Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 31 December 2021

 Are You Sold Out For Christ?

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39)

Today’s Morsel:  Are you sold out for Christ?  As we bring this year to an end, many are going to make New Year's resolutions on the things they will plan to do in 2022. And so my question to you is are you 100% committed to serving Jesus at all cost?  You see, other things don't really matter.  Our eternal life is at stake every day that we live.  Someday this life will end.  Then what?  Where will you spend eternity?  I am afraid that some have begun to think that they have a lot of time to make up their minds about serving Christ.  But Solomon lets us know that “It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:5); and then he ends with these words, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).  Paul said that nothing would be able to separate him from Christ.  Do you have that same attitude?  What will 2022 bring for you?  I pray it finds you committed and serving Jesus Christ at all cost.  

Sing:  Wherever I am, I’ll praise Him, whenever I can, I’ll praise Him; for His love surrounds me like a sea.  I’ll praise the name of Jesus, lift up the name of Jesus, for the name of Jesus has lifted me.

Thought For Today:  Commitment only has one “I”.  Therefore it requires you for it to happen.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 30 December 2021

 The Making Of A Good Soldier

“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” (2 Timothy 2:1-4)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things we discover about the apostle Paul is that he seems to have taken notice of his surroundings and he uses those things which he saw as Jesus did to educate the church on what it should be, know, and do, and what it should look like.  He told Timothy, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”  What did Paul see in soldiers that he desired Timothy to be as such?   I believe that Paul saw those good soldiers were:

Submitted

Obedient

Loyal

Disciplined

Indubitable

Enthusiastic

Respectful

These qualities must be found in every born-again believer in the church if the church is to fulfill and accomplish its mission.  Are you a good soldier?

Sing:  I’m a soldier, in God’s army, and I’m marching, I’m claiming victory; I will not give up, I will not turn around; I’m a soldier marching heaven-bound.

Thought For Today:  The more sweat in peace, the less blood in combat!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 29 December 2021

 I Shall Not Die But Live

“The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” |
(Psalms 118:14-24)

Today’s Morsel:  Psalms 118 is one of my favorite Psalms.  I have spent time memorizing it so that I will have the courage to keep going on in adversity and hardships.  Life can throw us many challenges.  But we must not allow them to destroy us and cause us to quit.   The psalmist says in verse 17, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.”  Jesus came to give us life, so why die?  As the four lepers said in 2 Kings 7:3, “Why sit we here until we die?”  It is a sad day when we aren’t willing to live when that is what Jesus came for.  Jesus didn’t come to kill us, He came to give us life (John 10:10).  So, live, and live abundantly!

Sing:  I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shores, very deep stained with sin, sinking to rise no more.  But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry; From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

Love lifted me.  Love lifted me.  When nothing else could help, love lifted me.  Love lifted me, love lifted me,  When nothing else could help, love lifted me.

Thought for today: “Have the courage to live. Anyone can die.” Robert Cody  

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 28 December 2021

 About The Father’s Business

“Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?’ (Luke 2:41-49)

Today’s Morsel:  Everything about Jesus' life is an example for us to emulate.  After His birth, He grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him (Luke 2:40), and He immediately started putting that wisdom and grace into operation.  He was found in the temple sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.  And all that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.  And when His mother questioned Him about His whereabouts, He asked her, how is it that ye sought me?  Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?  I think Jesus may have been saying to Mary, If anyone should have known my purpose and who I am, it should have been you.  You received the message and purpose of my coming before I was even born of flesh.  “He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end”, The angel Gabriel had told her (Luke 1:32-33).  And His business, Jesus said, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)  Are you about the Father’s business?  We are to emulate Jesus in all our ways.  

Sing:  Jesus use me, O’ Lord don’t refuse me, for surely there’s a work that I can do.  Even though it's humble, Lord, help my will to crumble.  Though the cost be great I’ll work for You.

Thought For Today: “Let’s gett'er done!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 27 December 2021

 And The Child Grew

“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” (Luke 2:40)

Today’s Morsel:  We don’t read much in scripture about Jesus’ childhood.  Luke seems to be the only writer that even mentions anything about His birth and childhood.  And so Luke tells us that Jesus grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him.  Not only was Jesus God, but He also had a human soul, and that soul was subject to all the proper laws of a human spirit.  And it, therefore, increased in knowledge, strength, and character.  From this humanity standpoint, He learned wisdom, even though He possessed all wisdom.  He found grace in the sight of God.  Even though He is the one that gives us grace.  From just this little bit about Jesus’ infancy, we can learn how we must grow as well.  Peter admonishes us, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18)  You can’t stay a child forever.  You must be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  You must be filled with His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding if you are going to grow and become like Him.

