Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 25 October 2022

Your Tears Might Not Be Working Like They Use To

Jesus wept. (John 11:35)

 

Today’s Morsel: Throughout scripture the writers often mention Jesus weeping and crying. He was often moved with compassion for the lost and those who were suffering because of the wrong done to them. Yet today, I am afraid that folks’ tears are no longer working like they use to. I attend funerals, and few if any tears are seen. I see people praying with people, and few if any tears are seen. I see our nation on its way to hell, and few if any tears are seen being poured out for her. I see young kids being murdered, raped, and abused by drug dealer, pedophiles, and parents, and we see few if any tears falling from faces, few seeking God for help. We see divorce, abuse, injustice, and yet few or no tears. Why are folks' tears not working as they once did? Jesus said it is because of the hardness of hearts. Paul said it is: “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.” (Romans 1:21-23) Are your tears working the way that they use to work?

Sing: Hear my cry Oh God, attend unto my prayer, from the ends of the earth will I cry unto Thee.  And when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I, so much higher than I.

 

Thought For Today: “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” (Psalms 126:5)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 24 October 2022

  52 Ways To Walk

“Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:14-16)

 

Today’s Morsel: There is a book entitled, ‘52 Ways to Walk’ by Annabel Streets. It’s about the surprising science of walking, wellness, and joy, one week at a time. Paul states that we should walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. We must walk cautiously, and carefully, being alert to our surroundings. Life today is as though we are walking through a minefield. Therefore, we must be careful. Paul again admonished us: “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” (Romans 13:11-14) Walk honestly. Let our deportment be decent, orderly, and grave; such as we shall not be ashamed of in the eyes of the whole world. And we must “walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” (Colossians 4:5) Walk in wisdom - that is, conduct uprightly and honestly. Deal with them on the strictest principles of integrity, so that they may not have occasion to reproach the religion which you profess. Don’t just walk 52 times, walk daily with Jesus for your joy and wellness.

 

Sing: Let me walk with You Jesus, don’t ever leave me alone. For without You I could never, no, never make heaven my home.

 

Thought For Today: “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.” (1 John 1:6)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 22 October 2022

 Step Into History

 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1-14)

 

Today’s Morsel: I don’t know about you, but I love history. History was one of my favorite subjects in school. I probably should have been a history teacher. Hey, wait a minute. I am a history teacher, and so are you if you have been born again. Aren’t we all supposed to relate the history lessons of Jesus Christ and His church? Aren’t we supposed to tell the story of His life, death, burial, and resurrection? Isn’t the Bible a history book? If you want to read a fascinating and life-changing history book, read the Bible and it will change your life and give you great insight into things past, present, and future. If you destroy the foundation of the church and its history, you can destroy its people.  Keep the foundation sure, become a history teacher, and tell the stories found in the word of God.

 

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 like.

 

Thought For Today: If you destroy the foundation of the church and its history, you can destroy its people.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 21 October 2022

 The Cruise Liner

And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band. And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself. And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea. Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west. And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. (Acts 27:1-15)

 

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever taken a cruise at sea? What about a cruise through the pages of the Bible? Can you imagine and picture yourself on some of Paul’s missionary journeys aboard a ship? How would you like to have been with him on this cruise heading to Rome? 276 people on board in the middle of a major storm, in darkness for 14 days straight, nothing to eat, fear on every side, and having to get rid of your cargo? What a cruise. How do you think you would have responded? You see, this is what reading the Bible is all about. You must put yourself in the story and its pages to get a real feel of the truth of the gospel and what it really means to be committed to Christ to preach the gospel to the whole world. If you just read to say that you read the Bible through during the year, you will miss the journey. You must feel what they felt for it to impact you. I would like to hear what cruise in the Bible you are taking next.

 

Sing: Well, I’m gonna take a trip on that good old gospel ship and go sailing beyond the blue.  I'm gonna shout and sing until the heavens ring when I bid this world goodbye.

 

Thought For Today: Sail on. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 20 October 2022

 Guess Who?

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. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.
(2 Samuel 12:1-8)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the things that scripture tells us is that we should be quick to hear and slow to speak. When God sent Nathan to David to reveal his sin to him, David immediately assumed that the prophet was speaking of someone else and not him. And so, as King, he was ready to exercise vengeance. But Nathan tells him guess who I am talking about? You are the man. Somewhat like when king Ahasuerus answered and said to Esther the queen, who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so? And Esther said, the adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen. (Esther 7:5-6) Here Haman was thinking that he was going to be honored, probably with a great smile on his face that he’s been invited to the banquet with the queen, only to find out that his wickedness was being revealed and it would cost him his life.  Scripture says that we all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of the things done in this life whether good or bad. So, guess who is going to have to give an account for you? Not your pastor. Not your parents. Not your coworkers. Not your teacher. Guess who? It is going to be you.

 

Sing: We shall see the King, we shall see the King, we shall see the King when He comes. He’s coming in His power, we’ll hail the blessed hour, we shall see the King when He comes.

 

Thought For Today: Accountability for eternal salvation begins with you.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 19 October 2022

 Know Your Dealer

 “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”

  (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

 

Today’s Morsel: After I take my car in for repair or an oil change, I receive an email with a survey wanting to know if I was pleased with the dealer and the service that I received from them. I often wonder how I would rate a church service if I received a survey for the service I received at a church.  How well do you know the people you worship with?  How well do you know the people you work with? If someone asked you to rate each one, would you be able to give them an honest assessment? What about in the church? Do you select people to fill a position because someone else tells you to vote for them, do you know them? Do you vote for them without considering their character? Paul said that we must know them which labor among us, and that are over us in the Lord. Don’t ever forget that Judas was on Jesus' leadership team, and he betrayed Him. Demas was on Paul’s team, and he left him. And some scholars believe that the Nicolaitans doctrine that Jesus mentions that he hated to the church at Pergamos, in Revelation 2:12-17, was a compromising doctrine by Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch, Acts 6:5. As Paul stated: “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15) We must know them that labor among us.

 

Sing: Hold to God’s unchanging hand, hold to God’s unchanging hand, build your hopes on things eternal, hold to God’s unchanging hand.

 

Thought For Today: Remain true to your calling.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 18 October 2022

On The Go

“Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily. Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.”
(Acts 16:1-12)

 

Today’s Morsel: A few weeks ago, my wife and I were heading out of town to go minister in another city and we noticed that traffic coming into and exiting our city was more than what we usually would see during that time of day. We looked at each other and said, Where are all these folks going? People just seem to be on the go. Airports, busses, and train depots are full of folks on the go. Where is everyone going? They are rushing here and there, going to and fro, and if you were to ask folks where they are going, many have no clue.  Satan seems to have everyone on the move trying to wear them out. He's causing them to be discontented, unhappy, worn, and stressed. Jesus said that we should come apart and rest awhile. If you keep going and going, sooner or later you are going to wear yourself out and not be any good or useful to the Kingdom.  Paul was a man on the go, but he knew where he was going, and what his mission was. Paul was led by the Spirit. There are two things that are needed in ministry that cannot be learned. They are anointing and Spiritual sensitivity.  Be careful that in your daily life you are not just rushing and going.  Take time to be led by the Spirit.  Take time to rest and be in Jesus' presence.  

 

Sing Where He leads me, I will follow, where He leads me, I will follow; Where He leads me, I will follow, I’ll go with Him, with Him, all the way.

 

Thought For Today: Slow down. Rome wasn't built in a day!