Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 13

The Way of Love

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-8)

Today’s Morsel: Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth, address an important topic for today’s church. And that is the topic of love. Paul, like the other apostles, understood that God is love. And they knew that Jesus’ teachings and example for them to follow, was that of His love. They knew that Jesus had told them that the greatest commandments were to love God, and their neighbor as themselves. The church at Corinth was zealous for spiritual gifts. Like some churches today, who are seeking for miracles, wonders, and signs. When we get zealous for the supernatural, and lose focus of what is important, we can start to drift away from truth. As the apostle James wrote: “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.” (James 1:17) Paul wanted the church to know that the greatest gift was love. Not tongues. Not prophesy. Not healings. Not miracles. Not words of wisdom. It was God’s love.  And if Christ’s love was in them, then there ought to be some outward manifestation of that love being in them. And so, he addresses some of the ways that true love operates. He said that Charity (love)is long suffering, and is kind; it does not envy; it isn’t boastful about itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave rudely, doesn’t seek not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; doesn’t rejoice in iniquity, but rejoice in the truth; bears all things, believeth all things, hope all things, endure all things. Love never fails. Love will not disappoint you nor let you down.  If we say that Christ is in us, then these traits ought to be being manifested in us.

Sing: Amazing grace shall always be my sing of praise, for it was grace that brought my liberty; I do not know just why He came to love me so, He looked beyond my faults and saw my need. I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary, to view the cross where Jesus died for me; how marvelous the grace that caught my falling soul, He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.

Thought For Today:  “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” (Colossians 3:14)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 12

God’s Love Is Inseparable

“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 study scripture, we see that God’s love is everlasting. His love is unchanging and divine. Jesus said, “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.” (John 15:9) To continue in something is to keep doing it and living it out before others, even when they may not understand why you are doing it. Paul asked, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Is there something or someone that is pulling you away from God’s love? Paul says that there ought not to be anything that is able to separate you from God’s love. No pain, no death, no success, no failures, no angels, nor any powers, should be able to pull you away from God’s love. Remember, without Jesus you can do nothing (John 15:5). You can’t even know how to love without Him. If you allow anything or someone to come between you and God’s love, it is closer to God then you are. 

Sing: Since Jesus came into my heart, since Jesus came into my heart; Floods of joy over my soul like a sea-billows roll, since Jesus came into my heart.

Thought For Today: Keep your hand in the Masters hand.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 11

Fervent Love

“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” (1 Peter 1:22-23)

Today’s Morsel: The word Philadelphia means brotherly love. Paul wrote to the church at Rome: “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” (Romans 12:9-13) He said to let your love be real. Let it be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another. The idea of fervently, means to “stretch out the hand.” They were to be willing to help each other and be willing to lay down their lives if it was required. Peter tells them that since that were now born again, by the word of God, that they should love each other the way that the word of God required them. They must now obey the truth and display genuine love for the brethren. Fervent love must stretch across racial bearers and skin color. It must be from the heart of the Spirit. As Paul told the church at Philippi: “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:1-5) Do you have the mind of Christ? If you do, you will love fervently.  

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: Everyone hates false love.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 10

The Standard

“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another.” (John 15:9-17)

Today’s Morsel: Everything that Jesus wanted us to be and to become, He modeled it before us and left us an example of how to do it. Because God is love (1 John 4:7), and we are called to be like Him in all things, He set the standard for us. We know through scripture that we are to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus said, this is my commandment that you love one another, as I have loved you. John tells us, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) The same way that Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac to prove that he trusted God, God was willing to sacrifice His Son to prove His love and salvation for us. And again, John tells us:“Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4:11-12) The Holy Ghost ought to motivate you to love, as the standard was set at Calvary for you to follow.

Sing:  Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so; Little 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 of God ought to remind you of the standard that was left for you, you must follow.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 9

Impartiality

“For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 10:17-19)

Today’s Morsel: It may seem sometimes hard for us to love the stranger. But through the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10), Jesus shows us how this ought to be done. If we are seen by others as Jesus’ disciples, then based on our love, we must share and show love to everyone. Paul tells the church is Ephesus: “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:11-22) He said that they were strangers from the covenant of promise and had no hope and were without God. In other words, he reminded them of where they came from. We cannot be impartial when it comes to God’s love and loving others. James tells us: “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” (James 2:8-9) Don’t forget that you were once an alien.

