Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 March 23

Don’t Stop Praying

“In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying, Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years. And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city. And this shall be a sign unto thee from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing that he hath spoken; Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down.” (Isaiah 38:1-8)

Today’s Morsel: When the Prophet Isaiah told King Hezekiah, who was sick unto death, that the Lord said that he must set his house in order or die. He turned his face to the wall and prayed to God. Sometimes, it is easy to want to stop praying when you are sick and you just keep getting bad news. But that is not the time to stop praying. That is the time that you need to pray more. Even when the prophet Nathan told David that his son was going to die and not live, scripture says: “David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them. And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead? But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead. Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat. Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” (2 Samuel 12:16-23) We never know how God will turn the table or work things out for us. Therefore, we must not stop praying because the situation looks dire or as if there is no hope. God’s ways are not our ways, and neither are His thoughts like our thoughts.  Just keep praying. 

Sing: What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grieves 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: Pray without ceasing!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 March 21

The Anchor Holds

“But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Hebrews 6:9-20)

Today’s Morsel: I was reading our devotion a few days ago, and it spoke of a man that went out to sea in his boat, only to find out that his motor would not start up, and he lost radio communications, and then he realized that he did not have an anchor for the boat either. Thus, his boat drifted further out to sea. His friend died of thirst and hunger, and he himself almost lost his life. Anchors are designed to help hold the boat or ship in place. To slow it down and keep the vessel from moving further away when the waves start driving you. The writer of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is our anchor of hope for our soul, and that He is both sure and steadfast.  Jesus will provide us with stability and security during life’s trails. He will hold us and keep us from drifting during the storms of life. Make sure you have Him securely in your life, you do not want to find out you do not have Him when the storm hits.  

Sing: The anchor holds, though the ship is battered, the Anchor holds, though the sails are torn. I have fallen, fallen down on my knees, as I faced the raging seas; The anchor holds, in spite of the storm.

Thought For Today: Jesus will keep you from drifting.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 March 20

On The Wrong Road

“And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.” (2 Kings 6:19)

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever had one of those moments where you are driving along and you start to feel as though you are on the wrong road? I have felt this many of times, and I immediately find a place to turn around. But some folks keep going and get further from their destination. The sign that you may be on the wrong road is that you keep feeling as though you are on the wrong road. The same is true with salvation. If you keep feeling as though you are in a rut and there is no excitement in your spirit, at church, and throughout your course of the day, you may be on the wrong road. Israel got on the wrong road by listening to complaining and murmuring by their brothers and sisters in the wilderness. All they had to do was follow Moses’ leading and they would have been okay. But when the complaining and murmuring started, others joined in and got on the wrong road which led to their destruction. Jesus said that we must follow Him so that we do not walk in darkness. Paul tells us to walk circumspect not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil. The Lord said to the prophet Jeremiah: “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” (Jeremiah 6:16) If you are not going to walk in the way called straight, then you will surely walk in the way called wrong.

Sing: There’s just one, one, one, one way to God; There’s just one, one, one, one way to God; There’s just one, one, one, one way to God, baptized in Jesus Name!

Thought For Today: “In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.” (Proverbs 12:28)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 March 19

Holy Living

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

Today’s Morsel: Do you go out of your way to be at peace with others? What about yourself? Some folks struggle with being at peace with themselves. Their lives are like a ball of confusion. I hear folks asking for prayer for peace. Didn’t Jesus say: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) If He left peace here with us, then peace should always be there for us. Isaiah stated: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) Shouldn’t every born-again believer be filled with peace? Since Jesus is the Prince of peace and peace is a by-product of the Holy Ghost, shouldn’t we have peace? The writer of Hebrews tells us to follow peace and holiness. If Jesus is our peace, then we ought to be following Him. Jesus said: “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) If we follow Jesus and His ways, we will have all the peace we need, and we will be at peace. We will have peace not only with others but ourselves also.

Sing: Peace, peace, wonderful peace, coming down from the Father above. Sweep over my spirit forever I pray, in fathomless billows of love.

