Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 29

How High Can You Jump?

 

“For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God save the LORD? Or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.” (Psalms 18:29-33)

 

Today’s Morsel: When I was in high school, I wanted to be in track. And so I went out for the pole vault. I thought it was neat to be able to run with this long pole and propel yourself into the air over this high cross bar. Things were going well until I didn’t clear the cross bar and it came down and smacked me across the head. Then I thought maybe I should participate in the lower jumps! David said that he had run through a troop and leaped over a wall. Now I understand that, as this was very much of my initial military training. We were always jumping over walls and simulating combat. And the same ought to hold true with our trials and troubles. With Christ’s help, we ought to be able to leap over them when they come our way. We must not allow them to stop us from reaching our goals. Jesus said, behold I give you power to tread over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Are you feeling that you are being weighed down with trials and troubles? Do you feel that something is in your pathway that is preventing you from reaching your goal. Then why not leap over it and not allow it to hinder your advancement in the things of God.

 

Sing: I can run through a troop and leap over all wall.  Hallelujah, Hallelujah! He’s my sword and my shield, He gives power to all. Hallelujah, Hallelujah! Well, He’s the Rock of my salvation, in Him there is no condemnation. I can run through a troop and leap over a wall. Hallelujah, Hallelujah! 

 

Thought For Today: Sometimes you must leap over the things that you wish to overcome.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 28

Beware of Unbelief

 

“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” (Hebrews 3:12)

 

Today’s Morsel: Over the past few years, there seems to be a great shift in the commitment of many who said that they love and would serve God.   There has been many falling away. Many seem to be compromising on Truth. Church just doesn’t seem to have the same importance as it once did in their lives. The elderly saints are not given opportunity to speak into the lives of many any longer. Holiness and separation living from the world doesn’t seem important to most any longer. But as Paul told the church at Corinth: “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3) The truth about Jesus is very simple. He is God, and the enemy desires to corrupt and distort your understanding of that knowledge the same way that he did Eve. You see, if he can get you to not believe, he knows that you will depart from the faith and no longer serve God, and you will return to your old way of life. That is his overall goal.  So, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” (Colossians 2:8-10) Christ made you free, so stay that way!

 

Sing: Standing on the Rock of ages, safe from every storm that rages. Rich, but not of Satan’s wages, I’m standing on the solid rock.

 

Thought For Today: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 27

The Grace of God

 

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” (Titus 2:11-15)

 

Today’s Morsel: Paul told the church at Ephesus that it was based on God’s grace that we are saved. Grace is not only getting something that we did not deserve.  It is not only God’s unmerited love which He’s shown to us. Grace is also God’s divine influence in your life. When God saves us, He empowers us to become holy. Notice what Paul tells Titus here:  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. God’s grace is supposed to change you. It ought to cause you to pushback on sin and cause you to avoid wrongdoing. Lusting after the things of this world. Bad conduct and immoral actions. As well as developing poor character. Again, as Paul told the church at Ephesus: “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 5:3-4) God’s grace ought to inspire us to follow and have a strong desire for the things of God and lead us to holiness and godly living.

 

Sing: Grace! Grace! God’s grace, grace that pardon and cleanse with in. Grace! Grace! God’s grace, grace that is greater than all our sins.

 

Thought For Today: For by Grace are you saved.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 26

Don’t Disrespect God

 

“And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.” (Mark 3:22-30)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the biggest fallacies that some folks make is that when they do not understand the word of God, they are quick to find fault and to criticize the Bible, and to speak disrespectfully against it without seeking for understanding.  And because of their lack of understanding, they can easily disrespect God or the things that are holy not considering the consequences. Jesus told His disciples: “If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.” (John 15:22-27) To blaspheme, and the blaspheme against the Holy Ghost, means to show disrespect for God or something that is holy. Or something that one says or do to show disrespect toward God or these things.  The Ten Commandments begins with a call to show respect. Not only to God, but to our neighbors as well. You can disrespect the president, politicians, teachers, police officers, and even your parents and perhaps get away with it; But when it comes to God and the things of God, we had better be very careful about the things that we say against Him that are disrespectful. Solomon states that God has no pleasure in fools (Ecclesiastes 5:4) as it is the fool which saith in his heart that there is no God (Psalms 14:1).  John said: “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20) Remember, Jesus is God manifested in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16).  Be cautious of your words.  

