Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Apr 29

Better Things

“But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.” (Hebrews 6:9)

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever stopped to take inventory of the many things that came with your salvation?  Some folks are still struggling in their walk with God because they have yet to figure out who they are, and what things that He has provided for them. 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) Notice, God has revealed them to us by His Spirit. If you have the Holy Ghost, and have been born-again, then you ought to know the things which came with your salvation, and how you ought to be conducting your life. Foolishness, misconduct, and even immorality, should not even be once named among you. Your life ought to be exciting to look upon. You ought to be that bright and morning star because you know who He is and whose you are in Him, and what He has promised you. Listen to Isaiah: “Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31); “Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.” (Isaiah 43:10-12) Now listen to Paul, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1) Think about that for a moment. And Jesus encourages us by telling us: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) If any one ought to be excited about Jesus and what He has done for them, it ought to be us who profess Him as Lord and Master. But, beloved, we are persuaded of better things of you.

Sing: He is my everything, He is my all. He is my everything both great and small. He gave His life for me, made everything new. He is my everything, O’ how about you?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 28

How’s Your Health

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (3 John 1:2) 

Today’s Morsel: One of the ways to maintain good health is to develop a good attitude about yourself. Your outlook on life will have a major impact on your health. If your health isn’t good, ask yourself why not. Sometimes our health issues can be caused by the environment that we are in, or the people we associate with. If we do not keep a clean-living environment where we live and work, or the people we associate with are always murmuring, complaining, and speaking evil, it can cause us health issues. John said that he wishes above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. When our inner man prospers, then our outward man will be in good health. Let me encourage you, church attendance, reading and studying your Bible will keep your soul prospering and will help you be in good health. Yes, there are things that may attack your flesh, but if your soul is prospering, then you can handle those infirmities with great joy and keep your health intact. How’s your health?

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 April 27

Killing Disobedience

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) 

Today’s Morsel: If you want to kill disobedience in your life, then you must learn to do what is always right and at all costs. One of Satan’s goals is to keep you in a state of disobedience. He doesn’t push the full envelope at you all at once. He tempts you with the little things to get you to disobey.  Saul did not think that keeping Aga the king alive was being disobedient. He didn’t even see keeping the best of the flock alive for sacrifice as being disobedient to God.  He told Samuel, that he had done what the Lord commanded of him. What he failed to realize was that he was the leader, and he was the one given the orders. It was his duty to ensure the people obeyed. If he, as king, would have made the people obey, he would have helped them kill disobedience in their lives. When God had Joshua to kill Achan and his household, he was showing him that he must kill disobedience because it can cause death and hardship of others. Paul said that we must be ready to deal with our disobedience when our obedience is fulfilled. When you get your mind made up that you are going to obey Christ and His word, then get ready to deal with your disobedience, as it will keep presenting itself before you until you rid yourself of it.

Sing: I’m not sorry, I’m not sorry, I’ve answered the Master call. Jesus took my heavy load, now I’m on the glory road, and I’m not sorry, I’m not sorry anymore.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 26

Holiness Become His House

“Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever.” (Psalms 93:5)

Today’s Morsel: Holiness means that we are separated and set apart unto God. Holiness deals with being pure, consecrated, devout, and Godly. Peter tells us to be holy because God is holy. The key to holiness is commitment and self-discipline. When we read our Bibles, it shows us what God requires, and what His Word demands of us, then we must discipline and commit ourselves to doing it. The psalmist states that holiness becometh His house. Not only must the church be holy, but Paul said that we as the temple of God must be holy. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1) Notice, we must cleanse ourselves. Not someone else doing it for us. We must take the actions that are needed for us to meet the requirements. Don’t sit there and listen to people telling you that no one is perfect. Jesus is perfect, and He tells us to: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) Does your holiness meet the requirement that He has set forth in His word for you to become His? “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Will you be able to enter there? “And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.” (Isaiah 35:8)

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 25

Feeling Mighty Fine

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:14-18)

Today’s Morsel: When people ask me how I am doing, my reply is, “I’m blessed and highly favored of the Lord.”  You see, this world is not my home, I’m just passing through. I have no stock in this world anymore. I have followed Paul’s instructions to the church at Colossi when he said: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4) My focus is on a better city and place. You see, if we focus on where God has brought us from, like the children of Israel, we may have the opportunity to want to return. That is why my focus is on where I am headed. My suffering here cannot compare to the glory I will receive when Jesus comes again if I remain faithful and true. So, I am feeling mighty fine. 

