Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 30 September 2021

Let Jesus Come Into Your Heart

 

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 

(2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1)

 

Today’s Morsel:  If you are tired of the load of your sin, let Jesus come into your heart.  If you desire a new life to begin, let Jesus come into your heart.  Jesus desires to dwell within you.  He desires to change you, and to make you better.  If you have a void in your life that you seem unable to fulfill, let Jesus come into your heart.  If there is pain, lowliness, restlessness, and hopelessness, then let Jesus come into your heart.  “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:1-3)  Why struggle through life without hope and without happiness when you can have Jesus living in your heart.  As Peter said, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:7-8)  He stands and knocks, but you must open up and let Him in.

 

Sing:  Let Jesus come into your heart, just now, your doubtings give over, just now reject Him no more; just now throw open the door; Let Jesus come into your heart.

 

Thought For Today: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 29 September 2021

The Old Time Religion

 

“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:26-27)

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about true religion is that it never changes.  It doesn’t change to accommodate people, it causes people to change to accommodate it.  From what I see taking place in some churches, they are moving more and more toward darkness than drawing closer and closer to The Light.  John 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. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth” (1 John 1:5-6).  That old-time religion would cause you to know that you had been changed. The songs were about Jesus and His delivering power.  The messages were about heaven and how to stay out of hell.  They were about holy living and separation from the world.  The folks believed what Jesus said in His word that you cannot serve two masters.  But now the church is starting to compromise on holiness and truth and think that you can serve two masters. Some people think that you are old-fashioned if you live that old time religion way.  But I stand with Joshua: “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)  You had better read the book.  Both heaven and hell or real and believe me when I tell you, you don’t get to spend eternity with Jesus and Satan too.  Choose you this day.  As for me and my house, we choose the old-time religion, we choose the Lord.  

 

Sing:  Give me that old time religion, give me that old time religion, give me that old time religion, it’s good enough for me.

 

Thought For Today:  Don’t let the world change you, you change the world.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 28 September 2021

The Kingdom of God Is In Power

 

“But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?” (1 Corinthians 4:19-21)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Writing to the church at Corinth,which some think was his problem church, Paul stated, “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:4-5);  He told the church at Rome, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 14:17)  God’s kingdom is in power.  The church must be filled with His power.  Whether operating in the fruit or gifts of the Spirit, the church must be filled with power.  If people say that they are born again of the water and the spirit, then the church must be full of power.  If deliverance, healing, holiness, and righteousness are not in operation in the church, then it is not of God’s kingdom.  Because His kingdom and authority come with power to cause changes.  Any man or woman who says that they are called of God into the ministry must understand that the kingdom is with power.  Your authority must reflect God’s power.  Paul asked the church at Corinth if they would rather that he show up with a rod for correction or in love and meekness?  He wanted them to know that he had the power to do either.  When the kingdom of God is in you, you too have power and authority.

 

Sing:  There is power, power, wonder-working power, in the blood of the Lamb.  There is power, power, wonder-working power, in the precious blood of the Lamb.

 

Thought For Today: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 27 September 2021

 Don't Play With God

“Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” (Acts 19:13-20)

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about serving God is that you must be serious and sincere, or the devil will take you out. When you become a Christian you are entering warfare.  This isn’t an "I will be a Christian on Sunday morning, Easter, and Christmas, and live any way I want to on other days."  When you say that you are a Christian, other people are depending on you to do the right thing all the time.  They are trusting you to have their back in prayer, that you are supportive of them in their needs and mission, ensuring that you tell them when they are wrong, and reward them when they do right.  Scripture says, “Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.”  Why didn’t they say, Jesus whom we preach?  That was a giveaway to the devil that these men were powerless against them.  Anytime you must get permission to pray against evil or evoke someone else’s name, who do you think is more spiritual than you to evict demons, then stay away from people whom you think are possessed with demons or you may find yourself like these men, beaten and scared.  But if you are a true Christian, you have the power to run the devil out of town every time.  Yes, being a Christian is a 24/7 real-deal calling.  And what a joy it is.  

 

Sing:  There is power in the name of Jesus, there is power in the name of Jesus, there is power in the name of Jesus, to break every chain, break every chain, break every chain, break every chain.  

 

Thought For Today: “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 25 September 2021

 The Bible Model For Outreach

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:22-32)

 

Today’s Morsel:  The best model for winning people to the Lord is your own life.  If you are living a life that reflects Christ, people will be drawn to you.  If your life is not a reflection of the Bible, you can have a Bible Study chart in your hand but people will probably not remain throughout the study.  To be an example of Christ starts with a mind change.  You can’t be worldly, act worldly, look worldly, and expect to make an impact in someone else’s life.  Your life must be a consistent example of what you are teaching.  If you allow yourself to be drawn into talking about politics, and other people's lives, your witness of Christ will be tarnished.   You will always win more people with kindness than zeal.  As my mother would say, you win more flies with honey than vinegar.

