Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 29

Don’t Live For Tomorrow Live For Today

 

“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” (Proverbs 27:1)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the things I will never forget that my pastor taught me is, “Live your life as if Jesus is coming back the next moment, and plan your life as is if He is not coming back for a hundred years.”  I have done my very best to live my life that way. Believe me when I say that it is less frustrating and more excited. James said: “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” (James 4:13-15) He said you don’t know what tomorrow holds for you. Therefore, he said, that we need to get in the habit of saying, “If the Lord will, we will do this or that,” because tomorrow isn’t promise. Moses even admonishes us: “For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalms 90:9-12). Don’t live for tomorrow, live for today. Tomorrow could be filled with too much trouble for you to enjoy.

 

Sing: This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord hath made, that the Lord hath made; I will rejoice, I will rejoice, and be glad in it, and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.  This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord hath made.

 

Thought For Today: “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” (Romans 13:11)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 28

God Can’t Help You If You Don’t Trust Him

 

“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” (Proverbs 30:5)

 

Today’s Morsel: Do you really trust God when you pray and petition Him for His help? Is there really a difference between us and those who are written about in scripture? The centurion came to Jesus to ask Him to heal his servant: “And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel... “And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.” (Matthew 8:7-10,13)”  The writer of Hebrews tells us: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) “So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand. And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth. And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.” (1 Kings 17:10-16) If you want God to help you, then you must learn to trust Him when you bring your petitions to Him, or when He commands you to do something for your good. 

 

Sing: Learning to lean, I’m learning to lean, I’m learning to lean on Jesus; Finding more power, than I ever dreamed; I’m learning to lean in Jesus. 

 

Thought For Today: “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” (Psalms 118:8)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 27

Do You Understand the Ways of Life?

 

“For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:” (Proverbs 6:23)

 

Today’s Morsel: When I was a young boy, I can remember the elders saying, “You don’t get old being no fool.” One of the things that I am thankful for was that as a young boy I was able to sit around the barbershop and listen to the elders talk about life and how to navigate through life. Many of them had served in World War II and the Korean War. Listening to war stories was always a highlight. These were hard working men who had experienced life in many ways and faced many challenges. Many of them had experienced segregation, racism, unfairness in employment, and getting loans to purchase farms, and trying to better themselves and their families. But they each believed that a better day was coming, and that God would see them through wrong.  I got to hear how a better education would carry you far. That hard work must be the hallmark of every man. That a man’s word must always be his bond. That you never have to prove to others that you are always right, when you know in your heart that you are right. That women must always be treated with respect and given your seat if there were none other available. They taught me that life is like a baseball game, sometimes you are going to get on base, other times you are going to get out. And to always remember, that in baseball you never move the plate so that the pitcher can throw strikes. You change the pitcher. Solomon said, For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life. I learned that God’s Word will show us the ways and how to face our challenges and navigate through life. But if we don’t read, study, and listen to it, we are as James said, “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.” (James 1:23-24) Why walk in the darkness when you can walk in the light and know where you are going in life?

 

Sing: Jesus got ahold of my life, and He won’t let me go. Jesus got into my heart He got into my soul. I used to be oh so sad, but now I’m happy free and glad; because Jesus got ahold of my life, and He won’t let me go. 

 

Aren’t you getting just a bit tired of fooling around? You try to laugh your way through this life, but you’re not gaining ground. Why not try the Lord to today, just ask Him in your heart to stay; and you’ll find Jesus love to be the best thing that you ever found.  

 

Thought For Today: “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” (1 Corinthians 15:19)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 26

Have You Visited the Home of Wisdom Lately?

 

“I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.”...“Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.” (Proverbs 8:12, 34-35)

 

Today’s Morsel: Throughout the book of Proverbs, Solomon stresses the importance of wisdom in one’s life. We know that according to scripture, as a young boy Solomon, who took the throne after his father David, prayed and asked God to give him wisdom to lead His people. And scripture says, “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about. And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five.” (1 Kings 4:29-32) The same way that we each need a pastor or an elder (man or woman) in our life to guide us and to encourage and strengthen us, we each need to visit the home of wisdom so that we can gain more wisdom, knowledge, understanding, discretion, and instructions. When Jacob arose out of his sleep in Luz, which he would later name as Bethel (the house of God), he said that this is a dreadful place, this is none other but the house of God and the gateway to heaven. The church must always be the home of wisdom, as every true church ought to have Jesus as its foundational stance and be seen as the house of God and the gateway to heaven. Solomon wrote, “Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.” (Proverbs 4:5-9) Because once you find wisdom, you find life, and obtain favor of the Lord. Have you visited the home of wisdom lately? 

