Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 September 16

How Do We Get There From Here?

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:1-6)

Today’s Morsel: The GPS has taken the pain and worry out of most of our travels. We can now just put in our destination’s address into our phones, OnStar, or navigational GPS and away we go. It will take us to our destination. But back in the day, before GPS, you would need to know how to read a map or be able to take good notes and directions from the person you were heading to see or the location you were going to visit.  The children of Israel wanted to know where they were going and how they were going to get there. They were told that they were heading to the promised land, but all they saw was desert. And when they came to the Red Sea, they determined at that point that they were lost, and that Moses didn’t know where he was going. When Jesus told the disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them, Thomas wanted to know how they would get from here to there, and by what way. Jesus told him that He was the way and to just follow Him and He would find the way. Are you wondering how you are going to get from here to your heavenly mansion? Well, Paul tells us: “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 been born-again of the water and the spirit, and are following Jesus, it’s going to be like getting on an airplane, closing your eyes, falling to sleep, and when you awake you are going to be there ready to walk on those streets of gold. Hallelujah!

Sing: The captain of the vessel, he’s calling get onboard, and the destinations heaven, safe on the crystal shores, where we’ll meet our splendid Savior, and loved ones who has gone before; we’ll stand all eternity, thank God I’m going home.

I’m going home with Jesus, in the twinkling of an eye, I’ve made my reservation, for my mansion in the sky. I may not know the moment, or I may not know the day, but I know that I’ll be leaving when He call His church away.

Thought For Today: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” (Hebrews 12:14)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 September 14

The War Within

“For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” (Romans 7:14-25)

Today’s Morsel: If we are not careful, we can think that Paul is struggling with sin in his life from some of Paul’s writings.  But Paul isn’t struggling with sin. In his writings, he’s showing us what it is like to struggle when we retain sin in our lives as born-again believers. This is why we must repent of our sins and go on to perfection or we will struggle in this life. Paul gives us an example that the law of God is spiritual, but he is carnal. He’s giving us a picture of walking in the spirit versus walking in the flesh.  Remember, now he's given us an example.  And because when one is carnal, he says “for that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.” Because when we walk in the flesh, we are going to do always those things which are contrary to the Spirit.  And that is why many struggle in their walk with God and are not doing His will. They have not stopped walking in the flesh. In Romans Chapter 8, Paul says: “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:5-14) Paul continues by saying, “Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.” He said I have sin in my life if I am not able to follow the law. And because of this, he says, “I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.”  You can’t do good when there’s sin present in your life.  It is always going to be war within. You know what you ought to do, but sin won’t let you and the war rages. If you want to learn how to have victory over sin in your life, then you must walk in the Spirit so that you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

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: “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:14)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 September 13

Stop Condemning Yourself

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1)

Today’s Morsel: One of the worst kinds of condemnation is self-condemnation. Self-c0ndemnation is the act or habit of condemning yourself.  Self-condemnation often rains down lies that you’re worthless and unforgivable. You are a loser just like your parents. No one cares about who you are. You’re a loser. You are no good. But we know that God’s word says otherwise. God’s word says that we have worth because we were created in His image. Peter tells us: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10) Maybe some of this stuff may have been true before we were born-again but not now.  You don’t need to condemn yourself because you have made some mistakes. That’s what the blood of Jesus was for. To forgive us and to wash away our sins. The only way you will keep condemning yourself is if you keep walking in the flesh. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) So stop being guilty and beating yourself up. Jesus loves you more than you will ever know.

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

Thought For Today: “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22:31-32)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 September 12

Foolish and Weak

“Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.” (1 Corinthians 1:25-29)

Today’s Morsel: Do you ever just observe nature? What do you think when you see the ants carrying bread bigger than they are? Or what about the chameleon that can blend in with its surrounding when danger approaches it? Have you ever considered that water can cleanse, kill, and save. The same is true with fire. If we try to figure it out with our natural minds, it’s both foolish. But we need to look through a different lens to gain understanding. Paul says that God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. Those who think that they know everything, soon realize just how little they know when it comes to God, His ways, and His creation. The Jews were totally confounded when they heard that Paul was saved and preaching the gospel of Christ. Especially after he had just had Stephen killed and had arrested others and had others killed or placed into prison. To many that would be seen as being foolish. Why would God choose someone who was killing and arresting those who He had already saved, and then make him a preacher of the same gospel? Its confounding, isn’t it? But God’s ways aren’t our ways nor are His thoughts like ours’. And even this same Paul tells us that when he is weak then is he strong. How does that work? The answer is that when we feel helpless and without strength, we must put our trust in the Lord and let Him work for us, and that will give us power to stand in our weakness. Whether foolish things or weak things, God can use both for His glory. And that includes us.

