Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 November 9

Adding Temperance 

“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” (Proverbs 25:28)

Today’s Morsel: Temperance is self-control, moderation, and restraint in one’s life and actions. The Greek word for Temperance is the word ‘egkrateia’, which translates as “self-control or mastery over oneself.” The apostle Paul informed his protégé Timothy: “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” (2 Timothy 2:4-5) You must be disciplined. The apostle Peter encourages us to add temperance to our faith and knowledge (2 Peter 1:5-6). Solomon tells us that if we do not control our own spirit, we become like a city that is broken down and without walls. In other words, we are completely defenseless against temptation, poor decisions, and outward harm. In Biblical times, a strong wall was a city’s primary defense against invading armies and foes; Whereas a city without a strong wall was easily breached or open to easy plunder, chaos, and destruction. Without personal discipline and self-control, our hearts and minds are wide open to destructive habits, anger, greed, or sinful temptation. Temperance serves as a barrier; it does not stop the enemy and temptations from coming, but it does show us what we possess to prevent them from coming in and destroying our lives. 

Sing: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will go strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace. 

Thought for Today: Either you learn to control yourself or the devil will.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 November 8

The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth

“And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:1-12)

Today’s Morsel: Meekness does not mean weakness. When I first went into the army, if you were a leader who showed meekness or compassion, you were seen as being weak. But now the study has proven that this type of leadership shows power, strength, influence, command, and control of oneself and one’s actions, and that of one who understands true leadership. A meek person relies on God instead of using force to get their way and causing people to do things. Jesus has promised us that if we humble ourselves and submit ourselves to those over us, we will inherit a kingdom not made with hands but His kingdom. In Psalm 37:8-11, the Psalmist states: “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” (Psalms 37:8-11) When we maintainour humility and trust God rather than seeking revenge, we will win and live in everlasting peace. It can all be yours with just a little bit of humility.

Sing: Here I am worshipping You, with lifted hands worshipping You, bowing down in spirit and truth, with lifted hands worshipping You.

Thought for Today: If the highest place I reach is your feet, I have done it all.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 November 7

Balancing Faith Against Unbelief

“And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” (Mark 9:17-24)

Today’s Morsel: I am sure there are many who feel as this man in the story today felt. You want to trust in God’s ability to do what His Word says that He will do, but you find yourself doubting when all hope is lost. The story shows us that even though we may have great faith, there are still going to be those moments of doubt. He also shows us that sometimes trust and weakness stand together, and sometimes grace and mercy can seem to be overpoweredby our uncertainty. When Jesus tells the father of the son possessed that all things are possible to him that can believe, straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. I believe he was saying to Jesus, ‘Lord, I believe, but I have taken him to others, and they could do nothing for him. I believe that You can, but please forgive me for the doubt in my heart.’ You see, when we do not obtain the answer to the results we were hoping for from the doctor or others, we soon start to doubt. And once doubt takes root in our heart, it grows and hamstrings our faith. We must learn how to balance our faith with our unbelief. And the way we learn to balance faith with unbelief is to know, “that the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:26-28) If we embrace this principle, we will keep our faith in God strong and in its rightful place; and keep doubt and unbelief in theirs. 

Sing: Faith can move mountains, mountains of fear and of doubt; faith can move mountains, so why don’t you try your faith out.

Thought for Today: Do not ever try to change horses in the middle of the stream.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 November 6

Living A Life of Goodness

“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)

Today’s Morsel: Living a life of goodness requires us to act with selfless love, integrity, and genuine care for the well-being of others. It is an active daily choice to do what is right. Serving others and requiring nothing in return. When we listen with care and consideration, and support others through small acts of kindness, we are living out a life of goodness. When we honor our word by doing what we said we would do, and be dependable, and choosing moral excellence when it is difficult, we reveal a life of goodness. When we are willing to let go of wrongs and forgive others for those wrongs, we are revealing God’s goodness in our life. To live a life of goodness is to think higher of others than ourselves. Paul enlightens us as to how to live a life of goodness when he wrote to 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. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:1-5) Paul said that Christ has shown us what a life of goodness looks like. Jesus even said that when He judges in the final judgment, the sheep will be placed on His right and the goats on his left. When they asked Him why? He said:“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:34-40) Jesus shows us in the parable the importance of using the trait of goodness He has given to us for His glory and our salvation. Are you living a life of goodness? 

