Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 November 17

Do You Believe That He Is Precious?

“Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.” (1 Peter 2:6-8)

Today’ Morsel: Do you remember the song that we use to sang entitled, “What do you think about Jesus? And we would shout, He’s alright.” Why did we see Jesus as just being alright and not as Peter saw Him? Precious! Did we think that Jesus was just okay only? Peter said that He is precious and unto us who believe that He is precious, we ought not to be confounded or confused about who He is. For those of us who believe that He is precious, He becomes a spiritual house to which we can build upon. But those who do not see Him as such, He becomes a stumbling block and a rock of offense. For us, He is honorable and highly esteemed before others. Peter relates Jesus to a precious stone or gem. And he says that, if so be that we have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, we also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:3-5). If he is precious to us, then let’s start acting like it when we hear His name.  

Sing: For He's more wonderful than my mind can conceive; He's more wonderful than my heart can believe. He goes beyond my highest hopes and fondest dreams; He's everything that my soul ever longed for, Everything He's promised and so much more. More than amazing, more than marvelous,; More than miraculous could ever be. He's more than wonderful, that's what Jesus is to me.

Thought For Today: “To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?” (Isaiah 46:5)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 November 15

Give Thanks

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Today’s Morsel: Gratitude must always be the Christian’s attitude. Are you thankful? Are you content with the things that you have and where you are? If we are not careful, we can start to compare ourselves among ourselves and lose our gratitude. You see, when I think that what I have is not as good as what you have, I can lose my gratitude. When I think that you live in a better home than I do, or drive a better car than I do, or dress better than I do, or that your children are better than my children, or that your church is bigger and better than my church, I can lose my gratitude. Paul states, “For we dare not make ourselves of the number or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” (2 Corinthians 10:12) comparing ourselves with others is not a wise thing to do because we will always think that others are better than we. Paul again states: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8) God knows what He’s given you. But if you are not thankful and content with that which He’s given you, you may never get what He has for you.  If gratitude isn’t your attitude, then you have not learned Christ.

Sing: Thank You, Jesus, for the Blood applied. Thank You, Jesus, You have washed me white. Thank You Jesus, You have saved my life. Brought me from the darkness into glorious light.

 Thought For Today: “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 November 14

Putting To Silence The Foolishness Of Ignorant Men

“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:” (1 Peter 2:13-15)

Today’s Morsel: We often see in Peter’s writings a call for submission. He tells us to submit to each other. To submit to those in authority, and to every ordinance of man, and to Christ. He tells us that we should live and conduct ourselves in such a way that it is well pleasing to God. Our actions and conduct ought to be good examples before others. There are many people who lack the knowledge and understanding of God. This is why our lives must be lived out before them that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. There are many people who reject Christ, because they just don’t know. Paul states: “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4) Satan has people blinded to truth, and this is why we must shine before them. And by our submission and doing those things which are well-pleasing to God, we can hopefully silence the foolishness of ignorant men and bring them out of darkness unto His marvelous light. 

Sing: By God’s word at last my sins I learned; then I trembled at the law I’d spurned. Till my guilty soul imploring turned to Calvary.

Mercy there was great, and grace was free. Pardon there was multiplied to me. There my burden soul found liberty, at Calvary.

Thought For Today: “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 November 13

Children of God

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:1-2)

Today’s Morsel: Do you know what a privilege it is to be called God’s children? Just think about it for a moment. If you have been born-again of the water and the Spirit, the God of all creation is your Heavenly Father, and that make you heirs of God and Christ. Everything that God has, you have access to it. This is why I don’t understand why some of His children live below their privileges. When we read the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, the story tells us of the son, “And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!” (Luke 15:17) Notice, he knew what his father had and there was no need for him to be in the place and condition that he was in. He just needed to go home to his father. Why are you still living in the condition and going through the things that you are going through? You, too, can come home. You don’t have to keep living in depression, hopelessness, and despair. Get up and go home. The Father is waiting on you to come home.  He has all you need.