 

Sing: He is the great I Am, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the great eternal Wonder, Holy Counselor, and Zions righteous Govern, He is the great He is the great I Am.

 

Thought For Today: Don’t speak disrespectful of and towards God!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 24

The Light That Gets You Out of Darkness

 

“If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.” (Psalms 139:11-12)

 

Today’s Morsel: When we are sinners and living in the world, we associate the church as being in darkness. But once we come into a relationship with Jesus Christ, we come to the light, because God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. The psalmist said, the darkness and the light are both alike to Christ. No matter if we are in the church or in the world, God is the same. He's still light. The darkness cannot prevent God from finding you and shining on you. Paul told the church at Corinth: “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4) Satan’s goal is to blind you. And he’s doing a pretty good job at it with confusing people’s minds, so that they will have a hard time understanding, not only the gospel, but also who they are. But Paul said that the gospel is design to bring you to the light, which is Jesus Christ, so that, “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,” (Ephesians 1:18-19) No matter how dark your world around you may seem right now, if you seek for Jesus He will be found of you, and you will find yourself standing in the light and not in darkness.

 

Sing: Send the light the blessed gospel light, let it shine from shore to shore. Send the light, the blessed gospel light, let it shine forever more.

 

Thought For Today: “For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.” (Psalms 36:9)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 23

Are You Complete?

 

“And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” (Colossians 2:10)

 

Today’s Morsel: I have come to realize that a lot of people are struggling with who they are. They say that they are Christians, but they keep living in the past, they keep trying to change who they are through makeup, Botox shots, and weight programs. I’m sorry, but that stuff doesn’t change you. It’s an outward expression of a hurting heart inside. Not until you change who you are inside, will you be content on the outside. If I am a Christian, then my satisfaction and completion is in Christ. Nothing else matters. My goal is to now please Him. He is now the head of my life. The joy that I was missing I find in Him. The peace that I was missing, I now find in Him. The beauty I think I was missing; I now find in Him. As He makes all things beautiful in His time. Stop wasting your money trying to change the outside. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.” (Ezekiel 36:26-28) Turn your life over to Jesus and allow Him to make you complete in Him.

 

Sing: Well, I’ve been changed, I am newborn now, all my life has been rearranged.  What a difference it made when the Lord came to stay, in my heart, oh yes, I’ve been changed.

 

Thought For Today: “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 22

It’s Still A Hog

 

“As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.” (Proverbs 11:22)

 

Today’s Morsel: As a young country boy living on the farm, one of my highlights was helping my dad put rings in the hogs’ noses to prevent them from continuously rooting out of the pen. No matter how much make-up, miniskirts, and jewelry that Hollywood or the cartoons put on Miss Piggy, she’s still a hog. A hog is still going to be a hog and return to the muck and mire no matter how much you clean them up. As Peter said: “But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” (2 Peter 2:22) You can spend thousands of dollars to have a dog groomed or sent to doggie daycare to teach him how to obey and have fun with other dogs. But it’s still a dog and it’s going to act like a dog.  It’s going to bark even when you tell it to hush and be quiet.  Solomon’s call here is not to degrade people or to make them feel bad. His call is for wisdom, knowledge, instruction, and understanding. And he compares putting a costly jewel in a hog nose, to a good-looking or beautiful woman which has no discretion. It’s a waste. As Paul states: “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” (1 Timothy 2:9-10) Those words shamefacedness and sobriety means with honor and respect and sound-mindedness and self-control. “When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:” (Proverbs 2:10-15) As a woman of God, it’s your character that make you beautiful.

