Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 31

 Running To Win 

“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: Every racer you observe, they are all running to win. You have entered a race for your life, and you should run to win. You should not have things that are hindering you from crossing the finishing line.  Paul tells us, “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.” (Hebrews 12:1-2) You can win this race. Solomon says that it is not given to the swift, but to him that endures. You are not competing against anyone but yourself. That is why it takes self-discipline. And so, you must ask yourself, if the crown that Jesus has laid up for you is worth winning. If not, then you are more than likely going to drop out of the race. But if it is, then run to obtain it, because great is your reward in heaven.

 

Sing: I’m running for my life, I’m running for my life, I’m running for my life, I’m running for my life.  If anybody asks you, what’s the matter with me; tell them I’m saved, sanctified, Holy Ghost filled, and water baptized; I’ve got heaven on my mind, and I’m running for my life.

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 30

 Not Ashamed 

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17)

 

Today’s Morsel: What is your understanding of the gospel? If someone were to ask you about the gospel, would you be comfortable enough to explain to them how the gospel works and how it changed your life? I wish churches would get back to testimony services. I have seen many people committee their lives to Christ right in testimony services. I was in a service once, and there was a lady there for the first time in the service. The pastor was giving folks who wanted to share what God had done in their lives with the church. And this lady wanted to testify. She stood and told of her many sins, and what she had been through in her life. But then she said, I know that if it had not been for Jesus, my life would have been over a long time ago. Friend, that is not being ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God unto salvation. That woman was baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost, speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gave her the utterance, that very night. To be ashamed of the gospel is to be ashamed of Jesus, as He is the gospel. And Jesus said, “For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.” (Luke 9:26) You don’t need to be ashamed of what Jesus has done for you, that was the purpose for His coming, to seek and to save that which was lost. Standup and tell it. Somebody’s life may be changed because of your testimony. 

 

Sing: Standup and tell it if you love my Jesus.  Standup and tell it if you love my Lord. I want to know, yes, I want to know, if you love my Lord.

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 29

 Which Giant Can’t You Kill

“Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint. And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel. And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant. And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant. And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him. These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.” (2 Samuel 21:15-22)

 

Today’s Morsel: We see throughout scripture that Goliath wasn’t the only giant that David had to fight. Israel found themselves having to face many giants in the land. Israel represents the church, and she is going to face a whole lot of giants in these last days. We are the church, so we had better get battle ready for the giants that will come. There are going to be giant issues, giant challenges, giant states of depression, fear, hate, suicide, rebellion, backsliding, disunity, disrespect, loneliness, envy, jealousy, drunkenness, drug overdose, transgenderism, divorce, threats, and more. Are you fighting against any of these giants already in your life? Have you been trying to eradicate them from your life? Which one can’t you seem to defeat? David probably figured that the Philistines would always remember what he did to Goliath. But they failed to realize that Goliath had brothers. And they may have been young when David killed their brother. But now they are warriors, and desire to get revenged against David now that he is older and less of a threat. This is why you are never out of the woods with your enemy. When you were young, you may have defeated some of these things that I mentioned.  But now that you are older, they may come against you again to see if they can defeat you, now that you don’t have the same zeal to fight. What will you do?  Well, Jesus gives us the answer.  “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. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” (Isaiah 41:10-13). Always remember, the battle is not ours, it is the Lord’s.  We are battle-ready as long as we stay strong in Jesus and the power of His might.  