Sing:  To be like Jesus. to be like Jesus. On earth, I long to be like Him.  All through life’s journey, from earth to glory; I only ask to be like Him.

Thought For Today:  Growth always begins with submission.  (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 25 December 2021

 Don’t Forget The Reason For The Season

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”
(Luke 2:1-20)

Today’s Morsel:  All over the world today, many will enjoy a time of family and fun.  A tradition of old.  A time of peace, love, joy, and happiness will fill many homes.  I pray that as you share in fellowship and time together with your loved ones and family, that you will always remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.  I also pray that the love you share today will continue on in the days and weeks to come.  Peace on earth, good will to men.  

Sing:  So, have a super-duper Christmas with Jesus this year, a super-duper Christmas spreading good cheer; when you are down, your frown will soon disappear, so have a super-duper Christmas with Jesus this year.

Thought For Today:  Jesus is the reason for the season!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 24 December 2021

 The Clear Night

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:8-14)

Today’s Morsel:  I have always loved my early morning walks before the morning light appears.  I can even remember during my Army days when we would be out in the field for training, and even during wartime, I would look skyward on a clear night and see the beauty of the stars and moon, and I would think to myself how majestic and beautiful it was.  Every so often I would see a shooting star and I would think to myself, I wonder if that was an angel.  Scripture says that the shepherds were keeping watch over their flock by night and, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  It was a night for them as never before.  A message of hope, joy, peace, and salvation was delivered to them for all men.  And to think that message is still for everyone today.  Behold, I bring you tidings of great joy!

Sing:  It came upon a midnight clear, That glorious song of old; From angels bending near the earth, To touch their harps of gold: “Peace on the earth, goodwill toward men, From heaven’s all gracious king:” The world in solemn stillness lay, To hear the angels sing.

Thought For Today:  Look up for your redemption draweth nigh.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 23 December 2021

 The Perfect Gift

“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)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Many will be out trying to purchase that perfect gift to place under the tree, or to exchange with coworkers at work, or to buy for their loved one or friend.  James tells us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17)  We can’t purchase the perfect gift here on earth, it only comes from God.  Peter told Simon, “Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.” (Acts 8:20)  None of us have enough money to purchase this perfect gift.   The perfect gift that we all need cannot be purchased with money.  It is free from Jesus. Jesus said you have not because you ask not.  When they asked Peter and the apostle what they should do, Peter told 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.” This perfect gift is for all of you to follow the instructions Peter gave for receiving it.  Have you received it? Do you want it?  It is the best gift you can receive.  

 

Sing: I've got the Holy Ghost down in my soul, just like the Bible said, I’ve 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 gift from God’s given now, just like the Bible, just like the Bible said.

 

Thought For Today:  The perfect gift is the Holy Spirit

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 22 December 2021

 Preparation

“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.” (Luke 2:6)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Christmas time is often seen as a time of preparation.  It’s a time that many spend decorating and to reflect the season of love, joy, and peace.  Doing their very best to make it to Bethlehem before Mary delivered, Joseph probably had many thoughts running through his mind.  What if Mary delivered before they reached the city of Bethlehem?  What would he do, perhaps having no knowledge of how to deliver a baby?  How would he care for his new son?  How would he care for his wife? Would they reach the city and have time to find a place to stay? Would they have time to get their home ready and prepare a place for the new baby?  But no one was ready for the coming Messiah. There was no room in the inn, not even in the city it seemed.  Only a stable.  Some may ask shouldn’t God have prepared a place for His Son to be born?  Well, He did.  It was a stable and not a palace, even though He was the King of kings and Lord of lords.  It was a stable and not a house, even though He was greater than any house.  The stable represents filth.  Which represented the world and its ways.  Our God would dwell in this filth, but he would soon transition into a house, that represents our hearts.  Do you have room for Him?  Are you ready to receive Him into your home?   When you allow Him in, he will transform your life.  

Sing: O’ Holy child of Bethlehem, descend on us we pray; cast out our sins and enter in, be born in us today.

Thought For Today:  Behold He cometh!

Mornng Manna by Rufus Parker - 21 December 2021

 The Decree That Changed History

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.”  (Luke 2:1-5)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Caesar probably had no idea that His decree to tax everyone helped to complete the prophecy that the Prophets had spoken of about Jesus.  Micah had prophesied, “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2)  Since Mary was chosen to birth God’s son and the place that the prophets had spoken of that He would be born, Mary would need to be at that location before giving birth to fulfill prophecy.  And since Joseph was of the lineage line of David, he would be forced to take his wife and go to the city of David.  And so God moved on Caesar to implement a tax decree that would force them to Bethlehem. As the apostle Peter would write, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:20-21)  God always knows where we need to be to fulfill His word.  Just wait, watch, and see.  He will never fail.

