Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 28

 When Soldiers Never Go To War

“Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.” (Judges 7:1-3)

Today’s Morsel: When soldiers never go to war, they lose their will to fight. They become complacent and fearful. The skills that they had learned are now soon forgotten and they revert to their old way of life. Soldiers are trained to fight, defend, and protect. They are trained in the art of war. But if their skills aren’t used, they become useless and weak in that art. If you never witness, teach a home Bible study where smoke is filling your eyes, the television is blurring, kids are screaming, people are coming and going that may indicate a drug deal in the background and you are wondering if the cops are going to come in to raid and haul you off to jail, you haven’t been to war. And sooner or later you are going to lose the desire to serve and lose your skillset.  “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) Gideon summoned 32,000 men for war. But because they had not been to war for so long, many of them were fearful. And God knew that they were fearful. And so He took matters into His own hand to remove them from the ranks. God knew that they were lacking in their skillset to fight. The skills you learn on Sunday and Wednesday in your church are essential to your survival on the battlefield. Pay attention so that you are trained and ready when duty calls.  Keep your skills honed and use them often.

Sing: I'll stand for Thee, dear Jesus, whate'er the cost may be. I’ll spread the gospel to the lost each day; But if it be Thy will, Lord, To send me o'er the sea, I’ll follow Thee tho' death should come my way.

Jesus, use me, and O Lord don’t refuse me, For surely there’s a work that I can do; And even though it’s humble, Lord, help my will to crumble, Tho' the cost be great I’ll work for You. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 27

 The Basic Fundamentals

“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.” (Hebrews 6:1-3)

Today’s Morsel: When we review Jesus' calling of His disciples, He kept them at the basic level until He knew that they understood what He was saying and teaching them. And then He sent them out by two to put it into practice. When they returned and told Him what had happen through His name, Jesus rejoiced that they now had gotten it.  When we become born-again and new Christians, there are things that we may not understand. But once we have an understanding, we must now go on to greater things. Like the military, they will teach each soldier the basics, but once they prove that they understand and can do it, they are passed on to the next level, and so on, until they can operate independently, know their job, and accomplish the mission. If you have been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, now you ought to understand its importance and be ready to teach others. The same is true with receiving the Holy Ghost, living holy and separated unto God, giving into His kingdom, and witnessing. These basic things ought to be known by you within the first six months that you are in the church. And now you should go on to know the deeper things about being a Christian and ministry. If you are still struggling with the fundamentals of the church, talk with your pastor or a mentor for some one-on -one training so that you will know and then you can go on to perfection. I’m here to help you as well!

Sing: For I know in whom I have believed, and I’m persuaded that God is able; to keep that which I have committed, to Him against that day.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 25

 My Request

“Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!” (Job 6:8)

Today’s Morsel: If you could have anything from God that you wanted, what would be your request? It has been stated that most people would not request for immediate heaven. And that most folks would request health, finances, a spouse, home, car, or something tangible. While Job was enduring his pain and hardship, he said, “Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!” Job, too, would have probably requested relief from his pain. Suffering and sickness in this flesh can sometime cause us to request things such as healing because we would like to be pain free in this flesh. The king even asked Esther what her request was. I wonder why she delayed in asking. I wondered how many more Jews died because she delayed in her request. What is your request of God today? Jesus said that we have not because we ask not.

Sing: Walk with me, Lord, walk with me. Walk with me, Lord, walk with me.  While I’m on this tedious journey, I want Jesus to walk with me.

Hold my hand Lord, Hold my hand. Hold my hand Lord, hold my hand.  While I’m on this tedious journey, I want Jesus to hold my hand.