 

Sing: There is power in the name of Jesus. There is power in the name of Jesus. There is power in the name of Jesus, to break every chain, break every chain, to break every chain. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 28

 The Devil Went Down to UZ

“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.” (Job 1:6-12)

 

Today’s Morsel: The story of Job is a very intriguing story. Some have questioned why God would allow Satan to tempt Job, since Job was upright and a righteous man.  The story, I believe, is to show you and me that we have an adversary walking throughout the earth seeking whom he may devour. But God has us covered and protected from his evil desires as long as remain under His authority and blood.  But if we chose to walk away, and go the way of the world, we remove that protection and we are subject to every evil temptation, lust, and destruction that He sends our way. You don’t have to worry about Satan if you are obedient to God and His word. If you want to keep him away from you, just keep pleading the blood of Jesus, and letting him know that you know that Jesus is God, and you are aware of his end-state. Yes, old Satan went down to UZ, seeking for some souls to steal, but he realized that Job was protected by God. Anytime you, like Job, are a perfect and upright man, and one that fears God, and eschews evil, the devil is going to take notice and put a contract on you. But don’t worry, God has you covered and protected. Satan may cause you some harm, but Jesus said that if you endure to the end, He will give you a crown of life. So be strong and of good courage. You have a cloud of witnesses that are cheering you on.  You are going to make it.  

 

Sing: Greater is He that is in me, greater is He that is in me, greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 26

 Pleasant Words 

“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the most essential attributes of a Christian is that of sound speech. Paul instructed Titus, “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” (Titus 2:7-8) Notice, sound speech. Good healthy, pure, wholesome, and true speech that is timely and graceful. Speech that is presented in a loving manner and which enhances the reputation of a true Christian. Our words as Christians ought to always be pleasant words.  Sound speech that cannot be condemned. Words that build up and do not tear down. We should not sow discord among brethren, especially with our words. Are you aware that you can tell the truth about someone and still sow discord? Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones, Solomon said. Sticks and stones sure do break bones and word sure do hurt. So please choose your words wisely. “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalms 19:14) What does Jesus think about your words?   Think before you speak.  

 

Sing: Sing them over again to me, Wonderful words of Life; Let me more of their beauty see, Wonderful words of Life, words of life and beauty, teach me faith and duty. Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful words of Life. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 25

 The Greatest of These Three 

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

 

Today’s Morsel: I was asked the question as to how do we do greater things for God? Well, I believe that when Jesus spoke to His disciples these words, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (John 14:12), I think that He may have been speaking from the standpoint that after the disciple received His Spirit, they would take the gospel further then they had done while He was with them here on the earth. From what we read in scripture, Jesus, and the men that He chose and was training, only worked and operated within Jerusalem and the location of Israel. But once the disciples received the Holy Ghost, they went into all parts of the unknown world. If we track Paul’s missionary journey, he covered a lot more territory spreading the gospel with miracles, wonders, and signs. God was working with them. And so, they did greater things, but only because God was working with them. Paul speaks to the church at Corinth about love stating that there are three things that ought to abide in every believer. And those three things are faith, hope, and charity, which is love. But he said that the greatest of these is charity. Why is love the greatest of these three things that ought to be in us? Well, from scripture, we know that without faith, it is impossible to please God, and our faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Hope is what we are saved by; and it is the anchor which we have for the soul, which keeps us steadfast and rooted in Christ. But God is love (1 John 4:8). And there is nothing or anyone greater than God.  So love is the greatest of the three operating through us.  

 

Sing: Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness.  Beautiful for situations, the joy of the whole earth; is mount Zion on the side of the north, the city of the great King.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 24

 Beware Who You Are Supporting 

“It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.” (Proverbs 18:5)

 

Today’s Morsel: Around the world, we are starting to see a lot of people rioting and demonstrating in the streets, posting evil on social media, and revolting against their governments to join in with the wicked. We have even seen some join with the wicked to overthrow the righteous. One may ask, What is going on? Why is this happening? Paul said that in the last days, “Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:13) Jude said, “Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities...These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.” (Jude 1:8;16) And many of those in the streets today call themselves Christians and yet they have no knowledge as to what and who they are supporting. Paul wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 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.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) Again, Solomon says, “He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.” (Proverbs 17:15) There is just something that should not be named once among you as becoming a saint of God.  We need to represent Jesus in all we do.  

