Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 31 January 2019

Vivify

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 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. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:1-9).

Today’s Morsel:  It’s amazing sometimes how God has made us.  My wife will say to me, Where is that scripture in the Bible that says....…?  And I’m immediately quickened by the spirit to the place or scripture where it is in the Bible.  To Vivify means to quicken, enlighten, give life to, to breathe new life, to make alive.  Paul said, “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.”  Notice, God quickens us.  One moment I was in sin and the next moment I was filled with His Spirit and walking in newness of life.  Just like that.  And Paul said that’s how it’s going to be when He returns for His church.  “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).  Because we have been changed, let's share the news and vivify others.

Sing:  I was sinking deep in sin far from the peaceful shore.  Very deeply stained with sin sinking to rise no more.  But the master of the sea, heard my despairing cry, from the waters lifted me now safe am I.

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:  Vivify!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 30 January 2019

 Wisdom and Understanding

“And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things that I learned at an early age was to show respect for God.  But as I grew and saw so much wrong before me, I lost that respect and I started to follow the ways of the world and its evil.  But thanks be to God who looked beyond my faults, pulled me out, and put me into the ministry.  And now it’s my duty and my pleasure to teach others to fear and reverence God.  That is wisdom and to depart from evil is understanding.

Sing:  Aren’t you getting just a bit tired of fooling around?  You’re trying to laugh your way through life but you’re not gaining ground.  Why not try the Lord today, just ask Him in your heart to stay, and you’ll find Jesus' love to be the best thing that you’ve ever found?

Jesus got a hold of my life and He won't let me go. Jesus got into my heart He got into my soul.  I used to be oh so sad, but now I’m happy free and glad, cause Jesus got a hold of my life and He won't let me go.   

Thought For Today:  Be sure your sin will find you out. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 29 January 2019

When It Rains It Pours

“For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another”

(Mark 9:49-50).

Today’s Morsel:  When I was a kid, I used to like watching Morton’s Salt commercials with the little girl under the umbrella and the rain coming down and the salt running out of the box with the caption, “When it rains it pours”.  In other words, it won’t crystalize even when it rains.  I hear a lot of people saying that salt isn’t good for you.  Even some medical personnel have told people to not even use salt.  Jesus says that salt is good. And that we should even have salt within ourselves and be salt (Matthew 5:13-15).  So, whose report will you believe? Perhaps, this is the reason many quit in the storms of life. They don’t have the right salt.  And so, they stop pouring out of themselves upon others.  I guess if you don’t have any salt in you, you’ll never change anything.  Not even yourself.  Remember, it is salt that changes things.

Sing:  Rain on me, Rain on me, Holy Ghost shower, rain on me.  Yesterday’s gone, today I’m in need.  Holy Ghost shower rain on me.

Thought For Today: When it Rains it pours (Morton Salt).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 28 January 2019

Integrity

“Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once” (Proverbs 28:18).

Today’s Morsel:  I have come to realize that since Jesus pulled me out of the mess that I was living in, all my sins, I cannot continue to do those things anymore and expect to be remain saved.  I must now walk in honesty and in truth.  My integrity is at stake.  As Job told His friends, “God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me” (Job 27:5).  We cannot walk unrighteously and think that we will be saved. Salvation requires a total makeover, a new way of thinking and a new way of living and walking.  The only way to walk upright is to walk according to His word. Integrity must always be the walk of the man in the mirror.

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:  “Integrity… must be the walk of the man in the mirror.”

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 26 January 2019

Slothfulness

“The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed. The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth” (Proverbs 26:13-15).

Today’s Morsel:  A couple once came to our house, and the husband kept looking at the ceiling fan.  Finally, he asked my wife, “How do you keep that thing so clean?”  She replied, “I clean it”.  You can usually tell lazy people by their actions and a lot of times by what they say.  Just because people have money, a home to live in, good clothing, or a good job, doesn’t mean that they are not slothful.  It has been stated that the Bible is the number one best seller every year and yet the least read.  That’s a sign of slothfulness. If a person is always depressed or inundated with low self-esteem, it is because they are lazy.  And the reason I say that is because they are not willing to do anything about their own situation or what is causing them to be depressed or despondent.  “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat” Paul said (2 Thessalonians 3:10).  Idle hands are the devil's workshop.  Get to work and do something about your situation.  

