Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 30 May 2020

Advice For Self 

“He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.” (Proverbs 15:32)

Today’s Morsel:   They say that the best advice for oneself is to follow the advice that they give to others. One of the things about being a good and honest counselor is that you tell people the things that you would do if you were in the same situation.  They may not accept it, but at least you offered.  As Paul said, “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church.” (Ephesians 5:29)  Even David asked himself why he was filled with anxiety and without peace when he was going through things in his life.  He said, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” (Psalms 42:11)  Sometimes the best advice for yourself is what advice you give to others.  Especially when you are in the valley of decisions and the loneliness of life.

Sing:  Where do I go?  When there's nobody else to turn to.  Who do I talk to?  When nobody wants to listen?  Who do I lean on?  When there's no foundation stable?  I go to the rock, I know He is able.  I go to the rock.
I go to the rock of my salvation, I go to the stone that the builders rejected.  I run to the mountain and the mountain stands by me.  When the earth all around me is sinking sand, on Christ the solid rock I stand.  When I need a shelter when I need a friend, I go to the rock.

Thought For Today: “Sometimes the best advice for yourself is what advice you give to others.” (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 29 May 2020

I’m Where I’m At Today Because Of Him 

“Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.”
 (1 Timothy 1:9-13)

Today’s Morsel:  Every so often I am asked by folk how I got to La Crosse, Wisconsin being from North Carolina.  And then some will ask how I got into the ministry.  And I love to tell them my story.  But here, I do not have the time nor the space to tell it all.  Maybe someday you can read it in a book.  Like Apostle Paul, I thank my God, the Lord Jesus Christ, who has enabled me, for that He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.  I am where I am all because of Him.  As David said, “He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters; He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.” (2 Samuel 22:17-18)  You are not where you are by accident.  You may have been sent to the job that you have because of that person that hates you so much, or that person that dislikes you, or that woman or husband or child that has been abused, or the people without hope, or the micromanaging boss.  Your desk in school might be where it is because of the person next to you is hurting inside.  I am sure Paul didn’t enjoy being in prison.  But after the earthquake, the jailer was glad that Paul was there (Acts 16).  Friend, I am where I am today all because of Jesus. And I have no doubt that He has a purpose for it all.  Don’t ever discredit where you are.  There is a purpose.

Sing:  If it had not been for the Lord on our side, tell me where would I be, where would I be.

He kept my enemies away, He let the sun shine through a cloudy day; Oh, He wrapped me in the cradle of His arms,  When he knew I'd been battered and torn.  If it had not been for the Lord on our side, tell me, where would I be, where would I be.

Thought For Today: Don’t ever discredit where you are, there is a purpose. (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 28 May 2020

Our Little Effort Contributed So Much 

“When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:31-40)

Today’s Morsel:  You know, I have come to realize that more folks are saved by kindness than any other way.  I believe that the reason Jesus had so many followers was because He was so kind to everyone.  But of course, He couldn’t defy who He was.  He’s filled with lovingkindness.  If we say that we are Christians, and we do no kind deeds, who is going to believe that we are who you say that you are?  A card, a text, an email of kindness can really minister to the hearts of others.  The old saying, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” is true.  How can people be so educated and yet with no compassion? Kindness crosses all race lines and barriers.  A heart without kindness does not understand the ‘Golden Rule.’  We must do unto others as we would have them do unto us.  Jesus said that when we have fed the hungry, given drink to the thirsty, visited those who are sick and in prison, and helped cloth those that are without, we are doing it unto Him.  Believe me, it is the little things that you do for others that contribute so much for the kingdom.  And it is those little things that will touch the hearts of others for Him.  

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 hand unto Thy name.

Thought For Today:  It the little things that you do for others that contribute so much for the kingdom. (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 27 May 2020

Let’s Keep It Simple

“When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land; Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods. What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.”

