Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 31 December 2019

The End

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”

(Revelation 1:8)

Today’s Morsel:  They say that all good things must come to an end.  This has been a great year, but it has to come to an end.  God ordained it that way.  Times and seasons.  The Psalms wrote, “How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.” (Psalms 139:17-18)  When we understand that Jesus is the beginning and the ending, we should get excited. When He closes out one year for us with blessings, He begins another.  Again, the psalmist says He daily loadeth us with benefits (Psalms 68:19).  Don’t ever allow yourself to get into the habit of thinking that another year has ended, and things didn’t go your way. It went your way, just not the way that you wanted it to. Remember, He knows the things we have need of, and that all things do work together for good to them that love Him.   I pray that you had as great a year as I did. And as it comes to an end, may you too understand that something new and wonderful for you is about to begin.

Sing: He’s been faithful, faithful, to me.  Looking back His love and mercies I see.  Though in my heart I have questioned, even failed to believe, yet He’s been faithful, faithful, to me.

Thought For Today: The ending is just the beginning.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 30 December 2019

The Holy Ghost

“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him”
  (Mark 1:1-10)

Today’s Morsel:  John, the forerunner for Jesus, had one purpose, the preparation of the hearts of the people for the coming of the Lord.  John knew that he did not have what the people needed.  He could only bring them a message of hope to turn their hearts and prepare them for the one that would give them the power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy.  John knew that when Jesus came, things would be different.  Lives would be renewed.  Families would be restored.  Outlook on life would be different. The one they had waited for His glory would be revealed to them.  And so, John told them that he was only baptizing them with water, but Jesus would baptize them with the Holy Ghost; His Spirit and His power.  Have you been baptized with His Spirit?  Jesus has come, there is no need to wait any longer.  

Sing:  Baptize me Jesus, with the Holy Ghost.  I shall have power, Your word says so.  Satan is busy, trying to turn me around, but I’m determined to stand my ground.  I can’t do it, I can’t do it, until You baptize me with the Holy Ghost.

Thought For Today:  The power is in the Spirit.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 28 December 2019

Nazareth

“But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.” (Matthew 2:19-23)

Today’s Morsel:  Following the life of Jesus, we can see in many ways why we are to pattern our lives after Him.  When His parents brought Him out of Egypt, they turn into Galilee and dwell in Nazareth as the prophets had said so that He would be called a Nazarene.  The Greek word for Nazarene by extension is a Christian.  So for what other reason would Jesus bring us out of the world other than to become Christians; believers and followers of Him?   Therefore, we can’t say that we are Christians and devote all our life and time to the world.  Everything associated with Christianity begins with Christ.  “And the hand of the Lord was with them, Luke wrote, and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” (Acts 11:21-26)  You can only be called a Christian if you believe in Christ and devote yourself to following Him.  

Sing:  Where He leads me, I will follow.  Where He leads me, I will go.  You have called me, I will answer,  lead me Lord I will go.

Thought For Today: True Christians still believe and follow Him.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 27 December 2019

The Flight To Egypt

“And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.”

(Matthew 2:12-15)

Today’s Morsel:  When we look through the lens of Christ’s life, we see that He, too, was taken into Egypt by His parents as commanded by the Lord, as Herod desired to kill Him.  They were commanded to go there and to stay until God called them out.  Egypt symbolizes the world.  We all are birthed into this world, but Jesus never intended for us to stay there forever.  It is only until He calls us out.  So stop being comfortable in the world, He has called you out of it.  Paul wrote that because of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, we are now called out of the world and we are to be separated unto Christ (2 Corinthians 6:17-18).  Peter admonishes, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10)  No matter who or where you are today, Jesus wants you to know that He is calling you out of the world.  John admonishes, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” (1 John 2:15-17)  Why did He tell us not the love the world?  It is not your home.  It is a temporary stay.  The world only has power over you if you stay there.  Come on out to a better place.  