 

Sing: In His presence there’s fullness of joy; at His right hand, there’s pleasure forever more. Oh what fellowship divine, I am His and He is mine. In the presence of the Lord, there’s fullness of joy.

 

Thought For Today: “But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:24)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 25

 What Season Are You In? 

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

 

Today’s Morsel: In life, we say that there are four seasons. Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. And each one has its unique purpose and reason. Just what season would you say that you are you in right now? Is it a season of cold-heartedness from others? Is it a time of growing and blossoming? Is it a time of end fighting and hell on every side? Or is it the beauty of the foliage and serenity of life? Or is it filled with pain or stress? A season of disbelief and unrest? A season of loss and grief? Or is it a season of harvest and revival? Seasons usually run about three months each. Therefore, you are not going to stay in the same season more than the time-period that God has allotted. If you find yourself living in a season more than three months, you may want to sit down and talk with someone about what you are dealing with, as you may not be taking the exit ramp that God is showing you that leads you into the next season.  Just as in the natural, seasons have a purpose, so do they in our lives.  Allow the season you are in accomplish what God has for you and trust Him through the season.

 

Sing: There is sunshine in the shadows, there is sunshine in the rain, there is sunshine in our sorrow, there is sunshine in our pain. There is sunshine when we’re burdened, there is sunshine when we pray, there is sunshine, blessed sunshine, blessed sunshine all the way.

 

Thought For Today: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 24

Praise Ye The Lord

 

“Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.” (Psalms 150:1-6)

 

Today’s Morsel: Following the footsteps of the writers of the scripture there seems to be a heart and a call for us to praise God. No matter the place, location, circumstance, or situation, we are called to praise God because of His goodness.  Paul tells us: “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.” (Romans 15:8-11) No one nor any of God’s creation is exempt from praising Him. The trees, fowls, rocks, beasts, stars, moon, sun, oceans, and all of humanity are commanded to give Him praise.  So, just what is praise. Praise really is an act of boasting about someone or something. So really, when we praise God, we are boasting about His goodness, His mercy, His grace, His compassion, His Longsuffering, His deliverance, His provisions, and His love, just to name of few of the reasons. Praise shouldn’t be a show. Praise ought to be a manifestation of one’s heartfelt thanks for what God has done for them. Tears, humility, and strong reverence may be displayed from one’s heart and lips. If you have breath in your lungs, you have reason to praise Him.  If you have been made free from the bondage of sin, and filled with His Spirit, then you ought to have praise coming from your lips continuously. As the psalmist admonished: “Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised.” (Psalms 113:1-3) Don’t ever let the day pass with your praise to God not being elevated to Him. “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.” (Psalms 50:23)

 

Sing: I’m gonna praise the Lord anyway that I can. I’m gonna praise the Lord anyway that I can. I’m gonna praise Him in the morning, praise Him all day long. I’m gonna praise the Lord anyway that I can.

 

Thought For Today: “Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.” (Psalms 33:1)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 22

The Fear of The Lord

 

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)

 

Today’s Morsel: In olden times, and even in some churches today, God was made out to be the bad guy. If you don’t do this or that, God is going to zap you. He will make your life a living hell. That’s not the God I serve. My Bible says that God is love; The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. Even Jesus himself said, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10). God gives us choices in life. His word is there for us to make the right choices so that we can live and have a good and productive life. Yet He’s not going to force you to do it. If you choose not to live according to His word, you are the one that must bear the consequences of your actions. The fear of the Lord just means that we should always give God our undivided attention, and that we should do everything in our power to obey and please Him with reverence. Especially since He is the one that gives us life, and the one that gives us strength to get health and wealth. The Psalmist states some of the reason why we should fear God. He 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. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.” (Psalms 103:1-11) Let me encourage you today. Stop serving God out of fear and learn how to reverence Him. He only has your best interest at heart.

