Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 30 October 2021

 A God of Second Chances

 

“If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.”

 (Psalms 130:3-4)

 

Today’s Morsel:  When we fully understand the purpose of the New Birth, and the purpose for being born-again, we realize that it is to give us a second chance at life.  We are born in sin and shapen in iniquity, David said in Psalms 51:5.  Paul informs us, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12); “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)   If Jesus would judge us based on our sins, none of us would probably even be alive.  But thanks be to God for another chance.  David was given another chance after he sinned with Bathsheba.  Peter was given another chance after he denied the Lord three times.  Paul was given another chance after arresting and killing many Christians.  Moses was given another chance after he killed an Egyptian.  Jacob was given another chance after he lied to his father and stole his brother’s birthright.  And I was given another chance after my sin and wrongdoings in this world.  And you can have another chance, too.  Scripture says, “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.” (Acts 2:37-42)   Do you need another chance today?  Jesus simply says, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37)  Praise Jesus for a second chance.  

 

Sing:  Come to Jesus, Come to Jesus, Come to Jesus just now.  Come to Jesus, Come to Jesus, Come to Jesus just now.

 

Thought For Today:  He’s a God of second chances. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 29 October 2021

 Getting To The Point Of Nevertheless

 

“Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:36-39)

 
Today’s Morsel:  One of the fancies of some saints is that they think that they can’t serve God alone.  I have seen many people who backslide and stop serving God because the kind of church that they grew up in was not where they now found themselves living.  They give no help in advancing the kingdom of God.  They fail to realize that God may be taking them out of their comfort zone so that they can learn and grow and find their purpose in their life.  One of the things that I learned at an early age in my walk with God was, it is a personal relationship between me and Him.  If you feel that you can’t serve God and build your relationship with Him without others, you have missed the whole message on Spiritual Relationship.  There must come a time that you get to the point of Nevertheless.  What do I mean?  I mean that even though others do not worship, give, or praise God, you will. Even if there isn’t a church where you are, you will still praise and worship Him because you love Him; you will study the Word for yourself and continue to grow; you will do whatever you can to start a church where you are.  Getting to the point of nevertheless says that it is not about my will, but about His will.  We must always do what is His will, even though we may have to drink from a bitter cup.  In this He is well pleased.

 

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: When you get to the point of nevertheless, God will give you the desires of your heart (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 28 October 2021

 Don’t Let The Opportunity Pass You By

 

“And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.” (Luke 18:35-43)

 

Today’s Morsel:  So many do not know what the purpose of an altar call is for when they come to church, and so they stay in their seats when it is given, not knowing that this is their opportunity to give God a chance to meet their need.  We miss the opportunity to have Jesus meet our needs.  Often, I find that we also miss so many opportunities to do good or to tell someone about Christ.  People are suffering and hurting and often we miss the opportunity to help alleviate their dilemmas.  Jesus never missed an opportunity to do good.  He always went where the needs were, or He displayed visible leadership so the people could come to Him.  When the blind man sitting by the wayside begging heard that Jesus was passing by, he began to cry out for His help.  He was not about to allow the opportunity to pass him by, so he began to cry out for Jesus to help him even though others tried to get him to be quiet.  Jesus stopped and healed him.  What if he had let the opportunity pass him by?  He would have sat there still blind.  I’m sure that there were many in the crowd that day that had needs, but they let the opportunity pass them by.  The woman with the issue of blood for 12 years made up her mind that if she got the opportunity to touch Jesus that she would be whole.  And when the opportunity presented itself, she did what she said she would do, and she too was made whole.  Let me encourage you, don’t ever miss an opportunity to seek Jesus for what you have need of for yourself or do good and tell others about Him so He can meet their need.  Remember the saying that opportunity only knocks once.

 

Sing: Touching Jesus, is all that really matters, and your life will never be the same; for there is only one way to touch Him, just believe when you call on His name.

 

Thought For Today: Remember, opportunity only knocks once.   

