Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 30 September 2020

 

When There Is No Man

 

“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” (Ezekiel 22:30)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Where have all the good men gone? What has happened to all the men?  Scripture says, “Concerning the Ammonites, thus saith the LORD; Hath Israel no sons? hath he no heir? why then doth their king inherit Gad, and his people dwell in his cities?” (Jeremiah 49:1)  Why doesn't the church have any sons?  When the church is not birthing intercessors and men to lead, the nation will become weak and not able to function according to God’s purpose.  Why are so many men hiding in their man caves, playing video games, and texting on their cell phones?   When Pilate brought Jesus forth after scourging him, he said, “Behold the man!” Jesus was more than a man.  He was God.  He was the example setter for men and boys to emulate.  The Lord said through Ezekiel, “And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.”  Houston, we have a problem here!  We need our men to be men.  

 

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: Learn to be like Jesus and there will be no doubt that you are a man.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 29 September 2020

The Thought That Is In A Man’s Heart

 

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.” (Proverbs 23:7) 

 

Today’s Morsel:  I like to say to my grandkids, “I will give you a penny for your thoughts.”  It takes them by surprise because they usually do not know what or why I am asking them.  I can often tell when they are thinking about something or have something on their minds.  Jesus often knew people’s thoughts as well, and he would question them.  What do you think ye of Christ, He asked them?  Who's son is he?  Or what do you think if you see the son of man coming in the cloud of his glory?  Do you believe that I am able to do this?   Scripture says that Jesus said, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” (Luke 6:45)  Solomon said that as a man thinketh in his heart so is he.  Are you evil or good?  Weak or strong?  Holy or unholy?  Pure or impure?  Lost or saved?  Loving or prejudice?  Racist or nonracist? Solomon says how we think in our hearts that is what we are.  If we think that we are Christians, shouldn’t our actions and conduct display such?  Guard your thoughts, they determine what you are.  

 

Sing:   I am because God says I am.  I am because God says I am.  I’m more than a conqueror through Him that loves me. I am because God says that I am.

 

Thought For Today:  Be the real deal.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 28 September 2020

 

The Ark of The Covenant

 

“Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.” (Hebrews 9:1-5)

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things that I have learned through studying God’s word is that every story written, or every item that God instructs to be built, all have a life application attached to it for us.  The writer of Hebrews states that in the Holiest of all there was a golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid with gold.  And inside of it was Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat.  Notice the ark was within the veil.  When Jesus died on the cross, and they pierced His side, the vail was rented from top to bottom now giving us free access to come boldly to the throne of grace and find mercy and help in the time of need.  Aaron's rod, the pot of manna, and the table of stones were all inside of the ark of the covenant.  It was called the ark of the covenant because the items God used to show His covenant with Israel were placed inside of it.  These items represent the bread of life (Pot of Manna), the word of life (table of Stones), and the resurrection and the life (Aaron's rod that budded), the mercy seat (God's forgiveness) and  the Cherubims (God’s ministering spirits).  When we are born-again of the water and the spirit and God enters a covenant with us, these things automatically become available for our life.  Are you using them for God’s purpose in your life?

 

Sing:  The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You.  The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You.  I want to know You more; I want to know You more.  The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You.

 

Thought For Today:  Study to show yourself approved unto God.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 26 September 2020

 

The Deployment Center

 

“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:  When I enlisted the military, anytime we were going overseas, we had to report to the ‘Deployment Center’ to receive instructions, make sure all our personal affairs were in order, and that our equipment was ready for deployment.  They wanted us to understand where we were going (unless it was secret), and to ensure we had everything that we needed and everything at home was in order.  When Jesus appeared unto His disciples, it was somewhat like a Deployment Center.  Once He had checked them out and explained to them their mission, He sent them forth.  The church must be a Deployment Center.  You do not bring people into the Deployment Center to keep them there.  You bring them there to ensure they are trained and ready to go.  If people are not involved in the kingdom, the church is not doing its job of training and sending them forth.  Are your records and equipment up to date?  We will be deploying soon.

 

Sing:  Well, I’m getting ready to leave this place, I’m getting ready for those gates of pearls.  Keeping my record right, watching both day and night, I’m getting ready to leave this place.

 

Thought For Today:  Let’s be ready to deploy.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 25 September 2020

 

Meat In Due Season

 

“After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.” (John 21:1-12)

 

Today’s Morsel:  I believe that one of the most important purposes for studying and knowing God’s word is so that we will have meat in due season.  Peter informs us, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15)  When the disciples went into town to buy meat in John Chapter 4, when they returned and saw Jesus talking with the woman at the well, scripture states, “In the meanwhile his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” (John 4:31-34)  They were totally confused because Jesus tells them His meat is to do the will of God.  Out of all the people that were following Jesus, only a little lad seems to have meat in due season.  His two little fish and five barley loaves feed over 5000 men, not including women and children.  Do you have any meat?  Do not ever leave home without a word from the Lord.  You may need to feed somebody today.

