Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 31 December 2022

 Spiritual Insight

“And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.” (Acts 9:1-20)

Today’s Morsel: You know, I grew up in what I called the church, but like Paul, I was spiritually blinded to truth. Think about this, Paul, a well-educated man in the law of God, and yet he was blind to the truth. Paul felt that what he was doing was for the glory of God. He wanted to destroy this new sect that was preaching and teaching about Jesus Christ. Even Jesus had told His disciple to beware of the doctrine of the Sadducees and Pharisees because they say one thing and do another. And Paul was a part of them. But Paul had to be blinded to himself before he could see and hear the truth. And so must we all. I was blinded to the truth of God’s word. I was blinded to who Jesus was. I was blinded to how to live a holy and righteous life even though I went to church. I said one thing and did another. But one night in all my blindness, in a hotel room in Kaiserslautern, Germany, a man named Jesus walked in and removed the scales from my eyes. And straightway, like Paul, I now preach Christ Jesus and Him crucified. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth: “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). Spiritual blindness is the worst kind of blindness one can have. Pray and ask God to open your eyes so that you can see and understand the truth. That is the only thing that will make you free. Don’t go into a New Year blind. But walk into it seeing.

Sing: Open the eyes of my heart Lord, open the eyes of my heart, I want to see You, I want to see You. To see You high and lifted up, shining in the light of Your glory.   Pour out Your power and love as we sing holy, holy, holy, I want to see You.

Thought for today: Are you being blinded by the doctrine of man?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 30 December 2022

 So That Others May Live

“Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.” (Matthew 18:10-14)

Today’s Morsel: Soul winners are some of those first responders that oftentimes go without the recognition that they deserve. They are the ones that hear the cry of the lost, those drowning in the sin of this world, the brokenhearted, and the dying. They are the ones that hear the shout and alarms from heaven, saying someone needs your help. They are the ones that understand what Jesus meant when He said that He was not willing that any should perish. The Apostle Paul was a first responder. He heard the cry of a man in Macedonia saying, “Come over and help us” (Acts 16). He saw the lost and dying on Mars hill and went about to make them free (Acts 17). Paul was not willing that any should perish but that all would come to repentance. Soul winners, understand, that once you have ninety-nine rescued, there may still be one more crying out for help.  First responders always operate under the motto “So that others may live.”  Today I salute you, first responders.  And I also challenge more of us to join the ranks as we are all called to this ministry.  

Sing: I was sinking deep in sin far from the peaceful shore, very deeply 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: He that winneth souls is wise.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 29 December 2022

 Forgiveness

"Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. " (Matthew 18:21-22)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about forgiveness is that it must be a continually ongoing process in your life. The very moment that you are not willing to forgive, the devil has your number and will use it against you for your destruction and his pleasure. I believe the reason that Jesus wants us to continue to forgive is that sometimes when people offend us, they may not even know that they have.  I may say something in my preaching and teaching that you do not like, and you can be offended by it and avoid me or think evil of me. And I may never know that you were offended unless you tell me.  Then I can ask for your forgiveness. When Peter asks Jesus if he should forgive his brother seven times if he offended him, Jesus said no, seven times seventy. The point is not the number of times someone asks for your forgiveness, but to ask yourself how many times God has already forgiven you.  Forgiveness heals you, not the recipient.

Sing: Jesus I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me. Jesus I’ll never forget how you set me free. Jesus I’ll never forget how you brought me out.  Jesus I’ll never forget no never.

Thought for today: “Forgiveness heals you, not the recipient” (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 28 December 2022

 The House Of The Lord

"And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." (Genesis 28:10-17)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things we’ve allowed to happen to the church today is we want people to feel comfortable. Some churches have gone to coffee shops, welcome rooms, and parlors, and just come as you are, wear anything you’d like, in the hope to make people feel comfortable and welcome. Don’t get me wrong; I think we should always make people feel welcome when they come to church, but not to the point that they are not convicted of their sins and do not realize that they need to do something about them.  The church is not a party room. It’s a hospital. It’s a conversion center. It is a place where people must see their wrongs and desire to repent and correct them. When Jacob realized that he was in the house of God, he awoke out of his sleep, and said, surely the LORD is in this place, and I knew it not. He was afraid, and said, how dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.  Wouldn’t it be sad if people came to church, left, and never knew that they had been in the house of God, the gateway that led them to heaven?  The church must be a place that offers people a new way, and that way is Jesus.  

Sing: It’s the old ship of Zion, it’s the hope for the lost and dying.  It’s the soul-saving station, it's the tower of salvation.  It’s the church triumphant, O Lord, and it’s built by the hand of the Lord.
I’m talking about the Church in the Book of Revelation, it’s built on the Rock, it’s got a firm foundation.  It’s been through the flood, and it’s been through the fire, but one these days the Church is gonna move up a little higher.  It’s the church, triumphant O’ Lord, and it’s built by the hand of the Lord.

