Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 31 October 2019

Embrace

“The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see. O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!” (Habakkuk 1:1-2)

Today’s Morsel:  The name Habakkuk means to embrace.  Habakkuk seems to have taken hold of God’s word and hid it in his heart.  Even though he feels that God is not answering, he still knows that God can and that God will.  And so to elevate his and our faith in God he states, “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)  Habakkuk knows that we must walk by faith and not by sight.  If you will embrace the truth of God’s word, you can stand.

Sing:  Hold to God’s unchanging hand.  Hold to God’s unchanging hand.  Build your hopes on things eternal.  Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Thought For Today: Embrace the truth and you can stand.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 30 October 2019

Born-Again

“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:1-8)

Today’s Morsel:  I often hear a lot of folks say that they are born-again Christians.  If they are born-again, why are they sinning?  If they are born-again, why do they keep struggling with the flesh?  Doesn’t to be born-again mean you get rid of the old you?  Doesn’t it mean that you buried the old you in the waters of baptism and that God’s Spirit now dwells in you?  Why start over if you are going to live the way that you always lived before.  Why be born-again if you are going to do the same old things you've always done?  “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” (Acts 2:38-39)  If you really want to know if someone is truly born-again, be a fruit inspector and check their fruit.

Sing:  Born-again, there's been a change in me.  Born-again just like Jesus said.  Born-again, and all because of Calvary.  I’m so glad that I been born-again.

Thought For Today:  Newness of life means living a new life (Parker).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 29 October 2019

Get Up

“Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. 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 7:7-8)

Today’s Morsel:  If you have been around the church for any length of time, then you know that your adversary, the devil, likes to kick you when you are down.  If you make a mistake, he pounces on you immediately.  If you display any kind of depression, stress, or unhappiness, he pounces immediately.  His goal is to torment you and to keep you down.  And he does a lot of it through those who are uncommitted in the church that refuse to help and comfort you.  Our ability to overcome when we are hit is to not stay down. We must get up.  Micah states, “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. Therefore, I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.”  If you will notice, I put verse seven after verse eight.  To me, verse eight is telling my enemy not to think he will defeat me.  The latter part of verse 8 and verse seven tells him what I plan to do and what will happen.  Why stay down when you have a God who is willing to lift you up?

Sing:  Get up, get up, get up in Jesus' name.  The Lord is calling daily to those that would be saved.  Don’t go down defeated, while victory's here to claim.  Get up, get up, get up in Jesus' name.

Thought For Today:  You can lay on a lie or you can stand on the truth.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 28 October 2019

Famine

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD” (Amos 8:11)

Today’s Morsel:  The Prophet Amos had prophesied that one day there would be a famine for the words of God.  History tells us that there were 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments.  God’s people did not hear from Him.  Can you image not hearing from God?  What would you do if there was a famine for the word of God?  When Joseph told Pharaoh of his impending dream of a famine which was to come, they gathered five percent of everything that came in for the first seven years.  And they were able to endure the famine.   Are you memorizing and hiding the word of God in your heart so that if there is a famine of the word, you can still preach and teach the infallible word of God?  Hide the word in your heart so you can endure the famine.  

Sing: I’m learning how to lean and depend on Jesus, He’s my friend, and He’s my God.  I’m learning how to lean and depend on Jesus, I found out, if I would trust Him, He will provide.

Thought For Today: What would you do if there was a famine for the word of God?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 26 October 2019

How To Maintain Perfect Peace

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:3-4)

 Today’s Morsel: With all the scriptures in the Bible that speak to peace, why is there so much unrest in the church?   Why are there so many who seem to have little or no peace?  If Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace, and we say that we know Him and we are born of Him, shouldn’t we be filled with His peace?  If He left us with His peace, and we don’t have any, who did we allow to take or steal it?  The key to having and maintaining perfect peace in your life is to keep your mind stayed on Jesus.  If you allow anything to come between you and Him, to distract your thoughts from Him, or to draw you away from Him, you will be peaceless.

Sing:  I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river in my soul; I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.

