Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 August 8

"I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels. Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways! I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries. The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever. He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.” (Psalms 81:10-16)

Today’s Morsel: In today’s world, there seems to be a lack of teaching children obedience.  School administers, teachers, law enforcement, and pastors are having to deal with this evil of disobedience.  Benjamin Franklin said, “Let your child’s first lesson be that of obedience.”  One of the problems with disobedience is that it hinders the flow of God’s blessings and stifles people success.  When we read scripture, we can see how God rewards those who are obedient to His word versus those who are not.  The entire 28^th Chapter of the Book of Deuteronomy, written by Moses, shows the contrast between obedience and disobedience.  When King Saul refused to obey God’s command, he lost his kingdom and others as well as himself suffered.  You see, your disobedience doesn’t only affect you.  The Lord said, “Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways! I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries.”  God said, if they had just listened and done what I said, I would have defeated their enemies for them.  Do you have any enemies today?  What about fears, calamities, afflictions, or distresses?  Do you want them defeated and removed from your life?  Try being obedient to the Lord.  What will it take for us to realize the importance of obedience.  Obedience is how God works.

Sing: Trust and obey, for there’s no other way; to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey.

Thought For Today:  “Let your child’s first lesson be that of obedience.” Benjamin Franklin 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 August 7

“But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.”  

(Philippians 1:12-17)

Today’s Morsel:  In the late 50’s and early 60’s, one of my favorite television shows was “Have Gun Will Travel.” The name of the main character was a man by the name of “Paladin.”  He was always called upon to rid the town of bad guys.  Paladin is defined as a defender of a noble causes.  In so many ways, the apostle Paul could bear the name of Paladin.  Paul was set for the defense of the gospel.  Paul was willing to defend the cause.  He told those with him, when they tried to prevent him from going to Jerusalem, when the Prophet Agabus told him that he would be bound and delivered into the hands of the Gentiles (Acts 21:10-12), “What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13).  Are you set for the defense of the Gospel?  Are you willing to defend what you believe in?  If we are truly born again, then we must be Paladins.

Sing:  I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power of salvation; and it is to everyone, everyone that believes it, and to everyone, every that receives it, we can have everlasting life.

Thought For Today:  Let’s become Paladins (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 August 5

“And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man” (2 Samuel 12:1-7)

Today’s Morsel:  Courage is the ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerous.  Courage comes in two forms: Physical and moral.  Physical courage is conveying bravery when facing physical pain, hardship, death or threat of death; while moral courage is the ability to make the right decisions when in situations of popular opposition, shame, scandal, discouragement, or personal loss.  Moral courage is the courage to act upon moral reasons despite the risk of adverse consequences.  Many men displayed courage on the battle field during past and current battles.  It took great courage for Nathan the Prophet to call King David on his sins.  Not only did he display physical courage, but moral courage as well.  Courage is seen when you follow your conscience instead of “following the crowd.”   When we refuse to take part in hurtful or disrespectful behavior toward others. When we are willing to sacrifice our personal gain for the benefit of others.  When we speak our minds even though others don’t agree.  When we take complete responsibility for our actions and our mistakes.  When we follow the rules, and insist that others do the same.  When we challenge the status quo in search of better ways, and when we do what we know is right regardless of the risks and potential consequences.  Courage is the character trait of those who are more concerned about what Jesus thinks of them rather than others.  

Sing:  If God be for us, who can be against us?  If God be for us, who can be against us?  If God be for us, who can be against us?  Just have faith in the power of His Word.

Thought For Today:  Ain’t scared! 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 August 4

“But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.” (Numbers 14:24).

Today’s Morsel:  Attitude is a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior.  There are basically three types of attitudes. The first, is an Upbeat attitude.  The second, is a Can-Do attitude.  And the third, is an attitude of gratitude.   Upbeat attitudes are attitudes that display a good outlook on life.  They are often filled with exaltation for others and oneself.  A person with an Upbeat attitude finds strength in what they believe in.  Things such as their God, their faith, their religion, and them self.  A Can-Do attitude is an attitude that says as Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me!” (Philippians 4:13).  It’s an attitude that says we can do it and we will overcome.  A Can-Do attitude lets nothing stop them from trying.  Danger doesn’t prevent them from trying. Height doesn’t stop them from trying to climb. Failure doesn’t stop them from trying again. (Ask Albert Ernestine, Abraham Lincoln, Michael Jordan.)  These men succeeded because they had Can-Do attitudes.  An Attitude of Gratitude is a thankful attitude.  No matter how much or how little they have, they are thankful.  Those with this type attitude know that there are those who are worse off than they are.  They understand that joy is not found in things, but in Christ. They have a heart of benevolence about them.  No matter which attitude a person possesses, those individuals who have good character most often portray Upbeat and Can-Do attitudes; as well as an Attitude of Gratitude in their lives.  