Sing: I’m so glad that Jesus loved me, Jesus loved me, Jesus loved me; I’m so glad that Jesus loved me, that Jesus loved even me.

Thought For Today: Always keep the Golden Rule in place and love will be displayed in your life.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 7

A Life of Prayer

“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Today’s Morsel: We don’t read much about prayer until scripture says, “And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.” (Genesis 4:25-26) Verse 26 offers that there was a shift in worship and praise and seeking after God. Maybe they realized after Cain’s murder of Abel that something was missing. Maybe they realized that leaving God out of the picture, evil things happen. Prayer is designed to keep our relationship with Christ solid and firm, so that we do not allow evil to penetrate our lives and homes. Prayer, even according to Jesus, prevents us from quitting and giving up. Paul said that we should pray without ceasing. Talking with Jesus must be a habit in our lives. Whether we are praying for ourselves or interceding for others, it must be a habit. James tells us that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. When you can find one that you feel is truly righteous, and one whom you feel that you can share your condition or fault with for prayer, it can bring about great results. A life of prayer if often found in a life of righteousness.

Sing: Someone is praying for you. Someone is praying for you. So, when you feel you’re alone and your heart would break in two, remember someone is praying for you.

Thought For Today: A life of prayer begins with a life of righteousness.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 6

Loving Others

“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” (Philippians 2:1-2)

Today’s Morsel: Paul calls for us to have the same love as Christ. What kind of love did Jesus have? Jesus had unconditional and sacrificial love. Jesus’ love for us was not based on what we could do for Him, but what He could do for us. Unconditional love is birthed out of a heart of compassion. The second commandment, Jesus said, is like the first, love your neighbor as yourself. If you see others as being you, then you will treat them as you would like to be treated. But if you see them as someone else, chances are you will not treat them as yourself. If you do not have love for yourself, it’s going to make it hard for you to have God’s love operating in your life. Paul calls it comfort of love. What is love that comforts? It’s love that edifies, strengthens, and motivates others to know that you care. Paul also said, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)He said that God comforts us so that we may be able to comfort others with the same comfort. God loves us, and we are to love other the same way.   

Sing: I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shores; 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: You can’t share God’s love if He’s not abiding in you.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 5

Is It Time To Empty Yourself?

“And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok. And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had. And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” (Genesis 32:22-30)

Today’s Morsel: Sometimes, our stresses and depressions can be caused by fear. Fear, John says, has a way of tormenting us. Jacob had lived with the fear of being killed by his brother Esau for over twenty years. And now, being commanded by God to return home, Jacob knew that he had to face that which he feared. And when he came to the ford Jabbok, he knew that he needed to have a clear mind and a clear heart when he met that which he feared. Jabbok means an emptying out. It was here that Jacob got ahold of God and emptied himself out. Jacob wrestled with God for an answer of assurance. He knew that he had to cross over, but he needed assurance that God was sending him home. Maybe he even questioned God if he was aware that Esau was going to kill him. By emptying himself out, Jacob proves that God will hear the brokenhearted and change the situation for your good. As David said, “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” (Psalms 34:18). 

Sing: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will go strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace. 

Thought For Today: When you are weak, then is He strong.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 4

A New Song

“O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.” (Psalms 96:1-6)

Today’s Morsel: They say that if you want to change the outlook of your situation, then change the way that you talk to yourself. If you speak ill of yourself, or you use language that belittles yourself, chances are you will talk yourself into defeat. The Psalmist says to sing unto the Lord a new song. If you have been singing Gloom, despair, and agony on me, stop singing that, and start singing, I’ve got a river of life flowing out of me. Start singing, Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Start singing, Every promise in the book is mine. Or Love lifted me. Or maybe, There shall be light in the evening time. Singing has a way of lifting us up out of the muck and mire. So before you allow yourself to be defeated by your words, choose a new song and sing it unto the Lord.

Sing: I have found His grace is all complete He supplies my every need; While I sit and learn at Jesus feet, I am free, yes, free indeed. 

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory, full of glory, full of glory; It is joy unspeakable and full of glory, oh, the half has never yet been told.

Thought For Today: A new song can lift you up!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 3

Do You Love Jesus?