Be my guide, Lord, be my guide. Be my guide, Lord, be my guide. While I’m on this tedious journey, I want Jesus to be my guide. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 24

 Meeting The Requirements

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8)

Today’s Morsel: When I was in the army, I once had one of my soldiers who wanted to talk with me about getting an early discharge. When I asked him why, he stated that his recruiter had not told him that he may have to deploy to a war zone and that the requirements were too hard. I asked him that when he enlisted did he think the army was the boy scouts? I asked him if he did not read the contract that he signed. Like some others, folks apply for a job and then get upset because they must go to work, be on call, and may have to work nights or weekends.  They fail to read the requirements. Some people may be wondering what is required to be saved. Micah states: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”  He said that the Lord requires you to do what is right, be fair, truthful, impartial, honest, and righteous. To love compassion, forgiveness, to be kind, show sympathy, and to be thankful that you are not consumed for your own wrongdoing.  And that you must walk with God in such a way that it shows that you truly respect Him, love Him, and that you aren’t better than anyone else.  After Peter had finished speaking to the people in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, they asked him what the requirement was for their wrong. “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. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:38-42) Have you met the requirement for heaven? “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” (Hebrews 2:1-4); “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” (Hebrews 12:12-14). God usually makes the requirements clear and simple. So, don’t complicate the matter. Just be obedient to the word of God.

Sing: I know am saved, and I am so glad about it, I found the joy my spirit craved.  It is so real, that I could never doubt it.  Oh praise the Lord I know I know I'm saved.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 23

 Prosperity

“Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.” (Job 8:7)

Today’s Morsel: I can remember when I first went into the army, my base pay was only $115 a month. But because I remained with the same company for many years, my end state was much greater. The same is true in the church. When we first come to know God, we are all dealt the measure of faith.  And the more we walk with God and do His will, our faith end state is going to be so much greater.  Abraham left home, from what we can tell with just himself, Sarah, and Lot. Maybe a donkey or some livestock. But we see the blessings of God flowing to him. And scripture tell us: “And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.” (Genesis 24:1) When Abraham sent his servant to find Isaac, his son, a wife from among his people scripture says, that Abraham’s servant told Abraham’s brother: “And he said, I am Abraham's servant. And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.” (Genesis 24:34-35) Notice, the Lord hath blessed him greatly. From little in the start to greatness in the end. Paul states: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9) Let me encourage you, your beginning in Christ may seem small. But continue on and hang in there and you will be greater in the latter end. As we see with Job: “So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. He had also seven sons and three daughters. And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Kerenhappuch. And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren. After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations. So Job died, being old and full of days.” (Job 42:12-17)

Sing: I know the Lord will make a way for me. I know the Lord will make a way for me. If I live a holy life, shun the wrong, and do the right; I know that Lord will make a way for me.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 22

 The Cup of Salvation

“What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.” (Psalms 116:12-13)

Today’s Morsel:  In writing to the church at Corinth, Paul states: “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)  He said that Jesus took the cup, and that when he had supped, he said this cup is the New Testament in my blood.  In other words, this is the new covenant that I will make with you. For without the shedding of blood there is not remission of sin. If you are looking to be saved, then you must take the cup of salvation and call upon the Lord. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, said Paul, shall be saved (Romans 1o: 13). You must drink of this cup. This cup represents death. Death to self. This cup represents rejection.  Being able to withstand rejection and to be misunderstood. That cup represents loneliness. Sometimes you may find yourself being all lone with no one to help or talk to. This cup represents the way, the truth, and the life. This cup is all about Jesus. Have you partaken of the cup of salvation? “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)

Sing: The blood that Jesus shed for me, way back on Calvary, it’s the blood that gives me  strength from day to day, it shall never lose its power. For it reaches to the highest mountain, and it flows to the lowest valley,  it is the blood, that gives me strength, from day to day, it will never lose its power. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 21

 Whose Side Are You On?

“Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD'S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.” (Exodus 32:26)

 

Today’s Morsel: Shouldn’t everyone who says that they are born-again Christians be on the Lord side. Scripture says, “And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part. For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.” (Mark 9:38-41) Just because one may not be of the same denomination does not mean that they do not love and have a relationship with Christ Jesus. I saw this in the military. There were many countries that were with us on the battlefield that were not Americans. But we were all there for the same reason and purpose. We were all on the same side and fighting for the same cause. David said that Lord was on his side (Psalms 118:6). If God is on our side, then we better ensure that we are on His. You don’t want to find yourself an enemy of God, as you will lose every time. Scripture says, “Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD'S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.” Notice, all the ministers, the Levites, came to him. Show me a minister or saint of God that isn’t on the Lords side, and I’ll show you a false witness.  If you want to win stay on the Lord's side. Whose side are you on?  

 

Sing: I may never march in the Infantry, ride in the Calvary, shoot the Artillery. I may never soar over the enemy, but I’m in the Lord's Army, yes sir!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 20

 The Sacrifices of God

“For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Psalms 51:16-17)

Today’s Morsel: When we speak of sacrifices, we are oftentimes speaking of things offered.  Such as surrendering a possession as an offering to God. During Old Testament times, sacrifices were often some sort of animal that was required by the law. But David realized that with the sin that he had committed, there was no animal sacrifice to be given to God that would satisfy his wrong. He stated that God did not desire sacrifice else he would give it. Nor did God want burn offerings. He said that the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart is what God desires. God wants us to do what is right, love mercy, and keep ourselves humble. David knew that his sin was great and that nothing but sincere, godly repentance would fit the bill.  When Nathan revealed to David his sin with Bathsheba, he was broken. David knew that God had been good to him. And to now commit such a heinous crime, he knew he should die himself.  David knew that he must change if he was to be forgiven and accepted by God for his wrong. And so, he prayed: “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.” (Psalms 51:1-4) And God forgave him of his sin. Maybe you have been carrying around sin in your life, something that you feel God will not forgive you for. Let me encourage you, humble yourself and come boldly to the throne of grace that you may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. He will forgive you.  

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 into glorious light. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 18

 Who Are Your Influencers?

“I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.”
(2 Timothy 1:3-5)

Today’s Morsel: Who’s influencing you to follow Jesus? Who’s mentoring you to keep in you the straight and narrow pathway? Are the people you are following causing you to be more like Christ or more like the world? Have any of them tried to get you to do the things in the world more than be involved in the things in the church? Have they tried to get you to compromise on your walk, holy living, and ministry? Paul told the church at Galatia: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” (Galatians 5:1-4) There were those who were trying to get them to follow things that were no longer required, and Paul wanted them to understand that. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God, he said? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-12) Don’t think that you can make it to heaven living worldly and doing worldly things. You must be holy as He is Holy (1 Peter 1:16). Who’s influencing you?

Sing: Lord, I can’t even walk without You holding my hand, You see the mountain's too high and the valley's too wide.  Down on my knees, that’s where I learn to stand, and I can’t even walk without You holding my hand.

 

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 17

 Faith

“Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 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: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:1-12)

Today’s Morsel: The church at Thessalonica had many great Christian qualities. Not only were they a strong support of Global missions and giving, but they were also strong in the faith and with their faith. They were true examples of the Apostle Paul and his teaching. You see, Christian leadership must be examples of true faith. Paul demonstrated his faith to his followers and churches. He told the Church at Corinth: “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:1-5) He wanted their faith to be in God, not in man. He told Timothy: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12) Your faith in Christ is a by-product of who you are in Christ. Faith in Jesus Christ and His Word must be the hallmark of every believer. As the writer of Hebrews informs us: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) Does your life please Christ?

Sing: Faith, faith, faith, just a little bit of faith. Faith, faith, faith, just a little bit of faith. You don’t need a whole lot, just use what you’ve got.  Faith, faith, faith, just a little bit of faith.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 16

 God Is My Strength 

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

Today’s Morsel: How strong is your faith in the Lord and His ways? Do you have wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of Him? As Christians, our strength is found in the Lord and His Word. Isaiah states: “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2); “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” (Isaiah 40:29) Notice if you have no power, God will give you power. “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19) The reason that David was not afraid of Goliath was because he knew that Goliath had no power over him. Scripture states: “Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou? Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.” (Ecclesiastes 8:4-5) Are you praying for strength? Do you feel weak and without power? “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands, Paul said, For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7) You don’t need to pray for strength if you have the Holy Ghost. You already have more power and strength than you know or will ever need.  Keep your strength, the Holy Ghost within you, stirred up.