 

Sing:  Every hour of the day, keep me dear Lord I pray, let me walk in the gospel light: Let me hold fast to Him so my way won’t grow dim, let me walk in the gospel light.

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’ll travel no more, let me walk in the gospel light.

 

Thought For Today: “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men” (2 Corinthians 3:2)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 24 September 2021

 REBOOT

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.” (Acts 3:19-21)

Today’s Morsel:  Sometimes my computer and phone won’t work right, and so I must reboot them.  In other words, I must shut them down and restart them again.  You know that’s how life is sometimes.  Every so often things just aren’t working right and we need to shut down and start afresh and anew.  When you are feeling stressed, filled with anxiety, overwhelmed, oppressed, and in despair, you may just need to shut everything down and give yourself time to reboot.  Shut down the cell phones, electronic devices, T.V., radio, and people for a few days, and spend time rebooting.  This will give you time to see what is going on in your life that may be causing you to be stressed, tired, feeling hopeless, or out of focus with Christ.  The world and the things around us can get us out of focus with Christ quickly if we are not careful.  Is your life working the way you would like for it to be?  If not, why not reboot and allow Jesus to refresh you with His Spirit. Remember, it's only Jesus who can satisfy your soul.  Take a few days and REBOOT.  

 

Sing:  Only Jesus can satisfy your soul.  Only He give can change your heart and make you whole.  He'll give you peace you never knew, Sweet love and joy and Heaven too; For only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

 

Thought For Today: You need to turn the I-devices off every now and then.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 23 September 2021

 The Day My Life Was Changed

 

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)

 

Today’s Morsel:  On this day in 1969, I enlisted in the U.S. Army.  It would be a day that would change my life forever.  Little did I know that by taking that one step and raising my hand to enlist in the U.S. Army, that I would meet the love of my life (for now over 45 years), receive from God the best kids, grandkids, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law that could ever be given, travel around the world, see countries that I would never have imagined  I would see, meet some of the most fantastic people in the world, weep and cry when it was time for transitions, train people to help them be better in their lives, and that God would intervene and save us from a world of sin in His time, and use us to become missionaries paid by the U.S. Government.  That one day changed my life forever.  And now, here it is 52 years later and even though we are not in the US Military, we are still enlistees in the Lord’s Army, carrying the whole gospel to the whole world daily.  If you take a step toward God today, it could change your life forever.  And believe me, it could just be the best thing you ever do.  

 

Sing: Well, we are soldiers, in God’s Army, and we’re fighting, claiming victory, we will not give up, we will not turn around, we are soldiers, marching heaven-bound.

 

Thought For Today:  Taking a step for God today, could change your life forever.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 22 September 2021

Standing In Judgment for The Hop of The Promise 

“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently. My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers” (Acts 26:1-6)

 

Today’s Morsel:  What would you do if you had to stand before world leaders for the hope of the promise made by God to you? Would you quiver, or would you be like Paul and think yourself happy that you have an opportunity to answer for yourself of the hope that is within you.  Whether you know it or not, you do stand in judgment daily on your job, in your workplaces, your schools, everywhere you go, whether you will stand for Christ, His ways, and words or not.  Being a Christian requires you to take a stand daily to live holy, live righteously, and not compromise your integrity for personal gain, pleasure, or profit.  When you are called in to question for your hope in Jesus, as it will someday come, what will be your defense?  Settle it in your mind now so you are ready to give an answer to them of the hope that is within you.  The day will come, be ready to give an answer.  

 

Sing:  My hope is in You Lord, my strength is in You Lord, my life is in You Lord, it’s in You, it’s in You.  I praise You with all of my hope, I will praise You with all of my strength, I will praise You with all of my life; with all of my hope, with all of my strength, with all of my life, it’s in You, it’s in You, it’s in You.  

 

Thought For Today: Don’t compromise your hope in Christ

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 21 September 2021

 The Gift Of God

“When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” (John 4:1-10)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Have you received God’s gift?  One of the gifts that God gives to us is the gift of grace.  Scripture tells us: “But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many” (Romans 5:15);  “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:11-14);  “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16), “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:4-8)  Grace is God’s gift to us.  It is God’s divine influence in your life.  Yes, there are spiritual gifts, but those gifts come with His Spirit, the gift of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 12:8-11).  But salvation by grace is His gift.  It is not of merit.  It cannot be earned. It is given freely.  And you can have this wonderful gift today.  

