Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 21

Watch Those Words

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” (Proverbs 18:21)

Today’s Morsel: Many today are struggling with depression and low self-esteem because they keep killing themselves with their own words. You can’t talk evil and expect good. Solomon tells us that death and life are in the power of the tongue. How we talk to ourselves and to others has a major impact on our life. If you are one of those who follows politics and media, you will notice that few things good are ever spoken. It’s always evil and degrading words. You can’t live your life like that and expect to have any joy. If you notice, those who speak ill of others, and degrade others, and talk about others in an evil way, do not have a smile or any joy on their face. Thus, they are killing themselves. But you beloved, must keep yourself in the love of God. Using words that edify, strengthen and build up. Your words must reflect that Christ is present in you, and that you belong to Him. Your words must heal, exalt, and display the love of Christ for all. If David wanted the words of his mouth and the mediation of his heart to be accepted by God, shouldn’t we.

Sing: Jesus is the sweetest name I know, and He’s just the same, as His lovely name. That’s the reason why I love Him so, for Jesus is the sweetest name I know.

Thought For Today: Remember, words become actions.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 20

How Art The Mighty Fallen

“And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son: (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.) The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!” (2 Samuel 1:17-19)

Today’s Morsel: In warfare, you sometimes lose great leaders and great men. But when it happens to those at senior levels, it can often be shocking, as they lead from a position of safety. However, during Saul and Jonathan’s rein, leaders were expected to be in the front, leading their men into battle. But this day, this war against the Philistines, both Saul and Jonathan were slain in battle. I believe that David felt that if Saul had just let him fight with him and not tried to kill him, this tragedy would not have happened, as the Philistines feared David because he had killed Goliath.  I often ask myself, weren’t the Philistines supposed to be servants to the armies of God, since that was the saying of Goliath when he wanted a man to fight him, that whoever won the other would serve them? Didn’t Goliath lose the fight? But now the mighty have fallen to those same Philistines because Saul did not obey and do what God commanded him to do. Don’t ever allow your downfall to be because of disobedience.

Sing: Let God arise and His enemies be scattered; Let God arise and His enemies be scattered, Let God arise and His enemies be scattered; Let God, let God arise.

Thought For Today: Never leave the enemy in command of the battlefield or he will destroy you.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 19

Life Is A Ballgame

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)

Today’s Morsel: One of the greatest weapons that Satan has is that of temptation. Temptation is not a sin until you give into it. And Satan knows that. And so he goes about to position it in your way so that it will lure and entice you to take the bait. As a kid, I always listened to this song that said, “Life is like a ballgame, being played each day, life is like a ballgame and each and every one must play; You know Jesus is standing at the Homeplate and He’s waiting for you there; You know life is a ballgame and you must play it fair.  First base is temptation, second base is sin, third base is tribulation, and if you pass you can make it on in. Because life is a ballgame and you must play it first.”  So, true. As Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) In this world you will have trouble. Jesus acknowledges that life will be hard, filled with persecutions, sorrows, and suffering. In some way He’s telling us to prepare for the struggles and pain that are going to come. Jesus said that when these tribulations, adversities, hardships, and distresses come, take heart and follow His example because He has already shown you how to be an overcomer. So, rejoice!

Sing: Life is like a ballgame, being played each day; you know life is like a ballgame, and each and every one must play; You know Jesus is standing at the Homeplate, and He’s waiting for you there; You know life is a ballgame and you must play it fair.  

Thought For Today: “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 18

 The Prayers That Shut The Lions’ Mouths

“Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him. Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.” (Daniel 6:16-23)

Today’s Morsel: By all accounts, Darius knew that the decree that he had decreed was wrong. I believe that it was his fasting and prayers throughout the night that caused God to send the angel to shut the lions’ mouths, that they didn’t hurt Daniel. We never know what our prayers will do when we intercede on the behalf of others. I believe that it is the prayers of the church, and those who have a relationship with God, where we see those who were wrongfully incarcerated, or falsely accused of crimes that they did not commit, that are released from jail and prison; like Jospeh, who was falsely accused of a crime that he did not commit. But after the word of God had tried him, he too was made free without hurt or harm and elevated to a position of honor, the same way that Daniel was. Don’t stop praying for those you know. God has a way of turning things around for good.

Sing: Whisper a prayer in the morning, whisper a prayer at noon, whisper a prayer in the evening, so keep your heart in tune.

Thought For Today: Pray without ceasing and in everything give thanks.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 16

Believing Can Change Your Life

“And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.” (Matthew 9:27-31)

Today’s Morsel: Throughout scripture, when folks would ask Jesus to heal or the help them, He would ask them if they believed that He was able to do it. You see, your faith must be a part of what you desire. Jesus said that all things are possible to him that can believe. As without faith it is impossible to please God, as he that cometh to God must believe that He is a rewarder of them that seek Him. Faith in God, His word, and His ability, can change your life forever. The blind men said to Jesus that they believed that He could open their eyes. And Jesus touched their eyes and told them that according to their faith be it unto you. And immediately their eyes were opened. Your belief and faith in Christ must be united for you to see the results.  

