Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 31 August 2022

 Are You Troubled?

“Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:”
(2 Thessalonians 1:6-11)

 

Today’s Morsel: As the world gets more and more evil, it will become easier for you to be more troubled and concerned about what you see taking place in this world. Therefore, you must not lose focus of who you are, and what God has called you to be, know, and do. Paul states that if you are troubled, rest with us, so that when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints.  They may poke fun at you for being a Christian now, but when they see Jesus, they will wish that they had heeded the warning.  Stand strong in Christ and the power of His might.

 

Sing: Oh, 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: You can always find rest in Jesus.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 30 August 2022

 Children of The Day

“But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:1-5)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the wonderful things about becoming a Christian is that we can see that God has brought us out of darkness to His glorious light. Things that were hidden and that we did not know are now clearly seen. Because scripture tells us that God is light (1 John 1:5), Paul said that makes us as the children of the light and of the day. We are not of the night, nor of darkness. That’s who Satan and his children are. We are children of God and enjoy both His light and life. “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”(John 3:19-21) We are Christians and we belong to Him who has brought life and immortality to us by the light of His gospel.

 

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

 

Thought For Today: “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.” (1 John 1:5)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 29 August 2022

 Singing With Grace

 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)

 

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever noticed that some people in the church that say that they are saved show no indication that they are? No matter how old or young you may be, there should be something in your lifestyle that indicates that you are saved. A smile, greeting of visitors to your church, giving, arriving early to church, bringing our Bibles to church, and singing songs in church like you are standing right before God and singing them to Him. Yeah, I know that some of the songs you may not know, but just listen to what is being said, if the music isn’t too loud, and you can sing with joy unto the Lord for His unmerited love toward you.  Your life indicates who you are.   Let it be a reflection of your belief in Christ.  

 

Sing: I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing, I will sing.  I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing of the mercies of the Lord. With my mouth, will I make known, Thy faithfulness, Thy faithfulness.  With my mouth, will I make known, Thy faithfulness to all generations.

 

Thought For Today: “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 27 August 2022

 Increase Your Knowledge

“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light”

(Colossians 1:10-12)

 

Today’s Morsel: How much do you know about Jesus? Do you get upset when someone says something to you that you do not like? Do you have a problem with healthy confrontation? Do you have trouble with people who are unethical? What about those who reject your invitation to come to know more about Jesus? How do you deal with politicians that keep lying? Well, if you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, or others drive you nuts, increase your knowledge about Christ and His word.

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth… Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:1-7, 12-13) “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12)

Keep reading and studying your Bible and you won’t be so soon shaken.

 

Sing: I’ve got a made-up mind, I’ve got a final destination, I’m gonna keep on pressing on, to my final destination.  I’m gonna burn all the bridges behind me, break all the ties that bind me.  I’m gonna keep on pressing on, till I reach that home sweet home, that New Jerusalem.

 

Thought For Today: “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 26 August 2022

 Nothing Is Impossible

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about life and the trials and situations that we may go through is we must learn how to endure. And the sooner we learn it, the sooner we will understand that with God nothing is impossible, and it will make us stronger, both in our faith and trust in God. When you read the letters that the apostle Paul has written to the church, and look at his life, we can understand why he felt the way that he did about Christ. Notice what he says, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Where did he learn all this? Through his trials and circumstances. Paul realized that with Christ he could do and endure anything because God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. What have you not accomplished because of fear? What do you feel that you can now accomplish through Christ who strengthens you?

 

Sing: He gives strength to me, as I worship Him, as my heart is filled with praise.  Jesus breaks the bands, as I raise my hands, He gives glorious victory.

 

Thought For Today: “ God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalms 46:1)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 25 August 2022

The Gift From God

 

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2:8)

 

Today’s Morsel: How much do you love receiving gifts?  We give birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, anniversary gifts, wedding gifts, and even Father’s Day and Mother’s Day gifts. So we can see that most people enjoy gifts. Scripture says of Jesus: “Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” (Ephesians 4:8) Are you aware that your pastor is a gift from God? “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:15) 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) Paul says that we are saved by grace which is a gift from God. Are you excited that He has considered you?

