Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 31 March 2020

Disappointed People

“A man’s own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the Lord.”  (Proverbs 19:3 NLT)

Today’s Morsel:  Every so often, I like to get another translation of the Bible out for clarity of scripture and its meaning.  In the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, today's passage states, “The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.” (Proverbs 19:3)  In other words, the foolish, having brought about disasters by their own perverseness, turns around and angrily complains against God.  They fail to realize that you reap what you sow.  The Nearly Inspired Version (NIV) (humor) states, he ruins his own life and then blames God. People like to blame God for their calamities and dilemmas, but what I have found is that 99.9% of the time it is of their own doing.  “Wisdom crieth without;" Solomon said, "she uttereth her voice in the streets: She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.” (Proverbs 1:20-30)  If you ever notice, the most disappointed people in the world are those who get what is coming to them.

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

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

Thought For Today: The most disappointed people in the world are those who get what is coming to them.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 30 March 2020

The Next Generation

“Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; And then the LORD'S wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you. Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates: That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth. For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him; Then will the LORD drive out all these nations from before you, and ye shall possess greater nations and mightier than yourselves.” (Deuteronomy 11:16-23)

Today’s Morsel:  Life affords us no greater responsibility, no greater privilege, than the raising of the next generation.  Scripture tells us, “One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.” (Psalms 145:4)  The history of the church is so important to our children.  If the history of the church is lost, the next generation will have no hope. The book of Deuteronomy is a book of remembrance. Moses wanted this new generation of the children of Israel to know who they were and how they had gotten to where they were.  Deuteronomy chapter 11, is somewhat a repeat of Deuteronomy chapter 6.  As stated, it’s a book of reeducation.  What are you doing to teach your children about what God has done for you?  Are you opening the book before them and showing them who they are and where they came from? Maybe the reason we are having so much role reversal, disrespect for authority, perversion, divorce, and incarceration, and rebellion is the opportunity to educate the next generation is being missed.

Sing:  Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word; tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard.  Tell how the angels in chorus, Sang as they welcomed His birth, Glory to God in the highest!  Peace and good tidings on earth.

Thought For Today: Life affords us no greater responsibility, no greater privilege, than the raising of the next generation.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 28 March 2020

Convictions

“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” (Proverbs 3:1-4)

Today’s Morsel:  What are your convictions.  How deep do they run?  Are they personal, church, or biblical?  Some folks think that church convictions are personal convictions, and personal convictions are biblical convictions.  As a Christian, all three should be prevalent in your life and you should know the difference between them.  Once you have this understanding deep within you and you have a clear knowledge as to why you have each, people will be more impressed by the depth of your convictions than they are by the height of your logic.  Remember, if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.

Sing:  Though all hell assails me, I shall not be moved.  Jesus will not fail me, I shall not be moved.  Just like a tree planted by the waters, I shall not be moved.

Thought For Today: If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 27 March 2020

Kindness

“O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.” (Psalms 117:1-2)

Today’s Morsel:  Kindness is one of those traits that came with the Holy Ghost.  It is listed as one of the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).  It is an attribute of Christ.  Kindness is a language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see.  Psalms 117 is the shortest psalm of the 150 Psalms written in the book of the Psalms, and it calls for us all to praise God for his merciful kindness.  When we think of God’s kindness, we think of His compassion, benevolence, thoughtfulness, and gentleness.  Jeremiah realized God's kindness when he wrote that God’s compassion fails not, it is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22). Paul, wanting the church at Ephesus to know of God's kindness, informed them, “ 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” (Ephesians 2:1-8)  If you want to speak God's language, then learn to be kind to others.

Sing:  Thy lovingkindness is better than life.  Thy lovingkindness is better than life.  My lips shall praise Thee, thus will I bless Thee.  I will lift up my hands unto thy name.

Thought For Today:  Kindness is a language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 26 March 2020

Obedience

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”
(Romans 16:17-20)

Today’s Morsel:  They say that if you want to be a leader with a large following, just obey the speed limit on a winding, two-lane road.  I keep trying to figure out why so many who say that they are born-again will obey the secular but not the spiritual.  I wonder why they will obey secular leaders and not spiritual leaders.  Maybe they forgot that disobedience did not come with the Holy Ghost in their New Birth process.  Paul told the church at Rome that their obedience has come abroad to all men.  He begins the Book of Romans by telling them that First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.” (Romans 1:8); and now their obedience. First faith and then obedience.  What lessons do we learn here?  It is this:  That our faith in Christ should produce obedience to know and to learn more about Christ, and our obedience to know more should increase our faith to live the way that He desires us to live.  Obedience is better than sacrifice.

Sing:  I want to live the way that He wants me to live.  I want to give until there’s just no more to give.  I want to love, love till there’s just no more love, I could never, never out love the Lord.