 

Sing: Grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that will pardon and cleanse within.  Grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that is greater than all our sin.

 

Thought For Today:  Only God’s grace brings with it salvation.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 20 September 2021

 In Everything Give Thanks

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-18)

 

Today’s Morsel:  When we read Romans Chapter 1, scripture says that the people were not thankful.  Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts to dishonor their own bodies between themselves.  When we walk through scripture with the children of Israel, they never seem to be thankful for the things that God was doing for them.  We read more of their complaining and murmuring than we do of thanks and praise.  God had their very best at heart the same as He does us.  We need to learn a lesson from the children of Israel.  If we murmur and complain about things and others, we are going to lose focus and take our eyes off Jesus and become overwhelmed.  The whole life of a Christian should be nothing but praise and thanks to God.  When I ask some Christians how they are doing, they will reply, “O’ better than I deserve.”  Really!  You will never hear that coming from my mouth.  When you ask me how I am doing, I tell you that I am blessed and highly favored of the Lord! And because I am blessed and favored, I am thankful.  Every day I am thankful that I find myself blessed and highly favor of the Lord.  I am thankful that I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me.  I am thankful for every trial, problem, situation, and circumstance because the word tells me to give thanks in everything.  Yes indeed, I give thanks in everything, because that is the will of God concerning me.  How about you?  How are you doing today?  

 

Sing:  Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son.  And now, let the weak say I am strong, let the poor say I am rich, because of what the Lord has done for me, give thanks!

 

Thought For Today:  The whole life of a Christian should be nothing but praise and thanks to God.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 18 September 2021

 The Importance of Scripture

 

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, 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)

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the most essential and distinctive characteristics of scripture is it will do what it says.  If you are a sinner and you accept it, it will change you.  If you are an alcoholic and you accept it, it will deliver you.  If your marriage is falling apart and you and your spouse will accept it and live it, your marriage will mend.  The value of the word of God is that it does what it says it will do when it is accepted and applied.  As the Lord told Isaiah, “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11)  God’s word is going to do what He sends it to do.  Ask Pharoah or Nebuchadnezzar.  Heaven and earth shall pass away but my word shall not pass away, said Jesus (Matthew 24:35)  God's word comes with a sure guarantee.  

 

Sing: This joy I have, the world didn’t give it to me.  This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me.  This joy I have, the world didn’t give it to me.  The world didn’t give it, the world can’t take it away.

 

Thought For Today:  “And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.” (Hebrews 12:27)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 17 September 2021

 Let God Choose For You

 

“O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.” (2 Chronicles 20:12)

 

Today’s Morsel:  What do you do when your back is against the wall and you do not know what to do?  Do you take matters into your own hands, or do you seek God for His direction and advice? The children of Judah and King Jehoshaphat founded themselves in a straight.  It would have been easy to trust in themself.  But Jehoshaphat chose to seek God for His counsel.  Dwight Moody said, “Spread out your petition to God, and then say, 'Thy will be done.'  The sweetest lesson I have learned in God’s school is to let the Lord choose for me.”  Jehoshaphat believed that God would choose what was best for them and God did not disappoint them with His direction and guidance.  Maybe you are waiting for a wife or husband, let God choose for you.  Or maybe a job, let God choose for you.  Maybe some other direction in ministry, let God choose for you.   As Solomon says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)  Whatever direction you are needing today, let God choose for you.  

 

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

 

Thought For Today:  “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 16 September 2021

 Never Changing

 

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

 (Hebrews 13:8)

 

Today’s Morsel:  The world in which we live continues to offer us substitutes for what is needed in the hope to help us save money.  But is it doing more damage than good?  Instead of telling people to get outside and exercise to lose weight, they tell folks to substitute it with dieting.  They substitute sugar, salt, milk, butter, medication with generic items.  The list could go on and on.  When it comes to God, there is no substitute.  With Jesus Christ you are going to get the real thing.  He is the same.  He does not change.  What He is today, He will be tomorrow, and the next day as well.  Paul told the church at Corinth, “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2)  He was saying that I didn’t give you some substitute.  As John states, “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ.  This is the true God, and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20)  Since creation, God has been God, and I know that He will never change, He will be the same tomorrow. He is the REAL deal!

 

Sing:  Immanuel God is with us, Jehovah Lord of host.  The Omnipresent Spirit who fills the universe. The Advocate the High Priest.  The Lamb for sinners slain, the Author of Redemption, O’ glory to His Name.

It’s all in Him, it’s all in Him, the fullness of the Godhead, it’s all in Him; It’s all in Him, it’s all in Him, the Mighty God is Jesus and it’s all in Him.

 

Thought For Today:  Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.