Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 31 July 2023

The Conclusion of The Matter

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

Today’s Morsel: Do you ever ask yourself what the conclusion of your life will be? Are you afraid of dying? Does it cause you to fear when the doctor gives you a difficult doctor’s report? Does all the craziness and foolishness that is going on in the world with political figures trouble you? Is social media wearing you out? Does the thought of war and rumors of war bother you? Do you get tired of hackers, scammers, and robocalls for handouts every day?  Does all this trouble you? Well, Daniel has already informed us: “And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.” (Daniel 7:25) But he said that the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits (Daniel 11:32) So if you are feeling worn out, welcome to the frontlines of battle. It’s called psychological warfare. The enemy is playing on your mind. Jesus said that this would be a part of the last days: “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Matthew 24:6-8) So, what should we do? Jude said to build up yourself on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. James said to resist the devil and he will flee. Peter said to think it not strange concerning the fiery trials which is to try you. Paul said to stand fast in the liberty wherein Christ hath made us free. And Solomon, the wisest man in all the world, says that we should “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Don’t sweat the small stuff, Jesus will take care of it in the end!

Sing: Hold the fort for I am coming, Jesus whispers still.  Raise the anthem back toward heaven, by Thy grace we will.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 29 July 2023

What Is Your Function?

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” (John 15:16)

Today’s Morsel: What is your function in the church? What is your ministry? Do you have a job in your church? What do you feel God is calling you to do since you were born-again? Is the secular world and responsibilities taking and consuming all your time that you do not have time for what God is asking of you to do? Do you feel as though you are always drained, and you don’t have the energy to go to church or tell someone about Jesus? Do you feel that Sunday is the day that you need to rest because you must go to work on Monday? Well, if you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, it is because you don’t know what your function is in the church. You see, Jesus didn’t choose you so that you would always be worn out and depleted of energy. He chose you so that you would commit yourself to Him for His purpose. And that is to bring forth fruit. If your ministry and calling are not the first priorities in your life, sooner or later you are going to become depleted of energy, depressed, stressed, discouraged, and you are going to quit and walk away. Jesus knows that you need a job to take care of yourself and your family. But if you do not seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, you aren’t ever going to have the things that you have need of. Every conjunction has a function. May I suggest that you find out what yours is.

Sing: Lord, I give you my heart, I give you my soul, I live for You alone. Every breath that I take, every moment I’m awake, Lord, have Your way in me.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 28 July 2023

Self-Control

“He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” (Proverbs 14:29)

Today’s Morsel: I have mentioned to folks time and time again, that the Holy Ghost brought not only into their life love, joy, and peace, but also temperance, which is self-control. Self-control means to control oneself. It’s having the ability to say no when you know that something is wrong. It’s possessing the intestinal fortitude to stand when others flee. It’s knowing when to speak and when to remain quiet. So, shouldn’t every born-again believer be filled with this trait of character? Then tell me why is it not in operation in folks’ lives? Why do people who say that they are Christians keep flying off the handle?  Why do folks get upset when people cut them off while driving? Why do folks not want to wait in line to be served? Shouldn’t we be able to control our appetites and passions? Why do some feel that they always need to be the first in the food line at cookouts and church potluck? Solomon states, “When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.” (Proverbs 23:1-2) Paul told Timothy that he was to teach women that they were to be modest, with shamefacedness with sobriety. These words mean that she must have honor and respect for herself, as well as self-control and soundness of mind. You should not as a Christian become the reason for your own self-destruction. Learn to be temperate in all that you do.  

Sing: 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, they shall walk and not faint, teach me Lord, teach me Lord, to wait.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 27 July 2023

How Valuable Is Wisdom?

“For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.” (Proverbs 8:11)

Today’s Morsel: The book of Proverbs has been tagged the book of wisdom. So, what kind of price tag do you place on wisdom? I often ask myself, how much debt and sorrow I could have avoided when I was young if I had known about wisdom. When I counseled men in the prisons, I thought to myself, how many of these men would not be in here if they had had wisdom. Wisdom is the most important thing, other than the Holy Ghost, that you can have in your life. Wisdom was here before God ever made the heavens and the earth (read Proverbs 8). You may say, how is that possible? Because Jesus Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24) If we do not valuable wisdom we are heading for destruction. “Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.” (Proverbs 4:5-8) When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you and understanding will keep you. Go get wisdom!

