Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 17

Prosperity Will Not Satisfy Your Soul

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

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

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

Thought For Today: You will never find true satisfaction until you find the Lord.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 15

Can You Hold On Until The End?

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

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 14

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

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

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 13

Stop Hiding Your Love

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

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 12

What Does God Want You To Do?

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

Today’s Morsel: Often, I will ask a college person what they are majoring? They sometimes look at me as if to say, What are you talking about. Then I may ask them, Tell me what you want to be when you grow up. Again, some of them give me that deer in the headlight look, and will say, “I don’t know.” I find the same when I ask kids in grades K-12. It is as if there is no discussion with parents, mentors, tutors, nor counselors about life and what road children ought to be on and helping them to become all they can become. Solomon states, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” I’m not being political here, but maybe this is why so many children are easily led astray in their thinking. Paul said: “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3) Eve was deceived into thinking something different from what God said. Children today, and yes, some adults, are no exception. So, what does God want you to do? For what purpose did God let you live and save you from the sins of this world? If you don’t know your purpose in life, you will sooner or later become confused, depressed, and see life as boring and mundane. But if you know your purpose, and you pursue that purpose, life will be encouraging and uplifting. What do you want to be when you grow up?

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 11

The Acceptable Year of The Lord

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

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

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 10

How’s Your Zeal For The Things of God?

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

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 8

Look Not Behind Thee

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

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 7

Hard Prayers

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

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

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

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

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 6

Spiritual Joy

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

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 5

Does Your Work Praise You?

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

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 4

Holding On To Hope

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

Today’s Morsel: Like faith, hope is one of those character traits that must be lived out in your life. From a child, we learn to use the word hope. “I hope we get there on time.” “I hope our team wins.” “I hope the plane isn’t late.” “I hope I can sit beside you on the bus.” “I hope I get hired for the job.” “I hope I get promoted.” “I hope she likes me.” “I hope he doesn’t preach too long.” “I hope he doesn’t call on me to give an answer.” Why do we sometimes see hope from an evil standpoint, and not a good standpoint? Solomon states that sometimes our continual waiting can cause pain and suffering and even steal our joy. But when that we hope for comes, it is then seen as a tree of life. It refreshes us. Paul informs us: “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” (Romans 8:24-25) Paul lets us know that hope must be accompanied with patience. We must learn to wait on God through trust and faith while we wait. He also tells us: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9) If you are waiting with hope, hold on, it will come and not tarry.

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 3

Do You Need To Rebuild The Altar?

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

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

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 August 1

Don’t Forget The Law

“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:1-6)

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

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

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 31

Did You Get The Message?

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5)

Today’s Morsel: It has been reported that now, because of the information highway being filled with text messaging, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, people’s social meters have become pegged, and they are tired and burnt-out on messages. It is also reported, that some of those on Facebook, who were trying to have the most friends, are now sorry that they even befriended many of them after some of their so-called friends’ lifestyles are being posted by them on the web. It is further reported that many relationships between family and friends have been destroyed because of the web. John said, “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. How were so many blinded by the dark side? How did so many let Satan get the advantage over them through this networking. Paul asks, “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3) He told the church at Corinth: “Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:1-3); “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 15:34) You must not allow yourself to be taken in a fault through the dark side. God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Are you walking in the light?

Sing: I’m in the way, the bright and shining way, I’m in the glory-land way; Telling the world that Jesus saves today; Yes, I’m in the glory-land way.

 I’m in the glory-land way; I’m in the glory-land way; Heaven is nearer, and the way growth clearer, for I’m in the glory-land way.                                                                                                       

Thought For Today: Let you light shine that men may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

***Today's Morsel, Volume 2, by Rufus M. Parker, is now available!

You can purchase it online at:  https://rufusparkerministries.square.site/

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 30

That They May Be One

“And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.” (John 17:11)

Today’s Morsel: One of Jesus’ last prayers while upon the earth, was that His disciples would be one, as He and His Father were one. Jesus Christ is not the second person in the godhead. Paul cautions: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” (Colossians 2:8-10) He is completely 100% God. The same way Moses told the church of Israel: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:” (Deuteronomy 6:4) Jesus wants us, His disciples, to be one. What does that mean and what does that look like. If we say that we are born again, of the water and the Spirit, then we are supposed to be one in Christ. Paul said that we were buried with Him, Christ, in baptism. And in the book of Acts, they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak in tongues, as the spirit gave utterance, to show that God had placed His Spirit in them. So now, as His disciples, Jesus said that we would be known by the love we show toward each other and to others. We must become one in love, one in behavior, one in belief, one in values, and one in Biblical convictions. We must all believe God’s word and who Jesus said that He is. We must obey the golden rule and treat others the way that His word tells us to. If we are not in obedience and following His word, we will never become one as He is. 

Sing: Make us one heart, make us one mind, make us one, let Your will be done; Make us one flame, to proclaim your name, make us one, make us one.

Thought For Today: “And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” (1 John 4:21)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 29

Who Is This King of Glory?