 

Sing: Well, I’m so glad that I’m a part of the family of God, I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood.  Joint heirs with Jesus, as we travel this sod. Well I’m so glad that I’m a part of, the family of God. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 23

 Don’t Forget God 

“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. And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-12)

 

Today’s Morsel: Moses, who was chosen to be the leader of the children of Israel, realized just how good God had been to them. He told them, “For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;” (Deuteronomy 4:7-9) He wanted them to understand just how blessed they were to have God with them and over them. He said, we are really a blessed people. Have you forgotten how good God has been to you? “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” (Deuteronomy 8:18) Everything that we have, and our ability to obtain it, comes from God. We can’t do anything without Him. This is why we must never forget Him. As David told his son Solomon, “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.” (1 Chronicles 28:9) Keep God at the forefront of your heart and mind, and you will never have to worry about anything.

 

Sing: I love Him too much to fail Him now, too much to break my vows. For I promised the Lord that I would make it somehow, and now I love Him too much to fail Him now.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 22

Maintaining Your Joy

 

“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.” 

(Habakkuk 3:17-19)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the things that the devil desires to do is steal your joy. He wants to take away your well-being, success, good fortune, and your long-lasting happiness. If he can prevent you from being content and in a state of tranquility, he knows that you will soon go into depression, quit, and lose hope of life. This is why you must learn how to motivate yourself so that you can maintain your joy. You see, if you can just maintain your joy in Jesus, everything else will fall in place. When the enemy tried to steal Job’s joy, Job said, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:” (Job 19:25-26) He was not about to allow the devil nor anyone else to steal his joy. Habakkuk said that nothing was going to steal his joy. He said that he was still going to rejoice even though everything else failed. You must maintain your joy or else you will soon fall into the state of woe is me. 

 

Sing: I get joy, joy, joy, when I think about the Lord, when I’m standing in His presence, I say give me more and more. Well, it starts in my hands, and it moves down to my feet, I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, all over me. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 21

 Do You Know Him? 

“For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45:18)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the most essential things that Christian’s ought to know is who God is. Everything in our lives, as far as being a Christian and having an understanding of how we are to live the Christian life, flows from our knowledge of who God is. Can you imagine working for someone and never knowing who you are working for, or who the head of the company is? When I enlisted in the military, one of the first things that we learned, as brand-new soldiers, who was in our Chain of Command. We all knew that the top guy was the President of the United States. Therefore, when I came into the church, I wanted to know who the top guy was. I quickly learned that it was Jesus Christ, “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” (Colossians 1:15-18) I pray that you know who Jesus Christ is. As without Him, we can do nothing.

 

Sing: He’s the great I Am, the everlasting Father. He’s the Prince of Peace, the great eternal Wonder, The Holy Counselor, and Zion’s righteous governor. He is the great, He is the great I Am.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 19

 Surprise! 

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1-3)

 

Today’s Morsel:  We all know that Jesus is going to come back for His people one day, just like the scripture says that it will happen. And the uniqueness is, none of us knows when or how this will take place. Now scripture does tell us of the disciples, “And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:10-11) He went up, and He will return the same way. But what if He appeared to you as He did with the woman at the well, in John chapter 4, “The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.” (John 4:25-26) Would you be surprised? Would you be caught off guard? Would you run and hide? Would you be doing something wrong? What will Jesus find you doing when He comes again? Will you be busy about your Father’s business or busy in another man’s matters? You never know when Jesus is going to show up, that’s why He tells us to watch so that we are not surprised.

 

Sing: When He calls me, I will answer; when He calls me, I will hear; when He calls me, I will answer; I’ll be somewhere, working for my Lord. 

I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord. I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 18

Is Your Salvation According To The Word of God or Man?