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 15

 Your Life

“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.” (James 4:14)

Today’s Morsel: Each day I evaluate myself and realize that life is short. It’s not as long as it may seem. Scripture says: “For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalms 90:9-12) I have surpassed the threescore and ten and understand that tomorrow is not promised. Therefore, I have no time to waste ensuring that my life is well pleasing unto Christ. Jesus told the story of the man whose crop brought forth plenty. He said: “And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:16-21) James says that this life is just a vapor. Poof and it’s gone. How will you finish? Will you finish well, or will you be found lacking?  I want to hear Him say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Sing: I’m gonna be gone in the twinkling of an eye, I’m gonna be gone, won’t have time to say goodbye. I’m gonna be gone, I’m gonna be gone, I’m gonna be gone.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 14

 Worker Shortage

“And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.” (Matthew 20:3-8)

Today’s Morsel: Just about everywhere I go, I see signs saying “Hiring". There seems to be a shortage of employees for the jobs and work that is available. Why do people not want to work? Do they think that others will provide for them? Do they think that living is free? Do they think that the government is responsible for their livelihood? Have my people no knowledge, saith the Lord. Paul told the church at Thessalonica: “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10) It’s even becoming hard for the church to find labors for the vineyard. Scripture says that God sought for a man to stand in the gap and to mend the hedges that He would not destroy the land. But He found no one willing. Therefore, He poured out his indignation upon them. Now is not the time to be idle. Jesus is still hiring laborers for the field.  As the old saying goes, the pay here may not be much, but the retirement plan is out of this world. It’s time to get to working in His fields.

Sing: My house if full, but My fields are empty, who will go and work for Me today? It seems My children want to stay around My table; but no one wants to work in My fields, no one wants to work in My fields. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 13

 Scammers

“And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy firstborn; I have done according as thou badest me: arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me. And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the LORD thy God brought it to me. And Isaac said unto Jacob, Come near, I pray thee, that I may feel thee, my son, whether thou be my very son Esau or not.” (Genesis 27:19-21)

Today’s Morsel: A few weeks ago, I received a scam call saying to me, “Grandpa, help! I’ve been arrested and need money for bail right away!’ I laughed under my breath and thought scam call! I asked him which one of my grandsons was he? He said, I’m your grandson and I need your help. So, I played along with him for a while, and then I said, I’m sorry but I don’t have any grandsons (even though I have 6) just to let him know that I knew that he was a scammer. He became very angry and shouting and swearing on the phone at me, at which point I knew for sure he wasn’t one of my grandsons!  Scamming isn’t anything new. We see this with Jacob stealing his brother Esau’s birthright. He deceived his father, with his mother’s help, into think that he was his brother Esau.  Peter says that we must: “Be sober, be vigilant; because our adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in our brethren that are in the world.” (1 Peter 5:8-9) Scammers are of the devil. They are as their father Satan. Liars, cheaters, and deceivers. There are those who are even in the pulpits that are scammers. They confess to know Christ, His truth, and His ways, but Jesus said that we should, “Beware of false prophets, which come to us in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. He said that we shall know them by their fruits. He said, "Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matthew 7:15-20) If you know the fruit of the Spirit and how it relates to Christ and the life of a true believer, you can identify a scammer every time.  Better be wise in times of scams.  

Sing: It’s real, it’s real, I know it’s real, this apostolic message I know, I know it’s real. It’s real, it’s real, I know it’s real, being baptized in Jesus’ name, I know, I know it’s real. 

