Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 March 5

The Principal Thing

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7)

Today’s Morsel: When something is considered to be principal, it is to be considered first. Proverbs 4:7, means that wisdom is life’s most important asset, urging us to pursue it above all else, even material wealth; but actively understanding, discernment, and insight, recognizing that true wisdom comes from God and leads to a better, and more purposeful life. It’s a call to prioritize spiritual wisdom and understanding over temporary gain, to form good habits through obedience and study so that we may gain clarity of God’s ways. The verse also teaches us that acquiring wisdom might require great sacrifice, but its benefits far outweigh any material cost, as true wisdom originates from God, and seeking it involves a relationship with Him and reliance on His guidance. So here are a few simple terms we must follow:

§  We should prioritize becoming wise and having understanding over getting rich or famous.

§  We should make seeking God’s insight our number one goal in life.

§  We ought to use our resources (time, efforts) to gain spiritual insight and discernment, not just for material possessions.

Sing: Deeper, deeper, in the love of Jesus daily let me go; Higher, higher, in the school of wisdom, more of grace to know. 

O’ deeper yet, I pray; And higher every day; And wiser, blessed Lord; In Thy precious holy word. 

Thought For Today: Seek first the Kingdom of God and everything else will be added unto you.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 March 4

Trust In The Lord

“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)

Today’s Morsel: Today’s passage of scripture has probably been heard by every saint of God in every church around the world. But for some reason, it just doesn’t seem to take root or take hold in the heart of man. Why is it so hard for those who say that they are born-again to grasp this principle? Are we looking for a quick fix to our problems and healing that we are not willing to wait? Are we looking for relief and comfort for what we are going through? Why did Israel have a hard time trusting in God after all the miracles, signs, and wonders they saw God preform right before their very eyes. Why did the disciples have a trust issue with their faith when they were on the boat out in the storm, and Jesus was right there with them? But then we can flip the script. Why did David believe that God would deliver Goliath into His hands? Why did Mary tell the servants at the wedding at Cana of Galilee, Whatsoever He says to you to do, do it. And as far as we can tell, they did what He told them to do without question. To trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding, doesn’t mean that you cannot trust others. It means that if you go to a doctor, you already know that He’s not God, but you are willing to trust God for the outcome. The same way with elections. If you pray for the will of God to be done in an election, then you must be willing to trust God for the outcome. As scripture tells us: “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) So, if I love God, and I am called by Him for His purpose, then it’s going to work out for my good.

Sing: I trust in God, my Savior the one, who will never fail, He will never fail; I trust in God, my Savior the one, who will never fail, He will never fail.

Perfect submission, all is at rest, I know the Author of tomorrow has ordered my steps. So this is my story, and this is my song, I’m praising my risen King and Savior all the day long.  

I trust in God, my Savior the one, who will never fail, He will never fail; I trust in God, my Savior the one, who will never fail, He will never fail.

Thought For Today: Gods got this, so don’t doubt. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 March 3

Maintain Discretion

“When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths: To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God. For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead. None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life. That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.” (Proverbs 2:10-22)

Today’s Morsel: When we study our Bibles, we will see that there are certain threads that run through its pages, to keep us on the right path and in the straight and narrow pathway. And one of those threads is discretion. What is discretion. Discretion is the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information. In the Bible though, discretion means wise judgement, prudence, and careful discernment to know the right thing to say and do. Avoiding foolishness and sin. It is often linked with wisdom and understanding to guide our actions toward righteousness and God’s will, which will lead to a mature Christian walk. Paul told Timothy: “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” (1 Timothy 2:8-10) The word shamefacedness means to have honor and respect for oneself. And the word sobriety means to be sound minded and possessing self-control. He instructed Titus: “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,” (Titus 2:1-7)  The same way that it is amazing what praising can do in your life; you will be surprised as to what discretion can do when you all0w it to work in your life and you teach it to your children and others as well.

