Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 Jun 30

There Is Power In The Blood

“And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Revelation 12:10-11)

Today’s Morsel: The story is told of a church testimony service where a sister stood and began to testify of how good God had been to her and her family. She was going on and on of God’s blessings, healing, deliverance, and power. But just before she sat down, she begins to say how she wanted to be so full and overflowing with Christ Jesus.  She said, Not only do I want to be so full of Christ that when the world sees me they know that I belong to Him, but I want to be so full of Christ that if a mosquito bites me, it flies away singing, 'There is Power in the Blood!’ (Humor) 

What about you? How much of Jesus would you like to have in your life? If a mosquito can recognize the power in the blood, shouldn’t we. For the life of the flesh is in the blood. If we desire life and that more abundantly, then we need His blood applied to our life. 

Sing: Would you be free from your burden of sin? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood. Would you over evil a victory win? There’s wonderful power in the blood.

There is power, power, wonder working power in the blood of the Lamb; There is power, power, wonder working power in the precious blood of the Lamb.

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 29

At The Cross

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:34-43)

Today’s Morsel: You know, we don’t hear preaching very much about the Cross anymore. George Orwell states, “The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history.” If Satan can get preachers and saints to stop preaching and talking about the Cross, the church will soon be destroyed. The church doesn’t need to try and keep pace with the world. The world is running headlong into hell and destruction. The church is to be a city sat on a hill that gives light and hope to a lost and dying people and world. In other words, give those in the world a place to come to for forgiveness of sins and life. Jesus told Nicodumus, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:14-15) He relates this to when the children of Israel sinned in the wilderness, God sent fiery serpents into their camp, and many of them were destroyed because of their sin and disobedience. And so God had Moses place a brazen serpent upon a pole in the midst of the camp, and when they were bitten by a serpent, they could look to the image and be healed. Jesus said that He would be lifted up in the same fashion. As Satan has caused and is causing many to sin, and many were and are dying because of sin, Jesus Christ was lifted up on a Cross at Calvary for our healing and deliverance from sin. He gave His life for the sin of the whole world. And now when people sin, they can look to Him, and seek for forgiveness of their sin, and live. We have what those in the world need, not the other way around.  Let’s not change the church, we want them to have a place to come to.  

Sing: At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, And the burden of my heart rolled away, it was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day!

Thought For Today: Don’t ever forget Calvary and the Cross.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 27

What A Savior

“And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.” (Mark 1:40-42)

Today’s Morsel: From the raising of Lazarus from the dead, to the healing of the blind man at the pool of Silom, to the raising of the woman of Nain’s dead son, to the deliverance of the Syrophoenicians woman’s daughter possessed with demons, to the setting free the man living in the tombs possessed with thousands of demons, to turning the water into wine, at the wedding in Cana of Galilee to prevent embarrassment, to healing of the lame man at the pool of Bethesda, to feeding the multitude with five loaves and two fish, to the healing of the lepers, there was only one who was willing to give His life on a cross for our sins. There has never been one so loving, compassionate, and caring as our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As the song writer said, O what a Savior.

Sing: O, what a Savior, O, hallelujah, His heart was broken on Calvary. His hands were nail scarred, His side was riven, He gave His lifeblood for even me.

Thought For Today: I love you, that’s what Calvary says.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 26

It Is Jesus

“And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.” (Luke 18:35-43)

Today’s Morsel: My wife was sharing with me a video clip of a man asking some high school seniors some geography questions. It was amazing some of the answers they were giving. Question such as, How many continents are there? One young lady said fifty-one. One was asked to name some of the continents. And she said, France, Paris, Alaska. It was more sad than funny. Sad to say, this same spirit of not knowing has crept into the church. There are many sitting on church pews every week who have no knowledge of Christ. As Paul told the church at Corinth: “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 15:34) The apostle Peter, informs us, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10) It becomes every born-again believers’ duty to know Christ and to make Him known. When Jesus was on His way to Calvary, the noise was loud as He was exiting the city. The blind man asks what all the noise meant. They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. When he heard that, And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. Even when they tried to get him to be quiet, he cried out louder and Jesus stopped and healed him. Do you know Him?  