Sing: Let Him in, why don’t let Jesus come on in, open-up the window, open-up the door, and let Jesus come on in.  Let’s come on in, let Him come in, feeling mighty happy, feeling mighty fine, so, let Jesus come on in.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 24

Hospitality 

“Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:1-2)

Today’s Morsel: Did you know that one of the most effective ways to lead people to the Lord is through hospitality. Dictionary.com defines hospitality as “the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.” Hospitality is one of those Christian graces that requires conscious effort to attain. Some folks shy away from it and are filled with a sense of guilt because they do not practice it enough. The reason? It involves being unselfish with our private space, our time, our energy, our possessions, in short, our homes, and ourselves. Paul, Peter, and John all refer to the giving of hospitality in the context of practical love to fellow believers. Peter comes close to our difficulty when he commands us to "offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." (1 Peter 4:9) It surely costs something to open your home to others, especially to strangers.  When Simon invited Jesus to his home, Jesus was surprised that Simon invited him but showed no hospitality. Peter said that we ought to use hospitality without murmuring and complaining. When you invite someone to your home, it ought to be for the right reasons, not to vent about others. Paul states: “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13) What are some qualities of good hospitality? 

1. Communication: Good hospitality is being able to communicate with your guest. You must be willing to give your guest your undivided attention. If you have more than one guest invited, your communication ought to be able to include all. There ought to be no communications where some are excluded.

2. Cleanliness: Good hospitality should make people feel comfortable in your home. Pets should not be walking around on the counters or tables, and bathrooms ought to be clean, trash empty, toilet paper on the rolls, and towels for drying hands.

3. Seating: Identify where you want your guest to sit at the dinner table if it is a sit-down meal. Man, woman, man woman… 

4. Excitement: Be excited that your guests are there. 

5. Introduction: Don’t assume that everyone knows each other if you have a new group of people.  Some of your guests may have never met. So be ready to introduce them to others.

6. Remember, you are the host not the guest. So don’t expect others to serve you. You should serve them.

7. Send people away feeling good about themselves and about you. Always thank them for coming. 

The writer of Hebrews admonishes us: “Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:1-2)

Sing: Well, what a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arm.  I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, leaning on the everlasting arm.

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarm.  Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arm.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 22

You’re One in A Million

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” (1 Timothy 1:12-13)

Today’s Morsel: Just think, out of all the people in the world, God chose you to lead His people, share His truth, maybe saved you from anxiety, depression, stress, drugs, alcohol, an abusive situation, and even death. You, yes, you. Out of all the people in the world, God chose you. You are one in a million that He has made free. Reading Paul’s autobiography, who would have thought God would have saved him? I’m sure most of the people in the church during that time may have been praying for God to take him out. But in a way, God did take him out. He took him out of the world and put him in the church. Isn’t that what the gospel is for? To bring men out of darkness into the marvelous light? Jesus said: “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); “For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them...” (Luke 9:56) Paul said that he was thankful that Jesus counted him faithful, putting him into the ministry; who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but that he obtained mercy, because he had done it ignorantly in unbelief.  People in the world do the things that they do because they are ignorant of God and His ways. But once they have an understanding, and receive their calling, they too become one in a million that are made free. Are you thankful that you were one in a million? Are you happy for your freedom? I sure am.

Sing: Once like a bird in prison I dwelt, no freedom from my sorrow I felt, but Jesus came and listened to me, and glory to God, He set me free.

