Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 31 January 2020

Life Changers

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
 (Mark 16:15-18)

Today’s Morsel:  I believe that one of the reasons that Jesus said if we do not take up our cross daily and follow Him we cannot be His disciples is because the cross represents the ability to change others' lives.  If it had not been for the cross, all our lives would be lost. But because Jesus chose to carry His cross, He changed our lives.  You see the Cross represents Compassion, Resistance to evil, Obedience to God’s word, Submission to His ways and those over us, and having a Servant’s attitude.  Those who share the gospel are real-life changers.  Whose life have you impacted lately?  We should impact someone daily.  

Sing:  He’s changing me, my blessed Savior, I’m not the same person that I use to be.  Well its been slow going, but there’s a knowing, that someday perfect I will be.

Thought For Today:  Gospel… The message of life.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 30 January 2020

The End

“For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.”
(1 Corinthians 15:21-28)

Today’s Morsel:  They say that all good things must come to an end.  You can sit and watch a good movie, but it will come to an end.  Or maybe read a good book, but it too will come to an end.  You may be enjoying a good career or a good job, but someday it will come to an end.  When God created the heavens and the earth and man, everything was good.  But it all has an end.  No matter how good my life may be, someday it’s going to come to an end, and I need to settle that in my mind. Nothing here on this earth lasts forever no matter how good it is.  Writing to the church at Corinth, Paul tells them that death has an end.  One day, this world and Satan will come to an end, and Jesus will be seen on His throne as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Sing: Oh, my brother are you ready for the call?  To crown your savior King and Lord of all?  The kingdoms of this world shall soon before Him fall, we shall see the King when He comes.

We shall see the King, we shall see the King, we shall see the King when He comes.  He’s coming in His power, we’ll hail the blessed hour.  We shall see the King when He comes.

Thought For Today:  The end may be tomorrow.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 29 January 2020

When You Trust Everyone But Jesus

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Today’s Morsel:  I often ask myself and wonder how many people could have a lot more, be more joyful, and have an exciting life if they would just trust God the way that they trust man.  I have come to realize that even 95% of people who say that they are Christians don’t really trust God.  Even when God told Abraham and Sarah that they were going to have a son they both laughed at the thought of them having a baby at their age.  They didn’t believe Him.  But their tune soon changed when Sarrah began to swell.  God’s ways aren’t the same as ours.  So if you think that God is going to do things the way you think He should, think again.  We must walk by faith and not by sight.  And that means trusting Him for the things we can and cannot see.

Sing:  He’s bigger than all my questions bigger than all my thoughts.  Yes, He is bigger than any mountain, that I can or cannot see.  He’s bigger than all my problems, bigger than all my fears; yes, my God is bigger than anything that I can or cannot see.

Thoughts For Today:  It’s better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 28 January 2020

The Reward of God’s Word

“For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (Proverbs 6:23)

Today’s Morsel:  The Commandments of God are not a lamp or candle to see to work by and to walk by; it enlightens our eyes and directs our steps, and makes working more pleasant, and walking more comfortable. David said they are pure and enlighten the eyes.  The law, which is light, not only is perfect, but it converts the soul.  It makes things clear and manifests what is right and what is wrong; it enlightens the eyes of our understanding, whereby we come to see both our sin and our obligations; and it directs us to avoid the one and do the other.  And reproofs of instruction are the way life.  Kind criticism given by parents agreeable to the word of God, which instruct what should be shunned and what should be performed, when attended to, put both men and women and children in the way of an honorable and useful life; and are the means of preserving them from a shameful and useless one. Don’t let the light go out in your lamp. Your life is at stake.  Ask Eli.

Sing: 1. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

 More to be desired are they than gold, much fine gold: Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

 2. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

 More to be desired are they than gold, much fine gold: Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

3. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold, much fine gold: Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Thought For Today: Don’t let the light go out in your lamp.  Your life is at stake. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 27 January 2020

Bouncing Things Off God

“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. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?”
(John 3:1-9)

Today’s Morsel:  Every now and then I like to bounce major decisions or things about scripture off my wife or my pastor just to see what they think about it.  It can be just to see where they stand, what they think that it means, or what I should do.  The Bible even tells us that in the multitude of counselors there is safety (Proverbs 24:6).  To me, that is what Nicodemus is doing when he comes to Jesus by night.  He is bouncing what he thinks off Jesus to see if he can get a clearer understanding.  He already knows that Jesus came from God.  So what better person to ask spiritual questions to then God Himself?  David did.  And once he was told to pursue and the other time he was told to wait.  When is the last time you bounced something off God?  You just might want to ask Him what He thinks before you say, “I do” or sign that contract.  Ask God, He always has an answer for you.  

