Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 October 31

Take Heed

 

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 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. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” 

(Matthew 24:4-14)

 

Today’s Morsel: Have you been listening and wasting your time with social media drumming up the fear tactic of the end times? Don’t get me wrong, I believe that we had better be ready for the soon coming of the Lord. I believe we are getting closer and closer to Jesus’ soon coming. But we cannot live in fear of His coming, we must live in excitement and joy of His coming. As Paul said that for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. So, either way, we win. Jesus lays out what the end times will look like, and then He tell us not to be deceived by false teachers. There is a lot of loss and sorrow going on in the world right now. There is the drum beat of war and rumors of wars. There are kingdoms rising against kings. And there are famine and earthquakes in diverse places. The hate for Christians is coming, but the church has yet to be persecuted. This is the piece that we must get ready for. This is the piece that we need to prepare our hearts for. Now is the time to get things settled in your mind. Now is the time to determine if you are going to stand for Jesus or kneel to Satan. So take heed now, and you’ll stand when the time comes and you need to make the decision.

 

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 October 30

God’s Word Is Sure

 

“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5-6)

 

Today’s Morsel: You cannot know God by your own discovery, but Jesus will make Himself known to you through the written Word. Agur, of whom we know little about, it is supposed that he lived after the return from the exile of the children of Israel. If this is the case, then he would know that God’s Word is true. He would have heard when the Lord told Jeremiah that they would go into captivity, but that he would bring them back to Jerusalem again (Jeremiah 29:1-14) We can trust God’s Word. That is why Paul said, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4); “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.” (1 Corinthians 10:6). The stories which we read in the Bible are to show us the truth of God’s Word. When we read God’s Word, we can believe it.  Jesus warned “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35) This Word is life to all of them that have it. 

 

Sing: Take the name of Jesus with you, child of sorrow and of woe.  It will joy and comfort give you, take it then, wherever you go.

Precious name, O how sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heaven. Precious name, O how sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heaven. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 October 28

False Trust

 

“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” (Proverbs 28:26)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Looking back, how many of you have made a bad decision because you listened to someone who told you to just trust your heart? Most people who tell folks that haven’t read the Bible. I quoted today’s passage to a woman once, because I had heard her giving that advice to another lady who was struggling with a decision that she needed to make. She was totally shocked when I told her what the Bible says about trusting our heart. Jeremiah informs us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9) This is why, I believe, that Solomon warns us, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) We must learn to trust God, and not our feelings and emotions, because they can lead us astray. The Bible says,“Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” (Psalms 55:22) When you take it to Jesus, He will give you the ability to overcome what you may be struggling with. Don’t allow your flesh to cause you to accept false hope.

 

Sing: They that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint, teach me Lord, teach me Lord, to wait.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 October 27

Who’s Your Daddy?

 

“In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” (1 John 3:10)

 

Today’s Morsel: The Bible tells us that once we are born again of the water and the Spirt, we become sons and daughters of God. And now, God now expects us to reveal Him as our Father to others. Therefore, everyone that says that He abide in them, John said, “Ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1 John 2:6). Are you following His example before others? I should be able to identify you as a child of God by just looking at you. Jesus even said, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matthew 7:20) Are you displaying the fruit of the spirit in your life to others? Again, John helps us identify who belongs to God and who belongs to the devil. He said, “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” As long as you keep doing right and loving others, you will always reveal who your father is. 

 

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 October 26

Who Was That Masked Man?

 

“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. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.” (John 8:23-25)

 

Today’s Morsel: Some folks have asked if Jesus was God, why didn’t He just come out and say so. Well, He did, but Paul said that it is a mystery. You see, you learn more when you seek to solve a mystery or puzzle. If I just give you the answer to the problem, you learn nothing. But if you must work at it and figure it out for yourself, then it will stick with you forever. God said through the prophet Isaiah, “Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.” (Isaiah 43:10-12) He said, I’ve demonstrated to you who I am by declaring it, saving folks, and showing you by My actions and words. You’ve seen it, therefore you ought to be My witnesses as to who I am. Paul would inform Timothy, “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) God robed Himself in flesh. A great mystery.  Philip, who would become an evangelist, asked Jesus to show him the Father, to which, “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 14:9-11) And John, who was known as the beloved apostle, stated, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:1-3) Even John said that they were witnesses as to who He was. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. What was from the beginning? The Word of Life. “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.” (John 1:1-3) Who do you say was that Masked Man? “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” (John 5:39-40)

 

Sing: He is the Great I Am, the Everlasting Father, He’s the Prince of peace, the Great Eternal Wonder, Holy Counselor, and Zion’s Righteous Governor, He’s the Great, He’s the Great, I Am.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 October 25

With Thee

 

“Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms; And with thee will I break in pieces the horse and his rider; and with thee will I break in pieces the chariot and his rider; With thee also will I break in pieces man and woman; and with thee will I break in pieces old and young; and with thee will I break in pieces the young man and the maid; I will also break in pieces with thee the shepherd and his flock; and with thee will I break in pieces the husbandman and his yoke of oxen; and with thee will I break in pieces captains and rulers.” (Jeremiah 51:20-23)

 

Today’s Morsel: Sometimes we may not think that we do not have the wisdom, knowledge, and skillset to do the things that God may be asking of us to do. Many avoid the great commission because they don’t think they know enough about the Bible and the gospel to share it with others, while others avoid ministry because they feel that they do not have the ability to lead. The men that Jesus called to follow Him and that would become the apostles who turned their world upside down, probably didn’t have the abilities when they were first called. But after spending time with Jesus, seeing and hearing Him teach, they learned how to put into action those things which He did and said before them. What does God desire to do with you? The Lord said of Israel through Jeremiah, “Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms; And with thee will I break in pieces the horse and his rider; and with thee will I break in pieces the chariot and his rider; With thee also will I break in pieces man and woman; and with thee will I break in pieces old and young; and with thee will I break in pieces the young man and the maid; I will also break in pieces with thee the shepherd and his flock; and with thee will I break in pieces the husbandman and his yoke of oxen; and with thee will I break in pieces captains and rulers.” Israel represents the church, and it is through the church that God will bring down our foes, for it is He that shall tread down our enemies. What will God do with you? How will history close your chapter in the book of life?

 

Sing: Jesus use me, O’ Lord, don’t refuse me, for sure 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 October 24

Need Help?

 

“Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.” (Psalms 12:1)

 

Today’s Morsel: You know, I have come to realize that people just aren’t honest. You ask them how they are doing, and they tell you, “Oh, I’m fine.” When inside they are being destroyed. No one can help you if you aren’t honest. Sometimes the things that you may be struggling with can be healed with just a word of encouragement or prayer. Other times you may just need someone to listen to what you have to say. Every time that I call the VA appointment number to get an appointment, a prerecording comes on asking if I need help with suicidal thoughts or other ailments. They want to help me if I am in need. How much more the church. I wonder if church phone numbers offer a help line. The church is to be a hospital you know. The psalmist called for God to help him, because the godly man ceased, and the faithful man fail among the children of men. He needed help. Jesus said that we have not because we ask not. I don’t know what you are struggling with in your life, but I do know that if you ask God for His help, He will hear you and send you help. David said, “The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;” (Psalms 20:1-2) He said that God would hear you and send you help from the church to strength you. What do you need help with today? Have you sought God or reached out to others? “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” (Psalms 50:15)

 

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 October 23

Member Benefits

 

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.” (Psalms 68:19)

 

Today’s Morsel: Are you a member of one of those groups that offer you benefits for being a member? I saw this ad the other day telling me all the benefits that I was entitled to just because I am over 65. I will be honest with you, when I do go to places to eat or to buy things, I do ask them if they have senior or military discounts. Yes, I want the benefits for what they say that they provide. Even Jesus offers us benefits for being a member. Listen to what David said, “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.” (Psalms 103:1-5) And John said, “And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.” (1 John 2:25) Are you a member in good standing? “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:26-29) If you aren’t a member of the church for any other reason, you ought to be just so that you can receive the benefits of eternal life and heaven.

 

Sing: What a fellowship, what a joy divine leaning on the everlasting arms; what a blessedness, what a peace is mine, leaning on the everlasting arms; Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarm, leaning, leaning, leaning, on the everlasting arms.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 October 21

Still Serving

 

“And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” (Luke 2:36-37)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the fallacies I see in the church today is the lack of use of elders, both men and women, in teaching and sharing the gospel. Much talent is being wasted on the church pew. I remember my first School of Missions, as a brand-new missionary. Brother Stanley Chambers, a great elder, was there to speak to us for Morning Devotion. He was at least 90 years old.  He could barely walk and talk, but I will never forget the message that he delivered. His title was, “Little Foxes that Spoils the Vine.” (Song of Solomon 2:15). What got my attention was not only was he a great man of God, and his message impacted me so dearly, but also that he was still serving in his old age. Scripture said, “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” (Psalms 92:12-15) The scripture said that Anna, a prophetess, was of great age. How old was she? Well, she was a widow for 84 years, she was married for 7 years, that would be 91, and if she was 20 when she married, she would be well over 111 years old (I am just guessing here). But no matter how old she was, scripture says she departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. Are you serving? Don’t ever think that you aren’t valuable to the Kingdom of God. If you have breath, you can serve.

