Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 14

Stand For Righteousness

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

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 13

The Last Five Warnings of God

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

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 12

The New-Birth

“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” (1 Peter 1:22-23)

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 11

The Same

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

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 9

Happy Mother’s Day

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

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

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

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

Happy Mother’s Day!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 8

Stop Winking At Sin

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

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 7

You’re Not Special, You Are Blessed

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

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 6

Don’t Forget God

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

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

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

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

Thought For Today: Without Jesus you can do nothing.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 5

Pressures of Duty

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

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 4

How To Overcome Injuries

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

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 2

Overcoming Depression and Stress

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

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

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 May 1

Are You Accomplishing The Mission?

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

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

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 April 30

You Can Believe God’s Word

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Today’s Morsel: Some folks like to question the Word of God. Some like to say that it isn’t true, and that God, who is supposed to be loving and caring, would not do what some of it says. But Scripture tells us: “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” (Proverbs 30:5) Jesus said: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35) It even tells us that before Joseph could be elevated to his position of honor, he was tried by the word. “He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.” (Psalms 105:17-19) And we see that God fulfilled the promise which He made to Joseph in his dream. The Lord said through the prophet Isaiah: “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11) God’s word is true and will accomplish what He sends it to do in my life and yours. We just need to sit back and watch it work; allowing God to have His way in our life.

Sing: I believe God, I believe God, that He will do just as He said. Trust and obey, believe Him and say, I believe, I believe God. 

If you need salvation now, or the Holy Ghost and power, just trust and obey, believe Him and say, I believe, I believe God!

Thought For Today: “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 April 29

Linking Up With The Wrong People

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1)

Today’s Morsel: If we do not walk in the Spirit of truth with wisdom and discernment, we can find ourselves linking up with folks who do not believe as we believe, who do not know truth, and with folks who do not have any faith at all. And it is these folks who can lead us away from the faith and away from Christ. I was reading an article that said most kids who go off to secular college and who do not have a clear understanding of God, and how the word of God applies to their life, that most secular college professors will belittle them, and cause them to leave the faith because they cannot defend themselves.  And because of this embarrassment, it can lead them to link up with the wrong people. Scripture states: “Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.” (Proverbs 29:24) When folks don’t care about their soul, they will link up with anyone. Many people are suffering today because they linked up with the wrong people. Some have found themselves in bad a marriage, an abusive relationship, all because they linked up with the wrong people. You must always remember that you are the temple of the Holy Ghost. And that you should not link yourself with just anybody. For the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

Sing: Jesus, You’re center of my joy, all that’s good and perfect comes from You. You’re the source of my contentment, hope for all I do; Jesus, You’re the center of my joy.

Thought For Today: “Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.” (Proverbs 24:1)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 April 28

Don’t Conceal Your Sin

“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. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 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. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:5-10)

Today’s Morsel: Some folks like to try and hide their sins. But believe me, you can’t hide sin. It’s the devil’s tool to expose you and bring you down. Sin has destroyed many lives. David even thought his sin was hidden until the Lord sent the Prophet Nathan to let him know that they weren’t hidden. And we see the great fallout from his sin (read the book of 2 Samuel chapters 11-15). David repented of his sin (read Psalms 51), but the damage was already done. Paul states that sin should not have dominion over you if you have been born again. And this is because Jesus said that He would give us power to tread over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). John gives us the key to overcoming sin. And that is to confess them. No, you don’t go to man. You go to Jesus. Notice what John says: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.The ‘He’ here is speaking of Jesus Christ, as God is the only one that can forgive sin. So, don’t try to hide your sin. Take them to Jesus and let Him get rid of them for you.

Sing: I came to Jesus weary worn and sad; He took my sins away, He took my sins away. And now on Him I roll my every care, He took my 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 in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:10-11)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 April 27

Faithful Wounds

“But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?” (Galatians 2:11-14)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about confrontation is it can sometimes be seen as being wounded by others. Some folks dislike confrontation for that very reason. But confrontation is good when it is used to correct, reprove, and guide someone in the right way, or into a better place or position. Paul’s confrontation with Peter probably set Peter on edge. But later in his epistle to the church, Peter states: “And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” (2 Peter 3:15-16) I don’t think Peter would have written this about Paul if Paul’s confrontation with him had not been for his good. Solomon states: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Proverbs 27:6) Keep this in mind, that a friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. A true friend doesn’t mind causing you temporary pain to tell you the truth, correct your mistakes, or prevent you from walking down a dangerous path. These types of wounds are acts of love which are meant to help you. So let me encourage you, the next time someone confronts you, and tells you that you’re wrong, don’t see their confrontation as a negative thing, but see it as love in a different suit for your benefit and help.

Sing: He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; Surely, He borne all our sorrows, and by His stripes we are healed.