Sing: 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 know a little fire is burning.  You find a little talk with Jesus makes it right.

Thought For Today: Always bounce your major issues off Jesus (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 25 January 2020

Making Your Enemy Your Friend

“If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.” (Proverbs 25:21-22)

Today’s Morsel: When is the last time you  have brought your enemy a meal?  Jesus said that if thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink.  I know that it doesn’t make sense to us to do this if the person is our enemy.  But God’s way isn’t our way.  Even the meanest dog, if you feed him and give him water to drink, will sooner or later let you pet him.  What we don’t understand is the person whom we may think is our enemy or doesn't like us may be reacting for fear of us or maybe someone has told them something negative about us, because they didn’t like us or our successes.  But because you are the bigger of the two, Jesus said that we should take the first step to restore the relationship and God will reward us for our kindness.  Do not lean to your own understanding but obey the Lord's word, and let Him work on your behalf.  

Sing: Give and it shall be given, good measure pressed down, shaken together and running over.  Give and it shall be given, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and runneth over; give and it shall be given, when you give you give to the Lord.

Thought For Today: You can’t beat God’s giving.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 24 January 2020

Who’s Building Your House

“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” (Psalms 127:1)

Today’s Morsel: A few years ago I had an opportunity to participate in the Church In A Day program. In other words, we built a church in one day.  We raised a building from nothing to a complete church with everything in it for service.  I was totally surprised when it was finished.  Many people came together to make it happen.  Who is building your house?  Solomon said, "Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it."  If the Lord does not give success, it will all be in vain; the building will fall or be consumed before it is finished.  Writing to the Hebrews Paul stated, “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.” (Hebrews 3:1-6)  Who is building you?  I pray it is Jesus.  

Sing:  It’s the old ship of Zion, it’s the hope for the lost and the dying.  It’s a soul-saving station, it’s the tower of salvation.  Well, it’s the church triumphant, O’ Lord and it’s built by the hand of the Lord.

 I’m talking about the church in the book of Revelation, it’s built on the Rock, it’s got a firm foundation.  It’s been through the flood and it’s been through the fire, but one of these days the church is going to move up higher.  It’s the church triumphant, O Lord and it’s built by the hand of the Lord.

Thought For Today: “He that built all things is God.”

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 23 January 2020

The Value of the Truth

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things that I have learned is that if we accept people lying to us then we don’t value truth.  Solomon said that we should buy the truth and sell it not (Proverbs 23:23).  If the word is truth, and Jesus is that truth, how much to do we value Him? If we do not value truth, we can never be made free.  We will always live in a state of bondage and captivity, as it is the truth that makes us free.  How much do you value Jesus?  Jesus said, "For without me you can do nothing." 

Sing:  Jesus be the center of it all, Jesus be the center of it all.  From heart to the heavens, Jesus be the center of if all, it's about you, yes it's all about you.

Thought For Today: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 22 January 2020

The Good Shepherd

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about being a shepherd is sacrifice.  You must sacrifice your own personal time for the sheep.  And the indication of a good shepherd is how he takes care of his flock.  If his flock is malnourished, he’s not a good shepherd.  If his flock does not know his voice, he’s not a good shepherd. One of the things about being a minister is that you must always be on your best behavior.  Your good behavior is always on display.  David said that the Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want.  The good shepherd will always lead us into greener pastures and provide those things that you have need of and be willing to give his life for ours, just as Jesus did.  To fully understand the gospel and Jesus’ love and how it applies to your life, you must understand the role of the good shepherd.

Sing:  Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand; but I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.

Thought For Today: Jesus is the good shepherd. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 21 January 2020

Banking Beyond Expectation

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

Today’s Morsel:  I hear a lot about investing.  The news media pounds the stock market, the economy, and jobs.  I am not saying that these things aren’t important, as I believe that we all should plan for that rainy day.  My pastor taught me, “Live like Jesus is coming at the next moment and plan as though He’s not coming for a hundred years.”  But are you banking beyond your expectations?  Jesus said, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”  In other words, Jesus is saying, don’t bank for the here and now, bank for the future.   Bank with Jesus, Inc.  No bank on earth can match His dividends and returns.

