Good morning, brethren. 1. Our morning prayer focuses on "being worthy of our calling." 2. Do you know the light of the world? 3. Do you cultivate an attitude of gratitude? 4. Do you k ow the blessness of redemption? To know more, read the message below: 1. Morning Prayer I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, ⏤ Ephesians 4:1 Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness. ⏤ Martin Luther O Jesus, You have called us with a holy calling. We desire to be worthy of the honor You have bestowed upon us. You have redeemed us by Your blood. You have taken us into fellowship with Yourself. You are not ashamed to call us brethren. You have made us heirs of God, joint heirs with You. You have given us eternal life! Make us indeed worthy of this exalted honor. Cleanse and purify us, that we may be like You in spirit, disposition, and character. Give us the same desires that are in Your heart, that we may hate what You hate and love what You love. May we be partakers in Your work for the upbuilding of Your cause and the extension of Your kingdom. Give us this day the same mind that was in You. You left Your heavenly glory and became human, that You might be our Redeemer. You lived to serve, giving out Your life in unsparing service, even dying in love for Your people. We desire to have the same spirit. Save us from all selfishness, which would lead us to withhold ourselves from serving others with the best that is in us. Save us from all pride, which would lead us to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think, and may we always be clothed with humility. Lead us into Your ways of service. Lord Jesus, help us to live this day as You would live if You were here in our place. May we be holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. May we be kind in all our family relationships and with those outside. Help us to be diligent in all our business. May we live unspotted from the world. Bless us in all ways in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/68/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion. 2. Topic: Light of the world. Text: John 8:12-19. Message: Philosopher J. P. Moreland described how Disneyland in California has an entire work crew assigned to do nothing but light bulbs. They keep a record of the park’s thousands of light bulbs, and replace them when they reach 80 percent life expectancy. Are they successful? Never once has he seen a burned-out light there! Light of the World is one of the most well-known names for Christ. It’s an image associated with knowledge, truth, righteousness, hope, and life. As Isaiah prophesied, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isa. 9:2; see also John 1:4). Today begins our study’s third section: looking at Christ’s attributes in relationship with His people. When Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (v. 12), the Pharisees immediately challenged Him (vv. 13–18). By saying His testimony wasn’t valid, they were essentially accusing Him of lying and pride. Jesus responded that He and the Father together made two witnesses and that the Pharisees were ignorant of His divine identity and origins. Offended, the Pharisees made a second challenge (v. 19): “Where is your father?” Ironically, they proved their own ignorance, but it might also have been intended as an insult about the circumstances of His birth. If so, Jesus disregarded the insult, instead asserting that to know Him was to know the Father. For the religious leaders of Israel not to understand this was quite an indictment (John 3:19)! As followers of Christ, we are to be “the light of the world” ourselves (Matt. 5:14) by reflecting His light. How? We are to “walk in the light” and live holy lives (1 John 1:5–7). 3. Cultivating Gratitude I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1 READ Psalm 9:1-12 audio playLISTEN ONLINE “Dad, can you get me some water?” my youngest daughter asked. “Sure,” I said, bringing her a full cup. She took it wordlessly. Then my oldest daughter made the same request. She didn’t respond either after I got her some water. Annoyed, I blurted out, “Is anyone going to say, ‘Thank you’? Why is that so hard?” Sometimes there’s nothing like parental frustration to open the door for God to work. Immediately I felt the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit: Yes, Adam, why is it so hard to say, “Thank you”? Busted. Turns out a lack of gratitude isn’t just my kids’ problem; it’s mine too. I don’t know why saying thank you can be so hard, but it certainly seems to be a part of the human condition. In the psalms, however, we see a model for growing in gratitude. There, David and others often praise God amid myriad trials. And a particular phrase frequently precedes their thanksgiving: “I will . . . .” In Psalm 9:1, David deliberately chooses thankfulness: “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” We might be prone to think of gratitude primarily as a feeling. But David reminds us that it’s also a choice. Like David, as we choose to cultivate a habit of giving thanks, we can gradually grow to recognize and appreciate God’s goodness in every aspect of life. By Adam Holz REFLECT & PRAY How can we cultivate the habit of gratitude? What are some things you’re thankful for? Dear Father, thank You for all You’ve given me. Please help me to choose gratitude today for the many ways You’ve blessed me. SCRIPTURE INSIGHT In the original language of the Old Testament, Psalms 9 and 10 form what’s called an acrostic poem. Each major thought or stanza begins with the next letter in the Hebrew alphabet. The Septuagint—the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament—even combines Psalms 9 and 10 into one song, unifying the flow from beginning to end. Acrostic poems and songs played an important function in ancient Israelite society. Because they were built on the alphabet, they were easy to remember. These two psalms of thanksgiving and help were designed to memorably remain in the minds of those who heard them. As a result, the reader or listener could quickly recall the message in the music. By rehearsing the words of David, they’d receive a regular injection of the importance of living a life of gratitude and dependence on God. Today, as we meditate on Scripture, may we also strive to cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving. Examine other types of Hebrew poetry in the book of Psalms. 