Sing: To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus, on earth I long to be like Him.  All through life’s journey from earth to glory, I only ask to be like Him.

Thought for Today: “(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:9-10)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 November 5

Gentle Giants

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:29-32)

Today’s Morsel: Most folks who see someone over 6 feet tall usually think twice about what they may say to them or how they might approach them. Especially if they themselves are shorter or feel intimidated by them. I have found that many of these taller people are just gentle giants, especially if they are filled with the Holy Ghost. I have seen some of those six-foot-plus giants sitting in church holding a sleeping baby, and that child seems so peaceful in their sleep while being held by these giants. It is as if they do not have a care in the world. Paul told the church at Ephesus that they must be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God had forgiven them. Gentleness ought to be seen in the life of a believer in Christ. Showing kindness and consideration for others and esteeming others better than ourselves will show that God is operating in us and that we want to be what He has called us to be, know, and do.

Sing: I need you; you need me; we’re all a part of God’s body. You pray for me; I’ll pray for you; I need you to survive. I love you; you love me; we’re all a part of God’s body. I won’t harm you with words from my mouth; I need you to survive.

Thought For Today: Let the mind of Christ be in you always.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 November 4

Possessing Patience

“In your patience possess ye your souls.” (Luke 21:19)

Today’s Morsel: How many times have you heard someone say to their child, “You are trying my patience.” Or “I’m about to lose my patience.” I do not understand how we can lose the things God gives us for our use and development, but I guess folks do. Jesus said that in our patience we must possess our souls. If we learn how to stand strong when challenging times and trials come, we will keep our souls secured in Christ and maintain our eternal life. The Psalmist tells us: “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” (Psalms 86:15) If God is full of longsuffering, we too must be full of patience. Paul told the church at Colossi: “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” (Colossians 1:10-14) Paul tells us that God provides us inner strength by His power so that we can endure hard times with patience and joy. Because of this supernatural power, called the Holy Ghost, we ought to be able to deal with difficult people and stand firm in the pressures and tests of life. The only way you can have patience is to keep yourself in the love of God and stir up the gift of the Holy Ghost in you daily.

Sing: They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint, teach Lord, teach me Lord, to wait.

Thought for Today: “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” (Colossians 3:12-13)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 November 3

Hold Your Peace

“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: In the Bible, the term ‘hold your peace’ means to stay silent, keep calm, to stop fighting and arguing among yourselves. When the 50 sons of the prophets at Bethel and Jericho told Elisha that the Lord was going to take Elijah, his master, from him, he said, I know it, so hold your peace. Elisha said, You are not telling me anything new, so be quiet and keep calm (2 Kings 2:1-14) (paraphrase). When the children of Israel saw the Egyptians coming after them, they began to lose their poise because of fear. They began to cry out against Moses, but Moses told them to hold their peace. Do not panic and do not fear. Stay calm, stand still, and see what God is about to do on your behalf. These are lessons for Christians everywhere to learn. Stay calm. Do not allow the media or politicians to trouble you. Stay calm, hold your peace; God is not going to allow anything to happen to you as His child. People are always asking, Where are all the miracles and wonders that God did in times past. Well, we may not be seeing them because we will not hold our peace and let God work. We keep trusting in man, leaning to our own understanding, and trying to fix and do things our way. If we were to practice what the word of God says, we may be surprised by what God will do. I choose to stay calm, hold my peace, and trust in the Lord. How about you?

