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)

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!