Sing:  There’s a dream that I dream of my heavenly home.   I know that I’m going there one day, yes I am. Maybe morning, night or noon I don’t know just how soon.  That’s why I’m sending up my timber every day!

Thought For Today:  Bank beyond your expectations.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 20 January 2020

The Offended Brother

“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” (Proverbs 18:19)

Today’s Morsel:  The story is told of a man who went to church for the first time and he forgot to turn his cell phone off.  While the pastor was ministering, the phone went off and the pastor scolded the man.   Some of the parishioners shouted at him to turn it off.  On his way out of the church, people were still giving him dirty looks.  His wife nagged him all the way home telling him she was embarrassed by his action.  The man got home and was so upset that he decided to go to the local bar.   He ordered a drink.  He was still nervous and trembling and accidentally knocked it over.  The barmaid immediately cleaned up the spill and told him that we all make mistakes, don’t worry.  The janitor mopped up the floor and told him it was no big deal.  The owner of the bar told him not to worry, she gave him a hug and also assured him that we all make mistakes and she would give him another drink on the house.  The man was too embarrassed to ever return to church, but has never missed a Sunday at the bar.  

The moral of the story:  Sometimes our attitude as believers drives souls to hell.  You can make a difference by how you treat people especially when they make mistakes.   A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle, Solomon said. Never forget where you came from.

Sing: You’re my brother you’re my sister, so take me by the hand together, we will work until he comes. There’s no foe that can defeat us when we are walking side by side, as long as there is love we can stand.

Thought For Today:  Never forget where you came from.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 18 January 2020

What Did You Find?

“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.” (Proverbs 18:22)

Today’s Morsel:  A young lad came running into the house shouting, "Mommy, look what I found."  When the mother turned around, to her surprise the lad was carrying a skunk.  Solomon said that whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing and obtain favor of the Lord. As my wife says, notice it doesn’t say she who findeth a husband findeth a good thing!  The man does the finding.  There is a big difference between finding a wife and finding a woman.   A wife looks well to her house. She’s not idle.  She is wise.  She is industrious.  She is faithful.  She is energetic.  She is her husband's helpmeet.  Solomon's mother told him that her price is far above rubies. In other words, a virtuous woman (wife) is few and far between and there is no gem that can compare to her.  She is a crown to her husband; her children rise up and call her blessed and her husband also.

Sing: I found a new way of living, I found a new joy divine, I have the fruit of the Spirit, I am abiding, abiding in the vine.  Abiding in the vine, abiding in the vine, love, joy, health, peace, He had made them mine.  I have prosperity, power and victory abiding, abiding, in the vine.

Thought For Today: “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.” (Proverbs 12:4)  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 17 January 2020

The Heart

"A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear… Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.” (Luke 8:5-8;11)

Today’s Morsel:  I have come to realize that what we allow to enter into our hearts can have a major impact on our life.  What we listen to and watch can really be a hindrance to our spiritual growth and maturity.  Jesus lists four types of soil that the seed fell on, and why three did not produce and why only one did.  There was nothing wrong with the seed.  It all was predicated on the soil.  The heart. He that those by the wayside are they that hear; then comes the devil, and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.  They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, (in other words there is no commitment) which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.  (Read Luke 8:12-15)  If we are going to bring forth the fruit that Jesus desires us to bear, then we must have the right heart. “I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10)

Sing: Create in me a clean heart, O’ God, and renew a right spirit within me.  Create in me a clean heart, O’ God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence O’ Lord.  Take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.  Restore unto me, the joy of Thy salvation, and renew a right spirit with me.

Thought For Today: Keep a watch on your heart. (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 16 January 2020

The Cure

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)

Today’s Morsel:  When is the last time you just stopped, sat and looked at yourself and your situation and just laughed.  Isn’t it amazing how much better you feel when you have been around people and all you did was laugh?  And every time you tried to stop laughing you laughed even more?  Then days after when you thought about what made you laugh so hard, you laughed some more.  I believe that God has given us the answer to our health problems.  Simply laugh more.  Do things that give you a merry heart.  Most people pray and ask God for a job, they get the job, then they are mad that they must go to work.   Or they dislike where they work.  If they would go to work and see it as fun and excitement, they might make a difference in their lives as well as someone else’s.  The devil can’t steal your joy, you must give it to him.  Notice, a merry heart doeth good like a medicine.  Maybe if we could get more people to be happy and excited about life, there would be less sickness and suffering.   Maybe it’s time we start listening to what God says in his word. Care to try?

Sing:  If you’re happy and you know it, say amen, say 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.