Sing: When He calls me, I will answer.  When He calls me, I will hear.  When He calls me, I will answer, I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord.

I’ll be somewhere working! I’ll be somewhere working! I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord; I’ll be somewhere working! I’ll be somewhere working! I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord.

Thought For Today:  Idle hands are the devil's workshop.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 25 January 2019

Removing The Dross

“Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness” (Proverbs 25:4-5).

Today’s Morsel:  Last year, my wife decided to dig out her silver for me to polish up for her.  I will tell you that having to polish my military insignia for inspection was nothing compared to this task.  But after I was done those pieces looked good.  We are serving guests using those pieces now, they are vessels fit for use.  Solomon said that if we take away the dross from the silver there will come forth a vessel for the finer.  If we take away wickedness from the king, the throne will be established in righteousness.  The same holds true with us.  If we take away sin from our lives, we too can be a vessel of honor and fit for the master’s use.

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

Thought For Today:  Stay away from sin and you’ll shine bright (Parker).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 24 January 2019

Deception

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you” 

(Matthew 24:4).

Today’s Morsel:  The biggest hindrance to social media is the large number of scams that are being used through it.  All over the world people are being scammed.  People are being so deceived by gadgets and products that it’s hard to trust anyone any more.  Not only are people being deceived through social media, but they are also being deceived by businesses, churches, schools, and even political groups.  They are being scammed into thinking that there is no consequence for sin.  Or into thinking that they are someone else.  But I think that many are finding out that they have been hoodwinked by the enemy of their soul.  If one’s outgo is more than their income, they’ve been deceived.  Jesus said that you need to be on the alert and not allow it to happen to you.  Do you know the real Jesus, or have you been deceived?  The way that you will know Truth is to stay in His word.

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 travel no more.  Let me walk in the gospel light.

Thought For Today: Deception always starts with discontentment.   

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 23 January 2019

Training Your Children

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

Today’s Morsel: Many parents seem to get angry at the school system because they see the system as not training and teaching their children correctly.  I hate to say it, but God never gave that responsibility to someone else.  He placed that on the parents.  If the child isn’t growing and doing right, it’s not the system's fault.  The training process starts the moment they are born.  Not the moment they go off to school.  Obedience should always be the first lesson you teach your children, followed by justice and judgment.

Sing:  I want to be just like You, cause he wants to be just like me.  I want to be a holy example for his innocent eyes to see.  Help me be a living Bible, Lord, that my little boy can read.  I want to be just like You, cause he wants to be like me.

Thought For Today:  Training starts at home.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 22 January 2019

‘Dead Man Walking’

“The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead” (Proverbs 21:16).

Today’s Morsel:  In the prison system when a person is on Death Row and it comes time for their execution, the guard will shout as they are leading the person to the execution chamber, “Dead man walking!”  I often wonder how many dead men and women are walking not knowing it because they have wandered out of the way of the Lord?  Paul said that many are now the enemy of the cross.  Many have chosen to go back to the way of the world.  They who separate themselves, become sensual, having not the Spirit. “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. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh” (Jude 1:20-23).  Stay in the way of understanding.  Jesus didn’t die for you to die.  He died so you could live.  Eternity is a long time to be lost.

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

Thought For Today:  Be a live man walking.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 21 January 2019

Acceptance

“To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice”

(Proverbs 21:3)

Today’s Morsel:  The cow, chicken, and pig were discussing how the farmer had been so good to them, and that they should recompense him for his kindness. So they agreed to make him a hearty breakfast.  The cow said, I will provide the milk.  The chicken said, I will provide the eggs.  And they looked at the pig and said, Why don’t you provide the ham?  To which the pig replied, For you two it’s a gift.  But for me, it would a real sacrifice!  Solomon said for us to be fair and impartial and able to make wise and timely decisions when it comes to right versus wrong, is more acceptable to God then what we give Him.  God doesn’t need our money or our time if we call those things a sacrifice. He’d rather we treat others right and be right.  James tells us that if we have respect of persons, we commit sin and become a transgressor.  

