Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 Apr 16

Listen To Your Body

“Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me?” (Job 6:13)

Today’s Morsel: Paul writing to the church at Corinth states: “For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” (1 Corinthians 12:14-18)But are you listening to your body? These members that God has given you will often speak to you of things that are not right. Your feet might start to ache. Your eyes may start to lose their ability to read. Your hands and fingers may not be able to hold things as they once did. Your head may start to pound with a splitting headache. Your blood pressure may start to rise. I’m no doctor, but these are signs that something in the body is not working right. The same is true when you start to lose interest in church, reading your Bible, prayer, and witnessing to others. It’s your body telling you that something isn’t right. And you need to listen to what it is saying. John said, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (3 John 1:2) In order for that to happen, you must listen to your body. You must realize that when your body speaks, you need to listen. Even Jesus told his disciples to come apart and rest awhile. 

Sing: I’ll say yes, Lord, yes, to Your will and to Your way. I’ll say yes, Lord, yes, I will trust You and obey. When Your Spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I’ll agree, and my answer will be yes, Lord, yes. 

 

Thought For Today: “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” (Psalms 42:11)

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 April 15

Working On The Building

 

“Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;) That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:1-3)

 

Today’s Morsel: When we read the book of Nehemiah, there are just so many wonderful and awesome insights into what is taking place here. Nehemiah is the king’s cupbearer, who has found great favor with the king. From the time that he hears the news of the state of Jerusalem, he prays for direction from God about this situation. Not only does he find favor with the king, but he has also found favor with God. Nehemiah doesn’t tell the king what is going on until he first has a little talk with Jesus. This lesson should be heeded by all. I think if we would talk with Jesus about what is going on instead of others, we might not have so much confusion going on with our problems and situations. People have good intentions, but true advice only comes from God. Once Nehemiah takes inventory of the situation, he starts to rebuild, but he is seen as a rebel and one who must be stopped. His enemies do not want to see the building reconstructed. But the more his enemies entice him and try to discourage him, the more he continues to do what he has been called by God to do. When his enemies try to pull him away from the work, he tells them that he is doing a great work and that he cannot come down to meet with them. He understands that they have an agenda to hinder and harm him, but he’s not about to give them the time of day. This is an attitude that we all ought to have about the church and God’s kingdom. We ought not to give any of our time to the enemy who is trying to distract us from accomplishing what God has called us to do. Has the enemy been enticing you to come off the wall? Well, you are not the first. And he will not quit. So, keep building and you will receive a great reward.

Sing: I’m working on a building; It’s a true foundation. I’m holding up the blood-stained banner for my Lord.  Well, I never get tired, tired of working on the building; I’m going up to heaven to get my reward.

When you see me praying, I’m working on my building. I’m holding up the blood-stained banner for my Lord. As soon as I get through, working on my building, I gonna get to heaven to get my reward.

When you see me singing, I’m working on my building. I’m holding up the blood-stained banner for my Lord. As soon as I get through, working on my building, I gonna get to heaven to get my reward.

When you see me preaching, I’m working on my building. I’m holding up the blood-stained banner for my Lord. As soon as I get through, working on my building, I gonna get to heaven to get my reward.

When you see me crying, I’m working on my building. I’m holding up the blood-stained banner for my Lord. As soon as I get through, working on my building, I gonna get to heaven to get my reward.

 

Thought For Today: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 April 13

 Temper Tantrum  

“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” (Proverbs 25:28)

 

Today’s Morsel: Your temper is like a fire. If it gets out of control it can become very destructive. Therefore, we must learn how to control it before it causes us or others heartache and pain. Isn’t it amazing that the root word for temperance is temper. If we cannot control ourselves through self-discipline, the outcome is usually a temper tantrum where someone is abused or hurt. After his rebellion, King Saul was plagued with an evil spirit. And each time that spirit came upon him he had a temper tantrum. He tried to kill both David and His son Jonathan with a javelin. So, how do we control our temper so that we do not allow it to get out of control? Isaiah said: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3) When we focus continually on Jesus through our prayers and His word, it helps remove the temper we may have. Paul said that we should:“...put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of our mind; And that we should put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24) and that we should “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-27) (Emphasis mind) A temper tantrum is a sign that we do not know God. As He is a God of peace. If we do not get control of our conduct and actions, we are on our way to the worst kind of destruction that there is. And that is self-destruction. 

 

Sing: Jesus keep me near the cross, there a precious fountain; free to all a healing stream, flows from Calvary Mountain.

In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever; Till my raptured soul shall find, rest beyond the river. 

