Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 21

The Counsel of The Lord 

“There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.” (Proverbs 19:21)

Today’s Morsel: I have been asked by some what they should look for in a mentor. When I give them an answer, they sometimes give me that look as to say, that is too hard. Some folks say they want a mentor, but really, they don’t. They just want someone to tickle their ears and tell them what they want to hear. A real mentor and counselor are rooted and grounded in the word and ways of God. And when they tell you something, it’s going to stand and prove to be true in your life. You can choose people whom you may think is good for you, but as Solmon says, only the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand. We may have many plans, goals, and dreams in our lives, but it’s only the Lord’s purpose that is going to prevail. If my ambition does not align with God’s word and purpose, they aren’t going to stand. Remember, God sees the bigger picture and end state.  I can’t see everything that is before me, but He does. And if I trust Him to give me counsel for what I desire, and it aligns with His will and purpose, there is nothing that can stop me or it from coming to fruition.

Sing: I lean on You Lord, I lean on You Lord, for the things I need, I lean on You. When I don’t know just what to do, I’ve got the faith You’re going to see me through, to supply my every need and I lean on You.

Thought For Today: “Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.” (Psalms 20:4)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 20

The Why’s In Life

“Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.” (Proverbs 30:2)

Today’s Morsel: Let any toddler asks you a question and you give them an answer that their little minds were not expecting, and you will often get another question which says, Why? I have not only had toddler’s ask me Why, but many adults. Especially when it comes to death, rejection by others, loss of employment, or ill-health. Those Why questions keep coming. And something I have to say, I just don’t know. I don’t have all the answers to the Why questions that come our way. God just tells me that His ways and thought aren’t as mine. Gideon had a why question for God. He said, “Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.” (Judges 6:13) I’m sure some of you may have a Why question, like Gideon, when things are against you and they don’t make sense. There are going to be many Why questions you are going to have to consider and face in your life. But keep in mind, God has the answer to every Why question. We may not understand them, because we are asking man and not God. And at times, we simply must trust God with His perfect way.

Sing: I’ve had some good days, and I’ve had some hills to climb, I’ve had some weary days, and some sleepless nights, but when I look around and I think things over, all my good days, outweigh all my bad days, and I won’t complain. 

Sometimes the clouds are low, I can hardly see the road, I ask the question, Lord, Lord why so much pain? But He knows what’s best for me, although my weary eyes they can’t see, so, I’ll just say thank you Lord, I won’t complain.

The Lord’s been so good to me, He’s been so good to me, more than this old world or you could ever be, He’s been so good to me. He dries all my tears away, turned my midnights into day, So I’ll just say thank you Lord, and I won’t complain.

Thought For Today: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 19

Are You Trusting In The Right Thing?

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

Today’s Morsel: Some folks will trust in others and things but not trust in God. I have yet had any of them explain to me why they do not trust in God, who only has their best interest at heart. If God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, so that we could live and have eternal life, shouldn’t we trust in Him. When God told Abraham to leave home and He would bless him, Abraham obeyed. When God told him to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice, Abraham obeyed. Some today refuse to trust God when it comes to tithe and offerings and giving to the church or witnessing to others about Christ. For some reason they lose their trust in God to care for them or give them the words to say. Faith requires you to take God at His word. He is not a man that He should lie. So, are you trusting in things and others over God? Jesus said, For without me you can do nothing (John 15:5). Solomon tells us: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) Notice the words and lean not unto your own understanding. Because God’s ways and thoughts are not as our, we must trust Him based on His word, and not on what we can see. As Paul said: “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?... And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:24,28). If you are going to trust in something, make sure it’s the right thing. Like Jesus!

Sing: I trust in God, wherever I may be, upon the land, or on the roaring sea; For come what may, from day to day, my Heavenly Father watches over, over me. 

And I trust in God, I know He cares for me, on the mountain bleak, or out on the stormy seas. Though come what may, from day to day, my Heavenly Father watches over, over, me. 

Thought For Today: “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” (Psalms 37:5)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 18

What Do You Think of God’s Glory?