Sing: Though the storms keep on raging in my life, and sometimes it’s hard to tell the night from day. Still there lies a hope within that’s reassured; as I keep my eyes upon the distant shores, I know He’ll lead me safely to that blessed place He has prepared. And if the storms don’t cease, and if the wind keep on blowing in my life, my soul has been anchored in the Lord.

 Thought for Today: “So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” (Isaiah 59:19)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 November 2

Unspeakable Joy

“For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalms 30:5)

Today’s Morsel: Having joy in one’s life is essential to good health and stability. Joy causes us to be jovial, clear-headed, obedient, and able to encourage others. But if we lose our joy, then we will allow other things to plague our minds and cause us defeat. Peter tells us: “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 1:6-9) Notice: He said that if you are being weighed down because of temptations, hang in there; it is just a trial of your faith. And even though you do not see Jesus now, keep rejoicing with unspeakable joy. Do not stop worshipping and praising Him. Your joy is not predicated on what you are going through; it is predicated on who you know. Jesus!  Remember, joy is one of the traits of character that came with the Holy Spirit. 

Sing: I get joy, joy, joy, when I think about the Lord; when I’m standing in His presence, I say give me more and more. Well, it starts in my hands, and it moves down to my feet; and I have the joy, joy, joy, all over me.

Thought for Today: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” (James 1:2-3)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 November 1

Sharing That True Love

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” (1 John 4:7-11)

Today’s Morsel: We learn in life that there are basically three types of love. Agape, which is unconditional love. Philia, which is a brotherly or friendly love. And eros, which is romantic love. Speaking to the church at Corinth, Paul states: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-8) We must not be hypocrites when it comes to God’s love. He told the church at Colossi: “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” (Colossians 3:14) If God is that true love according to John, how do we share Him with others? We must put it on. We must be clothed in Him. Jesus said: “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8) We have freely received His love, so by taking actions to help and encourage others, we share His love with them, because He is true love. 

Sing: I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, I am glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves even me.

Thought for Today: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 31

Abstaining From All Appearance Of Evil

“Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-23)

Today’s Morsel: When I was a kid, I looked forward to October 31^st. As kids, we saw Halloween as a time for fun and dressing up with all kinds of garb that reflected fear and evil, and to see who we could scare and impress with our looks and actions to get candy. We did not consider any danger associated with it. It was years later, when I was older and had my own children, that we began to hear that people were lacing the candy with drugs, alcohol, and needles to harm children. And we began to understand the true meaning behind this holiday.  Paul calls for the church to give no appearance of evil. Appearance, according to the King James Bible, uses the Greek word eidos, or eidous, which means type, kind, or form rather than a visual outward look. Therefore, 1 Thessalonians 5:22 commands Christians to reject evil in all its types, rather than just avoiding things that merely look suspicious to others. As believers, we are urged to test everything.  Paul calls for us to prove all things, and to hold on to that which is good.   When he wrote to the church at Ephesus, he informed them: “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:6-16) Remember, we are called to be holy as He is holy, and that we must make an active choice to turn away from sin and all ungodly influence and works of the devil and abstain from all appearances of evil.  

Sing: I command you, Satan, in the name of the of the Lord, to pick up your weapons and flee; for God hath given me the authority to walk all over thee.

Thought for Today: “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-27)

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 30

Do You Love The Lord?

“To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” (Psalms 18:1-3)

Today’s Morsel: Having a love for God can change everything about you and who you are and what you do. The first commandment the children of Israel were taught was: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) Scripture also informs us: “And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:1-6) Notice how God expresses what a relationship with Him should look like. Jesus said that you can’t serve two, for either you will love the one and hate the other, or you will hold on to the one and despise the other. If we love God, He will show mercy unto thousands of them that love Him and keep His commandments. David said I will love the Lord, my strength. How much do you love God? Do you express your love for Him in your life, actions, and conduct? To love God is to place Him before anyone and everything else in your life.

