Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 30 November 2022

 Wait and Hope

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalms 27:14)

Today’s Morsel: Throughout scripture, we read continuously to wait on the Lord. In other words, don’t get ahead of God no matter what it may look like. If you have taken your request to God, wait on Him and let Him take care of the situation. Most people take matters into their own hands because they are afraid of death, and they see an evil outcome. But if all things work together for good to them that love God, should we not wait? If our hope is in the Lord, and we are saved by hope, should we not be able to hope? Doesn't scripture give us ample examples of what happens when people wait on God? Joseph was elevated to second in command by Pharoah. Daniel was promoted third behind Belshazzar. Ruth married Boaz and became the great-grandmother of David the King. Abraham and Sarah had a son in old age. Remember, Jesus is our anchor of hope, and He will come through for us if we are willing to wait.

Sing: I lean on You Lord, I lean on You Lord, for the things that I need I lean on You.  When I don’t know just what to do, I’ve got the faith You’re going to see me through.  You supply my every need and I lean on You.

Thought For Today: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 29 November 2022

 New Tongues

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” (Proverbs 18:21)

Today’s Morsel: Do you remember that adage:  "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me."  Well, that isn’t true. Words can kill you. Words can cause people to fear, commit suicide, run away from home, become depressed, swear, fight, hate, abuse, and even kill.  Most of the filthy language we hear today comes from rap songs, unfiltered television programs, tattoo art parlors, sporting events and sports bars, and even parents and coworkers. And this language is slowly infiltrating its way into the school and churches. And Solomon says that life and death are in the power of the tongue. You can keep using the tongue the wrong way and die, or you can change the way you speak and live. Jesus said that they would speak with new tongues. Once you are filled with the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in another tongue, your new tongue should now cause you to choose your words carefully and cause you to speak words of life and edification.  Your tongue should bring life, not death.  

Sing: If you can use anything Lord, You can use me. If You can use anything Lord, You can use me.  Take my hands Lord and my feet, touch my heart Lord speak through me.  If You can use anything Lord You can use me.

Thought For Today: “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 28 November 2022

 Everyone

“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.” (Acts 2:37-39)

Today’s Morsel: When God poured out His Spirit upon the 120 disciples in the upper room and Peter preached that first apostolic message, he said that this promise was for everyone. Every individual mattered. Every individual had a role to play. Every individual could make a difference in the Kingdom. What is your part? Are you fulfilling your part? What will your obituary say that you did for the kingdom of God on earth? What will others remember about you?  How have you impacted their lives? What will those closest to you remember about how you lived? The Holy Ghost brought newness of life. And the book of Acts is still being written today by each life. What will heaven say about you?

Sing: I’ve got a river of life flowing out of me, it makes the lame to walk and the blind to see.  It opens prison doors, sets the captives free.  I’ve got a river of life flowing out of me.

Thought For Today: “ 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)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 26 November 2022

 Growing Others

“ Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” (Titus 3:1-8)

Today’s Morsel: We see in Paul’s letters to the church and his leaders that it is all about consistency to the doctrine. Paul’s letters from a leadership standpoint show that before you are a leader success is all about growing oneself. But when they become a leader, it’s about growing others.  I found this same principle in operation in the army. You must first grow and learn yourself before you can lead and grow others. Paul even told Timothy that a Bishop (One who oversees the church)  must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:2-7) He must first grow himself before he can grow others. The same principle fits the home. Parents must grow themselves first if they want their kids to grow and be successful.  Put this principle into practice and watch your own life grow and then watch others grow as you lead them.  

 

Sing: Lead me, Lord, I will follow, lead me Lord, I will go.  You have called me, I will answer.  Lead me, Lord, I will go.

