Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 8 September 2021

 Groanings Which Cannot Be Uttered

 

“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise 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.”  (Romans 8:22-27)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Here, Paul introduces us to a new source of consolation and support, the Holy Spirit, which dwells in us and strengthens us in our infirmities.  In our weaknesses and trials in life, it aids us and gives us the strength to bear them.   If Christians would just grasp the word of God and what it says to us, they should be able to endure those unwanted situations and circumstances when they come in unaware.  Paul said that the Holy Ghost makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered.  The Holy Ghost is that other comforter that Jesus said would come and abide with you forever.   The phrase may be thus translated: “The Spirit greatly aids or supports us in those deep emotions, those intense feelings, those inward sighs which cannot be expressed in language, but which he enables us to bear, and which are understood by Him that searches the hearts.” The Holy Ghost is a free gift for all of us.  Aren't you glad you can have it to aid you every day?!

Sing: Someone is praying for you, someone is praying for you, when you feel all alone, and your heart would break into, remember someone is praying for you.

 

 Thought For Today:  “Groanings which cannot be uttered are often prayers which cannot be refused.” Charles Spurgeon

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 7 September 2021

 Steadfast Love

 

“I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah. Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.”  (Psalms 143:6-11)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Do you ever wonder why the greatest commandments both have to do with love?  Think about this for a moment according to scriptures:

1.      Hatred stirreth up strife: but love covereth all sins. (Proverbs 10:12)

2.     Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. (Romans 13:10)

3.     “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.” (1 John 4:7-8)

4.    “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” (1 John 3:10)

5.     “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:12-13)

6.    “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)

7.     “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” (Romans 12:9)

 

We must not be hypocrites when it comes to love.  Our love must be steadfast and unmovable toward all people.  As John informs us, “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. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4:10-12) If you want perfect and steadfast love in your heart, you must die to self.

 

Sing: He knew me, and yet He loved me, He whose glory makes the heavens shine.  I'm so unworthy of such mercy, yet when He was on the cross, I was on his mind.

 

Thought For Today: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 6 September 2021

 Labor Day

 

“For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.” (Matthew 20:1-9)

 

 

Today’s Morsel:  Labor Day here in American is a day to honor the American workers.  Really, I think that this day should be a day to honor everyone in the church since we are to be laborers together with Christ.  When Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the temple, Mary said to him, “Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing."  And he said unto them, "How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?” (Luke 2:48-49)  I believe Jesus was saying, 'Mom, I’ve got work to do.'  Jesus told the parable of a father who had two sons that he asked to go work in his field.  One did and the other did not.  The first said no, but then repented and went.  The second he asked said yes that he would go and did not. Which are you?   You see, the Great Commission is a working mission.  We are to go labor in Christ's vineyard for lost souls. This world is our harvest field, not the church.  We must reap the harvest.  If we are not laboring daily in the vineyard, we cannot expect to receive wages for our labor at the end of the day.  The work you do now will ensure pay in the end.

 

Sing: When He calls me, I will answer; when He calls me, I will hear; when He calls me, I will answer; I will be somewhere working for my Lord.  I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere, working for my Lord.  I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord.

 

Thought For Today: Work while it is day.  The night shift can be hard to handle.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 4 September 2021

 Dialoguing With God

 

“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:5-13)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Prayer must be a joy button for those who are born again.  But what I am finding is that most people do not know how to pray.  Jesus said, “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” (Matthew 6:7)  We don’t need to walk around shouting our prayers, nor do we need to amplify what we are praying about.  Our heavenly Father already knows what we need before we ask Him.  Being able to dialogue with Christ, one on one, should make us feel excited and happy.  When we can sit and have a good conversation with Him where it is not one-sided with one person doing all the talking, but each has time to give input, we will usually go away feeling good about the time that we have spent together with Him.  In a conversation, if one person is doing all the talking and the other is not listening, or if a person is not given a chance to input some thoughts and ideas, they usually leave worn.  The same is true with prayer.  If we do all the talking, and we do not spend time listening to God, we will leave still feeling worn and weary.  I do not believe that we need to display demonstrative actions toward God to get our prayers across.  He is already aware of what I need.  I want to hear His wisdom and directions for the things that I ought to do, how I ought to do them, and allow Him to alert me to the things that are going on or coming down the pipeline against the church.  And that just might require me to let Him give some input into our dialogue, rather than me doing all the talking.  Take some time in your prayer time to listen to the still small voice of God.  I guarantee you that you will be glad you did.