 

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

 

Thought For Today: “Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:32)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 21

The Law

 

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” (Psalms 19:7)

 

Today’s Morsel: When we review the Old Testament instructions given by Moses from God to the children of Israel, there were a lot of instructions provided to them to follow. There was nothing that was really hard, but, like some folks today, they make it hard, because they do not understand the meaning of what God is saying in His word. People don’t take the time to sit down and ask their pastor or an elder for understanding. “For the law was given by Moses, (John wrote) but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17) You see, the law was God’s way of teaching us how to behave and to act. It showed us right from wrong. The law was more of a tool for character building and self-discipline. In a sense, the law taught civility. In other words, it taught politeness, courteousness, respectfulness, graciousness, and how to be considerate of others. This is one of the reasons I believe the Bible was used as a textbook in the schoolhouses during the 17^th to 19^th centuries. The psalmist said that the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. Without godly character, man is doomed for destruction. But when the inner man is changed, it produces an outward change in one’s actions, conduct, and behavior. Have you read the “Moral Law” in your Bible lately?

 

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

 

Thought For Today: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1:8)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 20

O’ NO

 

“Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;) That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.” (Nehemiah 6:1-4)

 

Today’s Morsel: Don’t you just love it when you are trying to do a work for the Lord, have great ideas, and just when you are ready to implement them, the naysayers show up? They say things like, “Man you are crazy, that is going to cost a lot”; “Are you sure you heard from God?” “Man, I don’t know if I would be going to those places or not.” And you find yourself like Nehemiah, trying to build the wall, but you must deal with your foes who’s trying to stop you from fulfilling your vision, goals, and calling. Nehemiah said that they sent to him four times trying to get him to meet with them in ONO, to talk with them. But he knew that they meant him harm. And so, four times he told them, I don’t have time to come down because I am doing a great work. You know, it may not seem harmful by their words, but once they gets you off course of what you are doing, it will be hard to get back to work. You know, when the enemy tries to tell you that living holy and modest in this world today is hard and a waste of time, tell him, O’NO, you are deceiving me devil. I know that without holiness shall no man see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). When he calls you and says, Jesus turned the water into wine, come on let’s have a drink like old times. Tell him, O’NO, I know that the drunkard shall not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). And when he tells you, Come on down and let’s party like we did back in 1969. Tell him O’NO, I am risen to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:1-5). Jesus said, see that no man deceives you. If you are in Christ, you have the best thing going. There is nothing in this world that can replace what God has given you. So, don’t let other deceive you.  Just say O’NO!

 

Sing: I’ve got a made-up mind, I’ve got a final destination, I’m gonna keep on pressing on, to my final destination, gonna burn all the bridges behind me, break all the ties that bind me; I’m gonna keep on pressing on, till I reach my home sweet home, that new Jerusalem.  

 

Thought For Today: “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” (Proverbs 1:10)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 Jun 19

Truth

 

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

 

Today’s Morsel: In the religious realm, we hear folks say, “They have the truth.” Why others say, “They are living in false doctrine.” Shouldn’t everyone that says that they are born-again, and know Jesus, be living, walking, and loving truth? Since Jesus is the way, truth, and life. (John 14:6) Shouldn’t this be a part of their persona? If the Word of God is Truth (John 17:17), and the Word became flesh, which was full of grace and truth (John 1:14), and if we continue in His Word, which gives us an understanding of the truth, and the truth, which is the Word, shall make us free (John 8:31-32), then why are so many that say that they know Jesus, and are born again, living in gloom, despair, and agony; with deep dark depression with excessive misery? Truth doesn’t hold you hostage and cause you to feel hopeless and fearful. Truth makes you free so that you can be a representation of the one that freed you. Jesus Christ!

 

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

He made me free, yes, He made me free; He broke the bars of prison for me. I’m glory bound my Jesus to see; glory to God, He made me free. 

