Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 October 31

“Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat” (Genesis 3:1-13).

Today’s Morsel:  Most Christians do not have a clear understanding of this story which was written for our learning.  If you will notice, the overall premise here is how Satan works to get us to go against God’s word and to cause us to think that there is no consequence for disobedience to God’s word.  Eve knew what God had said.  But she allowed herself to be tricked into thinking that nothing would happen.  Somewhat like today. More people are listening to what Satan says and his ways, than what God says.  God’s word tells us, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11).  Halloween represents darkness and we must understand that.  If you have been born again of the water and the spirit, you are the children of the day, you are not of the night nor the ways of darkness.  Satan's ways are dark and deceptive.   Jesus said that if your light be darkness, how great is that darkness (Matthew 6:23)?  Don’t choose the ways of darkness for a piece of candy.  Remember it was the partaking of the forbidden fruit that got Adam and Eve kicked out of the Garden of Eden.  Choose Christ and His ways, and He will keep you out of darkness.

Sing:  This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.  This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let in shine.   

Thought For Today:  Don’t let the treat trick you.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 October 30

“And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done” (Matthew 26:37-42).

Today’s Morsel:  The story is told of a man who had to leave home early in the morning for his job.  He knew that the church was on his route to work and so he would stop by the church, run in for a few moments, kneel and say, “Lord, this is Jim, just wanted to say I love you and thank you for this day.”  He would get up and go on his way to work.  Well this went on for several years, and Jim took bad sick, and as he was lying in the hospital ward early one morning with tears in his eyes, he heard a voice speaking to him, “Jim, this is Jesus, I just wanted to say I love you.”

Prayer is as old as man, as universal as religion, and instinctive as breathing.  It is practiced by all people in some form by all faiths.  Prayer springs from a heart with a need.  A need greater than man’s ability to provide.  Prayer is man’s way of acknowledging that there is someone more powerful and greater than himself.  There are many things we are called to do in the church, and Jesus seems to focus on prayer.  He said, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  He never said how long it had to be, nor the position you had to be in.  He just said watch and pray.  Therefore, the most simple prayer with the right motive is just as effective as the longest ones.

Sing:  Someone is praying for you.  Someone is praying for you.  When you feel all alone, and your heart would break in two, remember someone is praying for you.

Thought For Today:  Pray without ceasing and in everything give thanks.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 October 29

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things that I learned in the army is you must soldier with pain.  They are not about to just let you lay around and do nothing because of pain.  If you complain about your pain too long, and the doctors can’t find a reason, they will soon see you as a malingerer and start the process to put you out.  Why does it seem that saints in the church cannot endure pain these days?  I hate to tell you this, but scriptures do tell us that it is through much tribulation that we enter the kingdom.  Paul said that our light afflictions are only for a moment.  But notice what else he said about them.  They are working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.  Therefore, you must learn how to endure hardness as a good soldier. Don’t be too quick to want to get out of your affliction. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all” (Psalms 34:19). Let God work, and you can get through it in His desired time with His desired purpose.  But if you keep running to man because of your affliction, you are going to have to keep repeating the process to learn God's desired end.

Sing: I’m a soldier, in God’s army, and I'm fighting, I’m claiming the victory.  I will not give up, I will not turn around.  I’m a soldier, marching heaven bound.

Thought For Today:  Pain:  Weakness leaving the body.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 October 27

“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Revelation 3:14-22).

Today’s Morsel:  Every so often I will get a magazine in the mail or hear a commercial that says, ‘buy gold’.  I wonder if it’s real gold or what the old cowboys used to call ‘fool’s gold’?  David said that God’s word is more to be desired than gold, yea, much find gold.  Solomon said that wisdom is to be desired more than gold.  And since Jesus is both, should we not seek for Him?  Gold is emblematic of the true gospel.  Gold is seen by humans as the most valued metal to buy.  Jesus told the Laodicean church that they thought that they were rich because of what they had.  But He cautioned them to buy of Him gold that had been tried in the fire.  I believe that when He told them to buy from Him such, He was not talking about precious metal.  He was talking about His word.  That which has been tried, tested and proven; and that which will never pass away, that which will provide for you great dividends at the end of life. He is talking about the gospel.

Sing: The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.  The testimonies of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple.  More to be desired are they than gold, much fine gold.  Sweeter also than the honey and the honeycomb.