Sing: Faith, faith, faith, just a little bit of faith. Faith, faith, faith, just a little bit of faith. You don’t need a whole lot, just use what you’ve got. Faith, faith, just a little bit of faith.

Thought For Today:  Change of life starts with belief.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 15

The Report That Destroyed Faith

“And they returned from searching of the land after forty days. And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land. And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan. And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” (Numbers 13:25-33)

Today’s Morsel: I have come to realize over the course of my ministry that the enemy of our souls knows how to use people who are fearful, uncommitted, and those lacking understanding, to discourage and destroy the faith of others. The ten spies who came back with an evil report to Moses of what they saw in the promised land, caused the faith of Israel to shake in their sandals. I often wonder at what point in their mission to espy the land, did they agree to give this report. And why did they not discuss their finding and report with Joshua and Caleb as these two seem to not allow what was reported to deter their belief in God’s ability to fight for them. I find that these leaders should have never presented this report to Moses in the front of others. They should have gotten alone with him and explained what they had seen and let Moses decide based on what God desired of him. But no, once the people’s faith was destroyed there was nothing that could be done to reverse their fear. If you have been chosen by God to lead, don’t allow any evil report to deter you from what God is sending you to do and accomplish.

Sing: You’re going to make it, He’s already said that we would, He goes before me, and heaven is in my view, oh, we’re going to make it through.  

Thought For Today: Faith is being able to see God at work in the dark. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 14

Stand For Righteousness

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” (Daniel 6:10)

Today’s Morsel: Throughout scripture we are told that righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. Because God is a God of righteousness, then we must be righteous as He is righteous. Daniel, who had established a habit of prayer with his God, was not about to allow anything to deter him from maintaining his commitment to God. Daniel knew the value of prayer and maintaining his relationship with God. Like his coworkers and fellow Jews, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they were not about to compromise their righteousness because of fear or a decree. As Christian’s, we must stand for righteousness no matter what we face or what may come against us.

Sing: Stand up, standup, for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross. Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss. From victory unto victory, His army shall he lead; Till every foe is vanquished and Christ is Lord indeed.

Thought For Today: “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.” (Psalms 4:5)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 13

The Last Five Warnings of God

“And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.” (Genesis 19:17)

Today’s Morsel: The story of Lot is a sad story. Lot could have had a great life if he would have heeded the warnings and instructions from God. Lot found himself in the middle of a sinful city, Sodom and Gomorrah. All because he chose what seemed was the best land, and he pitched his tent toward Sodom. He pitched his tent toward a sinful city, and he found himself in that city with sin beyond measure.  Perversion, pride, greed, and people working that which was unseemly. The city of Sodom is a snapshoot of what Paul tells us that the world will be in the day of the coming of the Lord. Lot is given five last warnings before the fire fell upon Sodom. First, escape for thy life. Get out of here now because God is going to destroy this place. Second, look not behind you. Don’t let your past draw you back. This world is going to be destroyed. Third, don’t stay in the plain. Remember, it was the plains that Lot chose to start with and pitched his tent toward Sodom. Fourth, escape to the mountain. Get to the highest place in Christ you can. The mountain represents building your life on something solid and higher. Jesus is the Rock. And finally, lest you be consumed. If we stay in the world and never obey God’s warnings and instructions for our life, we will be consumed by the fire that Jesus said is going to be used to destroy this world in which we now live. Are you obeying the warnings of God? Lot’s wife serves as a monument for disobedience.

Sing: I’ll say yes, Lord, yes; to Your will and to your way, I’ll say yes, Lord, yes; I will trust You and obey, when Your Spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I’ll agree, and my answer will be yes Lord yes.

Thought For Today: “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 12

The New-Birth

“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: Question: Was your salvation based on the Word of God or of man? Did someone tell you that you were saved because you came forward to the front of the church and you shook the ministers hand? Were you told that you were a Christian because your parents had you sprinkled with water by a minister when you were a baby? Just what is your understanding of the New Birth and true salvation experience? Why did Jesus tell Nicodemus that he must be born-again of the water and the Spirit to see and to enter the kingdom of God? Did Nicodemus think that because he was of the Pharisees that he was saved? Sometimes if we are not careful, we can think that what our parents did for us, was good; but babies and most young adults and even some adults, do not understand sin and what is required to be saved. Peter says that we must be born-again by the Word of God, not what others say. The Word of God is the standard. When he, Peter, had preached about Jesus Christ at the initiation of the first New Testament church, on the Day of Pentecost, scripture says: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:37-42). This is the standard. As the writer of Hebrews tells us: “Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.” (Hebrews 8:5) We must stay with the original pattern for our salvation. And that is the word of God!