Sing: Deeper, deeper, in the love of Jesus, daily let me go; Higher, higher, in the school of wisdom, more of grace to know.

O’ deeper yet, I pray, and higher every day, and wiser, blessed Lord, in Thy precious holy word.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 26 July 2023

Kind Words

“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

Today’s Morsel: Are you aware that how you speak, and the words that you use, determine and reveal if you have the Holy Ghost or not? After denying that he knew Jesus twice, the woman told Simon Peter that he was one of Jesus' disciples because his speech betrayed him. Now, granted, Peter, was from Galilee, so his dialect would have probably showed that he was not from that part. But prior to the third denial, Peter started to swear and curse, using profanity, and words that he hoped would help save his life (Matthew 26:74) And then the cock crowed twice.  What do your words say about you? Does your speech betray you that you belong to Jesus? Solomon said that kind words turn away anger. If you yell, scream, holler, or demean people with your words, those same words will come back toward you, as someone else will use them against you.  Always remember, the Holy Ghost came with temperance, which is self-control. And you ought to be able to control your tongue. Remember, death and life are in the power of the tongue. Not only will it hurt and destroy others, but it will also destroy you. 

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 25 July 2023

Leave A Different Way

“But when the people of the land shall come before the LORD in the solemn feasts, he that entereth in by the way of the north gate to worship shall go out by the way of the south gate; and he that entereth by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in, but shall go forth over against it.” (Ezekiel 46:9)

Today’s Morsel: Lately, while traveling here in Wisconsin, my GPS seems to take me on a different route than what I am used to for getting to my destination. A few weeks ago, while heading to Green Bay to visit with our son and his family, it took me across the country, through small towns and wooded areas instead of the normal highways with lots of traffic. Such beautiful sites to see. The Lord told Ezekiel that when the people came to worship if they came in by the north gate, then they were to leave by the south gate and vice-versa. When you go to worship God at your church you ought to never leave the same way that you came in. If you leave feeling beaten up, drained, or that you didn’t get anything out of the service, you didn’t leave a different way. You probably left the way that you went in. You came in the gate not to worship. You came in the gate just to be there. Just to check the box that you went to church. You didn’t come to worship Jesus; you came for you, and you got disappointed. Because if you come to worship Jesus, you are going to leave out a different way, and no one can hinder you. As the angel told the wise men when they came to see Jesus, see that you leave a different way.

Sing: Well, I went to a church meeting one night, and that was alright, but something, got ahold of me.  I said, I went to a church meeting one night, and that was alright, but something, got ahold of me. Oh, yes it did! It got into my hands and when down to my feet, I started spinning and dancing, speaking in tongues, because something, got ahold of me. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 24 July 2023

Stay In Your Place

“If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.” (Ecclesiastes 10:4)

Today’s Morsel: I have seen people apply for good jobs, get hired, and then in a few months or a few years, they want to leave or quit the job altogether. When asked why, they say because my boss is mean. They are prejudiced. They hate me. Or they say they are a micromanager. Solomon states that if the spirit of the ruler rises up against thee leave not thy place. In other words, don’t quit just because your boss may be this way. Your continuous work ethic and doing the things that you know to do that are right, and your praying for them, can, in my words, calm the savage beast. I had a commander somewhat like this in the army. He was always ranting and raving and people were afraid of him. And many wanted to leave the unit. One day, he even threatened me with my efficiency report. Stating that he was going to give me a bad report. I just smiled at him and said, I can’t make E-10, (my current rank of E-9 which is the highest one could get in the military for an enlisted soldier) so, the only way you can hurt me is by hitting me in the eye with it. We both got a good laugh. And one day he and I were on our way to a military ceremony together and we needed to go by his house so he could change his uniform. While at his house he said to me, Sergeant Major, I told all my officers in a meeting today that I don’t want to hear any more swearing or cursing around the headquarters. He began to change. And at his change of command ceremony, he requested that I would be the commander of troops for him (officers usually did this responsibility), and that he would really appreciate it if I would do that. Don’t be too quick to leave your place. You applied for that job, you prayed for that job, and God honored you with that job, so don’t leave.  Wait and see what God will do.  He has you there for His purpose if you prayed and He placed you there.

Sing: Trust in Him who will not leave you, whatsoever years may bring; if by earthly friends forsaken, still more closely to Him cling!

