The Raven's Writing Desk Podcast

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 The Raven's Writing Desk. 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 weeks, 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.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,Adsum Try RavenhillRecommended MediaUsually, 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 Bob Allen, John E. Dobbs, Karen Swallow Prior, E.M. Welcher, Rachel Joy Welcher, Chris Martin, Claire Adderholt, Justin Allison, Wendy Willard, Dan Alcantara, Kelly Ottaway, Adam Thomas, and Amy Mantravadi.https://www.ravenswritingdesk.co.uk/p/sharing-the-love-this-valentinesTo these, I would add a couple of writers that have come across my path since:Christina Lynn Wallace’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.https://christinalynnwallace.substack.com/p/the-truth-about-the-enneagram-thatI’m 90% sure that Parker Settecase’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.https://parknotes.substack.comFinally, here’s one from the archives. An important reminder that self-control isn’t something we develop all on our own. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ravenswritingdesk.co.uk

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 one. 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 LiteratureThe 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 again.Blackwell’s and the Seconds ShelfThere’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 like, but they’re largely fantastic.Walking in the Footsteps of GiantsI 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 GroundedI 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 GloryThe 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 GodAnd 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.Recommended Media for the WeekAs 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!If you haven’t yet had a chance, I highly recommend you check outKaren Swallow Prior’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.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. Justin Allison helps us to tackle those together. How can we be a faithful friend during those times? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ravenswritingdesk.co.uk

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 belowReading“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 ESVSilent Reflection- 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.3. Prayer"Lord God,The day is coming, when you will judgethe 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 childrenand the hearts of children to their fathers.Let us be known by our love for one another, Lord.Amen"Adsum Try RavenhillThe Raven's Writing DeskRecommended Media of the WeekEarlier 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 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? Nicholas McDonald has some answers for us, and quite possibly, a challenge.https://thebardowl.substack.com/p/the-nightmare-before-christmas-isFinally, check out this piece from Hadden Turner. It is an excellent reminder to think carefully about the things we buy, and why we do so.https://substack.com/@overthefield/note/c-75415382 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ravenswritingdesk.co.uk

Thank you for joining me today,Adsum Try RavenhillThe Raven's Writing DeskRecommended Media"If you preach, make sure your preaching offers me Christ. I need him. I need to confess my sin and receive forgiveness each week. I need to see again that I’m raised up and seated with him in heavenly places each week. I need to encounter these truths in mind, in heart, and in body; in my whole self. Every text of the Bible speaks of them, so preach them to me." — Tim Suffieldhttps://nuakh.uk/2024/10/28/preach-the-gospel/Most YouTube channels have a very specific niche. Wyatt Graham saw that, and said “not me.” Instead, he pours out wisdom on a myriad of subjects you didn’t know you wanted to hear about, but are always glad you have. Here, he discusses Glory and Vainglory, not something most of us think about that often. It is, however, something we often wrestle with. I recommend you not only watch this video, but subscribe to his channel, and look forward to the unabashed variety yet to come.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaHSJMNfc84What do mischievous pups have to teach us about others and ourselves? Quite a lot, as it turns out. Wendy Willard recently said her final goodbye to Gunner. After first meeting in Nicaragua, they made the transition to the States together, and that is when the serious chaos began to ensue. Join this invitation to celebrate Gunner’s life and lament his loss.https://gracefullyslathy.substack.com/p/lessons-from-gunner This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ravenswritingdesk.co.uk

In case you didn’t see my email yesterday, I lost my laptop charger over the weekend and was, therefore, delayed in getting this week’s devotional to you. I also included a poll in that newsletter asking for feedback on the Featherlight Devotional series so far. It would be a huge help if you could take some time to fill that out. It should only take about 30 seconds, click here:https://www.ravenswritingdesk.co.uk/p/lighter-than-a-featherThanks so much. Now to this week’s devotional.Grace and Peace,Adsum Try RavenhillThe Raven's Writing DeskHead to today’s show notes to find this week’s recommended media and articles. You’ll find articles from Wendy Willard and Bob Allen, as well as an amazing recital—from memory—of 1 Peter by Tim Vasby-Burnie.Recommended Articles“The next thought I had was, it’s not morning already, is it? Why am I awake? Rolling over to see the clock, I groaned. I had an early morning and I am so very not a happy camper when I am tired.”— Wendy Willardhttps://gracefullyslathy.substack.com/p/what-i-learned-in-pre-school-thatI get the privilege every week to step behind a pulpit and deliver that message like Oprah giving gifts to her audience, freely and without cost. I get to remind the broken-hearted that the Creator of the universe drew near. I get to steer those adrift in the seas of desperation and grief to the safe Harbor from the storms of life. I get to share the most incredible news with people unsteadied by diagnoses that shake the very ground beneath their feet.— Bob Allenhttps://pastorboballen.substack.com/p/the-one-thingFinally, this is terrific! The word of the Lord, spoken masterfully and with great reverence. For those of you who listen to The Rest is History, this is the famous “Top Vicar” Tom Holland is always raving about. He certainly earns that title here.Let Tim Vasby-Burnie be an example to us all.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArwM1OY5gDw This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ravenswritingdesk.co.uk