Thought for Today: Preach the Word first, and drink coffee afterward.

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 27 December 2022

 Without Controversy

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (1 Timothy 3:16).

Today’s Morsel: There seems to have been some concerns as to who Jesus was. Paul wanted to ensure Timothy that he had a clear understanding of who Jesus was. And so he explains to him that Jesus was God manifested in the flesh. And that the Creator of heaven and earth came to earth and was received back up into glory.  He told the church at Colossi, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:8-9). There are many deceptions about Christ, and we need to be aware of them.  “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, whom do men say that I the Son of man am” (Matthew 16:13)?  This is not a time to set in darkness when the great light has been revealed. It is a time to understand the truth so that you no longer live in confusion and miss the clear meaning.  The mystery is clearly revealed, just read our scripture text again (1 Timothy 3:16)

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

It is Jesus! Jesus! Sad one, weep no more! He will heal the broken hearted, open wide the prison door, He is able to deliver ever more.

Thought For Today: The Truth shall make you free.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 26 December 2022

  The Annunciation

“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:  What would you do if you looked up into the sky and saw a heavenly host of angels praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men?”  Well, this is what happened in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago at the birth of Jesus.  The heavenly host announced His arrival just as the scripture said that they would.  Even today, this annunciation by the angels that a Savior had been born should cause us to be excited and to worship Him.  Many in Jesus' time were looking for Him to come, but others were not.  Some, like today, had no idea what it was all about. Many people wondered about what the shepherds told them. And even today, many still wonder when their shepherd, their pastor, tells them about Jesus.  But not Mary.  Scripture says that she kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.  And even the shepherds, when they had seen Jesus, returned glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen as it was told unto them.  What is your response when you hear the gospel?  It is the good news about Jesus Christ?  Does it cause you to praise and glorify Him?  And share the Good News with others?  

Sing: Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy, do you hear what I hear, ringing through the sky shepherd boy.  Do you hear what I hear?  A song, a song high above the tree with a voice as big as the sea, with a voice as big as the sea

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king, do you know what I know, in your palace wall mighty king?  Do you know what I know?  A child, a child, shivers in the cold, let us bring him silver and gold, let us bring him silver and gold

Said the king to the people everywhere, listen to what I say, pray for peace people everywhere.  Listen to what I say, the child, the child, sleeping in the night, He will bring us goodness and light, He will bring us goodness and light.

Thought For Today: Get ready for the Revelation of Truth.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 24 December 2022

Mary Did You Know?

“And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed”  (Luke 1:42-48).

Today's Morsel:   When we look at the Christmas Story, many fail to understand the picture that is being painted here with Mary. What was going on?  How was Mary going to conceive without knowing a man?  We all understand that it takes a man and a woman to birth a child.  The angel Gabriel told Mary, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."   This miraculous birth was done by the Spirit of God.  The Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us (John 1:14).   Remember, Mary had to have the seed planted inside her to conceive.  The seed is the Word of God (Luke 8; 1 John 5:7).  Don't be confused with the natural, as it has a spiritual application.

Sing: Mary did you know that your baby boy would someday walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new? This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with His hand? Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God. Oh Mary did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will walk again. The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the Lamb.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations? Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb? This sleeping child you're holding is the Great I Am.

Thought for today: Miracles still happen!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 23 December 2022

 Repeat The Sounds Of Joy!

“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. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:1-14).

 

Today’s Morsel: Of all the gospel writers, John seems to be more interested in giving his reader a clear understanding of who Jesus was than the others. In his gospel, John writes of the many miracles, parables, and stories told to reveal the truth to his audience.  He begins his gospel by putting the bottom line up front. He said that God was the word, and that word became flesh. In his epistles written to the church he wrote, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full” (1 John 1:1-4). John knew that if he could get his readers to believe and know that Jesus was God, then they would be filled with joy at the revelation of that Truth, and their hearts would be filled with songs of praise.  We must repeat the sound that will bring others great joy.

Sing: Joy to the world! The Savior reigns: let men their songs employ; while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains, repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

Thought for today: Repeat the sounding joy!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 22 December 2022

 The Fulfillment

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” (Matthew 5:17)

Today’s Morsel: There were many things said by the prophets of old about Jesus and what He would do, but many of the people in those days, and even today, did not understand because of the hardness of their hearts. Jesus said that He did not come to destroy what the prophets had said, but to fulfill what they had said about Him. And once those prophecies were fulfilled, Jesus cried out, "It is finished."  With the fulfillment of those prophecies, we can now know who Christ was and live our lives with joy and excitement because He has made a way for us to know Him through His Word and life. Do you know Him in His fullness?

Sing: Joy to the world!  The Lord is come; let earth receive her King.  Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, let heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.  