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 - 22 July 2023

When the Spirit Turns You Into Another Man

“And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.” (1 Samuel 10:6)

Today’s Morsel: May I ask you a question? Have you received the Holy Ghost since you have believed? What changes can you see that have taken place in your life since you received the Holy Ghost. Samuel told Saul that once the spirit came upon him, He would prophesy and be turned into another man. Paul told Timothy: “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) From the time that Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus, was baptized in His name, and received the Holy Ghost, he was never the same. He became another man. And this is what surprised so many in the church during that time. They knew that he was out to capture them and kill them. He told the church at Galatia: “But they had heard only, that he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.” (Galatians 1:23) Paul was a changed man.  When you receive the Holy Ghost, you are not going to remain the same. If you are still smoking dope, drinking alcohol, fornicating, lying, cheating, stealing, dressing immodestly, and not seeing church and the things of God as a priority, you don’t have the Holy Ghost or you are not allowing the Holy Ghost to work in you. The Holy Ghost changes you into someone new. Old things are passed away. Listen to Paul's instructions to the church at Ephesus:  “If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” (Ephesians 4:21-5:5) Have you received the Holy Ghost since you have believed? It’s a free gift to help you become new. 

Sing: He’s changing me, my blessed Savior, I’m not the same person that I use to be.  Well it’s been slow going, but there’s a knowing, that someday perfect I will be.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 21 July 2023

I’m Not Coming Down

“Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;) That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:1-3)

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever noticed that when you are trying to do a great work for the Lord, someone, or something just seems to always try to hinder you. People will start to complain about the dates that you have scheduled for the revival. They tell you that they must work on that Sunday. Their children have sports that day. Or that they have guests coming to town during that time.  Excuses just seem to come out of nowhere. You want to shout “Calgon take me away,” because you know that you gave folks the schedule at the beginning of the year.  But Nehemiah told Sanballat and Tobiah, “I don’t have time to come down. I am doing a great work so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you.” He said I don’t have the time to waste on you. I’m not quitting what am doing to entertain you. This work is too great, and I can’t lose a minute of time.  I think this needs to be the attitude of everyone in the church. We need to see the work of the Lord as a great work, and we don’t have time to waste on foolishness and noncommittal of others. I don’t know about you, but I’m not quitting, and neither am I coming down until the work is done. 

Sing: I want to scale the upward height and catch a glimpse of glory bright; But still I’ll pray till Heaven I’ve found, “Lord lead me on to higher ground.”

Lord lift me up and let me stand, by faith, on heaven's table land.  A higher plane than I have found.  Lord plant my feet on higher ground. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 20 Jul 2023

What’s Following Your But?

“Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.”
(Jeremiah 6:16)

Today’s Morsel: When the spies that Moses had sent to spy out the promised land returned, they first began by giving a great report of the land of promise. Seeing the large graphs, maybe some huge watermelons, or a basket of figs, pots of lentils, hearing that the land was flowing with milk and honey, probably had everyone in the camp rejoicing and yelling lets go up right now.  Then they said: But  But! What do you mean But! What’s wrong? What’s the problem? What aren’t you telling us? Did something happen? Is it not what we think it will be? Explain to us your but! And they said: “Nevertheless (But) the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan. And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” (Numbers 13:28-33) One but, destroyed the faith of so many. And scripture says: “And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.” (Numbers 14:1) The Lord said through Jeremiah that if you want peace you just need to get in the old path and walk therein. But they said that they would not. What’s following your but? That is what will determine your future.  

Sing: Trust and obey, for there’s no other way; to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 19 July 2023

Hindrances to Faith

“And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.”
(Matthew 13:54-58)

Today’s Morsel: I have come to realize that a lack of faith is due to a lack of faith. Some folks are doing nothing to increase their faith. Paul tells us that faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Peter told the church to add to their faith and that they would never fall (2 Peter 1:5-11). Jesus did many miracles right before the eye of the people, and yet many of them still failed to believe that He was God manifested in flesh. They questioned his identity, as to whom He said that He was, thus hindering His ability to meet their needs. Continuously, throughout scripture, we see this taking place. Many just saw Jesus just as another man, not as their Messiah. Martha saw Jesus as the Son of God, but she did not believe that He had the power to bring someone back from the dead. Her words said one thing, but her faith said another. She told Jesus: “But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.” (John 11:22-27) She knew that He was the Messiah, the Son of God, and yet she could not bring her faith in line to believe that He could raise Lazarus from the dead.  I have come to realize that fear, pain, loss of life, not knowing what lies ahead, impatience, and a lack of self-confidence can hinder one’s faith. If you want to see the miraculous, then you must believe that God can and that God will. “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)