 

Thought For Today: “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” (Proverbs 16:32)

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 April 12

The Five Rebellions of The Devil

 

“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” (Isaiah 14:12-14)

 

Today’s Morsel: I often wonder what made Satan rebel against God knowing that he could not win. And I see this same spirit in the earth today. Rebellion against God and authority is taking center stage. Isaiah said, “And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.” (Isaiah 2:17) So, what are these five rebellions of Satan against God. (1.) “I will ascend into heaven.” Jesus said that no man cometh unto the Father but by Me. (2.) “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.” Scripture says that he that exalteth himself shall be a base (3.) “I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north.” Scripture says that the wicked shall not stand in the congregation of the righteous. I will not share my glory with another.  (4.) “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds.” God said, heaven is My throne, and the earth is my footstool.  (5.) “I will be like the most High.” God said, to whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like? Do we wonder where this narcissist attitude we now see in the world came from? Remember what Solomon said, “A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.” (Proverbs 29:23) As Isaiah spoke of Satan, “how art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!”  Don’t let that Satanic spirit get on you. If you rebel against God, get ready to eat some dust.

 

Sing: I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in Thee Lord, the humble shall hear thereof and be glad. O’ magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all of my fears.

 

Thought For Today: “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” (1 Samuel 15:23)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 April 11

You Better Check Yourself

 

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 

(2 Corinthians 13:5)

 

Today’s Morsel: How often do you check yourself based on the word of God to see if you are still on track? Because many work outside the home and are bi-vocational, it’s easy to get off track. You can slowly be drawn right back into your own way of life if you are not careful. Worldly music that you grew up with. Laughing at risqué jokes, making false comments, altering your timecards, taking shortcut instead of doing a good job. Setting a poor example in appearance, taking sick leave when not being sick. We must be careful of gradualism. Jesus said that the man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among thieves, and they wounded him leaving him half dead.  Apparently, the man didn’t check himself to see if he had anything to defend himself. You must ensure that you have the sword of the spirit, and the weapons of your warfare with you and that you are ready always. Remember what the apostle Paul said, “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3). Keep a close eye on yourself and your actions.

 

Sing: I put my foot on the rock, my name on the roll, when it’s called up yonder, I won’t worry about my soul; I know my home is waiting and it’s something to behold, because I put my foot on the rock and my name on the roll.

 

Thought For Today: “How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!” (2 Samuel 1:27)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 April 10

You Left Your First Love

 

“For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?” (Malachi 3:6-7)

 

Today’s Morsel: The Bible tells us that the day of the coming of the Lord will be proceeded by a great falling away. People are going to stop serving and loving God, and the things of God. We are already starting to see that happen. Since the Covid-19 Pandemic, many have yet to return to church. Many no longer carry their Bibles to church. Many have no clue as to the old hymns that their forefathers sang and proclaimed about God. Many do not know if Moses built the Ark or Noah. Sunday School stories of David and Goliath, Daniel in the lion’s den, and Jonah in the belly of the whale, are being replaced with science and video games. Church services about Jesus Christ and the Gospel, are now disco lights, three songs, 15-20 minutes messages about the world and its ways, baptisms without any explanation to it purpose, getting to the coffee bar for fellowship, which is no more than gossip, and away we go. And we wonder why people are suffering with mental health and PTSD. Jesus told the church at Ephesus:  “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” (Revelation 2:4-5) They had left their first love. They had allowed other things to replace Jesus in their lives. “And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” (Mark 12:29-30) Israel found themselves suffering and lost because they left their first love. You cannot live without Jesus. So, remember from which thou have fallen and repent and do the first works. “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.” (1 John 4:10-11) If you return to Him, He will return to you.

 

Sing: I love You Lord, and I lift my voice to worship You, oh my soul rejoice; Take joy my King, in what You hear; Let it be a sweet, sweet, sound, in Your ear.

We exalt Thee. We exalt Thee. We exalt Thee, O’ Lord. We exalt Thee. We exalt Thee. We exalt Thee, O’ Lord. 

 

Thought For Today: “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” (1 John 5:3)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2024 April 9

A Recall to Character

 

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalms 139:23-24)

 

Today’s Morsel: Character is defined as the way someone thinks, feels, or behaves. In general, people who are considered to have good character often have traits like integrity, honesty, courage, loyalty, fortitude, and other important virtues that promote good behave.  I believe this is why grace is not only defined as God’s unmerited love, but also God’s divine influence in your life. God’s grace ought to cause you to restrain yourself from evil deeds and practices. Solomon said, “When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:” (Proverbs 2:10-11) David even proclaimed, “I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.” (Psalms 101:2-4) Do David’s words reflect your thinking? How much do you value your character? Remember, the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked who can know it. May we pray daily asking God to keep our hearts and minds pure and stayed on Him. Character still counts.

 

Sing: To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus. On earth I long to be like Him. All through life’s journey, from earth to glory, I only ask to be like Him.

 

Thought For Today: “Let not then your good be evil spoken of:” 

(Romans 14:16)