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.” (Psalms 19:1-5)

Today’s Morsel: One of my highlights of the day is when I go outside during my early for my morning walks and observe the things that God has created. While the wind oftentimes blows gently across my face, I hear the chirping of birds, squirrels chasing each other, deer trying to get a snack to eat, crescent moon setting and the sun rising, stars still in the sky, majestic mountains, different trees, flowers, dogs, and even humans. And as Louie Armstrong said, I also say to myself, What wonderful world. What beauty to behold. I have seen many places in this world; and believe me, God has created a masterpiece. From His wisdom bank, what He has created, I believe that even heaven would desire to investigate. When you stand on the rim of the Grand Canyon, or along the river of Niagara Falls, or see the Purple Mountains as the sun is going down upon them in the evening or see the many species of animals on a Safari of Africa, or the huge and colorful fish in each ocean, you too will stand in awe of His beauty and splendor. David asked the Lord, What is man that you are mindful of him? Or the son of man that He would visit Him? And that you would put such glory and beauty in his hands to oversee (My wording)? If you want to change your perspective of God, get out into His creation and it will blow your mind. If you get out and observe what God has done, you won’t be like the fool and say that there is no God.

Sing: Lord, we don’t need another mountain, there are mountains and hillsides enough to climb; there are oceans and rivers enough to cross, and enough to last until the end of time. (Chorus)

Chorus: What the world needs now is love, sweet love it’s the only thing that there’s just too little of. What the world needs now is love, sweet love, no, not just for some but for everyone. 

Lord, we don’t need another meadow, there are cornfields, and wheat fields enough to grow, there are sunbeams and moonbeams enough to shine, oh, Lord listen if you want to know (Chorus)

Thought For Today: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 17

Prosperity Will Not Satisfy Your Soul

“I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me: I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts. So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 2:7-11)

Today’s Morsel: One of the misunderstandings of some folks is that they think that the more that they have, the more satisfied they will be. But that is not the case. The more you have, the more you must care for. Solomon states that the eye is not satisfied with seeing, and neither is the ear satisfied with hearing. They each want more. Again, Solomon shows us that he got much stuff for himself, and in the end, he saw that it was all vanity and vexation of spirit. He concluded that it’s like a vapor, poof, gone. He saw that earthly things are temporary, lacks substance, and do not last. He said it was meaningless. Like chasing after the wind. Just as we cannot hold the wind in our hands, we cannot hold on to nor control the temporary joys in life. Yes, you may get stuff, and it satisfies you for a while, but it will soon lose its pleasure to your soul. You need Jesus. For He is the only One who can satisfy your soul and give you lasting joy. And the good part is, the things which He gives, they will last you forever and will always satisfy us.

Sing: For only Jesus can satisfy your soul, for only He can change your heart and make you 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: You will never find true satisfaction until you find the Lord.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 15

Can You Hold On Until The End?

“And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:3-14)

Today’s Morsel: The apostle Paul informed us that prior to the coming of the Lord, there is going to be a great falling away from the church. Jesus said that men’s hearts were going to fail them from looking at the things which are coming upon the earth. Paul said that men would creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:6-7). The last days are going to throw you a whole lot of curveballs that you aren’t going to be able to hit. Again, Jesus informs us: “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10) Things we are going to suffer! He’s informing us that imprisonment, trials, and even tribulations are going to come our way. But Jesus encourages us to hang in there until the end and He will give us a crown of life. So, my question to you is, can you endure hardness as a good soldier, can you stay in the fight until the end? Even though many false prophets shall rise and shall deceive many; and even though iniquity shall abound, and the love of many shall wax cold; For us to be saved, we must endure unto the end. So, hang in there. He that will come, will come and not tarry. The just must live by faith.

Sing: Living below in this old sinful world, hardly a comfort can afford; Striving alone to face temptations sore, where could I go but to the Lord. Where could I go, O’ where could I go; seeking a refuge for my soul? Needing a friend to help me in the end, where could I go but to the Lord?

Thought For Today:  “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 14

Do You Know What The Will of God Is For Your Life?

“Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.” (1 Thessalonians 4:1-6)

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever heard someone ask what is the will of God is? Well, if we read the Word of God, and we pay close attention to what is read and has been written, we will find our answer. Paul informed the church at Thessalonica, that the will of God, to include our sanctification, was that we should abstain from fornication: That every one of us should know how to possess his vessel (his body) in sanctification (holiness) and honor; Not in the lust of concupiscence (desiring what is forbidden), even as the Gentiles which did know not God; And that no man goes beyond and defraud (take advantage of) his brother in any matter. Do you know how to possess your body? In other words, do you know how to present yourself as a vessel of honor fit for the Master’s use?  Paul again asks the church at Corinth: “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” (1 Corinthians 6:15-20) Your body doesn’t belong to you; it belongs to Christ. Therefore, it’s lent out to you to use for His purpose and will. And if you defile it, He will destroy it. Because the temple of God is holy and must remain holy. It is set apart for His use. Therefore, God is working in you, providing both the desire and the power to do what pleases Him for His will.