Thought For Today:  To be a leader with a large following, just obey the speed limit on a winding, two-lane road.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 25 March 2020

Helping Others

“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.” (Romans 15:1-2)

Today’s Morsel:  When I first entered the army for my basic training, I was motivated, energetic, could run long distances, and do the physical fitness test without any problem.  Not much seemed to hinder me.  But I found myself doing lots of push ups and being chewed out by my Drill Instructors because I was not helping my weaker team members.  And so I quickly learned to help my team members who were weak and needed encouragement so we could all graduate together and they, too, could reach their full potential.  Paul said that we then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak and not to please ourselves.  There are many weak Christians in the church today.  Some of their own doing and some not of there doing.  However, those of us who are strong in the Lord and know the truth of the Gospel must help those who are weak.  Again, Paul admonishes, “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14); “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself… As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:1-3, 10)  No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of someone else.  As a matter of fact, Jesus said that when you have done it to the least of these you have done it unto Him.

Sing: You’re my bother your 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:  If you see a turtle on a fence post, know that he didn’t get there by himself. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 24 March 2020

Anger

“Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.” (Ecclesiastes 7:9)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things that I learned at an early age living on the farm was to not disturb a wasp nest when there are hundreds of them on it.  Some of them serve as guards.  And when you anger them, look out, as they have no problem defending themselves and the others in that nest.  There seems to be a lot of anger arising in the world today.  I know that much of it has always been around ever since Satan was kicked out of heaven.  But now it’s starting to surface its ugly head in the church.  Many scriptures caution us to not allow it to get into our hearts.  Anger, like castor oil, is not an easy dose of medicine to swallow.  It’s bitter and nasty. And if you do not control it, it will destroy you or cause you to hurt someone else.  Solomon states, "Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools."  If you allow anger to get into your heart, it can destroy you.  Be careful.

Sing:  Jesus keep me near the cross, there  a precious fountain; free to all a healing stream, Flows from Calvary’s mountain.

Thought For Today:  Anger is a stone thrown at a wasps nest. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 23 March 2020

Instruction

“Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.” (Proverbs 4:13)

Today’s Morsel:  A few days ago, I saw a police officer who had rescued a dog from the floodwaters of the Mississippi.  When he brought the dog to safety, he needed someone to hold the pole and lasso so it would not get away until those who would take it to safety arrived.  And so, a gentleman volunteered to do it.  The officer began by giving him clear instructions on how to hold the pole and lasso so that the dog would not hurt itself or him.  When we turn to the word of God, we must take ahold of it and not let it go as it is our lifeline.  The instructions help us by showing us how to put our lives together correctly.  If you feel that your life is turned upside down, go back and check the instructions, the Bible.  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”(2 Timothy 3:16-17)  If at first you don’t succeed, try reading the instructions. It usually works every time.

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:  If at first you don’t succeed, try reading the instructions.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 21 March 2020

How God Sees Us

“And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed is before him. But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:6-7)

Today’s Morsel: I often wonder how many businesses and churches have failed because someone was chosen to a position or to leadership based on their skin color, sex, or national origin instead of their qualifications. James says, “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” (James 2:8-9)  We may have respect of persons before we are born again, but once we are born again, Paul says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)   When God sent the Prophet Samuel to anoint David to be king of Israel, Samuel was looking for someone to replace King Saul.  He was probably looking for someone like Saul who stood head and shoulders above the rest like Saul.  But when God rejected all of David’s brothers, God told him, the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.  Man can only see what is without, but God sees what is within.  He looks at our hearts.  God knows our qualifications and abilities.  In 1987, Dr Ben Carson was called on to separate two babies from Ulm, Germany, named Patrick and Benjamin Binder, and he and his team were successful.  I’m sure many were skeptical of him because of the color of his skin. But what many failed to realize was that Ben knew God and God knew Ben.  God knew Ben’s qualifications and he knows yours, too.  When God measures a man, He puts the tape around his heart, not his head.

Sing:  He knew me, yet He loved me, He whose glory makes the heavens shine.  I’m so unworthy, of such mercy, yet when He was on the cross, I was on His mind.

Thought For Today:  When God measures a man, He puts the tape around his heart, not his head.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 20 March 2020

Springtime

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Today’s Morsel:  Of the four seasons that God has created, spring is probably my favorite.  The farmers hit the field to plant their seed.  The birds reappear and begin to chirp and sing.  Baby bunnies, fawns, eaglets, and other new wildlife appear.  The trees which seemed dead now come to life again and the flowers begin to bloom.  It’s as if God is starting everything afresh and anew.  Solomon states that to everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.  God has a set and determined time when everything shall come into being, how long it will continue, and in what circumstances.  Therefore, no matter the season of life we may find ourselves in, God has a purpose and He will make all things beautiful in His time.

