My father: and he said, here am I, my son. And he said, behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, my son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together (Emphasis mine) Genesis 22:7-8.  If you will notice, Abraham said that God would provide Himself a lamb.  In other words, God would become the lamb.  Isaiah prophesied, “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7).  When the eunuch was reading this passage in Acts 8, scripture says, “And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:34-35).  And John said, “Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God.”  John recognized Him as the Lamb and the one to be followed.  Paul tells us that Jesus was God manifested in flesh.  “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).  Who do you say that I am, asked Jesus?  You see that is what matters.  Do you know who He is?

Sing: O’ Lamb of God, sweet Lamb of God.  I love the Holy Lamb of God.  O’ wash me in Thy precious blood.  My Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

Thought For Today: He is our sacrifice for sin.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 3

“And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him” (John 2:1-11).

Today’s Morsel:  When we read John’s gospel, there are eight miracles recorded that Jesus did, of which six are not listed in the other gospels.  And one of those is the turning of water into wine at the marriage feast at Cana.  John lets us know that this began the miracles of Jesus.  The six miracles that John wrote about, that the other gospel writers didn’t, I believe, are to prove the deity of Christ so that we would believe.  John’s gospel is all about building faith and showing us how to obtain eternal life.  To me, the retelling of the miracle done at the marriage is a portrait of the last supper of the Lamb.  The water into wine is a portrait of the Holy Ghost that God promised to pour out in the last days (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:1-21).  The servants are a portrait of those who are obedient and chosen by God to share the Good News of the gospel (Isaiah 43:10-12).  And the governor of the feast is a portrait of those who once taste and are filled with God’s spirit will realize that there is nothing that can compare to it.  If you want to see more miracles, follow Jesus and you’ll see them.

Sing: I thirsted in a barren land of sin and shame, and nothing satisfying there I found; but to the blessed cross of Christ one day I came, where springs of living water did abound.  Drinking at the springs of living water.  Happy now am I, my soul they satisfy.  Drinking at the springs of living water, O wonderful and bountiful supply.

Thought For Today:  Follow Jesus and you’ll see more miracles (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 February 2

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen” (Romans 1:20-25).

Today’s Morsel:  Each year, thousands will gather in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, today to see if Phil, the groundhog, will see his shadow.  They say that if he sees his shadow, there will be another six weeks of bad weather.  Why do so many believe in an animal, but not in the one who created the animal?  Paul said that in the last days, many would worship and serve the creature more than the Creator who is blessed forever.  What if Phil saw his shadow and for the next six weeks we had spring-like weather?  Would Phil be a liar?  What if Phil didn’t see his shadow and the weather was bad?  Would Phil then be a liar?  Or would man?  Jesus said, “When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times” (Matthew 16:2-3)?  As the middle verse in the Bible admonishes us “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man” (Psalms 118:8).  Worship the Creator more than the creature!

Sing:  Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.  Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.  Now I know that the Lord will save His anointed.  He will hear them from His holy heaven.  With the saving strength of His right hand, they are brought down and fallen, but we are risen and stand upright.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.

Thought For Today:  Jesus controls the weather, not man (Parker).