Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 16 April 2019

Make Up Your Mind

“Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.” (Luke 21:14-15)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the greatest problems with many Christians is that they do not have a made-up mind.  They get offended and they leave the church. Someone says something they don’t like, and they are offended.  You have to make up your mind that nothing is going to move you or separate you from Christ. Everything that Jesus and the apostles went through, as far as persecution and death, we are also subject to like measures.  The reason people quit serving God is due to a lack of a made up mind.  People are depressed and sad because they do not have a made up mind to not get despondent about what happens in their life.   They hear about and read about things, but they have not made up their minds to not allow it to happen to them. Jesus told His disciples to settle it in their minds that they were going to be persecuted, put into prison, and even killed.  There are some things you need to settle in your mind now.  Job did things when he was in his right mind.  What would you do if you lost a loved one?  What would you do if you couldn’t attend church anymore?  What would you do if you lost your job? Have you considered eternity lately?  Do you have it settled in your mind that it is only going to be heaven for you and not hell?  The quicker you settle it in your mind, the more likely it will happen. “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7)  It is time to get some things settled, made up, in your mind.  

Sing:  I’ve got a made-up mind. I’ve got a final destination. I’m gonna on pressing on, to my final destination; gonna burn all the bridges behind me, break all the ties that bind me, gonna keep on pressing on, till I reach that home sweet home, that new Jerusalem.   

Thought For Today: Fix it firmly in your minds. (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 15 April 2019

Wanting to See Jesus

“And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” (John 12:20-24)

Today’s Morsel:  I can remember when I was in elementary school, we had gotten word that our State Governor would be stopping by our school.  Many of us wanted to see him.  What would he look like?  What would he say to us?  Many today desire to see those that they think are famous.  In Jesus' day, He was famous. And He is still famous today.  Many traveled from near and far to see Him.  At His birth, the wise men came from afar.  No man has ever impacted the world as He did.  Many had heard about Him and desired to see Him. Zacchaeus climbed up into a Sycamore tree to see Him.  King Herod was excited to see Him, hoping He would perform some miracle before him.  One of the things that we see in scripture, leading up to Jesus’ death, was more people began f to follow Him and desire to see Him.  Even the outcast wanted to see Him. “And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.”  What about you? When you attend church, do you go to see Him?  If you go to see Jesus, you will not be disappointed with church. But if not, you’ll be disappointed every time.

Sing: O I want to see Him, look upon His face, there to sing forever of His saving grace.  On the streets of Glory, let me lift my voice; cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice.

Thought For Today: “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 13 April 2019

Counterfeit

“The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.” (Proverbs 17:3)

Today’s Morsel:  There has been so much counterfeiting of money lately, that bank tellers and cashiers are having to receive training to be able to know real money from counterfeit.  Gold and silver are comparatively worthless until they are separated from every other mineral.  The same is true with us.  We cannot rise to the heights which God desires and has appointed for us until there is a separation made between us and our sinful habits, motives, and desires. Therefore, God tries the heart to see if we are real.  "For as a man thinketh in his heart so is, he." Proverbs 23:7  When situations come in your life, don't credit Satan; perhaps it is God seeing if you are the real deal.  

Sing: It’s real! It’s real! I know it’s real.  This Pentecostal blessing and I know, I know, it’s real.  It’s real! It’s real! I know it’s real. This Pentecostal blessing and I know, I know, it’s real.

Thought For Today: Be the real deal

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 12 April 2019

Despondency

“Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased. And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me? Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers? Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat. I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.” (Numbers 11:10-15)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about despondency is that it can just pop up anytime and without notice.  We can find ourselves unhappy, sad, dejected, or even in a state of deep misery at a moments notice and not know where it came from.  We can even lose hope and courage if we are not careful.  But God knew that this could happen to us, and so He gave us a garment of the praise for the spirit of heaviness. ( See Isaiah 61:3)  Moses found himself in such a state of despondency that he reasoned with God that if he didn’t receive some help then just kill him. Despondency, if not dealt with, can cause a deep state of depression or even suicide.  Solomon even warns that “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” (Proverbs 12:25)  Notice the answer to overcoming despondency, a good word.  We must hide the Word of God in our heart.  We must stay in church.  We must have a time of daily devotions.  His good word will edify us in times of despondency.  “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6)  David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.  If it worked for David and it’ll work for you, too.

Sing:  Why should I feel discouraged? And why should the shadows come?  Why should I feel so lonely? And long for heaven and home?  When Jesus is my portion, a constant friend is He.  His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches over me.

I sing because I’m happy.  I sing because I’m free.  His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches over me.

Thought For Today: Whose side are you leaning on?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 11 April 2019

Dishonesty

“A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.” (Proverbs 11:1)

Today’s Morsel:  I can remember when I was a kid hearing the story of a store owner who was jailed because he would lean hard on the scale to increase the weight when people were purchasing items that needed weighing.  One of the tools the enemy will use in the last days is dishonesty.  I am amazed at the number of people being jailed for dishonesty.  Jesus said, “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” (Matthew 24:4-5)  The reason deception is so hurtful is it attacks our feelings.  It is one thing to be deceived by Satan and those in the world, but we should never be deceived by saints of God.  Solomon said, “As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?” (Proverbs 26:18-19)  In other words, he will say when you confront him he was just joking.  But it is only a joke because you caught him in the deception.  If you had not caught him, it would have remained as he planned.  If you are dishonest and deceitful, be sure your sin will find you out.  Honesty is not the best policy, it should be the only policy for a Christian.  

Sing: What can wash away my sin?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh! Precious is the flow that makes me white as snow.  No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Thought For Today: Keep the scale leveled (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 10 April 2019

Surprise

“Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.” (Acts 12:1-16)

Today’s Morsel:  Jesus said that when we pray, we should say “Thou will be done.” He already knows what things we have need of.  Those who were praying in the house of Mary for Peter’s release don’t seem to be praying with faith.  When Peter shows up, they don’t believe that it’s him. Totally surprised.  Even the apostle Thomas was surprised when Jesus appeared to him and told him to put his hand in His side, and his finger in the nail prints in His hand.  Do you have a hard time believing God for what you pray for?  The writer of Hebrews informs us, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)  Believe when you pray.  

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

Thought For Today: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2019 April 9

What’s The Weather?

“And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain. So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times. And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.” 

(1 Kings 18:41-45)

Today’s Morsel: One of the things that every military commander wants to know at their morning briefing when planning for war is the daily weather report. What will the weather be?  It helps them in their war strategy.  Israel had been without rain for over three and one-half years.  And now the Prophet Elijah told King Ahab that there would be rain.  Even his servant was somewhat confounded when the prophet sent him to seek for a sign, as the clouds will usually indicate rain. But the servant returned saying that he saw nothing. And so the prophet sent him seven times.  When returning from his seventh look, he reported that he saw a little cloud about the size of a man’s hand.  The prophet then knew that it was going to rain. Can you discern the signs of the times?  Jesus said, “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:25-28)  Get ready!  He's coming!

Sing:  What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see.  When I look upon His face, the One who saved me by His grace; when He takes me by the hand and leads me through the Promised Land.  What a day, glorious day that will be.

Thought For Today: Keep your eyes on the weather (Parker)