Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 27

All Hope Is Not Lost

“Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven. And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.” (Acts 27:17-20)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about serving God and being a Christian is you cannot allow bad decisions nor poor decisions by others to cause you to lose hope. Hope is never lost. Faith, hope, and love work together to buildup and edify. If the enemy of your soul can get you to think that you have lost any one of them, he will put you in a vortex and drag you under. Paul informs us: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4). The word of God and the stories in the word of God are to give you hope.  He also stated that: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 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 5:1-5) Notice we rejoice in hope, patience brings about experience, and experience brings us hope. And the writer of Hebrews informs us: “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Hebrews 6:18-20) Hope is our anchor for the soul. It will hold you in the storms of life, and it will hold you when it feels like your boat is about the go under. Hope is there no matter how dark life may seem. If Jesus is your hope, then it’s going to be alright.

Sing: Have faith, hope, and charity, that’s the only way to live successfully, how do I know, the Bible tells me so.

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 26

Fervent Love

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:7-8)

Today’s Morsel: How much do you love others in your life? What about the church? I’m sometime perplexed, especially in the church, when I have all these folks telling me that they love me, and yet they never call me, text me, send me a card, or contact me in any way. I’m starting to feel like an unwanted child. Peter tells us to have fervent love among ourselves. We ought to love each other deeply, because it covers all sin. We must love each other earnestly and sincerely. Paul tells us to let our love be with dissimulation. Our love ought to be real because God is love, and love came with the Holy Spirit, and love is the bond that brings us into perfectness. I have heard folks say, “I don’t like that person, but I must love them because the Bible says so.” That is confusing to me. How can you love someone you don’t like? If I don’t like you, the likelihood of me loving you isn’t going to happen either. I like that which is attributed to Abraham Lincoln when he said, “I don’t like that man, I need to spend more time with him so that I get to know him better.” If there is someone in the family of God, or a co-work, that you may not like, why not trying spending a little more time with them and get to know them. You may be surprised that you may have more in common than you think and it may foster a wonderful friendship and strengthen your love for them.

Sing: I was sinking deep in sin far from the peaceful shore, very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more, but the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry, from the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

Love lifted me, Love lifted me, when nothing else could help, Love lifted me. Love lifted me, Love lifted me, when nothing else could help, Love Lifted me.

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 25

Living With Passion

“And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel. And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho. And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on. And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan. And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.” (2 Kings 2:1-10)

Today’s Morsel: One of the requirements for ministry, I believe, is that of passion. If one does not have a strong sense of passion for what God may be calling them to do, or what their spiritual leadership may ask them to do, then they should probably stay away from ministry. I know that that may seem harsh, but this is not a playground, this is warfare. This is protecting and saving peoples’ lives and going into hostile territory. This duty requires commitment, dedication, and devotion to duty. Jesus even said that no man can serve two masters. He further stated “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” (John 15:18-20)

Elijah’s request to Elisha to not follow him, I believe, was a test to see his passion. Elijah knew that ministry is a 100% commitment and devotion. I also believe that Elisha understood this because he was willing to sacrifice his oxen and leave his family to go after his calling. I am not being critical here, but ministry is Active Duty, not Reserves who only meet on the weekends. If parttime is your understanding of serving God, you will soon lose your passion for your calling. If you will notice, Elijah never asks Elisha what he wanted until he crosses the Jordan River. I believe that Elisha had now proven himself as committed to the call; and so, he, Elisha requests a double portion of Elijah’s anointing. Elijah knew that it did not come from him, it came from God. And if Elisha saw him go up, the anointing would come down. And it came down upon him. If you say that you have the anointing, then you ought to have the same passion as Christ and his disciples had. As Jesus said: “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,” (Luke 4:18); John said, “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” (1 John 2:27) If you have the anointing, you ought to have the passion. And if you say you have the Holy Ghost, you should have the passion that comes with the anointing.  

Sing: Anointing fall on me; Anointing fall on me; Let the power of the Holy Ghost, fall on me; anointing fall on me.