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

Thought For Today: “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 13

Stop Hiding Your 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: When I was a kid and, in the world, I listened to a lot of so-called love songs. One of my favorites was titled, “What the World Needs Now is Love.” From creation, God displayed His love for His creation. Because God is love (1 John 4:7-8), scripture calls for us to love others also. I believe that the whole purpose for the law was to show us how to love others.  We know that love is the opposite of hate, so as Christians we must not hate anyone. We can hate the sin, but not the person. When King Jehosophat asked King Ahab to enquire of the Lord if they should go to war, Ahab told him that there was a prophet, Micaiah, but he hated him because he never spoke anything good about him. Upon hearing these words, King Jehosophat said, “Let not the king say so.” We are called to love, not hate. Paul told the church at Rome: “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” (Romans 12:9). He told the church at Corinth, that the greatest gift one could have was love. And that this was the gift that they should honestly seek after. He told the church at Philippi: “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” (Philippians 2:1-2) When we have the same love as Christ, which we all ought to have if we say that we have His Spirit in us, then we should be no respecter of persons, we should be no hater of others, there should be no unethical practice by us, and no disunity of the body, nor pride in our lives, and no gossip in our tongue. None of these things are in Christ and they must not be in us. Remember, John said, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” (1 John 4:11)

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: “These things I command you, that ye love one another.” (John 15:17)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 12

What Does God Want You To Do?

“And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” (Acts 9:4-6)

Today’s Morsel: Often, I will ask a college person what they are majoring? They sometimes look at me as if to say, What are you talking about. Then I may ask them, Tell me what you want to be when you grow up. Again, some of them give me that deer in the headlight look, and will say, “I don’t know.” I find the same when I ask kids in grades K-12. It is as if there is no discussion with parents, mentors, tutors, nor counselors about life and what road children ought to be on and helping them to become all they can become. Solomon states, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” I’m not being political here, but maybe this is why so many children are easily led astray in their thinking. Paul said: “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) Eve was deceived into thinking something different from what God said. Children today, and yes, some adults, are no exception. So, what does God want you to do? For what purpose did God let you live and save you from the sins of this world? If you don’t know your purpose in life, you will sooner or later become confused, depressed, and see life as boring and mundane. But if you know your purpose, and you pursue that purpose, life will be encouraging and uplifting. What do you want to be when you grow up?

Sing: Where He leads me, I will follow. Where He leads me, I will follow. When He leads me, I will follow. I’ll go with Him, with Him, all the way.

Thought For Today: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 11

The Acceptable Year of The Lord

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:1-3)

Today’s Morsel: After Jesus had been tempted by the devil for 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness, Scripture says: “And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:14-19) Isaiah had stated that He would proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. He said that God would proclaim the time of His favor and salvation, and a time when God will judge evil and vindicate His people. He will turn mourning into dancing and sorrows into joy. If your life, or anyone else’s life that you may know, is void of these promised blessings, then Jesus has come to fulfill His promise. His Spirit is available for you today, so that you can be made free of anything that may have you bound.

Sing: If you will come to Jesus Christ today, He’ll take your sins away, He’ll take you sins away; And keep you happy in His love each day; He’ll take your sins away.

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

Thought For Today: “(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 10

How’s Your Zeal For The Things of God?

“Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” (Romans 10:1-4)

Today’s Morsel: How passionate are you about the things of God? We see in scripture, that after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost, by the apostles and disciples of Jesus, they became very zealous about the gospel and what it meant. They had a clear understanding and knew what it meant and how to live it out in their lives. Even the apostle Paul himself was zealous for the things of God, but not according to knowledge. Paul was so zealous that he thought that by persecuting, murdering, and trying to stop this new sect, that by his zeal, he was doing the right thing. But he realized his error after meeting Jesus. Paul told the church that what he did, he did it in ignorance. Paul had a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. And he informed the church at Rome that his brothers the Jew, too, have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For, like himself, he said, they are ignorant of God's righteousness, and are going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. Like were some today, trying to make themselves holy and righteous, when Christ has already done that for them. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth, Paul said. All folks need to do is stop leaning unto their own understanding and do what the Word of God has already instructed them to do; and they would already become righteous, because Jesus is the God of righteous. Do you have a zeal for the things of God? Is it according to His righteousness?

