Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 31

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17).

Today’s Morsel:  Most of us “Baby Boomers” remember the songs we learned in Sunday School and church about how much Jesus loves us.  And we can still sing them today. You see, most of us were required to go to Sunday School and church because it was a part of our upbringing and people understood the moral impact it had on a person's life.  Our Sunday School classes and church services were mostly about God’s love for people and how we should live the same way.  But I’m afraid that today’s Sunday School and church services are more relevant to today’s culture of making people happy and trying to please everyone.  Sunday School and churches are having to worry about not offending anyone, instead of preaching and teaching the truth.  If we want to see the world a better place, people’s lives changed for the better, marriages lasting, and murder ceasing, the church must get back to the gospel.

Sing:  Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong.

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

Thought For Today:  Love covers all sin.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 30

“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's” (Psalms 103:1-5).

Today’s Morsel:  If you had an eraser that would wipe away anything, what would you wipe away from your life?  Sad to say, there isn’t such a thing to remove the thought of wrong and evil done to us away.  They will at times resurface.  We need to learn to do as the apostle Paul told the church at Philippi when he said, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you” (Philippians 4:4-9).  If the enemy can get you too focused on the past, he can destroy your future.  So, keep your mind on Jesus and He will keep you in perfect peace.  You may not be able to erase your past, but Jesus can keep you in peace in your future.  

Sing:  Bless the Lord, O’ my soul, and all that is within me bless His Holy Name.  Bless the Lord, O’ my soul, and all that is within me bless His Holy Name.  For He has done great things.  He has done great things.  He has done great things, bless His Holy Name.

Thought For Today:  Look ahead, behind you is already past.  (Parker).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 29

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry” (2 Timothy 4:1-11).

Today’s Morsel: John Mark, by all accounts, would have be classified as a failure in his ministry. He had gone back from traveling with Paul and Barnabas, and it seemed that Paul would have nothing more to do with him.  But years later, when Paul is in prison in Rome, he sends for him and restore him. Many feels that the Gospel according to Saint Mark, should have been titled, the Gospel according to the Apostle Paul. Many feels that John Mark spent much time with Paul, and therefore, obtained much of the information for his gospel from Him. Sometimes, younger ministers will become discouraged in their ministry and turn back; and they should not be count off if they have a true call of God upon their lives. They just may need to have more time with God and a mentor to make full proof of their ministry.

Sing: Here I am Lord, Hear I am, I give all myself to You, here I am. Here I am Lord, Here I am, let Your Spirit speak through me, here I am.

Thought for today: Make Your calling and election sure.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 28

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates” 

(2 Corinthians 13:5-6).

Today’s Morsel:  How do you feel when you are reading the Bible, or sitting in a church service, and the Word of God convicts you or exposes your hidden sin?  Do you brush it off or do you act to correct yourself?   The Lord is concerned for each of us.  He has a deep care and concern because He knows the end.  That’s why He chastens us by His Word.  As we see in His instructions to the children of Israel, through the Prophet Ezekiel, when He said, “Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye” (Ezekiel 18:31-32). Let me encourage you.  Keep a strong hand on yourself and stay in the faith.  Eternity in hell is a long time.

Sing:  I’ll say yes, Lord yes, to Your will and to Your way.  I’ll say yes, Lord, yes, I will trust You and obey.  When Your Spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I’ll agree, and my answer will be yes, Lord, yes.

Thought For Today:  Self- examination for wrongs can keep you saved (Parker).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 26

"But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises” 

(Hebrews 8:6)

Today’s Morsel:  Wikipedia defines a promise as a commitment by someone to do or not do something.  As a noun promise means a declaration assuring that one will or will not do something.  As a verb, it means to commit oneself by a promise to do or give.  It can also mean a capacity for good, like a value that is to be realized in the near future.  We must remember that many of the things under the Old Testament were for the Jews only.  And the same held true for God’s promises.  They were for the Jews only.  The Gentiles were excluded.  They were called heathen, outcast, uncircumcised, dogs.  Few, if any, of the promises were for them.  Paul wrote, “ Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:11-13).  We were strangers from the covenant of promises without hope, and without God in this world.  Think about it.  Israel had many covenants of promises, and we had nothing.  But Paul  again wrote, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-7).  And now, he said, we are drawn nigh by the blood of Jesus Christ.  We are now one with Him through baptism and have become heirs according to the promises (Galatians 3:26-29).  The promises are now for everyone that is truly born-again.