“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-16)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things that we see in Jesus is that He did not focus on the disciples’ actions as proof of their love to Him. He asked them if they loved Him. Peter was probably stunned that Jesus asked him if he loved Him three times. Peter knew that Jesus is resurrected from the dead, he’s now talking to the Savior of the world, God manifested in flesh, and now Jesus asked if he loved Him. I believe the questions were asked because they had returned to their worldly professions, after Jesus had called them, chosen them, and trained them for His mission. Fishers of men, and to start His church. But they had so quickly lost heart and started to go back.  The question of do you love me, put the onus on Peter to prove himself. And the way he would have to prove himself was first by his word. Yes or no. But once he said yes three times, he knew that he was now committed to do God’s will. Do you love Jesus? Are you committed?

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 somehow; And now I love Him too much, to fail Him now.

Thought For Today: We just don’t love in word only; we love in both word and deed. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 2

Can You Love Like Jesus?

“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

Today’s Morsel: From Genesis to Revelation, the threads which run through the Bible are, love, forgiveness, mercy, grace, justice, and compassion. We know that according to scripture, “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.” (1 John 4:7-8) Being born again is a commitment to follow Jesus. If God is love, and He is, then we must love also. To really have the heart of Christ, you must have a heart of compassion. Compassion doesn’t mean that you allow people to run over you or use you, it means that you are sensitive to the Spirit’s leading, that you are strong, and that you able to help those who are really in need and need your support.  True compassion can sense true hurting and will get involved. If you really want to follow Jesus’ commandment and love, then you must first realize how much He loved you.

Sing: I’m not on an ego trip; I’m nothing on my own. I make mistakes and often slip, just common flesh and bones. But I’ll prove someday, just what I say, that I’m of a special kind; yet when He was on the cross, I was on His mind.

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

Thought For Today: Love makes the world go round!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 January 31

Let’s Go On Unto Perfection

“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.” (Hebrews 6:1-3)

Today’s Morsel: Compared to this time last year, where are you at now in your walk with God? Did you memorize some scriptures that you can use to fight your battles? Are you feeling confident in your relationship with God and others in the church? Do you feel a zeal to be in church more than you did last year at this time? Did you gain any wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of God that you didn’t know before? Do you know where you are headed and how to get there? Do you know the reason you tithe and give offerings? Do you know why holy living and being separated from the world is important to you? You see, perfection comes about when you apply the things to your life that will make you perfect. God’s word is designed to change you and to make you like Christ, who is perfect. Once you learn to keep doing the little things that God’s word tells you to do, they will soon become habits in your life and lead you on to perfection.

Sing: Every day with Jesus, is sweet than the day before. Every day with Jesus, I love Him, more, and more. Jesus saves and He keeps me, He’s the One I’m living for. Every day with Jesus, is sweeter than the day before.

Thought For Today: To reach perfection, get your priorities right. And that starts with knowing Jesus. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 January 30

Sing Aloud

“Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.” (Psalms 81:1)

Today’s Morsel: If you really want to give the devil a headache, start singing aloud about Jesus. The Bible tells us throughout its page to make a joyful noise unto the Lord, with singing, instruments, psalms, and clapping. I have heard people say, I don’t think you have to do all that to praise the Lord. Well, it’s not that you have to, you get to do all that to praise the Lord, as it’s what God’s word tells us to do. Paul told the church at Philippi: “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4) Joy ought to always be rooted and grounded in us. Even in our hardships We ought to praise God. And here’s why: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) When you know who Jesus is and what He has done for you; nothing ought to be able to stop your praise with a loud voice. O’ clap your hands all ye people and shout with a voice of triumph.

Sing: Well, I just started living, I found me a brand-new life, He changed my directions and took away all my strife; I’m newborn believer with a holy infilling; my days are brighter, my load is lighter, I just started living.

Thought For Today: Shout like you just won a million dollars.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 January 29

Stay In the Ship

“Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.” (Acts 27:29-31)

Today’s Morsel: I find it amazing that those who say that they are Christians do not understand how to make things right when there are disagreements with others in the church. Some folks leave the church because of what others say or do, instead of following Biblical principles to correct the error. The Bible doesn’t tell you to leave the church. It tells you that if your brother offends you, that you should go to him and tell him his wrong. Jesus always places the responsibility on the one who thinks that they are right, to be the first to go to the person that they think did them wrong. Not to someone else. But most folks won’t follow this principle, they go and complain to someone else about them or they even leave the church. You are not going to be saved outside of the church. You may go to another church, but until you get forgiveness from the person, Satan is still going to hound you and push you further from God. You must stay in the ship no matter the turbulence.

