I need to stop writing.
Maybe for a short while. Maybe for good.
For now, I need to think, to pray, to be.
I need the next steps to make sense to me.

A couple of months ago, I felt the Spirit urging me to take a step back and to take account of everything God had done in and through me during my time sitting behind . I’ve written hundreds of thousands of words. Put together countless graphics—including many drafts you’ve never seen. Perhaps more than anything, I’ve learned to receive negative feedback well.

Of this, there was plenty. One aspect hit me harder though.

On occasion, I’ve heard from readers directly, telling me about how my work has impacted them personally—and positively. I’m not sure I was ever fully prepared to experience that. I always trusted that the Lord would use this work, but some of your stories have truly buried themselves in my heart. I will continue to pray for you.

There’s a lot more that has happened behind the scenes too. I started a degree a couple of years ago, I have sent off book proposals and article pitches, and I’ve collaborated with other writers on various projects, some which went forward, others didn’t.

To be very clear, I’m not sad. I’m not depressed. I’m actually remarkably calm. I put off writing this article for a couple of weeks1, because I thought I’d struggle.

Now I’m here though, it feels right.

I need to say goodbye, because I don’t want to just leave. I may not know you personally, dear reader, but everything I have written has been for you. When I sit down and use this talent God has given me, I do so for your edification, so that God might use my spilled ink to illustrate strengths and struggles in your own life, as he has in mine. I haven’t taken that lightly. I don’t take that lightly now. I have lost many opportunities because I wasn’t willing to write anything that I didn’t feel was edifying.

Difficult to read, yes.
Convicting, yes.
Rebuke, at times, but always rebuking myself first.

Clickbait and fear-mongering.

Never.

I recognise now that—at least for the moment—the kind of writing I feel God called me to pursue these past years, is no longer resonating. I’m okay with that.

I would rather put down my pen, and sit on the sidelines for a season.2

Maybe a long season.

This newsletter marks the end of this chapter.

This is where I stand up from the writing desk, to kneel down in the prayer closet.

I would appreciate your prayers as I spend time with God, discerning what he would have me do next.

Thank you for reading, both today, and in days gone by.

I don’t know what kept you reading, but I hope God used it for good.

Grace and Peace,

Usually, I leave some recommendations for the week, but that’s not going to suffice today. Thankfully, a couple of months back I wrote an article all about a bunch of writers I love dearly, and who I would commend to you. This included , , , , , , , , , , , , and .

The Raven's Writing Desk

Sharing the Love This Valentine's Day

“You should write an article for Valentine’s Day…

Read more

a year ago · 20 likes · 19 comments · Adsum Try Ravenhill

To these, I would add a couple of writers that have come across my path since:

’s breakthrough article last month will likely appear on many “Top Reads of 2025” come this December. It is raw, truthful, and might be difficult for some of you to read. I sincerely hope you’ll push through and do so anyhow.

The Battle Cry

The truth about the Enneagram that turned my blood cold...

Read more

a year ago · 497 likes · 146 comments · Christina Lynn Wallace

I’m 90% sure that ’s writing and YouTubing skills are directly correlated with the length of his moustache. On that note, just a quick warning Parker, stay away from anyone named Delilah. With that said, what I love about his work is that it rejuvenates the act of learning and developing oneself with a sense of romanticism that has been sorely lacking these past few decades. I love to see it.

Parker's Ponderings

How I Use Notebooks for Creative Writing

I just posted a new ParkNotes video on my method for using catch-all pocket notebooks and designated science fiction and fantasy notebooks for generating new short story ideas, for working on those ideas, and for working on longer term projects like my science fantasy novel and novelletes. Right now I’m working on a novel, a novellete, and a compendium …

Read more

a year ago · 31 likes · Parker Settecase

Finally, here’s one from the archives. An important reminder that self-control isn’t something we develop all on our own.

The Raven's Writing Desk

Fighting my Sin of Least Resistance

I had just sworn—much to my wife’s surprise. What’s worse was I didn’t know why…

Read more

2 years ago · 15 likes · 2 comments · Adsum Try Ravenhill

I have an awkward question to ask.

Awkward for me at least, though probably not for you.

Over the past few years, my subscriber count has grown steadily larger, and as I look through it now, I find that I know fairly few names on that list. Early on, I felt that it was unnecessary to share much about myself, because I took it for granted that almost everyone reading knew me already! That’s no longer the case.

So here’s my question.

Would you like to know more about me? Would a more personal introduction be a welcome addition to your inbox, and if so, what would you like to know?

Leave a comment

Leave a comment

Now, onto today’s article.

We have been conditioned.

How often do you stumble upon the untrue, the dishonourable, the unjust, and the impure? Weekly? Daily? Hourly? What’s more, if there is any excellence, or anything worthy of praise in the news cycle, how long do you spend reading it?

I have spoken to so many people over the past few years who feel as though they have been trained to learn, see, receive, and listen to the infernal.

How can we hope to escape from practicing these things, and replace them instead with the peace that only God can bring?

2025 feels like the year of the poet.

Dozens of read-alongs have sprung up around my corner of the internet—largely due to the rise of Substack—and I’m loving it! The one I’ve been following most closely has been ’s excellent guide through Milton’s classic, Paradise Lost.

This epic retells the story of creation and the fall through the eyes of the enemy. We, the readers, occasionally take a break to settle among our forebears Adam and Eve, but all the while the Serpent lurks the background, poisonous promises at the ready.

Sitting on my shelf is another great poem you may have heard of, and that you might even have read. It looks forward, beyond this life into eternal death. This place, the inferno, is where the wages of sin are eventually doled out. It has mesmerised artists and philosophers alike, and still plays a big role in our culture today.

What these two poems both have in common, is that their lesser known sequels.

Paradise Regained and Paradiso.

My hope in writing to you today is not to convince you to read these poems—though I hope you will! Put simply, I think if you were to poll a thousand people right now, and ask them to tell you one work written by either Dante or Milton, their answers would be unanimous.

Now, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, teaching on hell and the fall has fallen on hard times of late, and we ought to return to a robust understanding of those theological truths today.

However.

As the people of God, looking at our sin should have a distinct effect on us, and it isn’t so that we would focus more on our shame and the punishment we could have earned.

In the ninth chapter of Daniel, we read:

You are greatly loved, dear reader.

Gabriel, a messenger of God, came down to Daniel in the midst of his repentance, as he was focussing on the weight of sin that belonged to him and his people, and he brought hope. Daniel, a wise and faithful man, was granted yet more understanding. He looked heavenward.

In Milton’s poem, we get a peek behind the curtain, as God sends that messenger, albeit at a later time.

“The purposed counsel, pre-ordained and fixed,
Of the Most High, who, in full frequence bright
Of Angels, thus to Gabriel smiling spake”

— Paradise Regained, John Milton

Imagine that for just a second.

If you, in the midst of your sin, grasping the word of God in your hands. Reading words delivered by saints and angels, by the inspiration of the Spirit of God, believed that fully. Tears glistening upon your face, you look down and you see it anew.

This word, God’s purposed counsel. Pre-ordained before you ever sinned, having taken it into account before the ages began. Fixed. Immovable. Permanent. Steadfast love. Immutable grace.

What effect would that have? What if next time you sinned, or looked upon the sin of the world, you looked heavenward from whence1 Gabriel came, and sang

Raise thou me Heav'nward, O Pow'r of my pow'r….
High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heav'ns Sun!
Heart of my heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

— Be Thou My Vision

Would that quench your despair?

I’ll leave you with this.

Look hellwards on occasion. Read Dante, and get a glimpse of Satan’s malice according to Milton. I have, I will again, and it will do us both good. But. Don’t forget to rejoice too.

In Philippians 4 we read…

Look, I know this is a long passage for a short article, but I promise it is worth it!

In Philippians 4 we read:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

— Philippians 4:4–9, ESV

Let’s regain paradise together. Practice looking heavenwards, and letting your mind dwell on the loveliness that God has given us in this world.

Grace and Peace,

P.S. I had to include this note from , even though I couldn’t make it fit!

We’re in the middle of a Christian music renaissance right now, with worship adjacent songs—like this new one from Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll—being released every week! I’ve pulled out my guitar and jammed out to this more than a few times since I first heard it just last week. I hope you enjoy it too!

was recently interviewed by about a book you might have never heard of. For many of us, the title evokes memories of a movie watched once as a teenager and soon forgotten, but Allee has convinced me that there’s more gold to find here. The movie is the movie, and the book the book. May copy is in the mail, what about yours?

Finally, this note from feels very fitting today:

It remains to this day one of my lowest rated articles of all time2, but its continued presence on my site made me wonder how much I’ve changed in my thinking since then. Should the article still remain live, or would I have significant notes for my younger self if I could speak to him today? Today, I thought I’d reshare that article with you all, five years on, but add my current thoughts throughout for you to peruse at your leisure. How much would we all do differently if we could go back five years?

What advice would you have, if you went back to spoke with the you that existed back in 2020?

Leave a comment

Adsum (2020): After eight years away from civilisation, Gawrila Sarytschew stood before Alexander I and unfolded for him mysteries only he could share. Since 1785 he, along with his crew, had lived on the predominately unexplored Frozen Ocean of Siberia, boldly going where no man had gone before. Expecting his findings to be delivered to a select few or remain confined to his own mind, instead, he found his job was not yet over. At the Tsar’s behest, all that he had found was to be chronicled, a gift to all the peoples of Russia and the World.

Adsum (2025): First off, it was bold of younger Adsum to assume that an anecdote about Russia would age well… Secondly, in all honesty, I still love this story, and I’m glad I chose it. I dare you to try and say his name three times fast though. My only gripe is that I chose to break up the story in the way that I did. You find the middle and the end later in the article, but at the time I was less well versed with modern writing styles. The majority of my reading was from the 16th Century or prior, and so a long drawn out metaphor was commonplace in my understanding. In 2020 that was no longer the case, much less so today in 2025!