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

Thought For Today:  Baptism in Jesus name opens the door to the promises (Parker).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 25

“Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD, and the king's house: and all that came into Solomon's heart to make in the house of the LORD, and in his own house, he prosperously effected. And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land”
(2 Chronicles 7:11-14).

Today’s Morsel:  I think that sometimes, many Christians fail to realize that God attached stipulations to His promises.  Many of them just read the promise and not the terms and conditions.  Somewhat like many who purchase things on credit.  They want the item but fail to read the terms and conditions.  When God told King Solomon, “I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”  Most people stop there and they stand on that promise.  But God goes on and attaches some terms and conditions.  He said, “But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them; Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations” (2 Chronicles 7:19-20).  If you don’t know the terms and conditions of the promises, you will probably get disappointed.

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

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

Thought For Today:  Always know the terms and conditions (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 24

 “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD” (Psalms 27:13-14).

Today’s Morsel: One of the things I have learned with flying is if you have not developed the Fruit of the Spirit in your life before you enter those terminal doors to fly, your witness as a Christian will probably go out the window.  Every ounce of your fruit is going to be tested.  From check-in, to TSA, the boarding, and then in-flight services, Satan is going to test you.  So settle it in your heart now that you will wait on the LORD, you will be of good courage, and you allow Him to strengthen your heart, so that your good will not be evil spoken of, and that you will be a good example for Him.

Sing:  Learning to lean. I’m learning to lean. I’m learning to lean, on Jesus.  Finding more power than I ever dreamed. I’m learning to lean on Jesus!

Thought For Today:  Wait, I say, on the Lord.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 23

 “Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always. Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus” (John 12:1-11).

Today’s Morsel:  I like reading the story of the resurrection of Lazarus.  It shows that Jesus has power over death, hell, and the grave.  How would you liked to have been Lazarus?  You were dead, in a grave, Jesus raised you from the dead, and now people want to kill you again because it’s your fault that people are believing in Jesus? This goes to show how foolish some people are and how foolishly they think.  They said that it was Lazarus' fault that people were following and believing in Jesus, and he had nothing to do with it.  He was just probably happy to be alive.  When the Jews knew that Jesus was in the house of Simon, they came not only to see the miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection from the dead, but to see Jesus, too. But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus to death; because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.  Do you now see why some Christians are hated for being Christians?  They cause others to follow Jesus, who is The Way, The Truth, The Life; which Satan is never pleased about.

Sing:  We have heard the joyous sound, Jesus saves, Jesus saves.  Spread the news all around, Jesus saves, Jesus saves. 

Thought For Today:  Everyone who claims to be born again should draw people to see Christ by their new life.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 22

“And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD, So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD. Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness” (1 Kings 8:10-12).

Today’s Morsel:  I believe that one of the greatest aspects of our faith is being able to see God in thick darkness.  We must remember all the things that He’s done for us so that when we face the darkness (Satan’s demonic forces), we can still see Him at work before us.  Micah stated to his enemies, “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me” (Micah 7:8).  And Habakkuk felt the same way when he spoke, “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).  Solomon said that God would dwell in the thick darkness.  We can be confident that no matter where we are God will be there also.

Sing:  Light of the world you stepped down into darkness, open my eyes let me see.  Beauty You made, this heart adore you, hope of a life spent with You.

Chorus: Here I am to worship; Here I am to bow down; Here I am to say that You're my God.  You're altogether lovely, altogether worthy, Altogether wonderful to me.

Thought For Today:  He’s there even if you cannot see Him!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 21

“Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me” 

(Psalms 119:49-50).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things that I find with the Bible is that it is true.  The word of God is quick and powerful.  There are so many passages of encouraging words of hope within its pages that I don’t understand how anyone can be hopeless and without encouragement.  The psalmist states that God’s word was His comfort in his afflictions.  We are all going to face afflictions (illness, sickness, diseases, and disorders).  But the psalmist lets us know that God’s word will be our comfort during these times.  Where do you find hope in your afflictions?  Have you looked into the word of God?

Sing:  No one can touch you like Jesus can.  No one can give you peace you cannot understand.  No one can bind your wounds with nail scared hands.  No one can touch you like Jesus can.

Thought For Today:  Jesus has not left you comfortless.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 19

“And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy. So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah; And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters. So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass; And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth; And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel. And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skillful” (1 Chronicles 15:16-22).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the most important positions, I feel, in the church is that of the worship leader.  This position was as important in the temple as the other duties that the priest and Levites were required to do. Some have said that Satan was the worship leader in heaven before God kicked him out.  Scripture says, “And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.”  And the man who was responsible for this was Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, who was for song: he instructed about the song because he was skillful. His name means Jah has planted.  Jehovah, the Lord has put him there.  The worship leader should see their selection to this position as from God, they represent God, and they should be skilled in music and song, as they are responsible for ushering in the presence of the Lord through music and song.