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: Don’t be like the horse and mule which do not have understanding. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 March 2

The Beginning of Knowledge

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

Today’s Morsel: The Bible has a lot to say about the wise and the foolish. I often ask myself why someone would want themselves to be seen as a fool. Why would a person reject something that is good for them, or from The One who is trying to help them to accomplish and be what they were created to be? Paul states: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” (Romans 1:18-32) God is our creator, Lord, and Savior. And He’s not willing that any should perish. God wants us to do good and to have life. And that begins with knowledge. And the first stage of knowledge is to respect and to reverence Him as God and for who He is. As Jesus said, For without me you can do nothing (John 15:5). Life is so much easier when we possess Godly knowledge and wisdom.

Sing: This is my desire to honor You; Lord, with all my heart I worship You. And all I have within me, I give You praise; and all that I adore is in You.

Lord, I give you my heart, I give You my soul, I live for You alone. Every breath that I take, every moment I’m awake, Lord, have Your way in me.

Thought For Today: That the soul is without knowledge is not good.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 28

There Is Power In The Blood

“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13)

Today’s Morsel: Calvary speaks of more than just the Cross. It was here that Jesus shed His blood for the sins of the whole world. Isaiah had prophesied of Him: “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7) The Ethiopian Eunuch questioned Phillip as to who Isaiah was speaking about, and Philip preached to him Jesus. The writer of Hebrews informs us,  “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” (Hebrews 2:14-15) Christ took on flesh and blood to destroy Satan. And He did this by His blood. The same way that Moses dedicated the first Tabernacle with blood, the pattern of the second Tabernacle also needed to be dedicated with blood. Again, the writer of Hebrews tells us: “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:16-22) We no longer need to live in fear of Satan, sin, and death, as Jesus has redeemed us unto Himself by His blood.

Sing: The Blood that Jesus shed for me, way back on Calvary, it’s the blood, that gives me my strength from day to day, it will never lose its power. For it reaches to the highest mountain, and it flows to the lowest valley, it’s the blood that give me my strength, from day to day, it will never lose its power.

Thought For Today: “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:4)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 27

Sin Free

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:1-14)

Today’s Morsel: The apostle Paul seems to address sin more than any other topic in his letters to the church. Paul wanted them to understand that being born-again and being a Christian called for separation from the world and living a life dedicated and committed to Christ. He called for them not to allow sin to have dominion over them. He questioned their salvation, and spiritual growth, as a mature and committed Christian if they should not be able to control themselves. He told the church at Galatia that if they walked in the Spirit, that they would not fulfill the lust of their flesh (Galatian 5:16). He asks the church at Corinth if they were not aware that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God. He said:“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) And now he asks the church at Rome if they should continue living in sin so that God would have to keep forgiving them repeatedly. He said no they should not. He said that they, like us, are supposed to be dead to sin. Sin is not supposed to have dominion over our life. We are to be dead to the old person, and our new life is now to be hidden with God in Christ. If we say that we are born-again and still living and walking in sin, we need to get back to the altar and get it right. Eternity in hell is a long time to burn.

Sing: I came to Jesus weary worn and sad; He took my sins away, He took my sins away; And now His love has made my heart so glad, He took my sins away.

He took my sins away, He took my sins away, and He keep me singing every day! I’m so glad He took my sins away; He took my sins away.

Thought For Today: “For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.” (Romans 6:10)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 26

Black History

“And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.” (Acts 8:26-39)

Today’s Morsel: Throughout America, February is seen as Black History month. It was chosen to highlight the many contributions made by black Americans to this nation. Yet many today have no knowledge of the contribution that have been made. Most people have never heard of:

• ·      The 54^th Massachusetts Regiment, famous for their valor at the Second Battle of Fort Wager, proving that black soldiers could fight.
• ·      The Tuskegee Airmen, the first black military pilots who served with distinction in World War II, flying fighter escort and bomber missions in Europe. Earning great distinction. 
• ·      Nor of George Washington Carver, famous for his revolutionary agricultural research. Known as the “Peanut Man” for creating products like milk, flour, ink, and dyes from peanuts, and educating farmers in the south about crop rotation. 
• ·      How about Dr. Charles R. Drew, a black surgeon and researcher known as the “Father of Modern Blood Banking’ and for developing techniques for blood plasma storage and large-scale blood banks, pioneering the bloodmobile, and protesting racial segregation in blood donation during World War II. 
• ·      Or Garrett Morgan, the black inventor who created the traffic light after witnessing a serious intersection accident.