Adsum (2020): Love for the Creator

“These sketches are… evidences of God's love, for oft have they come just at the moment when, had they tarried, I had been undone.”

A Doxology, C.H.Spurgeon

Even now, sitting down to write, I can feel the eyes of the Lord on my heart, searching me as only he who truly knows me can, a phenomenon Spurgeon’s verse above describes.

I found this doxology in the back of a book of Spurgeon’s sermon skeletons, which might surprise many who think sermons are for the edification of the congregation alone.

Imagine though if I, when cooking for my household, were to serve a different meal each night for myself than for everyone else because I don’t find that meal nourishing enough, or that I need something better. It would hardly instil confidence.

I believe the same is true of the preacher.

“I rejoice in the way revealed by your decrees as much as in all riches.

I will meditate on your precepts and think about your ways.

I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.”

CSB, Psalm 119:14–16.

I’m, rather unfortunately, sure you’ll know what it’s like to hear a preacher whose voice, delivery, or hermeneutics betrayed a lack of love for the content being delivered, or even for the Lord himself. I’ve also known those who’ve hoped that by simply mustering up artificial affections they might be better able to serve the Kingdom, but to no avail.

The same is true of writing.

The verse above illustrates a love for the Lord’s ways, precepts and statutes not for the benefit of onlookers, but as an expression of the Psalmists love for the Lord.

It has, however, been life-giving throughout the ages to those reading them, not because of conjured emotions, but of a true and inspiring love for the Creator.

Adsum (2025): I’m, rather unfortunately, sure you’ll know what it’s like to read an article that required further editing! If you hadn’t before today, you certainly have now. I don’t disagree with my sentiment here, but my delivery is incredibly poor.

What was I trying to say?

I write for myself before I write for you. If I don’t think it will edify me, why should I ever expect it to do so for you?

There 2020 Adsum, I fixed it for you, back over to you.

Adsum (2020): Love for the created

“As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love…This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you.”

CSB, John 15:9,12

Sarytschew was able to document the events of his expedition not because he had them memorised, but because he had “made it [his] daily practice to note down … everything worthy of observation, without any intention, however remote, of committing [his] remarks to the press.” My writing, like Sarytschew’s, shouldn’t primarily be the passing on of information, but rather an expression of the wonders found in He who is eternally worthy of observation. I deviate from Sarytschew though in this; that I simply cannot abide by keeping it to myself.

Have you ever considered the five separate commands in the new testament to “greet one another with a holy kiss” Though a long-abandoned practice, imagine what it would look like if our actions and words felt like holy kisses, what a difference that would make.

After all, we are commanded to love one another, despite our differences and the stakes are so high.

Scripture reveals that “by this everyone will know that [we are] disciples, if you love one another”

Why then does Evangelical social media culture and the blogosphere seem to delight so readily in not just the pointing out of heresy, but even in the mischaracterisation of those whose beliefs differ only on secondary or tertiary issues.

Though we are to rebuke, discipline, or correct, we must do so in love.

Our task after all doesn’t find its origin in the court of the Tsar, but from the throne of the Almighty, not a far off mystery, but the greatest news ever known to man.

Adsum (2025): A few weeks ago I sat down with a new writer, to discuss an article he’d recently released. That one article contained about fifteen different ideas, fleshed out about as succinctly as you might imagine. I suggested that next time he had an idea, to write it down, and explore that one idea alone without any distractions. Then, move onto the next idea. So on. So forth.

I ran into the very same issue here in this portion of the article.

This is three separate articles AT LEAST!

1. 404: Memory Retrieval Error - Writing Our Way to a Better Memory

2. K-I-S-S-I-N-G: The Christian Way of Loving One Another

3. The Court of the Almighty: Accuser vs the Redeemer, Whose Side Are You On?

I wish I’d completely gotten out of this habit, but I still find myself chasing rabbits sometimes. Hopefully not quite so many these days though.

Adsum (2020): Why do I write?

I pray that my writing would worship God and love others.

That being the case, let every article, message and tweet (especially those) bend under the weight of that love and if they can’t bear it, break beneath it. Do not allow the scratch of my pen or the tap of my keys to be dictated by anything else.

To do so would be to eschew the gospel I’ve been tasked with delivering, for a forgery which pales in comparison.

To the glory of your name,

A.T Ravenhill

Adsum (2025): Yes! Best part of the article by far. This yesteryear prayer is one I could happily echo today, and every single tomorrow, until the end of my days.

All in all though, I’m glad I wrote, reread, and revisited this article. It is a helpful reminder of how far I’ve come, but also of the missional mindset with which I began this journey. Adsum (2020) had a lot to learn, and Adsum (2025) does too.

I guess I’ll see you in another five years, for:

“Why Do I Write?" pt.III A Conversation With My Younger Selves”
by Adsum Try Ravenhill (2030)

Grace and Peace,

I just finished a book I’d been waiting on for almost a decade. The series is long, extremely entertaining, and is written from too many different viewpoints to count. The final book in the series has long promised to answer the multitude of questions posed by the previous books and…it barely scratched the surface. I sunk hundreds of hours into the series, and dozens into this book and it just didn’t cut it in the end. has had similar questions around the books we spend our time with recently. Check out his thoughts—which are far clearer than my own—here:

After becoming the first civilian ever to pass the French Foreign Legion recruitment tests, Magnus Midtbø went a step further, and completed the final days of training with a band of brothers about to be inducted into the mysterious army regiment. When he began, he stood with thirty other men, by the end there were only eighteen. well worth a watch if you’re looking for some encouraging content today.

dives under Google’s hood to take a look at the engine running the most expensive online company on the market. A far cry from the glitsy and glamorous exterior it shows to the world, the3 engine has been tinkered with and beaten up beyond recognition, whilst still remaining the most used website on the planet. What happens next? How do we break this cycle? I don’t know, but Gioia might.

The Honest Broker

The World's Largest Search Doesn't Want You to Search

Almost everything in the digital world is turning into its opposite…

Read more

a year ago · 1117 likes · 205 comments · Ted Gioia

“You should write an article for Valentine’s Day!”

— An Enthusiastic Mrs. R // 20:43, 13th February 2025

Am I even capable of such a thing?

It has been years since I wrote a proper poem, and I constantly struggle to write those personal articles that populate my “Most Read” list.

Love is a an odd muscle though. The more you exercise it, the more its capacity grows, seemingly without end. You start with Lego and a blanket, before long it is given solely to that girl with five colours in her hair, before breaking into a thousand pieces and falling upon every My Chemical Romance song ever written. Friends come and go. You stumble upon coffee, strange condiments, and cakes from foreign places. As all writers are, I’m also an avid reader, and so for me that love also fell upon voices from ages past and s present. Perhaps I have something to write about after all. Today I thought I’d share my love for some writers around this little world.

These are the writers I patiently wait for week after week, the kind that spur me on to better myself, whose heavy tasks I don’t envy for a minute, and who don’t boast or grandstand as they display their talents to the world. Where so many are arrogant, rude, or crude, these are humble, God glorifying, and promiscuous with their use of vocabulary. They don’t pridefully insist on their own ways, but sacrifice their time to show people the Way.

Dear Reader, it is so easy when we find others with talents so different from our own to grow resentful, and that’s why Jesus’ call to love one another is such an important task. The truth is, you’re immensely talented, and if I could write about you too, I’m sure I would.

That’s why I write.

I yearn to glorify God and to love his people through my writing. Thank you to all of you who have borne with me all these years, believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I hope this newsletter will continue to encourage you as long as it endures, but I promise that long after the last word is written, love will outlast it still.

Love will never end, but this portion of the newsletter must!

On to the recommendations!

Subscribe now

1. gives me hope. Not merely of a brighter tomorrow, but a hope that God will shine through my darkest days with all the majesty of eternity. I’ve known Bob a long while and I was delighted when he began to write more last year, and more, and yet more! The joy of Bob’s writing isn’t just in the quantity though—although that is a huge positive—but in the sincerity. Listen to the things Bob says, don’t just read and move on to the next article. Sit. Reflect. Start here:

Tracing the Thread

Your Rationale Matters

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus…

Read more

a year ago · 5 likes · Bob Allen

2. If only God would equip the coming generations with the gifts he bestowed upon. John’s writing is often quite short and concise, but carries with it the weight of years in ministry, and serious time spent in intercession for the people he loves.

Hope Remains

Desperate

One man was so full of Satan that he had super human strength. He was subject to the demons living within him. He cut himself. He threw himself into the fire. Physically bruised, cut, and battered, he was a gruesome sight to see. He was a terror to the citizens around him. He was a terror to himself…

Read more

2 years ago · 28 likes · 12 comments · John E. Dobbs

3. What do you write for the woman who has read everything one could say about her? By everything, I mean everything. will come to be a biographer’s life’s work in a hundred years time, I’m sure. They will lack the same thing Karen’s critics lack. They won’t know her. What sets Karen apart from other writers is her generosity. This I know well.

   is one of her many gifts to the world. Will you accept this gift?

The Priory

Sonnet 116: Let Me Not to the Marriage of True Minds

[Ivan Aivazovsky, Stormy Sea at Night, 1849: http://ivan.evart.ru/jivopis/storm/pictures/storm_in_night…

Read more

2 years ago · 84 likes · 23 comments · Karen Swallow Prior

4. ’s poetry is set to the whirring rhythm of an industrial lathe. A husband’s heart and a pastor’s pulpit. A man acquainted with sorrow, and a friend of the King. Hands weathered by sawdust and hours spent clinging to the Rock of our salvation, but are soft enough still to take tiny hands in his as he leads his family onwards.