Thought For Today: “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 24

The Secret To Contentment

“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 every thing 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. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:4-13)

Today’s Morsel: Are you content? What do you think you need to make you content? Would more money make you content? Would getting married make you content? Would being in the right church make you content? Would the pastor preaching a good sermon cause you contentment? Would those who know to do right that aren’t doing it starting to do right, would this give you contentment? Would being hired for a job or the ideal job bring you contentment? If you won the lottery with a ticket that someone brought for you, because you don’t gamble, bring you contentment? I don’t know. Maybe it would and maybe it wouldn’t. Contentment is often associated with being satisfied and happy. It’s a state of mind of being satisfied with what you have right now. If you are not content with what you already have, chances are, more isn’t going to change things. The secret to contentment is you must change who you are and your mindset. For as a man thinketh so is he.  Someone wrote a poem which said, “Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”  Paul said that he had learned that no matter what state he found himself in, he was to be content. He said that he had brought nothing into the world and it was for certain that he would not take anything out (my wording). Someone said that they had never seen a hearse at a funeral loaded with money. 

Sing: If you’re happy, and you know it, say amen! Say amen! Cause if you’re happy, and you know it, say amen! amen! Cause when God’s Spirit falls on you, it makes you shout, hallelujah! If you’re happy and you know it say amen!

Thought For Today: “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 23

The Last Day of Torment

“And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.” (1 Samuel 17:43-46)

Today’s Morsel: Scripture says that Goliath tormented Israel for forty days. Can you imagine an entire army fearful of one man? As we read the scriptures, no one would fight him because of his size. That is what happens when we allow bullying to keep tormenting us. Pretty soon, we become afraid of those tormenting us. Even in some neighborhoods, gangs have tormented folks for so long, that most of the people in those neighborhoods are afraid to say anything or do anything. But when David heard the giant, he was ready to fight him. He was ready to take-action against him. David knew that the lion and bear were ferocious beasts, and a giant could not be more powerful than they were against his God. He knew that God would deliver the giant into his hands. Little did Goliath know that this would be his last day of torment. John tells us that fear torments because folks are not made perfect in love. In other words, Jesus is missing in a life when one allows tormentors to torment them, as perfect love, which is Jesus, defeats tormentors and tormenting. So, stop allowing the things and ways of the world to torment you. Jesus is with you. Start walking by faith and stop walking by sight. 

Sing: There is power, power, wonder working power in the Blood, of the Lamb. There is power, power, wonder working power, in the precious blood of the Lamb.

Thought For Today: “So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.” (1 Samuel 17:50)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 22

The Battle Is The Lord’s

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:11-16)

Today’s Morsel: Are you looking forward to being a part of that last battle with the Lord? Just think, we get to conqueror Satan and his demonic forces. Just to be riding on white horses dressed in find linen, clean and white behind Him to war. But of course, we don’t have to wait until then, Jesus has already given us power to tread over Satan and over the forces and power of the darkness that are out there before us. The problem is most don’t know what they have already been given that power to fight with. Paul said that the Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit. It is sharp. John said that out of the mouth of Jesus goeth a sharp sword. That’s His Word. This is why the writer of Hebrews informs us: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) If folks would start using the Sword that God has already given them, the devil would be defeated and they would be overcomers, not feeling all depressed, stressed, and feeling defeated. Peter could have cut Malchus’ head off with his sword. But he only cut off his ear. And I think Jesus may have had something to do with that. And that was to show Peter that He could defend Himself with His own Word.

Sing: Shout with a voice of triumph, shout with a voice of praise, shout with a voice of triumph, shout with a voice of praise, shout to the Lord for the victory, hey, hey, give the Lord a shout of praise. 

Triumph in battle, we are victorious, God is most high over all the earth. Jesus has conquered, Satan’s defeated, the enemy is under our feet. 

So, I will shout with a voice of triumph, shout with a voice of praise, shout with a voice of triumph, shout with a voice of praise, shout to the Lord for the victory, hey, hey, give the Lord a shout of praise.

Thought For Today: “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” (Ephesians 6:17-18)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 21

What Season Are You In?

