Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 30 January 2021

 

The Sacrifice of Praise

 

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
  (Hebrews 13:15-16)

 

Today’s Morsel:  When you go to church, what do you go for? Do you go to worship and praise God?  Every time we go to church, we should go to give God praise.  Psalms 100 tells us, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name.” (Psalms 100:4)  and Psalms 113 tells us, “Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised.” (Psalms 113:1-3)  Our sacrifices should be the best that we can offer.  Our day should begin with praise to God and it should end with the same.  When we realize how good God has been to us, in things that we can and cannot see, we should praise and give Him thanks.  As Paul admonishes us, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)  Real praise should always come from a heart of thanksgiving.

 

Sing:  Praise Him, Praise Him, praise Him in the morning, praise Him in the noon time.  Praise Him, praise Him, praise Him when the sun goes down.

 

Thought For Today: Real praise should always come from a heart of thanksgiving.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 29 January 2021

 

By Faith

“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.” (Hebrews 11:17-19)

 

Today’s Morsel:  In Hebrews Chapter 11, the words, ‘by faith’ appear 16 times, letting us know that those patriarchs mentioned trusted God in their actions and deeds.  Scripture says that when Abraham was tried, he offered up Isaac and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.  Notice, Abraham had faith that God would raise Isaac up.  Abraham had a promise from God that in Isaac would his seed be blessed.  And if God allowed him to kill Isaac, then God would have to raise him to life again to fulfill his promise, or He would be seen as a liar.  And scripture tells us that God is not a man that he should lie.  When we look at Genesis 22, we see Abraham’s faith in God from the moment that God tells him to go offer Isaac. “And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.” (Genesis 22:1-3)  Abraham obeyed by faith.  And then when Abraham sees the place that God sends him to, he says to his servants, “Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.” (Genesis 22:5-6)  God told him to go offer Isaac.  Abraham said, "We are going to worship and come again."  Anytime we offer our kids to God it should be a form of worship by faith.  And now we see that Isaac is just a little bit perplexed because everything is available for the sacrifice but a lamb for an offering.  And Abraham tells him by faith, “My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.” (Genesis 22:8) And scripture says, “And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah Jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen. And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.” (Genesis 22:9-18) Abraham is an example of walking by faith and not by sight.  Are you following his example?  And are you an example to others?  

 

Sing: Jehovah Jireh, my provider, His grace is sufficient for me, for me, for me.  Jehovah Jireh, my provider, His grace is sufficient for me, for me, for me.  My God shall supply all my needs, according to His riches and glory; He shall give His angels charge over me, Jehovah Jireh careth for me.

 

Thought For Today:  For we walk by faith, not by sight.  (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 28 January 2021

 

Commitment

“And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her. So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?” (Ruth 1:16-19)

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the traits of character that I find in Ruth was the trait of commitment.  Not only was she committed to her marriage vows, but she was also committed to her mother in law.  She expressed that commitment by her reply to her mother in law when she said, “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.”    The apostle Paul asked, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (Romans 8:35)  I believe what Paul is saying here  is  show me and others your commitment to Christ by your actions  if you say that you are born again.  Do not just give me lip service my little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth (emphasis mine) 1 John 3:18.  If you really want to see a true Christian, observe them on any day other than Sunday and see if their life is a reflection on what you see on Sunday.  Commitment is revealed under pressure.

 

Sing:  I am determined to hold out to the end.  Jesus is with me on Him I can depend.  For I know I have salvation, for I feel Him in my soul.  I am determined to hold out to the end.