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 11

 Why Should I Worry

“For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:24-31)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things that I am starting to see more of is worried people. There isn’t a day that goes by that I do not meet someone who is worried about their health, the weather, the economy, the way the nation is going, the war in Ukraine, the threat of China against Taiwan, that the church is losing its purpose and status, gas prices, political unrest, and that the next generation will have nothing to look forward to.  Worried! Paul lets us know why we shouldn’t worry. He said that the spirit helps our infirmities. If God is for us, he said, then don’t worry about the other stuff. Jesus told His disciples: “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” (Matthew 6:25-34) He said don’t worry about the things that you have no control over. Just seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and the other things you need will also be taken care of, and you will be just fine. 

Sing: Why should I be discouraged, and why should the shadows come.  Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home. When Jesus is my portion, a constant friend is He, His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches over me.

I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I am free.  His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches over me. 

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 10

 Dealing with Mental Health

“And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.” (1 Kings 19:1-4)

Today’s Morsel: Mental health disorders and issues seem to be on the uprise. The medical community is reeling trying to find out why so many children are dealing with mental health disorders. I believe that one of the reasons is due in part to that children are having to deal with circumstances and situations that their minds are not yet developed enough for them to deal with.  Some children don’t understand why Johnny and Sally can have a mother and a father, live in a nice home, and have a nice car to ride in and they don’t. They don’t understand why Johnny can have a Nintendo Switch and they cannot. Their minds are not yet developed to understand the why’s of life and how to make wise and adult decisions that are being cast at time daily. All the abusive language, name calling, and rejections being hurled their way daily is too much for them to handle.  And so, they become fearful, lonely, hopeless, and depressed, when all they want is for someone to explain and to show them love and consideration. And so, in some cases, like Elijah, they only see death as a way out. But that is not the way out. Death is never the answer. The way out is for born-again believers to reach out. To reach out in love and consideration. Paul states: “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)  Jesus states: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19) We can see through scripture how God restored Elijah to His calling and ministry when he wanted to end it all because of fatigue and fear. I think that it is time for the church, and those of us who say that we are born-again, to get the mind of Christ, and deliver those whom Satan is taking captive at his will.  Reach out to the young around you and be sensitive to their needs.  Be the love of Jesus in their life.  

Sing: Because He lives, I can face tomorrow; because He lives, all fear is gone; because I know, He holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He live. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 9

 COVID

“And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven."  (Luke 21:8-11)

Today’s Morsel: A Sunday School teacher posted this question on the bulletin board to her Sunday School class. Who killed Goliath? __ __  V   I   D . By placing three of the letters of the answer on the board, she hoped that her class would get the hint that the answer was DAVID. But from the back of the classroom, an excited young lad shouted, Covid. Jesus said that in these last days we must take heed that no man deceives us. As many will come in His name saying that they are Christ and deceive many. Many are going to say that they have the truth, are teaching the truth, walking in the truth, and understanding the truth. But as Paul told the church at Corinth: “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)” Deception seems to be on the rise. Spam calls are deceiving many. Get rich schemes are everywhere. People are having their identity stolen because of deception. People are playing the lottery in hopes of winning the big one only to find out after they win that it’s only half what the jackpot said, due to hidden fees and taxes. People are avoiding reading the small print thus being drawn into debt. Sadly, the same is happening in the church.  Some are claiming new doctrines, divine revelations, and prophetic insights.  The warning to the Corinthians still stands strong, Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.  Beware and compare all things to the Word so that you are not led astray.  The only way that you are going to be able to prevent being deceived in this last day is to stay rooted and ground in the church and the word of God, prayer, and to keep yourself in the love of God. 