 

“Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.” (Romans 10:1-2) 

 

Today’s Morsel: What comes to your mind when you think about being saved? Every church and denomination will tell you that they have the salvation message. If that be the case, then why do we have so many denominations? Isn’t God one? Isn’t Jesus God? Didn’t Jesus establish only one way for people to be saved? Didn’t Paul us, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” (Romans 16:17) Did he not tell Timothy; “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” (1 Timothy 4:16). He even told the church at Galatia, “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9) They allow others to draw their minds away from the truth of God’s word. So, is your salvation according to the Word of God, or according to man? Peter lets us know that “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12). Luke informs us of the instructions preached at the initial establishment of the New Testament Church, “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:37-41) Have you compared what you were taught with the word of God? This is something that you must be one-hundred percent sure of. Eternity is a long time.  So, we all need to be certain today that our salvation is based on the truth of God’s word.  Hope to see you there!

 

Sing: Saved and I’m happy today, thanks be to God, for this I can say, that I’m saved and I’m happy today, I’m walking up the King’s highway.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Aug 17

Decisions Not Conditions Determine Your Character

 

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)

 

Today’s Morsel: As I have mentioned, our character is one of the most important things that we have. When people hear your name, what do they think about you? You see, those traits of character which ought to be seen in us, are developed in us by the decisions we make. Every time we make the decision to lie, cheat, steal, make an excuse for wrong, or to be unethical, we are not developing good godly character. But on the other hand, when we follow the established rule, and fulfill the vows and commitments that we make, we are developing good character. Some folks easily violate their character when their conditions or circumstances put their backs against the wall. But it’s not the lie that you tell, or the excuses you make, that gets your back off the wall, it is godly character that will get you off. Jesus said to let no man deceive you. Your character does counts.

 

Sing: I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 16

Let’s Walk In The Light

 

“O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.” 

(Isaiah 2:5)

 

Today’s Morsel: From the time that Jesus pulls us out of the darkness of the world, and we are born again of the water and the spirit, we must now walk in that marvelous light. We are now the children of the day and not of the night, Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:5. God is light and there is no darkness in Him at all (1 John 1:5). Therefore, we ought to walk in the light. When we walk in the light, we are walking in the gospel, we are obeying the gospel, we are sharing the gospel, and we are holding fast to the gospel, which is Jesus Christ. And if we do these things, we will always walk in the light. Come on and let us walk in the light of the LORD.  “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

 

Sing: Every hour of the day, keep me dear Lord I pray, let me walk in the gospel light; Let me hold fast to Him, so my way won’t grow dim, let me walk in the gospel light.

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 - 2023 August 15

You Can’t Outrun God

 

“Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken. Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep. So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not. And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah. Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; What is thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou? And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land. Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him, Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them. Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous. And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.” (Jonah 1:1-12)

 

Today’s Morsel: I like the story of Jonah. The story of Jonah is a story that shows us what happens when we don’t do what God tell us to do. Jonah could have just gone and preached to Nineveh the way that the Lord told him to do, and he would not have had to endure the suffering that he went through. But no, he chose to run away instead of obeying. Jonah knew that he couldn’t outrun God, but he thought that if he ran away, he wouldn’t have to do what God was telling him to do. Even today, some folks are trying to outrun God. They think that they can avoid doing what God’s word tells them to do and they will be saved. No, you are not going to be saved. You are going to be led into suffering, pain, and confusion, until you decide to do what God tells you to do. If Israel had done what God told them to do in the first place, they could have just walked right into the promised land, in what some scholars say was only an eleven-day journey out of Egypt. But no, they chose to murmur and complain and not obey, and they found themselves suffering for forty years in the wilderness to make the eleven-day journey.  In the end, Jonah goes to Nineveh and does what he should have done in the first place, telling them what he was told to tell them and saves the city. You may be the one that God has chosen to save your city, so stop running, and start telling them. Aren’t their lives important to you?

 

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

 

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 14

Are You Enjoying Life?

 

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” 

(John 10:10)

 

Today’s Morsel: Are you enjoying life or just existing through life? Life must be lived. If you see life as mundane and boring, you aren’t living, you are just existing. If your job is boring and unrewarding, you aren’t living, you are just existing. If church isn’t exciting and enjoying to you, you are just existing. Jesus came to give us life and that more abundantly. You see, an abundant life is a Spirit filled life. It’s a service life. It’s a life that realizes that it has been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. If your words oftentimes are “I’m so busy”, then you are just existing, you aren’t living. If you are in Christ, you ought to be living and never just be existing. You should always be full of life. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Enjoy the life Jesus has given you, start living!