Thought For Today:  Only what God gives will last. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 October 26

“And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise” (Luke 10:30-37).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the most important character traits of a true Christian is that of compassion.  To me, it’s what the “C” stands for in the word ‘Cross’.  The Bible tells us that Jesus was moved with compassion (see Mark 6:34).   Jeremiah said that His compassion fails not (Lamentation 3:22); and all the gospel writers share with us how he was moved with compassion each time He saw the multitudes.  Jude also tells us to have compassion on some and make a difference in others lives.  How much sympathy, pity, and concern do you have for others?  If you never feel pain or a strong desire to intercede and pray for this lost and dying world, you may have left your cross at church.

Sing:  So I’ll cherish the Old Rugged Cross, till my trophies at last I lay down.  I will cling to the Old Rugged Cross and exchange it someday for a crown.  

Thought For Today:  Make a difference through your compassion

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 October 25

“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 5:22-26).

Today’s Morsel:  Being a Baby Boomer, I find myself asking people where they live when I meet them for the first time.  It isn’t strange to me to ask such a question because that’s how I grew up.  But my daughter is always taken aback when I do so.  She says to me, “Dad, people are not going to tell you where they live with all the crazies in the world today!”  But why shouldn’t they?  Paul tells us that if we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  Wouldn’t it be neat if everyone did live in the Spirit?  If we say that we are born again and have His Spirit, then we should live in that Spirit.  It should be our way of life and a place of residence.  The only way we can walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lust of the flesh is to live in His Spirit.  If one lives in the Spirit, you will know their church's address.

Sing: Welcome into this place, welcome into this broken vessel.  You desire to abide in the praises of Your people.  So we lift our hands, as we give our heart, as we offer up this praise unto Your name.

Thought For Today:  If one lives in the Spirit, you will know their church's address. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 October 24

“Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

(Galatians 3:6-9)

Today’s Morsel: When we study the Bible, we see that the Old Testament was a type and shadow of the New Testament.  Paul lets us know that the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen (Gentiles) through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying in thee shall all nations be blessed. Think about that for a moment.  Abraham had the gospel preached to him that all nations would be blessed through him.  Isn’t Jesus Christ the gospel?  Jesus said that Abraham rejoiced to see His day and he saw it and was glad (John 8:56).  Abraham was excited about the good news that in him all nations would be blessed.  In other words, he was excited to hear that the Messiah and the plan of salvation would come through his lineage line.  Paul would emphasize this point when he wrote, “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. You see, Jesus was the seed of promise as was Isaac. Isaac was a figure of that which was to come, which is Christ (Hebrews 11:17-19).  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).  Abraham knew that God had a plan to redeem mankind back unto Himself.  And that plan was the gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news.  He rejoiced to hear it, do you?

Sing:  Have you been to Jesus for your cleansing power?  Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?  Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?  Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Are you washed in the blood, in the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb?  Are your garments spotless?  Are they white as snow?  Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Thought For Today:  Jesus Christ the same, yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 October 23

 “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus” (Galatians 6:15-17).

Today’s Morsel:  I see many people wearing tattoos these days, and I often ask some of them what their tattoos mean?  Surprisingly, many of them do not know.  Many will tell me that they got them while they were drunk or out partying with others, and so they really don’t know.  Many of them have tattoos marking them with marks that represent hate, prejudices, gangs, witchcraft, promiscuity or men and women whom they no longer have any dealings with.  But as I told the church a few weeks ago, we often do things that we are not aware of when we know not Christ, yet once we know Him, then we must not make the same mistakes.  As Paul said, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:11-12).  Paul knew why he had the marks upon himself when he was asked.  He said that he bears in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus Christ.  In other words, every stripe he had received from being beaten, every cut from being shipwrecked, every bruise from being stoned, and every scrape from being dragged, he knew that it was because of Christ and for the sake of the gospel.  How many marks do you have because of Christ and for the gospel?

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

Thought For Today:  Is His Name in your forehead?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 October 22

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye” (Colossians 3:12-13).

Today’s Morsel:  Every so often, someone will come up to me at church or a gathering and say to me, “Is that a new suit?”  I have come to realize that people do watch us.   I have also come to realize, that we not only reflect God in who we are by our conduct but also in what we wear.  Paul tells us to put on as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another. These things must be worn by us daily since we have put on Christ in the waters of baptism (Galatians 3:27). Peter instructs us, “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Peter 3:3-4).  What are you going to wear today?  Is it going to reflect Christ to the world?  “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).  Both our inward and our outward adorning need to be a reflection of Christ in us, the hope of glory.  

Sing:  The windows of heaven are open, God’s power is falling tonight.  There’s joy, joy, joy in my heart since Jesus made everything right.  I gave Him my old tattered garments, He gave me a robe of pure white.  I’m feasting on manna from heaven, and that’s why I’m so happy tonight.