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 thy soul above its grief, let the peace past 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: “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” (Philippians 3:10-11)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 25

Fill My Way Everyday With Love

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:34-35)

Today’s Morsel: Throughout scripture, we find that love, along with faith and eternal life, seems to be the driving force for the Christian to be, know, and do. I think when it comes to love, we fail to understand which one we should use and when. Agape Love refers to unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial love, which God demonstrated towards humanity. When we become Christians, God calls for us to emulate and express this love in our relationship with Him and others. Phileo Love refers to friendship or brotherly love, characterized by mutual affection, trust, camaraderie. This love exists between friends and companions sharing common interests, experiences, and values. Eros Love refers to romantic or passionate love characterized by desire, attraction, and intimacy such as between husband and wife. I have also read that the Greeks used Storge Love to describe natural affection and loyalty in family relationship when expressing love among close family. This love exists between parents and children, siblings, and other family members, rooted in kinship bonds and shared experience. But no matter which one we use, and when we use it, it must be according to God’s will. As God is love, John said. John also informs us: “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” (1 John 3:10) So, every day we ought to pray that God will fill our way with His love, so that we may walk as He walked and reveal who we are in Him. “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)

Sing: Let me walk blessed Lord in the way Thou hast gone, leading straight to the land above; Giving cheer everywhere to the sad and the lone, fill my way every day with love.

Fill my way every day with love, as I walk with the heavenly Dove; Let me go all the while with a song and a smile; Fill my way every day with love.

Thought For Today: “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” (1 John 4:11)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 24

Rock of Ages

“A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.” (Psalms 27:1-6)

Today’s Morsel: One of the imageries we read in scripture about Jesus Christ is that of a Rock. Moses says: “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4; “Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.” (Deuteronomy 32:18); “For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.” (Deuteronomy 32:31) Hanna says: “There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.” (1 Samuel 2:2) David says: “For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?” (Psalms 18:31); “The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.” (Psalms 18:46) “And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;” (2 Samuel 22:2) Peter says:“And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.” (1 Peter 2:8) and Paul says:“Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” (1 Corinthians 10:1-4) So why did all these writers tell us that our Lord and God is a Rock? As Paul again says: “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11) For Jehovah, the Lord God Almighty is the Rock of our Salvation, and the true foundation. He is the stone which the builders refused. He is the Rock that the children of Israel drank from in the wilderness. And He is the one in whom the New Testament Church and our lives must be built upon. And that is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Rock that has been with us through all ages. 

Sing: Rock of Ages cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee. Let the water and the blood, from Thy wounded side which flowed, be of sin the double cure, save from wrath and make me pure. 

Thought For Today: “O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” (Psalms 95:1)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 23

Learning To Lean

“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 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 3:1-6)

Today’s Morsel: The more that I walk with God, the more I find that I need to lean on Him. I have come to realize that He is a strong tower and a mighty fortress. The Bible tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and to not lean unto our own understanding. You see, I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer, and neither are you. We can’t just trust in God when hardships and unwanted circumstance come into our lives. Israel shows us what happens when we live that way. When you trust God only when your back is against the wall, and you haven’t been trusting Him before, you will find that you have too many negative voices speaking to you, and against you, that nothing in your situation, hardship, and circumstance is going to change. Thus, you find yourself struggling to believe. Or should I say, you find yourself with weak faith. The same way that we are encouraged to pray without ceasing, we must trust God without ceasing. To trust God with all our heart, is to believe His word for what it says and obey it. Sometimes, when you read God’s word, it may not make sense to you. And that is because it’s not a natural book. It is a spiritual book. And you need His Spirit to guide you so that you can understand what it is saying and its meaning. Let me encourage you, don’t lean unto your own understanding. Learn to lean on Jesus and you’ll find that He will see you through every time.