 

Sing: I’ve found a new way of living; I’ve found a new life divine, I have the fruit of the spirit, I am abiding, abiding in the vine. 

Abiding in the vine, abiding in the vine, love, joy, health, peace, He has made them mine.  I have prosperity, power, and victory,  I am abiding, abiding, in the vine. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 12

Character

  

“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.” (Ephesians 5:1-4)

 

Today’s Morsel: There is no crash course that a person can take for character. You either have it or you don’t. Abraham Lincoln said that character is like a tree, and reputation is like the shadow of the tree. The shadow is what you think of the tree, but the tree is the real thing. It’s all about your character.  Most folks don’t think that character matters anymore because they are starting to pattern their lives after what they hear and see on T.V. and social media. Poor character doesn’t hurt others, it hurts you. The same is true with unethical behavior. It isn’t hurting others as much as it is hurting you. Character isn’t about others, it is all about you. “The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him, Solomon said.” (Proverbs 20:7) What is inside of you?  “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” (1 John 2:27) No man is a Christian without Godly character!

 

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 August 11

There Is Nobody Like Jesus

 

“To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?” (Isaiah 46:5)

 

Today’s Morsel: If you were to ask most folks who is the opposite of Jesus, they would tell you Satan. But that is not a true statement. Jesus has no equals, so He has no opposite.   When He says in John 10:30, I and my Father are one, He is letting us know that He is God. Jesus isn’t some separate person from God. He is God. This understanding comes only by revelation of truth. The disciples asked: “And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41); Anytime nature obeys Him, you know that it is God. “When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.” (Mark 2:5-12) Remember, can’t nobody forgive sins but God.  There is nobody like Jesus!

 

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 10

 Five Things that Can Destroy the Faith of Christians 

“And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)

 

Today’s Morsel: Four times in scripture, we read that the just shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38). So, what is hindering your faith? We know that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). So with that backdrop, nothing should destroy our faith. Let me share with you 5 things that will destroy your faith and what you ought to do to present it from happening. 

1.    Fear. Scripture says, “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10) Remember, fear did not come with the Holy Ghost. It is a product of Satan. So, keep it out of your life. 

2.   A Lack of Time Management: The writer of Hebrews tells us, “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” (Hebrews 5:12) You need to learn to keep God as priority one in your life. Not having enough time for the things of God will ensure you total defeat. 

3.   Busyness: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36) How much is your soul worth to you? If you are too busy to care for yourself, you have been deceived by the devil. Be productive, not busy.  Busy means: Being Under Satan’s Yoke. 

4.   A Lack of Joy in Spiritual Matters: “And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.” (Numbers 21:5). If you don’t find joy in spiritual matters, you sure won’t find it in the worldly. Everything that you do must be done as unto the Lord.

5.    A Lack of Attitude Adjustment: “And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” (Matthew 17:18-20) You must renew your mind. If you do not adjust your way of thinking, it will destroy your faith.

 

Remember, you became a Christian so that someday you would be able to live forever with Jesus. And the only way you will reach that goal is to walk and live by faith. 

 

Sing: My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine! Now hear me while I pray; take all my guilt away. Oh, let me from this day be wholly Thine!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 9

Glossed Over

 

“Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” 

(Proverbs 3:7)

 

Today’s Morsel: Sin oftentimes is so glossed over that people can’t detect nor recognize it. If you were to tell some folks that the things they are doing are sin, they would probably look at you and reject you. Even our thoughts can be sin if we are not careful. Eve believed the serpent when he told her that if she ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that she would be wise. She didn’t see the sin of disobedience in operation because the serpent concealed it from her. The sin of disobedience and temptation are oftentimes dressed in beauty. This is why you cannot be wise in your own eyes, as there is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is the way of death. Daily, you should pray and ask God to keep you covered in His blood, and to give you the spirit of discernment so that you can see truth from error.