 

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

 

Thought For Today: “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” (Romans 11:29)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 24 August 2022

 New Creatures

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

 

Today’s Morsel: I have heard folks say that it is hard to live for Christ. But really is it hard or do folks just not want to accept their new life? As Jesus said, “No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.” (Luke 5:39) The same is true in Christ. Folks aren’t quick to let go of the old way of life. They must keep trying it. When we accept Christ, we are saying that we want to be new. We are changing our old way of living to a new way of living. We become new creatures. As Paul said: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:1-4) We must now walk in the newness of life. What is this newness of life? Our actions and conduct should reflect who we know we belong to. Jesus Christ. As Paul stated to the church at Ephesus: “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 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.” (Ephesians 4:17-24) If we are truly born again, then our lives must be a reflection of Christ in us, the hope of glory, and that we are new creatures.  

 

Sing: Well, I’ve been changed, I am newborn now, all my life has been rearranged.  What a difference it made when the Lord came to stay, in my heart, oh yes, I’ve been changed.

 

Thought For Today: “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” (Galatians 6:15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 23 August 2022

 God’s Wisdom

“But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.” (1 Corinthians 1:24-29)

 

Today’s Morsel: Trying to figure God out can be very confusing. God’s ways and thoughts aren’t the same as ours. So stop thinking that you can figure Him out.  The weatherman can tell you that it’s going to rain, and yet the sun can shine all day without a drop of rain. This is one of the reasons, I believe, why scripture tells us that we must walk by faith and not by sight. We must take God’s word at face value. Solomon even tells us not to lean unto our own understanding, but to just acknowledge Him and He will direct our paths. Paul states that God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. Scientists, astrologists, technologists, and prognosticators are all trying to figure out where man came from, and what is out there in outer space. But they could really save a lot of money in all this research if they would just read their Bibles. As the Lord asked Job: “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the cornerstone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?” (Job 38:4-8) Only God knows all things as He is the wisdom of God and the power of God. And He is not about to share his glory with another.  There are some things that we must simply accept by faith.  

 

Sing:  Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, in the mountains of His Holiness.  Beautiful situations, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion on the side of the north, the city of the great king.

 

Thought For Today: The just must live by faith

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 22 August 2022

 The Gospel

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17)

 

Today’s Morsel: It is amazing how one word, Gospel, can change so many people’s lives. I don’t know about you, but for me, I was on the road to hell when I first heard the truth of the gospel. Yes, I went to church as a kid, but for some reason, I was still blinded to the gospel. As Paul said: “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) But over 38 years ago, when I heard that the gospel reflects Jesus Christ and that the gospel could save me, deliver me, and set me free, I accepted it, and applied it to my life by repenting of my sins, was baptized in Jesus' name, and He filled me with His Spirit, and the tape was turned and I was made free. “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17) Have you obeyed the gospel?  Let me tell you, there is nothing like the Gospel to change your life forever.  

 

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

 

Thought For Today:  Are you set for the defense of the gospel?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 20 August 2022

 Just An Ordinary Day

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4)

 

Today’s Morsel: It was just an ordinary day on February 20, 1962, when Astronaut John Glenn orbited the earth. It was just an ordinary day on November 22, 1963, in Dallas Texas, President John Kennedy was assassinated. It was just an ordinary day, in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4^, 1968, when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, was assassinated. It was just an ordinary day on September 11, 2001, when two aircraft, flown by terrorists, flew into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, in New York, causing the death of approximately 3,000 people. It was just an ordinary day, in the late spring of A.D. 30, while the disciples were in the upper room praying and worshipping God, that suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting, and there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. What was the day like when you received the Holy Ghost? I bet it was just an ordinary day.

 

Sing: This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made.  I will rejoice, I will rejoice and be glad in it, and be glad in it.  This is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.  This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord hath made.