Sing: Who is this who for our sorrow offers comfort and relief, bringing sunshine to the dark and shadowed life. Saying softly cease repining, lift thy soul above its grief, let the peace pass understanding still the strife.

O’ it is Jesus, Jesus, sad ones weep no more. He will heal the brokenhearted, open wide the prison door. He is able to deliver evermore.

Thought For Today: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” (1 Peter 2:9)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 September 11

Power Belongs Unto God

“God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.” (Psalms 62:11-12)

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever noticed that man just seems to think that they have power over others. Power is not given to us by God to rein and to control people. It is given to lead and to serve in a godly way. Even Pilate thought that he had power over Jesus, when Pilate said to him, “Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.” (John 19:10-11) Jesus told him to consider again. That he didn’t have any power over Him unless He gave it to him. As the psalmist said, Power belongeth unto God. As Jesus told His disciples: “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:7-8) The Holy Ghost, which is the Spirit of God, gives us power. When we have this power, we have the authority to witness, stand bold, and be a godly example of who He is. How do you use your power? 

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

Thought For Today: “Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.” (1 Chronicles 29:12)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 September 10

Trust God At All Times

“In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” (Psalms 62:7-8)

Today’s Morsel: Trusting in God must become a habit in your life. You can’t only trust God when things are going well. You must trust Him even if it seems that things are going bad. If our homes are destroyed, we lose our job, or our health fails, or our loved ones backslide and stop serving God, we still must trust Him. As God said through the prophet Jeremiah: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13) Job enlightened us with these words: “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him.” (Job 13:15-16); “For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; Yet through the scent of water it will bud and bring forth boughs like a plant.” (Job 14:7-9) No matter what you are going through, don’t throw in the towel. Instead, keep washing feet with it and keep your trust in God. He that will come, will come, and not tarry. Now the just must live by faith. 

Sing: We talk of faith, when we are up on the mountain, cause faith comes easy when life is at its best; but it’s down in the valley, of trials and temptation, because that’s where faith is really put to the test.

But the God of the mountain is still God in the valley, when things go wrong, He’ll make them right. And the God of the good times, is still God in the bad times; and the God of the day, is still God in the night. 

Thought For Today: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 September 9

First Fruits

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” (James 1:17-18)

Today’s Morsel: First fruits were the first. They were the first things that had to be given back to God. Moses told the children of Israel: “Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.” (Exodus 22:29) You must not hold back from God what is rightfully His. When we fail to give to God our first fruits, we are withholding from Him, and He is not obligated to do anything for us ever again. Even our tithe and offerings must be first. Scripture says: “And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.” (Genesis 4:1-7) Notice that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering He had not respect. Cain just brought of the fruit of the ground. Scripture does not say that it was of Cain’s first. And his offering was rejected.  But scripture does say that Abel brought the of the firstlings and the fat. His best. God doesn’t need anything from us. Everything is already His. But He asks of us, to teach us the lesson of keeping Him first in our lives, and showing appreciation for what He does for us. 

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: “Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.” (Haggai 1:6-7)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 September 7

That Taste Good

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

Today’s Morsel: We all need a daily intake of the Word of God. The Word of God is called the ‘Bread of Life’. And Jesus said that He is that Bread of Life (John 6:35). When we study and read God’s Word, we are partaking of Him. David said: “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” (Psalms 34:8) We usually develop our taste for something at a young age. For me, when I was a brand-new Christian, my pastor would always tell me that I must love the Word of God more than anything else. And I took him at his word, and Jesus has been so very good to me. I just can’t get enough of Him, because He tastes so good every day. I promise you, that if you will spend just a few minutes of your time daily reading and studying His Word, and spend some time with Him in prayer, you, too, will see how good He really is.

Sing: He gets sweeter as the days go by. He gets sweeter as the moments fly. His love is richer, deeper, fuller, sweeter; sweeter, sweeter, sweeter, as the days go by.