E.M.’s Substack

Outlaw

I never considered…

Read more

2 years ago · 15 likes · 5 comments · E.M. Welcher

5. I hear ’s name all the time. I wonder whether Rachel realises how many people her work has impacted. Of late, the primary vehicle for her work has been a collection of poems written ostensibly for Hildegaard, the Welcher’s daughter1. Whenever I have shared these poems with others, it is because I have felt the weight of those poems myself. The best poems don’t bottle up love, but set love free, giving it a life all of its own. These are the poems that pass down through generations. One day, Hildegaard will find this inheritance of hers. Oh what a day that will be.

Rachel Joy Welcher

Anger, I am your boss

Dear Hildegaard…

Read more

a year ago · 76 likes · 16 comments · Rachel Joy Welcher

6. Let’s get serious. Seriously funny that is. I met about five years ago now, after he agreed to be the first person Mrs R and I would interview for a podcast we were recording at the time called, “Consider the Ravens.” I say that because I think the capacity Chris has for finding the funnies is an extension of his ability to bring joy to others. Chris was the perfect first guest, and he gave us the confidence we needed to carry on. Now, he gives me several dozen memes and jokes to share with Mrs R every month and I’m so grateful he does.

The Funnies

The Funnies #226: February 8, 2025

Goooood morning. It’s Super Bowl weekend. So it’s time for the poll. Who will win, or do you even care…

Read more

a year ago · 25 likes · 2 comments · Chris Martin

7. Poetry has taken a backseat in the digital age. I think one of the reasons for that is the modern mind’s propensity to drift. Poetry demands attention, and recital. You don’t need to speak all poetry aloud, because good poetry will echo through your bones as you read it. 2 is one such poet. It takes me longer to read ten of her words than a thousand of someone else’s, because hers are chosen and applied with such care.

Lanterns in the Dark: A Year of Poetry

Field Notes of Weather: A Winter Poem

A fresh poem! I confess I don’t enjoy Novembers so I’m glad it’s done - things turn darker so swiftly, the days get impossibly short, and work, instead of winding down, insists on keeping up an annoying pace. But winter itself, at its heart, I do love. It’s been slow to come here in the American South, so this is a poem somewhat about the slow, reluctan…

Read more

a year ago · 36 likes · 17 comments · Claire (Lanterns in the Dark)

8. Have you ever looked at an FAQ list and thought, “these aren’t questions people are asking. They’re the questions you wish someone would ask.” I think most writers, myself included, fall into the that trap all too often. seems to have dodged that bullet with Neo-like3 precision. What makes his work stand out is how common his subject matters are. The article below is a prime example. Believers the world over are being born again all the time, and are landing in churches with a hunger for the word of God. Yet. Justin is the first person I have seen tackle this in a long time. Justin will answer the questions no one else seems to want to tackle, despite how important they are. Justin, keep doing what you’re doing.

Digital Tools & Discipleship

How to Help a New Believer Read the Bible (version 1)

I prayed to close one of our Sunday morning services recently. I always mention that if a person has made a decision and would like to tell someone, please come talk to me. I also say, “If you would like to ask a question, I’ll be right here.” A young woman took me up on that question opportunity recently…

Read more

a year ago · 13 likes · 11 comments · Justin Allison

9. is a subtle architect. Her body of work houses all manner of subjects and experiences, but the more you read the more you notice the connective tissue that binds them all together. The article I’ve decided to share for Wendy is a little different from the others, because I think it displays the didactic nature of that connective tissue. These “House Rules” should be common sense, yet, we know they aren’t. Wendy’s didactic wisdom is on full display here:

Living Grace-filled in a SLATHY World

House Rules

To those who choose to engage with me through the content I post, I’d like to offer these guidelines…

Read more

2 years ago · 2 likes · Wendy Willard

10. is the freshest addition to this list. The speed is notable, only having arrived on the scene earlier this year. There is a wisdom in brevity, and Dan knows this well. In this article Dan says, “I have started to compile a collection of wisdom to bring along with me wherever I go.” I suggest you do the same with his writing.

The Habitus

the way to wisdom

the way to wisdom…

Read more

2 years ago · 1 like · Dan Alcantara

11. is a formidable talent. All the raw talent in the world is nothing without experience though—something Kelly has in spades. Her writing digs through the annals of her life, finding those moments that intersect with every member of the body of Christ. The unique moments of her life tell a greater story about the underlying truths we all share. This is one such example:

Springs of Joy

The Day I Cried Over Football

September Saturdays and fall colors were the signposts to a season when leprechauns were known to fight, and Saturday afternoons were booked solid for months. We spoke in shades of blue, green, and gold. Here’s to you…

Read more

a year ago · 2 likes · 3 comments · Kelly Ottaway

12. Once upon a time, a clergyman woke up and chose murder. *Checks notes* Sorry, once upon a time, a clergyman woke up and chose murder mystery novels. Check out ’ writing if you're fond of a conundrum, and a good laugh.

Murder at the Manse

I live in a manse, and I love a good murder. Fictional murders, that is. Join me on my detective fiction investigations.

By Adam Thomas

13. I’m 99% sure that is actually a time traveler… although there’s a 1% chance left that she’s immortal. How else could someone convey the past in the present in such a personable way. She had to have been there.

    I will accept no other options at this time.

Sub-Creations

In Conversation with Martin Luther

This week, I’m traveling to Wittenberg, Germany in the year 1524 to chat with Martin Luther, one of the primary characters in my book Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, releasing on November 12. Let’s get to know him…

Read more

2 years ago · 14 likes · Amy Mantravadi

Leave a comment

Subscribe now

That’s all from me today.

This piece is dedicated to my Valentine, the inimitable Mrs R, who has stood by my writing desk for years now without fail. Someone once lamented that excellent wives are hard to find. This one turned up when I wasn’t searching, but finding her changed my world. I wouldn’t be the writer I am today without her, in fact, I probably wouldn’t a writer at all. This woman makes me want to be a better man, and she helps towards that end.

Mrs R, I love you.

Grace and Peace,

P.S. Tell me about a writer you love!

Leave a comment

“For I do not understand my own actions.
For I do not do what I want,
but I do the very thing I hate.”

Romans 7:151

I was on the train to London by 7:30am. Work experience2 is a rite of passage for British school kids, but this was far from my first job. I’d fried fish, baked bread, delivered newspapers, handed out flyers, mixed cement, and a dozen other odd job but the time I was sixteen, but this was different. For two weeks, I got to work for a branch of the government. The days were long, and the work they gave me was far more cerebral than anything I’d experienced up until that point.

Day One: My First Coffee

I hated coffee.

I ordered a latte, and then added extra milk and four sugars. It might have been more sugar…all I can remember is how bitter it tasted. The large coffee was gone in minutes. I downed it, felt the buzz, and got back to work. I had another, and then another the next day, and the next, until the end of the week rolled around and I had excised sugar altogether. Coffee was amazing! Why did I ever hesitate? Next I got rid of milk too, and once my time was up, I was hooked.

Coffee followed me wherever I went after that. When I moved to the continent, I got to try Turkish Coffee for the first time, it was a revelation. If you’ve not had the pleasure, essentially, it’s like a strong, dark, double espresso with the coffee grounds left in. They also boil it in sand—as if it wasn’t manly enough already.

When I moved back to the UK, I discovered local roasters, and began using a pourer for the first time. That first attempt was the best cup of coffee I had ever made. It has only gotten better from there.

It became a hobby, and then a habit.

I love coffee.

Day Seven - Rest

I hate resting.

I drink coffee to kick out the last remnants of sleep when I wake up. Honestly, if I were physically able, I’d probably sacrifice that last hour of sleep, just to get an extra hour into my day.

Coffee is easy, because I love it.
Rest is a chore, because…

Because?

Why do I hate rest?

Surely, rest is a good thing, no?

In Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, he laments the fact that he does the very things he hates. Why do them then?

Why neglect our time with God in prayer?
                    ...our Bible reading?
                    ...our friends?
                    ...our family?
                    ...our work?

Why do we lie, and steal, and lust, and hate?

Day One - A Love Hate Relationship

It’s a new day, and God’s mercies rained down anew this morning. They settled on the ground ready to be discovered, our daily portion of spiritual bread.

Why did I drink the very coffee I hated? I knew I needed it. Ultimately, it was for my own good. I would have burned out after mere hours without it, so I held my nose, poured sugar in it, and drank it down. Why do I sin? Because I love the very thing I know I should hate.

Sometimes, we have to learn to love the things we hate.
Sometimes, we have to learn to hate the things we love.

Psalm 107:17-183 puts it like this:

Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published

Some were fools through their sinful ways,
   and because of their iniquities suffered affliction:
   they loathed any kind of food,
   and they drew near to the gates of death.

How foolish to neglect the very food that would sustain our lives?

But we do sometimes, don’t we?

We taste some difficult verse of the Bible, and our earthly tongues can’t handle how bitter it seems to us. We go to God in prayer, and despite the fact that we know what we should ask him for, our pride burns away within our hearts, begging us not to give in to humility.

Today is day one.

Tomorrow, day two.

These days might be hard.

On a random Monday morning in fifteen years time though, you’ll look back differently though. You’ll recall the days when your morning routine didn’t make any room for God, and as you drink your coffee—14g finely ground coffee beans, 200g of filtered water at 95°C, 2 Minutes in an Aeropress, 1 Minute Pour—you’ll think, “Why didn’t I do the things I love so dearly?”

Grace and Peace,

Every now and then I allow myself to travel down those treacherous paths in my mind and I leave that space feeling gutted for that little girl. For me. But it’s not just sadness. Mingled with the mourning is gratitude and awe. I’m in awe of God. I know that if it wasn’t for him, there’s a good chance I wouldn’t be typing these words today.