 

Sing: Would you be free from your passion and pride? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood; Come for a cleansing to Calvary’s tide; there’s wonderful power in the blood.

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

 

Thought For Today: Discretion can keep you from a lot of trouble. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 21

Put Your Own Mask On First

 

“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.” 

(Acts 2:37-40)

 

Today’s Morsel: If you have ever flown on an airplane before, you have heard the safety briefing that states if the plane loses altitude pressure and the masks drop from the ceiling, to put your mask on first before helping others. The reason is clear, if you become unconscious you aren’t going to be able to help anyone else. The same is true with salvation, if you are not saved, you are not going to be able to help anyone else. Peter told the people on the day of Pentecost to save themselves from this untoward generation. And about 3,000 heard him and responded. You can do all the good in the world to help others, but if you are not saved, it will do you no good.

 

Sing: For above all else, I must be saved. For above all else, I, must be saved. Lord whatever, You have to do to me, don’t let me be lost for eternity. For above all else, I must be saved.

 

Thought For Today: Save yourself from this untoward generation.

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 20

I’m Going Through

 

“And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word: But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD. Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.” (Numbers 14:20-24)

 

Today’s Morsel: From the time that the Lord sent Moses in to lead the children of Israel out of bondage, Joshua, and Caleb set their hearts on what God had said and had promised. They were not about to allow anything to deter them from reaching their goal. Yet many complained and murmured, and they died in the wilderness without obtaining the promise. The writer of Hebrews said of them: “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” (Hebrews 4:2) Anytime we hear God’s word we should mix it with our faith so that it will come to fruition. The Lord told Moses, But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it. From the time you are saved, your focus ought to be on the promise that God has gone to prepare for you. You must change your attitude, or you will miss the promise. 

 

Sing: Well, I’m going through, yes, I’m going through, I’ll pay the price no matter what others do. I’ll take the way with the Lord’s despised few.  I started out with Jesus and I’m going through. 

Thought For Today: Heaven is just around the corner!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 19

Habits

 

“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east. And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.” (Job 1:1-5)

 

Today’s Morsel: When I first became born-again, my pastor would stand in the pulpit, look straight at me, hold up his Bible and say, “Brother Rufus, you must love this more than anything else in the world. And he did that every service. I never heard him say it to anyone else. And so, I took him at his word and started doing what he said. And now, I have people asking me how do I memorize so many scriptures? I am in no way proud or boastful of this ability that God has given me. I am just grateful that someone inspired me to love the Word of God, and that God has given me the ability to memorize His word. Memorization and the study of God’s word has become a habit for many years for me. There is just so much that flows from the pages of the Bible. As Christians there are certain things that ought to become a habit in our lives. Things such as prayer, reading and studying the Bible, going to church, giving, and witnessing, these things ought to top the list. The Bible says of Job, that when Job’s children went about their feasting, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, it may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually. Notice it became a habit of his. The Lord told Joshua to make reading and studying the word a habit in his life and that he would be strong and have great success. And Paul told Timothy, “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 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 4:13-16) When you make something a habit, it oftentimes means that you love it. Remember the acronym for bread.  Bible Reading Enriches Any Day.

 

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

 

Thought For Today: Bible Reading Enriches Any Day

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 17

The Bond of Perfectness

 

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

 

Today’s Morsel: How many of you have ever gotten super glue on your fingers and then you touched another finger? Stuck pretty good, didn’t it? But other things it will not hold no matter how much of it that you may apply. But Paul says that when it comes to love that is the bond of perfectness. And it will hold you to whatever you attach yourself to. What does it mean by bond of perfectness? It means that because Jesus is love, and that He is perfect, if we attach ourselves to Him, we too can become perfect. When we are baptized in Christ, we are putting on Christ. And when we put on Christ, we are putting on love. And this is what holds us together, His love. As John said: “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.” (1 John 4:17) What are you attaching yourself to?