 Sing: I’m learning to lean, learning to lean, learning to lean on Jesus; finding more power than I’d ever dreamed; I’m learning to lean on Jesus.

Thought For Today: “The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.” (Psalms 34:22)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 22

Listen To The Word of God

“Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.” (Ezekiel 37:4)

Today’s Morsel: If you are lacking in faith, Paul tells us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Ezekiel found himself being placed by God in the midst of a valley of dead dry bones. And the Lord tells him to prophesy to those bones, and to tell them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Many today are suffering from dry bone syndrome because they are not listening to the word of the Lord. The dry bone syndrome is those who can’t seem to find any satisfaction. They are the ones who are running to and fro, trying to find peace and joy but afterwards only finding themselves returning right back to the same location they left just as discontented as they were before they left. If you are one of those that fall into this category, then you must hear and heed the word of the Lord. His word gives life. His word brings peace. His word will satisfy your need for every situation and circumstance. Jesus Christ is the word (John 1:1;14), and He is the only one that can give you true contentment, peace, joy, and satisfy your soul.

Sing: For only Jesus can satisfy, your soul, and only He can change your heart and make it whole: He’ll give you peace you never knew, sweet love and joy and heaven, too; For only Jesus can satisfy your soul!

Thought For Today: Don’t allow the gloom, despair, and agony on me bug get into your heart.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 20

Elijah Must Come

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” (Malachi 4:5-6)

Today’s Morsel: Tomorrow we will celebrate Father’s Day. My friend, David Hutson, just published a book entitled, “Elijah Must Come.” It’s available on Amazon or directly from him should you desire a copy. It has been reported that 30% of American homes are without fathers. James said, my brethren, that ought not so to be. We need fathers at the forefront leading their homes and bringing their children up in the fear of God. Scripture also tells us,“Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.” (Proverbs 17:6) This verse highlights that children are honored by having wise, godly parents, which set a standard for the family and their life. A father’s duty runs deep, as he must be a reflection and godly example of his Heavenly Father. The Lord said that He would send Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers. When we hear and study the word of God, it ought to cause all of us, fathers and children, to draw closer to each other, so that God’s will can be done in each life. As the psalmist said, “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.” (Psalms 127:3-5) Children need their fathers.  They are a strength and guiding force in their children’s life.  Men, I encourage you to draw close to the Lord and allow Him to mold you to be the men He desires you to be.  

Sing: Heavenly Father, I appreciate You, Heavenly Father, I appreciate You, I love You, adore You, I bow down before You, Heavenly Father, I appreciate You.

Thought For Today: Happy Father’s Day!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 19

What’s Troubling You?

“Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?” (1 Samuel 1:8)

Today’s Morsel: There seem to be many folks suffering with many things these days. Thoughts of rejection, thoughts of failure, thoughts of loneliness, thoughts of childlessness, thoughts of retirement, and thoughts of the future. Some of them have carried these thoughts for so long, that not even the word of God seems to bring them relief and comfort, even though we know that it can. Hannah was hurting because she wanted a child. Her adversary provoked her every time they went to sacrifice. Even though her husband tried to comfort her, it was to no avail. As Solomon said, the barren womb is never satisfied. And when people aren’t satisfied, the heart is going to run wild. What’s ailing you today? Let me encourage you. There is nothing that God cannot fix, do, and comfort. Maybe you should just get into your secret closet and have a little talk with Jesus and let Him direct your steps so that you can be an overcomer and move on with life. 

Sing: Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives, all fear is gone; because I know, He holds the future, my life is worth the living just because He lives.

Thought For Today: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 18

Do You Know How To Fight?