 

Sing: Jesus hold my hand, Lord, I need Thee every hour. Through this pilgrim land, protect me by Thy saving power.  Hear my feeble plea, O’ Lord, look down on me.   When I kneel in prayer, Lord I hope to meet You there, blessed Jesus hold my hand. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker -2023 August 8

Halfway Is Part of The Journey

 

“So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.” (Genesis 45:24)

 

Today’s Morsel: Often in this Christian race, some folks are quick to go back into the world. They cite that serving God is too hard. Somewhat like the children of Israel, who were right at the door of their promise, but because of fear, wanted to go back to Egypt. Every time folks quick, I wonder and ask myself, how close were they to completing the journey. I’ve seen soldiers in basic training complete 4 or 5 weeks of an 8-week course, and then desire to quit and get out of the military. In some cases, by the time they received their discharge, they could have graduated and moved on to their next unit with their fellow soldiers. My friend and I were sharing about death and going to heaven a few days ago. We were comparing our age, and I told him that scripture says, “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” (Psalms 90:10) I told him that I’ve already crossed the 70-year mark, and so now I am just waiting for my number to be called so that I can fly away.  Come on my friend, don’t quit, halfway is just part of the journey.

 

Sing: For me, for me, for me, there’s a mansion there for me, in glory land so bright and fair where the victor’s crown, I soon shall wear; come and go with me, for I won’t be back you see.  If anybody’s going to be happy over there, it’s me, me, me, me, me!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 7

 A Good Team 

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” (Psalms 19:7-10)

 

Today’s Morsel: You ought to always have a good team of words to draw your wagon of thoughts from. Thoughts can run ramped within your head and lead you down the wrong road.  From the time your eyes are open in the morning, your thoughts start coming after you. You start thinking should I get up or sleep in. Do I go to work or stay home. Do I change jobs or keep the one that I have. Do I buy a new car or no. Do I go on vacation or stay home. Do I pray or sleep in. The list goes on and on. Therefore, you need a team of good words within you to help you pull those thoughts that keep coming your way so that you can keep them in line. Your thoughts become actions, and actions become habits. God’s word, if hidden in your heart, will ensure that those thoughts are being drawn in the right direction so that you do not drive yourself crazy and lose your mind, and lose your salvation.  Keep your heart and mind in order by having the word hidden in your heart.  

 

Sing: The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul, the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. More to be desired are they then gold, much fine gold, sweeter also than the honey, and the honeycomb.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 5

 Lost Talent

 “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:17-18)

 

Today’s Morsel: More talent is lost daily to the world because people don’t have the confidence within themselves due to fear, to do anything for Jesus. Everyone wants to go to heaven and be called a Christian, but few want to use their talents for Jesus to advance His kingdom. When I was a kid, I attended many gospel concerts, where men and women were using their talent to advance the kingdom of God. But then some of those same individuals started to listen to the devil, telling them that they could earn more money if they used their talent for him and the world. And many of them did, and they lost their lives because of the world’s ways. And that is what will kill you. Great godly talent lost to the world for money. I often wonder what Judas’ writings about Jesus may have been if he had not allowed money to pull his heart from Jesus, but rather if he had used his talent for the gospel’s sake? What are you using your talents for?  Keep your heart and mind on Jesus and use your talent for the Kingdom.  

 

 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 August 4

Following God

 

“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” (Proverbs 8:13)

 

Today’s Morsel: Do you every wonder what your life would be like if you hated what God hates and love what He loves? Do you know what destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah? It was their pride. “For thy sister Sodom was not mentioned by thy mouth in the day of thy pride,” (Ezekiel 16:56) God hates pride. It is an abomination to Him. It makes Him sick. Paul said that it would be one of the perils in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-7). Even Solomon tells us, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) If we get in the habit of hating what God hates, and loving what God love, then those things that He hates and that could destroy us and cause us hurt will not be a part of our lives.