4. *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY* *ⓂANNA* FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12TH, 2025 *THE BLESSEDNESS OF REDEMPTION* *TEXT:* JOB 33:23-33 23 If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness: 24 Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom. 25 His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth: 26 He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness. 27 He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; 28 He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. 29 Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man, 30 To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living. 31 Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak. 32 If thou hast anything to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee. 33 If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom. *Timeless Truth:*_"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile"_ (Psalms 32:1-2). *INTRODUCTION* The redemption story is the most impactful story ever known to mankind. It is a story that was never conceived or imagined by any man that has ever lived until it came to reality. It is about the Son of God coming to His created beings on earth to die for their sins resulting in forgiveness and a brand new life. This story echoes in the address of Elihu to Job though in a vague way. Some of the blessedness of redemption were also outlined for all to see and decide for it. *1. Pardon through Ransom* a. Elihu eloquently showed the weakness of man in knowing and understanding the truth of redemption. Education and civilization are not enough to decode eternal verities. There is a need for spiritual decoders. *"If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness"*. God has given us Jesus as the mediator between God and man. *"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5). He is the only one qualified to be the Mediator between God and man. He understood perfectly the thought and the language of God, He himself being God. On the other hand, He understands the humanity of man perfectly, He being a perfect man. He is the one that could correctly judge who is upright before God and who is not upright. Leaving this judgment on who is upright and who is not to man would be an error. Job himself lamented about the lack of a capable Mediator that could mediate between him and God. *"Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both"* (Job 9:33). Glory be to God that we now have a capable and perfect Mediator, Jesus Christ. The full gracious pardon that we receive for sins against God was made possible because of the ransom that was paid for our sins and that Ransom is Jesus Christ Himself. *"Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom"*. It is the ransom paid that made deliverance from the pit of sin and destruction possible. Just like the songwriter wrote: "I am redeemed, but not with silver; I am bought, but not with gold; Bought with a price--the blood of Jesus, Precious price of love untold". b. What follows full pardon? *"His flesh shall be fresher than a child'*. Spiritually, it means being born again. The old life gives way to a totally new life which is only possible by the power of redemption. This is the greatest blessing of redemption above all else. The prayer life of someone who is redeemed changes totally. He could feel the presence of God more than it used to be when praying. *"He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness"*. He will enjoy unlimited favour with God. *Question* Do you put your faith in the ransom by Jesus alone so as to receive pardon? *2. The Profit of Repentance* a. In every human relationship, the solution to a great misunderstanding or quarrel may just be in a "sorry". The phrase " I am sorry" has a way of calming tensions, and resolving misunderstandings. The same thing with God. If a sinner can be humble enough and say "I am sorry" from a genuine heart, he is sure to receive great mercy. *"He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not"*. The person is not just saying "I am sorry" with his lips, but he has reflected on his actions and accepted that they were evil and they are without profits. Such a person would receive forgiveness with ease. In addition to forgiveness, He will receive deliverance from sin, Satan and all evils. Redemption is never complete without deliverance from the curse of the law. *"He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light"*. These are part of the blessings and acts of God to the redeemed. *"To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living"*. b. All these blessings come by a single act or heart of repentance. An unrepentant person is cheating himself of the multiple blessings of repentance which transcends earthly benefits and affect the eternal final abode of man. Repentance is also a continuous action. As you discover anything that is not the will of God in your life and action, you repent of it so as to always enjoy the blessings of redemption. A genuine attitude of repentance at all times opens the doors of divine favour at all times. Repentant attitude is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of moral strength. *Question* Do you sincerely repent before God as soon as you discover any wrong in your life? *3. Pride of Rightfulness* a. The fact that we are on the high table of counsellors or messengers should not be a reason to be proud. Elihu, being on the side of the right, was later moved into pride in his counsel to a far older and experienced Job. *"Knowledge puffs off"*. He spoke in a way that does not depict respect to elders. *"Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak"*. Perhaps he saw that Job was not comfortable with his speech and wanted to respond. Yet, the response of Elihu was not with a lowly heart. *"If thou hast anything to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee"*. He put himself in the seat of a justifier. *"Hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom"*. Is it appropriate for a comparatively very young person to speak to a much older and experienced person like Job just because Job was passing through tough times? b. Messengers and counsellors must assume the role of servants and must allow their hearts and words to be guarded with humility. *Question* Are you a humble instructor? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, I praise You for the ransom that Jesus paid with His blood. I put my confidence only on this perfect Ransom for sin 🙏. 2.Give me more humility and grace to always totally repent anytime I discover I have done wrong 🙏. 3.Help me to increase in humility as a counsellor or instructor 🙏. 4.Let the redemption story be clear and believed by all as the gospel ministers preach globally.🙏. *HYMN:* Redeemed *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* 2 John and 3 John. Buy the truth and sell it not. Your eternity and holiness is not for sale.