—

Treasuring Christ

According to Statistics, I Should Be Dead

Trigger warning: In this piece I mention suicide and suicidal ideation. Please take care to not read it if it may affect you in an adverse way…

Read more

a year ago · 3 likes · Brittany Allen

“If you are new to note-taking, you should attend to the most important thing: just write notes. Don’t worry about all the refined skills the master note-takers perform with dizzying ease. Just write notes.

Then, after a while, one of two things will happen.”

—

Elvis and The Philosopher

Mastering Note-Processing, Lesson 1: Setting Up Your Notebooks

From Cicero to Erasmus to John Locke to Jonathan Edwards to the madman who helped the professor write the Oxford English Dictionary, every influential thinker since the invention of letters had a secret formula that made him effective: he knew how to do notes…

Read more

a year ago · 415 likes · 61 comments · Andrew Kern

A short exhortation from to mark up your Bible today! Do it!

The Habitus

A simple system for marking up your Bible

As someone who is a bit too into note-taking and figuring out how/where to keep them all, I have been trying to make things simpler. As such, this is going to be a short newsletter…

Read more

a year ago · 1 like · Dan Alcantara

Just over a couple of years ago now, I wrote an article about new books. And what I didn’t quite make clear in that article at the time was that it was meant to convince myself as much as it was to convince anybody else. It was predicated on an idea from C.S. Lewis that, for every new book we read, we should read one old one1. But what many people miss when they use that quote is the idea of reading new ones. Essentially, that quote is often used to try to make people read older books, which, honestly, is an idea I share.

Grappling with Modern Literature

The reality of Christian literature throughout history is that so much of what we have left, we have because of its greatness. However, that meant that, for a good couple of years, I had essentially looked down on modern literature. Quite a problem for a modern writer living in the 2020s! So I made sure to spend time reading newer books and articles.

Today, I’m walking around the city of Oxford—one of the most beautiful places in the world—and thinking about why I keep coming here. What it comes down to, at the heart of it, is trying to make myself feel small again2.

Blackwell’s and the Seconds Shelf

There’s a bookstore here called Blackwell’s—If Oxford is the crown of the world, Blackwells is surely the jewel at its heart. What’s interesting—and what I hadn’t really wrestled with until today—is that when I go to this bookstore, I don’t spend time looking at the new books. There’s a row of books at the end of each section titled “Seconds.” These are books on sale for one reason or another, mostly because they haven’t sold.

Many of these seconds have wonderful covers and brilliant ideas. The authors are sometimes far better known than you’d assume. I spend ages looking at these books, and more often than not, I don’t buy anything new. I end up buying two or three more of these seconds than my wife would like3, but they’re largely fantastic.

Walking in the Footsteps of Giants

I also walk around Oxford and think about the people who lived here. I’m just a stone’s throw from the Lamb and Flag, where C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, and the other Inklings would meet and discuss their writing—writing that, even at its worst, is probably better than anything I’ll ever come up with.

Countless Puritans were trained here, and their literature is still held dear. Right now, I’m reading The Christian in Complete Armour, whose author—William Gurnall—was trained here in Oxford. It’s humbling to walk among these stories and try to figure out my place as a writer in 2025.

What If My Work Ends Up on That Shelf?

Sometimes, I imagine myself on that second shelf. I remember hearing from a writer named Jared Wilson. Someone once told him that the book he’d just written would bless someone—when it was found ten years later on sale in a church bookstore.

I often think about that. What if my book—maybe the only one I ever publish—ends up being a blessing in fifty years’ time? What if everything I write will be of no consequence until long after I’m dead? I think of artists and writers who, in their own day, were maligned or ignored but were later seen as stalwarts of their craft.

There’s part of me that prays that’s my legacy. That I never get to see it in this life. That God would bless me with obscurity so that others could be blessed at the right time.

Embracing the New While Staying Grounded

I talked about modern books earlier. To be perfectly honest, over the past couple of years of reading modern books and learning to appreciate them, I’ve ended up reading more of those than older ones. And I’ve picked up some fantastic things along the way.

But when I look back at my writing from a few years ago, it feels quite archaic. That came from immersing myself in older literature and essentially copying what I’d read there. By reading newer books, I’m able to write in a way that’s probably more accessible.

Still, I’ve also picked up habits I don’t want. One thing I see in modern literature is the tendency for writers to be their own biggest fans, especially given how marketing works in the writing world today. I’m not sure I want to be that. I’m not sure that’s healthy, and it’s not something I want to emulate.

Writing for God’s Glory

The reality is, the longer you’re immersed in the 2020s writing sphere, the closer you get to that danger. That’s why, this year, I’m going to read more old literature. I’m not going to abandon modern books, but I want to regain that feeling of smallness before the world.

I’m just one person, just writing. I’m not going to change the world with my writing. I might not even make an impact in my lifetime. I might end up on the second shelf at Blackwell’s—or maybe not even there. But if my writing stirs even one person, if this podcast reaches just you, and you gain something from it, then that’s enough.

A Much Bigger God

And in my small way, I hope to point toward a much bigger God. No matter how small I feel walking around Oxford, I’m even smaller before God. Yet the most remarkable thing is this: that great, wondrous, almighty God died for me—and He died for you.

When I come to Oxford, I feel like it was built for me. I’m inspired. I’m humbled. And it gives me the drive to write again. I’m really grateful for that. I’m grateful that God gave me this gift.

Wherever you are—big or small—I pray you see how much bigger God is today.

As you likely already know, I have started a twice-daily devotional series called Dusk Till Dawn inspired by Charles Spurgeon’s great work Morning & Evening. Yesterday, instead of releasing one of my own articles, I took a page out of Spurgeon’s book…and I don’t mean that figuratively. I highly recommend you check it out, it might be the best one yet!

Dusk Till Dawn

What Are You Thirsting For?

God has given us a plenteous bounty of voices from the history of the church to listen to and learn from. Last week, we joined a man named Augustine, the first of our historical guides, but this week we’re not travelling back quite so far. This entire series was inspired by a man named Charles Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers, who once wrote a devotion…

Listen now

a year ago · Adsum Try Ravenhill

If you haven’t yet had a chance, I highly recommend you check out’s current series on Paradise Lost by John Milton. This is your opportunity to get right into the heart of one of Britain’s most revered poets, and in community with dozens of others alongside you. If you’re poetry-skeptical, just go and read the comments beneath this article! It isn’t too late, my copy came just a few days ago and so I’m a little behind myself.

The Priory

Paradise Lost: Book 2

First, a couple of housekeeping details…

Read more

a year ago · 24 likes · 55 comments · Karen Swallow Prior

There are few greater joys than witnessing a new believer develop a love for the Bible. Those initial moments—maybe even months—are often accompanied by questions and wrestling though. helps us to tackle those together. How can we be a faithful friend during those times?

Digital Tools & Discipleship

How to Help a New Believer Read the Bible (version 1)

I prayed to close one of our Sunday morning services recently. I always mention that if a person has made a decision and would like to tell someone, please come talk to me. I also say, “If you would like to ask a question, I’ll be right here.” A young woman took me up on that question opportunity recently…

Read more

a year ago · 9 likes · 11 comments · Justin Allison

This year I have started a new devotional series, inspired by Charles Spurgeon’s magnificent work, Morning and Evening. The name Dusk Till Dawn comes from my conviction that the habits we form, and the actions we take between sundown and sunrise have a profound effect on the rest of our lives. These 2-3 minute twice-daily devotionals—as well as the prayers and the Bible reading plan that accompany them—are intended to help us form those habits and learn more about the scriptures as we do. Below I’ve linked all of this week’s episodes so far, but you don’t have to go back and listen to them all. I suggest that if you’d like to give this a go, choose one that catches your eye, and then subscribe to Dusk Till Dawn to get started this coming week.

You can also subscribe on the following platforms:

Apple Podcasts

YouTube

Spotify

I hope this blesses you.

Grace and Peace,

Adsum Try Ravenhill

Dusk Till Dawn

The Essentials

Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love…

Listen now

a year ago · 2 likes · Adsum Try Ravenhill

Dusk Till Dawn

Meditating Day & Night

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night…

Listen now

a year ago · 3 likes · Adsum Try Ravenhill

Dusk Till Dawn

From the Beginning

Now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it…

Listen now

a year ago · 3 likes · Adsum Try Ravenhill

Dusk Till Dawn

His Own Fault!

“Salvation belongs to the Lord…

Listen now

a year ago · 3 likes · Adsum Try Ravenhill

Dusk Till Dawn

The Way is Shut

“If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching…

Listen now

a year ago · 4 likes · 2 comments · Adsum Try Ravenhill

Dusk Till Dawn

Singing Allowed

“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you…

Listen now

a year ago · 2 likes · Adsum Try Ravenhill

Dusk Till Dawn

A Pilgrimage Till the End of Time

Every Saturday we’ll depart from our usual journey, to look at the first and the last books of the Bible. On Saturday mornings we’ll dive into the book of Revelation, and then in the evenings we’ll jump right back to Genesis…

Listen now

a year ago · 3 likes · Adsum Try Ravenhill

Dusk Till Dawn

Created

This morning we looked to the end of all things, this evening we’re looking right back to our first parents. In Genesis 1:27 it says…

Listen now

a year ago · 3 likes · Adsum Try Ravenhill

Dusk Till Dawn

Radiance in Our Reality

This morning we are taking our first look at the book of Hebrews. We are splitting up Sunday mornings into two series, one on Hebrews, the other on the book of Romans—which we’ll get to in mid-July…

Listen now

a year ago · 1 like · Adsum Try Ravenhill

To receive future devotional from Dusk Till Dawn, subscribe below!