Sing: Faith can move mountains, mountains of fear and of doubt, faith can move mountains, so why don’t you try your faith out.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 18 July 2023

The 5 Cs of Marriage

“Thou shalt not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14)

Today’s Morsel: When we look at scripture, we see that God values marriages. The religious leaders desired to know what Jesus’ take on the subject was. Scripture says: “…they say unto him, why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. And I say unto you, whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.” (Matthew 19:7-9) In other words, Jesus said, if you have a sexual relationship with others after being married, you commit adultery. So, what are the 5Cs for a good marriage:

1. Communication: “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16) 
2. Commitment: “And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.” (Ruth 1:16-17)
3. Compassion: “And of some have compassion, making a difference:” (Jude 1:22)
4. Compatibility: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)
5. Contentment: “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (1 Timothy 6:8)

If you implement these things into your marriage, you will see that your marriage will be stronger.   

Sing: I love you; I love you; I love you; what more can I say, but that I truly love you.   And I’ll try to live my life so that it says it too.  I love you; I love you; I truly love you.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 17 July 2023

Faithfulness

“And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD: Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:18-26)

Today’s Morsel: The root word for the word faithfulness is the word faith. According to the writer of Hebrews 11:1, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. In other words, faith is the source. It is the foundation upon which all our beliefs and hopes are founded upon. So, why does God require us to be faithful? But before you answer that question, what must we be faithful to? First and foremost, we ought to be faithful to God. Then we ought to be faithful to our neighbor, to our employer, our church, our leaders over us, our family and loved ones, and any vows that we may make. Because we are God’s children and God is faithful, that same trait ought to be in us as faith came with the Holy Ghost. Listen to Paul for a moment: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2) Are you faithful? God has entrusted us with His word, His goods, and His finances to advance His kingdom. Are you using it for what He’s given it to you for? Faithfulness is just a by-product of the character trait trustworthy. Can Jesus trust you? Can you trust yourself?  Be faithful to Jesus.

Sing: He’s been faithful, faithful, to me, looking back, His love and mercy I see.  In my heart, I have questioned, even failed to believe, yet He’s been faithful, faithful to me. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 15 July 2023

Enjoying The Kingdom of God

“Let not then your good be evil spoken of: For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 14:16-17)

Today’s Morsel: Sometimes, when I observe some Christians, they look as though the world has fallen upon them, and they don’t know what to do. They seem to have no joy, no peace, they are never content, and they complain about everything. And I ask myself, “Didn’t Jesus come to give us life and that more abundantly?” Doesn’t the scripture say that the fruit of the spirit is joy...?” So, what is going on here? Paul says that the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Are you enjoying Jesus? You see, sadness and low self-esteem are some of those things that I categorize as choices that we make, because none of these things came with the Holy Ghost. You see, if you want excitement and joy in your life, you must keep the fire of the Holy Ghost burning on the altar, and never let the light go out. I am not worried about this world, nor what politicians do, this world is not my home. I’m going to heaven. I’ve already purchased my ticket. I didn’t take out a term life insurance policy. I purchased a whole life insurance policy when I became born-again. What am I talking about? I’m not serving Jesus on terms as some folks do. You know, if things aren’t on their terms, then they don’t serve Him. If they don’t like the pastor, his mannerism, then they don’t go to church. That’s a term policy. But with a whole policy, no matter what is going on. No matter who quit serving Him. No matter what others may think of me. It’s still all about Jesus and it is a time of rejoicing. Come on, stay drunk in the Holy Ghost. That’s what they accused the first church of being on the Day of Pentecost when they were filled with the Holy Ghost. Stay completely in love with Jesus and enjoy the life He has gifted to you.

Sing: Rejoice for the steps of a righteous man, they are ordered of God, they are ordered of God; Rejoice for the steps of a righteous man, they are ordered of God. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 14 July 2023

Do You Love the Word?