Sing:  Lord prepare me, to be a sanctuary, pure and holy tried and true.  And with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for You.

Thought For Today:  That Golden Rule thing wasn’t just for a few. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 19 January 2019

Wisdom

“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many” (Proverbs 4:1-10).

Today’s Morsel:  I really like the Book of Proverbs.  It is filled with wisdom for everyone.  Some people say that the Old Testament is obsolete and outdated and that we shouldn’t use it anymore.  Well, I guess maybe that’s why there are so many divorces nowadays.  And why people don’t know who or what they are.  And why depression is taking over the life of so many.  And why many are homeless and hopeless.  And why children are being disobedient to their parents.  And indebtedness is out of control.  And why man has gone back into the caveman primitive way of life.  I guess when a life is void of wisdom then that’s what we can expect because God’s word says these things will be the end state without wisdom.  If you want to avoid these things in your life and home, then get wisdom.  Read a chapter from the book of Proverbs every day.  

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

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

Thought For Today:  Wisdom is still the principle thing. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 18 January 2019

Sustainability

“The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear” (Proverbs 18:14)?

Today’s Morsel:  Paul writing to his Protégée Timothy told him, “ Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier”(2 Timothy 2:3-4).  He also told him, “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:5-7).   He wanted him to know that his spirit would sustain him if he kept his faith in Christ.  Solomon said that the spirit of a man will sustain his infirmities.  Your capacity to endure is based on your spirit within you.  If Jesus has given you power, then you should be able to keep going.  When we read the story of Job, it was his spirit that sustained him.  If you will notice, from the onset, Job doesn’t charge God foolishly for his loss, he praises him for allowing him to have it while he did. You see, if you see God as working all things for your good, then it will keep your spirit right and it will help you get through whatever you are go through and face it with praise and worship.  But if not, you will be defeated every time.

Sing: I've got Jesus on the inside, working on the outside, oh what a change in my life.  I’ve got Jesus on the inside, working on the outside, oh what a change in my life.  I’ve got Jesus on the inside, working on the outside, oh what a change in my life; oh what a change in my life.

Thought For Today:  Your spirit will sustain you if you keep it right (Parker).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 17 January 2019

Healing Balm

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones” 

(Proverbs 17:22)

Today’s Morsel:  I came back in from my early morning 17 degree walk the other day with a pine branch in hand. My wife says to me, “What are you going to do with those”?  I told her that I was going to make myself some Pine Needle Tea.  She told me that I was so funny!  Most people have in their homes many types of medicine for their ailments and none of it seems to be working. Solomon says that a merry heart doeth good like a medicine.  Therefore, I conclude that if people would keep themselves happy and motivated, they would probably have fewer illnesses.  What do you do to keep yourself excited?  Me, I laugh at myself a lot.  If you focus on the world and all its evil, you are going to have a broken spirit.  But if you focus on Jesus and His word, you will have a merry heart.  The best advice I’ve ever received from a friend was to never take a sleeping pill and a laxative at the same time!!  I hope that made your heart feel better!  

 Sing:  If you’re happy and you know it, say Amen!  AMEN!  If you’re happy and you know it, say Amen! AMEN!  Cause when God’s Spirit falls on you, makes you shout Hallelujah! If you’re happy and you know it say Amen!  AMEN!!

Thought For Today:  The JOY of the Lord is your strength.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 16 January 2019

Grace

“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

Today’s Morsel:  Not only is ‘Grace’ God’s unmerited favor in our lives, but it is also His divine influence working in our lives.  How we handle what we are going through and facing will determine how much of His grace is in us and how we see it.  I like to think of God’s grace this way:  It is His goodness, rest, assurance, compassion, and example that He has set before me for my good.  If His grace is sufficient, then we have nothing to fear or worry about.  So, rejoice!