Sing: I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice to worship You; O my soul, rejoice, take joy, my King, in what You hear, may it be a sweet sound in Your ear. 

We exalt Thee, we exalt Thee, we exalt Thee, Oh O Lord; we exalt Thee, we exalt Thee, we exalt Thee, O Lord.

Thought for Today: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 29

Despondency

“How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?” (Psalms 13:1-2)

Today’s Morsel: If we are not careful, despondency can invade the church and get into our lives. As I have often mentioned, despondency causes you to feel hopeless, discouraged, rejected, and unhappy. It is one of Satan’s greatest weapons against you. He knows that if he can get you to this state, he will win if you do not run to Jesus for His help. David shows us that just because he was king, he was not exempt from things coming against him. Remember, from the time Israel was brought out of Egypt and the land of bondage, they have been at war with others. Israel represents the church, and Egypt and the other nations represent the world. Stop and think about that for a moment: David was king for forty years, and Scripture makes no mention of him having rest from war. It was not until Solomon, his son, assumed commanded that Israel had rest from war. But David, from the time he slew Goliath, was at war. This may be why Israel, even today, looks at David as one of their greatest leaders and kings. But David was a praying man who sought God for answers to what he was facing and going through. He prayed: “How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? forever? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?” (Psalms 13:1-2). David sought relief. When you read scriptures like this, you can see that David is expressing a sense of deep emotion and distress. He wanted to know how long he would have to endure this while his enemy triumphed. Do you feel that your soul sometimes is taking counsel and your thoughts are running rampant? Listen to David again: “O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” (Psalms 42:6-11)  Let me encourage you, don’t feel bad or feel as though you are a loser when you sometimes feel like David and need to seek God for uplifting and edification. This is warfare. And in warfare, sometimes even the best soldiers will cry.

Sing: As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee. You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship Thee. You alone are my strength, my shield; to You alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship Thee. 

Thought for Today: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 28

Building A Solid Foundation

“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalms 11:3)

Today’s Morsel: Foundations are one of the most essential things in a home or building. Depending on how deep your foundation is will determine if your building will stand or fall in the times of earthquakes and tremors. In Japan, most of the buildings and homes that they build, the foundation is almost as deep as the height of the building. They know that earthquakes are prevalent throughout Japan, and they want people to be safe, so they ensure the foundation is laid and built correctly. One of the surest foundations you can have in your life is the Word of God. It is a foundation that is sure and unmovable. Paul told his protégé Timothy: “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” (2 Timothy 2:19) He also told the church at Corinth: “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.” (1 Corinthians 3:10-13) Throughout the world, we see that the foundation of the church, Jesus Christ, is constantly under attack. If Satan and his dominion can destroy the foundation of the church, what will those in the church do? Therefore, it is essential that every church and those who say that they are Christian, preach and teach Jesus Christ and Him crucified, which is the gospel. You must protect your foundation, or you yourselves will fall when things start coming against you and the church.

Sing: I’m standing on the Rock of Ages, safe from all the storms that rages. Rich but not of Satan’s wages, I’m standing on the solid rock. 

Thought for Today: “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 27

Are You Glad?

“There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” (Psalms 4:6-8)

Today’s Morsel: Do you remember singing that song in church, “If you’re happy and you know it, say amen?” Do you remember how much joy you felt when you sang it? What about some of the others like “At The Cross”, or “I’ll Fly Away”, or “Jesus, Hold My Hand”? How often do you sing them now?  If those old songs brought you joy and happiness when you sang them back then, God knew that you would need them in the days ahead. 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) I know that he is speaking about the word of God, but those old songs that were written can also bring us comfort and hope. David said that the Lord had put gladness in his heart more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. Think about that for a moment. Israel’s corn and wine were constantly increased because of God’s mercies. And David said that God had put gladness in their heart more than that. When we stop and consider that with the giving of the Holy Ghost in our lives, God has put more joy and gladness in our hearts than any happiness ever brought by material wealth or worldly success.  How glad are you?