 

Thought For Today: Commitment … being the same under pressure (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 27 January 2021

 

The Missing 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:  When the Air Force loses a pilot due to a crash, at the funeral they will do a flyover formation with a plane missing.  They call it a Missing Man Formation.  Sad to say, the church, the home, and the community are missing a lot of men.  Even God could not find a man to stand in the gap to mend the hedges.  When there is a missing man, the home is left to suffer.  Children are left without a father and a mentor.  Wives are left without their knight in shining armor.  Pastors in the church are left with no one to hold up their arms like Moses had with Aaron and Hur.  Schools are left without any role models for strength, direction, masculinity, adoration, and nobility.  When a man is missing, it falls to the woman to have to lift the heavy load, farm the fields, fight the wars, teach, train the children, and take care of the home front.  Where have all the good men gone?   “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:10-18)  Wars may be fought by machines, but they are won by men!

Sing:  Here I am, Lord, here I am, I give all myself to You, here I am.  Here I am, Lord, here I am, let Your Spirit work through me, here I am.

 

Thought For Today: “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 26 January 2021

 

A Voice In The Wilderness

 

“Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” (Isaiah 40:1-8)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Are you aware that you have been called to be a voice in the wilderness to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord.  “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:14)  The Great Commission calls for everyone that is born again of the water and the spirit to go preach the gospel to every creature.  You are to be a voice in the wilderness.  As a matter of fact, the Lord said, “Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.” (Isaiah 43:10-11)  What are you proclaiming to the lost?  What are you shouting from the rooftop?  John the Baptist cried, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2)  When Jesus returns, people are not going to have a chance to be saved. Jude said that now is the time, “To on 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 1:22-23)  Just think, if you had a major disease and someone else knew what it would take to heal you and they did not tell you, would you be happy with them?  I do not think so.  Well, think about your neighbor or coworker that is suffering from the disease of sin, and you have the cure, Jesus Christ, and you are not sharing it with them.  John stated, “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”  John said (1 John 3:17-18)  If you say that Christ is in you, then be that voice in the wilderness.  Seize every opportunity to tell someone about Jesus.

 

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: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:13-14)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 25 January 2021

 

Stay in the Church

 

“And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.”
(Luke 4:13-16)

 

Today’s Morsel:  I am starting to become concerned because folks are starting to lose their love for attending church.  But of course, the apostle Paul had already told us that in the last days, many would fall away. “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4) I know that there are many people who feel and think that you do not need the church to make it to heaven.  And in their thinking, they may be absolutely correct.  But if I am a follower of Christ, then He gave me an example; and that example was He went to church.  The Bible says that it was His custom, or His habit.  Yes, I know that we are the church, but we are cautioned to not forsake the assembly of ourselves together.  And we are told to do it so much more as we see the day of Jesus coming approaching.  The Psalmist wrote, “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the LORD.” (Psalms 122:1) I don’t know, but I haven’t seen God’s character manifested in anyone who doesn’t go to church.

 

 Sing:  It’s the old ship of Zion, it’s the hope for the lost and dying.  It’s a soul saving station, it’s the tower of salvation.  Well, it’s the church triumphant, O Lord, and it’s built by the hand of the Lord.  I’m talking about the church in the Book of Revelation.  It’s built on the Rock, it’s got a firm foundation.  It’s been through the flood and it’s been through the fire, but one of these days the church is gonna move up higher.  It’s the church triumphant, O Lord, and it’s built by the hand of the Lord.

 

Thought For Today: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 23 January 2021

 

Plant Right Here

And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of: Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father; And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws. And Isaac dwelt in Gerar… Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.”(Genesis 26:2-6, 12)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Why is it that man seems to have no patience?  Why do we feel that we have to have everything right now?  Why have we not developed the trait of patience?  People change jobs because they feel they are not advancing quick enough.  They change jobs because they become angry with those over them.  They change churches because they dislike the pastor's preaching or mannerisms.  They relocate to a different city because they do not like their neighborhood.  And the list could go on and on.  But as born again believers, why have we not developed the trait of patience?  When God sent a famine into the land, everyone was heading down into Egypt.  But God appeared to Isaac and said to him, go not down into Egypt, stay right here and plant right here.  And scripture states that Isaac obeyed and sowed his seed and reaped in the same year one hundred-fold.  Are you aware that every time you move you must start over?  So plant the word of God right where you are and patiently wait to see what God will do.