 

Thought For Today: Success is all about growing yourself until you become a leader, then it is all about growing others. Jack Welch

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 25 November 2022

 Attitude Adjustment

“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1 John 2:6)

Today’s Morsel: One of the greatest hindrances to Christianity is that people don’t want to change. Many want to remain as they are. They still want to drink, smoke, lie, steal, party with their old friends, and conduct themselves as they always have before they knew Christ. But that will never work if you expect to call yourself a Christian. Christianity requires an attitude adjustment. Like with anything in life, by merely changing your attitude you can usually change the outcome. For example, if you never clean your house, chances are you are going to hate where you live and be depressed. But if you make an attitude adjustment and clean it and keep it clean, you will probably feel better about where you live and it will help remove the depression and hate.  If you feel that you never get anything out of the church, start teaching Home Bible Studies, and you will realize that you have meat that you knew not of, and you will gain much insight into the word of God. It is amazing what you may discover and can become if you change your attitude. John says if we say that we know Christ, then we ought to be walking the same way that He walked.  And that requires us to adjust our attitude.

Sing: No one can touch you like Jesus can, no one can give you peace you cannot understand.  No one bind your wounds with nail scarred hands.  No one can touch you like Jesus can.

Thought For Today: You can change your future if you change your attitude.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 24 November 2022

 Thanksgiving

“For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.” (Isaiah 51:3)

Today’s Morsel: Today many around the world will celebrate here in America what we call Thanksgiving. According to some historians, “In September 1620, a small ship called the Mayflower left Plymouth, England, carrying 102 passengers embarked on a journey to discover the New World. After a treacherous journey lasting 66 days, they arrived near the tip of Cape Cod, far north of their intended destination at the mouth of the Hudson River. One month later, the Mayflower crossed Massachusetts Bay, where the Pilgrims, as they are now commonly known, began the work of establishing a village at Plymouth. Throughout that first brutal winter, most of the colonists remained on board the ship, where they suffered from exposure, scurvy, and outbreaks of contagious disease. Only half of the Mayflower's original passengers lived to see their first New England spring. In March, the remaining settlers moved ashore and began to harvest with the help and alliance with Native Americans of the area. This alliance tragically remains one of the sole examples of harmony between European colonists and Native Americans.  In November 1621, after the Pilgrims' first corn harvest proved successful, Governor William Bradford organized a three-day celebratory feast, now remembered as America's “First Thanksgiving”- although, it is argued that the Pilgrims themselves may not have used the term “Thanksgiving” at the time. Historians also argue that the Pilgrims had their first true Thanksgiving in 1623 when they gave thanks for rain that ended a drought. In the second half of the 1600s, thanksgivings after the harvest became more common and started to become annual events. George Washington, the first president of the United States, proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving Day in 1789 and it officially became an annual holiday in 1863.”  No matter if the history is right or wrong, it still serves a purpose that we should be thankful for what the Lord has done for us all. I pray that this day will be a reminder that we should always have a heart of gratitude towards God and others always.  Enjoy your day as you give thanks.  

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: Happy Thanksgiving!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 23 November 2022

 Ingratitude

“And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name: And thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast. And now I have heard that thou hast shearers: now thy shepherds which were with us, we hurt them not, neither was there ought missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel. Ask thy young men, and they will shew thee. Wherefore let the young men find favour in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David. And when David's young men came, they spake to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased. And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master. Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be? So David's young men turned their way, and went again, and came and told him all those sayings. And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff. But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them. But the men were very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we any thing, as long as we were conversant with them, when we were in the fields: They were a wall unto us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep.” (1 Samuel 25:5-16)

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the greatest hindrances to spiritual growth is ingratitude. One of the first lessons that my parents taught me was to always say ‘thank you' when someone did something for me. No matter if it was something that I didn’t want or needed I should always be thankful.  David and his men had for some reason protected Nabal and his flocks and overseers. Maybe David knew what it was like to be a shepherd, caring for flocks and so he felt a need to show kindness and protection. And now he had heard that Nabal was shearing his sheep, which was a time of feasting and gladness. And so he figured that Nabal would reciprocate by giving him food for his men. Scripture says, “Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.” (Matthew 5:42)   Nabal showed ingratitude towards David and his men for what they had done for him, which we see afterwards led to his demise.  Always keep the golden rule at the forefront of your mind and a giving heart towards others.

Sing: Here I am Lord, here I am, I give all myself to You, here I am.  Here I am Lord, here I am, let Your Spirit work through me, here I am.

