Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 31

 Running To Win 

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” (1 Corinthians 9:24)

 

Today’s Morsel: Every racer you observe, they are all running to win. You have entered a race for your life, and you should run to win. You should not have things that are hindering you from crossing the finishing line.  Paul tells us, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2) You can win this race. Solomon says that it is not given to the swift, but to him that endures. You are not competing against anyone but yourself. That is why it takes self-discipline. And so, you must ask yourself, if the crown that Jesus has laid up for you is worth winning. If not, then you are more than likely going to drop out of the race. But if it is, then run to obtain it, because great is your reward in heaven.

 

Sing: I’m running for my life, I’m running for my life, I’m running for my life, I’m running for my life.  If anybody asks you, what’s the matter with me; tell them I’m saved, sanctified, Holy Ghost filled, and water baptized; I’ve got heaven on my mind, and I’m running for my life.

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 30

 Not Ashamed 

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17)

 

Today’s Morsel: What is your understanding of the gospel? If someone were to ask you about the gospel, would you be comfortable enough to explain to them how the gospel works and how it changed your life? I wish churches would get back to testimony services. I have seen many people committee their lives to Christ right in testimony services. I was in a service once, and there was a lady there for the first time in the service. The pastor was giving folks who wanted to share what God had done in their lives with the church. And this lady wanted to testify. She stood and told of her many sins, and what she had been through in her life. But then she said, I know that if it had not been for Jesus, my life would have been over a long time ago. Friend, that is not being ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God unto salvation. That woman was baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost, speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gave her the utterance, that very night. To be ashamed of the gospel is to be ashamed of Jesus, as He is the gospel. And Jesus said, “For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.” (Luke 9:26) You don’t need to be ashamed of what Jesus has done for you, that was the purpose for His coming, to seek and to save that which was lost. Standup and tell it. Somebody’s life may be changed because of your testimony. 

 

Sing: Standup and tell it if you love my Jesus.  Standup and tell it if you love my Lord. I want to know, yes, I want to know, if you love my Lord.

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 29

 Which Giant Can’t You Kill

“Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint. And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel. And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant. And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant. And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him. These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.” (2 Samuel 21:15-22)

 

Today’s Morsel: We see throughout scripture that Goliath wasn’t the only giant that David had to fight. Israel found themselves having to face many giants in the land. Israel represents the church, and she is going to face a whole lot of giants in these last days. We are the church, so we had better get battle ready for the giants that will come. There are going to be giant issues, giant challenges, giant states of depression, fear, hate, suicide, rebellion, backsliding, disunity, disrespect, loneliness, envy, jealousy, drunkenness, drug overdose, transgenderism, divorce, threats, and more. Are you fighting against any of these giants already in your life? Have you been trying to eradicate them from your life? Which one can’t you seem to defeat? David probably figured that the Philistines would always remember what he did to Goliath. But they failed to realize that Goliath had brothers. And they may have been young when David killed their brother. But now they are warriors, and desire to get revenged against David now that he is older and less of a threat. This is why you are never out of the woods with your enemy. When you were young, you may have defeated some of these things that I mentioned.  But now that you are older, they may come against you again to see if they can defeat you, now that you don’t have the same zeal to fight. What will you do?  Well, Jesus gives us the answer.  “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” (Isaiah 41:10-13). Always remember, the battle is not ours, it is the Lord’s.  We are battle-ready as long as we stay strong in Jesus and the power of His might.  