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-11)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things that I like about living here in Wisconsin is the four seasons. They say that sometimes here you could get all four seasons in one day! Solomons says that life also have seasons. If you read the list that he mentioned, what season are you in? Is it time for you to plant a church or maybe help make some changes to the one you are in? Is it time for you to start embracing some of your own responsibilities and stop looking for someone else to do them for you? The Bible tells us to go to the ant and observe their ways. The ants know that winter is coming and so they prepare in advance. If you know that winter is coming and you don’t buy a coat at the end of the previous winter for next year’s winter, you are going to find yourself in a season where you are going to be cold and people are going to laugh at you. I believe that there are seasons of pain, happiness, joy, love, rejection, loneliness, and depression. Because you read about every one of these in the Bible. But the season doesn’t dictate your state of mind nor the outcome. You do. That’s why you must be like the ant and prepare before the season come. You can endure any season in life if you prepare. 

Sing: It’s a new season, it’s a new day, a fresh anointing, and it’s flowing my way; It’s a Spirit of power, and prosperity; It’s a new season, coming to me. 

Thought For Today: “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” (Luke 14:28)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 20

Things Will Change

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

Today’s Morsel: Job inspires us with these words: “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.” (Job 19:25-27) Do you know what Job was saying? He was saying that things were going to change in his life, even if what he was going through may kill him, he was still going to stand before and see God. What confidence of waiting on change. And James informs us: “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” (James 5:7-11)James is saying, just be patience, because you already know and have read Job’s end state what God did for him. So take his life as an example for yourself and don’t lean on your own understanding. Paul said that our light afflictions are only for a moment, but they are working in us a more eternal and exceeding weight of glory. What you are going through, God just may be pruning you for His rich, solid, and everlasting joy. So, rejoice in the Lord always. 

Sing: He’s changing me, my blessed Savior, I’m not the same person that I used to be. Well it’s been slow going but there’s a knowing, that someday perfect I will be.

Thought For Today: “In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.” (Isaiah 54:8)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 19

Where Is Your Trust?

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever. I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” (Psalms 118:1-8)

Today’s Morsel: You know, if I was to take a poll, since the media thinks that everything is based on polls, I wonder what the number would be if I interviewed a thousand people to find out where their number one trust is? I’m sure AI probably already has the answer; but some folks have lost their trust in humans because they have either been hurt or let down by them, they have been lied to or they have been conned. And because humans have disappointed them, some of them don’t even trust in God anymore. When you try to enlighten them that it is not God’s fault that others did them wrong, they still refuse to believe and put their trust in Him. When the children of Israel received the evil report from the spies of what was inside the promised land, they feared and accused Moses of bringing them out to kill them in the wilderness. And no matter how hard Moses, Joshua, and Caleb, tried to convince them to not to lose their trust in God, they would not believe them. So over the next 40 years, many of them died in the wilderness. The psalmist states that it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. In other words, if you are to put your trust in something, let it be God. Because He will not fail you nor forsake you. God is not the cause of what others do to you. It is their own lust, evil, envy, jealousy, and pride that causes you hurt and harm. It is not God.  So, let me encourage you. Don’t lose your trust and confidence in God, He always has your best interest at heart.

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

Thought For Today: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 18

 Surprise - Your Prayers Have Been Answered

“Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” (Acts 12:1-5)

Today’s Morsel: Why do we seem surprised when someone receives the Holy Ghost, get baptized in Jesus’ name, receive a report of being free from cancer, getting a huge pay raise, being selected for a promotion, winning an election, children returning to the church, or someone giving us a gift? Don’t we pray for these things to happen. So why are we surprised when they happen? James said, “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.” (James 5:17-18)  When Peter was cast into prison and awaiting execution, prayer was made for him by the church. But when God freed him, the church didn’t believe that he was free. I know that I have spoken to this manna before, but the scenario has not changed. People are still surprised after their prayers for these types of needs every service and throughout the course of each day are met. I don’t think that we should be surprised when these things happen based on our prayers. I think we should be pleased and happy that God has answered our prayers but not surprised. There ought to be somethings we just expect to happen because of His word.

Sing: Thank You, Jesus, for the blood applied; Thank You, Jesus, You, have saved my life. Thank You, Jesus, You, have saved my life. Brought me out of darkness to Your glorious light. 