Sing: I have found His grace is all complete; He supplieth every need, while I sit and learn at Jesus’ feet; I am free, yes, free indeed.

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory, full of glory, full of glory; it is joy unspeakable and full of glory. Oh, the half has never yet been told.

Thought for Today: I get joy when I think about what the Lord has done for me. 

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 26

Who and What Is Troubling You?

“A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.” (Psalms 3:1-2)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things about life is that we must be alert to people and things around us. If we are not attentive and careful, we can allow folks and things to trouble us. For example, if I spend an enormous amount of time on my cell phone or electronic devices, when I start getting spam, unwanted emails, and texts, it can start to trouble me. When I know people who know better and should do better, yet keep doing wrong, if I am not careful, I can allow it to start to trouble me. If I focus on the world, politics, and sports, it’s soon going to start to trouble me. David found himself being troubled by his family, his soldiers, and even his enemies. David was a man after God’s own heart and one who tried to lead right and do right, and yet some were not pleased or satisfied with him, causing him trouble. Some even wanted his position and his head. I believe this is why the Bible encourages us to keep our minds stayed on Jesus, and He will keep us in perfect peace. As Job said: “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.” (Job 3:25-26) If someone or something is troubling you, then cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.

Sing: LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me, many there be which say of my soul, there is no help for him in God. 

But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me, my glory and the lifter of my head. But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me, my glory and the lifter of my head. 

I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of holy hills; I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of holy hills; I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me, my glory and the lifter of my head; But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me, my glory and the lifter of my head.

Thought For Today: “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” (Psalms 50:15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 25

Do You Love God’s House?

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” (Psalms 122:1)

Today’s Morsel: How excited are you about going to church? Do you get excited when it’s church time, or have you lost your passion for His house? Paul informs us that before the coming of the Lord, there would be a great falling away. In other words, people would no longer have a zeal and eagerness for the things of God. Your passion for God and the things of God will determine how much you value truth, live truth, and love truth. Your passion for God and the things of God will determine how much you value your family, your loved ones, and your friends. Your passion for the house of God will determine how much Scripture you know and how it applies to your life. Your passion for the house of God will determine your mental and moral state.  When the house of God is neglected, the prophet Haggai says it like this: “Sowing much and bringing in little; eating, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and you earn wages, earn wages to put it into a bag with holes.” (Haggai 1:6) David was a man who loved the house of God. The writer of Psalm 84 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…For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” (Psalms 84:1-5,10-12). Do you love His house? If you want to be blessed, you need to go to the house of the Lord. 

Sing: I was glad when they said unto me, I was glad when they said unto me, I was glad when they said unto me, come let us go unto the house of the Lord.

Thought for Today: A person who says that they are a Christian and never goes to church is fooling themselves. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 24

How Many Gods Do You Know?

“Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.” (Isaiah 43:10-12)

Today’s Morsel: One of the most essential revelations of truth is to know who God is. This question seems to plague many. Many want to serve God and do His will, but when you ask them His name, they are perplexed and do not know. The Lord said that everyone would know Him, from the least to the greatest.  Jesus said: “All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.” (Luke 10:22) Jesus will reveal himself to you if you ask Him. Moses informed the children of Israel: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:” (Deuteronomy 6:4) Notice there is only one God. So, does that God have a name? Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not names; they are titles that represent a person. Notice what the apostle John informs us: “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” (1 John 5:7) So, let’s take a closer look at scripture: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?” (John 14:6-9); “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14); “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:” (John 15:26). The one that these three titles bear witness to is Jesus Christ. He is the Father in creation, the Son in redemption, and the Holy Ghost in operation. Therefore, when we are reading and studying Scripture, we should always be looking for the name of the one that these titles are associated with. And that name is Jesus Christ. 