 

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

 

Thought For Today: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 16

Rooted And Grounded In Love

 

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” (Ephesians 3:14-19)

 

Today’s Morsel: Would you say that you are a devoted and committed Christian, or a parttime Christian? When I was in the military, and someone would ask me what the difference was between the Regular Army and the Army National Guard and Reserves, we would jokingly say, “They are parttime soldiers.  We are 24/7 warriors they are weekend warriors.”  But we know that that is not true. They are a part of the bigger picture and are well needed.  Paul said that he prayed that God would grant to the church, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. You see, when there is a lack of understanding and knowledge as to who God is, it can hinder or prevent you from knowing the meaning and depth of things which He speaks to for your development. As Paul told the church at Colossi: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” (Colossians 2:8-9) When you are rooted and ground in love, it means that you are rooted and grounded in Christ and that you understand and know who Jesus Christ is, and nothing is going to separate you from Him (See Romans 8:35-39). How deep is your love for Him?

 

Sing: Deeper! Deeper! In the love of Jesus, daily let me go. Higher! Higher! In the school of wisdom more of grace to know.

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

 

Thought For Today: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 

(2 Timothy 2:15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 15

Faith That Worketh by Love

 

“For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” (Galatians 5:6)

 

Today’s Morsel: I’m sure that most of you have heard the adages that it takes two to tango, and that two are better than one, and that if one falls the other can help him up. We often classify good friends as two peas in a pod. There’s just something about two. Paul informed the church at Galatia that faith worketh by love. In other words, when you see faith in operation in a person’s life, you will find that love is behind it and pushing it. As he told the church at Cornith: “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” (1 Corinthians 13:13) If we do not have a sincere love for God and the things of God, our faith will have nothing to encourage it and to help it do what it is supposed to do.  It will be weak and die. So, allow love to help you build up yourself on your most holy faith.

 

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.

 

Thought For Today: What’s pushing your faith.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 14

 A Love Song

“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.” (Colossians 3:18-19)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Around the world today folks will celebrate Valentine’s Day. Millions will be spent on candy, flowers, dinners, gifts, and cards to express one’s love. I don’t think that this should be the only day that we express love to the person we have already stated that we love. We should be showing that love in these ways on a continuous basis. But sad to say, we often time stop courting when we’ve been together for a while. We don’t do a lot to keep the vows fresh.  The same way that the flowers that you buy are going to wilt away and die, your relationship will do the same if it is not kept attached to the root. Your love for your spouse and children must not be an occasional thing. It must become a habit in your life. 

 

Sing: In moments like these, I sing out a song, I sing out a love song to You, Lord. In moments like these, I lift up my hands, I life up my hands to the Lord. Singing I love you Lord, singing I love You Lord, singing, I love you Lord, I Love you.

 

Thought For Today: Love for others must become a habit in your life.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 13

Be Ye Holy

 

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16)

 

Today’s Morsel: A lot of folks in the church struggle with holiness because they do not know what it really is. Holiness means to be set apart. To be separate from the world and consecrated unto God. Some folks think that holiness is what you wear. When in truth, holiness is who you are. It is God’s character being developed in your life. Holiness is a desire and commitment to be like Christ, in all manner of actions, conduct, and behavior. Paul said that the will of God is that we know how to possess this vessel in which we live in honor.  You see, when you are set apart for a special purpose and cause, you don’t allow anything to get close or come into your life that may render you unusable. So, you must ask yourself, do I want to be like Christ? If you do, then you must learn to love the things that He loves and hate the things that He hates. If you are not willing to do that, then the likelihood of you becoming holy will never happen. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.