Thought For Today: “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” (James 5:14-15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 17

My Light and My Salvation

“A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalms 27:1)

Today’s Morsel: One of the first things that God created was that of light. God knows that everything needs light to live. It has been reported that people who live in areas where the sunlight is given less throughout the course of the day, that those people are more prone to depression, hopelessness, misery, despair, and sadness.  Jesus understood this, and He calls for us to follow Him, so that we would not walk in darkness but may have the light of life (John 8:12). John also informs us that God is light and in Him is not darkness at all. So, my question today is this, are those who are living with depression, hopelessness, misery, despair, and sadness sitting in darkness? If light expels darkness, shouldn’t we all want The Light? David states that God was his light and his salvation. In both the Old and New Testament, Jesus is seen as both features. “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.” (1 John 1:5-7)

 “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:8-13) If you want to get out of darkness and be saved, you must come to Jesus, or the darkness will soon overtake you.

Sing: There shall be sunshine in the shadows; there is sunshine in the rain; there is sunshine in our sorrows, when our hearts are filled with pain. There is sunshine when we are burdened; there is sunshine when we pray; there is sunshine, Heavenly sunshine, blessed sunshine all the way. 

Thought For Today: “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 16

Are You About The Father’s Business?

“Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” (Luke 2:41-52)

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever lost something important and that sense of Oh No! gripped your heart? I can sense what Mary must have felt when she discovered that Jesus was missing? Mary and Jospeh think that He’s in the crowd with everyone else only to find out that He’s missing. And after a frantic searching for three days, they find Him in the temple. Mom is not a happy camper when she finds Him. I wonder if Jesus got a spanking? She says to Him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, how is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my father’s business? Mary has a tender voice the way that Luke writes. Jesus’ reply to His mother is not with disrespect, it is in the form of a question and with politeness: “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? I must be about my father’s business. The business of the father, as Jesus would tell his disciples, is to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). The synagogue was probably one of the best places for Him to start. As He came on the scene and they did not recognize who He was. When the church is confused as to who He is, it is time to be about the father’s business. When those in authority and leadership do not know who He is, it is time to be about the father’s business. When the church is no longer following the original pattern of the first church, it is time to be about the father’s business. When holiness is no longer stressed and seen in the life of believers, it is time to be about the father’s business. When the church is no longer holding to apostolic doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, it is time to be about the father’s business.  Do you see the need in your sphere that it is time to be about the father’s business?

Sing: Let’s talk about Jesus, the King of kings is He, the Lord of all supreme throughout eternity; The Great I Am The Way, The Truth, The Life, The Door, let’s talk about Jesus, more and more.

Thought For Today: “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 28:19-20)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 15

Everybody Ought To Know

“That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.” (Psalms 83:18)

Today’s Morsel: One of the first things that every born-again believe ought to know is who Jesus Christ was. Isaiah informs us: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) Matthew highlights this passage in his gospel by stating: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” (Matthew 1:18-25)  “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace..” (Isaiah 9:6 Jesus said that the truth shall make you free.   Freedom starts with an understanding of truth. If Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and He is, and no man can come to the Father except by him, and He states that He is the Father (John 14:9), and the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of truth (John 15:26), and in Him was the life (John 1:4), then I ask - who do you say that He is? As Brother G.T Haywood, along with 150 other minister were kicked out of the Assemblies of God for their stance for the Oneness of God said, “everybody ought to know who Jesus is.” Again, truth shall make you free.

Sing: Everybody ought to know, everybody ought to know, everybody ought to know, who Jesus is. Everybody ought to know, everybody ought to know, everybody ought to know, who Jesus is. He’s the lily of the valley, He’s the bright and morning star, He’s the fairest of ten thousand, everybody ought to know.