Thought For Today: “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.” (Hebrews 11:31)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 March 18

Learning From Other’s Mistakes

“Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. 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 3:7-19)

Today’s Morsel: History tells us that Israel could not enter the Promised Land because of unbelief. Unbelief can cause you to miss out of a lot of promises and blessings from God. Many people have failed to achieve their goals, graduation, or become successful, all because of their unbelief. The ten spies that brought back an evil report to Moses and the people saw themselves as unable to do what God was trying to do through them. They saw themselves as grasshoppers. They saw themselves as useless bugs hopping around afraid. The writer of Hebrews tells us why they could not enter into their rest. He said, “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” (Hebrews 4:2) Notice, they did not mix the Word of God with their faith. Faith without works is dead. Anytime you hear God’s Word, you must be ready to receive it and apply it to your heart so that it will come to fruition. The devil doesn’t want you to believe. He wants you to live in a state of doubt and unbelief. James enlightens us with these words: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:5-8) If you are one of those who have trouble with unbelief, you probably have already been inflicted with a grasshopper mentality.

Sing: I trust in God, wherever I maybe, upon the land or out on the raging seas. For come what may, from day to day, my heavenly Father, watches over, over, me.

I trust in God, I know He cares for me, upon the land, or out on the stormy seas. Though billows rolls, He keeps my soul, my heavenly Father watches over, over, me.

Thought For Today: “Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” (Matthew 17:19-20)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 March 17

The Entrance Into The Kingdom 

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-11)

Today’s Morsel: When we become Christians, our destination and goal ought to be heaven. If that is not your goal, chances are you will struggle in your walk and relationship with Christ and others. Your end state must be heaven. This earth is not our destination. We are heading to a place where there will be no more pain and suffering. The Bible tells us that the patriarchs looked for a city whose builder and maker was God. It tells us that they saw themselves as strangers and pilgrims in this earth. But that did not stop them from trying to reach their destination. God has put into place some requirements for us to enter His Kingdom. As He told Nicodemus, you must be born again of the water and the Spirit.  Then Peter tells us, Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” Notice, if we do these things we will find the entrance into the kingdom. When many of Jesus’ disciples went back because of their lack of understanding, He asked the twelve whom He had chosen if they would go away also. “Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:68-69) We must grow and mature in the things and ways of God to reach that city. You must daily keep pressing towards the mark of the prize. And you must be sure of yourself if you are going to make it into the kingdom.

Sing: I’m going to a city, there’ll be no more night; I’m going to a city where Jesus is the light. The trumpet’s gonna sound and I’ll be called away; I’m going to a city someday.

Thought For Today: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 March 16

Can A Man Still Be Profitable to God?

“Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?” (Job 22:1-2)

Today’s Morsel: As humans, we are quick to write people off. Especially when we see that they are charged with a crime that lands them into prison for many years. We assume that that person’s life will be useless once they serve the time they are given and get out. But many have done their time, come out, and still made something great out of their lives. Job’s friends were accusing him of having sin in his life. They saw what he was going through and facing and thought it could not be of God. They offered Job no comfort for his dilemma. They only ridiculed him with words of no comfort, trying to get him to repent for his sin. Eliphaz even challenged Job, suggesting that Job’s suffering was not God’s fault but his own. He asked, Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself? By all accounts, Peter probably felt like a failure when he denied the Lord three times after he had told Him that he would die for Him. He probably felt like, What are these keys going to do for me now. But after Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, the angel told Mary, “And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.” (Mark 16:6-7). When God calls you, you are still profitable to Him, no matter your failures, you can still be profitable for His glory and purpose.

Sing: Jesus use me, O’ Lord don’t refuse me, for surely there’s a work that I can do. And even though it’s humble, Lord, help my will to crumble, though the cost be great I’ll work for You.

Thought For Today: All hope is never lost.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 March 14

Is Your Mind Made Up?