Sing: Come to Jesus, come to Jesus, come to Jesus, just now; Come to Jesus, come to Jesus, come to Jesus, just now.

Thought For Today: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 November 12

Why Callest Thou Me Good?

“And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” (Matthew 19:16-17)

Today’s Morsel: I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “I know that you think you heard what I said, but I don’t think that you understood what I meant.”  And this is often true in many situations. We see this a lot with Jesus’ teachings and the writings of the apostles in scripture. Yes, every word of God is true, but as Jesus said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39) Paul told Timothy:“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) Remember, Isaiah said, precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little and there a little. One scripture may not give you the full meaning of what the writer meant. Therefore, you may need to search the scriptures for a more complete understanding of what is meant. When Jesus asks the rich young ruler why he had called Him good, and said that only one is good, that is God. I don’t think that Jesus was saying to the young man that He was not God. I think Jesus was asking him where he got the revelation to call him such, since only God is good. Did the young man receive revelation as Peter did and knew who Jesus was? Had the young man observed Christ and knew that only God could do things which Jesus did? Since he seems to know the commandments, he knew that Jesus’ teachings were true, did he want to ensure he was complete in his thinking and actions? Why do you sing that Jesus is a good, good father, if only God is good?  “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.” (John 13:13) Why do you call Him Good?

Sing: For He is Lord, He is Lord, He has risen from the dead, and He is Lord. Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Thought For Today: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” (1 Timothy 3:16)

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 November 11

Lest We Forget

“These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time. And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away: He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil. 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. And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim. And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD. And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men. And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three. Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three. And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow: And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear. These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men. He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard.” (2 Samuel 23:8-23)

Today’s Morsel: Veterans know better than anyone else the price of freedom, for they've suffered the scars of war. We can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us.” - President Ronald Reagan, 1983, in a radio address to the nation.

All our veterans have protected our democracy, our freedom, our way of life. Today, we honor and thank them. And tomorrow, we must continue to honor them. They have given us the chance to live in freedom today and an opportunity to look forward to tomorrow. We honor those who have served this great nation through sacrifice, time, efforts, energy, and who have made life better for us and our allies as well. The men and women across the globe today who have worn the uniform of this great nation are not looking for handouts. They are not looking for accolades. They are not looking for recognition. They just wanted to serve their country. They just wanted to make the lives of others and this nation a better place for all. Each of them has their own story. Each of them can share with you a time of joy, pain, loneliness, and defeat. Therefore, we must never forget what they have done for us. So, today, if you encounter a veteran, tell them thanks for their service. Veterans, I salute you.  Thank you for your service and sacrifice.  

Sing: Glory, glory, hallelujah; Glory, glory, hallelujah; Glory, hallelujah, His truth is marching on.

Thought For Today: Don’t take your freedom for granted.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2025 November 10

Apostolic Doctrine

“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” (2 John 1:7-11)

Today’s Morsel: True Christianity does not exist without true apostolic doctrine. If the teaching of any church is not in line with what the apostles of Jesus taught in their letters written to the church and the gospel of Jesus Christ, they are not abiding in the doctrine. The church’s goal is not to be political or siding with one race over another. The church’s goal is to preach the word of God and to lead all people to Christ. The church must not be biased or prejudiced against any. Someone said that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led the march across America against segregation, and yet many of the churches in America are still segregated. And I believe the reason is that people do not know and understand the apostolic doctrine. They have wrapped themselves in the tradition of man.  The apostolic doctrine destroyed race bearers, ushered in Christ’s love and salvation, and lead us to work in unity and harmony to destroy racism and Satan’s kingdom. James tells us in his apostolic teaching: “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). What a shame for a Christian to be called a sinner. “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32) The truth shall make you free. But if you have respect of persons, you are in bondage to sin and that sin will lead to death. Don’t let the media poison your mind. Stay in the word of God. 

Sing: 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 heaven’s ring when I bid this world goodbye.

Thought For Today: “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)