 

Sing: Holiness, Holiness, is what I long for. Holiness is what I need. Holiness, Holiness, is what I long for, holiness is what I need. So, take my heart and mold it; take my mind and transform it; take my will, and conform it, to Yours, to Yours, oh, Lord.

 

Thought For Today: Holiness begins with a sincere heart to change!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 12

What’s Love Got To Do With It?

 

“These things I command you, that ye love one another.” (John 15:17)

 

Today’s Morsel: The late Tina Turner sang a song titled, “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” You see, back in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, most of the black music artist that sang for Motown and other record companies came out of the church and church choirs. And so, they would have heard a lot of preaching and singing about God’s love and His salvation. But sad to say, many of them took their talents and abilities into the world, and their downfall quickly followed. 

So, what does love got to do with you and me?  First of all, Jesus commanded us that we must love one another. True love will change a person’s heart. But again, sad to say, folks just will not listen and obey. If we all would love each other the way that Christ loved us, there would be no wars nor rumors of wars. There would be no divorce. There would be not gossip and backbiting. There would be no prejudice against people. There would be no lying, cheating, and stealing. There would be no hate crimes. There would be no need to lock your doors or homes. But when we don’t love the way that Jesus tells us to love, then the opposite happens every time.  Remember, love is not about someone else, it’s about you and your relationship with Jesus which will produce a love for others.  So, what’s love got to with it?  Everything.  

 

Sing: I love my Savior, He loves me, too; I seek His favor in everything I do. 

 

Thought For Today: The greatest thing in all my life is knowing love.  Which is God. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 10

Who Is Your Closest Relatives?

 

“Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:” (Proverbs 7:4)

 

Today’s Morsel: There’s an old saying that blood is thicker than water. In other words, relationships and loyalties within a family are the strongest and most important ones.  Your relationship with family ought to be more important than with other relationships and needs. Solomon said that we ought to say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:  For what purpose do we need wisdom and understanding? He says: “That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.” (Proverbs 7:5) Sometimes we may think that strange women go after men. But in some cases, they lie and go after women. Therefore, you need someone to protect you. The same way that close family will help prevent you from making wrong choices and decisions, wisdom and understand can do the same. When we understand that Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God and the power of God, and we are in His family, and that blood is thicker than water, we had better make sure that wisdom and understanding is always invited to come along with us wherever we may be going.

 

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 defeat us when we are walking side by side, as long as there us love, we can stand.

 

Thought For Today: Blood is thicker than water!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 9

Sacrificial Love

 

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

 

Today’s Morsel: In the church, we hear a lot of preaching and teaching about sacrificial giving, sacrificial offerings, and sacrificial praise, but we never hear about sacrificial love.  Maybe the reason we don’t hear a lot about it is because folks don’t know what it is. Sacrificial love falls in the category with compassion. It’s selfless actions that put the needs of others before our own. It’s having pure motives to alleviate the suffering of others. Scriptures tell us that Jesus was always moved with compassion. Paul said that God demonstrated His love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us (Romans 3:8). When Paul wrote to the Romans in Romans 12:1, he said: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”  A living sacrifice means that we must always be ready to be offered. The same way that we ought to be ready to sacrifice our time, talents, and abilities, we ought to be ready to sacrifice our love. Because God is love, and He is in us, then we ought to be willing to share some of it with and towards others. The same way that God showed His love toward us, we ought to be willing to show others ours. 

 

Sing: I love to tell the story, twill be my theme in glory, to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

 

Thought For Today: True love gives of itself.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 8

I Am A Witness With Power

 

“And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:46-49)

 

Today’s Morsel: Some folks think that in the Kingdom of God, all the power is given to the fivefold ministry. But if you have been filled with Holy Ghost, then you are a witness with power. Jesus said that you would receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you (Acts 1:8), and that we would be witnesses unto the uttermost parts of the earth. Those with a pulpit ministry are chosen to train, develop, and feed the flock. But everyone who has been filled with the spirit is to be a witness of who Christ is, and what He has done in their life and what He can do in the life of others. The Holy Ghost is your evidence of who Christ is, and the enemy is going to do everything in his power to prevent you from using it to free and liberate others. But remember what the scripture says: “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.” (Isaiah 43:10). 

