Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 30 April 2021

 

Stand For Something

 

“And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.” (Isaiah 7:9)

 

Today’s Morsel: It has been stated that if you do not stand for something you will fall for anything.  If we do not stand firm in our faith and beliefs, we will not stand at all.  Let me let you in on a little secret. The world is going to do foolish things. They are going to implement laws and rules that they themselves will someday realize how stupid and dumb they were.  Therefore, we are called to love not the world nor the things that are in it.  We must stand on the principles of morality, honesty, decency, and ethical living.  This world is not your home.  Yes, you have to live here but you do not have to do what they do.  As Solomon states, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)  People who are willing to forgo principle for privileges will someday lose both.

 

Sing:  Standing on the promise of Christ my King, through eternal ages let His praises ring.  Glory in the highest I will shout and sing, I'm standing on the promises of God.

 

Thought For Today:  Kneel to pray, but stand firm in your faith.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 29 April 2021

 

God’s Warning Systems

 

“But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.” (Acts 24:14-16)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Within every one of us, God has placed His warning system.  It is called our conscience.  It is our inner feeling or voice viewed as acting as a guide to the rightness or wrongness of our behavior.  It alerts us to danger, wrong, suspicion, and distrust.  It guides us to do right versus wrong. Therefore, we should be happy when it warns us and worried when it does not.  Those whose conscience does not alert them to wrong have had theirs seared with a hot iron.  Their consciences are closed and hardened, and past feelings.  They have no regard for what they say or do, they commit the most shocking impieties, and are people of the most dishonorable characters, and of the most enormous and outrageous lives and conversations.  Is your warning system working?  “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)  

 

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:  Always listen to your built-in warning system. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 28 April 2021

 

The Oak Tree

 

“But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof.” (Isaiah 6:13)

 

Today’s Morsel:  When I grew up in North Carolina, we heated our home with wood.  Most of the time we used oak wood.  Oak trees are hardwood and burn longer and give off good heat.  The Lord told Isaiah that as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves, so He would be the substance thereof.  The oak tree is just a little nut that stood its ground.  We cannot be established by wickedness.  But if we root ourselves in righteousness, which is a characteristic and attribute of God, we too will never be removed.  Are you rooted in Christ?

 

Sing:  Glory hallelujah! I shall not be moved.  Anchored in Jehovah, and I shall not be moved.  Just like a tree that’s planted by the waters; I shall not be moved.

I shall not be, I shall not be moved; I shall not be, I shall not be moved.  Just like a tree that’s planted by the waters, I shall not be moved.

 

Thought For Today: The mighty oak was once a little nut that stood its ground.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 27 April 2021

 Real Friends

 

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Because God is love (1 John 4:8) Jesus demonstrated to us what true friendship should look like.  He told His disciples, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” (John 15:13-15)  Solomon states, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)  Friendship ought to be mutual and reciprocal, as it was between David and Jonathan.  A man that receives friendship ought to return it, or otherwise he is guilty of great ingratitude.  Real friends are those who, when you have made a fool of yourself, don’t feel that you’ve done a permanent job.  Paul states love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Charity never fails. Remember, a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

 

Sing:  What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.  What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.  Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear; All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer.

 

Thought For Today: “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 26 April 2021

 

Thorns On Roses

 

“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Some people complain because God put thorns on roses, while others praise Him for putting roses among thorns.  We can always find something to complain about when we do not like something or we are not educated on the why’s.  If you know that roses have thorns and they hurt if you grab them wrong, it is not God's fault that you get pricked.  Paul wanted God to take his thorn in the flesh away, but God did not.  Maybe you have some thorns in your flesh and you want God to remove them.  Chances are He will not because His grace is sufficient for you, too.  God desires us to learn how to operate in the environment we find ourselves in. And sometimes that might mean working and being around people that give us a hard time or become a hindrance to what we are trying to do.  You know, those thorns in our flesh.  As I told the church I once pastored, we may not be nailed to the cross like Jesus, but others can cause us just as much pain so that we get to feel what He (Jesus) went through.

