Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 30 November 2020

Prayers that Changes Things

“Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.” (James 5:17-18)

 

Today’s Morsel: You know, I do not see in scripture where people boasted about their prayers.  They just prayed and believed that God would answer.  James tells us that Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.  He said that he was just like us.  He faced the same challenges, emotions, appetites, desires, and obsessions and yet he prayed, and it did not rain for 3 ½ years, and he prayed again, and it did.  Some folks think that just because they are going through things or may not seem to be as spiritual as others, that God will not hear their prayers.  And so, they seek others to pray for them.  But that is not true. Scripture says, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me” (Psalms 66:18)  If we have sin, evil, injustice, wickedness, and immorality in our hearts, then God will not hear us.  We need to repent of these things so the Lord will hear us.  But if we are doing what His word requires of us, we receive our petition from Him, we can have an assurance that He hears us.  Do not sell yourself short.  That prayer you are holding back because you think that Jesus will not hear you just might be the one that He is waiting for you to use so He can increase your faith.  

 

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: Push… Pray Until Something Happens.

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 28 November 2020

 

Slow to Speak Quick To Hear

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19)

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the mistakes of many folks is they listen to answer instead of listening to hear.  If a person interrupts you when you are talking, they are not listening to hear, they are listening to answer.  I believe that one of the reasons many folks take a longer time to recover from their troubles is due to the same reason.  They are not listening to hear.  James admonishes us, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear…” Do you listen rather than interrupt someone else?  What did you miss because you were not listening because you already thought you knew the answer?  I am sure you have heard the adage, “I know you think you understood what I said, but I am not sure that you understood what I meant.”   There is an old Chinese Proverb which states, “Be quicker of mind than of tongue.”  If you want to learn things, learn to listen, and you will be surprised what you may learn.

 

Sing:  I can hear my Savior calling. I can hear my Savior calling. I can hear my Savior calling, Follow, follow Me.

 

Thought For Today: “Be quicker of mind than of tongue.”

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 27 November 2020

 The House by the Side of The Road

“And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.” (2 Kings 4:8-10)

Today’s Morsel:  One of my favorite poems is “The House By The Side of the Road” by Sam Walter Foss.  I love this poem.  I was required to memorize it in sixth grade, and I even quoted it at my military retirement ceremony.  It always excites me and encourages me.  Scripture says that as often as Elisha passed by this woman’s house, he turned in and she fed them.  And because it happened so often, she perceived that he was a man of God.  So she had her husband build him a room on the side of their house so that he could study if need be and rest.  Scripture tells us that if we will have friends that we must show ourselves friendly.  This woman's perception of Elisha was true and because she blessed him, God blessed her and her family.

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

Thought For Today: Always be a friend to man.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 26 November 2020

 

Happy Thanksgiving

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.” (1 Chronicles 16:34)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Looking back over my life, I can always remember Thanksgiving.  From school to home, and then on to the military, we have always had Thanksgiving dinner and invited people in.  Some of my fondest memories of Thanksgiving were being stationed overseas and having our soldiers and those who did not have their families with them come to our home and celebrate with us.  It was always a home away from home for them and it made it a family event for us.  I am so thankful that we were able to share with them and build forever memories.  And today I look back on those times with fondness.  They are memories I will never forget.  Thanksgiving is more about giving than receiving.  If you can, why not invite someone this year and share with them.  I know it may be hard, but do whatever you can and God will bless you. 

Sing: Thanks, Thanks, I give you thanks, for all You have done.  I am so blessed, my soul has found rest, O’ Lord, I give you thanks.

 

Thought For Today:  Happy Thanksgiving!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 25 November 2020

Given to Hospitality

 

“For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”
(Titus 1:5-9)

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the distinguishing marks of a true Christian is hospitality. You cannot be a true ‘Cross Bearer’ without giving to hospitality.  Paul told the church at Rome, “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”(Romans 12:9-13)  He cautions them not only to help the saints but to also give hospitality.  Invite others in.  They must be ready to offer and cheerfully entertain even strangers.  This is a duty that we see frequently in the scriptures.  In Hebrews 13:2, we are told “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby many have entertained angels unawares;”  Peter tells us in 1 Peter 4:9, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”  And Paul again makes it the duty of a Christian bishop, “A bishop then must ...be given to hospitality;” “and a lover of hospitality” 1 Timothy 3:2  and Titus 1:8. That stranger just might be the person that changes your life forever.  Do you love hospitality?  It is a requirement that Jesus give us.  

Sing:  You are welcome in the place mighty God, You are welcome in the place Abba Father,  You alone deserve our praise, to You our voice we raise, You are welcome in this place mighty God.