(Deuteronomy 12:29-32)

Today’s Morsel:  Some folks have made serving and living for God so hard on themselves, that now they think that if they do one thing wrong, they will be lost forever.  Serving and living for God isn’t about rules and laws.  Serving and living for God is about love and righteousness.  These two things are our test of sonship.  “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” John said (1 John 3:10)  When we love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and our neighbor as ourselves, and do what is right, we’ll be alright.  You don’t want to get so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good.  You don’t want to tie a chain around your own neck.  As Solomon said, “A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.”  (Proverbs 27:3)  Notice what James says, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10)  In other words, if you violate one part of the law you are guilty of the whole thing.  This is the reason why, I believe, that when David sinned with Bathsheba, he didn’t just violate one part of the law, he violated the who thing.  You must keep living and serving God simple.  Because if you make it hard, you alone must bear it.  It's all about our love relationship with The One who loves us.  

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: “Let’s keep it simple saints” 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 26 May 2020

If I Can Save Two or Three… I’ve Done my Job

“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)

Today’s Morsel:  Abraham Lincoln said, “When you reach the top, turn around and help someone else up.”  One of the reasons Jesus saved us, I believe, is so that we may help others to come into the knowledge and a relationship with Him, too.  Paul asked the church at Ephesus to pray for him,  “That utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:19-20)  No, we can’t save anyone.  We can only offer them a hand by showing them what they need to do to save themselves. Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19)  Paul said that if this gospel is hidden to a person, they are lost.  If we do not share the truth of the gospel, people will remain lost and we have not done our job.

Sing:  Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere.  Go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born.

Thought For Today: 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.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 25 May 2020

All I Had To Do Was Run

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” (1 Corinthians 9:24)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the major events in the Olympic games is racing.  And one of the things about racing is only one person can win and receive the prize. When we understand this from a spiritual standpoint, we must run to obtain.  There comes a time that each of us must run from those things that can harm us or hinder us from winning the race and obtaining the prize that Christ has set before us.  Paul told his protege Timothy, “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22) Paul’s desire to encourage and inspire on the Corinthian believers was to use the Olympic event of racing to challenge them, as they were well-aware of this event.  He told them, “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”  He wanted this church to obtain the prize that God has laid up for them.  He told them that this Christian life is a race, so run it well.  Solomon said, “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11) We all have the same chance to win.  But if we do not run, we cannot obtain.  Paul again admonishes us, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” (Hebrews 12:1-3) Don’t miss the prize because you didn’t run !

Sing:  I’m running for my life; I’m running for my life. I’m running for my life; I’m running for my life.  If anybody asks you, what’s the matter with me, tell them that I’m saved, sanctified, Holy Ghost filled and water baptized, I've got Jesus on my mind and I’m running for my life.

Thought For Today: All I had to do was run (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 23 May 2020

Opportunity

“The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” (Proverbs 13:4)

Today’s Morsel:  Every time I hear someone say, “I wish I had that.” or “I wish I could do that.”  I think to myself, then why not go after it.  Opportunities, like wisdom, are everywhere.  About wisdom, Solomon said, “She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.”… They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.”(Proverbs 8:2-4;9-12) Even though someone said that opportunities knock once, how many knocks have you not open the door to?  You have an opportunity to have anything that you want if you put forth the effort to get it.

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

Thought For Today: The doors of opportunity are marked “push” and “pull.”

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 22 May 2020

Busyness

“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)

Today’s Morsel:  I am often perplexed at the number of people who are always so busy doing nothing.  When I ask them how they are doing, they tell me, “Oh I’m so busy.”  I ask them doing what?  And they can never tell me.  We must not mistake activity for achievement.  And we must realize that busyness does not equal productivity.  When Jesus came to the house of His friends Martha and Mary, scripture says, “A certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” How many times has Jesus came to your house, and you didn’t have time for Him because you were so busy doing nothing?  Maybe if we started to be more industrious rather than busy we could get back to the model of the early church, and we could accomplish more in our lives and for Jesus.  “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:46-47)  What does your day hold?  Are you busy or are you productive?  