Thought For Today:  Always let Christ be seen in your decorum (Parker).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 October 20

“Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him” (Proverbs 20:6-7).

Today’s Morsel:  I often sit and ponder, and I ask myself at what point in a person’s life of those who attend church do they allow what the word of God says to get into their heart and they start doing what it says? Solomon says that the just man walks in his integrity and his children are blessed after him.  Notice, this is the faithful and upright man, who is made righteous by the obedience of Christ and His word.  And he walks by faith in Him, and according to the truth of the Gospel. When he does this, his children are blessed after him. Again, pondering on these scriptures, is this how we must train up our children in the way that they should go?  By allowing them to see us walking in our integrity?  If my children are blessed by the way that I walk, in my integrity, should I not walk circumspectly?  I want my children to blessed, so I walk upright before God and before them.  I maintain my integrity.   

Sing: Let me walk in the light, in the great gospel light.  Let me walk in the gospel light, till my journey is over and I’ll travel no more, let me walk in the gospel light.

Thought For Today: Monitor your walk (Parker).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 October 19

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid” (Psalms 27:1).

Today’s Morsel:  The psalmist said that when we open the Bible, it gives light (Psalms 119:130).  Genesis 1:3 says, “And God said, let there be light: and there was light.”  John tells us that God is light (1 John 1:5).  To me, God is the source of light.  That is, He guides and leads me.  Darkness is the emblem of distress, trouble, perplexity, and sorrow; light is the emblem of the opposite of these.  When God is present with us, His light causes our troubles to disappear, and His way is made bright and shining.  If God is on our side or is for us, we should have no apprehension of danger.  He is abundantly able to protect us, and we can confidently trust in Him.  David said that God is the strength of my life. God is the support of our life.  In other words, He keeps us alive.  Life is feeble and is easily crushed out by trouble and sorrow; but if God is our strength, there is nothing to fear or worry about.  He will light the way.  

Sing: Now let us have a little talk with Jesus, tell Him all about our troubles, He will hear our faintest cry, He will answer by and by.  When you feel a little prayer wheel turning, you’ll know a little fire is burning.  You will find a little talk with Jesus makes it right.

Thought For Today: Jesus is the light that gets you out of darkness (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 October 18

“Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour” (Matthew 15:21-28).

Today’s Morsel:  We are told that if we have an emergency or need help in a crisis to call 911 or to send out an SOS signal.  But who do you call or what signal do you send when it’s a need that neither of these things can help you?  There are times in life when the only one that can help us is Jesus.  When my peace is gone, only Jesus can bring that back to me.  When my health is failing, the only one that can give me the strength that I need is Jesus.  The Syrophoenician women needed help for her daughter that not even Jesus' disciples could provide.  They said to Jesus, “Send her away; for she crieth after us.”  Once she moved from just asking for His help to worshipping Him and then asking for His help, she received what she desired.  I don’t know what kind of help you may need today, but Jesus does, and your worship to Him could make a difference.

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

Thought For Today:  A heart of gratitude always proceeds the an answer to the cry for Help 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 October 17

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17).

Today’s Morsel:  This word ‘Sanctify’ means to render pure or to cleanse from sins (1 Thessalonians5:23, 1 Corinthians 6:11).  Sanctification in the heart of a Christian is progressive.  It consists of one becoming more like God and less attached to the world.  It’s getting the power over evil thoughts, and passions, and impure desires; and becoming more and more weaned from earthly things and attaching oneself to those things which are unseen and eternal.  The word also means “to consecrate, to set apart to a holy office or purpose” (See John 10:36, John 17:19).  When Jesus prayed here that God would sanctify them, He probably included the idea that they would be made holy, and be truly consecrated to God as the real ministers of the gospel, as most people of the gospel will only be devoted to the service of God in proportion to how they are personally pure.  How much of you are you giving to the gospel?  It is a reflection of your inner purity and relationship with Christ.  

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

Thought for today: Stay sanctified for tomorrow we just might passed over. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 October 16

“I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalms 16:8-11).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things that I like when reading my Bible through each year, is that I gain more revelation of the truth of God and His word, and I often get a better understanding of where the New Testament writers are coming from when they write to give us clarity of the Deity of Jesus Christ.  If you have been around the church for any length of time and have heard someone quote Acts chapter 2, then you know that today’s passage of scripture was quoted by the Apostle Peter on the Day of Pentecost to show that the writing of this Old Testament passage, by King David, was referring to Jesus Christ.  When is the last time you have dug a little deeper for clarity to refresh your understanding as to who Christ is?  Look it’s in there, right in the Word of God.