Sing:  There’s a blessed time that's coming, coming soon, it may be evening, morning, or noon.  The wedding of the bride, united with the groom.  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:  Today could be the day you start a new life.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 19 March 2020

Unrealized Power

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” 

(Luke 10:19)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things I learned when I was in the military was how much power one has over others of lesser rank based on military authority given to them.  And in some cases, like today, and even in the church many do not tap into or use their power.  Jesus says, "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."  This is one of the reasons that Satan keeps trying to inflict fear in saints because he knows that if they ever realize the power that they have over him, his power is broken. People can’t stop you from praying and talking about Jesus.  They want you to think that you can’t because they don’t want you to realize your power.  The reason most people don’t realize their power is they don’t read.  Scripture states, “And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.” (Matthew 21:23-27)  “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, Jesus said, and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)  Friend, you’ve got more power then you realize.  So use it.

Sing:  There is power, power, wonder-working power, in the blood of the Lamb.  There is power, power, wonder-working power in the precious blood of the Lamb?

Thought For  Today:  Tap into your unused power.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 18 March 2020

The Interpreter

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)

Today’s Morsel:  When I was a missionary and would traveled to minister in another country, it was always required to have an interpreter because most people did not understand English and I didn’t understand their language either.   And so we need interpreters.  It’s not uncommon in the church for someone to ask me to explain a passage of scripture or what it means.  In other words, they are saying interpret or explain what you mean.  The same holds true when I am preaching, and I get that deer in the headlight look from congregants.  When I see that expression on their faces, I know that they have no clue what I’m talking about and so I must stop, slow down, and explain to them what I mean.  When we say that Jesus was God manifested in the flesh, many will ask for an interpretation of how that could be and so we must slow down and give the interpretation. We see this with Nicodemus in John chapter 3, after Jesus told him he must be born again.  He asked how can these things be? In other words, explain it to me.  Matthew states that the child that Mary would conceive would be called Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us.  In other words, God took on flesh and became a human just like us, yet without sin.  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) And as Jesus explained to Philip when he asked Him to show him the Father stated, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.” (John 14:9-11)  Do you need an interpreter for your lack of understanding?  Jesus said that the spirit would lead and guide you into all truth.

Sing: Emmanuel, Emmanuel, His name shall be called, Emmanuel.  God with us, revealed in us, His name is called, Emmanuel.

Thought For Today: “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” (Colossians 2:9)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 17 March 2020

Following the Crowd

“Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.” (1 Samuel 8:19-20)

Today’s Morsel:  Once during political election season a young lady rang my doorbell to solicit my vote for a certain political candidate.  When I began to ask her to tell me something about the person she was asking me to vote for, or to give me some information where that person stood on certain moral issues, she was totally confounded.  I politely said to her that if I were you, I would know what the individual stands for if I was going to ask someone to vote for them.  I told her that she should not just follow the crowd.  And that the individual that she is asking someone to vote for maybe someone that goes against her own moral values.  When Samuel told the children of Israel the things that a king would do to them, they did not listen to him.  But said, no, we want a king like everyone else.  They wanted to follow the crowd.  And God told Samuel that they had not rejected Him, but they had rejected Him (See 1 Samuel chapter 8).  If we choose to follow the crowd, we better make sure they are right and headed in the right direction.  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” Jesus said (Matthew 7:21).

Sing:  Where He leads me, I will follow.  Where He leads me, I will follow.  Where He leads me, I will follow, I’ll go with Him, with Him, all the way.

Thought For Today:  We don’t follow signs, signs follow us.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 16 March 2020

The Three-Fold Duty of Life

“He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.”

(Luke 19:12-13)

Today’s Morsel:  The word “occupy” here means not merely to “possess,” as it often does in our language, but to “improve,” to employ “in business,” for the purpose of increasing it or of making “profit” on it.  The direction was to use this money to gain “more” against his return.  So Jesus commands His disciples to “improve” their talents; to make the most of them; to increase their capability of doing good, and to do it “until” He comes again.  So, what are the three-fold duties of life?  1. Appropriation: Solomon states, “Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.”(Proverbs 4:13)  Use what you have been given.  The Nobleman wasn't angry because they used it, he was upset if they didn’t use it.  2. Formation: Formation is an act of giving form or shape to something.  To develop.  How do we develop our life after Him?   The writer of Hebrews states, “Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount” (Hebrews 8:5).  We have been given it to not only make our lives better, but to help others be better also.        

3. Donation:  Is an act or instance of presenting something as a gift, grant, or contribution.  What is the blessedness of donation? “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, it is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)  The more we give, the more that will be given to us.  If you hoard what God has given you to expand the kingdom, your pipeline will be turned off.  If we follow the three-fold duty of life we will occupy until He comes.

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

Thought For Today:  There is no law as to how much you can make in the kingdom of God.