Dusk Till Dawn

From the Raven's Writing Desk (ravenswritingdesk.co.uk) Watch this space

By Adsum Try Ravenhill

This year, one newsletter becomes two.

The Raven’s Writing Desk, and Dusk till Dawn.

This newsletter isn’t changing, it will continue to land in your inbox as normal, but for those of you who want more devotional content, Dusk till Dawn is for you. I believe that the decisions and routines we make for ourselves between sundown and sunrise have a huge effect on the rest of our lives. As such, every day of 2025, I will release a short video and article with a devotional piece, as well as a prayer based on the day’s passage. It will also include a daily Bible reading plan, which will follow along the same path as the devotionals each day. There’ll be recommended media as always, but each morning will be a little more light hearted than those I share here.

I hope you’ll subscribe to Dusk Till Dawn, you can check out the very first instalment in the link below. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Dusk Till Dawn

The Essentials

Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love…

Listen now

a year ago · Adsum Try Ravenhill

Dusk Till Dawn

From the Raven's Writing Desk (ravenswritingdesk.co.uk) Watch this space

By Adsum Try Ravenhill

Grace and Peace,

I had voted for it!

That stung.

I joined the book club, I looked through the list of potential books, checked out the different topics and authors, and this seemed like the best choice. The book came, it was well designed and nicely bound, even the internal illustrations were good.

It took twenty pages before half the group gave up. It was calamitous.

Like many others, I put the book down, gave my apologies, and started something else.

Not every book deserves to be read in its entirety. This was one of them, but it wasn’t the only one I abandoned this year. I’m not interested in compiling a name and shame list, but I do think this is important to talk about. I have met too many readers who never meet their self-ordained reading targets because of a boring, unwise, disheartening, or otherwise unhelpful tome. Why? They feel they need to read it before starting something new.

You don’t.

You really don’t!

Stop Chasing the Last Page

I worked a few times as a labourer. The work always found that perfect balance between gruelling and rewarding. As a teenager, what enamoured me most was the cash given me at the end of every day. The work wasn’t stable, but the pay was pretty good. Imagine if on day one I was told, “Look, kid, I don’t have your money today, but I’ll pay you double tomorrow.” Fair enough, I think. I go home happy. Day two, same deal. Day Three, I start to see a pattern. How many days would you be willing to work before you start to doubt that you’ll ever get paid.

Yet.

Chapter One. Boredom.
Chapter Two. *That* kind of scene, out of nowhere, you skip it.
Chapter Three. A plot hole already?
Chapter Four…Five…Six…Seven… Did anything actually happen?
Chapter Eight. What’s the main character’s name again?

It is possible that things will change, don’t get me wrong. The Lord of the Rings is largely thought of as one of the greatest works of fiction of all time, but there are some choice pages early on. You shouldn't expect every author to be on par with Tolkien though.

Last pages can contain glorious prizes, but not all of them.

Time

Your time is worth something. Spend it wisely. As we round out the year with books piling up under Christmas trees the world over, we readers are filled with gleeful expectation. There are so many books I never got round to this year, and there are even more yet to come in 2025. If you’re reading something unwise, this is your prompt to stop, and find something more edifying. If you can’t get past that page of text that doesn’t make any sense to you, either put it down, or find someone who can help you to understand it. This doesn’t even mean you can never read it again. Maybe this just isn’t the right season for it? There are books I couldn’t understand a decade ago that are among my favourites today. That doesn’t mean I was wrong to leave them alone then, it just means I needed more understanding.

There are lots of reasons to read a book. There are lots of reasons not to. I can’t explain every single one of them here. To all of you who made it this far, thanks for finishing this article. Let’s finish it as we began.

Don’t finish that book. Whatever that book may be.

Grace and Peace,

coming soon

If you missed it, last week I teased a big project I’ve been working on behind the scenes, I highly suggest you go and check that out and sign up to new the first to hear about it when it drops.

Not every project makes an artist money. The same goes for almost every profession, sometimes you just have to work for free, but what if there was a better way of looking at it? In Peter McKinnon’s latest video, he beautifully explains why every “yes” builds a bridge, a book, or a bank account. Imagine what the world might look like with more bridges, and better books?

is an important voice on right now, bringing Godly wisdom and helpful insight. In this video he discusses ’s recent article about the disappearance of adults in the modern world.

I’ve been working on a secret project behind the scenes for a couple of months now. I’m really excited about what’s ahead in 2025, and this is a big part of that. I can’t tell you much more yet, but if you want to be among the first to hear about it, I have good news.

All you have to do is subscribe to my second newsletter, which I’m calling Dusk till Dawn. That’s all I can tell you for now.

I’ll be back in touch next week with further updates. Till then, check out today’s recommended media.

Dusk Till Dawn

From the Raven's Writing Desk (ravenswritingdesk.co.uk) Watch this space

By Adsum Try Ravenhill

We’ve all asked this question, but has perhaps more reason than most to do so. His chosen profession is less of a job, and more of calling, but it isn’t an easy one. This article is a great example of the lessons Nicolas has learned in the tension between “Why am I here?” and “God, be near.”

Gospel Embassy

Why Am I Here?

10:58 PM. My first call-in from the ICU…

Read more

a year ago · 3 likes · Nicholas Lewis

is no stranger to criticism, whether that be of the literary sort, or the kind that sticks to the bottommost regions of social media. He is a teacher whose classroom and students look wholly different than they did even ten years ago. AI, IT, and a number of other letters of the alphabet have made his profession harder, and that’s before you factor in his profession of faith. Check out this article to read more:

You Are Not Your Own Substack

Why I Teach Literature (After Ten Years)

This school year marks my tenth year in the English Department at Oklahoma Baptist University. I taught as a graduate student at Baylor and Antelope Valley Community College before that, but I really began to teach literature here at OBU ten years ago. During that time, I’ve watched friends and acquaintances across the cou…

Read more

a year ago · 25 likes · 2 comments · O. Alan Noble

Poetry is a guilty pleasure of mine. By that I mean, I am rather guilty of not reading as much as I ought, or even as much as I should like. from is helping to remedy that. To find out how, you’ll just have to read her work for yourself.

Lanterns in the Dark: A Year of Poetry

Field Notes of Weather: A Winter Poem

A fresh poem! I confess I don’t enjoy Novembers so I’m glad it’s done - things turn darker so swiftly, the days get impossibly short, and work, instead of winding down, insists on keeping up an annoying pace. But winter itself, at its heart, I do love. It’s been slow to come here in the American South, so this is a poem somewhat about the slow, reluctan…

Read more

a year ago · 29 likes · 14 comments · Claire

Last week, I sent out a list of my top eight favourite articles from around the web. There are so many excellent writers out there, all of whom deserve more attention than they currently have. I hope that newsletter helped to move the dial, even 1% of the way.

This week, I thought I’d share your favourite articles from the year…at least, your favourites from here at the Raven’s Writing Desk. This is always fascinating for me personally, as many of the articles that take off, so to speak, aren’t the ones I would have guessed. This year is no different. This list includes travel writing, an article about the book of Leviticus, and even one about prayers from the reformation!

I’m so thankful for all of you who read, like, comment, and share these articles each week, and I can’t wait for you to see what I have planned in 2025!

So let’s get to it!

This article was about two years in the making. On the face of it, it is a fairly simple idea. Listen to your pastor, listen to church history, and speak truth over yourself. In reality though, this is actually quite countercultural. It took me this long to write, edit, and send it, because I worried that it would rub people the wrong way. To my surprise, and my joy, I received a bunch of really positive feedback. This is one of those articles that will be just as applicable in twenty years time, let alone two months later.

For those of you who don’t know, I suffer from a number of illness and conditions that affect me constantly. The only thing more constant than my pain, is God’s steadfast love. This article talks about some of the lessons I’ve learned in the midst of those two constants.

Lexham Press are a fantastic publisher, and this book was no different. Prayer books play a significant role in my devotional life, and in our bedtime routine, so this review is rather more practical than others I’ve written.

Speaking of book reviews. What happens when a writer becomes disillusioned with the purpose of reviews? Are they important? Are they helpful? Do they edify the reader, or just give them a sense of FOMO? I spent about a year really digging into the “why” and the “how” behind reviews. These were my findings.

I swear. Sometimes. Thankfully, not like I used to, and I’m growing out of it every day. I call it my sin of least resistance. We all have them, I think, but for you it might be something different. Gossiping, lying, drinking to excess. There are always certain sins that we feel like we have to struggle with alone. Is that really what self-control is all about though?

How do we grow in, and exercise this fruit? It’s a good article, I swear.

If you’d told me a year ago that my third most popular article of the year would be about the book of Leviticus, there’s no way I would have believed you. So much work has been done to discourage people from reading, and enjoying, this book of the Bible that I worried no one would even open this email! What’s more, the original version of this article was nine points long! Edit #1 got rid of two, my second round whittled it down further, and then just before I sent it out, Mrs R suggested I combined two of the remaining points. I’m glad I stuck with four.

I’m not a travel writer. In fact, I’m not much of a traveler. I am still learning what it means to enjoy holidays, and so I thought I’d share some of that with you. I thought I’d go with something light. Prostitutes and brothels, and what that has to tell us about the church and the world, all whilst recounting the highlights of my trip to the Netherlands.

This isn’t just my top article of the year, it is the most popular article I’ve ever written.

I’m grateful, and saddened by that reality. It means that I’m not alone in wrestling with this, and honestly, I wish I was. I spoke with some friends just yesterday who were lamenting this very same reality in their own lives. Maybe you are too.

I hope that this piece brought fresh fire to empty furnaces.

If your pen has sat unmoved for some time. This is for you.

Thanks so much for reading my work this year, I’m forever grateful for the support and the encouragement that you give me. I don’t know exactly what 2025 will hold, and I suppose I will be just as surprised when I release a similar run-down next year.