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 April 21

Lend A Hand

“I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:” (Romans 16:1-3)

Today’s Morsel: What do you do when you see someone struggling with a job or their hands are full? Do you offer them a hand? What do you do when you see an elderly person at the stoplight, or a young child who is trying to cross the street? Do you lend them a hand? What about the person on the scooter in the store that cannot reach an item? Do you offer them help? In these situations, we should always keep the golden rule at the forefront of our minds.  We never know when we might be the one needing a helping hand. In Romans 16, Paul lists many men and women that were helpers to him. Some he said, even were willing to give their lives just to help him. John says that if Jesus were willing to lay down His life for us, we ought to be willing to lay down ours for the brethren (my wording 1 John 3:16). We ought to be willing to help others. Just think what could be accomplished if we were all willing to lend a hand.  Think about how quickly the church could get cleaned if you lent a hand. Think about how quickly your house could get cleaned if everyone would lend a hand. By all accounts, the early church worked together and accomplished much. Don’t leave it all to one person. We can’t control others, but we can control ourselves.  Put your hand to the plough and see what God will do through your efforts and participation.

Sing: Jesus use me, 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.  Though the cost be great I’ll work for You.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 20

Keep Learning

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Today’s Morsel: From the time of creation, man has been called on to learn and to know. Learning is essential to our growth and salvation. Abraham Lincoln states The day you stop learning is the day you stop leading. Learning is even essential to our peace of mind. Paul told the church at Philippi: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9). He told Timothy: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:14-15) We must study and learn what God requires of us if we plan to be saved. In professional baseball, one of the keys to a batter being able to hit a ball thrown by a professional pitcher is they study him. They learn his strategy. And once they learn it, they practice hitting those types of pitches. Satan is going to throw many things at you. So learn his strategy and start practicing how to defeat him. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” (Romans 16:17-18) Knowledge is powerful.

Sing: Deeper! Deeper! In the love of Jesus, daily let me go. Higher, higher, in the school of wisdom, more of grace to know.  Deeper, yet I pray, and higher every day. And wiser, blessed Lord, in Thy precious holy word.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 19

Light The Way

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Today’s Morsel:  When God saves us, He expects us to light the way for others. Our light must be always shining so that those who may be in darkness can see their way out, and into a better way of living.  Jude said, On some have compassion, making a difference in their lives. While others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire hating even their garments spotted by the flesh (my wording).  The children of Israel were told by Joshua, when they were about to cross into the Promised Land, to keep their eyes on the Ark because they had not been that way before. They needed a focal point so that they would not get lost, misoriented, and start wandering about. That Ark represented Jesus, the light of the world. You see, prior to crossing into the Promised Land, they had a cloud by day and pillar of fire by night to guide them. But now they must get used to following the Ark, which represented God’s presence. The light, which is in you, must be a representation God’s presence. John admonished us that if we say that we have fellowship with Christ and walk in darkness, we lie and do not the truth. Your light must always be showing the better way. No matter if people see you in the daytime or the nighttime, they must be able to see the way that leads them to eternal life by your lifestyle. 

Sing: I’m gonna lift-up the name of Jesus, I’m gonna tell of my joy since He came. I’m gonna tell of His power every day and every hour; I’m gonna lift up that wonderful name.   

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 18

Don’t Postpone Joy

“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:9-11)

Today’s Morsel: My wife has many sets of china that were either gifted to her or some that we purchased during our military stay overseas. And she likes using them often. Especially when we have guests. She even breaks it out and uses it when our grandkids are dining with us. She often says, “Why buy it if you aren’t going to use it.” She gets joy by using it to serve others with it. She sees this as an opportunity to share joy. I never know what dishes we may be eating dinner on if she is setting the table.  We ought not to postpone our joy. Paul states: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10) Is your joy being postponed because you are not doing good for and to others? Isaiah states that we can even draw waters out of the wells of salvation with our joy.  Don’t postpone your joy. Use the things that you have and bring joy to others. And you will see that it will bring joy to you as well.  Do something today to bring joy to someone else.