Sing:  I lean on You Lord. I lean on You Lord. For the things that I need I lean on You.  When I don’t know just what to do, I’ve got the faith You’re going to see me through.  You supply my every need and I lean on You.

Thought For Today: “Busyness does not equal productivity”

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 21 May 2020

What Do You Believe?

“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:  Someone said that no man ever really finds out what he believes in until he begins to instruct his children.  Paul informs fathers not to provoke their children to wrath, but to bring them up in the education or training of the Lord and to give them warnings and rebuke when needed to keep them in the ways of the Lord.  The responsibility to raise children is the father's, not the church.  The church is just an extension of the home.  What do you believe dad?  Are you well-grounded in your faith and truth?  The greatest heritage you can give to your children is the truth of God’s word.  As Jesus asked Nicodemus, “Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?”  (John 3:10)   The truth of God’s word is the only thing that will never change and that will keep your children protected and safe from all harm.  The next generation must be given a chance to live.  And it falls in the sandbox of every father to make it happen!

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 is the highest! Peace and good tidings to earth.

Thought For Today:  The next generation must be given a chance to live. (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 20 May 2020

The Sunshine Kids

“Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.” (2 Samuel 23:1-4)

Today’s Morsel:  I have heard people say that their parents, minister, or spouse gave them some instructions on their deathbeds when they knew it was going to be their last days on earth.  I have received instructions from two men that I knew gave me instructions just before they died.  I still cling to both of their sayings.  Scripture says that these be the last words of David.  David didn’t say This is what I’m telling you.  He said this is what God said to tell you. That was what one of the gentlemen that called me told me.  Notice what God told David to tell them, “He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain."  If we lead and rule over God’s people in righteousness and respect for Him, we will shine bright like the sun.  There will be no distress, affliction, or dark times that overtake us.  We will shine just like Jesus, who is that bright and morning star!  Those that have the light of Jesus in them should be shining that brightness into the lives of others. 

Sing: When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we've no less days to sing God's praise then when we first begun.

Thought For Today:  This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 19 May 2020

Giants Keep on Coming

“And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like a weaver's beam. And yet again there was war at Gath, where was a man of great stature, whose fingers and toes were four and twenty, six on each hand, and six on each foot: and he also was the son of the giant.”
(1 Chronicles 20:5-6)

Today’s Morsel:  When the children of Israel were sent to spy out the promised land, they returned with a report that there were giants in the land.  Years later, we see that there were still giants in the land.  But Israel had a promise from God that He would fight their battles for them.  However, Israel refused to walk by faith, they chose rather to walk by their sight.  Even though David had killed Goliath, the champion of the Philistines, he still had other brothers.  And it was one of those brothers that almost killed David later in battle. You may defeat many of your giant problems. But be assured, that they have brothers that will keep trying to destroy you.  Therefore, you must keep on the whole armor of God and trust in your brothers and sister to protect your back in prayer and give you warning just as David did.  When you are confronted with giant-size problems which way do you turn?  The cross is always the best direction.

Sing: When gloom and sadness whisper, you’ve sinned no use to pray; I look away to Jesus, and He tells me to say.

I see a crimson scream of blood, it flows from Calvary; its waves which reach the throne of God, are sweeping over me.

Thought For Today: Never let your guard down (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 18 May 2020

Stop Complaining

“And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp. And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the LORD, the fire was quenched. And he called the name of the place Taberah: because the fire of the LORD burnt among them.”

(Numbers 11:1-3)

Today’s Morsel:  There seems to be a whole lot of complaining going on these days.  Not only in the world, but also in the church.  Everywhere you turn, someone is complaining about something.  Jude states, “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ…These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage… 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.  (Jude 1:3-4, 16,20-21)  Complaining is a sign of fear starting to take hold or that it has already taken ahold of your life.  Scripture says, "I complained and was overwhelmed" (Psalms 77:3).  I read a quote that said, “Some people complain because God put thorns on roses, while others praise Him for putting roses among thorns.”  How do you see it?  The Bible said that the children of Israel complained so much that finally God was angry with them and He sent fire and consumed the uttermost part of the camp.  That's why I always sit in the front of the church (humor).  If we allow ourselves to become a complainer, sooner or later fear is going to overtake our lives and we will be destroyed.  Not only will complaining destroy our faith, but it will destroy our entire lives as well.