 

Sing: Jesus use me, Oh 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 October 20

Healing on The Sabbath

 

“For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other. Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; And charged them that they should not make him known: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.” (Matthew 12:8-18)

 

Today’s Morsel: It seems that everywhere we turn, someone in the church is battling some kind of illness or sickness. What is going on? In 2015, we here in Wisconsin received a prophetic word from the Lord that there would be much sickness, and that many would turn to man for their healing, but He would not leave us nor forsake us. But I am afraid that the church is becoming more and more like the children of Israel each day. Israel had complained and murmured so much, that when it was time for them to go into the Land of Promised, after having received the evil report from the spies, they were afraid and could not believe that God could deliver them from their enemies. And so, they turned to man, and found themselves wondering in the wilderness for another 40 years. Throughout scripture, we see that Jesus desired to do many great things for His people, but because of their unbelief He could do no mighty works. He healed some, on other occasions he healed them all, while on others he healed none, because they rejected Him. Has God changed? Has He lost His power? No! Jesus said that all things are possible to him that can believe. Even when we don’t believe, if we are obedient to God and His word, He will still work wonders. There isn’t anything mentioned about the man with the withered hand having faith that Jesus healed. Jesus wanted to prove a point to the religious Jews, who were accusing Him of healing on the Sabbath. They were more upset that Jesus was drawing a crowd of follower and they were not. So, they had to try to find something to accuse Him of to stop His success. But you can’t stop God. Jesus had told them that He did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it. When He told them that He was the Lord of the Sabbath, it went right over their head. You see, when you are submerged in tradition, you don’t listen when someone is trying to show you a better or new way. When they missed the point that He was God, The Lord of The Sabbath, He turned to the man with the withered hand and healed him to show that He was God, and that it was legal to do good on the sabbath. Don’t allow tradition to stop you from receiving what God is trying to show and teach you. He wants to do great things in these last days, so don’t lean unto your own understanding.

 

Sing: Who is this who comes with healing for the halt the blind the lame, saying softly to the sinner follow me.  Only come in faith believing as of old the people came, and the lame shall walk, the blind again shall see.

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 October 19

Now Hear This

 

“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)

 

Today’s Morsel: “Now hear this" is a phrase used particularly in the United States Navyaboard ships to instruct personnel to give "attention to an order or command about to follow". Throughout scripture we see the same principle is used by Moses to give a command or an order from God to his people. The Lord speaking through the prophet Isaiah, to give warning to His people states, “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... For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Are you feeling fearful today? Have you been delivered bad news about your health or a situation? Well, now hear this, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 54:17) Listen up, you can be strengthened and encouraged by the Word of God.  

 

Sing: My God is bigger than all my problems, bigger than all my fears, yes, my God is bigger than any mountain that I can or cannot see. He’s bigger than all my questions, bigger than all my thoughts, yes, my God is bigger than any mountain that I can or cannot see.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 October 18

 Mail Call 

“And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.” (Colossians 4:16)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the things that most soldiers looked for at the end of the day was mail call. They all wanted to hear from home. Sometimes in battle, when you are lonely and starting to feel discouraged, mail call and a letter from home of what everyone is doing, can give you the needed strength t0 keep you going. I am sure that there were times that the church wanted to see Paul again. But in those days, travel was oftentimes long and not coming. So a letter from their leader, Paul, was enough encouragement for them to keep going. He told them, And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.” (Colossians 4:16). You see, these churches weren’t that far apart. And once one church received its letter and read it, they were to share it with the other church, and visa-versa. This reminds me a lot of like my basic training days. I had a couple guys in my unit that were from my same hometown. And so, when I received a letter from home, I shared with them what was happening to keep them encouraged too. This is one of the reasons why, that when we read our Bible, we are to share these letters of the good news of the gospel from home (heaven) with others, so that they too can be encouraged and strengthened as well as we. Are you sharing your letters from home.

 

Sing: Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word.  Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 October 17

Developing A Heart Like Joseph

 

“And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.” (Genesis 39:2-6)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the things that we see about Joseph is that he was a humble man, and one who kept God at the forefront of his life. We don’t read where Joseph developed his character, but it is shown throughout the pages in the way the way he conducts himself and carries out his duties. Here is a man sold into slavery, and yet we read nothing about him trying to escape from his captivity, nor trying to kill his master. When his master’s wife tried to seduce him, he fled. And in the end, when he had the power to get even with his brethren and others who did him wrong, he forgave them. Scripture says that Potiphar didn’t even know what was in his house, because he trusted Joseph because he saw that God was with him. This is the kind of heart that every born-again believer ought to have. We ought to not harbor bitterness when others say things or do us wrong. We must keep our hearts pure and allow God to fight our battles. Joseph knew that God was with him and was watching over him. And when Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him, he told her that he could not sin against God and her husband. The Bible tells us to mark the perfect man for the end of that man is life. Joseph is a good example for all of us, not only in faith, but also in character, conduct, and action.