 

Thought For Today: “For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone. Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.” (Psalms 86:10-12)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 18

Guts

 

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.” (Deuteronomy 31:6-7)

 

Today’s Morsel: When we speak of having guts, we are speaking of having courage and intestinal fortitude. Courage is somewhat like faith; without it you cannot please God. Courage comes through trust and belief not only in oneself, but also in others and in the tools and equipment you are provided to do your job. Throughout scripture, we see God giving Israel the promise that He is with them, and that He will not leave them nor forsake them. God gave them His word. And He cannot deny Himself. Therefore, all they had to do was to put their trust in Him and let Him work on their behalf. You can live in fear, torment, stress, and unbelief for the rest of your life, or you can get some guts about you, live daily with a smile on your face, and lift your head high, knowing that within you is the Mighty God, Christ Jesus, and that nothing can defeat you nor overcome you.

 

Sing: I am a promise, I am a possibility, I am a promise, with a capital P, I am great big bundle of potentiality; and I am trying, to hear God’s voice, and I am trying to make the right choice; I am a promise to be, anything that God wants me to be.

 

Thought For Today: “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.” (Psalms 31:24)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 17

Resistance

 

“Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” 

(Daniel 3:13-18)

 

Today’s Morsel: As born-again believers, we must understand that there are going to be those times that our backs are against the wall, and we will have to say no to wrong and evil ways. In today’s world, so many want to compromise. We hear politicians talking about compromise all the time. In other words, if you do this for me, I will do this for you. That isn’t compromise, that’s called lying and being dishonest.  We must get some fight about ourselves so that we do not compromise who we are and what God has called us to be. When King Nebuchadnezzar was told that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were not bowing to his image as all the others were, he became angry and threatened them with being thrown in to the fiery furnace. Most people would have considered the cost and hit the ground like everyone else. But not these three. They said, we are not going to bow even if it costs us our lives. They placed their trust in God to deliver them, and God did not fail them. You must stand on God’s word when your back is against the wall or the enemy will keep tormenting you until you lose all hope and faith, not only in God, but also in yourself.

 

Sing: I’ve got my foot on the Rock and my minds made up; though I walk through the lowly valley, and drink from the bitter cup. When the devil comes a knocking trying to show me an easier way, I stand right flat on my feet, I throw my head in the air, I look him straight in the eyes, I say “My foot’s on the Rock and my mind’s made up.

 

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 15

The Glory of Children

 

“Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.” (Proverbs 17:6)

 

Today’s Morsel: In my book, “Never Leave The Enemy In Command of the Battlefield,” a book for men, I dedicated one chapter to this topic (The Glory of Children), because homes are being destroyed due in part to a lack of fatherhood. The home, churches, schools, and communities, need good and godly fathers. If the church is to accomplish its mission, it must have good godly fathers and men. Scriptures say that the glory of children are their fathers. A wise and godly father is an honor to their children. And even when the child gets older, it is still an honor to them that their fathers lived such a godly lifestyle. Fathers must teach their children the ways or God. It is not the church’s responsibility to do that. They can help, but this responsibility was given by God to fathers. If a father is going to command the battlefield, then they must do those things that will bring glory and honor to their children. And that begins with them knowing God, and making Him known, by their actions, conduct, and character. Let me encourage you dads, follow Jesus and you will bring glory to your children.

 

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

 

Thought For Today: “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 14

Hooah!

 

“And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valour.” 

(2 Chronicles 14:8)

 

Today’s Morsel: Today we celebrate the US Army’s Birthday. The U.S. Army was founded on 14 June 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized enlistment of riflemen to serve the United Colonies for one year. Since that time, 249 years later, the US Army, along with its sister services (Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force) has kept America and her allies safe. Many soldiers have sacrificed themselves, their families, and their careers, and some have even paid the ultimate sacrifice, for our freedom and the freedom of others. No, freedom is not free. Freedom costs. And often it costs soldiers their lives and their livelihood for it. Jesus said: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) Some, however, have shown that they are not appreciative for the sacrifices that are being made by those who wear the uniform and serve. And it is usually those same individuals who are not appreciative for what Jesus did for them. There has only been two people who were willing to die for you for your freedom. Jesus Christ, and the US Soldier! Let’s appreciate both.

 

Happy Birthday ARMY. Hooah!