Thought For Today:  Does your welcome mat means what it says.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 24 November 2020

 

The Man that Hath No Strength

“ O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee: Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry; For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave. I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength” (Psalms 88:1-4)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Have you ever found yourself feeling as though you have no strength to keep going.  Or maybe you have found yourself not even having enough strength to cry.  When I was a missionary living in Japan, myself  and now Missionary Fonzell Marsh decided to climb Mount Fuji.  From the look of that mountain, which the Japanese call Mr. Mountain, it looks as though it can be easily conquered.  But we came to realize that that mountain will consume every ounce of strength you have if you have not prepared to climb it.  There were times during that climb that I wanted to go down as quickly as I could.  But what I found was that as I kept singing and praising the Lord, I found the strength to carry on to completion.  The psalmist said that he was a man that had no strength.  In other words, he was weak.  He had no power to resist anything.  If he were to get sick, he had no strength to resist.  If someone were to beat him up, he had no strength to resist.  When a man has no strength, he has no means to defend himself.  But Jesus said, "Behold I give you power."  And His power never fails.  Paul said that Jesus’ strength is made perfect in our weakness.  If we have His strength, we can endure unto the end.

Sing: He gives strength to me, as I worship him, as my heart is filled with praise.  Jesus breaks the band, as I raise my hands, He gives glorious victory.

Thought For Today:  His strength is made perfect in our weakness!

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 23 November 2020

 

The Message

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”
(1 John 1:1-5)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Do you remember playing the game in school where someone told you something, you told someone else, and by the time it got back around to the front of the class it was changed? The same is true in the church.  For some reason, many have changed the message of the gospel.  The Apostle John wanted to recall our attention to not forget the message.  He said, “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”  We cannot say that we have received and understand the message if we are still walking and living in darkness.  Jesus is light and in Him is no darkness at all.  And if we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not the truth.  The message of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only message that will get you out of darkness.  It is the only saving message.  It is the only message whereby we must be saved.  The Gospel is the only message that has hope in it for the world.   We cannot change and we must not forget the message.  

Sing: Send the light, the blessed gospel light, let it shine from shore to shore.  Send the light, the blessed gospel light, let it shine forevermore.

Thought For Today: The Gospel is the only message that has hope in it for the world.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 21 November 2020

 

Sounds Good to Me

 

“For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.” (Acts 15:28-29)

 

Today’s Morsel:  When the Gentiles were being added to the church, the council needed to discuss what the requirements would be for them to be added since they were not Jews.  After much discussion by the council, it was determined that they should abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well.  Are you following suit?  Scripture says for this seemed good to the Holy Ghost and unto the council.  In other words, since it was good to God, it sounded good to the apostles.  We should all agree when it pleases the Holy Ghost.  Jesus said, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” (John 16:13)  I do not know about you, but anytime it is good to the Holy Ghost, whatsoever He desires, it sounds good to me too. 

Sing: I’ll say yes, Lord, yes, to your will and to your way.  I’ll say yes, Lord, yes, I will trust you and obey.  When Your Spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I’ll agree.  And my answer will be yes, Lord, yes.

 

Thought For Today:  Are you in agreement with Jesus?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 20 November 2020

 

Established in Righteousness

“In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.”
(Isaiah 54:14)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Why do people think that they can do wrong and expect good to come from it?  Don't they realize that God is a God of righteousness and that He desires His people to also be established in such?   Solomon informs us, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34); He further states,  “Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.” (Proverbs 25:5)  When we put on the breastplate of righteousness, it will protect us from making evil and wrong choices.  When the church is established in righteousness, she becomes rooted and grounded in love, joy, and peace, and her children become rooted and grounded the same.

 

Sing: When you see me singing, I just want to be right.  When you see me walking along, I just want to be right.  When you see me testify, Lord, I just want to be right.  When you see me giving God praise, I just want to be right.  Help stay right, I just want to be right.

 

Thought For Today:  “A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.” (Proverbs 12:3)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 19 November 2020

 

Heading The Wrong Way

“And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do. And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab. And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him. And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again. And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff. And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay. Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.” (Numbers 22:20-33)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Sometimes we may be heading in the wrong direction, in the direction that could cause us harm and much loss. But suddenly, we have a flat tire.  Or our car may not start.  Or the person that was supposed to pick us up calls and cannot come.  Or our dog or cat gets off the leash and runs a different way.  We never know why these things happen.  But God does.  When Balaam was sent to come to curse the children of Israel, the angel of the Lord got in the pathway.  The donkey saw him with his sword drawn and tried to protect his master.  When Balaam kept persisting, the donkey laid down to prevent him from being killed. When God opened Balaam's eyes and he saw the angel, he was amazed that the donkey had saved his life.  So, the next time your car gets a flat, the person cannot come to pick you up, your pet gets loose, do not become angry rather give God praise.  He may be sparing your life.

 

Thought For Today:  Remember, God’s ways are not ours.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 18 November 2020

 

Praying Amiss

From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” (James 4:1-3)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things I have learned about prayer is that it is so important to the Christian life.  And I have also learned the importance of knowing how to do it.  If we do not pray, we will not stay.  As the adage goes, “Seven days without prayer makes one weak.”  James said that we pray and do not receive because we are praying amiss.  In other words, we are not praying right.  We are praying for the wrong reason or for the wrong purpose.  John Gill commentary states: “We are praying not in the faith of a divine promise; nor with thankfulness for past mercies; nor with submission to the will of God; nor with a right end, to do good to others, and to make use of what might be bestowed, for the honor of God, and the interest of Christ: but that we may consume it upon your lusts.”  Do you know how to pray?  If you start your prayer by giving God praise and thanks for who He is and what He has already done for you, you probably will not pray amiss.  Give it a try.  