Stay unpredictable, dear reader.

Grace and Peace,

wrote a book earlier this year called, Jesus Likes You and right now he’s giving it away for free! I own the physical copy, and it is a wonderful, easy to digest devotional, full of deep truths. What are you still doing here!?

Hope Remains

Free E-Book

The first book I published was JESUS LIKES YOU: FIFTY WORDS FOR STRONGER FAITH. It came out in April 2024, so not even a year ago! I was blessed by many kind words written about it. I’ve even heard of Bible classes using it as a study…

Read more

a year ago · 6 likes · John E. Dobbs

God filled the world with unnecessary beauty. knows something about emulating that. Some things don’t need to be necessary to be important.

A Creative Connection

In which I am stranded in a parking lot with an armchair

This is me in the summer of 2019, sitting in an armchair in a Portsmouth parking lot at 8:06 pm…

Read more

a year ago · 12 likes · 16 comments · Alicia Hamilton

If you’ve been looking over at that empty suitcase this week, just wondering what to pack for the Christmas break, this one is for you. I said before that I’m a poor excuse for a traveler, but is an expert. Check out her method for preparing for big trips, it might give you some ideas.

Preparing for a Big Trip

I have something a little different for you today.

Christmas is a hard time of year for many, myself included, and I always find that it is the little things that help during this season. Last year, released the first season of his brilliant Podcast, “Need I Say Myrrh.” The format is simple, a few guests, fifteen minutes each, one episode a day, and each of them answers the same questions. As simple as that sounds, the scope is incredibly broad. Yesterday’s episode could hardly have been much more different from mine, in all the best ways.

This podcast helped me get into the Christmas spirit last year, and I hope it will do the same for you as we approach the 25th together.

You can listen in on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts, and I hope you will.

Tune in to find out why Christmas cards are the best decorations, what Christmas morning looks like for Adam himself—a Pastor from Wales—and my most controversial Christmas opinion...

I hope that’s piqued your interest!

Grace and Peace,

2024 isn’t even over yet, but publications and bloggers have already started wrapping up their top books of the year. Why do books get all the fun though? I read dozens of articles every week—and write a few too—as do many of us, and so I thought I'd spotlight some of my favourites from throughout the year.

1. Tim Suffield Stand Fast
   
   Earlier this year I had the honour of working together with Tim to write a series of letters about Polycarp's Epistle to the Philippians. This, I think, is the best of those articles. I've read, and reread it many times.
   

   Stand Fast

   

2. New Year, New Joys, New Sorrows
   
   On January 1st 2024 Tim (#2) said, "What is certain is that 2024 will bring both joys and sorrows, both gains and losses. There will be good days and bad, joyful seasons and grievous." How right he was.
   

   New Year, New Joys, New Sorrows

3. Where Was Jesus Actually Buried?
   
   I have lost count of how many times a new discovery has been made in the field of Biblical archaeology. This one, however, is a little different. After centuries of dispute, new evidence meets old answers.

Culture Critic

Where Was Jesus Actually Buried?

Where is the real burial place of Jesus of Nazareth? How can we know…

Read more

2 years ago · 170 likes · 9 comments · Culture Critic

3. The One Thing...

   
   This article could have been written in 1824, 1924, and will still be needed in 2124. Bob holds up his notes—taken from years behind the pulpit—and points out the one through line that connects them all. This is a must read

Tracing the Thread

The One Thing...

Sometimes when I look out at the congregation from the pulpit, I feel like Oprah during her “Oprah’s Favorite Things” episode…

Read more

a year ago · 4 likes · 1 comment · Bob Allen

5. A Parable for Our Secular Age
   
   I don't start thinking about Christmas until tomorrow…maybe the next day. Nicholas started writing about it in October! In this case, about the Tim Burton classic, the Nightmare Before Christmas...but, why is it a classic?

The Bard Owl

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a Parable for Our Secular Age

If you were to ask me what I’m more excited about this year…

Read more

a year ago · 30 likes · Nicholas McDonald

6. In Conversation with Martin Luther
   
   Who knew that you could still get Martin Luther in for an interview in 2024? I certainly didn't. This article really made me laugh, but it also made me think. Amy is doing big things, check it out.

Sub-Creations

In Conversation with Martin Luther

This week, I’m traveling to Wittenberg, Germany in the year 1524 to chat with Martin Luther, one of the primary characters in my book Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, releasing on November 12. Let’s get to know him…

Read more

2 years ago · 13 likes · Amy Mantravadi

7. A Rarer Type of Woman
   
   I'm cheating a little here, because this was actually written in 2023, but seeing as I only discovered it this year I'm counting it. Sophie sheds light on an important subject through the lens of her own experience.

Sophie Spital

A Rarer Type of Woman

The boy was looking at me like I was crazy. I can still see his face, bemused and laced with disdain…

Read more

3 years ago · 17 likes · 12 comments · Sophie Spital

8. Poetry as Rest for the Soul
   
   Verses have too often been related to songs alone since the end of the 20th century, but it feels like that's changing bit by bit. This article is an explanation and an invitation. Will you answer?

Spiritual Theology

Poetry as Rest for the Soul

Busy pastors are in danger. In due time, they’ll be busted up, broken down, and burned out. In The Contemplative Pastor, Eugene Peterson’s assessment of busy pastors is right on the nose…

Read more

a year ago · 9 likes · 2 comments · J. A. Medders

I'd love to hear your favourite articles of 2024! Who did I miss? Also, are there any writers I should be looking out for in 2025?

…Have I not given you enough articles to read already!

If not, check out this one from earlier this year, on the book no one wants to preach!

I have sent thousands of words out into the world over the past few years. Sometimes when I read them back, I feel like writing an Augustine style retractions essay, outlining all of the faults and shortcomings contained within my body of work. Among them, are these:

“I should mention at this stage that I’m not celebrating Thanksgiving this year.
In fact, I never have, and I probably never will.”

Thanksgiving Challenge: A Message in a Bottle
Adsum Try Ravenhill, GCD

How wrong I was!

The year after this article was released I attended two Thanksgiving dinners, last year I think I made it to four1. GCD () published this article the year before we moved, and before we even knew we were moving! Just six months later, we would join a Church Plant populated largely by Americans who had made the decision to travel across the Atlantic to carry out the Great Commission in the UK. By the time Thanksgiving rolled around, we had much to be thankful for.

As I’m currently preparing for two Thanksgiving dinners this week, I thought now might be a good time to share this article again, because although this sentence was soon to be disproved, the rest still rings true.

The article is called “Thanksgiving Challenge: A Message in a Bottle.” Over fifty percent of you reading live in either America or Canada, and so this article was written ostensibly to you, but not just for you. In it, I call upon you guys to lead us—the rest of the world, that is—into a greater appreciation for the role of thanksgiving in the life of the Christian. Most of us have no such holiday, no similar opportunity to reflect, but we all still need to live lives of thanksgiving.

With said that, I also know that this can be a hard time of year for many. Thanksgiving poses challenges and historical grievances, especially in an election year like this. In this article I included a prayer that I hope will help to frame thanksgiving in a way that glorifies God, and helps you to love others around you.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, and about any exciting plans you have this year.

Grace and Peace,

Last week, looked at another celebration. This time the exaltation of Christ the King, a holy day in the Catholic Church, as well as the CofE. Cary draws out the deeper meaning behind the holiday—as well as giving some surprising details about it’s origins—to help encourage not only those churches who celebrated it, but all of us who worship Jesus our Lord. I love the title. The article more than lives up to it.

Cary's Almanac

Something Wonderful on Which We Can All Agree

Before I launch into an article about Christ the King – celebrated this coming Sunday – can I tell you about how you can buy yourself, and others, some handy Christmas presents, written by yours truly…

Read more

a year ago · 9 likes · 4 comments · James Cary

What do , an American Football player, and a viral Instagram comment have in common? Check out the latest from to find out.

Spiritual Theology

Where is God when Bad Things Happen?

I made a comment that got a lot of steam on Bleacher Report’s Instagram. I commented on a post where an NFL player quoted the Bible, and I responded with a mini gospel encouragement…

Read more

a year ago · 5 likes · J. A. Medders

I loved this version of the hymn, “Give Thanks” and so I thought this would be a good final note to leave on today.

You are beautiful. When was the last time someone told you that?

It may have been this morning when you woke up, or not for years. The truth is though that you, dear reader, are beautiful. I may not know you well enough to know how God made you beautiful, or which features and personality traits the people around you prize most highly, but I know that God never makes mistakes.

You are no exception.

God also made fruit. My goodness. Have you ever tasted Yuzu before?? Very few ingredients balance sweet, bitter, and savoury that well. As if that weren’t enough, we have kiwis, berries, and bananas. If you have the money, you can find even rarer delicacies. Money is so helpful, the more you have the more you can get. In fact, why not have everything, all the time? God made so much good stuff for us to enjoy, why restrict ourselves?

As Christians, we can so often get caught up in the ugliness of sin, that we forget what leads people there. How could people fall into Gluttony, don’t they know how awful that is? We might not put it like that, but it is how we act. Six months ago, the YouTube channel Kurzgesagt released a video called, “Smoking is Awesome.” For those of us who have never smoked—or at least never got hooked—we’ll never truly understand why they fell into that habit. This video goes some way towards addressing that:

“Smoking helps you focus at work and is an excuse to take regular breaks—which is good for you mentally. It's a tool against boredom, it suppresses your appetite, it makes bad moments feel less bad and good moments better.”

People don’t smoke because they’ve heard about the health risks, and can’t wait to hop on that train. People smoke because it feels awesome.

When we talk about the sins of the world, it is so easy to act as though people are running towards debauchery because they’re attracted to disgusting things. The enemy is far more cunning than that. He shows people something good, and makes them want it.