Sing:  Take the name of Jesus with you, child of sorrow and of woe; it will joy and comfort give you, take it then wherever you go.

Precious name, O how sweet!  Hope of earth and joy of heaven. Precious name, O how sweet! Hope for earth and joy of heaven.

 

Thought For Today:  Roses are red, violets are blue, wear gloves next time so they don’t prick you!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 24 April 2021

 

Sitting On The Premises

“But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

(Hebrews 6:9-12)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Do you ever wonder what could be accomplished if everybody in the church used their talents and abilities to advance the kingdom?  Why is it that 100% of the work in the church is done by 10% of the people?  Why is it that people can sing and shout but not labor?  Why is it that many can sing “Standing on the Promises” when all they do is sit on the premises?  The writer of Hebrews states, 'But, beloved, we are persuaded of better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.'  Salvation for those who may not know means it is time to go to work.  As Paul told the church at Thessalonica, “Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.” (2 Thessalonians 3:9-14)  That’s some pretty strong language.  It is tight, but it is right.  We must not be slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

 

Sing:  When He calls me, I will answer.  When He calls me, I will hear? When He calls me, I will answer I'll be somewhere working for my Lord.

I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord.  I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord.

 

Thought For Today: If you don’t work, you don’t eat.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 23 April 2021

 

Self-Discipline

 

“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.” (Job 1:1)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about self-discipline is you must discipline yourself.  You avoid doing wrong simply because you know that it is wrong.  A person’s true character is revealed to himself by what he does when no one is watching him.  The worst person you can lie to is yourself.  The moment that you think that no one is watching is the very moment that they are.  Your heart will always reveal what is inside of you. That is why Jesus states, “That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” (Mark 7:20-23)  By all accounts, Job was a man of self-discipline.  Scripture says that he was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and avoided evil.  If you do not discipline yourself to do the right things, Satan will easily discipline you to do his evil.

 

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

 

Thought For Today:  A person’s true character is revealed by what he does when no one is watching.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 22 April 2021

 

Servants

 

“Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” 

(Colossians 3:22-23)

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things that I have noticed today is that no one wants to be a servant anymore.  The word does not sit well with folks even though many of them are just that, servants.  The trash man felt he was being degraded by being called the trash man, and so to be politically correct they started to call him a domestic engineer.  The teacher did not like being called a teacher anymore, even though that is what they were, and so to be politically correct, they started to call them educators.  The list could go on and on.  But really, whether a burger flipper at the Golden Arches or where the King Has Lost His Marbles if you are not the owner and you get paid by someone else, you are a servant.  I thank my God that I have had the opportunity to serve.  Even when I had to work for others in the fields, I can now see good Biblical principles that were associated with it.  Jesus said that He did not come to be ministered to, but the minister.  That does not mean to preach but rather to serve.  When He (Jesus) made the comment that the last shall be first and the first last, He was referring to being a servant.  Being willing to put others before ourselves.  There is nothing better on earth than being a servant!

 

Sing:  Jesus hold my hand; Lord I need Thee every hour. Through this pilgrim land, protect me by Thy saving power.  Hear my feeble plea, O’ Lord look down on me; when I kneel in prayer, I know You’ll meet me there, blessed Jesus hold my hand.

 

Thought For Today:  There is a name for people who are not excited about being a servant…unemployed. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 21 April 2021

 

A Good Name

 

“A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.” (Ecclesiastes 7:1)

 

Today’s Morsel:  What do people think of you when they see you coming?  If you could really eavesdrop on people's conversations about you, what would they be saying?  Solomon states that a good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.  I have come to notice that everybody thinks babies are cute.  Especially their own.  Parents usually choose names that they think will make their baby even cuter.  But what will others think of that name when the child has grown into adulthood and dies?  Will that name still be as precious ointment?  You see, a good name usually starts in the highchair, and is kept that way by ingesting a daily dose of the word of God.  It should be our goal to die with a good name.  If we follow Jesus’ example, people will still be talking about our good name after we are gone.