Sing:  I know the Lord will make a way for me!  I know the Lord will make a way for me!  If I live a holy life, shun the wrong and do the right, I know the Lord will make a way for me! 

Thought For Today:  “Some people complain because God put thorns on roses, while others praise Him for putting roses among thorns.”

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 16 May 2020

How Much Does God Love You?

“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”

(Hebrews 12:6-11)

Today’s Morsel: I have come to realize through scripture that in order to receive directions from God, we must be willing to accept corrections from God.  A lot of folks like to talk about God, and how much they love Him, but not too many of them like Him to correct them when they are wrong.  Scripture says, "Now no chastening for the present seem to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."  Correction is to bring about right to those who do wrong since there is no need for correction for those who are doing right.  If you ever feel a strong chastisement from God or those over you, just know that it is because they love you.

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:  In order to receive direction from God, you must be willing to accept correction from God.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 15 May 2020

Faith And Courage

“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31)

Today’s Morsel:  When I first joined the Army, it was hard for me to believe that a few pieces of nylon cord could support a 250-pound man in the air.  But once you test it and try it, you see that it can, and you build your faith and trust in it.  Why is it that one person can have faith and courage, and another doesn’t?  How could Joshua and Caleb have faith and courage in God’s ability and the other ten spies didn’t?  The answer usually lies in not believing what you hear or testing what you need to use.  True faith and courage are like a kite, opposing winds raise it higher.  You see, fear, anxiety, oppression, and worry should push your faith and courage off the charts.  Even scriptures tell us, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)  Paul said in reference to the children of Israel, “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” (Hebrews 4:2)  Faith comes by hearing but it stands in the power and demonstration of the spirit.

Sing:  Faith can move mountains, mountains of fear and of doubt.  Faith can move mountains, so why don’t you try your faith out.

Thought For Today:  True faith and courage are like a kite, opposing wind raises it higher.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 14 May 2020

 Work

“Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit. Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me. And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 2:17-19)

Today’s Morsel:   They say that no one on their deathbed ever said that they wish they had spent more time at work.  I saw a bumper sticker once that said, "A bad day of fishing is a better day than a good day at work every time."  Solomon seems to caution us to life lessons about work.  He said that he hated labor because everything that he had gained was useless because it was going to be left to someone else when he dies.  And he said that he doesn’t know if the person it is left to will be wise with it or foolish.  I believe in an honest day's work, yet how sad for a person to spend all their days working and never have learned to enjoy life.  How about you, have you smelled any roses lately?  

Sing:  Life is good cause God is.  Life is good cause I’m His.  Springing up new life, growing in the sun, walking hand and hand and having some fun.  Life is so so good.

Thought For Today:  Gone Fishin'! 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 13 May 2020

The Secret of Contentment

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Philippians 4:11)

Today’s Morsel:  I was watching a YouTube documentary a few weeks ago on inground homes. These two guys had only what looked like a piece of metal pipe with a sharp end and they began to dig in the ground.  And through their determination, persistence, and skills, they built this wonderful underground home for themselves.  They even included an underground swimming pool with it.  It was a dirt home, but it was absolute beautiful when they finished it.  And when it was completed, they seemed so content.   Paul stated that he had learned that no matter what state he found himself in to be content.  Shipwrecked, imprisonment, hungered, and thirsty yet he thought himself contentment.  One of the best ways to develop contentment is to realize that life is a gift not a right.  If you are not contented with what you already have, chances are you will not be content with what you would like to have even if you get it.  

Sing: I am, so satisfied, I am, so satisfied, with my Savior; He means more to me than anything, anything than this world could ever offer me.

Thought For Today: “If you are not content with what you already have, chances are you will not be content with what you would like to have even if you get it.”