Thought For Today: Set your affections on things above, not on things of this earth.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 25 October 2019

 Slothfulness

“I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.” (Proverbs 24:30-34)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things you learn about being a property owner is that if you do not have good work ethics, you will find yourself spending a lot of money for upkeep and repairs.  Things don’t last forever.  They must be kept up.  When it comes to farming and owning a farm, most farmers will do everything they can to ensure their farms are well looked after and taken care of, as they know that if not, it will not produce as it should, nor will it be a good representation as to who they are.  Here, Solomon gives us a picture of what a lazy farmer's field looks like.  It is all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face of it, and the stone wall was broken down.  The same is true for us in our spiritual life.  If we fail to keep up our personal appearance, conduct, holiness, and godly lifestyle, we will be a poor representation as God’s husbandman.

Sing:  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:  Keep an eye on yourself.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 24 October 2019

That’s Not Your Land

“The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.” (Psalms 24:1-2)

Today’s Morsel:  The whole world belongs to God.  He is the Creator of heaven and the earth, and therefore, it is His.  It belongs to Him in a sense somewhat similar to our right of property.  We claim it as our own, but really it belongs to God.  We feel that we have a right to it, or to dispose of it as we choose, but we really don’t.  It is God's.  Thus, in the highest possible sense, God has a right to all the earth, and to all that it produces.  He has a right to dispose of it as He pleases; by fire, or flood, or tempest; and He has an equal right to direct man in what way He shall employ that portion of it which may be entrusted to him.  The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.  Now, do you understand why when you leave this world you can’t take anything with you? It doesn’t belong to you.

Sing: He’s got the whole world in His hands; He’s got the whole world in His hands. He’s got the whole world in His hands; He’s got the whole world in His hands.

Thought For Today: We are just tenants here. Live right so you don’t get evicted. (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 23 October 2019

Leave Them Landmarks Alone

“Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.”
(Proverbs 22:28)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about landmarks is they set boundaries. They tell history. They save lives. And they give direction.  But sad to say, some want to remove them.   Many have cast away that old gospel saying it is outdated and isn’t for today.  But they soon realize that the old landmark still saves lives.  Many have said, "Tear down the teachings of the apostles and church as they cause division and hate."  But they soon realize that those old landmarks were placed there to remove hate and bitter hearts.  Many have said, "Remove all the crosses from the land."  But they soon realize that those old landmarks were beckons of hope and light to guide us in the right way.  Some may call for the removal of the old landmarks, but those who know truth must always let the old landmarks stand.  They have a purpose.  

Sing: Lord, take me back to that Old Landmark, there I’ll make a new commitment, and begin a fresh start, Help me find my direction, place a burden in my heart.  Oh Lord, take me back to that Old Landmark.  

Thought For Today: Don’t remove the Old Landmarks.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 22 October 2019

Knowing Truth

“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?”
(Proverbs 22:17-21)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about the word of God is that it is the truth.  Jesus said that the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).  Many folks are living in bondage to many phobias or fears.  Many are on medication and other drugs because of them.  If the truth makes them free, who keeps putting them back into prison?  Themselves.  If they will not read and heed the word of God, they will live all their life in the bondage of fear.  The Lord said, “Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth." His word will not return void but shall accomplish what He sent it to do.  If He says it will free you, it will free you.  If He says it will give you life, it will give you life.  Whatever it says it will do, it is certain. God cannot deny Himself as He is the Word.  So learn to stand on what is written in the word.

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

Thought For Today: His word is certain.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 21 October 2019

Righteous Living

“The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” (Proverbs 21:1-3)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the first lessons I learned after my baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost was how to live a holy and godly life.  Righteous living was stressed to us more than anything else.  But sad to say, ethics and etiquette seem to be slipping through the cracks these days.  Many folks sit in church pews week after week, and never come to the knowledge of what it means to be holy and set apart unto God.  There is no outward display of and for righteous living.  Obedience to God’s word and instruction are left on the pews. When Saul failed to obey God’s word and instructions to destroy the Amalekites, the Prophet Samuel told him, “Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” (1 Samuel 15:22-23) Saul lost his kingdom because of disobedience.  We must always remember that the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly will perish. Therefore, if we live right, God will reward us in the end. 

Sing: Now I give to Jesus everything, now I gladly own Him as my King, now my raptured soul can only sing of Calvary.