Sing: Hold to God’s unchanging hand. Hold to God’s unchanging hand. Build your hopes on things eternal. Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 8

 Quitting Symptoms

“And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.”  (Numbers 14:1-4)

Today’s Morsel: Do you ever get that spirit to quit? You know, quit going to church. Quit giving in the offering. Quit witnessing. Quit going to work. Quit your marriage. Quit reading your Bible and quit praying. You just get that quitting spirit that comes on you. You lose your joy. You start questioning your walk God. You find that your ministry isn’t rewarding you anything but heartache and hardships. You are having to deal with rebellious saints and rude children. And right about now, you are like the children of Israel. You are ready to head back to Egypt (the world). Egypt is looking pretty good to you right about now. That old quitting spirit has gotten into your heart. Old Satan has planted a seed of doubt like he did with Eve. This isn’t anything new. The quitting spirit has been around since creation. That’s why scripture tell us that the things which were written aforetime were written for our learning. God knew that there would be that the same old spirit that came upon Israel to quit serving Him would also come upon us. Scripture tells us to set our affections on things above and not on the things of this earth. When that spirit to quit comes upon you, you must not draw back to perdition. You must be of those who believe to the saving of the soul. Solomon tells us that "if we faint in the day of adversity, our strength is small.” (Proverbs 24:10) If you want to get rid of the spirit to quit, then you must develop within yourself an attitude and spirit to win.  You must keep on keeping on in double strength and determination in the face of adversity and adversity will see you are not going to give in or give up.  

Sing: The mountain is high but it’s not too steep, and the battle is rough but I’m not too weak, and I won’t turn back, oh, no, I won’t turn back.  Well, the road is hot but it’s not too long, and the enemy’s near but he’s not too strong, and I won’t turn back, oh, no, I won’t turn back.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 7

 All Things

“And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” (Matthew 21:22)

Today’s Morsel: Do you have the faith to believe that what you ask of God in prayer He will do it and you will receive it?  Scripture tells us that the word of God did not profit the children of Israel when they heard it because they did not mix it with their faith. Our faith must be mixed with the word of God for it to come to fruition. If we hear the word of God and do not believe it or if we doubt it, it will not happen. Jesus didn’t say in somethings, He said in all things. You may be saying, well I asked but it hasn’t or didn’t happen. When we make our request known unto God and we end it with Thy will be done, then the outcome is up to Him.  We just need to keep believing. When Jairus was told that his daughter was dead, Jesus told him to be not faithless but believe. How would you have handled this if you were Jairus? You were just told that your daughter was dead, and Jesus tells you something different? Would you still have the faith to believe? Your faith must be in Jesus, not in the things that you are asking Him for. Yes, faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen, but the timing is in His hands and not ours. Remember, God’s ways and thoughts aren’t ours.

Sing: What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.  What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer. Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer. 

Have we trials and temptations, is there trouble anywhere, we should never be discouraged, take it to the Lord and prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrow share.  Jesus knows our every weakness, take it to the Lord in prayer. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 6

 Get Control of Yourself

 Get Control of Yourself

"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." (Proverbs 25:28)

Today’s Morsel:  In today's world, you must maintain control of yourself. If you watch television, news, and follow social media, it can cause you to become very angry and lose control of yourself and you may desire to take matters into your own hands. The world is out of control. It is spinning faster and faster towards hell and will soon plunge into it. But you, beloved, must build up yourself on your most holy faith praying in the Holy Ghost, keeping yourself in the Love of God. You have got to maintain self-control and self-discipline in your life. All the get rich quick schemes are a way to draw you away from your own steadfastness. Remember what Paul wrote to us beloved, “for the love of money is the root of all evil, while some have covenant after they have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”  You must be sober, vigilant, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Now is not the time to lose focus of your calling and where you are headed. Now is the time to maintain control of yourself and your emotions. Again, I remind you of the question that the apostle Paul asked the church at Galatia: “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish?  having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”  (Galatians 3:1-3 KJV) You must have control over yourself, or the enemy and this world will destroy you.  