The list could go on and on. But as Orwell states, “If you want to destroy a people, destroy their history.” Some say that even a black man, named Simon of Cyrene, was chosen by the Romans to carry Jesus’ cross. Rev. Willam Seymore, famous for starting the Azusa Street Revival in California, was a black man. Rev. G.T. Haywood, Christ Temple in Indianapolis, song writer, and one of the first to pastor an integrated apostolic church in America. From soldiers, to doctors, to pilots, to scientists, teachers to judges and presidents, congressmen to senators, black Americans have made some major contributions to this great nation.  When the Spirit drew Phillip away into the desert to meet a man in a chariot, scripture tells us that this man was an Ethiopian Eunuch, under Candence the Queen, of Ethiopia. And after Phillip’s teaching, he was baptized by Phillip and sent on his way rejoicing.  And today, the country of Ethiopia, is filled with many people who are serving Jesus Christ.  You see, Jesus is no respecter of persons, and neither should we be.  All people make contributions both in society and the Kingdom of God.  Let’s know our history, it is a rich heritage.   

Sing: Farther along we’ll know all about it. Farther along we’ll understand why; Cheer up my brother, live in the sunshine, we’ll understand it all by and by. 

Thought For Today: Don’t let history be lost.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 25

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

“Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” (Isaiah 45:21-23)

Today’s Morsel: When the Bible tells us to look unto God, it is calling for us to turn to Him, to go after Him, to seek for Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Why was there a call to turn to Him? So that we could be saved. For without Him we can do nothing. When Peter was asked about the healing of the lame man at the gate called beautiful. Scripture says:“And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:7-12) There is no salvation outside of Jesus Christ. Jesus, which means, Jehovah is salvation. Only God can save us. A call by God is a message of hope for all humanity to come and receive salvation, as He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

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

Thought For Today: Put your eyes on Jesus and the world will not seem so overwhelming.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 24

He’s More Than A Man

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5)

Today’s Morsel: According to scripture, Jesus Christ was both God and man. By his compassion and fellowship, He was a man, but by His miracles and teachings, He was Almighty God. Paul informs us: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” (1 Timothy 3:16) He said that God robed Himself in flesh. Even Jesus stated: “Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.” (John 14:9-11) The apostle John wrote: “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20) Remember also what John wrote in this same epistle: “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” (1 John 5:7) Note the three that bear record in heaven. Focus on the second thing. The Word! Remember what Jesus said? “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17); “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.” (John 14:6-7) Jesus was more than a man, He was God Himself. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

Sing: The mighty God is Jesus, the Prince of peace is He, the Everlasting Father, the King eternally, the Wonderful in Wisdom, by whom all things were made, the Fullness of the Godhead in Jesus is displayed.

It’s all in Him, it’s all in Him, the Fullness of the Godhead, it’s all in Him, it’s all in Him, it’s all in Him, the Mighty God is Jesus, and it’s all in Him.      

Thought For Today: “To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.” (Isaiah 40:25)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 23

 Leaning On The Everlasting Arm

“Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.” (Psalms 20:6-9)

Today’s Morsel: Throughout scripture, we see that those whom Jesus had chosen, to lead His people, were assured by Him, that if they obeyed His voice that they would have nothing to worry about. They would not have to worry about their enemies, nor what they would eat, drink, or put on, as God would take care of these things for them. Jesus says: “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:25-33) Seek first the Kingdom of God. Get God in His rightful place in your life. Solomon tells us: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) To trust God is to believe in Him and to take Him at His word. Faith requires trust in a God that we cannot see with our eyes; but we can see the results of our trust by the things which He does on our behalf. To lean on God is to trust Him no matter if things go good or bad. As you know in your heart that He has your best interest at heart, and that He has come through for You.