“A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.” (Psalms 24:1-10)

Today’s Morsel: When we read scripture, especially the psalms, David seems to understand who God is, both in His deity and His fullness, and he desires to share Him with us to increase our faith and belief. In many of his psalms, he sings and writes about his God to draw our attention to God’s goodness, protection, provisions, mercies, grace, love, and forgiveness. David understood that there is only One God. Jehovah, El-Shaddai, the King of Glory. Paul, writing to his protégé Timothy, states: “I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” (1 Timothy 6:13-16) He said that Jesus Christ, when He returns, will reveal to us who He is. He told the church at Corinth:“But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge:..” (1 Corinthians 8:6-7) If you lift-up your head and open your mouth for knowledge and understanding, God will fill it. So, lift-up your heads oh ye gates, and be ye lifted ye everlasting doors and the King of Glory shall come in.

Sing: He is the King of King, He is the Lord of Lord, His name is Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, oh, come bless His name.

Thought For Today: “For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.” (Psalms 89:18)

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 28

When Hope Tests Your Hope

 “Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4:18-25)

Today’s Morsel: Sometimes, our faith and hope in that which we are told that would happen in our lives, may find themselves being pushed to the side when they do not come to fruition in a timely manner. Paul tells us that Abraham did not stagger at the promise of God through unbelief; but he was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.  Abraham had a promise, he was getting old, and so he found his hope against his hope. Solomon said that hope deferred make the heart sick, but when it cometh it is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12) Abraham has a promise but nothing is coming forth. He still believes God, but time seems to be slipping away. He’s anticipating what God said, but this delay is starting to play on his mind. I’m sure some of you may have been in this condition yourself. You have a promise from God, you believe in God, but that delay is starting to play on your mind. It’s hope against hope. But as the writer of Hebrews cautions us: “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 10:35-11:1) If God told you it would happen, sit back and take a sip of that sweet, iced tea because it’s going to happen. Know that God doesn’t operate on our timeline, but His.

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

Thought For Today: Remember, God’s ways and thoughts are not ours.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 27

Connected With The Anchor

“Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 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 6:17-20)

Today’s Morsel: The writer of Hebrews calls our attention to God’s promises and faithfulness to Abraham. He said that when God made promise to Abraham, because He could sware by no greater, because there is none greater than God, He, God, swore by Himself. God put His own word and oath on the line to Abraham. Telling him that if he left home and followed Him, He would bless him, multiply him, and make him a great nation. And Abraham obeyed. And the writer tells us that by those same two unchangeable things (His word and oath), that we, too, might have a strong consolation, or support, in the hope that is set before us. And he said that it is in this hope that we have an anchor for our soul, which is both sure and steadfast. Abraham found himself facing the time element. He has a promise, he knows that God cannot lie, and so he anchored himself to God’s word and oath, which becomes an anchor for his soul. He understood it was sure and steadfast. The writer uses Abraham’s belief in God, so that we will connect our lives to this same anchor, Jesus Christ. As He is both sure and steadfast.

Sing: There’s a storm out, on the ocean, and it’s moving this away; And if your soul’s not, anchored in Jesus, you will surely, drift away.

Thought For Today: Know the ability of your anchor or your ship will surely drift away. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 July 25

The Day That Changed History

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4)

Today’s Morsel: I saw an article on Facebook that said that the renowned author and teacher, Max Lucado, did not believe in speaking in tongues until he was 64 years old. It stated that Mr. Lucado said that he did not believe in speaking in tongues until he was reading 1 Corinthains 14:1 one day where Paul states, “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.” (1 Corinthians 14:1).  While he was praying and seeking God, he just started speaking in tongues. God had promised through the Prophet Joel that in the last days He would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh (Joel 2:28). The receiving of the Holy Ghost by the 120 believers in the upper room in Jerusalem was the starting of bringing  about a change to the way religion would be seen and done. The requirements to bring animals for sins was done away with. Having to come to a priest to confess their sins and seek forgiveness for those sins to man were now done away with. They could all come boldly to the throne of grace themselves. The division between the Jews from the Gentiles was done away with. Prejudice, hate, anger, and anything that would divide the church, was now to be done away with. They were to all be one in Christ. No matter race, creed, color, or origin, this day would change history. And it would now be the church who would have the responsibility, and not the Levitical priesthood, to ensure that people knew God and to lead them into perfection in Christ. In Ephesians 4, Paul stated: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:11-16) Pentecost changed history and it changed peoples’ lives. “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?” (Acts 10:44-47) Have you experience your own personal Pentecost? The promise is unto you!

Sing: I’ve got the Holy Ghost, down in my soul, just like the Bible said; I’ve got the Holy Ghost, down in my soul, just like the Bible said; Well I’ve been to the water and I’ve been baptized in Jesus name; My soul got happy and I’m so satisfied. I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now, just like the Bible, just like the Bible, just like the Bible said.

Thought For Today: Have you received the Holy Ghost since you have believed?