Sing: I’ve anchored in Jesus, the storms of life, I’ll brave. I’ve anchored in Jesus; I fear no wind or wave. I’ve anchored in Jesus, for He hath power to save; I’ve anchored to the Rock of Ages.

Thought For Today: “And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.” (John 2:16-17)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 8

Look Not Behind Thee

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about a spiritual journey is that you must be committed. One of the last warnings the angels gave to Lot, and his wife, was to not look back. But we know that according to scripture, Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Jesus cautioned us to remember Lot’s wife (Luke 17:32). I often ponder on why she looked back. We also see that the children of Israel could not enter the promised land because they kept looking back. And they, too, died in the wilderness. You can’t keep looking back and expect to make it to heaven. You must keep heaven in front of you. It must be in your windshield not your rearview mirror. If every time you look up and all you can see is your past, you will want to go back. Satan has a way of glamorizing your past to get you to look back. He also has a way of showing you your past to drag you down.  You should already know what is behind you. You don’t need to worry about what’s behind, worry about what is before you, so that you do not stumble and fall. 

Sing: I’m going home with Jesus, in the twinkling of an eye; I’ve made my reservations for my mansion in the sky. I may not know the moment, and I may not know the day, but I know that I’ll be leaving when He calls this church away. 

Thought For Today: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” (Psalms 23:6)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 7

Hard Prayers

“To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.” (Psalms 51:1-19)

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever had to present a hard prayer to God to judge you, or to ask Him to forgive you for a wrong? I have prayed that folks will not find rest and contentment until they repent of their sins and turn their heart from their wicked ways and return to God again. That’s what I call a hard prayer, because I know that it may cause hardship and even suffering and pain upon them. But at least I’m trying to help them save their souls from hell and continual destruction. Today’s passage, I’m sure, was probably a hard prayer for David. David had a strong relationship and love for God and the things of God. He was even called a man after God’s own heart. But David allowed his emotions and lust of his flesh to overpower him. And now, his wrong has been exposed to him by God Himself, and David realizes his wrong. This prayer is David pleading to God for forgiveness. Hard prayers are often for oneself when they’ve gotten their hand caught in the cookie jar. Yes, David could have ignored the prophet, but only to his own detriment. David knew the penalty for this sin. And so, he places himself in the hand of a loving and caring God. It was a hard prayer. But in order for him to find forgiveness, he knew that he had to come to the throne of grace, that he might obtain mercy and find grace to help him in time of need. David received forgiveness and scripture says: “Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.” (1 Kings 15:5) Hard prayers are sometimes hard. But if you want to see change, then they must be done.

Sing: Create in me a clean heart, O’ God, and renew a right spirit within me. Create in me a clean heart, O’ God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence O’ God, take not Thy Holy Spirit from me; restore unto me, the joy of Thy salvation, and renew a right spirit within me.

Thought For Today: “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” (Psalms 86:5)

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 6

Spiritual Joy

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:3-9)

Today’s Morsel: Is there a difference between natural joy and spiritual joy? Natural joy often finds its source in circumstances and achievements, while spiritual joy finds its source in a close connection with Christ. When I first came into the church, it was not uncommon to hear someone say, “You can’t steal my joy, devil.” Or “This joy that I have the world didn’t give it to me, and the world can’t take it away.” But then I would hear some of those same people say, “Pray for my joy.” Humm! Who stole it? Where did it go? Keep in mind, spiritual joy came with the Spirit. When you received the Holy Ghost, joy came with it. So, if someone who says that they are born- again doesn’t have spiritual joy, they may want to follow Paul’s advice to Timothy and stir up the gift that is within them. Not unless they are like Samson and don’t realize that the Spirit has departed from them. The Psalmist states: “But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.” (Psalms 5:11-12) If we trust and believe in God, then we ought to always be praising Him and being joyful. The apostle Peter states: Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Do you still have joy?

Sing: In His presence, there’s fulness of joy; at His right hand, there’s pleasures forever more. O’ what fellowship divine, I am His, and He is mine; In the presence of the Lord, there’s fulness of joy.