 

Sing: Create in me a clean heart, O’ God, and renew a right spirit within me. Create in me a clean heart, O’ God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence O’ God take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.  Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and renew a right spirit within me.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 October 16

Switch And Save

 

“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.” (Ephesians 4:21-24)

 

Today’s Morsel: We continue to read and receive advertisements from phone companies and internet services telling us to switch to their company and save. But do we save, and are we really saving? Paul said, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) It is the gospel that saves, the gospel which is Jesus Christ.  “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) No phone or internet services can save you. God’s will for us all is that we be saved. Peter said, “For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. 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: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:” (1 Peter 3:17-21) The only way that you can be saved is by switching to Jesus Christ. He is the only one that can save your soul. Why not switch and be saved today.

 

Sing: Only Jesus can satisfy your soul, for only He can change your life and make it whole. He’ll give you peace you never knew, sweet love and joy, and heaven too, for only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 October 14

Times and Seasons

 

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-11)

 

Today’s Morsel: Here we are in the fall of the year. Trees that brought us beauty and shade, are now losing their foliage and dying off. Old lives are dying off and new lives are being born. Short sleeves and T-shirt are being put away, and jackets, coats, sweaters, caps, gloves, long pants, and boots, are being brought out. Pools are now closed, and kids are back in school. Corn and nuts are now being harvested, and implements are being winterized. Air conditioners are being turned off and heaters are being turned on. To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Wouldn’t it be neat if we knew the purpose for the things which God does? But we can’t. The Bible says, “There is no searching of his understanding.” (Isaiah 40:28). Paul states, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33) And Job said, “God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.” (Job 37:5) And Solomon encourages us to just trust God and enjoy the times and seasons and to know, “He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also, he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.”  Trust Jesus, sit back, relax, and enjoy the season you are in.  

 

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

And I trust in God, I know He cares for me, on the mountain bleak, or out on the stormy sea, though billows roll, He keeps my soul, my heavenly Father watches over, over, me. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 October 13

Know The Reasons for the Battles You Fight

 

“Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.” (Proverbs 20:18)

 

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever encountered anyone who is always fighting the devil? What about someone who blames the devil for everything that is going on in their life? There are those who are always restless because they are in warfare against the devil. I will tell you that I have served two combat tours, and even though I knew that we had an adversary, I still found time to sleep, rest, laugh, go to church, pray, hold Bible studies, and eat. Do you know why? Because I knew that others had my back the same way that when they were sleeping, resting, eating, and doing the same things, I was protecting for them. If you were to ask some folks who tell you that they are in a fight with the devil, they cannot tell you the reason they are fighting. Scripture says, with good advice make war. Some fight you may just need to leave for God or wait for Him to direct you.  If all you are doing is fighting hell, you are going to wear yourself out. Isn’t it amazing that in scripture we don’t see the New Testament Church fighting any physical wars. That’s because our warfare is spiritual not carnal. As the song writer said, the weapons we use are not bombs and guns, worship is the way that the battle is won. So, if the battle is won through worship, why are you fighting the devil. My Bible says that Satan is locked up (Revelations 20). So, who are you fighting?  Why would you want to fight a locked-up devil? Peter doesn’t seem to be too concerned for one minute when Herod locked him up and intended to kill him after Easter because he saw that it pleased the people after he killed James. And he had Peter chained between two guards and Peter went to sleep (Acts 12:6). You must know the reason for the battles you fight. As God told Jehoshaphat, you shall not need to fight in this battle, take a ring side seat, the battle is not yours but the Lord’s (2 Chronicles 2o) So, there isn’t a need for me to waste my time with the devil. God will tell me when I need to gird on my sword for war.  If the battles are won through worship, that’s where I’m putting my energy.

 

Sing: Let God arise, and His enemies be scattered, let God arise, and His enemies be scattered, let God arise, and His enemies be scattered, let God, let God, arise.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 October 12

Foolish Things

 

“The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.” (Proverbs 21:8)

 

Today’s Morsel: When we fail to obey the truth of God’s Word, we are more prone to do a lot of strange things. We may find ourselves doing more sinful things when we refuse to obey scripture. We may find ourselves in perverseness, greed, and many hurtful lusts. We may find ourselves being led away from our own steadfastness. We are more apt to lie, cheat, and steal. We are often looking over our shoulders finding excuses to support our reason for leaving the church. It is never our fault when we do not obey God’s Word, it’s always someone else’s. Saul blamed the people for his lack of obedience. Paul said, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” (Romans 1:21-32) When we are not thankful for what God has done for us, we can see what evils will come. All the evils that we see in the world today are due in great part because people have not a love for the truth, they are not thankful, and they no longer have a love for God. 

 

Sing: If anyone should ever write my life story, for whatever reason there might be, You'd be there, between each line of pain and glory, Cause You’re the best thing that ever happened to me, Oh You’re the best thing that ever happened to me, Jesus, You’re the best things that has ever happened to me.