Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 30 November 2021

 The Holy Ghost

“And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:4-8)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Have you received the Holy Ghost since you have believed?  Are you aware that you are not born-again if you have not received Christ’s Spirit? (Romans 8:9).  Scripture says, “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve.” (Acts 19:1-7)  Paul wanted them to be saved.  He wanted them to have what God had promised them, and to know what they must teach as the disciples of Christ.  In Acts 10:44-48, those Jews that accompanied Peter to Cornelius' house knew that the Gentiles had received the Holy Ghost because they heard them speaking with tongues and magnifying God (vs 45-46).  Don’t be afraid to allow God to fill you with His Spirit.  You want to know that He is in you and that you are saved.  And He will not leave you doubting and unsure.  

 

Sing:  I got the Holy Ghost, down in my soul, just like the Bible said.  I got the Holy Ghost, down in my soul, just like the Bible said.  Well, I've been to the water, and I’ve been baptized in Jesus’ name, my soul got happy and I’m so satisfied, I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now; just like the Bible, just like the Bible, just like the Bible said.

 

Thought For Today: “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” (Romans 8:9)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 29 November 2021

 Get Out Of The Boat

“And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Matthew 14:22-31)

 

 

Today’s Morsel:  The apostle Peter gets accused of many things by the church.  He is charged for denying the Lord three times.  He is accused of having a hot temper and cutting off Malchus' ear.  He is charged with having respect of persons by Paul.  He is found guilty of sleeping in the prayer meeting with Jesus.  He is blamed for going to the house of the Gentiles.  And he is blamed for being faithless walking on the water.  Yet Jesus still gave him the keys to the kingdom of heaven.   Many in the church today should be accused and charged with the same crimes, but don’t you dare tell them that.  Someone said, "Don’t ever say what you won’t do if you have not been put to the test yet."  Paul said that the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.  I don’t think we should accuse or blame Peter for being faithless.  At least he got out of the boat when Jesus called him.  And he tried to walk on the water to get to Him.  But there are those who accuse and blame Peter that are still sitting in the boat when Jesus has called them over and over to come.   Believe me, you can’t walk on water sitting in the boat.

 

Sing:  Faith can move mountains, mountains of fear and of doubt.  Faith can move mountains, so why don’t you try your faith out.

 

Thought For Today: “And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 27 November 2021

 Born-Again

 

“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”   (John 3:1-7)

 

Today’s Morsel:  I am amazed at the number of people who say that they are born-again, but their life and character still reflect that they are having dinner at Satan’s table.  If a person is truly born-again, there should be a change in their conduct and character.  Paul said that being born-again is being risen to walk in the newness of life.  Jesus mentions twice to Nicodemus that he must be born again.  The word ‘again’ means from above.  We must be born according to heaven's way.  As Paul informed us, “As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” (1 Corinthians 15:48-49).  Everyone must have these two births.  One from this earth, earthy, and one from above, heavenly.  Have you experienced them both? “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.” (Acts 2:38-39)  Are you truly born again?  Today could be your (new)birthday!

 

Sing:  Born again, there has been a change in me.  Born again, just like Jesus said.  Born again, and all because of Calvary.  I’m so glad that I've been born again.

 

Thought For Today:  “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 26 November 2021

 Ask Dad

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:5-8)

 

Today’s Morsel:  When I was a kid, it wasn’t uncommon in our family when we wanted to do something, for one of my siblings to say, ask dad if we can do…!  James said that if we lack wisdom to ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  When I don’t know something, I am one who is quick to ask God for understanding or His help.  James tells us, “Ye have not, because ye ask not.”  Since our steps are ordered by the Lord, we should not be apprehensive about asking Him for direction.  God doesn’t want us to be ignorant and not know.  Our heavenly Dad is omniscient.  He knows everything, and because we are His children, we must learn to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.  We can just ask Dad.

 

Sing:  Something beautiful, something good, all my confusion, Jesus understood.  All I had to offer Him, was brokenness and strife; but He made something beautiful out of my life.

 

Thought For Today:  The specific wisdom that we need must be sought from God.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 25 November 2021

 Happy Thanksgiving

“O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.” (Psalms 95:1-2)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Across America today,  folks will celebrate Thanksgiving Day.  A time of togetherness with family and friends. Turkey is usually the main meat, and the dessert tables usually include pumpkin pie.  It has been a day set aside for many years as a sign of thanks.  It is one family tradition that has seemed to remain constant.  And why shouldn’t it?  Paul tells us, “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6)  We should even bring our prayer requests to God with thanksgiving.  The psalmist admonishes us, “O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.”  What better way to have a Happy Thanksgiving than to come before Him with Thanksgiving in our hearts and enter into His courts with praise.

 

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

 

Thought For Today: “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 24 November 2021

 Be Ye Thankful

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Colossians 3:12-15)

 

Today’s Morsel:  How thankful are you for your salvation?  How thankful are you for the job that you have, the home that you live in, the vehicle that you drive, and the food you eat?  Most people are not thankful for these things.  They are oftentimes complainers.  They are not content with the things that they have. They are not thankful for where they live nor the job that they have.  What I find in people who are thankful is that they want to make a difference not only in their lives, but also in the lives of others.  People who are thankful will give their employer an honest day's work.  They will fill in without being asked.  They do things because they are thankful for the blessings of God upon their life. How thankful are you?

 

Sing: Thank you Lord for saving my soul.  Thank you, Lord, for making me whole.  Thank you, Lord, for giving to me, Thy great salvation so full and free.

 

Thought For Today:  A heart of gratitude is worth more than all the money in the world.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 23 November 2021

 Who Is This?