“A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.” (Psalms 144:1-2)

Today’s Morsel: If you ever wonder what and who made David a great warrior, it was God. David said it was God which taught his hands to war, and his fingers to fight. Scripture also tells us that, “The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.” (Exodus 15:3) What better person to teach you how to fight and be successful than God Himself. Through His word, God will enlighten you and show you how to defeat your enemies. Many Christians are being defeated and losing the battle against Satan and his demonic forces because they don’t know how to fight. Paul states, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) If you as a Christian soldier, do not practice justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, the enemy will defeat you every time. If you do not know how to pray, apply the scriptures that you read and study to your life, and operate in submission, the enemy will defeat you. If you do not know how to work as a team, know your duty as a good Christian soldier, and how to practice good ethical behavior, the enemy will defeat you. If you do not know how to live godly, holy, clean, and lift-up your fellow man, the enemy will defeat you. When Absolom wanted to go after his father, David, and to take the kingdom from him, he is warned,  “For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom. And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men.” (2 Samuel 17:8-10) He said your father and the men with him are men of war, and they know how to fight. So you had better be very careful. Because if you do not know how to fight your father and his men will kill you. What about you? Do you know how to fight? As Paul told Timothy, “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” (2 Timothy 2:4)

Sing: I’m a soldier, in God’s army, and I’m fighting, I’m claiming victory. I will not give up, I will not turn around, I’m a soldier marching heaven bound.

Thought For Today: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 17

Purpose To Speak Life Into Others

“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4)

Today’s Morsel: I have been trying my very best to watch what I say, how I say things, and when I should just keep quiet. We know that according to scripture that, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” (Proverbs 18:21)What I say can either kill someone else, to include myself, or give each of us life. The Bible also inform us that, “A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” (Proverbs 15:23) If you will notice, God wants us to use our mouth to give life, encouragement, build-up, and edify others. Not to tear them down nor destroy their lives. Solomon says that a wholesome tongue is a tree of life. When speech is wise, comforting, and truthful, it can bring healing and peace. It can also restore, revitalize, and give nourishment to a starving soul, and elevate others to believe in themselves, and in God’s ability to do great things through them. As Christians, we must always keep the ‘Golden Rule’ at the forefront of our thoughts and speech. In other words, the way that you want others to speak to you, that is how you should speak to others.  

Sing: Thanks, Thanks, I give You thanks, for all You’ve all done, I am so blessed, my soul has found rest, O’ Lord, I give You thanks.

Thought For Today: “There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.” (Mark 7:15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 16

Justice Applies To You Too

“Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:6-8)

Today’s Morsel: I am not being judgmental, but I am afraid that there are going to be many people shocked on the day of Resurrection when Jesus returns. If people are now afraid of dying, what are they going to do when they must stand before Christ to give an account of the things done in this life whether good or bad? What about those who have not practiced justices? Scripture informs us, “Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” (2 Samuel 23:1-3) David states that God says that leaders must rule with equality and reverence, rather than personal gain. David’s words are a blueprint for godly leadership, emphasizing that true authority requires justice and a recognition that leaders are subject to God. Leaders must be righteous, upright, fair, and equitable. They must not be impartial.  And neither must we. They must always be ruling in the fear of God. When the man asked the prophet Micah what he must do to appear before God, he is told that God had already shown him. And that is, to do justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly before God. If you are going to lead, lead right or sin will surely find you out. As James says, “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)

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: “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1 John 2:6)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 15

Prayer

“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:7-15)