Sing: He brought me out of the miry clay, He set my feet on a rock to stay.  He put a song in my heart to stay, a song of praise Hallelujah.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 4

 Helping In A Crisis

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2)

Today’s Morsel: The world that we live in now is in a troubled and confused state. People are looking for help and direction to get them out of the crisis they now find themselves in. Sickness, homelessness, addictions, abuse, fear, loss of hope, pain, suicide of loved ones, and confusion are just a few of the crisis they now find themselves facing. There are troubles on every side. Perplexed and in despair, cast down, and being destroyed. Those jokes they heard about hell and Satan that they laughed at are now appearing more real. Hell has enlarged itself. Satan is taking people captive at his will. People are in crisis and stress mode. Disasters, catastrophes, upheavals, and ruin have folks crying out for help. Some may find help in the world to relieve the immediate pain, but the long-term help and healing can only come from the Lord. And so, you who know the Lord were commissioned by Jesus over two thousand years ago to preach the gospel to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, to set at liberty them that are abused, and to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Remember, the ‘Golden Rule’ reflects that what you would have others do unto you, you should do unto them.  Share the One who can help them in whatever they are facing. 

Sing: He set me free yes, He set me free.  He broke the bars of prison for me, I’m glory bound my Jesus to see.  Glory to God, He set me free.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 3

 Joy Cometh in The Morning 

“ Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalms 30:4-5)

Today’s Morsel: I remember when I first came into the church, it was not uncommon to hear the song sung, “This joy that I have, the world didn’t give to me, and the world can’t take it away.”  But we don’t hear that song sung anymore. And now we see many in the church without joy. I believe that it is due in part that ‘Joy’ isn’t preached and explained anymore in the church. And now we are starting to see stressed filled and depressed filled lives. People are letting the world steal their joy because they don’t know how to retain the joy of the Lord. The Psalmist said that weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. When we understand that joy is a by-product of the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), then each morning we should awaken with it renewed within us. No one can take the Spirit of God from you. The world didn’t give it to you and the world can’t take it away. So, if you are feeling joyless, then stir-up the gift that is within you by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, making melody in your heart to the Lord. Just tell the devil he can’t have your joy!  He didn’t give it to you and it isn’t his to take away!

Sing: I have found His grace is all complete He supplies my every need.  While I sit and learn at Jesus feet, I am free yes free indeed. 

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory, full of glory, full of glory. It is joy unspeakable and full of glory and the half has never yet been told.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 2

 Groundhog’s Day

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5-7)

Today’s Morsel: Today, millions will glue themselves to the television and internet to see if Punxsutawney Pete (a Ground Hog) will see his shadow.  Some believe that if he sees his shadow there will be another six weeks of winter weather. I do believe that animals have an instinct within them that let them know that danger is nearing, but I don’t believe they have the instinct to predict the weather. Only God has that. As he asked Job: “Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?” (Job 38:22-23) Solomon tells us that we must not lean unto our own understanding. We must learn to trust in the Lord with all our heart. If we get to a place in our lives that we trust man and animals over God, we are heading for some serious trouble.

Sing: I trust in God, wherever I maybe, upon the land or on the roaring seas.  For come what may, from day to day, my Heavenly Father watches over, over me.

And I trust in God, I know He cares for me, upon the mountain bleak or out on the raging seas.  For come what may, from day to day, my Heavenly Father watches over, over me. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Feb 1

 Love

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8 )

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the biggest fallacies in life about love is, few understand its real purpose and meaning. Love is often seen and viewed from the flesh and not through the Spirit. Most people do not associate love with God and His word, they associate it with a person or thing. They say, I love him, or I love her, or I love them, or I love it. But do we understand what love is?  Yes, we are called to love one another, and so we most associate it with the physical and not just the spiritual.  Yet love must always flow from truth. If my love for you is not through the eyes of God, which is truth, then it is going to be through the eyes of my flesh. And that may work for a moment, but after a while that is going to get old and fade away.  But if I love you according to God and His word, it is going to last forever.  As He is love. 

Sing: He knew me, yet He loved me, He who's glory makes the heavens shine.  I’m so unworthy, of such mercy, yet when He was on the cross, I was on His mind.