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

Thought For Today:  What’s that I hear?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 18

“And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader. And David said unto all the congregation of Israel, If it seem good unto you, and that it be of the LORD our God, let us send abroad unto our brethren every where, that are left in all the land of Israel, and with them also to the priests and Levites which are in their cities and suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us: And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul” 

(1 Chronicles 13:1-3).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things the military taught me was to never forget the basics.  In other words, the things that I had learned in basic training were the things that would help me survive on the battlefield.  Therefore they were not to be forgotten.  Things such as respect for authority, proper dress and appearance, maintaining personal hygiene, basic marksmanship and weapon maintenance, making your bed when you get up in the morning, respect for standards, and organizational doctrine, all these things must be adhered to.  I will tell you, that these same things have helped me in this spiritual battle that I face as well.  When King David first tried to retrieve the Ark of the Covenant, he tried to return it on a cart.  Totally different from the way that God had said it was to be carried and Uzzah lost his life. But afterward, David realizes that the way the Ark was to be carried was on the shoulders of the priests and Levites. In other words, he realized that they needed to return to the basics of what God had said so that no one else lost their life for violating the standard.  Let me encourage you today, read Acts 2:38, Romans 1:16, 1 Timothy 2:1-5, 1 Timothy 4:12-16, 2 Timothy 2:22, Hebrews 12:14, 1 John4:8, 1 Peter 1:16 as these scriptures are just a part of a Christian’s basic training and development.  Let’s go on unto perfection, but never forget the basics.

Sing:  Jesus got ahold on my life and He won’t let me go.  Jesus got into my heart, He got into my soul.  I use to be oh so sad, but now I’m happy free and I'm glad.  Because Jesus got ahold on my life and He won’t let me go.

Thought For Today:  Let’s go on unto perfection, but never forget the basics.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 17

“And they drew out the staves of the ark, that the ends of the staves were seen from the ark before the oracle; but they were not seen without. And there it is unto this day. There was nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses put therein at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt” (2 Chronicles 5:9-10).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things that we learn in our study of the word of God is that many of the things which were recorded are types and shadows of things which were to come.  For example, in writing to the church at Colossi, Paul states, “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ” (Colossians 2:16-17).  They are shadows of things to come.  If we do not understand this, we can become discouraged and lead away with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning craftiness and slate of man.  When King Solomon dedicated the Temple of God, they brought in the Ark of the Covenant, but two of the things that Moses was commanded by God to place inside the Ark were now missing?  So what happened to them?  Who stole or took them out?  No one. They became one.  The manna represented the bread of life, which Jesus said that He was (John 6:35).  And Aaron’s rod that budded represented Jesus as the rod of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1).  And the Table of Stones represents Jesus as the word of God (John 1:14).  Therefore, all that is needed in the Temple is the word.  If the word is present, all will be just fine. When you know Jesus, you can understand how three can become one.

Sing:  It is Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, sweetest name I know.  Fills my every longing, He keeps me singing as I go.

Thought For Today:  I and my father are one (John 10:30).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 16

“And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague” (Mark 5:22-34).

Today’s Morsel:  Some of the greatest stories in the Bible to inspire faith are found in the Book of Saint Mark. John Mark, as we know, was not an apostle of Christ.  He was a nephew of Barnabas and an associate minister of the apostle Paul.  John Mark had trouble with his ministry at the onset as we see in the book of Acts.  But he seems to recover after spending time with his Uncle Barnabas; and later in his ministry, the apostle Paul sends for him to help with his ministry (2 Timothy 4:11). Although some scholars disagree, most researchers believe that Mark was the first Gospel to be written, sometime around the year 70 AD.  What I like about Mark’s gospel is he uses many stories to show the deity of Christ.  The story of the woman with the issue of blood is just one of such stories.  She suffers twelve years with her issue without a cure.  But then she is introduced to Jesus. Scripture says, “When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague”. This story of her is a story of three things to me.  First, consistency. She never lost hope while trying to find a cure.  Next, faith.  Once she heard of Jesus, her faith increased, and she believed that if she touched him she would be made whole.  And third, proof.  She now had proof of what she was told about Jesus to be true.  Let me encourage you.  What you’ve heard and read about Him is still true.  Don’t give up.  Just believe.