Sing: It’s the Old Ship of Zion, it’s the hope for the lost and dying. It’s the soul saving station, it’s the tower of salvation. 

 Well, it’s the Church Triumphant, oh, Lord and it’s built by the hand of the Lord. I’m talking about the church in the book of Revelation, it’s built on the rock, it’s got a firm foundation; it’s been the flood, it’s been through the fire, but one these days, the church is gonna move up a little, higher; Well, it’s the Church, Triumphant, O’ Lord, and it’s built by the hand of the Lord. 

Thought For Today: You can only make it in the church.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 January 28

Stay Alert

“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)

Today’s Morsel:  We know that according to scripture Eve was deceived by the serpent in the garden, and it brought sin into the world because of her disobedience. Paul tells the church at Corinth that he was afraid that the same way that Satan deceived Eve, their minds were being deceived from the ease and of Christ. Living for God isn’t hard. It’s easy. But if you allow deception and false doctrine to deceive you, life is going to be hard for you, and you will be drawn away by your own lust. You must obey what God’s word says or Satan will deceive you as He did Eve.

Sing: I’ve got my mind made up to serve the Lord. I’ve got my mind made up to serve the Lord. I’ve got my mind made up to serve the Lord. I got my mind made up to serve the Lord.

Thought For Today: Don’t get bushwhacked.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 January 27

Water Baptism

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” (Mark 16:15-18)

Today’s Morsel: According to the apostle Peter, baptism doth now save us. Water baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). You can’t be saved with sin in your life. So, baptism by emersion is being buried with Christ (Romans 6:3-4) into His death. You are burying the old man, so that you can rise and walk in newness of life. You are not saved if you have not been baptized in the name of The Lord Jesus Christ. As, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) Have you been baptized in Jesus’ name? It is the saving name. 

Sing: Have you been to Jesus for your cleansing power? Are you washed in the blood of the lamb? Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Are you washed, in the blood, in the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb? Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow, are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Thought For Today: Life is too short to play around with your eternal salvation.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 January 26

The Faith of Abraham

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11:8-10)

Today’s Morsel: By all accounts, Abraham was just an ordinary man who was living a life like everyone else in his day. But, like Noah, Abraham, seems to have found favor in the eyes of God. Scripture says, “Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.” (Genesis 12:1-4) If you were to tell folks today that God told you to do something, you would probably be questioned about your hearing. But not Abraham. The Bible even tells us, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” (Romans 4:20-21) All Abraham had was God’s word. And he departed home from his family based on God’s word. As Christians, we must have the same faith as Abraham and the patriarchs of old, so that when God says to us go, we must not allow the spirit of unbelief to get into our hearts to the point that we do not listen and respond.  We must walk by faith and not by sight.

Sing: Lead me Lord, I will follow, lead me Lord, I will go; You have called me, I will answer, lead me Lord and I will go.

Thought For Today: Faith requires action

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 January 24

The Message

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5)

Today’s Morsel: How many text or email messages would you say that you receive each day? Probably more then you wish to receive. The novelty of texts and emails are wearing people thin. I looked at my email trash and junk folder and realized that I had over a thousand messages in them. Some of those messages may have been important while others were not.  John said this then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. The message is clear. You can’t say that you know Christ and walk in darkness. As Paul asked the church at Corinth: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) There must be a separation from the darkness if we are going to be believer and followers of Christ. That, my friend, is an important message.  

Sing: There shall be light in the evening time, the way to glory you will sure find; Through the waterway, it is the light today, baptized in Jesus’ name. Young and old repent of all your sin, and the Holy Ghost will enter in. The evening time, has come, it is a fact that God and Christ are One.