Sing: Born-again, there has been a change in me. Born-again just like Jesus said. Born-again and all because of Calvary, I’m so glad that I’ve been born-again.

Thought For Today: “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.” (Acts 10:47-48)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 11

The Same

“For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” (Malachi 3:6)

Today’s Morsel: Consistent spiritual living must become a habit for every born-again believer. We must not be seen as a hypocrite or one who says one thing and does another. Once we are born again, we must let our light shine so that Christ is seen in us. The writer of Hebrews tells us: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:8) The apostle John enlightens us: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:1-2) If we are His sons and daughters, then we must be as He is. God doesn’t change, and nor did He make you to be a Chameleon. He made you to be like Him, the same in Spirit and in truth to all those seeking Him. 

Sing: I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.

Thought For Today: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:5)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 9

Happy Mother’s Day

“Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.” (Matthew 15:21-28)

Today’s Morsel: We first pick up on the word mother when Adam said of his wife Eve:“And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.” (Genesis 3:20) The name Eve means life giver. She was the first woman. Mothers are life givers. They are those who give birth to others. None of us is born without a mother. The first commandment that God gave unto us, Paul said, with a promise, was: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:1-3). Tomorrow will be Mother’s Day. And much will be spent on cards, flowers, gifts, and meals by many to honor their mothers. It could also be a good time to mend broken fences and hurts. So, pray and ask God what He would have you to do. Jacob was afraid to face Esau because of his wrong. But God had already softened Esau heart and they were able to make amends. To all mothers, I pray that you have a wonderful and special day in the Lord tomorrow. 

Sing: I love you; I love you; I love you. What more can I say, but that I truly love you; and I’ll try to live my life so that it says it, too; I love you, I love you, I really love you.

Thought For Today: If you love Me, keep my commandments! 

Happy Mother’s Day!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 8

Stop Winking At Sin

“The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.” (Ezekiel 18:20-24)

Today’s Morsel: As the world becomes more and more corrupt, and iniquity and sin abounds, and evil is called good and good evil, some are starting to live and to think that it’s okay to tell and to live by little white lies, as long as it does cause hurt to anyone, or they can be used for their personal good. But John enlightens us that all liars shall have their part in the lake of fire which burns with brimstone prepared for Satan and his angels. Some are starting to give the world more of their time and energy than the church, wondering why they are tired and without rest and peace. So don’t roll the dice. You must not wink at sin. Sin must be removed from your life at all cost. The angel told Isaiah, when his mouth was touch by a coal from the altar: “And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” (Isaiah 6:7) Once God cleanses you from the altar of your sin, you must not flirt with it nor play around with sin again. Sin is the sting of death. Satan is that old serpent. “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” (Revelation 12:9) If you allow him to sting you with sin, you will either die by that sting, or it is going to cause you so much pain that you wish that you were. So don’t wink at sin. As Paul states: “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-27) Stay far away from sin, it will kill you in the end.

Sing: I’m running for my life; I’m running for my life. I’m running for my life; I’m running for my life. If anybody asks you, what’s the matter with me, tell them that I’m saved, sanctified, Holy Ghost filled, and water baptized, I’ve got Jesus on my mind, and I’m running for my life.

Thought For Today: Stay as far away from Satan and the world as you can.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 7

You’re Not Special, You Are Blessed

“For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face. Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them. Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the LORD thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers: And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee.” (Deuteronomy 7:6-13)

Today’s Morsel: There have been those who think that they are special because of their parents’ status in life. If anyone had a right to think that they were special, it would have been the nation of Israel. Moses even asked them, “For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?” (Deuteronomy 4:7-8) But he wanted them to know that they were not special. And that that same God, if they forgot Him and did not obey Him, would turn and do them hurt. He wanted them to know that they were not special. They were blessed to have this God, the Creator of all things, to be their God. We, too, should not think that we are special or someone great, as without God we are nothing. We are now blessed to have this same God that Moses spoke of as our God. So don’t take it for granted and think that you are special. God may just be fulfilling His promises which He made to your parents and grandparents who served Him before you.

Sing: I am blessed! I am blessed! Every day that I live I am blessed. When I wake-up in the morning, till I lay my head to rest, I am blessed, I am blessed.

Thought For Today: Stay humble and God will exalt you in due time.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 6

Don’t Forget God

“And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.” (Deuteronomy 6:10-12)

Today’s Morsel: Throughout the first five books of the Bible, (the Pentateuch or Torah), there is a constant reminder by Moses, who is credited with authorship, not to forget God. But we can see what happened when the people failed to heed his warning. They were consumed by their enemies or they found themselves lacking in what they had need of. The warning is not for them only, but as Paul admonished, “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:6-12) God is the one that has delivered us and given us newness of life. And so if we forget Him and go back to our old ways, then we have no one to blame but ourselves when our enemies overcome us and defeat and destroy us.