 

Sing:  Here’s my cup Lord, I lift it up Lord, come and quench the thirsting of my soul.  Bread of heaven feed me till I want no more.  Here’s my cup, fill it up , and make me whole.

 

Thought For Today: Do not ever leave home without a word from the Lord.  You may need to feed somebody today.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 24 September 2020

 

The Day Victory Turns Into Mourning

 

“And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom. And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son. And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle. But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!” (2 Samuel 19:1-4)

 

Today’s Morsel:  On Tuesday, January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart 73 seconds into its flight, killing all seven crew members aboard. Approximately 17 percent of the American population witnessed the launch on live television broadcasts because of the presence of high school teacher Christa McAuliffe, who would have been the first teacher in space.  What was to be a day of victory and excitement turned into a day of disaster and tragedy.  David loved his son Absalom.  Even when Absalom stole the heart of people and tried to steal the kingdom from his father, David gave commands to His leaders to not kill him because he loved him.  But Joab, David’s general, killed him because he saw him as an enemy to the kingdom. When David received word that Absalom was killed, David wept.  He covered his face, and cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son! And all the people got them by secrecy that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.  What should have been a day of victory, became a day of sadness and mourning.  But on the other hand, over two-thousand years ago, another Son was killed on an Old Rugged Cross, on a hill called Golgotha.  But this day of tragedy turned into a day of victory for all.

 

Sing:  Victory in Jesus, my Savior forever, He sought me, and He brought me with His redeeming blood.  He loved me ere I knew Him and all my love was due to Him.  He plunged me to victory, beneath the cleansing flood.

 

Thought For Today:  Victory is always in Jesus.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 23 September 2020

 

It Seems Like Yesterday

 

“For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.” (Psalms 90:4)

 

Today’s Morsel:   On this day in September 1969, I enlisted in the U.S. Army.  Here it is 51 years later, and it seems just like yesterday.  Where has the time gone so fast?  When I consider this, I think I can understand how a thousand years in Christ’s sight will seem as yesterday. You see, when you love doing what you are doing, time seems to go by so quickly.  I love to study, teach, and preach God’s words.  A year passes like a day when I am studying and teaching the word of God.  Peter encourages us, “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:8-9)  When we are in His presence, with no pain, no suffering, no distress, and no despondency, every day will be the same.  And the clock will stop, and the calendar will no longer matter when we are in his presence.  In His presence is fullness of joy.  

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: The clock will stop, and the calendar will no longer matter when we are in his presence (Parker).

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 22 September 2020

 

So Many of Times

 

“Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say: Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.” (Psalms 129:1-2)

 

Today’s Morsels:  How many times would you say that the Lord has delivered you?  The Lord has been so good to me so many times.  So many times He has set me free.  So many times He has shown His love to me.  So many times He has walked with me and talked with me.  So many times.  The psalmist stated, “How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.”(Psalms 139:17-18)  So many times he has been right by our side and held our hand and carried us through things that we could not see.  So many times He has protected us from hurt, harm, and danger.  If you were to do the math of His goodness, how many times would you count?  When you know the times He has done for you, you should know the times you should have said thank you.  

 

Sing:  You know the Lords been good, He’s really been good, He’s been so good to me, I just can’t let Him down, I can’t let Him down, He’s really been good to me.

 

Thought For Today:  When you know the times He has done for you, you should know how many times you should have said thank you.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 21 Septemberr 2020

 

Adornment

 

Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.” (Titus 2:10)

 

Today’s Morsel:  As Abraham Lincoln stated, “You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all the people all the time.”  One of the things about inward and outward holiness is that what is on the inside will manifest itself on the outside.  And what is usually seen outward is what is within.  Paul told Titus that he should teach things that become sound doctrine, that the people may adorn themselves with the doctrine of God in all things (emphasis mine).  If you are not wearing the doctrine of Christ, then who is going to believe that you are a Christian?  Paul told the church at Colossi, “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” (Colossians 3:12-14)  If we are not wearing the gospel then we probably are not making an impact in the lives of others, nor are we making it more beautiful than what it is.  When we are saved, it becomes the duty of every born-again believer to present the gospel through their lives, that others may see their good works and glorify their Father in heaven.  What do you have on today?

 

Sing:  He gave me beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that we might be trees of righteousness, the planted of the Lord that He might be glorified.

 

Thought For Today:  How beautiful is the gospel in your life? (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 19 September 2020

Footprints

 

“But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.” (2 Timothy 3:10-11)

 

Today’s Morsel: I am sure you have heard this poem about the footprints:

One night I dreamed a dream.  As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.  Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord. After the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that at many times along the path of my life, especially at the very lowest and saddest times, there was only one set of footprints. This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it. "Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, You'd walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints. I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me." He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you Never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you."

The apostle Paul informs us that he went through many trials and tests in his life.  But he says the Lord delivered him out of them all.  In other words, God carried him during those tough times.  I want to assure you that He will carry us through them, too.