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” (Jeremiah 15:16)

Today’s Morsel: Moses informed 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. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) Why did he place such an emphasis on loving God with all their heart, soul, and mighty? I believe it was because if we do not have a love for God, we will not have a love for His word. People will tell you that they are Christians and have a love for God, but they never read His word. If we say that we are Christians and never read God’s word, we are no better than the atheist or anyone who is an unbeliever. There are just certain things that are required for being a Christian. Even Jesus told His disciples that the things which were written in the Old Testament were about Him. “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” (Luke 24:44) The Bible is designed to help you build Godly character, possess sound wisdom, and help you make it to heaven. The psalmist said, “I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.” (Psalms 119:162). The Bible is a great treasure. 

Sing: I love Him, I love Him, because He first loved me, He purchased my salvation on Calvary.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 13 July 2023

Who Do You Say that Jesus Was?

“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?” (Matthew 16:13-15)

Today’s Morsel: If someone were to ask you who Jesus Christ was, what would you tell them? Let me share with you a few scriptures and then you tell me who He is:

“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” (1 John 5:7)

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

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” (John 14:1)

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.” (John 14:6-11)

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

“And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” (John 8:23-24)

Who do you say that He is? 

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20)

Sing: The Mighty God is Jesus, the Prince of Peace is He, the Everlasting Father, the King Eternally.  The Wonderful in Wisdom, by whom are things were made.  The fullness of the Godhead, in Jesus is display. 

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 12 July 2023

The Just for The Unjust

“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” (1 Peter 3:18)

Today’s Morsel: Most people do not like to suffer nor go through things in their life. But I’ve learned that God’s ways are not my ways. Some people may think that it is totally unfair when those who are doing right have to suffer for those who are doing wrong. When I was a Drill Instructor in the army, I used this principle often. I have had my entire platoon stand outside in the rain, all do pushups, all execute the dying cockroach, stand with their weapons over their heads for long periods of time, and all work on the weekends, all because of one of their teammates did wrong. The just suffering for the unjust. The purpose was for them to help their peers learn to do what was right. And at the same time, it was to show the ones that were doing wrong learn how they were causing their fellow teammates to suffer because of themselves. There were many who suffered that had done no wrong during those 40 years that Israel walked and died in the wilderness, all because of a few that did wrong. Peter tells us that Jesus even suffered for us. Jesus was just. In Him was no sin at all. He did not sin, and yet He had to suffer because of our sins. The just for the unjust. And He did it just so we could go to heaven and live with Him forever. So, the next time you feel that your punishment is unfair because you didn’t do anything wrong, just think of Jesus, who did no wrong and neither was guile found in His mouth. He suffered just for you.

Sing: I know it was the blood, I know it was the blood, I know it was the blood that saved me.  One day when I was lost Jesus died on the cross,  I know it was the blood that saved me. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 11 July 2023

Yestermonies

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” (Genesis 50:20)

Today’s Morsel: I was listening to a Baptist minister ministering, and he made the comment that you need to have a yestermony.  He explained that a yestermony is what God did for you yesterday. He said if God didn’t do anything for you yesterday that you feel compelled to tell others about today, then you might not be saved. Are you aware that some of the story written in the Bible are yestermonies? They are there for us to hear and see just what God did for His people? Joseph could probably tell us some good yestermonies if he was alive today. He even told his brothers: “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Can you imagine the look on his brothers’ faces when he told them that. Here they are thinking that they are ridding themselves of the one they hated and despised, and God used it to save their lives. This is why you can’t blame everything that is happening to you and what you may be going through on the devil. Some things just may be being ordained by God for His purpose so that you will have a yestermony to save lives. What’s your yestermony?  It may well turn out to be your testimony tomorrow.  

Sing: There is a name I love to hear I love to tell of its worthy.  It sounds like music in my ear, the sweetest name on earth. Oh, how I love Jesus; oh, how I love Jesus.  Oh, how I love Jesus, because He first loved me.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 10 July 2023

Resist The Devil and He Will Flee

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

Today’s Morsel: I love the word of God. It tells me everything that I need to do to be successful in life. It even tells me how to defeat Satan. Jesus gave us the example how to defeat him, and that is by resisting him. Everything that Satan tried to get Jesus to do, Jesus resisted him by telling him what God’s word said.  Scripture says: “Then the devil leaveth him, and behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” (Matthew 4:11) Notice, when you resist him, he will leave you alone. But if you keep talking about him, elevating him, and saying that everything you are going through is of him, he’s going to stick around and defeat you. Some folks are always fighting with the devil. I don’t have time for that.  Like Jesus, I’ve learned to just resist him. So how do you resist him? James said submit yourself to God. There are four conditions which we must fulfill if God is to have full possession of our lives:

1. We must be subject to the will of God, James 4:7
2. We must draw nigh to God, James 4:8
3. We must cleanse our hands and purify our hearts, James 4:8
4. We must humble ourselves before Him, James 4:10

You don’t have time to waste on the devil, he is a loser. And all those who work on his side are losers. Stop wasting your time and start resisting him. And you do that beloved by: “...building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 1:20-21) 

Sing: I’m Yours Lord, everything I am, everything I’ve got, everything I’m not. I’m Your Lord, try me now and see, see if I can be completely Yours. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 8 July 2023

Combat Stress Reaction

“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: Combat Stress Reaction (CSR) is most frequently known as shell shock or battle fatigue. It results in a range of adverse behaviors because of stress from battle. Some universal symptoms are exhaustion, decrease in responsiveness, hesitancy, and uncertainty, feeling like you are disconnected and have an inability to focus. Some other combat stress reactions one may experience include restlessness, panic, irritability, rage, confusion, memory problems, fatigue, insomnia, trembles, shortness of breath, and dissociation. These symptoms, if not addressed, can lead folks to suicide, sickness, and feeling useless to their team, ministry, or family. As Christians, we are in warfare. And if leadership does not understand this and know how to identify these symptoms within themselves and their followers, they can expect to see the same signs as displayed by Elijah on the battlefield.  Notice, Elijah went from a great mountain top victory to fear and depression and requesting to die. This happens when we do not understand warfare and battlefield disciplines.  CSR is real. Yet it can be overcome. The way you defeat CSR is through rest, vacation, preparedness, physical training, good personal hygiene, proper eating, and keeping your mind on Jesus. As Isaiah said: “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). Yes, CSR may be real, yet Jesus Christ is the answer to overcoming it and being victorious.  

Sing: O’ victory in Jesus, my Savior forever, He sought me, and He bought me, with His redeeming blood. He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him. He plunged me, to victory, beneath the cleansing flood. 

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 7 July 2023

Can We Trust the Bible?

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:20-21)

Today’s Morsel: Some folks have trouble with believing the Bible to be true. And yet some of those same folks have no trouble with what they hear on social media or read in other books. I often find that the reason lies in that folks do not have the Spirit of Christ, nor do they know and understand how the Bible applies to their life. They try to understand it by natural means. But notice what Peter says: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” The authors wrote based on what the Spirit told them to write. They were inspired by God as to what to write and speak.  The Bible is a spiritual book, not a natural book. If you try to understand the Bible through natural means, you are going to become confused and disappointed. The Bible isn’t for feeding the natural, carnal man, it’s for feeding the Spiritual man. The Bible is for helping you to develop your character. It teaches you how to treat people the way that you want to be treated. It gives you parenting skills, marriage tools, counsel, wisdom, and life’s lessons on money management, personal health, and relationship building with God and others, all through spiritual development.  You can trust the Bible. It’s the only book written over 2,000 years ago, that is still the number one best seller, and the one that most folks turn to when their life is turned upside down. The only way the Bible will not help you, is if you do not mix the words that you hear from it with your own faith.

Sing: The B-I-B-L-E, that’s the book for me; I stand upon the word of God, the B-I-B-L-E.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 6 July 2023

Keep Running

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” (1 Corinthians 9:24)

Today’s Morsel: Lately, I have been listening to reports and hearing reports of Christians who say that they are thinking about quitting the ministry and quitting church. When I hear these types of reports, I become as the prophet Isaiah when he said: “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.” (Isaiah 40:28-29) So, what is causing so much weariness that folks want to quit? I believe that the number one cause is a lack of persuasion. Folks are not persuaded that Jesus is who He said that He is (John 14:6-9), that He is coming back (John 14:2), and that the Bible is real (2 Timothy 3:16).  Folks are not fully persuaded about heaven. Everyone talks about going but no one wants to die, sang Mark Lowery. The reason the children of Israel spent 40 years in the wilderness was due to their unbelief. If you are not fully persuaded that you can win this race, you are more than likely going to be one of them that quit. Let me encourage you, this race isn’t like a natural race. This race isn’t given to the swift or the fastest. This race is won by all who endure to the end. The same way that every kid on a sports team, these days, is given a trophy if they remain on the team the entire season of play, it’s the same way with Jesus. If you endure until the end, doing those things He asked of you, you are going to be rewarded. So don’t quit. Quitting is seen as a lack of self-discipline. 