Thought For Today: “ Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:22-23)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 21 December 2022

 Are You Sure?

“His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God. Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?” (John 16:29-31)

Today’s Morsel: I have heard some folks say that they don’t believe in the Bible nor do they believe that there is a God. I say that their minds are corrupted through false teachings and evil associations and communications. And the apostle Paul states: “For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” (Romans 3:3-4) Just because someone else doesn’t believe in God, that should not change how you feel and believe about there being a God. You must have this settled in your own mind. Either the Bible is true for you, or it isn’t. You need to be sure of your own beliefs. When Jesus explained to His disciples who He was, they were convinced. They said to Him, “Now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.”  Are you sure of your belief? If you do not believe that God robed Himself in flesh and came to earth to seek and to save that which was lost, then Christmas will mean nothing to you.

Sing: The Mighty God is Jesus, the Prince of Peace is He, the everlasting Father, the King eternally, the wonderful in wisdom, by whom all things were made, the fulness of the Godhead in Jesus is displayed.

It’s all in Him, it’s all in Him, the fulness of the Godhead it’s all in Him.  It’s all in Him, It’s all in Him, the Mighty God is Jesus and it’s all in Him.

Thought For Today: Do you now believe?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 20 December 2022

 Compassion

“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid. Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.” (Psalms 86:15-17)

Today’s Morsel: Compassion shouldn’t just be about others, but it should include yourself.  If your compassion doesn’t include yourself, it is incomplete. What am I saying here? What is the golden rule? Is it not “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” So when you are rendering compassion, sympathy, kindness, and empathy to others, just think about what you would like for others to do to you if you were in their stead. Most of Jesus' teachings focused on this point. Treat others the way that you want to be treated.  If we treat people the way we desire to be treated, we will fulfill the law of Christ and change our world.

Sing: I’m not on an ego trip, I am nothing on my own. I make mistakes and often slip, just common flesh and bone. But I’ll prove someday just what I say that I am of a special kind, yet when He was on the cross, I was on His mind.

He knew me, and yet He loved me, He whose glory makes the heavens shine.  I’m so unworthy of such mercies, yet when He was on the cross, I was on His mind.

Thought For Today: “For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.” (Romans 9:15-16)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 19 December 2022

 How Do You See Things Now?

“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: “The man who views the world at fifty the same way that he did at twenty, said Muhammad Ali, he has wasted thirty years of life.”  Now that you are born-again, how do you see the world in which we now live? If you are still depressed, filled with anxiety, and living with low self-esteem and hopelessness, you are not living up to what the Lord has for you. You are just existing. The new birth came with excitement, equality, righteousness, wisdom, joy, peace, and a lot of love just to name a few. If you see the world as boring and mundane, then you aren’t doing something right. Perhaps you aren’t witnessing for Jesus, you are not involved in the church, and you’ve taken your eyes off the importance of taking the gospel to the whole world. Don’t ever become one of those people who say, I can’t go, or I can’t do it because I don’t have money to. You don’t need money to walk across the street and visit with your neighbor. You don’t need money to take a walk in the woods and see nature. You don’t need money to go to church and be an usher or greeter. You don’t need money to clean the church or teach a home Bible study. “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (James 1:25) How do you see things now?  Hopefully through new eyes that give life and that more abundant.  

Sing: I’ve got Jesus on the inside, working on the outside, oh what a change in my life. I’ve got Jesus on the inside, working on the outside, oh what a change in my life.  I’ve got Jesus on the inside, working on the outside, oh what a change in my life, oh what a change, in my life.

Thought For Today: “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 6:4)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 17 December 2022

 The City of Bread

“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)

Today’s Morsel: Bread is the support of life; it is, therefore, symbolic of whatever contributes to our support and comfort. When we look at the small town of Bethlehem, we may ask what was its significance.  Why is it called Bethlehem? Bethlehem means the house of bread. It was here that scripture states in Ruth 1:1-6: “Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem Judah. And they came into the country of Moab and continued there. And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years. And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband. Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread.”  Notice, they left because there was a famine, but she returned when she heard that the Lord had given his people bread.  Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the city of bread. And He informed the religious leaders when they questioned Him, by saying “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) While Bethlehem is known as the city of bread, Bethel is known as the house of God, and it is in the land of Ham. Anytime you are in the house of God, there should always be meat in that house for you to eat.

Sing: Come and dine the Master calleth, come and dine. You may feast at Jesus' table all the time. He who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine, to the hungry calleth now, come and dine.