Thought For Today: Light is only greater than darkness when we allow it to shine. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker -2026 January 23

The Shocking Question

“And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.” (Luke 7:36-50)

Today’s Morsel: The story of the woman with the alabaster box appears in all three of the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). But we find in the gospel of Mark and Luke whose house Jesus was in when this alabaster box of precious ointment was broken and used upon Jesus.  It was a man name Simon.  After Mary did what she did with her ointment upon Jesus, Simon stated within himself that if Jesus was a prophet, he would know that Mary was a sinner. He failed to realize that Jesus already knew who she was, and he knew Simon’s thoughts the same as he knows ours. And so when Jesus asked him a question about forgiveness to test his understanding of forgiveness, it took Simon by surprise. When Simon gave Jesus the answer to his question, Simon, probably felt good about himself. Especially when Jesus told him that He had rightly judged. But when Jesus explained Mary’s actions, what Simon failed to realize was that Jesus’ parable was questioning his forgiveness of others. The parable should also speak to us, that we must be ready to forgive others for their wrongs and actions when they come to Jesus.

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

Thought For Today: Forgiving someone 460 times for their wrong will increase your faith every time.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 January 22

Surprise Your Prayers Have Been Answered

“Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.” (Acts 12:1-16)

Today’s Morsel: I am so glad that I learned at an early age as a Christian, that God’s ways are not my ways nor are His thoughts. In today’s passage, we see that Peter had been arrested and placed in prison by Herod, after he had killed the apostle James, and he was holding him to kill him at Easter. But prayers for Peter were being made by the church for his release. When God sent an angel and released him, Peter went to home of Mary, John Mark’s, mother. But when he knocked on the door, the people did not believe that it was him. To their surprise it was him, but they did not believe it even with him standing right before them. I have always questioned, and asked myself this, if they were praying for his release, why didn’t they believe he would be released? If we are going to pray and ask God to heal, deliver, provide for, and make a way, then we should not be faithless. We must get ready to receive His answer and see the outcome at the door! 

Sing: Faith can move mountains, mountains of fear and of doubt; faith can move mountains, so why don’t you try your faith out.

Thought For Today: All things are possible to him that can believe.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 January 21

Let’s Go To Church

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” (Psalms 122:1)

Today’s Morsel: There seems to be a spirit that is stealing the joy of people and preventing them from wanting to go to church. Paul states: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” (Ephesians 4:11-15) If Satan can stop your development and stability in Christ, he wins. The Psalmist informs us: “Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?” (Psalms 77:13) We learn God’s way when we go to church. And again David said, “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.” (Psalms 27:4-6) He only wanted one thing. To go to church. It’s in the church where we learn and understand the ways of God and get on the road to heaven. Jacob, while sleeping on a rock under his head, had a dream and he observed the angels of God ascending and descending on a ladder in heaven, and God was at the top of the ladder. And when he awakens, he said, this is none other than the house of God and the gateway to heaven. Let me encourage you, go to church, and get on the road that will lead you there.

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

Thought For Today:  A person who says that they are a Christian but does not go to church is fooling themselves.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 January 20

Watchout For That Spirit Of Unbelief

“But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” (Hebrews 3:17-19)

Today’s Morsel: If you are a follower of the news, then you’ve probably said to yourself and to others time and time again, “I can’t believe that people can be so unwise and senseless.” Those last days, which were spoken by Jesus and the apostles, seem to be closer than we may think. Jesus said, “And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” (Luke 17:26-30) Paul tells us: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Timothy 3:1-7) Now is not the time to allow that spirit of unbelief to get into your heart and captivate your mind to where you fall short of the promise and miss the mark of the prize. Remember, the just must live by faith. 

Sing: Well, I’m getting ready to leave this place, I’m getting ready for those gates of pearls; keeping my record straight, watching both day and night. Well, I’m getting ready to leave this place.

Thought For Today: He that cometh to God must believe that He is and a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 January 19

The Time Is Always Right To Do What Is Right

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)

Today’s Morsel: Today our Nation celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Because he was a minister of the gospel, many of his speeches against inequality, racism, and wrong in America, came from the word of God. And when you sit and listen to his speeches, there is always an undercurrent, telling other’s that there is always a right time to do what is right. Especially when it comes to the treatment of others. No matter if he was speaking to the President of the United States, congress, business dealers, a church congregation, or the young students in colleges or school, his messages were the same; There is always a right time to do what is right. When he led marches in the streets across America, they were peaceful marches. There was no burning of buildings, looting, or robbing. It was always peaceful, because anything else would go against the word of God and not accomplish the intended purpose of the march. There is always a right time to do what is right if we say that we are born-again and know Jesus.  The apostle Peter states: “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” (1 Peter 2:21-24) Dr. King, like Jesus, left us an example of how we should live unto righteousness and do what is always right. Are you following their example?