Sing: What have I to dread, what have I to fear, leaning on the everlasting arms; I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, Leaning on the everlasting arms. 

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, Leaning on the everlasting arms. 

Thought For Today: I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 21

What A Friend

“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.” (John 15:13-15)

Today’s Morsel: Some of the traits that are often seen in friends are loyalty, commitment, trustworthiness, dependability, encouragement, and integrity. These are some of the traits that I have found and seen in true friendships. Today, for some reasons, true friends are few and in between. True character seems to have taken the last train to the coast. Solomon states: “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17); “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24) A true friend shows unwavering love. Not just when things are easy, but through times of challenges and hardships. Adversity will often reveal who your true friends really are. Every born-again believer ought to be a constant friend to those whom they call their friends. A True friend checks-up on those whom they call friend. They remember their birthday anniversary, and other special days. They communicate with their friend keeping them informed. Jesus told His disciples that they were no longer servants but friends if they did what He had commanded them. So how do we go from being a servant of God to being a friend of God? Simply by obeying God’s word. Obedience to the word of God shows love for God and the things which He has asked of us to do. Remember, Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother!  Are you that type of friend?  When is the last time you checked-up on those you call your friends?

Sing: What a Friend, we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer! 

O what peace we often forfeit; O what needless pain we bear; All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer!

Thought For Today: “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 20

In The City Where The Lamb Is The Light

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” (Hebrews 11:13-16)

“And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” (Revelation 21:22-23)

Today’s Morsel: From the time we are born-again, our goal is to reach that heavenly city where the Lamb is the light. Scripture tells us that the patriarch’s saw themselves as strangers and pilgrims on the earth. They did not consider this world their home. They were looking for where God was. They were looking for that final resting place wherein dwelleth righteousness. They did not consider this present world home. Scripture says, “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” (Hebrews 11:16) They were looking for that heavenly city that Jesus had gone to prepare for them. John says, And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. The Lamb is the light. Scripture says: “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) There won’t be a need for light because Jesus is the Light and He is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the earth.

Sing: There’s a country far beyond the stary sky, there’s a city where there never comes a night; if we’re faithful, we shall go there by and by; Tis the city where the Lamb is the Light. 

In the city where the Lamb is the Light, in the city where there cometh no night; I’ve a mansion over there and when free from toil and care, I am going where the Lamb is the Light.

Thought For Today: Where are you headed? Are you on the right road?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 19

Cleanse Me

“Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” (Isaiah 1:16-20)

Today’s Morsel: Throughout God’s word, He calls for us to cleanse ourselves. You see, we are all born in sin and shapened in iniquity. Paul states, “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 6:17-18) When we are washed in the blood of Jesus Christ in the waters of baptism, we must come out and remain clean. Our attitudes, actions, and conduct all must remain clean. We must possess a pure heart and right spirit. A clean heart ought to always be motivated by a clean spirit.  Isaiah also informs us: “And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.” (Isaiah 35:8) Notice, no unclean thing shall pass over that highway which is called holiness. Holiness is who God is and His kingdom is to be holy. The writer of Hebrews tells us: “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22) Pure water. The water or the word. “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” (1 Peter 1:23) And Jesus tells us: “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” (John 15:3) Obedience to God’s Word and the instructions from it will cleanse us. If we are not willing and obedient to it, we will remain unclean and we will suffer the consequences for our actions. But know this, holiness must become His house.

Sing: Search me O God and know my heart today; Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray. See if there be some wicked way in me; Cleanse me from every sin and set me free.