Sing:  He touched me!  Oh, He touched me.  And oh the joy that floods my soul.  Something happened, and now I know, Jesus touched me and made me whole.

Thought For Today:  Keep the faith.   

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 15

“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven” (Psalms 85:10-11)

Today’s Morsel:  "The story is told of a little girl, who asked her parents to read her a story from the Bible.  The parents said, Okay, let’s go get the Bible.  The little girl said, Let’s read Grandpa’s Bible.  The parents said to her, Why do you want to read Grandpa’s Bible and not our own?  The little girl said Because Grandpa’s Bible is more interesting them ours?  The parents said, Why do you say that? It’s all the same Word of God.  The little girl said, I don’t think so. We never read our Bible and Grandpa is always reading his. So his must have more interesting stuff in it than ours” (humor).  The psalmist said that truth shall spring out of the earth! “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” Paul said (Romans 15:4).  If you want a well feed soul, then read your Bible.

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

Thought For Today:  A well-read Bible is a well-fed soul.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 14

“Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things that I find about Joseph is he was a man of great character.  Scripture doesn’t tell me that, but somewhere Joseph understood that God was a righteous God and that sin must be avoided at all cost.  Even when he was tempted by Potiphar’s wife to lie with her, Joseph refused and ran away.  And because he ran away, he was accused by Potiphar’s wife and found himself in prison, but God was with him.  Paul told Timothy to flee youthful lust.  Not only should we flee lusts of uncleanness, lasciviousness, filthiness, follies, and vanities; we should flee such lusts as come against the ministers of the Gospel, such as vain glory, popular applause, seeking the pre-eminence, and contentions and contempt of others.  We must have a heart like Joseph and flee.  We must have a heart like Daniel and pray.  We must have a heart like David and worship.  Don’t ever be afraid to run from wrong and evil.

Sing: Running for my life, I’m running for my life.  Running for my life, I’m running for my life.  If anybody asks you, what’s the matter with me, tell them I’m saved, sanctified, Holy Ghost filled, water baptized.  I've got Jesus on my side and I'm running for my life.

Thought For Today:  Flee youthful lust!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 12

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).

Today’s Morsel:  So many people are warring after the flesh.  Their flesh is totally out of control and they can’t stop it from sinning against God.  Their flesh has them in abundance of debt, greedy for gain, restless, aching, lonely, out of shape, and not to mention filled with fear. The flesh battle is causing many to lose hope of life.  Many are giving up.  They are throwing in the towel. Trying to change their identity through body piercing and tattooing.  They want to be someone else all because of the warring in their flesh.  Paul told the church at Galatia: “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another” (Galatians 5:16-26).  If you want to stop the flesh war, walk in the Spirit.

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

Thought For Today:  “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 11

“In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore” (Isaiah 38:1-3).

Today’s Morsel:  I often wonder if some of the sicknesses that we face are God’s way of trying to get our attention because our house isn’t in order?  Christian’s are quick to blame the devil when they are sick, but what if it’s God giving us a wake-up call?  Yes, I know that God allowed Satan to afflict Job, but I also know that God will deliver the righteous out of all their afflictions (Psalms 34:19).  We see that King Hezekiah is sick unto death, and God told Isaiah to tell Hezekiah to set his house in order.  It doesn’t tell us what was wrong with his house, but apparently, something that he was doing was not well pleasing to God.  Somewhat like Paul said of the children of Israel after they crossed the Red Sea, with many of them God was not well pleased for they were overthrown in the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:5).  Are you facing a wakeup call?  Is your house in order?  Why not pray and ask God, He’ll show you.

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’ Lord. Take not Thou Holy Spirit from me.  Restore unto me, the joy of Thou salvation, and renew a right spirit within me.

Thought For Today:  Be sure your house is in order.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 10

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:1-8)

Today’s Morsel:  Prayer is essential to every Christian life.  As the bumper sticker states, “Seven days without prayer makes one weak.”  If you do not have a consistent prayer life, you will be weak spiritually and not able to endure trials, hardships, and the test of life.  Satan isn’t too concerned with saints who do not pray, nor those who have no time to gather with other saints to pray.  He will just wait patiently for the appropriate time and then destroy them.  But those who are consistent in their prayer life, God will avenge his own elect, those who cry day and night to Him, Jesus said.  Keep your prayer life fresh.  It’s your means of communications with heaven.