Mercy there was great, and grace was free; pardon there was multiplied to me; There my burden soul found liberty, at Calvary.

Thought For Today:  Live right and God will reward you in the end (Parker) 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 19 October 2019

Wisdom First

“He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.” (Proverbs 19:8)

Today’s Morsel:  Sometimes when I read accident reports or hear of children being attacked by animals, I am heartbroken.  In many cases, much of it is due to lack of wisdom.  How many messages or advertisements do we need to hear that driving and texting is dangerous?  That smoking causes lung cancer.  Alcohol causes cirrhosis of the liver.  Grabbing a dog by the ears can get you bitten.  Meddling in someone else’s affairs can get you hurt.  Or saying things about others which are not true could land you a black eye?  If we really love our soul, Solomon said, then you will seek wisdom. As a life without wisdom is not good.

Sing: O’ deeper yet I pray, and higher every day, and wiser blessed Lord, in Thy precious holy word.

Thought For Today: Get wisdom, it’s the most important thing in life.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 18 October 2019

The Strong Tower

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)

Today’s Morsel:  Throughout the Old Testament, some of the attributes of God are shown through words such as: Protector, Defender, Refuge, Stronghold, Bulwark, Rampart, Fortification, Rear-reward.  David said, “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” (Psalms 18:2)  In the olden times, cities of refuge were places of safety.  The tower mentioned by Solomon was probably more associated with the city of refuge.  These cities were seen as places of safety and strength.  By relating the Lord's Name with a strong tower or city of refuge, it would display it as a place of safety.  As the psalmist said, “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” (Psalms 4:8)  When we dwell in the secret place of the Most High or run unto Him, we abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

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

Thought For Today: Are you dwelling in safety?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 17 October 2019

The Resurrection

“And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection” (Hebrews 11:32-35)

Today’s Morsel:  The Book of Hebrews main theme is the word ‘Better’.  Throughout its pages, it reveals to us the things which are better because of Jesus Christ.  The writer tells us that some of the patriarchs of old would not accept deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.  Many of them were given a chance to denounce their faith and trust in Jesus, but they refused.  They placed their hope in a better life after death.  Paul states, “Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.” (Romans 6:8-10).  If we felt good about being baptized in His name for the remission of our sins, then we should feel good about the resurrection that will give us a new life.

Sing: Go ahead, drive the nails in my hands; laugh at me where you stand.  Go ahead, and say it isn’t me; the day will come when you will see!  Cause I’ll rise again; Ain’t no power on earth can tie me down.  Yes, I’ll rise again, death can’t keep me in the ground.

Thought For Today: “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection” (Romans 6:5)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 16 October 2019

Extended Goodness

“Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee; But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.” (Psalms 16:1-3)

Today’s Morsel:  How far does your goodness extend to others?  When you give in to the mission’s coffer, how far does it reach?  When you encourage someone, how much are they affected?  When you help someone in need, what impact does it have on their life?  David said that the Lord was his Master and every good thing he had came from Him.  And because of that goodness, he would extend it to the saints in the earth. “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” Paul said, (Galatians 6:10).  Extend a hand of goodness to others. You might need one someday.

Sing:  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, all the days, all the days of my life.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, all the days, all the days of my life.  And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever, and I will feast at the table spread for me.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, all the days, all the days of my life.

Thought For Today:  Extend a hand to others. You might need one someday (Parker).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 15 October 2019

What’s the Conclusion?

“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10)

Today’s Morsel:  I often find that most people make decisions without considering the end-state or conclusion.  Every decision that we make has a consequence or conclusion.  Some will be good and some will be evil.  But if we consider and seek God for His wisdom and knowledge before we decide, it will probably reward us with good.  If not, it could reward us with evil.  Paul asked the question, "What will be the end to those who do not obey the gospel?"  And he gives the answer. He said, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints. Failure to obey the gospel can be painful. Solomon states, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)  If Jesus came right now, what would be the conclusion to your life?  

Sing:  For me! For me! For me! There’s a mansion there for me, in glory land so bright and fair where the victor's crown, I soon shall wear.  Come and go with me, for I want to be back you see.  If anybody’s going to be happy over there it’s me, me, me, me.

Thought For Today: Know that there is a conclusion.