 

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, to supply my every need and I lean on You.

 

Thought For Today:  The only way the seed will grow is to be planted. The only way for you to see it is for you to patiently wait.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 22 January 2021

 

Do Not Forget Your Vows

“What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.”
 (Psalms 116:12-14)

 

Today’s Morsel:  A wife says to her husband whom she had been married to for over 30 years, “Honey, you never tell me that you love me anymore.”  The husband turns and says to her, “I told you when we got married, if I change my mind, I’ll let you know.”  A little humor, yet, that is the way it should be with our vows, oaths, and promises that we make.  We should take them seriously and not just go through the motions.   We should make them and not change our mind.  Why is it that many people when they are going through trials and circumstances that are not favorable, they are quick to make promises or vows to do what is right if they are delivered from the situation, but then they don’t live up to it.  What if the trial or circumstance is from God and it is His way of testing you because you had already vow to Him to serve Him and obey His words?  Solomon states, “Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands? (Ecclesiastes 5:5-6)  Moses informed the children of Israel, “When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee.” (Deuteronomy 23:21-22)  Are you aware that every time you take communion you are vowing to God to never forget Him and that you will do the things He is asking of you?  The vows that you make will surely test your integrity and character.  Make them and stick with them.  

 

Sing: I love you, I love you, I love you; what more can I say, but that I truly love you.  And I will try to live my life so that it says it, to0.  I love you, I love you, I truly love you.

 

Thought For Today: You can’t be saved without fulfilling your vows.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 21 January 2021

 

Are We There Yet?

 

“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.” (Hebrews 6:1-3)

 

Today’s Morsel:  If you have kids and have driven on any journey that required time and distance, I’m sure you have heard from the back seat just as I have, “Are we there yet?”  I am sure the children of Israel felt the same way when Moses was leading them out of Egypt.  I am sure there were times that they may have heard, “Are we there yet?”  But unfortunately, when they got there, they were afraid to cross over.  They longed for their promise, but they were afraid to receive it.  The writer of Hebrews tells us to let us go on to perfection.  So, my question to you today is, “Are you there yet?”  How many times have you heard this saying?  If we say that we are born again, then we should have already been there and been enjoying the benefits of His promise.  You see, perfection is to be complete.  If we say that we are born again, then we should be complete in Christ. We should be content with who we are and what He has given us and done in our lives.  We should be satisfied with Him as our heavenly Father, rejoicing in His power and His word; steadfast in our daily devotion with Him; loving Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; serving Him with a willing mind; carrying our cross daily, and committed to His ways. “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power” (Colossians 2:9-10)  Are you there yet?

 

Sing:  I came to Jesus weary, worn, and sad, He took my sins away, He took my sins away.  And now His love has made my heart so glad, He took my sins away.

He took my sins away, He took my sins away, and He keeps me singing every day!  I’m so glad He took my sins away, He took my sins away.

 

Thought For Today: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 20 January 2021

 

Watching Our Thoughts

 

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
(Proverbs 4:23)

 

Today’s Morsel:   One of the things about thoughts is that, if we do not guard them, they can get away from us and run wild.  I have heard many people say, “I think I’m going out of or I am losing my mind.”  These types of comments should alert the person to stop and take inventory as to what is going on in their mind.  Writing to the church at Corinth Paul states, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)  Our thoughts must be kept in check.  Solomon states that we should keep or guard our heart with all diligence.  Why?  Well, Jeremiah informs us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)  If left to itself, your heart (mind) can destroy you.  Immoral actions do not just get out of hand, they come about because men do not guard their thoughts.  As Lao Tzu states  “Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny."  It all starts with a thought.

 

Sing:  I’ve got my mind made up to serve the Lord.  I’ve got my mind made up to serve the Lord.  I’ve got my mind made up to serve the Lord.  I’ve got my mind made up to serve the Lord.

 

Thought For Today: “When it comes to character, keep a close watch on yourself” (Parker)