“And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.” (Matthew 21:6-11)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Every so often, I will get asked if I know certain people.  And folks look at me shocked when I say that I am sorry but I do not.  I have even had people trying their very best to help me understand who they are talking about, but sad to say, I must continue to tell them that I don't know them.  During Jesus' time on earth, many desired to know who He was.  Jesus even asks His disciple who people were saying that He was. (Matthew 16:13-19). The woman at the well asked Him if He was greater than Jacob who had given them the well (John 4:12).  Paul even told the folks at Athens, “For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.” (Acts 17:23)  When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and the people began to shout, “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest”, they knew that this was not just any fly by night person.   They knew that this was someone of status.  And so they asked, Who is this? “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.” (Hebrews 8:10-11)  Do you know who He is?  If you are sincere in asking and seeking, He will answer you.  

 

Sing:  Who is this who for our sorrow offers comfort and relief, bringing sunshine to the dark and shadowed life?  Saying softly cease repining lift thou soul above its grief, let the peace pass understanding still the strife.

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

 

Thought For Today: “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 22 November 2021

 At Calvary

“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” (Luke 23:33-34)

 

Today’s Morsel:  It was here, Calvary, that some believe was the place that Abraham offered Isaac as a burnt sacrifice; and where David brought the threshing floor from Ornan. “Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the LORD appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.” (2 Chronicles 3:1)  Mount Mariah.  Mountain of God.  Just as we know that we should never forget God, we should also never forget Calvary.  For it was here that Christ died for our sins. It was here that He gave His life that we might live.  It was here that love drew salvation's plan and the place that grace brought it down to man.  That old rugged cross is still a reminder of the difference that love makes.

 

Sing:  Years I spent in vanity and pride; Caring not my Lord was crucified; knowing not it was for me He died on Calvary.

Mercy there was great, and grace was free.  Pardon there was multiplied to me.  There my burdened soul found liberty, at Calvary.

 

Thought For Today:  Calvary still speaks of love. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 20 November 2021

 Overcoming Discouragement

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.”

 (Psalms 42:5)

 

Today’s Morsel:  To overcome discouragement and hardships; we must learn how to motivate ourselves.  There are too many Christians that do not know how to motivate themselves.  Paul tells us, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:18-19)  What is your favorite spiritual song? Whatever it is, sing it to yourself when you are picking low cotton. Most of the so-called “Negro Spiritual” songs that were once sung in the church were birthed out of discouragement during slavery. People needed a self-motivator, and they knew that singing to God would give them joy and relief.   David talked to himself. “O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory. Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.” (Psalms 108:1-2)  He even asked his soul why it was cast down.  You have the power within you to get up and be joyful.  Remember, the Holy Ghost came with joy.  You can either sit and be sad and brokenhearted, or you can do what Paul told Timothy, “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7)  You are only crazy if you sit there and do nothing about your own discouragement.  Don’t let Covid and others depress and discourage you.  Get up and go to church and spend time with Jesus.  He is still the answer for the world today.

 

Sing:  Jesus is the answer for the world today, without Him there’s no other, Jesus is the way.   Jesus is the answer for the world today, without him there’s no other, Jesus is the way.  

 

Thought For Today:  Self-motivation… Motivating yourself.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 19 November 2021

 The Mercy Seat

“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)

 

Today’s Morsel:  How often do you go to the mercy seat?  Do you spend time there daily with Jesus?  Jeremiah tells us, “Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:19-23)  There are usually one of two things that happen at the mercy seat. Punishment or leniency.  But if we will spend much time there in prayer, we will not need to fear when we do wrong and may need leniency.  All we will need to do is approach it with a broken and contrite heart, and I believe that we will find leniency every time. 

 

Sing: Mercy there was great, and grace was free; pardon there was multiplied to me; there my burdened soul found liberty at Calvary.

 

Thought For Today:  Don’t let pride keep you from the mercy seat.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 18 November 2021

  You Got A Friend In Me

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

 

Today’s Morsel:  How much value do you place on your friendship with others?  One of the things that I like about scripture is that Jesus always placed the onus upon those who thought that they had it all together, or those who think that they are right and that others are wrong.  For example, Jesus says, “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24) Notice, if the brother has ought against you, not that you have ought against him.  Now you understand why His ways are not like ours.  We would leave them stewing.  Now He tells us if we want friends, then we must show ourselves to be friendly.  Again, the onus is placed upon us.  So I guess the question is, how many friends would you like to have?  You can have as many as you’d like.  Just make sure they are true and faithful, or else they can cause you heartache and pain.

 

Sing:  You got a friend in me!  You got a friend in me!  You got troubles and I’ve got them, too, there isn't anything I wouldn’t do for you.  We stick together, and we see it through; cause you got a friend in me. (Toy Story)

 

Thought For Today: “Friendship ought to be mutual and equal.”

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 17 November 2021

 Truth Hurts

“Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.” (Acts 7:51-54)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Stephen, who was chosen to serve widows and wait tables, found himself having to defend his faith in Christ.  But because he presented the truth harshly, I believe, to those who were guilty, it cut them to their heart, and they were livid and killed him.  Truth always hurts the guilty.  Paul tells us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).  Why, because it hurts those who are guilty.  This word is like a two-edged sword, the writer of Hebrews tells us (Hebrews 4:12).  People know that they are sinners and doing wrong.  That’s why we must not be too harsh and critical because such were some of us, and it hurts.  Jesus said that we must always make sure that the larger beam isn’t in our eye.  Remember, your job is to make people free, not push them further in bondage.  As Jude said, “ 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)  I believe that the gospel has a whole lot of compassion, grace, and mercy wrapped up in it, don’t you?  Share it with love.

 

Sing:  What can wash away my sins?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus.  What can make me whole again?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus.  Oh, precious is the flow.  That makes me white as snow.  No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.

 

Thought For Today:  You win more flies with honey than vinegar.