Sing:  He set me free yes, He set me free.  He broke the bars of prison for me.  I’m glory bound my Jesus to see.  Glory to God He set me free.

Thought For Today: The world only has power over you as long as you stay there. (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 26 December 2019

Wisemen Still Seek Him

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (Matthew 2:1-10)

Today’s Morsel:  Someone said that the wisemen were firemen because they came from "a-fire" (afar) (little humor).  How does one know if a person is wise or foolish?   For me that is simple, wisemen still seek Him and the fool says in his heart there is no God.  Isaiah admonishes us to “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6-7)   Wisemen are all about prayer, praise, worship, and living a life of Godly character and following after the things of God.  The foolish man, on the other hand, is all about self-gain, self-edification, and pride.  We see both in today scriptures.  The wiseman was looking for Jesus to worship Him.  Herod, the fool, was looking out for himself.  Where do you fit on the scale?  Are you still seeking for Him?  I pray you are a wiseman.  

Sing:  Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you, hallelujah, hallelujah.

Thought For Today: Wisemen still seek Him.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 25 December 2019

He Is Here

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” (Luke 2:1-20)

Today’s Morsel:  Around the world today we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For those of you who may have to work today or those of you who are serving our great nation in the military around the world, we pray that God’s love, mercy, protection, and blessing be upon you for your sacrifice to our great nation; know that you are not forgotten.  If you are despondent today, look up and lift up your head and let the glory of the Lord come in, as Jesus brought everlasting joy for us.  If you are sick, He is a healer.  If you are lonely, He is a friend.  Whatever your needs are today, take hold of Jesus' hand and allow Him to be the gift you need. He wants you to enjoy this day with Him.  He came for you.  And He is here today.

Sing: Happy birthday, Jesus, I'm so glad it's Christmas, all th3 tinsel and lights and the presents are nice, but the real gift is You.  Happy birthday, Jesus, I'm so glad it's Christmas, all the carols and bells make the holiday swell and it's all about You.  Happy birthday, Jesus, Jesus I love You.  

Thought For Today: Merry Christmas!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 24 December 2019

All I Want For Christmas

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

Today’s Morsel:  When I was a kid during this time of year, it wasn’t uncommon to hear kids singing, "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth" as most of us had lost them.  It was a fun little song to sing. Somewhat like all the Christmas songs.  To me, Christmas songs are to make us realize what Christmas is all about.  The birth of our Savior and the gift that He would bring with Him for us.  No, Christmas isn’t Santa Claus, it’s about Jesus, and Jesus is the real deal. Santa Claus' gifts are like him, temporal and non-lasting.  But the gifts that Jesus brought with Him are eternal and forever.  I guess if someone were to ask me what I want for Christmas, it would be that all those who say that they know Him  and have received the perfect gift from Him, would live their lives and reflect Him to others, and to show others how they too can receive this perfect gift of the Holy Ghost (which is Jesus) that will never fade away.  Why not give someone something about Jesus this year.  He is the only good and perfect gift.

Sing: The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You. The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You.  I want to know You more; I want to know You more.  The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You.

Thought For Today: Why not gift someone Jesus this year.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 23 December 2019

The Redeemer

“Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.”

(Isaiah 51:11)

  

Today’s Morsel:  Christmas time is associated with joy and gladness.  People just seem to get more excited during this time of year than any other.  They seem to find within themselves the ability to share, encourage, help, and make others feel wanted and respected.  They seem to find a little bit of joy to share with others.  From the youngest to the oldest, Christmas time seems to brighten up so many.  Isaiah wrote that the redeemed of the LORD shall return and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head.  What is this everlasting joy that He will place upon their heads?  There will be upon them an eternal weight of glory, a crown of life and righteousness.  By having the presence of God, communion with Him, and being influenced by the Holy Ghost we will never run out of His everlasting joy upon us.  Are you getting excited about Christmas?  I sure am! 

Sing: Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head.  Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head.  They shall obtain, gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.  Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head.