 

Sing: Would you be free from your burden of sin, there’s power in the blood, power in the blood.  Sin stains are lost in its life giving flow, there’s wonderful power in the blood.

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

 

Thought For Today: A true witness will set the record straight.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 7

Fools Rush In Where Wise Men Never Go

 

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” (Proverbs 12:15)

 

Today’s Morsel: Throughout scripture the word fool is used to identify those who refuse to listen to wisdom or learn from discipline. It also refers to those who are wicked and those who have a reprobate mind. When one refuses to acknowledge God’s sufficient evidence of who He is, His love for us, His desire that we might come to know Him through Jesus Christ, God manifested in flesh, he is seen as a fool. Scripture says: “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.” (Psalms 14:1) Solomon states that the way of a fool is right in his own eyes. Fools don’t understand that some places they may venture into will take their life. Fools don’t realize that drinking is bad for you until they are in prison or lose their license for a DUI. Fools don’t understand that smoking dope is bad for you until they are hooked on Meth, Crack, or Cocaine, and they find themselves on the street. They see their way as right and yours as being wrong being a Christian. Be not deceived, Jesus said, for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap.

 

Sing: Let me walk with You Jesus, don’t ever leave me alone. For without You I could never, no, never make heaven my home.

 

Thought For Today: Know what kind of place you are about to venture into.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 6

Transgression

 

“Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.” (Proverbs 13:15)

 

Today’s Morsel: Don’t let anyone fool you. Sinning is not easy. It is hard. The world presents a picture that it is easy, and those who are without understanding may think that it is easy and fun; but once they are drawn into it, they realize just how hard it really is. Solomon says that the way of a transgressor is hard. Sin makes you try to be something or someone that you are not. It makes you lie, cheat, steal. It causes you to compromise on your character and moral living. From the time that Joseph’s brothers tried to get rid of him, they began to lie to their father Jacob. First, they tell Jacob that a wild animal must have killed Joseph, knowing that they had sold him. Can you imagine sitting down to eat with your father seeing his hurt and pain and knowing that it’s because of you? That’s what sin will do to you. Then when they are sent into Egypt to buy grain, they return and lie telling Jacob that the man (Joseph), was the one that asked them about him and Benjamin, when Jacob says to them why did you tell the man that you had another brother.  Scripture says: “And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come. And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come. We are all one man's sons; we are true men, thy servants are no spies. And he said unto them, Nay, but to see the nakedness of the land ye are come. And they said, Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not. And Joseph said unto them, That is it that I spake unto you, saying, Ye are spies: Hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither.” (Genesis 42:8-15) Joseph didn’t ask them, they told him about their father, Benjamin, and Joseph. And yet, they told Jacob that the man had ask them. Sin will keep you lying. It’s not easy being a sinner. And then in the end, after Jacob’s death, they send a message to Joseph because of fear to tell him: “And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.” (Genesis 50:15-17) As far as we can tell, Jacob never told them that. But because they are afraid now, they lie to save their hide. Don’t be deceived by sin. Stay in the church or you will have a hard row to hoe.

 

Sing: There was a time of earth, when in the book of heaven, and old account was standing, for sins yet unforgiven. My name what at the top, and many things below, I went unto the keeper and settled it long ago.

Long ago, down on my knees, long ago, I settled it all. Yes, the old account was settled long ago.  And my records clear today for He washed my sins away.  When the old account was settled long ago.