Today’s Morsel: I believe that a Christian ought to have certain habits in their life. And one of those is that of prayer. Prayer isn’t about how loud you can shout or making a spectacle of yourself. Prayer is a relationship between you and God. It’s you getting alone with Him and making your petitions known, and you interceding for others. David seems not only to be a great warrior, but also a great leader of soldiers and a great witness for the nation of Israel and others. David was a man of prayer. Maybe Daniel understood through David’s example of prayer that God grants great victories. Maybe Jesus’ example of how to pray in teaching His disciples, was a pattern taken from David’s prayers, since David often spoken much of praise, adoration, worship, and intercession to God and about God in his psalms.  Prayer ought to be those still quiet moments where you can hear that still small voice speaking to you. It should be a time of true love and respect for the One whom you love and appreciate for all that He’s done for you. Jesus said that when you pray not to use vain repetition. Vain repetition refers to babbling, stammering, or uttering useless, empty phrases without sincerity or any heart with it. This verse does not forbid persistence or repeating the same request in prayer but rather prohibits treating prayer like a magical formula or a way to impress God with a multiplicity of words. Jesus states in verse 8, that God already knows what people need before they ask, making excessive pleading unnecessary. That is why I believe it’s key when we sit down and talk with God in more of a relational setting, than babbling words of no effect. As James says, the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth much.

Sing: I may have doubts and fears, my eyes be filled with tears, but Jesus is a friend who watches day and night, I go to him in prayer, He knows my every care, and just a little talk with Jesus makes it right. (Chorus)

(Chorus)Now let us have a little talk with Jesus, let us, tell Him about our troubles, He will, hear our faintest cry, and He will answer by and by; now when  you feel a little prayer wheel turning, you’ll know a little fire is burn, you’ll find a little talk with Jesus will make it right.

Thought For Today: “And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.” (1 Chronicles 4:10)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 13

Those Caissons Go Rolling Along

“Moreover Uzziah had an host of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king's captains. The whole number of the chief of the fathers of the mighty men of valour were two thousand and six hundred. And under their hand was an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy. And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings to cast stones. And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.” (2 Chronicles 26:11-15)

Today’s Morsel: Tomorrow, we will celebrate the U.S. Army’s Birthday. The U.S. Army was founded on June 14, 1775. 251 years ago. About a year before America became a nation. The Caissons Go Rolling Along, is the U.S. Army theme song. It was written by Lt. Edmund Gruber in 1908. It refers to the horse-drawn wagons (Caissons) carrying artillery ammunition. The phrase, “rolling along” signifies the constant, unstoppable forward movement of Field Artillery and the entire Army. It also symbolizes progress, endurance, and momentum, serving as a metaphor for the Army’s unstoppable force and determination. For 251 years, the U.S. Army has proven itself to be unstoppable by any foe. They have shown what men and women can do who have a determination and zeal to win. Like David’s mighty men, the U.S. Army has proven that it, too, can take those who are discontent, indebt, and distressed, and turn them into a mighty force to be reckoned with. We thank God for all our men and women in uniform who are, and those who have gone before, that willing sacrifice themselves so that this great nation may be free. As Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) Our awesome Army does this daily.  

Sing: Then it’s hi, hi, hey, the Army’s on its way, count off the cadence loud and strong. For where e’er you go, you will always know that the Army goes rolling along. 

Thought For Today: Happy Birthday Army! Hooah!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 12

Walking As Children of The Light

“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:6-10)

Today’s Morsel: When I was in the Army, in the infantry, it was usually hard to see where you were going or the person in front of you during movement at night in the dark. And so one of the things we did was sew illumines tape on the back of our helmet bands, which represented cat eye, making it easier for us to see the person in front of us, and this allowed us to see where we are going. This proved beneficial and helped us to navigate more efficiently and reduce noise at night which could give away our location. 

Paul informs us that we were sometimes in darkness, but now that we are born again, we are light in the Lord and should walk as children of light. John said, “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5); “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) If we follow the example that Jesus has left for us in His Word, we will walk as lights. As there is no darkness in Him at all.

Sing: Let me walk in the light, in the great gospel light, let me walk in the gospel light. Till my journey is over and I travel no more, let me walk in the gospel light.