“A Song or Psalm of David. O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.” (Psalms 108:1)

Today’s Morsel: David seemed to be a man who had his mind made up when it came to serving God. By all accounts, David didn’t start to praise God and decide to serve God when he was chosen to be king, his mind was already made up from his youth. He told Saul prior to fighting Goliath: “And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.” (1 Samuel 17:34-37) David was confident that God was with him. What about you? Are you taking God at His word? Are you fully persuaded that what He said that He will do that He will do it? If not, make up your mind now, as hell is about to be let loose on the church.  We have to have a made-up mind to make it.  

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

Thought For Today: Better is one day in His courts than thousands elsewhere!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 March 13

Don’t Focus On The Evil And Negative, Focus On The Good

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)

Today’s Morsel: I think that there must be something wrong with the medicine that is being issued out to folks. It’s doesn’t seem to be working. When I was a kid, whatever my parents and grandparents gave us when we were sick and not feeling good worked. The only time in my life I can remember going to the doctor was for my high school football physical, so that I could play football. Any other sickness or pain; we took 666, drank pine bark tea and sassafras tea, rubbed our chest with Vick’s Vapor Rub, and Watkin’s Salve. Solomon said that a merry heart doeth good like a medicine. A cheerful heart is good for the soul. This is why we must speak words to folks that will edify and build them up. We must not speak words that will tear them down. If you crush someone’s spirit, it will cause them to withdraw and dry up like a prune. When one is filled with joy and elation, it gives strength to their bones. This is why you must not focus on the evil and negatives of this world. It will drain you of every ounce of excitement and hope that you have. Stay focused on Jesus and His word.  Remember what Jesus said: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Sing: The wicked shall cease their troubling, and the weary shall be at rest, and all of the saints of the ages, we’re going to sit at His feet and be blessed.

Thought For Today: Keep on eating and living the Word of the Lord, and you will prosper and be in good health. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 March 12

Do You Know the Consequences of Your Choices?

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” (Proverbs 12:15)

Today’s Morsel: Do you seek counsel and advice from those you trust before you make a major decision or purchase? Solomon states that the way of a fool is right in his own eyes. What the fool fails to realize is that the heart is deceitful and wicked, we cannot know it. I will tell you, there have been many times that I thought I was right, only to find out later that I was wrong. By all accounts, I was sure of myself that my way was right. But I found out that I was wrong. And that is not a very good feeling. There are those who protest in the streets because they think that they are right. But they soon realize they were wrong. I have had people tell me that they don’t need to go to church to be saved. And they are right in their own eyes. But they fail to consider the consequence of their choices, should they be wrong. By all accounts in scripture, I’m sure the rich man considered his way right.  But when found himself in hell, Jesus said, “And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” (Luke 16:24-31)Do you consider the consequences of your choices?

Sing: For above all else, I must be saved, for above all else, I must be saved. Lord, whatever You have to do to me, don’t let me be lost for eternity; for above all else, I must be saved.

Thought For Today: Consider your ways!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 March 11

It’s Amazing What Praising Can Do

“And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.” (2 Chronicles 20:22)

Today’s Morsel: Throughout scripture, we are called and told to praise the Lord. We are to do it from morning to night.  We ought to acknowledge God for who He is, and for what He has done and is doing in our lives daily.  We ought to love Him today, and a whole lot more tomorrow. It’s amazing what praising can do for you. The examples in the Bible are for our learning. When the children of Israel began to praise the Lord, God destroyed their enemies for them. They didn’t even have to fight. God told them to go take a seat and watch. This is how every Christian should live. Take your problem to Jesus, start praising Him for the answer, and sit back and see how He will work it out for your good. 

Sing: When the praises go up, the glory come down, where sin use to dwell, His grace now abounds; There’s healing and hope and love all around. When the praises go up, the glory comes down.