 

Sing: There is power in the name of Jesus. There is power in the name of Jesus. There is power in the name of Jesus, to break every chain, break every chain, to break every chain. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 28

 The Devil Went Down to UZ

“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.” (Job 1:6-12)

 

Today’s Morsel: The story of Job is a very intriguing story. Some have questioned why God would allow Satan to tempt Job, since Job was upright and a righteous man.  The story, I believe, is to show you and me that we have an adversary walking throughout the earth seeking whom he may devour. But God has us covered and protected from his evil desires as long as remain under His authority and blood.  But if we chose to walk away, and go the way of the world, we remove that protection and we are subject to every evil temptation, lust, and destruction that He sends our way. You don’t have to worry about Satan if you are obedient to God and His word. If you want to keep him away from you, just keep pleading the blood of Jesus, and letting him know that you know that Jesus is God, and you are aware of his end-state. Yes, old Satan went down to UZ, seeking for some souls to steal, but he realized that Job was protected by God. Anytime you, like Job, are a perfect and upright man, and one that fears God, and eschews evil, the devil is going to take notice and put a contract on you. But don’t worry, God has you covered and protected. Satan may cause you some harm, but Jesus said that if you endure to the end, He will give you a crown of life. So be strong and of good courage. You have a cloud of witnesses that are cheering you on.  You are going to make it.  

 

Sing: Greater is He that is in me, greater is He that is in me, greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.

 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 26

 Pleasant Words 

“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24)

 

Today’s Morsel: One of the most essential attributes of a Christian is that of sound speech. Paul instructed Titus, “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” (Titus 2:7-8) Notice, sound speech. Good healthy, pure, wholesome, and true speech that is timely and graceful. Speech that is presented in a loving manner and which enhances the reputation of a true Christian. Our words as Christians ought to always be pleasant words.  Sound speech that cannot be condemned. Words that build up and do not tear down. We should not sow discord among brethren, especially with our words. Are you aware that you can tell the truth about someone and still sow discord? Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones, Solomon said. Sticks and stones sure do break bones and word sure do hurt. So please choose your words wisely. “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 19:14) What does Jesus think about your words?   Think before you speak.  

 

Sing: Sing them over again to me, Wonderful words of Life; Let me more of their beauty see, Wonderful words of Life, words of life and beauty, teach me faith and duty. Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful words of Life. 

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 25

 The Greatest of These Three 

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

 

Today’s Morsel: I was asked the question as to how do we do greater things for God? Well, I believe that when Jesus spoke to His disciples these words, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (John 14:12), I think that He may have been speaking from the standpoint that after the disciple received His Spirit, they would take the gospel further then they had done while He was with them here on the earth. From what we read in scripture, Jesus, and the men that He chose and was training, only worked and operated within Jerusalem and the location of Israel. But once the disciples received the Holy Ghost, they went into all parts of the unknown world. If we track Paul’s missionary journey, he covered a lot more territory spreading the gospel with miracles, wonders, and signs. God was working with them. And so, they did greater things, but only because God was working with them. Paul speaks to the church at Corinth about love stating that there are three things that ought to abide in every believer. And those three things are faith, hope, and charity, which is love. But he said that the greatest of these is charity. Why is love the greatest of these three things that ought to be in us? Well, from scripture, we know that without faith, it is impossible to please God, and our faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Hope is what we are saved by; and it is the anchor which we have for the soul, which keeps us steadfast and rooted in Christ. But God is love (1 John 4:8). And there is nothing or anyone greater than God.  So love is the greatest of the three operating through us.  

 

Sing: Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness.  Beautiful for situations, the joy of the whole earth; is mount Zion on the side of the north, the city of the great King.

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2023 August 24

 Beware Who You Are Supporting 

“It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.” (Proverbs 18:5)

 

Today’s Morsel: Around the world, we are starting to see a lot of people rioting and demonstrating in the streets, posting evil on social media, and revolting against their governments to join in with the wicked. We have even seen some join with the wicked to overthrow the righteous. One may ask, What is going on? Why is this happening? Paul said that in the last days, “Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:13) Jude said, “Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities...These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.” (Jude 1:8;16) And many of those in the streets today call themselves Christians and yet they have no knowledge as to what and who they are supporting. Paul wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) Again, Solomon says, “He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.” (Proverbs 17:15) There is just something that should not be named once among you as becoming a saint of God.  We need to represent Jesus in all we do.  

 

Sing: Well, I’m so glad that I’m a part of the family of God, I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood.  Joint heirs with Jesus, as we travel this sod. Well I’m so glad that I’m a part of, the family of God.