Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 8 July 2019

Victory Over Anxiety

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Philippians 4:11)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the major weapons that Satan has employed against the church today is the weapon of anxiety.  No matter where I travel, or what church I attend, I find people are in a state of worry, apprehension, nervousness, and concern.  Their lives seem to be filled with anxiety.  How did the church and so many people that God Himself gave His power to become so hoodwinked and deceived?  Have we forgotten the exhortation that speaks to us to not be weary in well doing?  Have we forgotten the exhortation that speaks to us to fear not?  Have we forgotten the exhortation that speaks to us to be strong and of good courage?  Have we forgotten the exhortation that speaks to us to not allow our hearts to be troubled? Somewhere, we must get a hold of God’s word and be content.  Anxiety is not of God.  As Jesus said, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."  (Luke 12:32)  Overcome anxiety with the weapon of the word.  

Sing: He gives strength to me, as I worship Him, as my heart is filled with praise.  Jesus breaks the bands, when I raise my hands. He gives glorious victory.

Thought For Today:  Be content.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 6 July 2019

Confidence in the Flesh

“For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:” (Philippians 3:3-4)

Today’s Morsel:  Most people may not think so, but we do put our trust in the flesh.  We trust our legs to stand.  We trust our hands to reach and feel; Our eyes to see; Our ears to hear' Our feet to walk.  We trust in our military ability to deliver us from our enemy.  We trust in doctors to heal us, or our employer to provide us with a paycheck.  But the problem is, flesh can fail us.  Therefore, we are cautioned to not put our confidence in our flesh.  The flesh is enmity against God because it is not subject to the laws of God, neither indeed can be.  If we put our trust in the flesh, we cannot please God.  We must walk in the Spirit so that we do not fulfill the lust of our flesh and become God’s enemy.

Sing: I’ve found a new way of living. I found a new life divine. I have the fruit of the Spirit. I am abiding, abiding in the vine.

Abiding in the vine, abiding in the vine.  Love, joy, faith, peace, He hath made them mine.  I have prosperity, power, and victory; abiding, abiding in the vine.

Thought For Today: They that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 5 July 2019

The Place that God Chooses

“But when ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which the LORD your God giveth you to inherit, and when he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety; Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD: And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that is within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.” (Deuteronomy 12:10-12)

Today’s Morsel:  The Book of Deuteronomy is a book of refreshing and a call to remembrance for the children of Israel.  Moses, who must soon relinquish the leadership reins to Joshua, felt a need to encourage the people of God with God’s words of promise.  He told them that God would bring them over the Jordan River and that He would choose a place for them and put His name there.  As I look at His promise to Israel, I also see instructions for us.  When God brings us through the Water Way (John 3:3-5, Acts 2:38), He chooses a place called the church for us.  And He places His name there.  It is here that you shall ye bring all that God command you; your offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD. And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God there.  You, and your spouse, and your sons, and your daughters. Have you crossed the Water way?

Sing: It shall be light in the evening time; The path to glory you will surely find, though the water way; It is light today. Baptized in Jesus name. Young and old, repent of all your sin, then the Holy Ghost will enter in, the evening time has come; Tis a fact that God and Christ are one.

Thought For Today: Have you crossed the water way?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 4 July 2019

Independence Day

“Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him. The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name. Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.” 

(Exodus 15:1-4)

Today’s Morsel:  Here in America, today we celebrate Independence Day.  It is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776.  The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain and were now united, free, and independent states.  Thomas Paine put it best when he said, “What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.”  When God delivered Israel from Egypt, it was a Day of Independence.  They were no longer enslaved to them.  Do you remember the day that Jesus made you free?   If you want to remain free and enjoy true independence, then you must obey His Word.

Sing: Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored.  He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword; His truth is marching on.

Glory, glory, hallelujah; Glory, glory, hallelujah, His truth is marching on.

Thought For Today: The truth shall make you free.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 3 July 2019

Safety

“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.” (Philippians 3:1)

Today’s Morsel: When I was in the Army, every weekend or every holiday I always had to give my soldiers a safety briefing.  In most cases, it was the same spill repeatedly.  I’m sure most of the soldiers could have given it to themselves and others.  I’m sure some soldiers felt that to stand in formation and wait for me to come and tell them something that they had heard hundreds of times about being safe was grievous.  But for me and the Army, it was critical and important.  Paul told the church at Philippi, “To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.”  Do you get tired of hearing your pastor talk about reading your Bible through each year and the importance of being at every church service?  Do you get tired of hearing about the plan of salvation preached each week?  Well, don’t be upset, it’s all done for your safety.  

Sing: Saved! Saved! Saved! I’m happy on my way. Saved! Saved! Saved! I love Him more each day. Saved! Saved! Saved! I know He’s mine each hour; for He says and He keeps and He satisfies me by His Power.

Thought For Today: “The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.” (Proverbs 21:31)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2 July 2019

The God That Delivers

“Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.” 

(Daniel 3:26-30)

Today’s Morsel: Every story written in the Bible is for our learning.  The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is a story of faith, trust, and belief in God’s ability to do what He says He will do.  He says that He will never leave you nor forsake you.  It is also a story to let us know that as God’s chosen, we will face many challenges that may not be pleasing.  One to let us know that we must learn how to take a stand.  If you believe that God’s word is true, then stop giving in to wrong and start taking a stand.  The challenges you face build character.  Get in the word of God and learn from the stories it holds for you.  

Sing:  Standing on the promises of Christ my King, through eternal ages let His praise ring.  Glory in the highest I will shout and sing, standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing, standing on the promises of God my Savior.  Standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God.

Thought For Today: “The challenges you face build character” (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 1 July 2019

It’s Only A Test

“And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”(Hebrews 12:5-6)

Today’s Morsel: When I am listening to the radio, sometimes there will be this pause and then a loud blaring sound for about 15 seconds.  Then someone will say, “This was only a test. If this was an actual emergency, you would have been told what to do.”  In many ways, this is how I look at situations and circumstances that come into my life, it is only a test.  It may be a test to strengthen my faith.  It may be a test to see how I will react.  It may be a test to see if I’m the real deal.  Or it may be a test to see if I believe what I’m preaching.  What about you?  Have you forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you?  Fear not little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. I won’t leave you nor forsake you.   So don’t you quit when you are hard hit.  Satan has no power over you. It’s only a test.

Sing:  Trials dark on every hand, and we cannot understand, all the way that God will lead us to that blessed promised land; But He’ll guide us with His eye, and we'll follow till we die, we will understand it better by and by.

By and by when the morning comes, and all the saints of God are gathering home. We will tell the story, how we've overcome.  We will understand it better by and by.

Thought For Today:  It’s only a test.