Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Jan 9

 Success

“And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him. And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands. And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.” (1 Samuel 17:40-51)

Today’s Morsel: I’m sure that most of the men on the battlefield that day gave little hope of David’s success in defeating Goliath.  Who would think that a young boy with a slingshot and five stones would even dare to go out to fight against a giant of such stature, and with that much armor on? By all accounts, the only spot that was open on Goliath was between his eyes. But they failed to realize who was fighting on David’s side. God was ordering his steps and actions.  What others may think of success, often isn’t how God may see success. The Lord told Joshua that if he never let the words of the law depart out of his mouth that he would be strong and even have good success (Joshua 1:7-9) The Lord even told Samuel when he went to anoint the new king of Israel: “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) David had a heart for obeying God's Word and we see his success.  Sheryl Sandberg said, "If I had to embrace a definition of success it would be that success is making the best choices we can… and accepting them."  Our greatest success will be found by us being obedient to the Word of God.  Are you making the right choice that will lead you to success?

Sing: Victory, victory shall be mine.  Victory, victory shall be mine.  If I hold my peace let the Lord fight my battles, victory, victory shall be mine.   

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Jan 7

 If You Aren’t Going to Go All the Way, Why Go at All?

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:35-39)

 

Today’s Morsel: Do you ever consider what makes people stop serving God and go back to their old way of life? Well, it’s nothing new. Paul informed Timothy that Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica (2 Timothy 4:10). Scripture also informs us that even Jesus had disciples leave Him: “And he said, therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. From that time many of his disciples went back and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?” (John 6:65-70) If we aren’t going to go all the way, then why go at all? We must not be of them that draw back to perdition. Hell offers us nothing good. Hebrews chapter 11 gives us an in-depth look at men and women who were willing to go all the way. They were in it and committed even if it cost them their lives. Paul told the church at Philippi: “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.” (Philippians 3:12-15) If you plan to be saved and live in eternity with Christ, then you must be committed and willing to go all the way to the end.

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

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Jan 6

 Impediments

“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9) 

Today’s Morsel: If you have ever played flag football, then you know that one of the rules or fouls of the game is that of ‘impeding the runner’. It’s when the defender gets in front of a runner with the ball to pull their flag. It’s a fifteen-yard penalty. Sometimes our impediments such as obstacles, hurdles, obstructions, and drawbacks in life, just might be the very things that we need in life to help develop us, build our faith, and strengthen us more in Christ. Paul said that he sought the Lord three times to remove a thorn from his flesh, but was told by God that His grace was sufficient for him and that His strength was made perfect in weakness.  When Paul was told this, he did not complain but concluded that if God wasn’t going to remove it from him, then he was going to rejoice in it so that the power of God would rest upon him, and he would be more faithful and stronger.  Let me encourage you, don’t be too quick to pray for God to remove your next obstructions or obstacles, it may be the very thing that God is using to help strengthen and develop you. 

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.  

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Jan 5

 This Is Not the Life I Chose; It Chose Me

 “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” (John 15:16)

Today’s Morsel: Stop and consider the title here for a moment. Now, consider this, Jesus Christ came to give us life and that more abundantly. He has given us His Spirit, without it we are none of His (Romans 8:9). Paul told the church at Ephesus: “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:1-7) I don’t know about you, but being a minister of the gospel was never on my radar screen when I was a teen or young adult. But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, chose me, and gave me a new life and put me in the ministry. And because of this new life and love, I accept the responsibility and am committed to living out this new life that He has given me and I am committed to bearing fruit. What about you?  He has chosen you, are you committed to answering your calling?

 

Sing: I was sinking deep in sin far from the peaceful shores; very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more.  But the master of the seas heard my despairing cry, from the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

Love lifted me, love lifted me when nothing else could help, love lifted me.  Love lifted me, love lifted me when nothing else could help, love lifted me.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Jan 4

 What Are You Pursuing?

“Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.” (Psalms 34:11-16)

Today’s Morsel: If there has ever been a time to be a true Christian, it is now. The world in which we live is in total chaos. There is so much unrest, confusion, perversion, disinformation, and lies, that even the very elect seems to be falling into Satan’s trap. Remember, Satan is a liar and the father of lies. If we say that we are born-again, then our minds ought to stay on Christ. We should not be pursuing the things of this world, we ought to be pursuing after heavenly things. Paul said: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4) Remember that this world isn’t your home; you are going to a better place. If you are not finding rest and contentment in your day-to-day life and activities, then you must pursue it. Jesus said: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) What are you pursuing after?  Seek hard after Christ and you will find rest and contentment.  

Sing: My mama and daddy talked about going home ever since I was babe on their knees.  They said that nothing could compare to what was waiting up there and someday I would finally be free. Well, I’m getting a vision of a crystal-clear river where sin is forgotten without a trace; more than I want to know, my heart is ready to go, to see the love on my Savior's face.

I want to know how it feels, to make my way down the streets of gold. I want to know how it feels, to have a talk with the saints of old. I want to know what it’s like, to rest my feet by the river of life.  I’ve heard of heaven, and I know that it’s real, I want to know how it feels.    

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Jan 3

 Pay Attention

“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.” (2 Timothy 2:1-9)

Today’s Morsel: When I was in the army, during periods of instructions when something was very important, it was not uncommon for the instructor to say, “Watch my lips.” In other words, pay attention to what I am about to tell you as it is very important and it may someday save your life or the life of your comrades. Paul told Timothy to consider the things that he was telling him. He told Timothy that he must learn to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Warfare is not for the weak, timid, or fearful. It’s for the strong and those who are committed to the cause. If you cannot handle rejection, discipline, or hardships, chances are you will not endure until the end. Jesus asked the question if faith will be found on the earth when He returns (see Luke 18:8)? If Jesus came right now, would you be found faithful? Don’t get caught up in what others are doing in the church. Pay attention and continue in the doctrine, for in so doing you will save yourself and others that hear it from you.  Pay attention to what I am saying, Be a strong soldier in the army of the Lord, and press on.

Sing: Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus, daily let me go.  Higher, higher in the school of wisdom, more of grace to know. 

O’ deeper yet, I pray, and higher every day, and wiser, blessed Lord, in Thy precious holy word.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 Jan 2

 Follow The Instructions

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail. And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle. And thou shalt set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. And thou shalt set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and shalt put water therein. And thou shalt set up the court round about, and hang up the hanging at the court gate. And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy. And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt offering, and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar: and it shall be an altar most holy. And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, and sanctify it. And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water. And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. And thou shalt bring his sons, and clothe them with coats: And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations. Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.” 
(Exodus 40:1-16)

 

Today’s Morsel: When you read the Bible, you will notice that God is very clear and concise when it comes to giving instructions and details for the things that He wants us to do. Why is this, you may ask? Because people’s lives are at stake. Seventy-five percent of accidents in the home and while driving are due in part because people's failure to follow instructions. Don’t overload circuits, keep snow and ice off your sidewalks and steps to prevent falling, don’t drink and drive, and don’t text while driving are just a few of the instructions that folks avoid. Moses could have looked at the instructions being given to him by God and said, this is too much. But scripture says: “Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.” As I was always taught in the army, it’s the minor details that will make you or break you. If you want to be blessed, you must follow the instructions.  James admonishes us: “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (James 1:22-25)  Start the year off right, be obedient to the word of God.  

Sing: God’s got an army, it’s marching through the land, deliverance is their song, there’s healing in their hands.  With everlasting joy, and gladness in their heart, and in this army I’ve got a part.