Thought For Today: “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.” (1 John 2:9)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 11

Getting Rid of Fear

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18)

Today’s Morsel: What is it about fear that backs folks into a corner? Causes them to have anxiety? Become afraid of dying? Afraid to living alone? Afraid of failure? Being fearful of others? Fear is just False Evidence Appearing Real. Paul informed Timothy: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) So we can see that fear comes from Satan. John lets us know that fear torments us because we have not become perfect, or made complete, in God’s love. In other word, we have not settled it yet in our minds and hearts, that Jesus Christ is all that we need, and that He will protect us from all hurt and danger, and that He will provide everything that we have need of. Fear will keep tormenting you until you get things settled in your mind that you are no longer going to let it. The only fear you ought to have in your life is a fear and reverence for the things of God.

Sing: I’ve got Jesus on the inside, working on the outside, O, what a change in my life. I’ve got Jesus on the inside, working on the outside, O’ what a change in my life.  I’ve got Jesus on the inside, working on the outside, O, what a change in my life. O, what a change in my life.

Thought For Today: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 10

How To Lose Your Peace

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)

Today’s Morsel: How many times have you heard people in church asking prayer for them to have peace? How do born again believers lose their peace? Didn’t Jesus tell us that He would leave His peace with us? (John 14:27) Didn’t Isaiah tell us that Jesus was the Prince of Peace? (Isaiah 9:6) And doesn’t scripture tell us that He, Jesus, is our peace? (Ephesians 2:14) And isn’t peace a byproduct of the Holy Spirit? (Galatians 5:22-23) And doesn’t Paul tell us, “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 4:6-7) And that if we would follow the things which we have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with us.” (Philippians 4:9) So, why do we need to pray for peace when we already have it? Is there a different peace out there other than the one that Jesus has already given and left for us that is better than His? How can one lose something as important as the peace of God in their life? I conclude that if it is missing in folks’ lives, it’s because they have taken their minds off Christ and put it on something that is less important than Him. So what they need to do is get their mind centered once again on Him, and His peace will return to their life.

Sing: When peace like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well, with my soul. It is well, with my soul, it is well, it is well, with my soul.

Thought For Today: “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 9

The Just Shall Live By Faith

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17)

Today’s Morsel: Throughout scripture, we are told to walk by faith and not by sight. We know that the Bible informs us: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6); And according to that same book, “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). What does it mean for the just shall live by faith? Those of us who have been born again must now trust God and believe in Him no matter what we are facing and going through. Nothing, Paul said, ought to be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. Our relationship and walk with God ought to be cemented and sealed. There ought not to be any wavering in our belief of God’s word and His ability to fulfill His word in our lives. If we doubt Him when our back is against the wall, we are not walking and living by faith, we are walking and living by sight. The Bible tells us that both Abraham and Noah believed God, and it was accounted to them both for righteousness.

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.

(Chorus)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: “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 17:20)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 8

Salvation Is Free

“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:1-7)

Today’s Morsel: Sometimes, I don’t think that some folks have the knowledge of what God really did for us. Jesus’ death at Calvary did more for us than what many think. Just think, if He had not died for us, there would have been no salvation and hope for eternal life. As the Psalmist said: “If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.” (Psalms 130:3-4) If God would have judged us for our sin, none of us would be able to stand before him. But he was willing to forgive us and to give us another chance. That’s why salvation for us is free. Jesus paid the price for it for us. You don’t have to buy it, it’s all free. But you must go to Jesus and get it for yourself. No one else can do that for you. If you will repent of your sins, get baptized in His name, and let him put His spirit in you, you, will see just how easy it is to receive salvation. And then you can go on and live your new life serving him.

Sing: I am determined to hold out to the end, Jesus is with me, on Him I can depend. For I know I have salvation for I feel it in my soul; I am determined to hold out to the end. 