People are beautiful. Food is good for the body. Money gets us things.

None of those things are bad. However. Seeing can lead to wanting, wanting to desiring, desiring to coveting, and coveting leads us into a whole host of sins. Suddenly, that thing that was so good becomes our only goal. I used to work in a Fish and Chip shop. Two of my colleagues would receive their pay every week, only to spend the whole package on tobacco. They worked to smoke. Smoking was worth everything to them.

At some point in their lives, they crossed a line, and it is so hard to come back.

As Christians, we cannot fall into the trap of demonising God’s good gifts. Countless image bearers have been rebuked for their beauty, because of the mere potential of it leading to sin.

That is so wrong.

In the prayer book Every Moment Holy Vol. I, there is a short prayer entitled, “Upon Seeing a Beautiful Person.” It reads:

“Lord, I praise you for divine beauty
reflected in the form of this person.
Now train my heart so that my response to their beauty
would not be twisted downward into envy or desire,
but would instead be directed upward in worship of you,
their Creator- as was your intention for all such beauty
before the breaking of the world.”

Beauty is good. Earlier this year I had the opportunity to see some of Van Gogh’s work, and it told me things about him. It got to him through the gifts he left behind him. God has been creating since the beginning, and continues to do so today.

When people make idols of God’s gifts, they devalue them. When we turn away those gifts, we go further not only devaluing the gifts, but rebuking the Giver.

What’s more, when we inevitably see someone beautiful, eat something glorious, or receive a monetary gift. how will our hearts respond? Will we not feel joy? If we’ve been told our whole lives that such joy is evil, how will that affect our affections?

Don’t get me wrong, we should never put anything above God, but that doesn’t mean we should never want better, but that we should perform the act of wanting, better. In addition, we should train ourselves and those around us to recognise good wherever it springs up, whether that be in the face of a friend or the actions of a samaritan.

That way, when we are given good reasons to lust, to gorge ourselves, or to fall into greed, pride, or any other sin, we will be all the better equipped to say, “Yes, that is good, but it isn’t God.”

Grace and Peace,

I’ll start with something light this week. If you have any affinity for Tolkien’s works-which is likely is you’re reading this—then you’ve probably come across ’s before. This week Landen Swain took the reins for a guest article all about one line from the first film in Jackson’s trilogy. This is the only time I’ll ever promote anything “troll” related on the internet, but for good reason.

Jokien with Tolkien

Why Does "They Have a Cave Troll" Work?

Mae govannen, friends! Josh here…

Read more

a year ago · 39 likes · 8 comments · Landen Swain

Music is played on guitars, but poetry is played on our heartstrings. I could give few examples are poignant as ’s latest poem, writen to her daughter Hilde. These poems invite us to feel the fierce warmth of a mother’s love, and to grasp the dreams and hopes that are found in such love. This poem will do your soul good.

Dear Hildegaard

You Turn Three Next Week

You Turn Three Next Week…

Read more

a year ago · 24 likes · 6 comments · Rachel Joy Welcher

I mentioned the Rabbit Room’s (Rabbit Room Poetry) Every Moment Holy Series in today’s article, a book containing liturgies and prayers for everything from making coffee to beekeeping. My wife and I use this regularly to aid us in our evening prayers, alongside other prayer books such as Grace from Heaven, and the Valley of Vision.
Whether you are a seasoned prayer veteran, or a new believer looking for guidance in this area, these books have something to teach you. Check them out:

Every Moment Holy

I was reading through an old journal this morning, the kind that begins with three perfectly presented pages. I couldn’t disturb the sanctity of the others, as they’re filled to the brim with possibilities. I was glancing past the three year old to-do lists and the doodles that must have meant something once upon a time, when my eyes fell upon a curiosity. I use my highlighters more liberally than most. Apparently more so than I thought though. Mid-paragraph, I’d changed course and decided to delete a couple of words. Backspace. Backspace.

Funny to think how messy mistakes were pre word processors.

Instead of covering up the scrawls—using tipp-ex or tape—I’d taken my brightest highlighter, in my favourite colour, and neatly presented the chaos. As a result, the surrounding paragraph said less to me this morning than these haphazard scratches.

Last Week at the Raven’s Writing Desk:

I made some mistakes last week. I think I may have even made some the week before. How about you? Do you recall?

I bet you do.

In fact, I think we tend to remember those parts of our lives far more accurately than our successes. They remain with us. What if instead of reliving our mistakes, we repented of them?

The enemy would love to keep you going round and round in circles.

The Lord wants to highlight your mistake, to point it out clearly in the paragraphs of your life, and scratch it out before your eyes. When you reread it now, it’ll be a poignant moment in that chapter your life. The moment you walked back.

Congratulations for winning this giveaway, I’ll be in touch shortly!

Yesterday, I tweeted about politics for the first time in a while. It isn’t to say that I’m not a political person, just that I tend to keep my views between myself and some close family members. In this piece, () helps us to think through how we situate politics in our lives, especially in the spheres of writing and reading. If you’re reading this then you’ve likely already voted this year—aside from the couple of you from Ghana!—and so now might be a good time to think this through for yourself.

A Habit Called Faith

Writing and Reading in our Political Moment

I began writing this letter late on Saturday afternoon as I eavesdropped on animated political conversation in my kitchen. Ryan’s college friends gathered together for the weekend, as they do every year, to share intentionally about the last 12 months, and this year, they gathered at our house…

Read more

a year ago · 25 likes · 4 comments · Jen Pollock Michel

—his heart having been illuminated by the word of God—has become enamoured with the subject of light in the Bible over the past couple of years. Let there be light. See the light. Be the light. Let the light shine. Never cover it. There are so many ways the Bible uses light to help us see. Check out this week for more.

The Workbox

The Light of Life

"This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." - 1 John 1:5…

Read more

a year ago · 2 likes · 1 comment · Jake

What would you do if you stumbled upon a gap in history’s collective memory. found himself wrestling with that very question as he uncovered a nameless figure in the abolitionist movement. Knowing that her seismic presence could not continue to go unnoticed, Daniel began researching and writing. Academic journal articles rarely contain tales of former slaves, spies, and secret identities. This is one of the few. Join Daniel on his journey through London's debating societies, and the political and cultural landscape of the late 18th Century.
It will be well worth your time:

An Absurd Rage for Public Speaking

There are two secret thoughts in the back of every writer’s mind.

“I can’t stop.”

and

“I can’t do this anymore.”

Almost every writer I’ve spoken to since picking up my own pen has confessed this same struggle, and it’s one I share. These thoughts take many forms, limited only by the creativity of the mind that created them. The more I train myself to forge new ideas, the more adept I become at encouraging and discouraging myself.

I’ve abandoned at least as many articles as I’ve written, and I’ve researched many more. On one hand, it feels like I have a limitless wellspring from which to draw; on the other, it raises an uncomfortable question; does that mean much of what I write is useless?

Stranger still, I never seem to know which articles will do well. Of the top ten on my site, I was absolutely sure nine of them were going to fail. In perfect contrast, one of my worst performing articles of all time was one I was sure would take off. Not only that. I published it not once, but twice! Even the name, “Taking Up Arms Against the Dragon” is amongst the most clickbaity titles I’ve ever come up with. Yet, in the three years since it first came out, it has received my tenth lowest view count of all time.

Over the course of 150 articles—now 151—I’ve learned not to think too much about how I think they will perform. Some are evergreen, receiving fresh views or listens every day since their publication. Others, not so much. One of the most common pieces of advice given to writers is to kill your darlings1, but I’ve found that the truth is even harder. You have to release your darlings into the world, and let others kill them for you.

I don’t know which articles will resonate most with you. I don’t know how long you’ll continue to read on. So why keep writing? I was recently asked about the biggest thing God has taught me through my writing. It took me less than a second to identify it.

Nothing will ever be enough.

It won’t be enough for my readers. It will never be enough for me. I’ll never reach the perfect number of likes, or subscriber counts, because that goals will continue to shift as long as I live. I recently sent a book proposal to a publisher, and so I had to find out how many people had read my work in the last twelve months. I won’t share that number, but as I wrote it down, I became breathless. If I’d achieved that number just two years ago, I would have been astonished. I tried to remember the person I was back then—To be thankful on his behalf that I’ve gotten to this place.

I’ve changed a lot since I was him.

What hasn’t changed though, is my purpose.

“Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever,” says the Westminster Shorter Catechism. My aim is for everything I do, everything I write, to serve God in that Spirit. Enjoyment is infectious though. I sat with a young child recently and we made a lego set together. It was the second time we’ve done this together, and this time his Dad was there to join us. After we’d finished, he hugged his Dad and said, “This has been the best day ever!” Hyperbole, I’m sure, but I smiled all the way home.

I don’t want to sit piecing together articles, whilst you read on, unmoved.

My hope is that whilst I give God glory, and search through the joys of his boundless love, that you would find yourself stirred to do that same.

I’m not interested in making a name for myself, but in making God’s name great.

Nothing will ever be enough.
Nothing, except God himself.

That’s why I keep writing. I can’t stop.

The longer I stare up at God, the more I get to know him. The further into his word I delve, the more my pen starts to jitter. Not every word I write on the Raven’s Writing Desk will resonate. Who knows, maybe this article will fail too! None of that matters though if it glorifies him. I will never enjoy being a writer as much as I enjoy being a child of the Most High God. He has given me this one talent to work with.

God forbid I ever bury it in the sand.

Grace and Peace,

Earlier this year I made a goal to review every single book I read. I think I have managed ten of them. This review of " ’s book, Keep Going, was a lot of fun to film though, and so if you have 1 minute and 9 seconds, I hope you’ll spend them on this. What’s more, it fits quite well into today’s topic!