Thought For Today: Let them also that love Thy name be joyful in Thee.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 5

Does Your Work Praise You?

“Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” (Proverbs 31:29-31)

Today’s Morsel: Do the things you do for other bring you praise or stress? One of the problems with most employees is that they bring about their own stress and fatigue, because most of them go to work for the money and not for what they can do for others. Every job should be seen as helping others. Daily when I pray, I ask God to bless those who are working to make life for others better and easier. I pray that they will understand and be able to see that what they are doing is for the good of others and not themselves. When our congress fails to pass the bill to pay our TSA and Air Traffic Controllers workers, many of these employees went to work anyway.  That shows that it was not about them, it was about the safety and well-being of others. Yes, they received back pay and in some cases bonuses, but their attitude showed that they were selfless servants and not takers. Solomon states to let a virtuous woman’s work praise her in the gates. In other words, don’t do things for self-gratification and self-praise, but let what you do bring you praise from others.  A life lived with integrity and a deep reverence for God and His ways is sure to bring Him praise.  And if we were to see that everything that we do for others, is done to bring Christ glory and honor, we too will reap the same benefits as He does.

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

Thought For Today: “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” (Proverbs 27:2)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 4

Holding On To Hope

“Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12)

Today’s Morsel: Like faith, hope is one of those character traits that must be lived out in your life. From a child, we learn to use the word hope. “I hope we get there on time.” “I hope our team wins.” “I hope the plane isn’t late.” “I hope I can sit beside you on the bus.” “I hope I get hired for the job.” “I hope I get promoted.” “I hope she likes me.” “I hope he doesn’t preach too long.” “I hope he doesn’t call on me to give an answer.” Why do we sometimes see hope from an evil standpoint, and not a good standpoint? Solomon states that sometimes our continual waiting can cause pain and suffering and even steal our joy. But when that we hope for comes, it is then seen as a tree of life. It refreshes us. Paul informs us: “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” (Romans 8:24-25) Paul lets us know that hope must be accompanied with patience. We must learn to wait on God through trust and faith while we wait. He also 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) If you are waiting with hope, hold on, it will come and not tarry.

Sing: My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.

Thought For Today: “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:3-5)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 3

Do You Need To Rebuild The Altar?

“And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down. And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name: And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed. And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood. And he said, Do it the second time. And they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time. And they did it the third time. And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water. And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.” (1 Kings 18:30-39)

Today’s Morsel: If someone were to ask you where is your altar, what would you tell them? Is there a special place in your home that you call your altar? We often call the front of the platform of the church the altar area. But few seem to want to go to it. If we don’t keep the fire in our altars burning, it will go out. God instructed Moses: “The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.” (Leviticus 6:13) The hottest place in the church and your home ought to be the altar. But, if we do not spend time at it, the fire is sure to go out. The psalmist states: “How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.” (Psalms 84:1-5) The altar at the church, or your own personal altar, should be an important place to you. Don’t be like King Saul and build your altar too late. It was after Elijah rebuilt the altar, that was broken down, and prayed, that the fire fell from heaven and consumed the sacrifice, and turned the people’s heart back to God. A continual visit to the altar will keep the fire burning and keep you in a right relationship with God and others.

Sing: Hear my cry, O’ God, attend unto my prayer; from the ends of the earth, will I cry unto Thee. And when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock, that is higher than I, that is higher than I.

For Thou hast been a shelter unto to me, and a strong tower, from the enemy. And when my heart my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock, that is higher than I, so much higher than I.

Thought For Today: “And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD.” (1 Samuel 14:35)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 1

Don’t Forget The Law

“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: One of the major factors of the law was that it taught people character. But like some folks today, the children of Isreal didn’t want to learn it. God wanted them, at first, to learn His character by their obedience to Him, His Word, and the leaders He had placed over them. But when leadership doesn’t obey and live out God’s word, then it makes it hard for the followers to obey. And so, God said through the prophet, “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jeremiah 31:33-34) Once God fills you with His Spirit and writes His law in your heart, you are then supposed to know Him and live your life according to His character and ways. There is no excuse for not being able to do so. He has now given you power to control your life. Solomon tells us not to forget the Law and commandment of God, as length of days, long life, and peace shall they add to you. Believe me, Godly character will extend your life and will keep you in perfect peace.

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

Thought For Today: “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” (Psalms 19:7)