Thought For Today: Keep a giving heart. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 22 November 2022

 Liberty

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” (Romans 1:8-12)

 

Today’s Morsel: When you have been made free, you understand the importance of intercession for others to be made free and remain free. There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty that makes you rise above your own situation and circumstances and pray for others that may not know God or may be struggling in their walk with Him. But when you know that you have been made free by Jesus, there comes a zeal and eagerness for the freedom of others.  Paul told the church at Rome that he thanked God through Jesus Christ for them all, and that their faith was spoken of throughout the whole world. When is the last time you prayed and thanked God for others who are committed and sold out to God?  If we are not careful, we can waste all our time praying and complaining about backsliders and the uncommitted and forsake praying and giving thanks to God for the faithful. Even though we desire to see the lost saved, don’t ever forget that the cause is greater than the casualty.

Sing: Here my cry, oh Lord, attend unto my prayer, from the ends of the earth will I cry unto Thee.  And when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I, so much higher than I.

Thought For Today: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 21 November 2022

 No More Animal Sacrifices

“Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High”  
(Psalms 50:14)

Today’s Morsel: Many of the Jew understood that after Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, the animal sacrifice for thanksgiving, which was required under the law, was now no longer a requirement. Now all that was needed was a sacrifice of praise with their lips giving thanks. And this sacrifice will never cease. This sacrifice must be perpetual. This sacrifice of thanksgiving must be taught to your children and their children. Every generation must understand the importance of this sacrifice and its meaning. Churches must teach their people to pay their vows and be thankful. Preachers must preach and teach the importance of and value of sacrifices with thanksgiving. Every leader and every saint must show forth the sacrifices of praise with their lips giving thanks. Are you thankful?  Let it show with your praises.  

Sing: O what a Savior, O Hallelujah, His heart was broken on Calvary.  His hands were nail scarred, His side was riven, He gave His life's blood for even me

Thought For Today: Always maintain a heart of thanksgiving.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 19 November 2022

 O’ Give Thanks Unto The Lord

“O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south. They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High: Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help. Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalms 107:1-15)

Today’s Morsel: As all men should do, at all times and for all things; the Psalmist begins as he often does, and gives the same reasons for thanksgiving. For He (God) is good; and does good and is the author of all good.  For His mercy endures forever; and men in every age are partakers of it. Jeremiah says that God’s mercies are renewed every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Think about the word forever. It means unending, everlasting, always, eternally. Therefore, when we consider the goodness of God and His mercies, we ought to be thankful to Him and bless His name. I hear folks who say that they don’t have anything to be thankful for. Those who make such comments are those who do not know Christ or have a relationship with Him. But the people that do know their God, understand that His lovingkindness is better than life, and that without Him they can do nothing, those are the people that give thanks to the Lord.

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

Thought For Today: A relationship in Christ is seen by the gratitude of the people.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 18 November 2022

 Perpetual

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15)

Today’s Morsel: The writer of Hebrews tells us to continually give thanks to God with our lips. There are many things if we would just stop and consider, that we can give God thanks for. Things such as our salvation.  Being washed in His blood. His Word. His love for us. Having a job. The places He’s taken us and the things that He has allowed us to see. His church. His saints. A roof over our heads. But most important the relationship, fellowship, apostleship, and discipleship we have with and in Him.  There are just so many thanks to be thankful for. John said: “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” (John 21:25) Where are you in writing your book of the things that He has done in your life?

Sing: Thank You, Jesus, for the blood applied, thank You, Jesus, it has washed me white.  Thank You, Jesus, You have saved my life.  Brought me out of darkness unto Your glorious light.

 

Thought For Today: “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalms 107:8)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 17 November 2022

 Let's Talk About Jesus

“Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.” (Psalms 9:11)

Today’s Morsel: How much do you talk about Jesus when you are out and about? Do you only talk about Him at home and at church? What do you tell others about Him when you are on the job, or on a flight? I believe that if our conversations in restaurants, ice cream stands, subways, and coffee shops were loud enough for others to hear, it may prevent the devil from spewing out all his filth and venom at these places and it may cause people to start to consider their language in public places. “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14) We must declare Him and His doing among the people.  