Sing:  Thanks, Thanks, I give you thanks, for all You have done.  I am so blessed, my soul has found rest; O’ Lord, I give you thanks.

Thought For Today:  “Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 17 November 2020

 

The Missing Ingredient

 

“Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 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 4:1-2)

Today’s Morsel:  Have you ever cooked something and when you began to eat it you realized that something was missing?  Maybe you did not put a certain seasoning or spice in.  Maybe you forgot to add milk or sugar.  Or may you forgot the chicken in the chicken salad which is the main ingredient (humor).  But you realize that something was missing.  The writer of Hebrews informs us that the word preached to the children of Israel did not profit them because they did not mix it with their faith when they heard it.  They could not believe what was being told them because they did not add faith to it.  They kept leaving faith out.  Like so many today, they are struggling in their walk with God because they are not adding faith with the word of God that they hear.  James said that without faith works is dead (James 2:16).  And without faith, you cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6).  If you want to be the Christian that God’s desires and the word says that you can be, start adding faith to what you hear from God’s word.  Too often that is the missing ingredient.

Sing:  Faith, faith, faith, just a little bit of faith.  Faith, faith, faith, just a little bit of faith. You don’t need a lot, just use what you've got.  Faith, faith, faith, just a little bit of faith.

Thought For Today:  “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 16 November 2020

 

The Message That Will Change Your Life

“For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 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 2:34-47)

Today’s Morsel:  Not until I first became aware of the Apostolic faith in 1984, nothing prior could change me and my lifestyle.  I tried to stop doing many things that I knew were wrong, but I found myself repeatedly returning to them. Drinking, smoking, partying, lying, cheating, breaking promises, and the list could go on and on.  But once I encountered the Apostolic faith in a little green church in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, things have never been the same.  From that little church to one of Adolf Hitler's Officers Clubs in Germany that had been converted into an Apostolic Church and Bible School where I was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of my sins and I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance, my life was changed.  I was washed, I was made clean, I was changed.  While nothing else worked to change me, Truth made me free.  The Gospel still works.  I am living proof of that.  

Sing: He set me free, yes, He set me free.  He broke the bonds of prison for me.  I'm glory bound my Jesus to see' Glory to God He set me free.

Thought For Today: The Gospel still works.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 14 November 2020

 

Faith in the Storm

“And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:35-41)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about life is we will sometimes have to go through a storm.  When I lived in Okinawa, Japan, from 1 June - 30 November, we lived in what was known as Typhoon Season.  A typhoon could appear at any time and so we always had to be ready.  It is much like Hurricane Season in America.  These storms will test your faith, especially when you see the devastation that they can cause.  You want to always have your relationship with Jesus intact.  When Jesus put His disciples in the boat and they were heading to the other side, they too encountered a storm.  They thought they were going to drown.  After Jesus rebuked the wind and calmed the seas, He asked His disciples where their faith was?  Didn't they bring it with them?  What happened to it?  Shouldn't the men who had seen all the miracles that Jesus had done not have faith?  Do you carry your faith with you everywhere you go?  If not, what did you do with it ? Jesus is your faith you know.

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:  Let faith arise and the storm will cease (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 13 November 2020

 

The Radiant Life

 

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Today’s Morsel:  After trying over 10,00o time to get the light bulb to work, people asked Thomas Edison if he was a failure.  He told them no.  He said, "I have not failed, I have just found 10,000 ways it will not work."  Edison was famous for never giving up in his search for the construction of the electric light bulb.  Without his tenacity and almost hard-headed way of never giving up, his idea may not have ever come to fruition.  What if we didn’t have the light bulb?  My life at this very moment would be vastly different.  How about yours?  Jesus said that you are a city set upon a hill that cannot be hid, so let your light shine.  Right now, it may seem as though it is not working.  But to be a radiant life, you must keep adding the things of God to your life.  The more of God’s word you keep placing in you, the brighter you will shine.  Keep shining.  Even a blind dog finds a bone every now and then.

Sing:  This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.  This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.  This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Thought For Today: Be the light that gets people out of darkness!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 12 November 2020

 

The Toughest Battle

 “The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.” (Proverbs 14:14)

 Today’s Morsel:  The toughest battle you will ever fight in life is the battle of self.  If people could just overcome self, they could see how easy life can be.  Solomon states, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”(Proverbs 25:28)  One of the reasons that people do not have peace and contentment in their lives is because they cannot win the battle of self.  To control yourself requires you to be satisfied with yourself.  The next time you are fighting the battles of stress, anxiety, fear, despair, loneliness, or despondency, stop and see if you are doing it to yourself.  You have control over how things affect you.   These types of battles will continue to defeat you and they will win if you do not overcome self.

 Sing:  He gives strength to me, as I worship him, as my heart is filled with praise.  Jesus breaks the bands, as I raise my hands, He gives glorious victory.

Thought For Today:  Defeat self and you win. (Parker)