 

Thought For Today: If you have never received the Holy Ghost,  it is going to be just an ordinary day when you do.  It could even be on this ordinary day!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 19 August 2022

 The Life Was Light

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:1-4)

 

Today’s Morsel: They say that if we do not receive light or have light, we will soon die. It has also been stated that those who live in Alaska, or some of the other northern countries are often depressed due to a lack of light. Now we may be able to understand why many in the world are often depressed and suicidal. The world is full of darkness. Jesus is not only the light of the world, but He is also the life of the world. As He said: “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) And He came that we might have life and that more abundantly (John 10:10). John said that in Him was life, and that life was the light of men. When we look into the word of God, we see light. And it is this light that gives us life. As Jesus told Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.”  Moses encourages us that He is thy life (Deuteronomy 30:20) For in Him we live, and we move and have our being as we are his offspring.

 

Sing: Light of the world you stepped down into darkness, opened my eyes let me see; beauty that made this heart adore You, hope of a life spent with you. So, here I am to worship, here I am to bow down, here I am to say that you’re my God.  You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me.

 

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 18 August 2022

 Baby Dedication

“And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.” (Luke 2:21-25)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the things that folks must learn in the church is that a baby dedication is not for salvation. I have asked people if they are saved, and they will tell me that their parents had them baptized as a baby. Sadly, I must tell them that baptism is not for babies because babies do not know sin. I tell them that according to Acts 2:38, Peter says that baptism is for the remission of sins, and babies do not know sin, nor can babies believe. I tell them that I only dedicate or present babies to the Lord, as Jesus was praying that God will protect them and oversee them until they come to an understanding, an age of accountability where they can believe and make their own decision, or God fill them with His Spirit, and they see their need to be baptized. Jesus is always our example. “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.” (Matthew 3:13) Have you had your sins remitted in the waters of baptism (see Acts 2:38-42)?  Have you been baptized since you believed?  

 

Sing: I’m so glad that I’ve been buried in the name of the Lord, in the name of the Lord, in the name of the Lord.  Well, I’m so glad that I’ve been buried in the name of the Lord since the name of the Lord hath been revealed.

 

Thought For Today: “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.” (Matthew 3:13)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 17 August 2022

 Noise In The House

“And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.” (Mark 2:1)

 

Today’s Morsel: Someone said that some churches are so quiet that you can hear a mouse urinating on cotton (humor). Scripture says let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. So, do you open your mouth and praise God at your church? Do you clap your hands? Do you shout when the Spirit moves upon you? Do you testify of God’s goodness? I’m not saying that the church must be out of order, but who died for you? Who gave His life so that you could live? David danced before the Lord. When was the last time you danced before the Lord? Scripture says it was noised that Jesus was in the house. When the Word of God (Jesus) is in the house, there should be noise that He is there.  If you preach astronomy, politics, and a ‘woe is me gospel’ in the church, don’t expect noise in the house. But if you preach the Word of God, I guarantee there is going to be noise every time.

 

Sing: Let all God’s people praise the Lord, let all God’s people praise the Lord.  Shake off those heavy bands, lift up those holy hands.  Let all God’s people praise the Lord.

 

Thought For Today: Shout to the Lord with a voice of triumph. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 16 August 2022

 You Can’t Live By Bread Only

“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:1-4)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of Satan’s tools that he uses against Christians is lust. Lust can also mean hunger, thirst, or longing for something. After forty days in the wilderness without food, Satan tempted Jesus to turn the stones into bread. In other words, satisfy your own hunger, Satan says, if you are the Son of God. Keep in mind that once we are born again, we become sons of God, and Satan will tempt you to satisfy your own needs and desires through lust. Therefore, you must not be ignorant of his devices.  Jesus lets us know that we cannot live by bread only. But we must live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God as that is the only thing that will satisfy our soul.

 

Sing: Only Jesus can satisfy your soul, only He can change your heart and make it whole.  He’ll give you peace you never knew, sweet love and joy, and heaven, too.  Only Jesus can satisfy your soul!

 

Thought For Today: “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35)