Sing:  Lift me up above the shadows, lift me up and let me stand on mountain tops of glory, let me dwell in Beulah land.

Thought For Today: How many sets of footprints do you see?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 18 September 2020

 

The Big Bad Wolf

 

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.” (Psalms 27:1-3)

 

Today’s Morsel:  I am sure most of you have heard or read the story of the three little pigs.  The children’s nursery rhyme makes the wolf bigger than he is because the reader of the story is required to present the wolf in a fearful way.  Isaiah said that when we see Satan, “They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?”(Isaiah 14:16-17)  Satan is only big in the life of those that fear him and make him that way.  But those of us who know our God realize that he is just an imp.   

 

Sing:  My God is bigger than all my questions, bigger than all my fears, yes He is bigger than any mountain that I can or cannot see. He’s bigger than all my worries bigger than all my cares, yes, my God is bigger than anything I can or cannot see.

 

Thought For Today:  The wolf is only as big as you make him.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 17 September 2020

 

The Wrong Wall

 

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

 

Today’s Morsel:  I heard a story once that a man went in for surgery to have his bad leg amputated because of gangrene.  But the medical staff did not pay attention to his chart and they removed the wrong leg.  I think that a lot of people are suffering today because they have gotten on the wrong ladder to success.  Many of them have reached the top of the ladder of what they think is success, only to find it is leaning against the wrong wall. Jesus said that we should seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness.   Believe me, worldly success will not guarantee you a place in God’s kingdom.  Wisdom is the principal thing.  And a life without Christ is nothing.

 

Sing:  Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you, hallelu, hallelujah!

 

Thought For Today:  Make sure your ladder is against the right way.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 16 September 2020

 

Works Equals Faith

 

“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James 2:14-26)

 

Today’s Morsel:  As I grow older, I pay less attention to what people say.  I just watch what they do.  You can talk a good game, but actions speak louder than words.  One’s faith which does not produce good works is useless.  If we are not working in God’s vineyard, then our faith will probably be weak.  But the more we labor the stronger our faith will be.  James said that faith without works is dead.  So, what kind of works should we have to reveal our faith?  The kind that says I know that God is and that He can do exceedingly abundantly above all that I could ever ask or think.

 

Sing:  My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine!  Now hear my while I pray; Take all my guilt away.   Oh, let me from this day Be wholly Thine!’  

 

Thought For Today:  For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 15 September 2020

 

Stay Humble

 

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3)

 

Today’s Morsel:  The apostle Paul cautions us not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think. The call here is to keep a watch and to be on the lookout for pride and self-exaltation, as they can sneak in unaware and destroy us.  I have seen many who boast of themselves as some great one with pride dripping from their appearance and demeanor, as to say no one is better than me.  But as Asaph said, God has set them in slippery places.  As I stated, this scripture is a caution against pride; and an exhortation not to judge of ourselves by our talents, wealth, or function, but to form another standard of judging ourselves, and that is by our Christian character.   Micah states, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8)  The worst wound that one could ever receive is a broken spirit because of their self- exaltation, and pride.  Always remember, pride did not come with your salvation.  You buried that with your old man.

 

Sing:  Let Jesus lead you, let Jesus lead you, let Jesus lead you all the way.  All the way from earth to glory, let Jesus lead you all the way.

 

Thought For Today:  The worst wound that one could ever receive is a broken spirit because of their self- exaltation and pride (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 14 September 2020

 

Grandparents Day

 

“So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him. And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.” (Ruth 4:13-17)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Every so often, I like to look at the picture of my grandparents standing in their front yard. And I ask myself, I wonder what they were doing?  I wish I could have spent more time with them to get to know them better, but they died when I was only 6 years old.  Sad to say, today we are starting to see a generation that does not seem to understand, nor do they value their grandparents.  Today, I would love to be able to sit and listen to a talk or have a conversation with my grandparents about their life and what things were like when they were young.  Many in today’s generation think that this is the way life has always been.  But I think that if they would sit and spend some time with their grandparents, they would be totally surprised at what they might discover.  When I read the story of Ruth, I wonder how long it was before David discovered the story and life of his grandparents and great grandparents? Grandparents are a storehouse of wisdom if they are found in the ways of God.   Do you have any great stories from your grandparents?  You do not get old being a fool.

 

Sing:  My mother and daddy talked about going home ever since I was a babe on their knees, and how that one day we will finally be free.  Well, I’m getting a vision of a crystal-clear river where sin is forgotten without a trace, more than I want to know, my heart's ready to go, to see the love on my Savior's face.

I want to know how it feels, to make my way down the streets of gold.  I want to know how it feels, to have a talk with the saints of old.  I want to know what it’s like to plant my feet by the river of life.  I’ve heard of heaven and I know that it’s real, I want to know how it feels.

 

Thought For Today:  Grandparents are a storehouse of wisdom if it is found in the ways of God.