Sing: I get joy when I think about what He’s done for me. I get joy when I think about what He’s done for me. I get joy when I think about what He’s done for me. I get joy, joy, joy, joy!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 17

Growing From Grief

“Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.” (John 20:10-13)

Today’s Morsel: My father passed away when I was a junior in high school. I had one brother who had just enlisted in the army and another who was completing his term of duty. My father had always been our sole provider. During this grieving process, I kept asking myself, now what? What will my mother and I do? I had never been taught about growing and moving on after grief, I was just a teen. Back then, parents didn’t usually talk with their children about growing through grief and how to move on.  You hear things such as everyone grieves differently. But I have learned that if I remain in my grief for too long, it will cause anxiety, stress, and loss of focus. If I allow my grief to consume me, my mind will focus on the hurt and pain that I am be going through, and then the I am more likely to become isolated.  If my Mom had done this, I would have been left to figure everything out on my own, I am so grateful that she did not allow her grief to consume her.  She somehow found it within herself to focus on the Lord and go on with everyday life.  For me, then I knew I had to make up my mind to move on. I knew that if I was going to overcome this loss, I had to go forward. I couldn’t stop doing the things that I knew I ought to keep doing. And after becoming a born-again Christian, I can now see that God was working in the background helping me navigate through my grief for His purpose in my life. And today, I would like to share with you five ways that I believe God helped me and caused me to grow during my grief:

1. Pray for God to hold you during your grieving process.  

 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)

2. Remember the times you had with the deceased.

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,” (Isaiah 46:9)

3. Keep attending church and giving God praise.

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalms 16:11)

4. Keep your mind stayed on Jesus.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:” (Isaiah 26:3-4)

5. Listen to God for what He will have you to do.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” (Psalms 37:23)

Our ability to adapt and overcome the loss of a loved one will rest in our ability to keep God in His rightful place. God knows what we are going through, and He will not leave us nor forsake us during our grieving process.

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 thy soul above its grief, let the peace pass understanding still the strife.   It is Jesus, Jesus, sad ones weep no more; He will heal the brokenhearted open wide the prison door, He is able to deliver ever more. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 15

Sunshine In the Shadows

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (Psalms 84:11)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things I have always enjoyed about flying is that once you get above the clouds, the sun is always shining. Down below it can be dark, cloudy, and without sunlight, yet once you break through those clouds the sun is shining bright. And because I have seen this many times in my life, I have come to realize that no matter how dark and dreadful my situation and circumstances may seem, the Son is always shining above me. God won’t forsake me even in times of darkness. He is that great light. And the same is true for you.  As the psalmist says: “If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.” (Psalms 139:11-12) Right now, your situation and circumstances may seem dark, and you just can’t seem to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Let me encourage you today. Look up, the light is always above you.  I want you to know that God’s light is still shining above you. Just lift your eyes toward heaven and call out to Him, and His light will shine down on you.

Sing: There is sunshine in the shadow; there is sunshine in the rain; there is sunshine in our sorrow when our hearts are filled with pain. There is sunshine when we’re burdened; there is sunshine when we pray; there is sunshine, heavenly sunshine, blessed sunshine all the way.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 14

Tell Me How Much I Owe

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

Today’s Morsel: If you had to pay Jesus back for all that He has done for you, how much do you think you would owe? If Jesus charged us $100.00 for every sin and wrongdoing that we have done, how much would you owe? Often, we may not even consider how much it cost Christ to free us from the grip of Satan. Israel never considered how much it cost for them to be freed from Egypt. They just saw it as God bringing them out into the wilderness to kill them. They just murmured and complained about what they were going through, not what God was doing for them. I think if they would have considered the cost, they may not have been so ungrateful. It doesn’t seem that they knew what price the Egyptians paid for pharaoh not letting them go.  They only saw Pharaoh’s army drown in the Red Sea. But I don’t think that they felt the impact of mothers weeping for their firstborn. I don’t think they understood the impact of having no water to drink because it was all turned into blood. Nor the impact of frogs in your kneading troughs, lice in your hair, flies in your soup, and your fields on fire. Their deliverance cost Egypt dearly, and yet they never seemed to consider the cost. Haggai admonishes us: “Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.” (Haggai 1:5-7) Just how much do you owe? What are you doing to pay your debt?

