Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 8 August 2019

The First Night in Hell

“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” 

(Luke 16:22-24)

Today’s Morsel:  I can remember the first nights when I arrived in the war zones of Vietnam and Saudi Arabia.  Both countries were steaming hot.  I could hear soldiers saying, “This must be what hell is like.”  It wasn’t uncommon to reach a hundred degrees in the shade.   Jesus told the parable of the rich man Lazarus. He said the rich man was in hell and he saw Abraham with Lazarus in his bosom; and he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.  John wrote, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:12-15)  I just wonder what those mockers and scorners, who make fun at Christianity and Jesus, those that promote an evil agenda, will say when they spend their first night in hell?    

Sing:  I’ve heard of a land that is wondrously fair, they say that’s its splendor is far beyond compare!  In that place that’s called Heaven, my soul longs to be, for where Jesus is it will be Heaven for me.

Chorus: Heaven for me, it will be Heaven for me; Jesus will be what makes it Heaven for me.  All its beauty and wonder I’m longing to see, but Jesus will be what makes it Heaven for me.

Thought For Today: Keep heaven in view. (Parker)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 7 August 2019

Electric City

“And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 22:5)

Today’s Morsel:  Kaukauna, Wisconsin, is known as the Electric City.  Prior to 1880, and shortly afterward, Kaukauna was known as "The Lion on the Fox".  This nickname was changed to "The Electric City" upon the completion of a hydroelectric plant in the city.  John said, “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:2); And that there will be no need of light there because God will be the light there.  Jesus said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18).  He can light up any city with just a spoken word.  He also states, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12)  Follow Him now, and the light will lead you to the city that is prepared for you.  Are you looking for that city of lights?

Sing: There’s a country far beyond the starry sky, there’s a city where there never comes a night; if we’re faithful we shall go there by and by; tis the city where the Lamb is the Light.

In the city where the Lamb is the Light.   In the city where there cometh no night; I’ve a mansion over there, and when free from toil and care, I am going where the Lamb is the Light.

Thought For Today: Are you ready for the Electric City?

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 6 August 2019

Battles Are Won Within

“And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.” (2 Samuel 23:11-12)

Today’s Morsel:  Before we can defeat those evils that come against us without, we must defeat the fear and anxieties within.  If we allow fear to torment us, we can never win.  Saul and his army could not defeat Goliath because they couldn’t conquer the fear of him that was within.  There will always be that inner struggle with fear.  Therefore, we must sing to ourselves psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melodies in our hearts to the Lord.  Paul states, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”(2 Corinthians 10:3-6)  When you have defeated the battle of fear within, you can stand against your enemies without like Shammah.   You become more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus.  

Sing: For the Lord is marching on; And His army is ever strong, And His glory shall be seen upon our land. Raise the anthem, sing the victor's song.

Praise the Lord for the battle's won; No weapon formed against us shall stand.

For the Captain of the host is Jesus, we’re following in His footsteps, No foe can stand against us in the fray.

Praise the Lord for the battle's won; No weapon formed against us shall stand.

For the Captain of the host is Jesus, we’re following in His footsteps, No foe can stand against us in the fray.

Thought For Today: What do you do to defeat the fear within?  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 5 August 2019

Eat Like You Mean It

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.” (Isaiah 55:1-2)

Today’s Morsel: When I was a kid, I never saw a buffet or all you can eat restaurant. Other than maybe once a quarter at church potluck dinners. And you never knew what was in those pots. You just prayed and moved on.  I was in line at a church dinner once, and this guy in front of me, not to small, had on a T-Shirt which stated, “I hope you are in front of me in the food line, because when I’m done there will be nothing left.” He was going to eat like he meant it. The Lord said through the Prophet Isaiah, “Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.” Jesus said that they that hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled. If you really want to know more about Jesus Christ, why don’t you get into the bread of life, the Word, and start eating like you mean it.

Sing: Here’s my cup Lord, I lift it up Lord, come and quench, this thirsting of 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: Better eat your Wheaties.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 3 August 2019

The Chair

“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.”

(Revelation 21:5)

Today’s Morsel:  Forty-One years ago, I married the love of my life.  It all began in a discotheque over a chair.  I asked her if I could have the chair at her table. She told me sure, just bring it back when I was finished with it.  In other words, get lost.  Neither of us knew that God was setting the stage for what would become a life of love, joy, and ministry in His kingdom.  As I look back and see how He has taken us around the world, and now back to the same city that we met in, all glory and honor is given to Him.  John wrote, “And he that sat upon the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, write for these words are true and faithful.”  I wonder if Jesus had something to do with that chair being empty.  I believe He did.  

Sing: I love you; I love you; I love you. What more can I say, but than 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 truly love you.

Thought For Today: Happy Anniversary Darling!

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2 August 2019

Advancing The Kingdom 

“Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.” (Matthew 25:24-28)

Today’s Morsel: Sometimes, when men and women are being boarded for their ministerial license, I like to ask them what gifts or talents they possess to enhance their calling?  Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven was like being trusted with a certain amount of talents. One guy was given five and he traded and got five more. And one guy was given two talents and he traded and got two more.  They both did something with their talents.  They didn’t sit back and fear to put them to use like the man that only had one.  The man with the one hid his in the earth.  In other words, I believe he used it for worldly things and not spiritual things like the ones with the five and the two.  You see the story is about the kingdom, not the world.  They each were given a portion to enhance the kingdom.  If we waste our talent for the world and not use it for the kingdom, when Jesus returns we are only going to have what we started with or maybe even less.  But if we invest it and use them for the kingdom, we will have twice as much when He returns.

Sing:  Are you tired of chasing pretty rainbows, are you tired of spinning round and round, wrap up all the shattered dreams of your life, at the feet of Jesus lay them down.

Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus, shattered dreams, wounded hearts, broken toys. Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus.  And He will turn your sorrow into joy.

Thought For Today: Let’s advance the Kingdom. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 1 August 2019

Beyond Expectation

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…”

(Ephesians 3:20)

Today’s Morsel:  Do you live below God’s expectations for you?  Who sold you the lie that Christians aren’t supposed to have nice things and that you can’t do great things in Christ?  Granted, we should not become ostentatious or prideful with who we are and with good things, but we should not live below how God expects of us to live either.  Yes, we should walk humbly towards those who are without, and with what we now have, and yes our greatest reward will be eternal.  What does it mean to go beyond one’s expectation?  To go beyond one’s expectations can mean different things to all of us.  Like believing in something that’s greater than you have ever imagined, and to be an overcomer of obstacles in life.  A few years ago, the Green Bay Packers began their season by losing their first few games.  And everyone began to count them out.  But then Aaron Rogers, the quarterback, said that the Packers could run the table and make the playoffs if they put their minds to do it.  And they did just that.  He was banking beyond expectations. What about you?  What do you believe you can do in Christ? Paul said that he could do all things (Philippians 4:13). And he encourages us that Jesus Christ can do exceeding, abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.  Care to go beyond your expectations?

Sing:  Oh, glory be to Jesus let the hallelujah roll; Help me ring my Savior’s praise far and wide; for I’ve open up toward heaven all the windows of my soul, and I’m living on the hallelujah side.

Thought For Today: Let God take you beyond your expectations (Parker).