 

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 August 3

Go In the Way of Understanding

 

“Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.” 

(Proverbs 9:6)

 

Today’s Morsel: When I was in the military, no matter what class I attended, at the end, the instructor would always ask us, “Do you understand?” It does you no good to hear and not understand. You can have all the education in the world but if you do not know how to use it, it does you no good. That’s why the old folks used to call people, educated fools. When you read the book of Proverbs, Solomon, the wisest man in the world, states, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7); “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:23). It does you no good to get or buy something and you don’t know how it works. Notice todays scripture, forsake the foolish, and live, and go in the way of understanding. It’s not enough to forsake the foolish, but we must join those that walk-in wisdom.  Is wisdom the way of understanding?  “I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.” (Proverbs 8:12-14) Which way are you headed? Is it in the way of understanding? “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). Yes, wisdom is the way of understanding.  Get wisdom, and with all your getting, get understanding.  

 

Sing: Where He leads me, I will follow. Where He leads me, I will follow. Where He leads me, I will follow, I’ll go with Him, with Him, all the way.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 2

We Are Not Saved By Things

 

“Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.” (Proverbs 10:2)

 

Today’s Morsel: Do you remember that old saying, “Whoso has the most in the end wins?”  Well really that is not true. It may be in board games, but in the game of life it’s the farthest thing from the truth. But people continue to slave themselves for the dollar in hopes to have enough to care for themselves in old age. But James says that tomorrow isn’t promised. He said that life is like a vapor, then poof it is gone. Moses said, “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalms 90:10-12) We aren’t saved by things. We are saved by God’s grace, Paul said in Ephesians 2:8. We can accumulate all the things and all the money in the world, but none of it can save you. Even Jesus asked, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26) “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” (1 Timothy 6:7). Salvation is the greatest treasure that you can have. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:38-42) Things won’t save you, but Jesus Christ will.  Find Him, and you have found everything.

 

Sing: I’m going to a city there will be no more night. I’m going to city where Jesus is the light. The trumpet’s gonna sound and I’ll be called away, I’m going to a city someday.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 1

A Door of Hope

 

“Therefore will I return, and take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and will recover my wool and my flax given to cover her nakedness. And now will I discover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers, and none shall deliver her out of mine hand. I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts. And I will destroy her vines and her fig trees, whereof she hath said, These are my rewards that my lovers have given me: and I will make them a forest, and the beasts of the field shall eat them. And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD. Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt. And it shall be at that day, saith the LORD, that thou shalt call me Ishi; and shalt call me no more Baali. For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name. And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely. And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.” (Hosea 2:9-20)

 

Today’s Morsel: Sometimes, when we read the word of God such as in the book of Hosea, things may appear evil and negative. But, when we read things in scripture that appear evil and negative, it is God’s way of revealing and showing to us what happens when we do not keep Him in His rightful place in our lives. We are told at the onset of scriptures that we must not have any other god before the one true God, Jesus Christ, in our lives. Israel had violated that principle, and God wanted them to see who they had now become by sending Hosea to marry a woman of whoredom. But God tells him that he will bring her into the wilderness and speak comfortably to her. When God desires to show us our sin, he doesn’t bash us, He speaks comfortably with us through His word and His ministers to us.  We see and hear words such as I have loved thee with an everlasting love, thou art mine, I will hold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. He tells Hosea that He will make the valley of Achor as a door of hope. The valley of Achor was where Achan and his family were killed for taking the forbidden things from Jericho. Achor means trouble. So what God was saying, I believe, is that even in our troubles, He will speak comfortably with us and set a door of hope right before us that will lead us out of our troubles and back to Him all because He still loves us. 

 

Sing: I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore.  Very deeply stained within sinking to rise no more.  But the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry, from the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

Love lifted me, love lifted me, when nothing else could help, love lifted me.  Love lifted me, love lifted me, when nothing else could help, love lifted me.