Sing: He paid a debt He did not owe, I owe a debt I could not pay; I needed someone to wash my sins away.  And now I sang a brand-new song Amazing Grace, for Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 13

Spiritually Dead

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:1-9)

Today’s Morsel: I thank God for saving me because I was spiritually dead. I thought I had knowledge of God, but I really didn’t. I was dead in my trespasses and sin. Yes, I went to church, but I was dead. Yes, I sat on the pews, sang the songs, but I was spiritually dead. I had heard of Christ, but I didn’t know Christ. I had heard about heaven, but I didn’t know what road to get on nor the requirements of how to get there. I had heard about love, but I didn’t know how to love nor how to share the love. I was spiritually dead. I had heard the Ten Commandments, but I did know how they applied to my life. I had heard about giving, but I thought George Washington was sufficient.  I was spiritually dead.  But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved me, even when I was dead in sins, quickened me together with Christ. And now that I have understanding through this born-again experience, I am no longer dead. I am now alive forever more.

Sing: Satan had already picked out my grave, his plan was to foil and put me away. I'd drifted so far; would anyone care that I'd soon be lost. I knew my destruction was a matter of time, but Jesus appeared and said this one is mine. Now I'm safe with no harm for he walked through the storm when he was looking for me.

He came looking for me, He came looking for me. He made a way when there was no way that I could see. When I drifted so far Jesus was near, to rescue my soul and calms all my fears. Now I'm safe from all harm, since I met the One who came looking for me.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 12

Faith That Matters

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:1-8)

Today’s Morsel: One of the greatest hindrances for a lack of some folk’s faith is their own lack of self-discipline. If a person cannot discipline themself, it will make it hard for them to develop faith. Scripture tells us that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).  If a person cannot discipline themself to read their Bible, go to church, and witness, the likelihood of their faith being strong and visible will most-times be shallow.  Jesus tells the parable of a woman who desires the judge to rid her of her adversary. He makes the comment that the judge doesn’t fear God nor regard man, but to prevent this woman from continuously pestering him, he will avenge her. Jesus even said that he will do it quickly. Jesus uses this parable to talk about faith when he returns to the earth. If Jesus came right now, would your faith and belief in Him be stronger now than when you first believed? How strong is your faith? James said that faith without works is dead. Faith must be put into action. The woman believed the judge could do something about her situation and so she continued to call on him. Jesus desires to do the same. So, bug Him. Many people who started this race have fallen away and gone back. What are you doing to ensure that you are ready for His return? Remember, there are no guarantees about tomorrow.  Act today.

Sing: There’s a city far beyond the stary skies, there is city where there never comes a night; If we are faith we shall go there by and by, Tis the city where the Lamb is the light. In the city where the Lamb is the light, The city where there cometh no night; I’ve a mansion over there and when free from toil and care, I am going where the Lamb is the light.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 11

Sing Along with Mitch

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” (Ephesians 5:18-21)

Today’s Morsel: Mitch Miller was an American choral conductor, record producer, record-industry executive, and professional oboist. According to Wikipedia, he was involved in almost all aspects of the industry, particularly as a conductor and artist, and repertoire man. Miller was one of the most influential people in American popular music during the 1950s and early 1960s, both as the head of A&R at Columbia Records and as a best-selling recording artist with an NBC television series, Sing Along with Mitch. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester in the early 1930s, Miller began his musical career as a player of the oboe and English horn, making numerous highly regarded classical and popular recordings. I can remember as a kid watching and singing along with Mitch. But what about the church? Do you sing along with those who are singing and making melody in their hearts to the Lord? I don’t know about you, but there is just something about singing those hymns that were recorded long ago. “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”, “All That Thrills My Soul”, “What A Day That Will Be”, and “Come and Dine.”  I also find myself singing the psalms for refreshing and to help me memorize the scriptures. Can you imagine being with Jesus and His disciples as they sang psalms and hymns together. What do you think made Paul and Silas sing psalms and hymns in prison after they were beaten and jailed? Scripture says that a merry heart doth good like a medicine. And singing seems to aid us with bring it about. So, sing.  It will lift your spirit and take you through your day.