Sing: It’s all in Him! It’s all in Him! The fullness of the Godhead is all in Him. It’s all in Him, it’s all in Him, the Mighty God is Jesus and it’s all in Him.

Thought For Today:  Who do you say that I am? (Jesus Christ) 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 October 15

“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness” (Proverbs 15:1-2).

Today’s Morsel:  I believe the number one thing that causes disagreements is our desire to get even or to be right.  If you ever observe kids who get into a fight, it’s always he or she started it.  Most people will not accept being guilty of wrong.  If we would be quick to hear rather than to answer, we could probably save ourselves much trouble and heartache.  Solomon says that a soft answer turneth away wrath.  In other words, think about what you are about to say before you say it. Sometimes, you may just need to say, ‘I am sorry’, or just say nothing at all.  If we must answer, then choose words that will edify and not create division or argument.

Sing:  To be like Jesus!  To be like Jesus! On earth I long to be like Him.  All through life’s journey, from earth to glory, I only ask to be like Him.

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 October 13

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about restoration is that you must want to be restored.  No one can ever be restored who does not have a true heart of repentance toward God for their wrong.  David was probably the most repentant man in the Bible when God exposed to Him his sin and Psalms 51 is that prayer of repentance by David.  If one is overtaken in a fault and they desire to be restored, they must have a heart of true repentance and submission both to God and those who are appointed over them.  Without that, they cannot be restored.  Restoration starts with a heart of repentance.  

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:  Restoration begins with repentance.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 October 12

“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God” 

(Romans 2:1-3)?

Today’s Morsel:  I once had an opportunity to serve on a chili judging committee.  I will never do that again!  Isn’t it amazing that God chose judges to judge His people and yet people say, “Don’t judge me”, and they also say “We are not supposed to judge others.” Well, if God chooses judges, what are they supposed to do?  What is their job?  Isn’t it to judge others?  I would love to see someone stand before the court and tell the judge, "You aren’t supposed to judge me."  I do believe that men of God have the right to judge others when cases of wrongdoing, disagreements, and corruption are brought before them.  Even Paul tell us, “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life” (1 Corinthians 6:2-3)?  I think many people may misunderstand Paul’s writings.  But to judge others without facts and understanding is always wrong. Especially Paul said if we judge others for doing wrong and we ourselves are doing the same thing.  There is a judgment of God and every one of us have an appointment, no one will escape it.  Be prepared for the final judgment.  

Sing:  When gloom and sadness whispers, you’ve sinned no use to pray.  I look away to Jesus, and He tells me to say.

I see a Crimson Stream of Blood, it flows from Calvary, it’s waves which reach the Throne of God, are sweeping over me.

Thought For Today:  Judges rule after wisdom.   

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 October 11

“Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy” (1 Corinthians 14:1)

Today’s Morsel:  It’s always interesting when someone new comes into the church whose name is Charity, and I begin to quote 1 Corinthians 13 about what charity is and doesn’t do.  Their faces seem to light up.  I can remember the first time that I heard my name ‘Rufus’ mentioned from the Bible.  Each Sunday that I would walk into the church, my pastor’s wife would say, “Greet Rufus chosen in the Lord…”. Were her words prophetic?  I think so, now that I am an ordained minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Paul also tells us to follow after charity.  Therefore, we must follow Jesus Christ because God is Love (1 John 4:8).  And again, as Paul states, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour” (Ephesians 5:1-2).  The word charity has a powerful meaning, follow it at all cost.  

Sing:  Love lifted me!  Love lifted me!  When nothing else could help, love lifted me.  Love lifted me!  Love lifted me!  When nothing else could help, love … lifted… me.

Thought For Today:  Who are you following.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 October 10

“Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble? The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth. The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them. He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity. His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity” (Psalms 10:1-7).

Today’s Morsel:  David seems to be concerned that the wicked were not being punished for their wrong.  Asaph seems to feel the same way as we read in Psalms 73.  He said that his foot almost slipped when he saw how they seemed to prosper.  But then Asaph said, “When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors” (Psalms 73:16-19).  It’s amazing what you can learn when you read, hear, and study the Word of God.  Even Solomon states, “And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity. Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him: But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God” (Ecclesiastes 8:10-13).  Don’t ever think that the wick are getting away.  “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life” (Jude 1:20-21).

Sing:  I've got my mind made up to serve the Lord.  I’ve got my mind made up to serve the Lord.  I’ve got my mind made up to serve the Lord.  I’ve got my mind made up to serve the Lord.

Thought For Today:  Keep yourself in the love of God.