 

 Sing: Well, I’m a soldier, in God’s army, and I’m marching, I’m claiming victory. I will not give up, I will not turn around; I’m a solder, marching heaven bound. 

 

Thought For Today: “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” (2 Timothy 2:4)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 13

Training

 

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

 

Today’s Morsel: Jesus was all about training. Throughout scripture we see this pattern of training being implemented by Jesus to those He chose, and He encouraged them to do the same. Paul even told Timothy: “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2); He told Titus: “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;” (Titus 2:11-12) The educating and training of children begins as soon as when they are born. It doesn’t begin when they are youths or teenagers. Discipline, obedience, and character should start at the youngest age, and for certain be instilled by the time they are reaching age 2 and 3 years old, as that is the age where children begin to take on the nature of what they see and hear. There are three phases to good training. First is slow improvement. This phase usually begins from 2 to 7 years old. In this phase children are taught obedience to instructions, respect for authority, manners, and how and why we do what we do, and the consequences of their actions. They are taught about God and why we serve Him, and why He must be kept as the center in their lives. The Second phase is toughening. This phase runs from ages 8 to 12 years old. In this phase, children ought to learn how to continue to make their bed, clean their room, help around the home, respect for property, theirs and others, to dress themselves modestly, and to know more about God for themselves. And the Third phase is sustainment. This phase usually starts around 13 and run for the rest of their lives. This phase not only includes the other two phases, but the child is taught how to set visions and goals for themselves, develop good study and work ethics, and they should be striving to live a pure and holy life. And this all begins, Paul said, by fathers not provoking their children to anger, but bringing them up in nurture (encouragement) and admonition (warnings) of God.  Our children will make their own choices in life, yet our responsibility is to give them the right tools to help make those choices.  

 

Sing:  Heavenly Father, I appreciate You. Heavenly Father, I appreciate You. I love You, adore You, I bow down before You. Heavenly Father, I appreciate You. 

 

Thought For Today: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 12

Are You Willing To Go All The Way?

 

“Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:38-39)

 

Today’s Morsel: The determining factor whether you will make it to heaven or not is your mindset. As Paul told the church Colossi: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4) If you have already obeyed Peter’s instructions from the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38), now it becomes a mindset if you will make it to heaven of not. I know that there will be many things that will try to impede you and prevent you from getting there, but you must purpose to not allow those things to stop you. You must get to the point of nevertheless, and let the chips fall where they may, and not allow anything to separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Are you willing to go all the way? As the writer of Hebrews admonishes us: “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:38-39) You can go back if you want to, but not me. I’m going all the way to the end. Daily I see how good God has truly been to me. And I have been diagnosed with H.I. V. - Heaven In View. (humor) 

 

Sing: Well, I’m going through, yes, I’m going through; I’ll pay the price no matter what others may 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: What’s in hell that you want?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 11

Don’t Lose Hope

 

“Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the keys to being a good Christian is to understand that God’s ways and thought aren’t like ours. We can sit in church and hear all the great sermons, get prayed for, told that God can do anything, and He can, and we sit and wait for the answer, but within us that time clock keeps ticking and saying when? And because we are often short with an attitude to wait, we lose hope. We get into the mulligrubs and complain, just like the children of Israel. They waited and complained so much that they couldn’t believe God for anything when they were standing right in the middle of the promise. Solomon said that hope deferred makes the heart sick. Yes, sometimes it is gut wrenching when you are always sick, and no one seems to have the answers and your healing isn’t coming. And yes, it is heart breaking when you keep being let down for a job that you know that you are qualified for. And yes, it does hurt when those you trust to know God’s word, keep telling you that your condition and lack of healing is because you are not trusting God. And yes, it does hurt when you are told that your backslidden child will return, and they don’t seem to be making a move toward God. It can shake your faith to the very core. But let me encourage you. Don’t lose hope. God’s timing is not ours. Ask Abraham and Sarah.  So, keep your praise on. Stay in church. And keep testifying of God’s goodness.  And always remember what Job said when he was waiting: “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” (Job 23:10-12); “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.” (Job 19:25-27) Think on these things for a moment. The woman with the issue of blood, 12 years. The man at the pool of Bethesda, 38 years. The woman bowed over, 18 years. Abraham and Sarah, 25 years. Hanna, who was tormented every year. But they never lost hope, and God came through. You can endure hardness as a good soldier. 