Thought For Today: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 14

Change Your Heart

“And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13)

Today’s Morsel: Moses, in his explanation to the children of Israel, is informing them what is required of them to serve the Lord.  He tells them, and these instructions are for us a well: 1. To fear the LORD thy God, 2. To walk in all his ways, 3.To love him, 4. To serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, 5. To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes. That seems pretty simple to me. When the man asked the prophet Micah, what was required for him to come and appear before the Lord, he is told: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8) Both Moses and Micah call for us to change our heart and the way that we think if we are intending to make heaven our home and to stand before our Lord our Savior. This stuff isn’t hard. The problem is that most people don’t have a passion for the things of God and the things they want. If you don’t have passion, change your heart and see doesn’t your body follow. Your heart (mind) is what controls everything else in the body. Get your heart under control and your body will follow!

Sing: Change my heart O, God, make it ever true; change my heart O, God may I be like You. You are the potter, I am the clay, mold me and make me, this is what I pray. Change my heart O, God, make it ever true; change my heart O, God may I be like You.

Thought for Today: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he...” (Proverbs 23:7)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 13

Praise Him Anyway

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

Today’s Morsel: What is stopping your praise to God? What is hindering and impeding you from getting up early in the morning, or at church, and praising the Lord. The Bible states: “Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised.” (Psalms 113:1-3)When your bills are due and the money is low, praise Him anyway. When your children backslide and cause confusion, praise Him anyway. When your job lays you off, praise Him anyway. When your flight is delayed and you are going to miss your next flight, and even the flight after, praise Him anyway. When you don’t get promoted, praise Him anyway. When the doctor tells you that you have cancer, and your body is wracking in pain, praise Him anyway. When someone gets in your favorite seat at church, praise Him anyway. Why am I calling for so much praise you may ask? Because it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is comely for the upright. So, get your praise on and don’t sweat the small stuff. 

Sing: Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me, whoso offereth praise glorifieth me, and to him that ordereth his conversation aright, will I show the salvation of God.

Thought For Today: “Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.” (Psalms 111:1)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 12

The Same Place

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, saying, This is the law of the sin offering: In the place where the burnt offering is killed shall the sin offering be killed before the LORD: it is most holy.” (Leviticus 6:24-25)

Today’s Morsel: The Lord told Moses that in the same place that the priest killed the sin offering they were to kill the burnt offering as it is most holy. The burnt offering was a voluntary act of worship symbolizing complete surrender, devotion, and commitment to God, and the sin offering was for unintentional human sins. These instructions given to Moses were so he could pass them down to Aaron and his sons who were the priest for doing the sacrifices. God want them to understand His requirements for worship and true sacrifice. By treating the sacrifices the same, as Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever, it would show the rituals serious nature of sin and the precise way God required atonement. By stating that it was most holy would emphasize to them that an offering for sin was very important and must not be taken lightly. Paul would show us how important our sacrifice was to God when he wrote: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1) The writer of Hebrews tells us, “We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Hebrews 13:10-15) Jesus was our sacrificial Lamb for both our sin and burnt offering. Jesus as our sacrificial Lamb, dies in the same place, without the camp. Calvary! When we repent of our sins at the altar of repentance, we are all dying in the same place. And we are now pledging to submit ourselves in commitment and devotion to Him now forever. Being holy as He is holy!

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

Thought For Today: “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 11

I’m Not Going If You Aren’t

“And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.” (Exodus 33:12-15)

Today’s Morsel: Moses seem to have a very good relationship with God. Scripture says “And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend…” (Exodus 33:11) When  I was called by God to carry this precious gospel to the nation of Mongolia, I asked God, like Moses, who was going with me? God said that my wife was going with me. I knew that God was going with me, even though He told me that my wife was going with me. Moses told God that if He was not going with them, then don’t carry them up either. Those are words of faith and confidence from Moses. Moses knew that He would need God and that he wanted assurance that God was going with them. There is nothing wrong with stepping out on faith and going before to a place, but cockiness and pride can get you into a whole lot of trouble. Especially if God has not called you to a work or a place. Moses had a calling of God, and he had God’s word that He would not forsake him, nor leave him, and that He would go with Him. Even though Moses wanted to know who God was sending with him, he wanted God to know that it doesn’t matter who else He’s sending with him, if He wasn’t going, he wasn’t going either. Boldness on Moses part and wisdom on his part as well. Boldness, because he wanted God to know that He needed him; and wisdom to show that he had already learned what happens without God in one’s life. As pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. 