Sing: Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, sing His mercy and His grace; In the mansions bright and blessed, He’ll prepare for us a place. 

When we all get to heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, We’ll sing and shout the victory.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 10

Healing For the Whole World

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.” (Matthew 9:35)

Today’s Morsel:  Some folks today wrestle with the scripture when it comes to healing. Some may even question healing. Some will ask, why didn’t God heal me, my mother or father, or my child? No one can answer that question. God doesn’t reveal to us why He does what He does. We must walk by faith and wait upon Him to do what He will do.  I think that Paul tries to help us get a grip on this when he wrote of his lack of healing: “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10); “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.” (Romans 8:28). Isaiah tells us: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) And Matthew said that he healed every sickness and every disease among the people. Is healing more important than a relationship with Christ? Is healing more important than eternal life? I often ask myself, is my pain, sickness, and suffering because I have quoted as Paul: “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” (Philippians 3:10)? For me, I have made up my mind whether healed or not, I know as John stated: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:4) If there is no healing here, it will be there.

Sing: There’ll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bear, no more sickness, no pain, no more parting over there. And forever I will be, with the One who died for me; What a day, glorious day that will be.

What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see, When I look upon His face, The One who saved me by His grace.  When He takes me by the hand and leads me through the Promised Land.  What a day, glorious day that will be.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 8

Calvary

“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.” (Luke 23:33-46)

Today’s Morsel: The Crucifixion of Jesus was foretold by many of the prophets of old, but none like Isaiah. Isaiah had prophesied: “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:3-9) Calvary seems to be a crush for many in Jesus’ day. His disciples were crushed. Mary Magdalene, whom he had cast out seven devils, was heartbroken. Many of his followers felt that they had been led astray by some deceiver. The Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes thought that they had reached their purpose.  Pilate and his wife were perplexed. Peter felt that if he had not run out he may have been able to save Him. Judas hung himself because he had failed to understand the prophesy. But as Jesus told Nicodemus: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:14-17) It may seem as though Calvary was a gruesome event, and it was. But if we are truly born-again, then we can see the beauty of it all and rejoice that He is not dead, He is alive.

Sing: A look of love was on His face, a crown was on His head, a scarlet robe was on His back and painted crimson red; though His eyes were on the crowd that day, He looked ahead in time, yet when He was on the cross, you and I were on His mind.

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 7

Fruit Trees

“And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day.” (Genesis 1:11-13)

Today’s Morsel: Here in Wisconsin and Minnesota there are a lot of apple trees. One of my favorite apples is the Ambrosia, because it is a very sweet apple.  I wanted to start to grow my own, so I bought a tree and planted it.  I took care to plant it in the right location so it will get the proper amount of sun and light for growth.  Now I’m waiting for it to grow so I will have the apple I love and can share with others. But what sold me on the tree? It was the fruit. As branches on the tree of Jesus, if we do not get the right amount of Son and Light, and the right nourishment, we aren’t going present fruit with a sweet taste, nor a pleasing look for others to want the tree. If the character of Jesus isn’t revealed and seen in us, then others will want nothing to do with the tree. But if others can taste and see that He is good by our sweet disposition, our lives and character, then they just might purchase the same tree that you are a part of.

Sing: He gets sweeter as the years go by, sweeter as the years go by; He gets richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus’ love is sweeter, sweeter, sweeter as the years go by.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 6

Uncommon Courage

“And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow:”
(2 Samuel 23:20)

Today’s Morsel: During the winter here in Wisconsin we seem to get lots of snow. And each time that I must go outside to shovel or remove it, I always think of Benaiah. Who in their right mind would get in pit with a lion on a snowy day. A lion has paws making their ability to be stable and surer for the challenge. Man is more likely to slip and fall, rendering him a piece of meat for a meal. But it didn’t seem to bother Benaiah. Like David’s other mighty men, they all seemed to have uncommon courage. (Read 2 Samuel 23) Did David have daily devotions with them so that they would be courageous as the Lord had told Joshua (Read Joshua 1:1-9)? Did he relate to them how God had delivered him out of the paw of the bear and the lion? If these men of David were in the military today, they would all be awarded the Medal of Honor for their bravery, Purple-Hearts for their many wounds, Silver Stars for the gallantry, and Combat Infantry Badges for their close encounter with their enemy. Is there something that motivates you to face challenges like David’s mighty men? Are you having devotions with your family and leaders that may be under your command so they will be strong and not afraid to face challenges? If you are afraid to face confrontations with others in a loving and caring way, your strength may be weak. 