Thought For Today: “This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.” (John 6:58)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 September 6

Dishonesty Only Hurts You

“Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.” (Proverbs 20:10)

Today’s Morsel: How much of what you are going through right now is of your own doing? I know that we often like to blame others for our circumstances and situations, but do we ever evaluate ourselves to see if what we are going through is of our own doing? Are you aware that if you are not honest with yourself, you won’t be honest with others? Some folks never consider that you are not honest with them, but you yourself know if you are or not. And you must live with it. When I take my vehicle in for repair, or If I must have someone come to my home to repair an appliance, I like to see the look on their faces when they say to me, this or that needs to be repaired and it’s going to cost you this much. I look them in their eyes and say, “You are the professional and I trust your integrity.” They may cheat me, but they must live with their sleepless nights and unhappiness, because of their dishonesty. Others may be dishonest to you here, but unless they repent, they will receive their reward.   

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’re walking side by side, for as long as there is love, we can stand.

Thought For Today: “And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.” (Luke 16:2)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 September 5

Don’t Reject Corrective Criticism

“He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.” (Proverbs 10:17)

Today’s Morsel: The Bible tells us, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16) God’s word is designed to correct us and to change us, so that we will become more like Him in character and actions. But if we reject those instructions for correction and reproof, then we may find ourselves outside of the ways of life and running headlong into self-destruction.  Always remember, the wise are always seeking to know and to better themselves. But the fool passes on and is punished.

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

Thought For Today: “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” (John 15:3)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 September 4

Read The Instructions

“Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.” (Proverbs 4:13)

Today’s Morsel: The things which you need to know are usually found in the instructions. If you are making Hamburger Helper, the instructions are on the back of the box so that you make it right. If you want to make a cake or cookies like your mother and grandmother, simply read and follow their recipe. They are the instructions. If you want to pass a test, read the instructions. If you want to have friends, read the instructions. If you want to have a great spouse, read the instructions. If you want to know how to save money, read the instructions. If you want to know how to serve God and enjoy life, read the instructions. If you want to know how to stay out of trouble with the law and others, read the instructions. If you want to know how to be the best Christian ever, read the instructions. The Bible is the instruction book for life, it is just Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Solomon said that we should take fast hold of instruction; let her not go; keep her; for she is they life. As Paul said: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) All of life’s problems and issues can be solved in your life and the life of others if you and they will read and take hold of the instructions God has given to us. The Bible is not just any book, it is your life.

Sing: Our Lord God, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power. Our Lord God, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for Thee, nothing is too difficult for Thee. Great and Mighty God, in counsel, mighty indeed, nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing, nothing is too difficult for Thee.

Thought For Today: “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:23)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 September 3

Make Up Your Mind

“Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:14-15)

Today’s Morsel: Throughout scripture we can easily see what happens when folks will not make-up their minds to serve and follow God. The children of Israel found themselves doubting and missed being able to enter the promised land. And the writer of Hebrews cautions us to not allow that same spirit of unbelief to get into our hearts or else we too will miss the mark (Hebrews 3). You see, to serve God requires you to make-up your mind if you are going to follow Him or not. God isn’t going to keep pulling the rope of your heart telling you to get up and come on. Most people who struggle in their walk with God and seem to never reach perfection are those who have not made up their minds to serve Him. You can go to church, but that doesn’t mean that your mind is made up. We saw this during the COVID 19 Pandemic.  Many who had been attending church fell away from their religions during those years.  Joshua says we must stop playing around and choose. He said, if you don’t want to serve God, don’t blame someone else, go ahead and do your own thing. But if you think that what God is offering you is better than what the world is offering you, then make up your mind and serve Him (Emphasis mine). Have you made up your mind? It’s so much easier to live for God and then to be able to navigate through life’s issues when you do. As Isaiah said: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3). Make up your mind, choose you this day!

Sing: 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: “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.” (Psalms 57:7)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 September 2

 Labor Day

“And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.” (Mark 6:30-31)

Today’s Morsel: Labor Day is an American federal holiday to celebrate, honor, and recognize the American Labor Movement and the workers and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States. Hopefully, it will be a time for rest and relaxion for all. Work is good, but there comes a time that we all need rest. 

When we turn to the church, we each are commissioned to carry the whole gospel to the whole world, by the whole church. Our labor can sometimes be taxing. Especially when we are seeking to save the lost, perfect the saints, and edify the body of Christ. We are laboring together with Christ to build His church and His kingdom. As we labor daily to reach the lost and disciple others, it can at times become tiring, and we will need a time of rest. Scripture tells us that Jesus told His disciples to come apart and rest a while for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. Do you need a little rest from your labor? If so, why not take a day off and get the needed rest that you need so that you can be refreshed and then get back into the battle that is before us. 

Sing: When you see me praying, I’m working on the building, I’m working on the building for my Lord. Well, I never get tired, working on the building, I’m going up to heaven to get my reward.

Thought For Today: “For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.” (1 Thessalonians 2:9)