Thought For Today: Would you like everlasting joy? Well, Jesus brought it.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 21 December 2019

The Best Gift

“Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” (John 4:10)

Today's Morsel:  For the past few weeks, I've been seeing the mailman drop boxes at my door.  I know I haven't ordered anything, and so I'm assuming that my dear children are starting to send gifts for Christmas to their loving Dad/Grandpa/Papa/Poppie.  James tells us that every good gift and perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the father of lights.  When God robed Himself in flesh and came to the earth to save mankind, He was the greatest gift.  Paul, writing to the church at Corinth, told them to covet earnestly the best gift.   And that gift was love because God is love (1 John 4:8).  The best gift is love, and the greatest gift is the Holy Ghost.  When we allow God's love to reign within us, and we show forth that love to others, we are displaying the best gift.  When we allow the Holy Ghost to lead and guide us, we are displaying the greatest gift.  You can't put a price tag on the gifts from God.  No amount of money can buy them.  His gifts are free, and they are the best and greatest.  How many of them do you want today?   They are all free; get as many of them as you want.

Sing:  So, have a super-duper Christmas with Jesus this year, super-duper Christmas spreading good cheer; if you are down, your frown will soon disappear; so have a super-duper Christmas with Jesus this year.

Thought for today: What would you like for Christmas?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 20 December 2019

How Shall This Be?

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

Today’s Morsel:  How would you like to have been Mary?   I’m sure many would be filled with questions the same as she was.  Who had ever heard of a woman getting pregnant and having a child without a man? How could she accept the fact without questions, so contrary to the unbroken law of human birth?  Mary said, "How shall this be, see I know not a man?"  And the angel answered and said unto her, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."  Always remember Jesus said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)  Do you have questions in your life?  Jesus has the answer.  

Sing: Ah Lord God, thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power.  Ah Lord God, thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy outstretched hand.

Nothing is too difficult for Thee, nothing is too difficult for Thee.  Great and mighty God, great in power, mighty indeed; nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing is too difficult for Thee.

Thought For Today:  Nothing is to hard for God.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 19 December 2019

The Sign

“And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:13-14)

  

Today’s Morsel:  When I was a kid, we would play a lot of guessing games.  Sometimes the answer would be complicated and so we would ask for a clue, in hopes that it would help us solve or get the answer.  Isaiah said, "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign."  He would give them a pledge; a token; an evidence of the fulfillment of what is predicted.  The word does not, of necessity, denote a miracle, though it is often so applied.  Here it means a proof, a demonstration, a certain indication that what He had said would be fulfilled.  When God tell us He is going to do something through His word, He usually follows it with a demonstration or clue.  He told them that a virgin would conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel.  God tells us what was going to happen and then He gives a sign.  But sad to say, many still have not understood the sign.  Immanuel means God with us.  This child that would be born to a virgin would be God Himself in flesh.   As Paul wrote, “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)   As Jesus said, to His disciples, “ Are ye also yet without understanding?” (Matthew 15:16)

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.  It’s all in Him. It’s all in Him. The Mighty God is Jesus and it’s all in Him.

Thought For Today: The proof is in the pudding.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 18 December 2019

Changing Hearts

“Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” (Malachi 4:4-6)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the missions of John the Baptist was to turn the hearts of fathers back to their children and the heart of the children to their fathers.  That mission has not changed.  It’s the main purpose for the church.  The gospel is to change peoples' hearts.  For as a man thinketh in his heart so is he.  People are separated from their heaven Father because they have not obeyed the gospel; and He is separated from them.  In order to bring godly things and godly families back together again, it requires obedience to the gospel.  “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:16-17) Paul continues by telling us that if any have not the spirit of Christ He is none of His.   (Romans 8:9).  You must make the decision to go home and mend the relationship.  Jesus did His part by going to Calvary for you.  Now it’s your turn.

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

Thought For Today:  There is no family like God’s family.