Sing:  Grace! Grace! God’s grace.  Grace that will pardon and cleanse within.  Grace! Grace! God’s grace. Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Thought For Today:  Weakness equals strength in the Lord!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 15 January 2019

The Dream

“But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams” (Acts 2:16-17)

Today’s Morsel:  Today, we celebrate and honor a man who was willing to sacrifice for all Americans, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Dr. King is not only credited for his many marches for equality and against racial injustice, but also for his ‘I Have A Dream Speech’ at the Lincoln Memorial, in August 1963.  What a great speech that should be read by all repeatedly.  Each year at this time, I am reminded why we must act to keep the dream alive.  And here’s why.  Because equality and justice are built when we work together, play together, and serve each other.  It helps us to resist and eradicate bigotry, disunity, and unrighteousness from our workplaces, military, schools, and communities.  We must continue to celebrate this day so that every generation will have knowledge of the progress we as a country have made and will live to make things better. And so that every generation will realize their role in keeping the dream alive.

Sing: My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.  Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrims' pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring.

Thought For Today: “Let Freedom Ring!”

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 14 January 2019

The Gentle Touch

“And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them” (Matthew 8:14-15)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the fruits of the Spirit is gentleness.  When I am praying for others, I often ask myself if I am being to be demonstrative.  One of the things that we find about Jesus in scripture is that sometimes He touched people without making a scene and they were healed.  I believe that when we are led by the Spirit of God, He will lead us to pray for others and to touch others in His name without making a scene. And when we do, it will be through that gentle touch that they will be made whole.  Scripture says, “And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. And he touched her hand, and the fever left her.”  He just touched her hand.  A gentle touch. “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).  When we minister to others it is for them to receive from God, not for others to see us.  So they know He has touched them.  

Sing: He touched me, and O’ the joy that floods my soul.  Something happened, and now I know, Jesus touched me and made me whole.

Thought For Today:  The Fruit of the Spirit is gentleness. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 12 January 2019

Sight Without Vision

“And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha” 

(2 Kings 6:15-17).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things I see a lot of in the church today is that folks have sight but no vision.  To have vision is to have divine communication, prophecy, and revelation.  It is without vision that one perishes. When Jesus asked His disciples who did men say that He was (Matthew 16:13)?  It was Peter who had vision. While the others saw Jesus, they did not know.  And Jesus said to Peter, “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 16:17). Continual sin in a person who says that they are born-again, is a life without vision.  Clear your vision by seeking the Lord daily, drawing close to Him through prayer and reading of the word.  When you seek Him, you find who He is.  

Sing:  Open the eyes of my heart Lord, Open the eyes of my heart, I want to see You, I want to see You.  Open the eyes of my heart Lord, Open the eyes of my heart, I want to see You, I want to see You.  To see You high and lifted up, shining in the light of Your Glory.  Pour out Your power and love as we sing holy, holy, holy.  I want to see You.

Thought For Today: Sight without vision is dangerous (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 11 January 2019

Divine Protection

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee” (Psalms 91:1-7).

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about insurance companies is that they all offer you protection.  And they will all tell you they will be there when you need them.  Well, I have found that to not always be the case. Some of them will give you the runaround and never come through.  But it’s not that way with Jesus.  The psalmist said that God will protect us and deliver us. God won’t give you the run around when you need Him. He is always as close as the mention of His name. “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10).  Are you under the shadow of His wing?  He is a sure assurance.  You can trust in Him for protection.  

Sing:  I am covered, covered, covered by His blood.  Walking by faith, living in love. I am covered, covered, covered by His blood, Jesus has rescued me.

 Thought For Today: Your protection is in the name.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 10 January 2019

Battle of Life

“And his fellow answered and said, This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel: for into his hand hath God delivered Midian, and all the host. And it was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation thereof, that he worshipped, and returned into the host of Israel, and said, Arise; for the LORD hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian” (Judges 7:14-15).

Today’s Morsel:  How do you feel when you overhear a conversation and others are talking about you?  This is what happened to Gideon.  He was chosen by God to lead Israel, but his confidence was not to the level of the task, and so God allowed him to hear what his enemy was saying about him to encourage him.  What battle are you facing today?  Sometimes when that still small voice you hear inside of you speaks to you, it may be God using your inner self to encourage you to the task He has chosen you to do.  Be still and listen to His voice today.

Sing:  Victory is mine!  Victory is mine!  Victory today is mine!  I told Satan, to get thee behind.  Victory today is mine.

Thought For Today:  God never calls us to a task that He’s not with us.