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

It is Jesus, Jesus, sad one weep no more. He will heal the brokenhearted, open wide the prison door. He is able to deliver evermore.

Thought For Today: Without Jesus you can do nothing.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 5

Pressures of Duty

“Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God? Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:27-31)

Today’s Morsel: Do you ever stop and consider how taxing it must have been for Nehemiah and his team to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Can you imagine having to complete a task when all you are standing and seeing is a bunch of burned rubbish, and a group of what seemed like disheartened men? Not to mention, that you also have an enemy that is trying to prevent you from accomplishing your duty. This is what I call pressures of duty. But Nehemiah and the people had a mind to work. Nehemiah had prayed when he was told what had happened to his hometown and city. And he had found favor with the king and His God. And so he knew what he was up against, and he was determined to complete the project. He knew that God was with him. If he could encourage his fellow labors to stay focused, they would complete the project. And in 52 days those walls were rebuilt. Paul tells us, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9). Always remember this, both silver and gold must be tried in the fire, and so must your faith. Remember, you have God working with you, and He does not grow weary nor does He faint. 

Sing: He gives strength to me, as I worship Him, as my heart is filled with praise. Jesus breaks the bands, as I raise my hands, He gives glorious victory.

Thought For Today: “Never let the task seem bigger than your God.” (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 4

How To Overcome Injuries

“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12)

Today’s Morsel: Dealing with hurts and injuries can sometimes seem impossible. But Jesus knew that as His people we would face them in our life. And so He tells us what to do when they come. He said to rejoice! Rejoice you say? Yes, rejoice. Now you have a right to rejoice, Peter said, as long as your suffering isn’t of your own doing.  “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part, he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.” (1 Peter 4:12-15) The apostle Paul would also admonish us to rejoice in the Lord always. He said, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again, I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7) So, there you have it. You can be an overcomer in your hurts and injuries if you learn to rejoice.

Sing: Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice! Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice! Rejoice, rejoice, and again I say rejoice! Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice! 

Thought For Today: Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 2

Overcoming Depression and Stress

“David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him. And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men. And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me. And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold. And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth.” (1 Samuel 22:1-5)

Today’s Morsel: Some of the greatest weapons the enemy uses against the church is fear and phycological warfare. In other words, the enemy is out to get into your head and control your mind. He knows that if he can torment you and confuse you, he can defeat you or cause you to hurt yourself. Depression and stress are just a loss of focus of who you are and who you belong to. In my 40 years of ministry, everyone that I have counselled with who is living in a state of depression and stress is that they have lost focus. They have taken their minds off Jesus and His word and has placed it on others, their situation, or themselves. The devil knows the word of God. And he knows that the answer to every problem and situation is found in the word of God. And so his goal is to get your mind off Christ and His word so that he can defeat you. When the people came to David, notice their condition.  And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him. They came to him for help.  And while David was in the fort, the prophet came to him and told him to get into Judah. Judah means praise. You can’t sit behind a wall and fortress thinking that you are going to find relief from depression and stress. You must get yourself into Judah. You must get up and start praising God and get back to the house of God, so that you can overcome.  “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6) The only way to overcome is to keep our mind on Jesus, keep your focus and praise on Him.

Sing: What a friend we have in Jesus, all or sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry, everything to God in pray. Oh, what peace we often forfeit; oh, what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share. We should never be discouraged, just take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer. 

Thought For Today: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.” (Psalms 121:1-2)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 1

Are You Accomplishing The Mission?

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Today’s Morsel: Sometimes mission accomplishment can seem hard if you are trying and having to do it all on your own. But as born-again believers, we should be excited about our part in accomplishing the great commission. Jesus told His disciples, which we ought to be, to go and teach all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them the things that He has commanded us. The best way to teach the gospel is with your own personal life. You must be an example of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the truth of His word. To be a teacher is to love teaching. You must have a desire to teach and share with others what you know about Jesus, and what He can do for them. Isaiah states: “Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.” (Isaiah 43:10-12) Are you His witness? “Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isaiah 52:6-7) Today, purpose to share the gospel with someone else so that they too can be delivered and saved.

Sing: Since the Savior found me, took away my sins, I have known the joy of having peace within. Gone are all the pains and sorrow of my past, they are underneath the precious blood of Jesus Christ at last.

Saved, saved, saved, I’m happy on my way. Saved, saved, saved, I love Him more each day. Saved, saved, saved, I know He’s mine each hour, for He saves and He keeps and He satisfies me by His Power. 

Thought For Today: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)