 

Sing:  Where He leads me, I will follow.  Where He leads me, I will follow.  Where He leads me, I will follow; I’ll go with Him, with Him, all the way.

 

Thought For Today:  His word will not return void.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 20 December 2021

The Shocking Salutation

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.” (Luke 1:26-29)

 

Today’s Morsel:  I once read a story of a man who had escaped from prison and was on the lam for many years.  He had even married, had a family, a job, and was doing very well in life.  And one day while sitting at home with his wife, the doorbell rang. When his wife answered the door, the gentlemen at the door said to her, “Mrs. Jones, my name is agent X, and we are from the FBI and we are here to talk with your husband."  Can you imagine such a shocking salutation?   Somewhat like Mary.  Mary was probably going about her usual day, thinking about her soon to be husband Jospeh, making plans of what her home would look like, what she would wear for her wedding, who she would invite, when suddenly she is greeted by Gabriel, who was sent from God to tell her that she had been chosen by God to bear His son.  Mary was shocked like any of us would be. thinking what kind of greeting is this?  I’m sure she went into panic mode.  But Gabriel tells her, “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.”  He tells her not to fear,  he calls her by her name, signifying that she was well known to him, as the saints are to all the ministering angels, who are often sent unto them by God.  He wanted her to know that he did not come to bring her bad news, but good news.  And that good news was that she had found favor with God to bear His son.  How do you turn a shocking salutation like this into a blessing?  Mary simply said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word...” (Luke 1:38)

 

Sing:  Welcome into this place, welcome into this broken vessel, You desire, to abide in the praises of your people; so, we lift our hands, as we lift our voice, as we offer up this praise unto Your name.

 

Thought For Today:  All shocking salutations aren’t bad!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 18 December 2021

 Behold He Cometh

“And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. 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 1:25-29)

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things I always liked about Christmas as a kid living in the south was that each year our cousins who lived in the north would come home for the holidays. It was always good to see them.  And I can remember one Christmas, our cousin from Hawaii came home and that was a great surprise.  Like the woman at the well, in John chapter 4, people were looking for the Messiah to come but they were taken by surprise.  John the Baptist had told them that Jesus was coming.  He stated, “I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose… The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”  Would you recognize Him if you saw Him coming?  John again wrote, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” (1 John 3:2-3)  If we are going to be like him, then we ought to be able to recognize him.  My sheep, Jesus said, know my voice and I am known of them.   He’s coming, so don’t get taken by surprise when He shows up.

 

Sing:  O my brother are you ready for the call?  To crown your Savior King and Lord of all.  The kingdoms of this world, shall soon before Him fall.  We shall see the King when He comes.

We shall see the King, we shall see the King, we shall see the King when He comes.  He’s coming in His power, we’ll hail the blessed hour; we shall see the King when He comes.

 

Thought For Today: “Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.” (Psalms 118:26)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 17 December 2021

 Jesus The Light of The World

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” 

(John 8:12)

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the greatest things about light is that it will repeal darkness.  If you haven’t figured this out yet, that is why people in the world don’t care for Christians, you expose their darkness and evil ways.  So, keep that in mind.  Jesus is the light of the world.  So when He shows up, darkness trembles.  “And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.” (Mark 1:23-24)  Those demons knew who He was.  What about you?  “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: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5-7)  Therefore, every saint of God must proclaim that Jesus is the light of the world by their life and character.

 

Sing:  Jesus, the light of the world.  We’ll walk in the light, beautiful light, come where the dewdrops of mercy are bright; shine all around us by day and by night.  Jesus the light of the world.

 

Thought For Today: Jesus is still the light that will get you out of darkness.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 16 December 2021

 Come All Ye Faithful

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)

  

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about people who are faithful is that they will always come when you summon them.  It ought to be that way with people in the church.  Those who are faithful to Jesus will be at church without having to be asked.  They have learned that church is associated with Jesus, and they don’t want to miss out on being in His presence with others of like precious faith.  But on the other hand, for those who are not faithful to Jesus, we shouldn’t expect them to be faithful to the Church.  Until man realizes that he cannot live by bread alone, he won’t be faithful to church.  As born-again believers, we need fellowship with Christ and His people.  The Lord said through the prophet Isaiah, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.” (Isaiah 55:1-3)  Do you hear the Spirit calling for you to come? Don’t delay the door may be getting ready to close.

 

Sing: O come all ye faithful, joyful, and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.  Come and behold Him,  Born the King of angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.

 

Thought For Today:  A faithful man shall abound with blessings.