Thought For Today: “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.” (Isaiah 55:2)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 16 December 2022

 The Mystery

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

Today’s Morsel: Through the Prophet Isaiah, the Lord lets us know that He is about to perform a mystery that will shake the world. He says, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Notice the keywords to the mystery. A virgin shall conceive. Think about that for a moment. She would have needed some type of a relationship with a man, or a seed implanted from a man, for her to have a son, as a woman cannot have a child without a man’s participation somehow. This may be, I believe, why Joseph was confused when the angel delivered him the news of his fiancé going to have a child. And even Mary herself questioned, "How can this be seeing I know not a man?" But the story isn’t for Mary and Joseph to figure out. They are given the piece to the puzzle.  It’s a mystery for you and me to figure out so that we can see that God’s ways are not our ways. 

Sing: Immanuel, Immanuel, His name shall be called, Immanuel. God with us, revealed in us, His name shall be called, Immanuel.

Thought For Today: “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:22-23)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 15 December 2022

 Ethics

“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:1-5)

Today’s Morsel: If someone were to ask you what ethics means to you, what would be your answer? Often, we may think that ethics apply to others, whereas ethics really applies to each of us. Being Ethical is always doing what is right. Ethics is based on well-founded standards of right and wrong that prescribe what we humans ought to do, usually in terms of rights, obligations, fairness, or specific virtues. For example, the law says: “Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother. And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again. In like manner shalt thou do with his ass; and so shalt thou do with his raiment; and with all lost thing of thy brother's, which he hath lost, and thou hast found, shalt thou do likewise: thou mayest not hide thyself. Thou shalt not see thy brother's ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again.” (Deuteronomy 22:1-4) Ethics isn’t about the other guy being right, it is about you being right. James understood this principle of ethics and he wrote: “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17) Are you ethical?

Sing: You’re my brother you’re my sister, so take me by the hand, together we will work until He comes.  There’s no foe that can defeat us when we are walking side by side; as long as there is love, we can stand.

Thought For Today: Discipline is always doing the right thing when no one is watching.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 14 December 2022

 Patience

“In your patience possess ye your souls.” (Luke 21:19)

Today’s Morsel: Walking through a mind field takes a lot of patience. One wrong move or a step out of place could destroy you or maim you for life. Jesus said in your patience possess ye your soul. The word “patience” here means consistency or perseverance in sustaining afflictions. You must remain constant in your walk and ways with God. If the enemy of your soul sees that you are not consistent and that you lack faith, he will set a trap for you. You must not allow anything to disturb or distress you. You must possess that peace and joy that passes all understanding in your soul, which the world cannot take away. As Paul told the church at Rome: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:1-5) It is through perseverance in the ways of God, and the truth of Christ unto the end, that you shall be saved.

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, to supply my every need and I lean on You.

Thought For Today: “But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” (Romans 8:25)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 13 December 2022

 Stay Focused

“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.”
(2 Timothy 3:1-7)

Today’s Morsel: If you have been risen with Christ, you must know that you need to remain vigilant, alert, steadfast, and unmovable in the things of God.  For Peter said that the thief walks about seeking whom he may devour. Satan is out to steal, kill, and destroy. Many are falling into his traps and ways. He’s taking them captive at his will because people are not staying focused. Many in the church are being drawn away by their own lust and foolish ways. False accusers, those who are incontinent and fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minders, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, and captive silly women are being taken at his will. “But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.” (Jude 1:17-18) Stay focused as to who you are and what you have been called to do, or the devil will draw you away from your own steadfastness and salvation.

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. Gonna burn all the bridges behind me, break all the ties that bind me, I’m gonna keep on pressing, till I reach that home sweet home, that New Jerusalem.

Thought For Today: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8) 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 12 December 2022

 Never Leave Jesus Out of The Equation 

“There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.” (Proverbs 19:21)

Today’s Morsel: A math teacher gave her math class an algebra test and when she received the students’ papers back one student who didn’t know the answers to the problems wrote on his test that Jesus was always the answer. Even though the teacher saw his humor, she wrote on his paper, “Not to this test He isn’t.” The student was given an ‘F’. (Humor) No matter what problems and circumstances we may face in life, we must always include Jesus in the equation for the correct answer, as only His counsel will stand.

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

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

Thought For Today: “Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” (1 Chronicles 16:11)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 10 December 2022

 What Path Are You On

“Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.”
(Proverbs 9:6)

Today’s Morsel: Where are you heading? Do you know where you are going?  Scripture said of Abraham: “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11:10) What path are you on? All roads do not lead to Rome, nor do all religions lead to heaven. The Lord said through the Prophet Jeremiah: “Thus saith the LORD, stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, we will not walk therein.” (Jeremiah 6:16) Ask for the old paths; the paths of righteousness and holiness, which Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and others walked in, and follow them; and follow the way of salvation by Christ, which is the new way. “By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”(Hebrews 10:20-22) Are you in the way?

 

Sing: There’s just one, one, one, way to God, there’s just one, one, one, way to God, baptized in Jesus' Name. The devil doesn't like it, there’s one way to God. The devil doesn't like it, there’s one way to God, baptized in Jesus’ name.

 

Thought For Today: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)