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 27 October 2021

 Things That Accompany Salvation

 

“But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.” (Hebrews 6:9)

 

Today’s Morsel:  If you have noticed that when you purchase an automobile, or some major appliances like a washer, dryer, or refrigerator, they all come with a manual of operation and instructions.  The same holds true with salvation.  The Bible tells us what we must be, how we must act and behave, and how we must live after we are born-again.  The writer of Hebrews tells us, “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:12-14)  We must not give pleasure to those passions which lead to trials, strife, or hostilities.  Instead of yielding to opposing passions and to a spirit of war, instead of seeking revenge on our persecutors and foes, we must make it rather our aim to be holy.  We trust that if a person is a true Christian, then they will produce the proper fruits of holiness, that they may be saved.  Creating strife, disunity, gossip, murmuring, bickering, and lying did not come with your salvation.  You buried the old man in the waters of baptism with Christ.  You are called to walk in the newness of life.  Truth came with your salvation.  Love came with your salvation.  Peace came with your salvation.  Joy, patience, kindness, faith, and self-control came with your salvation.  Being a servant of Jesus Christ and committing your life to Him came with your salvation.  If you ever feel the urge to do wrong, you know that did not come with your salvation.  Know what you’ve been given and live it.

 

Sing:  O’ yes I’m saved and I’m happy today, thanks be to God, for this I can say that I’m saved and I’m happy today, I’m walking up the King’s highway.

 

Thought For Today: “If you will act and live like you are saved, it will take root in your life.” (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 26 October 2021

 Faith

“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?”(Mark 4:35-40)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Do you really believe and trust God?  One of the things that will hinder your faith is being afraid of death and dying.  If Christians could overcome this hurdle in their lives, I believe that they could live a more peaceful and joy-filled life.  If the enemy of your soul can cause you to fear death, he will keep putting things and situations in your way to hold you hostage, to keep you from trusting in God and in His abilities.  God wants us to trust in Him and believe that He can do all things and will be there for us.  But if we waver in our faith, we will never know this fully.  We must build our faith daily and allow it to be seen by all.  Let me encourage you today, get over the thought of the fear of dying, get it out of your mind, and enjoy life.

 

Sing:  He’s the only reason I live, and oh what a reason.  He’s the only reason I live, and oh what a reason.  There’s nothing in this world worth living for, it only leaves you empty and longing for more.  He’s the only reason I live, and oh what a reason.

 

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 - 25 October 2021

 Proving Your Loyalty and Obedience

 

“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. Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said unto his young men, 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. And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. 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.” (Genesis 22:1-12)

 

Today’s Morsel:  When we become born again of the water and the spirit, there will come a time in our walk with God, that He will test our obedience to Him to see where our loyalty lies. In John 6:53-71, He tested His disciples' loyalty. “Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.” (John 6:53-71)  Many went back and walked no longer  with Jesus.  Their loyalty and obedience was quickly shown.  

 When Abraham was tested with Isaac, he did not waver in his loyalty and obedience. Scripture simply says, “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)

 Let me encourage you today, the next time God asks you to do something that seems impossible for you to do, it may just be a test of your loyalty and obedience.  Always know that God does not tempt us to do anything evil such as committing suicide, jump off a building, standing on a railroad track when the train is coming, or doing something stupid and bazaar.  God doesn’t test your loyalty and obedience to Him in a way that will harm you.  God never tempts, rather he tests us.  He tries us and tests our hearts.  

 

Sing:  I trust in God, wherever I may be, upon the land or on the roaring seas.  For come what may from day to day, my heavenly Father, watches over, over, me.

I trust in God, I know He cares for me.  Upon the land, or on the raging seas.  For come what may, from day to day, my heavenly Father watches over, over me.

 

Thought For Today: “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.” (John 21:15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 23 October 2021

 Seeking For Salvation

 

“Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.”

(Psalms 54:1)

 

Today’s Morsel:  There are many people who are looking for salvation and vindication, but they really don’t know where to find it.  Paul states, “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)  What are you doing to help people find the way?  Are you being moved with compassion when you see people around you?  Are you moved with compassion when you see what is taking place in this world?  Are you moved with compassion when you hear of someone committing suicide?  Are you moved with compassion when you hear that someone has been diagnosed with Covid19?  What triggers your compassion button?  People may not be standing in the street yelling at the top of their voices, "Someone save me;  Someone help me.,"  But their actions are screaming louder than their words ever could.  David cried, save me by your name and judge me by thy strength.  This name would imply all power and benevolence that was necessary to secure his salvation or safety and to vindicate him.  Peter informs us, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) The only saving name is Jesus Christ.  Which means Jehovah is salvation.  And David's request was to judge him by God's strength and to vindicate him by His power; like as a judge sitting on the bench who has the power to vindicate a sentence or impose it.  As Jesus said, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth”  (Matthew 28:18).  If you really want to be saved and vindicated, come to Jesus for He is ready to save and to make you free.