Thought For Today: When did you realize that salvation was a free-gift from God?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 6

D-Day

“And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host; And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it. Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore. And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you. And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.” (Joshua 3:1-7)

Today’s Morsel: D-Day. The D-Day operation of June 6, 1944, brought together the land, air, and sea forces of the allied armies in what became known as the largest amphibious invasion in military history. The operation, given the codename OVERLORD, delivered five naval assault divisions to the beaches of Normandy, France. The beaches were given the code names UTAH, OMAHA, GOLD, JUNO, and SWORD. The invasion force included 7,000 ships and landing craft manned by over 195,000 naval personnel from eight allied countries. Almost 133,000 troops from the United States, the British Commonwealth, and their allies, landed on D-Day. Casualties from these countries during the landing numbered 10,300. By June 30, over 850,000 men, 148,000 vehicles, and 570,000 tons of supplies had landed on the Normandy shores. Fighting by the brave soldiers, sailors, and airmen of the allied forces Western Front, and Russian forces on the eastern front, led to the defeat of German Nazi forces. On May 7, 1945, German General Alfred Jodl signed an unconditional surrender at Reims, France. 

The Lord had promised Abraham, that he would deliver his seed and bring them into the land which he had promised him. Moses had led them for forty-years in the wilderness; And now, Joshau was their new commander and was now tasked with leading them into the land of promise. This would become their D-Day. The same way that the allied force sat up monuments to commemorate D-Day, the Lord told Joshua to take 12 Stones from the Jordan River and set them up for a memorial for their generations as well. We each ought to have a D-Day. The day that you chose to leave the world and to live and serve Jesus. It should be a place that you should be able to look back and say to your children and grandchildren, this is where God liberated me from the captivity and sin of Satan. 

Sing: This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord hath made, that the Lord hath made; I will rejoice, I will rejoice, and be glad in it, and be glad in it; This is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day, this is the day that the Lord hath made.

Thought For Today: God is still liberating people from their enemy. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 5

By Grace Are You Saved

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2:8)

Today’s Morsel: If you were asked to define grace, what would be your answer? According to the Touch Bible, “Grace”, is God’s favor and divine influences upon the heart. It is his merciful kindness by which He, exert His Holy influence upon the soul, turning them to Christ; keeps, strengthens, and increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of Christian virtues. In other words, grace ought to cause you to see who you really are and cause you to see that you need to change who you are. Some folks think that we are saved by grace alone. But that’s not what scripture says. It says you are saved by grace through faith. Grace doesn’t act alone. It requires something to motive it. And that’s faith.  Grace is getting something which we don’t deserve. Which is God’s forgiveness and love. None of us deserve these things because we were all born in sin and shapened in iniquity. But as Paul says, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” (Ephesians 2:1-5) God was willing to give us a second chance. That’s somewhat what grace is, it’s God giving us a second chance to get it right. You must first believe in God to be saved. Faith come by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Then you must repent of your sins, and be baptized in His name, and then rise to walk in newness of life. If grace alone saved us, Jesus would never have said that we must be born again of the water and the Spirit to see and enter the kingdom of God. What is your understanding of God’s grace?

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 be born again.

Thought For Today: “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:” (1 Peter 3:21)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 4

The Hidden Gospel

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever seen that picture where you look at it and you see a beautiful woman, and if you look at it another way, you see an old hag? How is it that one person can see one thing, and another can see something else? How is it that one denomination can look and read the gospel and see The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, (as co-equal, co-existent, and co-eternal), as the holy trinity, and another denomination can look at and read the same gospel and see Jesus Christ as the One True God, manifested in flesh? How is it that one denomination can look and read Matthew 28:19 and baptize folks in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and another denomination can read the same scripture and see that it says to baptize in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ? How and why is the truth of the gospel hidden from some folks? Why do some people get angry and upset when you question them about their understanding of the gospel? According to the apostle Paul, the gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthains 15:1-4); And whatsoever we do in word or deed we are to do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:17); And  if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).And so, Paul informs us that if the truth of the gospel is hidden, then a person has been blinded by Satan, who is the god of this world. If “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved,” (Acts 4:12) who do you think that the apostle Peter may be referring to? And if the apostles were told by Jesus to teach and baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, why didn’t the apostles He chose not do what He said? Why did they go out and baptize everyone in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in the book of Acts if they were commanded by Christ to baptize in the trinity? What do you see when you read the gospel? Is it clear or is it hidden to you?