Sing: The Mighty God is Jesus, the prince of Peace is He, the Everlasting Father, the king eternally, the wonderful in wisdom, by whom all things are made, the fullness of the Godhead in Jesus is displayed. 

It’s all in Him, it’s all in Him, the fullness of the Godhead; it’s all in Him. It’s all in Him, it’s all in Him, the mighty God is Jesus, and it’s all in Him.

Thought for Today: “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.” (Colossians 2:8-9)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 23

Keep Shining

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Today’s Morsel: Maybe you have heard the story of the man who was charged with keeping the light in the lighthouse burning. As the story goes, fuel oil was low and hard to come by in this country, and the town folks knew that the light in the lighthouse must continue to burn to prevent ships from crashing into the shore. But one day the man who was responsible for the light in the lighthouse was brought a few gallons of fuel oil to keep the light burning. However, a woman came by and asked the man for some of the oil so that her lights would not go out and she and her children would not be able to see in the dark. So, the man felt sorry for her and gave the lady some of the oil for her lights. After a while, a man came by and asked the man in the lighthouse for some oil because it was cold, and if his heater went out, he and his family would freeze to death. And so, the man gave him some of the oil. During the night watch, the man in the lighthouse fell asleep. Around midnight, he was awakened and noticed that the light had begun to flicker and was almost out. His oil was running low.  When he went to get more oil for the lights, he noticed that it was all gone. And while he was panicking about what to do with no oil, the light had now gone out, and he heard a crash. A ship had run ashore, and lives were lost. The man’s reply was that he was trying to help others in need by sharing the oil. In our quest to help others, we must not allow our oil to be depleted so that we are no longer shining brightly to show others the way. Jesus said to let your light shine, that men may see your good works and glorify your father which is in heaven. Doing good is always in order, but not at the expense of placing others’ lives in danger. 

Sing: This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, this little light on mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. 

Thought for Today: “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 22

You Always Have The Advantage With Wisdom

“Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.” (Ecclesiastes 2:13)

Today’s Morsel: We must come to realize that wisdom is always better than folly. Living wisely and prudently is far superior to living in foolishness and recklessly. If I know that something is going to make me better and improve my life, then that is the thing I need in my life. Just as physical light guides our steps and brings clarity, wisdom helps us navigate life safely. In scripture, foolishness is always compared with darkness because it leads to confusion and danger. No matter how good things may look in the world, and no matter how much it may seem that those in the world are having fun and enjoying life, Solomon states: “Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.” (Ecclesiastes 2:13) Those who present themselves as having fun and having everything, should not fool you nor draw you away after their lust. “Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.” (Proverbs 19:2) If you have godly wisdom, you are far superior in knowledge, understanding, and discretion. Don’t be fooled.  

Sing: Deeper, deeper, in the love of Jesus, daily let me go; higher, higher in the school of wisdom, more of grace to know.

O deeper yet, I pray, and higher every day, and wiser, blessed Lord, in Thy precious holy word.

Thought for Today: “Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.” (Proverbs 24:7)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2026 October 21

Keep Your Soul Satisfied

“The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.” (Proverbs 27:7)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things we see in the Word of God is that it is food for the soul. The children of Israel were given a portion of manna daily for their sustenance, but they soon started to loathe what God was giving them because they were always full.  For a person who is full and has everything, it becomes easy for them to become ungrateful and reject what others offer them. When people think that they have everything they need in life, they will reject Jesus, His word, and truth. “And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:19-21) They see their soul as full and satisfied. But when they hit rock bottom and are starving, they will take anything being offered. When their soul is starving, they will accept any kind of religion that comes their way. This is why we must keep our souls filled with the Word of God; and we will not have to worry about being hungry for the things of this world, as our souls will be well nourished and refreshed.

Sing: Here’s my cup, Lord, I lift it; Lord, come and quench this thirsting on my soul. Bread of heaven feed me till I want no more. Here’s my cup fill it up and make me whole. 

Thought for Today: “And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.” (Revelation 10:9)