I heard once that the cycle of life is made up of two seasons, the wedding season, and the funeral season. As Christians, both point us towards eternity. This piece from was written as her family prepared for the latter season. Whichever season you’re in right now, this is a good reminder to actively love those closest to us while we can.

The Priory

Fall Break with Jane Eyre and My Sweet Mom

[A few of my many copies of Jane Eyre. I’m especially fond of the one on the left…

Read more

a year ago · 87 likes · 40 comments · Karen Swallow Prior

Sentences often take on a life of their own. To make things worse, I spent my formative adult years writing primarily in German, a language in which sentences can go on for days. When I can’t seem to wrestle one down to a good length, I write out the idea out as a Haiku. It doesn’t always remain that way, but it helps to trim off the unnecessary words and ideas before I continue. Poetry has other uses too though, especially as invitation to pause, reflect, and rest. Find out more from :

Spiritual Theology with J. A. Medders

Poetry as Rest for the Soul

Busy pastors are in danger. In due time, they’ll be busted up, broken down, and burned out. In The Contemplative Pastor, Eugene Peterson’s assessment of busy pastors is right on the nose…

Read more

a year ago · 5 likes · 2 comments · J. A. Medders

Just over three years ago now I sent out the newsletter from the Raven’s Writing Desk. Two pings later, and it arrived in my inbox and my wife’s. That was all back then, just me and my ever-encouraging missus. Since then this newsletter has grown to dozens, then scores, and now hundreds of pings every week!

Looking back, I can’t believe how many subjects I’ve covered. I’ve written about biblical, systematic, and historic theology. I’ve reviewed a tonne of amazing books. Recently, we just finished looking at the entirety of Malachi together, and that’s not to mention series on Klaas Schilder, on how to get the most out of the books we read, or Classics like Pride & Prejudice and Dracula!

A couple of months back, Mrs R turned to me and asked exactly how many articles I’d written in all that time. I couldn’t believe that I’d already reached 135 by that point, and she suggested doing something to mark the next milestone!

So you gave her to thank for this giveaway!

Here’s what the winner1 will receive a bundle worth over £40!:

1. A Rare Copy of “On Polycarp”: This is the book I co-wrote with Tim Suffield earlier this year, exploring Polycarp’s letter to the Philippians. It also includes the account of Polycarp’s martyrdom, as well as a lightly modernised version of his own letter. We only produced a very limited run of these, and so this is one of the last remaining copies I have!

2. A Large Mustard Moleskine Notebook: How exciting! Perfect for jotting down reflections, sermon notes, or your next big idea. Moleskines are some of the most sought after notebooks out there, and this one is just beautiful.

3. A Set of High-Quality Highlighters: Ideal for marking up books—find out more about that here—or your new Moleskine with important thoughts and ideas.

4. Exclusive Raven’s Writing Desk Stickers and Goodies: A little something extra just for you.

Don't miss your chance to win this fantastic bundle!

It’s really simple! All you have to do to enter is be subscribed to the Raven’s Writing Desk, and then like and leave a comment below this article!

Subscribe now

Leave a comment

You can also get two additional entries into the competition—increasing your likelihood of winning!—by:

1. Sharing this newsletter on Social Media. (Substack Notes, Instagram, X, Facebook)
   (don’t forget to tag me so I see your post)

2. Liking and commenting on any other article I’ve published over the past three years. You might choose one you remember enjoying, or one you’d love to read and haven’t yet had the chance!2

You have seven days to enter from the release of this article, so get your entries in before 17:00 GMT on November 15th 2024!

I’ll let ’s words speak fro themselves here, as this article is a must read this week:

Every Christian has seen it, has felt it, has probably done it at some point. “It” is the outward disconnect between what we say and how we comport ourselves. We bless with our words, but not with our hearts. We smile with our mouths, but not our eyes.

Tracing the Thread

Hollow Words and the Demeanor of Love

Some trees get hollowed out over time. When it happens, they rot from the inside out and eventually they collapse. These trees still produce leaves and fruit, outwardly they appear healthy. But at their heart, at their core, they’re dying. It may take years, but this tree will over time show more and more signs of the death which has already taken hold …

Read more

a year ago · 3 likes · Bob Allen

If you’ve been reading or listening to the Malachi series, and found yourself wondering how to respond to prophecies that can feel scary, this prayer from is a great balm for that. If you haven’t read his work before, this is a great place to start:

The Holy Lens

Heart

And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them; I will take the stony heart out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in my statutes and keep my ordinances and obey them; and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. —Ezekiel 11:19-20…

Read more

a year ago · 16 likes · John E. Dobbs

Finally, if you haven’t had a chance to catch up with the last instalment in the Malachi series yet, you can find that right here:

This is the last instalment in the Malachi Series! Whether you’ve listened to them all or this is your first one, I hope these devotionals have been fruitful.

I already have plans for the rest of 2024 that I hope you’ll love, and then in the new year we’ll be working through the book of Ecclesiastes. I’d love to hear your thoughts about what I might do differently come January—feel free to leave a comment below—but for now I just have one question.

If you have any other thoughts, please do leave a comment below this article:

Leave a comment

Imagine you found some weeds in the communal garden at work. You go to the front desk, notify them, and minutes later you see a member of staff head over to deal with them. They lean down, clip the weeds at ground level, and walk away.

No more weeds.

None that you can see anyway.

You and I both know what happens next.

In the new heavens and the new earth there will be no weeds.

In today’s passage—the final passage in Malachi and in the Old Testament—we read about the day on which God will deal with every one of them. He will not just clip away the stems, or the leaves in view. He will deal with the whole plant, root and all.

Throughout this book, Malachi has held a mirror up to the world. At the micro and the macro levels, he has reminded us just how much evil there is out there. More than that. He has reminded us how much evil there is within our hearts.

In the previous chapter, we read about the fire of the Lord. “He is like a refiner’s fire” we read, “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver.” When a jeweller wants to extract gold from an imperfect sample, she burns, melts, and pulls away everything that does not shine and glow like gold should.

On the day of judgement, all who are righteous will remain like gold. Everything else must separated out. There is just one issue. None are holy. None are righteous.

How then shall we stand?

The final page of Malachi in your Bible is likely thin enough that Matthew is all but visible beneath. This passage is much the same. It speaks of a sun of righteousness that will rise, with healing in its wings. When it comes, it offers new life. Then, leaping like freshly born calves, God’s people leap above the ashes. Not because of our own strength, or our own sinlessness, but his.

As you read today’s passage, dwell on the fire.

Think about the refiner, and his goodness.

First, read or listen to the passage quickly. Then, slow down, allowing the words to sink in, as you read it a second time prayerfully.

“For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the Lord of hosts.

“Remember the law of my servant Moses, the statutes and rules that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel.”

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”

Malachi 4:1-6 ESV

Now, the hard bit. 60 seconds to pause and reflect.
Close your eyes, sit in silence, and consider these questions:

- What would it look like if every father on earth was filled with love for their sons?

- How does the new life of the Lord affect you on a daily basis?

- How will you dwell on the day to come, in the days ahead?

You don’t need to restrict yourself to these questions.
Just let the Spirit guide you in this time of reflection.

Let’s now enter into a time of prayer. Here’s a prayer based on today’s passage:

Lord God,

The day is coming, when you will judge
the living and the dead,
the Jew and the gentile,
the righteous and the wicked,

That day will cleanse me like a refiner’s fire,
and it will burn away the evil from the world,
It will leave neither the root nor branch,
Your mercy and your judgement are perfect.

Give me a right fear of you and your name.
Bring before my eyes the sun of righteousness,
Which shall rise with healing in its wings.
We shall rise too on that day,
Leaping and bounding for joy,
Leaving behind the wickedness of this world,

Teach me your law, Lord,
Let me ever walk according to your statutes,
By the power of the Spirit,
Exhibiting his fruits,
Exercising the gifts you have given me,
Exhorting, teaching, and discipling others along the way.

Turn the hearts of fathers to their children
and the hearts of children to their fathers.

Let us be known by our love for one another, Lord.

Amen

Take a moment to continue in your own words.

Let this prayer guide you into a deeper conversation with God.

This is our final week in the book of Malachi. What have you learned so far? Which verses stood out to you? Is there anything you hadn’t previously considered?

If you have read along with these devotionals, but haven’t been writing anything down, this is your last chance. Take a pen, and a scrap of paper, and think of something to write. You could stick it to your mirror, or on your dashboard. Whatever you do, make a commitment to try and dwell on this throughout the week, and the weeks to come.

Take a second to reflect.

Write it down.

Feel free to reach out with any other questions you might have, or leave a comment to discuss further.

Thank you for joining me this morning. May God’s Word continue to guide and bless you throughout your week.

Grace and Peace,

Earlier this year I wrote a piece called “Here’s How You Should Vote” and as yet another election is taking place this week, this is first on my list of recommendations today. Whether you’re voting or not, take a minute to think about how you think about voting as a Christian.

The Raven's Writing Desk

Here's How You Should Vote

This year it seems like the whole world has engaged in a mass election cycle and whether you’re voting on July 4th in the UK, or November 5th in USA—or at any other time this year—you’ve probably invested a good deal of time considering who you should vote for, why the state of democracy is what it is, and what the most important factors are where you l…

Read more

2 years ago · 8 likes · 3 comments · Adsum Try Ravenhill

The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of the most successful brands out there today, despite having been released over thirty years ago now. How did this stop-motion style, creepy, Tim Burton fever dream become a classic? What questions did it pose that still resonate with people today? has some answers for us, and quite possibly, a challenge.

The Bard Owl

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a Parable for Our Secular Age

If you were to ask me what I’m more excited about this year…

Read more

a year ago · 29 likes · Nicholas McDonald

Finally, check out this piece from . It is an excellent reminder to think carefully about the things we buy, and why we do so.