Thought For Today: The devil can’t steal your joy, you have to give it to him.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 15 January 2020

The Seed

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Today’s Morsel:  God created the fruit tree on the third day, “And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.” (Genesis 1:11)  Notice, the seed was in the fruit and the fruit was in the seed.  And it was to yield fruit after his kind.  In the parable of the sower, Jesus said the seed was the word of God.  John wrote, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God … And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1,14)”  Notice, the seed is Jesus.  If we are not producing fruit after Him, (His Spirit) then we must ask ourselves what seed is in us, as no tree can produce two kinds of fruit.

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: “No tree can produce two kinds of fruit” (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 14 January 2020

Don’t Touch

“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.”
(Genesis 3:1-5)

Today’s Morsel:  If you have ever been to an art museum or a crystal factor, you may have noticed that there are numerous do not touch signs.  Because of the value of the items, they do not want them to be destroyed accidentally.  The serpent asked Eve if God had said that they should not eat of every tree of the garden.  She said to 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."  As far as we know God didn’t tell them that they should not touch it.  God told Adam of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (Genesis 2:16-17)  But I like what Eve said.  Too bad she didn’t follow her own words.  You can’t eat it unless you touch it.  Even if someone forces it into your mouth you still must touch it.  Why do you think your parents warned you not to touch the hot stove?  You’ll get burned.  You touch sin and you will get burned.  If Eve would have held to her words not to touch the tree, she wouldn’t have gotten them expelled from the garden. Heed the warning, don’t touch the forbidden fruit.

Sing:  Touching Jesus is all that really matters, and your life will never be the same.  There is only one way to touch Him, just believe when you call on His name.

Thought For Today: Don’t touch the forbidden fruit.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 13 January 2020

Happiness

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.” (Proverbs 3:13-19)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things I find about the apostle Paul after his conversion is he seems to always be upbeat and an encourager to the church.  No matter where he found himself, he says that he had learned how to be content.  Contentment is not predicated on what we have or do not have.  It is based on who we are and how we see ourselves in Christ.  Contentment springs out of a heart of wisdom.  When we know and understand our Savior, we can find happiness.  As Solomon says, "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding." He says that it is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her.  The tree of life was amid the garden with Adam and Eve the same as the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. However, they chose to eat from the one they were told not to eat from which ruined their happiness.  When you go after the things God tells you to avoid, you will probably forfeit your happiness.

Sing: Life is good all the time!  Life is good all time!  Life is good, life is good, life is good all time.

Thought For Today: Happiness comes from wisdom.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 11 January 2020

Talebearers

“A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” (Proverbs 11:13)

Today’s Morsel:  When Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him on the mount of transfiguration and they saw Moses and Elijah talking with him, there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son: hear him".  And as they came down from the mountain, He charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man was risen from the dead.  And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean. (See Mark Chapter 9).  They were given a secret and they had to learn how to keep it and not reveal it to others.  What about you?  Are you able to keep the things told to you in secret?  We should not go up and down as a talebearer among people, as the words of a talebearer hurt.

Sing: Jesus never fail, Jesus never fail.  You might as well get thee behind me Satan you shall not prevail, because Jesus never fails.

Thought For Today: There is only one ‘u’ in faithfulness. (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 10 January 2020

Soup Coolers

“Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.” (Psalms 34:11-13)

Today’s Morsel:  The purpose of bits and bridles placed on a mule or horse is to control them.  As King David admonishes, “Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.” (Psalms 32:9)  These bits and bridles are used so the animal may be brought into subjection and become obedient.  James tells us that our tongues are little members, but they set on fire the courses of hell. God didn’t design that we, as humans, should be controlled with bits and bridles to control our speech and tongue.  He gave us a set of lips.  If we learn to control our lips, we can control our words.  When Isaiah saw the Lord sitting upon a throne high and lifted up and his train filled the temple, he said, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” (Isaiah 6:5-7)  His unclean lips needed to be cleansed.  If we learn to keep our tongue from evil, and our lips from speaking guile, we can see many days, see good, and have a good and productive life.  But if we do not bridle our tongue but deceive his own heart, our religion is vain, James said (James 1:26). When you start to feel those evil words of the heart start to rise up in you, you might want to breathe through your lips before you utter those words.  Your lips aren’t call soup coolers for nothing.

Sing: Whisper a prayer in the morning, whisper a prayer at noon, whisper a prayer in the evening, so keep your heart in tone.

Thought For Today: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)