Sing: Lead me, Lord, I will follow, lead me, Lord, I will go; You have called me, I will answer, lead me, Lord, I will go. 

Thought For Today: “Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.” (Psalms 27:9)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 10

The Day God Took Care of My Enemy

“And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:13-14)

Today’s Morsel: Throughout Scripture, we oftentimes see that Israel did not have to fight their enemies because God fought for them. God told Gideon that He would go with him into battle against the Midianites. He told Josuah that He would be with him, as He was with Moses, when he came into the promise land. Every battle that Joshua fought, from Jericho until the children of Israel were given land, God was with them. He even told David how to plan a victory to conquer his enemy. He told Jehoshaphat that the battle was not his, but His. And the writer of Hebrews informed us: “And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” (Hebrews 11:32-34) All because God was fighting for them. And when the children of Israel were afraid because they saw the Egyptians coming behind them, Moses told them not to fear, but to standstill, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. He told them to take a good look at their enemies as this would be the last time that they would see them. Do you remember the day that God took care of your enemies? It was the day that you became born again. That was the day that God got rid of your enemies for you. Now there is nothing nor anyone you should fear or dread. God will fight your battles for you. Just call upon Him in the time of trouble and He will hear you and deliver you. 

Sing: God is fighting for us, pushing back the darkness, lighting up the kingdom, that shall not be shaken, in the name of Jesus, the enemy is defeated, and you shout it out, shout it out.

Thought For Today: “Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.” (Isaiah 41:11)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 9

Is There Anything Too Hard For The Lord?

“Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also? And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.” (Genesis 18:11-15)

Today’s Morsel: Throughout scriptures, we sometimes see folks who take matters into their own hands because they don’t think that God has the power nor the ability to do what He says. When Abraham and Sarah are told that they will have a son in their old age, they both laughed. But God doesn’t laugh with them. God asks them if there is anything too hard for Him to do? Abraham and Sarah are listening and thinking from a natural standpoint and not a spiritual one. When God says that something is going to happen, buckle your seat beat as it will come to pass. He is not a man that He should lie. The writer of Hebrews informs us that God swears by Himself because He doesn’t lie. Mary and Martha were under the idea that there was nothing that could be done for their brother Lazarus, as he had died. Yet Jesus tells them that their brother shall live again. But when Martha confesses that she knows that He will rise and living against in the resurrection in the last day, Jesus tells her that He is the resurrection. What, I believe, He was saying to Martha is, do you think there is something that I can’t do? Do you think that this is too hard for me? When Jesus tells them to roll away the stone from the grave, Martha is befuddled. And when her brother walks out of that grave, she knew that there was nothing too hard for God. Listen, God can take care of your situation if you’d simply believe Him and let Him. The name Isaac means laughter. God always gets the last laugh and the last say. But you can have the last rejoicing for His goodness.

Sing: Nothing is too difficult for Thee, nothing is too difficult for Thee, great and mighty God in counsel, mighty in-deeds, nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing, nothing is too difficult for Thee.

 Thought For Today: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 September 8

The Fire Is Coming

“And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it. And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law. And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. 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 19:12-17)

Today’s Morsel: The story of Lot has always been a sad story for me. But it shows us what can happen if we stay close to the world and we allow the ways of the world to get into our hearts. Lot is told that Sodom and Gomorrah are about to be destroyed by fire. One would think that there would have been a more urgent attitude by him and others to get out of the city as fast as they could. But no, scripture says that he lingered. There was no urgency by him to get himself and his family out. He delayed his departure for so long that the angels had to take them by the hand and lead them out. What would make one linger when the city is about to be destroyed? We even see this mindset and attitude when governors and officials of states tell people that they should leave their homes because a hurricane or tornado is coming and their lives may be in jeopardy. Some of them linger until it is too late. Peter informs us: “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 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. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:8-18) The fire is coming. So get ready now, as it is the acceptable time, and not a time for delay and lingering. 

Sing: Well, I’m getting ready to leave this place, I’m getting ready for those gates of pearls; Keeping my record straight, watching both day and night; Well I’m getting ready to leave this place.

Thought for Today: “But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 24:43-44)