Thought For Today: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” (Psalms 51:7)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 18

Sunshine In The Shadow

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Today’s Morsel:  Life can sometimes seem dark and dreary. Especially when we may have lost a loved one, our job, received an evil doctor’s report, or even lost our favorite pet; all these things that come in life can cast a shadow of darkness and doubt. Those ‘why’ questions start running through the mind causing us to wonder if God even cares. When it seems that all hope is lost, it can make the days dark and long and the nights unbearable. One song writer wrote, “Where do I go, when the storms of life are raging? Who do I turn to, when no one wants to listen? Who do I lean on, when there’s not foundation stable? I go the Rock; I know that He’s able; I go to the Rock.” The Psalmist stated that the “darkness hideth not from the Lord (Psalms 139:12). God is light and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). Let me encourage you today, no matter how dark things may seem right now in your life, there is always sunshine above the darkness of the clouds.  

Sing: When my life is burdened with sorrow, and it seems all help is gone, Jesus whispers, “Do not falter” I will leave thee not alone.” Then somehow amidst my trials, how it is I cannot see; still, I hear a voice from Heaven, gently saying, “Follow me.”

There is sunshine in the shadow; There is sunshine in the rain; There is sunshine in our sorrow, when our hearts are filled with pain. There is sunshine when we’re burdened; There is sunshine when we pray; There is sunshine, heavenly sunshine, Blessed sunshine all the way.

Thought For Today:  Keep looking up. The Sun will shine.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 17

Victory Ahead

“And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.” (2 Chronicles 20:15-17)

Today’s Morsel: Because Jesus Christ doesn’t work on our timeline, we should not think that He does not fight our battles for us. Daniel waited twenty-one days before he got his answer. King Jehoshaphat was alarmed that such a great force was coming against him, and he knew that he did not have the men nor the might to defeat them. But he remembered what God had told Solomon when he dedicated the temple. “And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:12-14) And so, King Jehoshaphat called God to His word and God answered him and gave him the victory over his enemies. When the odds are against you, don’t fear or fret. Take it to Jesus and remind Him of what He has said in His word, and you too will see that there is victory for your situation and circumstance.

Sing: Victory ahead! Victory ahead! Through the blood of Jesus, victory ahead. Trusting in the Lord, I hear the conqueror’s tread, by faith I see the victory ahead.

Thought For Today: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 16

Every Generation

“A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” (Psalms 100:1-5)

Today’s Morsel: Since the creation of the world, God’s love, grace, mercy, and truth, have been available to every generation. Everyone has been given the same opportunity to serve God, love God, worship God, live for God, and know God. Jeremiah tells us that it is because of God’s mercies that we are not consumed (Lam 3:22). God is willing to forgive all those who come to Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. He won’t despise them. The psalmist tells us that mercy belongs to God (Psalms 62:12). And since God is from everlasting to everlasting, His mercy and truth is everlasting. With God, every generation can enjoy His love, peace, joy, and salvation. As God is no respecter of persons, are you sharing with others what He’s done for you?

Sing: I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter His courts with praise; I will say that this is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice for He hath made me glad. 

He hath made me glad, He hath made me glad, I will rejoice for He hath made me glad; He hath made me glad, He hath made me glad, I will rejoice for He hath made me glad.

Thought For Today: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 February 14

The Bond of Perfectness

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

Today’s Morsel: When we become Christians, or born again, we are commanded to take off the old man and to put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:24). Paul tells us to put on holiness, compassion, kindness, humility, patience, endurance, and forgiveness. But then he says that the thing that will hold these things firm and solid in our life is love. He said that love is like a strong glue that holds these things in place in our life (my wording). To be complete in Christ and in our walk with Him requires us to be rooted and grounded in God’s love. Today, much will be spent on flowers, cards, and chocolates to reveal one’s love. But the greatest gift, and the sweetest gift, is manifested from the heart towards others. And that is God’s love.

Sing: I am so glad that our Father in heaven, tells of His love in the Book He has given. Wonderful things in the Bible I see; this is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.

I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me. I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves even me.

Thought For Today: Happy Valentines Day!

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)