Thought For Today: One of the best places to receive wounds is in the house of a friend.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 April 25

Undependable

“Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.” (Proverbs 25:19)

Today’s Morsel: Everyone who says that they are born-again ought to be dependable and reliable when it comes to the Kingdom of God. When we tell people that we are going to do things, we ought to be faithful in doing them. And we ought to do them as unto the Lord. When folks are not dependable and reliable it can cause heartache and pain. Solomon said depending upon someone who is unfaithful in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. Have you ever tried to eat with a broken tooth, or walk on a sprained ankle? They both hurt. That’s how it is when folks who are unreliable do not do what they said that they will do. James said, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17) Unfaithfulness and being unreliable can lead to sin. Let me encourage you today. Some of the best friendships and marriages that are made, are made when others show that they are dependable and can be relied upon. Being dependable should be a watchword of every Christian.

Sing: He came looking for me, He came looking for me. He made a way when there was no that I could see. When I drifted so far, Jesus was near, to rescue my soul and calm all my fears; now I’m safe from all harm, since I met the one, who came looking for me.  

Thought For Today: “Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.” (Philippians 4:15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 April 24

Fainthearted

“If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” (Proverbs 24:10)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about warfare is that it will sometimes take the wind out of your sail. Warfare is nasty with confused noise and garments rolled in blood, Isaiah said (my wording. See Isa 9:5). True character and strength are oftentimes seen by how you handle hardships and difficult times. Warfare is challenging and oftentimes will reveal a person’s true faith and endurance. Your faith will be shaken in warfare when your comrades are hurt, wounded, maimed, or killed. To faint on the battlefield is to become discouraged and causing you to give up. Solomon says that if you faint in the day of these challenges and hardships your strength is small. You see, in warfare you cannot just rely on your own strength, you need a more superpower to help you stay focused and one you can turn to when the going gets tough. You will need God’s power and strength when you face adversity and difficulties in your life. As Jesus said: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” (John 14:1) Again, Isaiah informs us: “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2) Jesus is the strength we need in adversity.

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

Thought For Today: “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 April 23

Don’t Cast Your Pearls Before Swine

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” (Matthew 7:6)

Today’s Morsel: In scripture, dogs and swine represent people who are “chronically antagonistic” to the gospel. These are those that are willfully resistant and disrespectful to the word and anything that reflects God. Solomon states: “Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.” (Proverbs 23:9) Keep in mind, it is the fool that says in their heart that there is no God, so don’t waste your time. This is one of the reasons why we need wisdom and the spirit of discernment when we go about to witness the truth of the gospel. You can oftentimes know those who want to hear the gospel. They are more open and willing to listen to what you have to say and may even ask you some questions without trying to trip you up or show contempt toward you. But the antagonistic will often get loud and try to embarrass you. “But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.” (Jude 1:17-19) They may call you names and try to drive others away from you. These are those that you must not waste your time on. Jesus didn’t, His disciples didn’t, and neither should you. The gospel is holy. And because it represents who Jesus is, you must not cast it before dogs which return to their vomit nor the swine which will return to wallow in the mire. He is holy, and so is His word.

Sing: If I walk in the pathway of duty, oh Lord; If I seek for His sheep that’s already gone astray, I’m sure a reward in His glory, when I’ve gone the last mile of the way.

When I’ve gone the last mile of the way, I shall rest at the close of the day, for I know there is joy that waits my heart and my soul, when I’ve gone the last mile of the way. 

Thought For Today: “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 April 22

Diligence

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” (Proverbs 22:29)

Today’s Morsel: Why is diligence important to a Christian? Let me insert a few synonyms for the word ‘diligence’, to see if that will help us.  We must be industrious, meticulous, thorough, conscientious, attentive, careful, and persistent. Some folks are always busy. And when you ask them what they are busy doing they have no clue. If you are going to be busy, then at least know why you are. If you keep the word ‘busy’ in your vocabulary, you will wear yourself out. Try using one of the other synonyms, it’s more Christian and you will feel better about yourself. Solomon said that if you see a man industrious, meticulous, thorough, conscientious, attentive, careful, and persistent, he will stand before kings, he shall not stand before mean men. Jospeh was placed in prison for being charged with attempted rape. His sentence seems to have been, or maybe was, life in prison. But even though he was accused, he still did his business with diligence. And in the process of time, God elevated him to stand before Pharaoh, King of Egypt, who elevate him to second-in-command. I don’t think Jospeh was busy, I believe he was diligent. Scripture said that daily he went into the house to do his business. He went in to do his duty. 

Sing: When you see me praying, I’m working on the building, I’m going up to heaven, to get my reward. Well I never get tired, working on the building, I’m going up to heaven, to get my reward. 

Thought For Today: “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:17)