Sing: There’s just so many wonderful things about Jesus, there’s just some many wonderful things about Him. There are so many wonderful things about Jesus, there’s just some many wonderful things about Him.

His name is wonderful, He’s a wonderful counselor, He is the Mighty God, Everlasting Father, He is the Prince of Peace, there’s so many wonderful things about Him.

Thought For Today: We must declare Him among the people.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 16 November 2022

 In The Right Place At The Right Time

And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
(Luke 19:1-9)

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever wondered why you sometimes feel that urge to take a certain road or path when you are traveling?  Well, I have found that there may be something that God desires you to see. Recently, my wife and I took a vacation out east to see six of the northeastern states that she had not seen before. We assumed that most of it would be interstate driving.  We left Niagara Falls, New York, to head to Vermont on the interstate, but then my GPS had me get off the main road and put us on a two-lane secondary road for over 200 miles across the mountainous range of Vermont. What a splendorous drive. And we kept saying to each other, this is so gorgeous. Our whole trip was this way as we navigated New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and West Virginia. Sometimes, in Christ, you just find yourself in the right place at the right time, and you don’t know why. Zacchaeus probably never thought that Jesus would come to his house, but he was in the right place at the right time. That job that you hate just might be the right place where God is going to do something great through you. That flight that you just missed, the next flight just might be the flight that you get upgraded to first class, or you may meet someone famous, or someone that you can share your faith with.  In Jesus, you will often find that you are in the right place at the right time.  You just need to trust Him and look for what He has for you.  

Sing: I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses, and the voice I hear falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses. And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own.  And the joy we share, as we tarry there, none other has ever known.

Thought For Today: Enjoy every place you find yourself.     

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 15 November 2022

 What Waste

“For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
 (Matthew 25:14-30)

Today’s Morsel:  Galileo said, “I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who had endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use.”  I feel the same way when it comes to this apostolic doctrine. Jesus has empowered us with His authority and doctrine to preach the gospel to the whole world. But if we don’t use His authority and power for what He has given it to us for, then it’s just a waste. The same example is given in the parable to the talents. Jesus expects you to do something for the kingdom with what He has given you.  If your one talent is teaching, Jesus expects you to use it to teach and gain others. Know what your talent is and put it to use.  Jesus is coming back for more.  What have you done with the talent He has already given you?

Sing: Keep on casting your bread upon the water, soon it’s going to come back home on every wave. Keep on casting your bread upon the water, soon it’s going to come back home on every wave. Good measure pressed down shaken together running over, soon it’s going to come back home on every wave.

Thought For Today: Use that talent to make a difference. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 14 November 2022

 Collar Him

“Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:13-17)

Today’s Morsel: We need to put a collar on procrastination. Every day, he runs ramped in just about every home. He is like that neighbor that comes to your home early and doesn’t leave all day. Consuming your valuable time. As a matter of fact, he is the thief of time. Just think about what you could accomplish if you didn’t procrastinate. I was going to mow my lawn one day and I procrastinated and didn’t do it, saying I’ll do it tomorrow. Well, tomorrow came, and with it came the rain. And it rained for the next four days and with all that rain my grass grew taller making it harder for me to cut. And it took me a lot longer. James said we don’t know what tomorrow holds. The same is true with life. We don’t even know if we will be alive tomorrow or not. That adage, don’t put off for tomorrow for what you can do today should be a wake-up call for us not to procrastinate. If you have not been born again yet of the water and the Spirit, according to Acts 2:38, you might want to get it done ASAP. If Jesus comes you don’t get a second chance. And eternity is a long time.

Sing: Jesus said here I stand, won’t you please let me in, and you said I will tomorrow.  Jesus said I am He who supplies all your needs and you said, I know but tomorrow. Oh, tomorrow, I’ll give my life tomorrow, I thought about today, but it’s so easier to say, tomorrow.  Who promised you tomorrow, better choose the Lord today, for tomorrow very well might be today.