Thought For Today: “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.” (Psalms 50:23)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 March 10

Hear Instructions

“Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.” (Proverbs 8:32-36)

Today’s Morsel: One of the reasons that folks get frustrated with the things that they buy is because they won’t read the instructions that come with them. Folks complain about their clothes shrinking after the buy them because they fail to read the instruction on how to wash and dry them. Some folks put their clothes in the washer and drier when the instructions tell them that the item must be drycleaned. Wisdom calls for us to hear instructions, and be wise, and refuse it not. Solomon states: “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.” (Proverbs 9:9-12) If you want to live and be in good health, then you must heed the instructions. 

Sing: Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it Jesus, is my plea; Daily walking close to Thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

Thought For Today: Most people will find that life is simple when they listen and follow the instructions. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 March 9

Become Familiar With Wisdom

“My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart. Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:” (Proverbs 7:1-4)

Today’s Morsel: Solomon, who is said to be the author of the book of Proverbs, calls for us to familiarize ourselves with wisdom and understanding. He said that we should treat them as some of our closest relatives. He said that these things ought to be close to you, just like your family, to give you guidance, protection, so that you will be kept from the temptation, and from hidden snares that await you as your go about your day-to-day duties and responsibilities. Not to mention strange women and evil men.  Wisdom and understanding for every born-again believer ought to be some of our loyal companions. You need to get to know them. They are the things that give you life and keep you from being led astray from truth and into many hurtful lusts.

Sing:  Deeper, deeper, blessed Holy Spirit, take me deeper still; till my life is wholly lost in Jesus, and His perfect will. 

O’ deeper yet, I pray, and higher every day, and wiser, blessed Lord, in Thy precious holy word. 

Thought For Today: Wherever you find wisdom, you will also find prudence. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 March 7

Do You Hate What God Hates?

“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:16-19)

Today’s Morsel. Solomon tells us that there are six things that the Lord detests, seven are an abomination to Him: He tells us that God hates sin. These scriptures serve as a powerful warning, revealing to us God’s character by showing us what is utterly offensive to Him, and they urge us to turn away from them, to not sin, and to embrace righteousness. Let look at these seven:

1.    A proud look: Arrogance, pride, and looking down on others. We know that pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.

2.   A lying tongue: Willful deception. James tells us that the tongue is the unruliest member of the body and that no man can tame it. 

3.    Hands that shed innocent blood: Murder and violence against the innocent.

4.   A heart that devises wicked imaginations: Conceiving evil schemes.

5.    Feet that be swift in running to mischief: Eagerness to do wrong.

6.   A false witness that speaks lies: Deceitful testimony, harming another’s reputation, and backbiting.

7.    He that soweth discord among brethren: Creating strife and division in the church, where it breaks unity.

Some haves suggested that the seventh item, sowing discord among brethren, is often seen as the culmination or worst of the list, as it damages unity of the body. Paul told the church at Ephesus: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3) We must not do anything to destroy unity or divide the body.

Sing: Bind us together Lord, bind us together with cords, that cannot be broken; Bind us together Lord, bind us together Lord, bind us together in love.

Thought For Today: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalms 133:1)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 March 6

God Sees Your Ways

“For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.” (Proverbs 5:21)

Today’s Morsel: Sometimes when reading scripture, I will ask myself, “I wonder why that scripture was chosen to be placed in the book.” Today’s scripture says that the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He weighs all his going. God is Omniscience. He’s all knowing. He’s aware of everything that we do, think, say, and even how we behave. Jesus took Nathanael totally by surprise when He told him before Philip called him, when you were under the fig tree, He saw him:

Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.” (John 1:45-50) 

David probably thought that he was free from his sin after the death of Uriah. When God sent Nathan the Prophet to expose his sin, David was shocked. And this may be one of the reasons that he wrote Psalms 139: “To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” (Psalms 139:1-10). I like how Solomon closes out the book of Ecclesiastes “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:14) And Paul tells us: “But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:10-12) There is nothing hidden from God. Therefore, our actions and conduct ought to reflect His ways, so that when we appear before Him, we will hear Him say, “Well done”.

Sing: Let me walk with You Jesus, don’t ever leave me alone; For without You I could never, No, never make heaven my home.

Thought For Today: You should always consider your ways.

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.