Sing:  Thanks! Thanks!  I give you thanks, for all You have done.  I am so blessed, my soul has found rest.  O Lord, I give you thanks.

Thought For Today:  Attitude is everything (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 August 3

“If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” (James 2:8-9)

Today’s Morsel:  Respect is a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.   Aretha Franklin sang a song title, “Respect.” R-E-S-P-E-C-T tell me what it means to me.  It had been previous sung by Otis Redding, but had not obtained such fame as it did with Aretha Franklin, because of the feminist movement of the 60’s.  Respect - everyone wants it and everyone needs it.  There are basically two types of respect.  First, is the basic human respect.  The kind we’re entitled to merely by being born. This type of respect is based on other people’s needs, hopes, rights, dreams, ideas, and inherent worth.  This is just as important and valuable as our own.  And it’s demonstrated by us treating others with dignity and courtesy.  As Jackie Robinson said, “I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me… All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.”  The second type, is that we “Earn” by our own actions.  It’s based on who we are and it comes from our behavior.  How we live, act, and how we conduct ourselves will determine if we earn it from others.  If we want to be respected and earn others respect, then we must eliminate derogatory words and phrases from our vocabulary, treat everyone with dignity and courtesy, and we must consider others’ feelings before speaking or acting.  The Bible says that in order to have a friend we must show ourselves friendly.  I would also say that in order to be respected, we must show respect and live a life that reflects respect to others.   

Sing: Oh how I love Jesus, Oh how I love Jesus, Oh how I love Jesus, because He first loved me.

Thought For Today:  “I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me… All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.”  Jackie Robinson

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 August 2

“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead” (1 Peter 4:1-5)

Today’s Morsel: Accountability is the fact or condition of being accountable; responsible and being liable.  Sad to say, most people will not accept accountability for their actions or wrong doing.  It’s always someone else's fault.  It’s the alcoholic's father’s fault because his father was an alcoholic. It’s not the abuser's fault because his parents were abusers. It’s the teacher's fault because the child didn’t pass.  It’s the coach's fault that my child didn’t make the team.  It’s the pastor's fault that I left the church.  No one wants to be accountable.  Peter said, “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, we need to arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God."  We can’t keep blaming others for our actions and wrong.  Somewhere along the line we must become accountable for our own life.  “One of the annoying things about believing in free choice and individual responsibility is the difficulty of finding someone to blame your problems on. And when you do find somebody, it’s remarkable how often his picture turns up on your driver’s license.” -P. J. O’Rourke-  Only when we accept responsibility for our own actions will we be able to come to true repentance and accept Jesus' forgiveness for them.  

Sing:  Amazing grace shall always be my song of praise; for it was grace that brought my liberty.  I do not know just why He came to love me so, He looked beyond my faults and saw my need.  I shall forever lift my eyes to Calvary, to view the cross where Jesus died for me.  How marvelous the grace that caught my falling soul, He looked beyond my faults and saw my need.

Thought For Today: Accountability means you are accountable.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 August 1

“Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips”
(Job 2:9-10)

Today’s Morsel:  Honesty is the quality of being fair and truthful; the quality of being honest.  It’s having integrity, morality, and uprightness.  Honesty means telling the truth.  It means avoiding deceptive and fraudulent behavior.  It is refusing to lie, cheat, or steal.  Scripture says “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause” (Job 2:3).  I heard one minister say that Job lost everything but his nagging wife.  I’m told that there is a plaque on display at the entrance of Vanderbilt University Student Center which reads: “Today I am going to give you two examinations, one in Trigonometry and one in Honesty.  I hope you will pass them both, but if you must fail one, let it be trigonometry.”  What a statement.  How would we score?  Honesty is not only the best policy, it is the only policy.  Lily Tomlin says, “The best mind-altering drug is truth.”

Sing: Jesus hold my hand, Lord I need Thee every hour. Through this pilgrim land, protect me by Thy saving power. Hear my feeble plea, O Lord, look down on me, when I kneel in prayer I hope to meet You there, Blessed Jesus hold my hand.

Thought For Today:  “The best mind-altering drug is truth.” Lily Tomlin