Thought For Today: Procrastination is the thief of time. (Charles Dickens)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 12 November 2022

 Don’t Forget Grace 

“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: Like obedience, we see that the gift of Grace runs throughout scripture. Paul said that it is by Grace that we are saved. He calls it a gift from God. James tells us that every good gift and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17). Having this knowledge then, we ought not to ever forget Grace. So how should we use this gift? Do we put it in the closet, shut the door, and forget about it? Do we put it on the yard sale because we feel that it has served its purpose? Do we put it in our will for our children to inherit someday? Or do we reject it altogether and say, Is this all my Heavenly Father had to give to me? You see, if it was not for God’s Grace, where would we be? None of us would even be alive, nor experiencing God’s salvation plan. If God had not given us Grace, we wouldn’t have peace, truth, supplication, or wisdom to lead and guide us through each day. You see, Grace is not only a gift, but it is also a teacher. As Paul told Titus: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:11-14) When Grace is with you, it will teach you right from wrong, and it will even help you in times of need.  Cherish the Grace that has been given to you.  It is a precious gift.   

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

Thought For Today: Always cling to Grace.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 11 November 2022

 The Ultimate Measure of A Man

“Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews. They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever. Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”
(Daniel 3:8-18)

Today’s Morsel: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”  As the world spins out of control and evil is coming against the church on every side, it is going to require those who say that they are in truth and know the truth to take a stand against wrong and to stand up for what is right. Those comfortable and convenient days for the church are over. Hell has unleashed its main force and we are going to have to fight against it. And some of those things we are going to have to fight are policies and rules that go against our Christian values and beliefs. Paul said that we must be strong in the Lord and the power of His might; and that we must put on the whole armor of God so that we can stand in these evil days. Jesus said if they have persecuted Him, they are going to persecute us. “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” (John 15:20) Now is not the time to sit back on your laurels. It is time to get ready for the challenges and controversies that are going to come your way.

Sing: Stand up stand up for Jesus, ye soldier of the cross.  Lift high the royal banner, it must not suffer loss. From victory to victory, His army shall He lead.  Till every foe is vanquished and Christ is Lord indeed.

 

Thought For Today: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 10 November 2022

 How Many Times

“And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods. And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded. Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.” (1 Kings 11:6-11)

Today’s Morsel: Is God trying to get your attention? How many times do we have to hear the word of God before we decide that we need to take corrective action and get our lives right with God? Especially if we say that we are Christians. Scripture says: “Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity” (Psalms 106:43)  Notice, many times God did something for them and they still rebelled. This is a wake-up call.  Paul states: “But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:5-12)  Scripture says that God appeared unto King Solomon twice and had commanded him concerning this evil, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded. Twice. God appeared unto him twice. How many times does God need to appear to you before you heed His commands? How many times do we need to hear what happened to Israel and those in the Bible before we wake up and smell the coffee? These things were for our example so that we don’t do the wrong things.   Don’t ever think that you are immune from hell.  Heed the warnings that God gives you the first time and life will be so much better.  

Sing: I want to live the way that He wants me to live, I want to give till there just no more to give.  I want to love, love till there’s just no more love.  I could never, never out love the Lord.

Thought For Today: Obedience is better than sacrifice.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 9 November 2022

 Where Are The Nine?

"And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole." (Luke 17:12-19)

Today’s Morsel: Jesus’ question of where is the nine, shows us that we all ought to be thankful anytime that He does things for us. The missing nine could be seen as men who were ungrateful or men who only wanted their healing. Or they could be seen as men who felt they were deserving of what Jesus did for them. Like some today who feel that things are due them because of who they are. But the Samaritan, the one who returned to give thanks to Jesus, could be seen as one who had been taught to be thankful for what you get. Or one who knew that without Jesus’ intervention he would have died in his condition. Or he could be seen as one who understood and knew that Jesus was God manifested in flesh based on his immediate healing and that he was not about to allow the opportunity to thank God for his perfect wholeness which He had done in his life be missed. What about you? When the doctor gives you a good report do you thank God? When told that your cancer is in remission do you thank God and the church for praying for you?  Don’t be like the nine, but pattern yourself after the one.

Sing: Thank you Jesus for the blood applied. Thank You Jesus, it has washed me white. Thank you, Jesus, you have saved my life, brought me from the darkness into glorious light.

Thought For Today: Thank God for the blood.