 

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 know I’ll meet You there, blessed Jesus hold my hand.

 

Thought For Today: “Prayer is not monologue, but dialogue. God’s voice in response to mine is its most essential part.” Andrew Murray

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 3 September 2021

 Error in the Heart

 

“Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalms 19:12-14)

 

Today’s Morsel: Do you ever ask yourself why you keep doing wrong when you know that you should be doing what is right? Paul even stated that when he would do good, evil was always present with him.  One of the passages of scripture we hear in the church often is Jeremiah 19:9-10, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”  The heart (mind) can be very deceptive.  Scripture calls for us to guard it with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life.  What we allow to go in is going to someday come out.  Whether good or evil. “Errors can never be uprooted from the human hearts until true knowledge of God is planted therein,” says John Calvin.  To get error out, it requires us to get God and His word in for us to be cleansed from error and secret faults. “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.”  (Psalms 119:9) If you want to stop wandering all over the place and become stable, be a doer of God’s word, and not just a hearer, get Jesus at the center of your life.  

 

Sing: Let me walk in the light, in the great gospel light, let me walk in the gospel light.  Till my journey is over and I travel no more, let me walk in the gospel light.  

 

Thought For Today: “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” (John 15:3)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2 September 2021

 Get Moving

 

“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. And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward” (Exodus 14:13-15)

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things about war is if you sit still the enemy is going to cause you hardship or he is going to destroy you.  If you are moving, it causes him to have to spend resources to chase you. If you are moving it causes you to take your eyes off your problems and surroundings.  But if you stay still, you become an easy target for your enemy to destroy.  I see this in the church all the time.  People get upset and they stop coming to church. Finances decline in the church and the church forgoes its goals and vision.  People leave the church and leadership gets depressed and starts complaining.  The musician leaves and folks do not think that they can have church.  All these things I classify as sitting still.  They make you become a prime target for your enemy to easily destroy.  Fear makes us sit still and become an easy target for our enemy.  Pharaoh would have easily destroyed Israel if they had stayed put where they were. But God was with them, and He told them to go forward.  Why go forward?  Because fear always produces stress, depression, and anxiety.  If you really believe that God is with you, then stop standing still and get moving.

 

Sing: I've got a made-up mind; I've got a final destination; I’m gonna keep 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 my home sweet home, that New Jerusalem.

 

Thought For Today:  We walk by faith and not by sight. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 1 September 2021

The Blessed Man

 

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Psalms 1:1-3)

 

Today’s Morsel:  God desires that we be blessed, but if we take our counsel from the world and those who do not know Him, we can easily be led astray.  What we may think is a blessing can easily turn into a curse.  I was listening to a man on the radio, who had won the lottery, and he stated that what he thought was a blessing when he won turned out to be nothing but a great curse because of all the evil that came against him.  In Deuteronomy Chapter 28, Moses lists what the children of Israel must do to be blessed and what will produce them cursing if they did not.  One of the keys to being a blessed man is to walk not in the counsel of the ungodly.  Throughout scripture, we are shown how to be blessed.  I am not blessed just because I have a house, a good job, a nice car, and finances in my pocket or in the bank.  Scripture says, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8).  The psalmist states, “Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.” (Psalms 40:4)  If you really want to be a blessed man then you must keep your trust and hope in the Lord.  Are you blessed today?

 

Sing:  I am blessed!  I am blessed!  Every day that I live I am blessed.  When I wake up in the morning till I lay my head to rest, I am blessed, I am blessed!

 

Thought For Today: “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:” (Psalms 146:5)