 

Sing:  Let me walk in the light, in the great gospel light, let me walk in the gospel light; till my journey is over and I travel no more, let me walk in the gospel light.”

 

Thought For Today:  Follow Jesus' example and people will still be talking about  your good name after you are gone.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 20 April 2021

 

Companions

 

“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13:20)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Your companions are like the buttons on an elevator.  They will either take you up or they will take you down.  Solomon said that we must make sure our friends. Those with whom we associate should be those who edify, encourage, and lift us up.  They should be those who have our best interest at heart and who desire to see us succeed.  Even in marriage, our companions should have our best interests at heart and not their own.  Our companions should be those who fear and respect the Lord.  You may ask why?  Because Solomon states a companion of fools shall be destroyed.  Our companions can either take us up to heaven or down to hell. Which button are you going to allow them to push for you?

 

Sing:   O’ there’s a highway to heaven, none can walk-up there but the pure and heart.  O’ there’s a highway to heaven, walking up the King’s highway.

 

Thought For Today: Know those you hang with.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 19 April 2021

 Decisions

 

“It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.”
(2 Timothy 2:11-13)

 

Todays’ Morsel:  Decisions can take us out of God’s will but never out of His reach.  The patriarchs of old made some decisions that took them out of God’s will but not out of His reach.  The Prodigal son’s decision to go into the world and waste his life on riotous living may have taken him out of his father's will, but not out of his reach.  Joel states, “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.” (Joel 3:14-16)  Many folks' decisions have led them out of the will of God, but they can still be reached by Him if they will come to themselves and repent.  As Isaiah states, “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:6-9)  Have you made a decision that has taken you outside of God’s will.  Well, do not feel defeated.  If you will make the decision to repent, it can lead you back into God’s will.

 

Sing:  I have decided to follow Jesus.  I have decided to follow Jesus.  I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.

 

Thought For Today:  Your decision may take you out of God’s will but not outside His reach.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 17 April 2021

 Read The Instructions

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

 

Today’s Morsel:  If at first you do not succeed in putting something together, try reading the instructions.  Just about anything can be put together by you if you would just read the instructions.  That manual in the glove box of your car could save you hundreds of dollars on auto repairs if you would just read it.  Solomon states, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” (Proverbs 9:9)  He also states, take fast hold of instructions and let her not go. Keep her for she is thy life. Wisdom is thy life.   “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, Paul said, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)  Notice, it is given for instruction in righteousness.  They communicate religious knowledge; for schooling mankind and making one complete in his work. “Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” (Proverbs 12:1)  Whoever loves instruction loves discipline and correction, and loves knowledge.  Correction is the way to knowledge.

 

Sing:  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.  When I am afraid, I will not fear for I know that You are near me.  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

 

Thought For Today:  If at first you don’t succeed, try reading the instructions

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 16 Apr 2021

 

The Measure of A Man

“But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

 

Today’s Morsel:  My wife has a plank attached in our garage wall so that when the kids and grandkids come to visit, she can measure how tall they have grown since the last visit.  When God measures a man, He puts a tape around his heart instead of his head.  When Samuel was sent by God to Jesse to anoint David as King, Samuel assumed that one of the elder sons would be chosen as Saul’s replacement.  But God told Samuel that He sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but He looks on the heart (my wording).  Man only sees what is without, but the Lord sees what is within; only the outward visible form of the body is seen by man, but the inward qualifications and abilities of the mind are seen by the Lord.  We are quick to choose people based on their status, outward qualities, and who they may know.  But that is not how God chooses.  God looks on the heart.  He knows what is in us, what wisdom and judgment, justice and integrity, mercy and goodness, love and kindness, and other qualifications are in us.  “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.” (Proverbs 21:2)   Every man seems righteous to himself, but the Lord weighs him in the balance of righteousness and truth.

 

Sing:  Change my heart, O’ God, make it ever true.  Change my heart, O’ God, may I be like You.

 

Thought For Today: “When God measures a man, he puts a tape around his heart instead of his head.”