Sing: You’re going make it, you’re going to making it, you’ve got what it takes to win. And I know that you’re gonna make it, you’re gonna make it, just as long as you and Jesus stay friends. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 5 July 2023

Stay Prayerful but Use Your Inside Voice

“Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” (Psalms 5:1-3)

Today’s Morsel: One of the first things the apostles of Jesus asked of Him was to teach them how to pray.  They saw that John had taught his disciples how to pray, they had observed Jesus praying, and so they wanted to know how to pray. Prayer must be an integral part of every Christian’s life. As a matter of fact, it is your lifeline to heaven. But sad to say, many people do not know how to pray.  Some folks pray to be heard, while others pray to be seen, and others think that it presents them as being spiritual. Prayer is not shouting to the top of your lungs nor what you and others are going through. Nor is it spiritual warfare. Prayer is a tool for relationship building between you and Jesus. If you want your enemy to keep defeating you, keep yelling out telling him where you are, and what you are going through. Yelling on the battlefield lets your enemy know exactly where you are and gives him the advantage against you, which helps him to direct his forces against you,  Jesus said, “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:5-13) If you and Jesus are the only ones in the room, why do you need to yell and scream. I don’t think He’s deaf.  Even if others confess unto us their faults, or we know of other’s needs, we ought to use wisdom when praying for them in public places. Stay prayed up but use great wisdom in the process. 

Sing: Hear my cry O’ God, attend unto my prayer, from the ends of the earth will I cry unto Thee; and when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I, so much higher than I.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 4 July 2023

Freedom Is Not Free

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” (Romans 6:14-18)

Today’s Morsel: Today, America is again reminded that freedom is not free. Yes, she gained her independence from Great Britain by the hand of Almighty God, but it did not come without a price. As Thomas Paine would write, “These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated”?  The day that we take our freedom for granted, that is the day that we will lose it.

Sing: Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! His truth is marching on.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 3 July 2023

What Are You Wearing?

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” (Colossians 3:12-14)

Today’s Morsel: When you awake in the morning, do you have trouble deciding what you are going to wear that day?  Some folks want to look nice and modest because they respect themselves, while others could care less about respect for themselves, how they look, or what they have on. They say, no one is going to tell me what to wear or put on. But what does your attire reveal to others about who you are and your character? As a Christian, you should realize that you are a representation of Christ. No, no one can tell you what to wear, but there should be something inside you that speaks to you, cautions you as to whose you are, and remind you that you are an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).  We are told by the apostle Paul to put on holiness, compassion, kindness, humility, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, and love which is the bond of completeness. When we clothe ourselves the way that God’s word calls for us to, we will see just how beautiful holiness really is.

Sing: The windows of heaven are open; God’s power is falling tonight. There’s joy, joy, joy in my heart since Jesus made everything right. I gave Him my old, tattered garments, He gave me a robe of pure white.  I’m feasting on manna from heaven, and that’s why I’m happy tonight. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 1 July 2023

Is There Anything That Is New?

“The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10)

Today’s Morsel: The car advertisement says, “Come by and see our new models for 2023, you will be surprised.” The phone company says, “Check out our new 5G phones. Buy one and get a second one for free.” But are they new? Solomon states that there is nothing new under the sun. That which is, he said, has already been. You see, when God created the heavens and the earth, everything was created that we use, drive, or live in. Man mines and he finds ore, gold, silver, and coal, those items used for producing and making other items, but they were already created before during the creation.  The timber from trees is used to make paper, building materials, ball bats, rubber, medicine, chairs, and homes. The things which are, are the things which have already been. The things which God has already created cannot be made again. But man, on the other hand, was not created but rather formed from the dust of the earth. Therefore, because he was formed and not created, he can be made new. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Have you been born-again? 

Sing: Born-again, there has been a change in me. Born-again just like Jesus said. Born-again and all because of Calvary. I’m so glad that I’ve been born again.