Sing: Send the light that blessed gospel light, let it shine from shore to shore; Send the light, the blessed gospel light, let it shine forever more.

Thought For Today: “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?” (Romans 10:16)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 3

I Lost It, But I Found It

“Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” (Luke 15:8-10)

Today’s Morsel: Every time that I lose something in our home and can’t find it, my dear wife always jokingly says, “It will be in the last place that you look.”  They say that if you lose something that you should probably check in some of the last places that you visited, or the police station, as business and the local police have a lost and found department. And if the item that you lost can be identified by you, they will return it to you. Jesus tells the parable of three things that are lost to draw our attention to the importance of repentance and salvation. Each of us were lost until we came to Christ and gave ourselves to Him. The woman in the parable first realized that she had lost one of her coins. Why couldn’t she have just been satisfied with the nine? What was one coin? But to her it was important. Jesus doesn’t tell us the value of the coin, nor what it was used for. Many have speculated, but Jesus doesn’t tell us. He just said she lost it, and she lights a candle and sweeps the house until she finds it. Notice where it was lost. In the house. She had an indication of where she had lost it and knew that she needed to find it. You know, we can sit right in church on the pew and be lost. We can be surrounded by nine other saints, and we can be lost because of our attitude, conduct, or actions. We can present an outward appearance of holiness, but holiness starts within. Our thinking could be corrupted, or we might be a gossiper. Do you feel lost in the house? If so, why not stop, and light a candle of prayer, and allow God to show you where you are at so that the missing may be found. And I promise you, it will be in the last place you look.

Sing: He came looking for me, He came looking for me. He made a way when there was no way that I could not see. When I drifted so far, Jesus was near to rescue my soul and calm all my fears; Now safe from all harm since I met the One who came looking for me.  

Thought For Today: You aren’t lost; you’ve just lost focus. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 2

The Last Day of The Feast

“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” (John 7:37-39)

Today’s Morsel: I love attending our church organizations’ annual General Conferences. Each year they are held, it gives us another opportunity to see some of those whom we haven’t seen in a while, and we get to make new friends. Throughout the week, the word is preached for every age group and generation. Throughout the week, many are being baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost. But the last night of the feast, the place is usually packed out, and there is a great anointing and mighty move of God. And many more are filled with the Spirit and baptized in Jesus’ name. Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) During the last day of Conference, there is usually a mighty outreach into the city and surrounding area to bring in the hungry souls and those who are seeking to get a drink from the fountain of living water. And they are not disappointed.  Are you thirsty for more of God? Do you feel as though you are feeling empty? Do you feel as though something is missing in your life? If so, Jesus is still calling for everyone that is thirsty, saying come. You can drink from the fountain of living water today.  

Sing: Come unto me all ye that are weary, and I will give you rest. Come unto me all ye that are weary, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, come unto me, learn of me, and your heart will be blessed.

Thought For Today: “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 June 1

Prepare Your Heart

“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” (Ezra 7:10)

Today’s Morsel: Maintaining a good heart requires you to eat right, sleep right, do right, and live right. Ezra, who was chosen to lead the first wave of Israelite captives back to their homeland after they had been in captivity for seventy years, knew that as priest, scribe, and leader, he would need Spiritual guidance, along with a lot of godly wisdom to direct these people, and teach them the ways of God. Most of these people that he would be leading back home would have had little or no knowledge of the laws of God. Some of them would probably have been born while in captivity, and may have taken on worldly ways, and would never have heard God’s word. And so Ezra prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, to do it himself, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgements. If you will notice, he prepared his heart first to seek the law, and then to do it himself. You can’t teach others what you don’t know and aren’t doing yourself. As James admonishes us: “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22). If you get your heart right, everything else will fall in order in your life.

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: “Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.” (Psalms 105:3)