 

Sing: He’ll do it again! He’ll do it again! Just take a look at where you are now, and where you have been.  He will  come through for you, He’s same now as then; You may not know how, you may not know when, but He’ll do it again.

 

Thought For Today: “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:10-12)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 10

The Summary

 

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:1-8)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about the book of Revelation is that folks fail to understand it. Some have tried to use it as a prophetic book to teach End Time prophecy and have confused and confounded many and even themselves. The book of Revelation, John says, who is credited with being the author, states that it is; The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” The book of Revelation is just a summation of all the other books. As Jesus told His disciples after His resurrection: “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 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.” (Luke 24:44-47) The whole Bible is about Jesus Christ, God manifested in flesh (John 1:1-4, 1 Timothy 3:16). And so, a good author is going to close the book that he has written with a summation so that you are not left hanging as to what he has written and what he was talking about in the book. So don’t get all hung up on the beast, the images, and the noises so that you become confused and fearful. Just keep your mind on the one whom John is writing and talking about, which is Jesus Christ.  And you won’t become filled with sufficient of fear and dread.  This book, the book of Revelation, after the book of Acts, is probably one of the most exciting and encouraging books in the Bible.   Jesus is coming, and He is coming soon, to catch His church away.  We simply need to be ready for His appearing.  

 

Sing: There’s within my heart a melody, Jesus whispers sweet and low; fear not I am with thee, peace, be still, in all of life’s ebbs and flow.

It is Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, sweetest name I know; fills my every longing, keeps me singing as I go.

 

Thought For Today: “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” 

(2 Thessalonians 2:1-4)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 8

Give It To Jesus

 

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the traits of character that you must develop in your life as a Christian is that of trust. And the reason is, because people are going to say things that hurt you, and you are going to go through things in your life that you were not expecting. Such as sickness, rejection, divorce, death, and even loss of employment. When Peter stated that we should cast all our cares upon the Lord, for he careth for you, he was just reaching back to Old Testament scripture to remind us of what should already be known by believers. David had said: “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” (Psalms 55:22) Oftentimes the New Testament writers are simply quoting Old Testament scripture because that was what the people would have known and heard. And today, we of the 20^th and 21st century, will hear the same scriptures of encouragement for our learning: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:8) This is why I believe that we must obey scripture. The same as they were commanded to cast their cares upon the Lord, so are we. So, what does that look like? How do we cast our cares on the Lord. Well, what is bothering you? Our cares can sometimes come in many forms. Such as agitations, confrontations, distresses, anxieties, and worries. But as I said, if you have not developed the trait of trust, it will be hard for you to cast your cares upon the Lord if you do not learn to fully trust Him.  So, let me encourage you. You can trust God. If you could not, He would not have placed it in His word. As Solomon said: “Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us: That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers. And let these my words, wherewith I have made supplication before the LORD, be nigh unto the LORD our God day and night, that he maintain the cause of his servant, and the cause of his people Israel at all times, as the matter shall require: That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else.” (1 Kings 8:56-60) He will work if you will let Him!  The choice is our’s to make.  

 

Sing: There is none like You. No one else can touch my heart like You do. I can search for all eternity long and find, there is none like You.

 

Thought For Today: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 7

 Becoming Like Jesus 

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the major changes that ought to come with being born-again is that of being Christ-like. Paul told the church at Galatia: “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,” (Galatians 4:19) Paul often uses different analogies to drive his points home to where his audience could understand his meaning and wording. He told them that the same way as when a woman is birthing a child, she goes into travail, because it is painful, well, he said the same is true when people don’t mature, grow, and become like Christ. It can become painful for the one who is trying to teach you. The writer of Hebrews admonishes: “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” (Hebrews 5:12) Every born-again believer ought to be becoming more like Jesus and teaching others to become like Him as well. As Jude said: “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” (Jude 1:20-23) You don’t lead people to Christ and leave them. You must teach them as they too will become like Him. If you are not involved in soul winning, then you are not becoming Christ like. As Jesus’ mission was to seek and to save that which was lost.