 

Thought For Today:  Sinning may seem easy, but it’s hard. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 5

Knitted In Love

 

“For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:1-3)

 

Today’s Morsel: During our morning devotions, my wife sits and knits slippers, dishrags, and dish scrubs. while I read the scriptures and devotion. She has done this for many, many years now.  These items are knitted together with love, and gifted to our children and grandchildren, and friends.  And now, two of our granddaughters have asked her to teach them how to knit as well, so the tradition will be carried on. Paul told the church at Colossi that he wanted them to know what great conflict he had for them, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God. What does it mean to be knitted together in love? Just as many pieces of fabric are knit together to form a single garment, or item, God’s people ought to be knitted together by their love because God is one, making us one in Him. Love for God and others ought to bring us together as God is not divided. As Paul told the church at Ephesus: “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6) Remember, we are one body.

 

Sing: Draw me close to you, never let me go.  I lay it all down again, to hear you say that I’m friend. You are my desire, no one else will do, because nothing can take your place to feel the warmth of Your embrace.  Help me find the way, bring me back to You.

You’re all I want. You’re all I’ve ever needed. You’re all I want; help me know You are near.

 

Thought For Today: Stay knitted to Jesus by your love.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 3

Constraining Love

 

“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:14-17)

 

Today’s Morsel: What comes to your mind when you think of something constraining you? Paul said that Christ’s love constraineth us. That means that our love for God and His love for us ought to put some constraints on us. There ought to be some restrictions and limitations in our live as to where we go, what we do, and how we act, all because of our love for Christ. There ought to be some boundaries that you will not cross. We know through scripture that God is holy and that He calls for us to be holy. And holiness calls for some restraints in our lives. But sad to say, most folks don’t like restraints to be on them. But that was exactly what the law was. Restraints because of God’s love. You see, the Ten Commandments just addressed God restraints because of our love for God and our neighbor. Yeah, we may be grown and can do what we want. But as Paul said: “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” (1 Corinthians 6:12) The psalmist tells us, “Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.” (Psalms 32:9) You should know that as a born-again believer there are some restrictions when it comes to being a Christian.  God’s love ought to control our actions and conduct. And all because of love.

 

Sing: I love Him too much to fail Him now. Too much to break my vow. For I promised the Lord that I would make it some how, and now I love Him too much to fail Him now.

 

Thought For Today: God’s word does have boundaries! 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 2

Inseparable Love

 

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39)

 

Today’s Morsel:  When we read about the apostle Paul, he was committed to the things of God. Even when he was not aware of complete truth, he was a committed man and one that loved God. He was arresting and having Christians killed, because he felt that they were going against the God that he loved and the word of God that he loved. Paul was zealous for the things of God. Operating under the law for what he had been taught and learned at the feet in the school of one Gamaliel. But after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, his baptism by Ananias, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost, He understood the One True God and refocused his love toward Him. And now nothing was going to separate him from that love. John wrote: “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” (1 John 4:7-11) If God loved us, shouldn’t we love Him and not allow anything to separate us from Him? The word nothing means nothing! Therefore, nothing should be able to separate you from God’s love, which is God Himself.

 

Sing: Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so; little to ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me, for the Bible tells me so.

 

Thought For Today: The word nothing means nothing!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 February 1

Unchangeable Love

 

“Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.” (John 13:1)

 

Today’s Morsel: The month of February seems to focus on love. But shouldn’t every month focus on love since God is love? Moses told the children of Israel, “The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 7:7-8) God’s love is unchanging. It is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Scripture said that He loved them unto the end of His life. WOW! But what about our love towards Him? Is it conditional or is it consistent? Do we only love Christ when things are going well for us, and then when it isn’t we don’t? When we tell Jesus that we love Him we had better mean it, as there is going to come a time that the world and your situations and circumstance are going to put you to the test. Just ask the apostles of Jesus. And the same holds true with us in our relationships with others. There will come a time that our love will be tested. And when it is, will your words to found true, or will you be found lacking?  Our love needs to be consistent and constant.  

 

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

 

Thought For Today: Don’t ever tell someone that you love them if you do not mean it.