 

Sing:  Who is this who loves a sinner as a father loves his own, weeping over those who spurn his gentle plea?  Always ready to forgive them and to make forgiveness known; Who is this forever calling you and me?

It is Jesus, Jesus, sad one’s weep no more.  He will heal the brokenhearted; open wide the prison doors; He is able to deliver evermore.

 

Thought For Today: “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 22 October 2021

 A Zeal For Souls

 

“I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong. Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.” 

(2 Corinthians 12:11-14)

 

Today’s Morsel:  I have heard folks say that all the church wants is their money.  This is not a true statement if it is a true church.  A true church is never all about money if it is founded in the way of righteousness.  It is about people’s eternal salvation and soul.  I do, however, believe that folks ought to give their tithe and offerings to help with the mission of the church, but people ought not to think that that is all the church is about.  Paul told the church at Corinth, “I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps? Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.”(2 Corinthians 12:18-19)  Paul wanted them to know that it wasn’t about money, but they were zealous for their souls. “Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you” Paul said.  They wanted them to build their relationship with Christ so that they too could be saved.  Always remember, the mission of the church is souls.  How eager are you to tell someone about Jesus and His resurrection power?  “And of 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)  Jesus came to seek and save the lost.  The church is all about salvation.   

 

Sing:  I’ll stand for Thee dear Jesus, whatever the cost may be; I’ll spread the gospel to the lost each day.  But if it be Thy will Lord, to send me over the sea, I’ll follow Thee, Tho’ death should come my way.

Jesus, use me and O Lord don’t refuse me, for surely there’s a work that I can do.  And even Tho’ it’s humble, Lord, help my will to crumble, Tho’ the cost be great I’ll work for You.

 

Thought For Today: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” (Proverbs 11:30)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 21 October 2021

 A Cheerful Giver

 

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

(2 Corinthians 9:7)

 

Today’s Morsel:  A cheerful giver is one that gives from the heart.  He doesn’t give for show, nor does he give to receive anything back.  He just gives because he loves to give.  He will give of his time, his talents, his treasure, and his abilities to advance the kingdom of God.  He does not let his left hand know what his right hand is doing. In other words, he does not make a show nor does he brag about his giving.  He has a heart of compassion.  He gives to help others.  He does not give for evil or with wrong motives when he gives.  He gives when it is right, and what is always right.  His giving is out of a heart of submission and service.  He never gives a service that is not cheerful and voluntary.  Nothing given that does not arise from true love to Christ can be acceptable in His sight.  But when given cheerfully, and with the right heart, God loves it because it shows a heart like His own.  A heart disposed to giving cheerfully and do good on the largest scale possible, shows a heart attached from Godly principles for His service and is that which is well-pleasing.  God loves a cheerful giver.  

 

Sing: Give, and it shall be given, good measure, pressed down shaken together and running over.  Give and it shall be given, when you give you give to the Lord.

 

Thought For Today: “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” (2 Corinthians 8:12)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 20 October 2021

 The Weapons of Our Warfare

 

“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)

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things that I learned when I was in the military is that there are so many weapons available for a soldier to be successful.  When I entered Basic Training, they issued me an M14A1 rifle.  When I served as a young soldier in Vietnam, I started out carrying an M16A1.  A few months later I became the grenadier and carried an M79 and an M203.  Then a few months after that, I was carrying the M60 machine gun.  These were just a few weapons of warfare.  Now they have so many other newer models at their disposal.  Paul, writing to the church at Corinth, informed them that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God.  You see, we are in a spiritual battle. It is not of flesh and blood.  It is of soul and spirit.  It is for eternal life or eternal damnation.  Either you win or lose.  There is no peace treaty or in-between here.  Paul tells what the weapons of our warfare are. 

- First and foremost, it is the Word of God. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)  

- Next is love, “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” (Proverbs 10:12)  

- Third is peace. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) 

- Fourth is fasting. “And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:29) 

- And Fifth is the gospel. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” (Mark 16:15-18) 

Are you ready for battle?  We need to make sure of our weapon, the battle is at hand.  

 

Sing:  Keep going forward, never look behind you.  Keep going forward never look behind you.  Keep going forward never look behind you.  Just have faith in the power of the Lord.

 

Thought For Today:  Be prepared!