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.    

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 5

Finishing Strong

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Today’s Morsel: If you have ever observed soldiers taking their physical fitness test, you will see many of them struggling on the last event, the two-mile run. Even though many of them have endurance and strength, the other four events prior to the last event just seem to drain or deplete them of that endurance and strength to make it to completion.   So, as their leader, when my soldiers messed up or did something wrong at work, I would give them corrective punishment using one of the physical fitness events. This was legal and it related to their training and development. Paul said that we are in a race for eternal life. Therefore, if we are to finish strong, then we must see every challenge which comes our way as helping to strength our endurance, developing us, and helping us to be ready for the next challenge or event that may come our way.  If you want to finish strong, then you must train and learn how to adapt and overcome. We don’t want the last event to be the one we fail.  

Sing: Lord, I’m running, trying to make a hundred, ninety-nine and a half won’t do. Lord, I’m running, trying to make a hundred, ninety-nine and a half won’t do.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 4

Sharing With Others

“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:1-2)

Today’s Morsel: If you are ever sat in a pediatric ward at the hospital, you may have heard the words, “Let them play with it, too.” Or “You need to share.” At home, children have younger siblings, then you will hear, “You need to share with each other.” What is it about sharing?  Moses even told the children of Israel, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-8) They were to share it with their children the things about who God was. They were to never forget what God had done for them from generation to generation.  Paul gives the same instructions to Timothy. Timothy was to share with others the things that he had learned so that they too could share it with others. One of the easiest ways to destroy a people is to destroy its history. Even Jesus told the man of the Gadarenes, “And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” (Mark 5:18-19) Go share your testimony, Jesus told him, with your friends and others. You need to share with others what God has done for you. Don’t hide your testimony. Someone needs to know what God has done for you. Share!

Sing:  People need the Lord; people need the Lord.  At the end of broken dreams He’s an open door. People need the Lord; people need the Lord. When will we realize that people, need the Lord.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 3

Power

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Matthew 28:18)

Today’s Morsel: What would you do if you had all power in the earth? What would you do with it? Would you be able to control it, or would it control you? Abraham Lincoln stated: “If you want to see the character of a man, give him power.”  Power will reveal who you truly are. When given power, you must learn to manage it according to the rules and principles of the one who gave it to you. Jesus stated: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Once we received the Holy Ghost, we were given power. Therefore, we must learn how to use it in accordance with the instructions of the One who has given it to us.  We must read and study our Bibles so that we know how to use it effectively. If we mishandle it, it can misrepresent the Giver and it can cause grave damage to not only to ourselves, but also to others.

Sing: There is power, power, wonder working power in the blood of the Lamb. There is power, power, wonder working power in the precious blood of the Lamb.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 April 1

He Chose Me

“For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.” (Deuteronomy 7:6-10)

Today’s Morsel: Do you remember as a kid, when you were selected to be on the team with your friends how you felt? Especially, when you were not selected until the very last. There is something inside each of us that makes us feel that others should want us. We apply for jobs because we feel that we have the abilities that the employer wants, and so they should choose us. But oh, how that feeling can rip our heart strings when we aren’t selected.  Moses told the children of Israel that God did not choose nor select them because they were more in number. He said that God chose them because He loved them. Because we are called to love all people, our choosing and selecting for those we desire to be on our team should be based on love. Not on race, color, origin, talent, or ability. We must always have the mind of Christ. Don’t ever think that God chose you because you were the sharpest knife in the drawer. He chose you because He loved you.  It is as simple as that.

Sing: He chose me, He chose me, out of all the people in this world. He chose me, He chose me, and He can use me till He uses me up.