 

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

 

Thought For Today: Does your life reflect your Heavenly Father?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 6

D-Day

 

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4)

 

Today’s Morsel: The D-Day operation of June 6, 1944, brought together the land, air, and sea forces of the allied armies in what became known as the largest amphibious invasion in military history. The operation, given the codename OVERLORD, delivered five naval assault divisions to the beaches of Normandy, France. The beaches were given the code names UTAH, OMAHA, GOLD, JUNO, and SWORD. The invasion force included 7,000 ships and landing craft manned by over 195,000 naval personnel from eight allied countries. Almost 133,000 troops from the United States, the British Commonwealth, and their allies, landed on D-Day. Casualties from these countries during the landing numbered 10,300. By June 30, over 850,000 men, 148,000 vehicles, and 570,000 tons of supplies had landed on the Normandy shores. Fighting by the brave soldiers, sailors, and airmen of the allied forces western front, and Russian forces on the eastern front, led to the defeat of German Nazi forces. On May 7, 1945, German General Alfred Jodl signed an unconditional surrender at Reims, France.

 

The “D” represents Declaration. The Day the invasion would take place. 

 

Jesus had also given His disciple a day that would also be known as D-Day. He told them:“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 24:49) And Ten days after His ascension, scripture says:  “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4) This would be the day that would begin the liberation of peoples’ souls from the captivity of Satan’s stronghold. This mighty out-pouring of the Holy Ghost gave them power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Have you received the Holy Ghost since you have believed?

 

Sing: This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord hath made, that the Lord hath made. I will rejoice, I will rejoice, and be glad in it, and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord hath made.

 

Thought For Today: “And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.” (Luke 19:9)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 5

Ask!

 

“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)

 

Today’s Morsel: How many of you have been sitting in a church gathering or in a meeting and at the end, folks are asked, “Does anyone have any questions?” And no questions are asked. But as soon as the gathering or the meeting is dismissed, someone walks up to you and asks you a question about the topic that was just discussed? Yet you were not the instructor. I always try to tell them, in a loving way, go ask the instructor.  James said, “If any of you lack wisdom,” in other words, if you don’t understand what God is saying to you through His word, ask God to show you. Jesus said, “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10) God won’t leave you hanging. He will give you the answer you seek for, either in prayer, through His word, through His minister, or through some other means. But He will answer you if you ask. Someone said that the reason the children of Israel wandered for forty years in the wilderness was because they would not stop and ask for directions (Humor).  Ask and you will get your answer.  

 

Sing: Hear my cry, oh God, attend unto my prayer; from the end of the earth will cry unto Thee. And when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock, that is higher than I, so much higher than I. 

For Thou hast been a shelter unto me, and strong tower from my enemy. And when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock, that is higher than I, so much higher than I. 

 

Thought For Today: “And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.” 

(1 Samuel 30:8)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 June 4

Be Quiet And Listen

 

“A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;” (Ecclesiastes 3:7)

 

Today’s Morsel: When I was in the Army, I had a friend that would always say to people when they would tell things that they knew that they should not be talking about or telling too others, “You talk too much, you will make grown folks hate you.” During WWII, there was song written entitled, “Loose Lips Sink Ships.” In other words, if sailors were providing information about their ships location and what their mission was to their loved ones or others in port of call, this information could land into the enemy’s hands, and they could establish an attack or an enemy’s submarine may sink their ship. James tells us, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” (James 1:19) You can always determine if a person has wisdom by their ability to listen carefully to what is being said before they speak. When we listen to what others are saying, it could be God’s way of send our answer to what we have prayed to Him about, or it could be to give us information for what is coming in order to help us prepare, or it could even  be that God has sent this individual to you so that you can help them and direct them in how to solve the problem or situation that they may be facing.  It is always better to listen twice as much as you talk.  

 

Sing: He speaks and the sound of His voice, is so sweet the birds hush their singing. And the melody that He gave to me, within my heart is ringing. 

And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own.  And the joy we share, as we tarry there, none other, has ever known.

 

Thought For Today:  “And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.” (1 Samuel 3:10)