Sing:  Whisper a prayer in the morning; whisper a prayer at noon; whisper a prayer in the evening.  Keep your heart in tune.

Thought For Today:  The more you pray the more you’ll stay.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 9

“Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?” (Luke 2:41-49)

Today’s Morsel:  My daughter tells me that when they go somewhere as a family, they always do a headcount before they leave to ensure everyone is present.  They want to make sure that everyone is all present and accounted for.  That’s military lingo for know where your troops are.  Mary and Joseph went up to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover.  When Jesus was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.  And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and Mary knew not of it.  They didn’t take inventory to ensure they had everyone.  They just assumed that He was in the crowd with everyone else.  Can you imagine the fear in Mary’s heart of losing Jesus?  Can you imagine trying to explain to Jesus how she left Him?  Paul told the church at Corinth: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates” (2 Corinthians 13:5)?  Is He missing from your life?  Not being able to handle that situation may mean He’s missing.  Do a headcount before you start out on your day's journey to ensure you have Jesus with you.  

  

Sing:  Just to be close to You, just to be close to You, just to be close to You, is my desire!  Just to be close to You, just to be close to You, just to be close to You, is my desire!

Thought For Today:  Make sure Jesus is always onboard before you depart.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 8

“Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west. And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat: Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven. And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away” (Acts 27:9-20).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about the storms of life is they will wear you down and cause you to lose hope if you focus on them long enough.  Luke said that they encountered a major storm on the way to Rome; and after many days when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.  When you are in the storm of life and you cannot see any light for your situation and circumstance, it’s easy to lose hope.  But as Paul told the Hebrews, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 10:35-11:1).   Let me encourage you, don’t let the storm steal your faith, faith is your life preserver. He’s an on time God.  Just ask Job.

Sing:  He’s an on-time God, yes, He is.  He’s an on-time God, yes, He is.  He may come when you want Him, but He’ll be there right on time.  He’s an on-time God, yes, He is.   

You can ask the children of Israel, trapped at the Red Sea, by that mean old Pharaoh and his army.  The water all around them, and Pharaoh at their back, but out of nowhere, God stepped in and made a highway just like that. 

Thought For Today:  Faith is always your life preserver.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 7

“When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose. Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent” (Acts 13:24-26).

Today’s Morsel:  Since the writing of the book and the movie “Roots”, many people have wondered where they came from.  Many have traced their roots in hope to find out their stock.  Paul and Barnabas were asked if they had any words of exaltation for the church, to which he began to explain to them that the gospel message of salvation was sent to them because they were the stock of Abraham.  He explained to the church at Galatia, “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:26-29).  When we are born-again, of the water and the Spirit, we become of the seed of Abraham and can easily trace our “roots” back to Christ.

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:  What stock are you of?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 5

“And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering” (1 Samuel 13:11-12).

Today’s Morsel:  I believe that God has breathed into each of us the ability to know and to do what is right. There is something inside of us that we automatically know right from wrong.  To do wrong we must override that inner feeling to do right that tugs at our conscience. Everyone that does wrong knows that they are doing wrong.  Even children, when they reach a certain age, know what is wrong and right.  When Samuel asked Saul what he had done in offering the sacrifice when it was not his duty to do, he said, “I forced myself.”  In other words, I made myself do it.  The same holds true for sin. To sin, you must force yourself.  John said, “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God” (1 John 3:9).  Therefore, to sin, one must force them self.

Sing:  Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there’s just something about that name.  Master, Savior, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain.  Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let all heaven and earth proclaim.  Kings and kingdoms, shall all pass away, but there's something about that name.

Thought For Today:  Don’t force yourself to do wrong. Allow yourself to do right.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 4

“And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him. Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together. And Isaac spake unto 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” (Genesis 22:3-8)

Today’s Morsel:  What is your intent when you go to church?  Do you go to hear what the preacher is going to preach, to check the block for the week, to be involved, or do you go to worship?  Most people do not go to worship because there is too much complaining, discontentment, and selfishness.  I think if we all got into the mindset of going to worship, we would see the miraculous power of God in operation and people would leave changed. Abraham told his servant that he and Isaac were going to worship and come again.  And when he left that mountain he left changed and believing in God’s ability.  So the next time someone asks you if you are going to church, tell them no!  Tell them you are going yonder to worship.

Sing: I worship you, Almighty God, there is none like You.  I worship You, oh Prince of Peace, that is what I long to do. I give you praise, for You are my righteousness.  I worship you, Almighty God; there is none like You.

Thought For Today:  Worship must be in spirit and in truth.