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 January 17

Life’s Lessons

“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.” (Proverbs 4:1-4)

Today’s Morsel: If you were to stop and evaluate your life, what life lessons would you say that you have learned? Everything in life teaches you a lesson, but you must be willing to learn. If you are not willing to learn the lessons of life the first go round, you are sure to repeat them again. Life is so much easier when we are willing to learn the first time. Especially from God’s Word. David said, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalms 119:11) Remember, the Bible is just Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. If you study the Bible in advance, when the trials and test of life come, you will probably pass them with flying colors and learn the lesson for which they came. Do you know why Job didn’t give up in his troubles? He prepared for them before they came. He said, “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 23:11-12); “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” (Job 13:15). Job understood that what happens to others can also happen to him. He knew that it rains on the just and the unjust. He understood that life can throw you some curve balls that you sometimes aren’t going to be able to hit. And even if you swing out as the might Casey did in Mudville, you can still go down in history with your head held high.

Sing: Years I spent in vanity and pride, caring not my Lord was crucified; Knowing it not it was for me He died, on Calvary. Mercy, there was great and grace was free; Pardon there was multiplied to me; There my burden soul found liberty, at Calvary. 

Thought For Today: Lessons of life comes in all shapes and sizes. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 January 16

The Crown of Righteousness

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:1-8)

Today’s Morsel: The Bible has a lot to say about righteousness. Righteousness is the quality of being morally right or justifiable. It is a moral state of being, and a way of life that involves living in accordance with God’s Word and His character. It deals with having right relationships with others, acting right, and living right. When David prayed and asked the Lord: “LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.” (Psalms 15:1-5) David founded that it’s about righteousness.  Notice, he must consistently act according to God’s principles, by making righteous living a habit in his life. The writing is for our learning, Paul said (11 Corinthians 10:11) We cannot receive the Crown of Righteousness if we are not living right. Remember, we reap what we sow!

Sing: If I walk in the pathway of duty, O’ Lord; If I work until the close of the day, Lord. I shall see the great King in all his beauty, when I’ve gone the last mile of the way Lord. 

When I’ve gone, the last mile of the way, oh yeah; I shall rest at the close of the day. For I know, there is a crown awaiting there for me, O’ Lord; When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.

Thought For Today: See that no man steals your crown!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 January 15

Winning

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-18)

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever noticed how must emphasis is placed on the mind in the Bible? The writers seem to understand that without a clear and made-up mind it is impossible for us to win. The Lord states: “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10) Paul states: “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) Isaiah states: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:” (Isaiah 26:3-4) You can only win when your mind is stronger than your emotions. Your emotions will sometimes be up and down and all around; But if you keep your mind stayed on Jesus, it will be strong and He will propel you to victory.

Sing: I heard an old story, how a Savior came from glory; How He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me. I heard about His groaning, of His precious blood’s atoning; Then I repented of my sins, and won the victory. 

O’ victory in Jesus, my Savior, forever; He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood. He loved me ere I knew Him and all my love is due Him. He plunged me to victory, beneath the cleansing flood.  

Thought For Today: Always remember that the carnal mind is enmity against God. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 January 14

Train Your Children

“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: How many times have you heard, or thought to yourself, “I wish I knew what I know now when I was much younger?” We don’t know everything about life while we are young. At those stages in life, we think that we are the sharpest knife in the drawer, and the wisest kid on the block. We think that old folks are uncaring, and don’t want us to have fun. We fail to realize that they have already encountered what we are heading into. And so, we continue-on, make mistakes, and make poor choices. We find ourselves in debt, in some cases painful relationships, broken promises, and working 10-12 hours a day trying to survive from our choices and decisions; when if we had sought the advice of our parents, or a godly counselor, or listened to our pastors and teachers, we possibly could have avoided some of our dilemmas. Solomon states: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) And Paul calls for fathers to bring up their children in the ways of the Lord. As adults and parents, you must teach your children early what you learned late.  

Sing: Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word; Tell me the stories most precious, sweetest that ever was heard; Tell how the angels in chorus, sang as they welcomed His birth, Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good tidings to earth.

Thought For Today: “Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.” (Proverbs 7:2)