One year ago, almost to the day, I wrote a piece named Silence.I talked about how we can respond well to the evil we see in the world, and why sometimes the best response is no response at all. That in itself is counter-cultural. I’ve heard the word “Tribe” more in the last five years than I did in the previous twenty-five, and it seems like every organisation and individual out there is trying to get me to join their side, their tribe, their idea of what good is. I don’t even need to name examples, because you already have them in your head. I’ll make a definitive statement about one though.Coffee is better than tea.End of story.Today’s passage takes the world’s sense of justice to court. You and I could name three or four people or organisations right now who actively call evil good. How often do we hear the word, “justice” from those same lips? In Malachi’s day, the people were going a step further. They weren’t just calling evil men good, but saying that these men were righteous in God’s eyes! They then had the temerity, when evil fell upon them, to call upon God to receive justice.This passage isn’t without hope, however. The people had begun by pointing out the evil in their society, and calling it good. God, in return, pointed out the evil in their society and promised to burn it away, and clean it out. Malachi describes this as the kind of fire a master jeweller might use, and the soap—Fuller’s Soap—that was used to clean all of the imperfections from freshly shorn wool. Then, after refining his people, he would bring them justice against their oppressors.Our God is good, and he is just.1. ReadingFirst, read or listen to the passage quickly. Then, slow down, allowing the words to sink in, as you read it a second time prayerfully.You have wearied the Lord with your words.But you say, “How have we wearied him?”By saying, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord,and he delights in them.” Or by asking, “Where is the God of justice?”“Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me.And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple;and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight,behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap.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, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.“Then I will draw near to you for judgement.I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers,against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely,against those who oppressthe hired worker in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless,against those who thrust aside the sojourner,and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.Malachi 2:17-3:5 ESVUK2. Silent ReflectionNow, the hard bit. 60 seconds to pause and reflect. Close your eyes, sit in silence, and consider these questions:- Have you called Evil good? Did you do so knowingly or out of error?- Do you call upon God to bring justice, or do you place your hope in flawed people?- Have you asked God to cleanse you and sanctify you recently?You don’t need to restrict yourself to these questions.Just let the Spirit guide you in this time of reflection.3. PrayerLet’s now enter into a time of prayer. Here’s a prayer based on today’s passage:Lord,The whole world seems to be saying “Everyone who does evil is good.”Help my weary heart and my fickle mind not to sing along to that chorus.For none are righteous, not even one.no one understands; no one seeks for God.All we like sheep have gone astray;we have turned—every one of us—to our own way;Yet.Those whom you foreknew, who you also predestined,are being and will be conformed to the image of the Son of God,Those whom you predestined, you also called,and those you called, you also justified,and those you have justified, you will also glorify.Behold! You sent your messenger, and he prepared the way before you.You came, lived, died, and rose again; the veil tore, the temple fell.You came like tongues of fire, to live within us, we members of your holy temple.For who can endure the day of your coming?How could I hope to stand before you?Creator God, burn away my imperfections, and the remnants of my heart of stone.Good Shepherd, take your fuller’s soap to my garments and make them resplendent.Accept my prayer, work in and through me today.Help me to fear you, to love you, to honour you,to walk the path you have set before me.AmenTake a moment to continue in your own words. Let this prayer guide you into a deeper conversation with God.4. ContemplationThis week we have looked outwards at the world a lot, but during this time of contemplation, I want you to look inwards. Every week I ask you to write down just one thing. It could be a word, or a verse, or just something you recall. This week, write down something from today’s study that impacted you personally.Take a second to reflect.Write it down.Each week, refer back to the lines you’ve already written, and over time they will cement more and more in your memory.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,Adsum Try Ravenhill The Raven's Writing DeskRecommended MediaI went to a good comprehensive school, and I’m considering homeschooling my kids one day. O. Alan Noble was homeschooled very well, by his reckoning, and yet his kids attend a classical school. There has been a lot of discourse recently around schooling. This one is very well-balanced. Whatever your views of schools or homeschooling, I think you’ll find this encouraging.https://newsletter.oalannoble.com/p/i-was-homeschooled-and-turned-outC. S. Lewis's Mere Christianity A Biography by George M. MarsdenI haven’t yet finished this book, but it is a great read so far. This is from a series called “The Lives of Great Religious Books” which serve a biographies for important works like Mere Christianity, Aquinas’ Summa, or the Dead Sea Scrolls. Each one talks about the context/s the work was written in, and how it has been received throughout the years. Marsden does a fantastic job here—almost every page has been underlined/written on! Here’s just one example:I mentioned the article, Silence, earlier in today’s study. Sadly, I think it has only become more relevant in the year since I first released it.https://www.ravenswritingdesk.co.uk/p/silence This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ravenswritingdesk.co.uk

“So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”Malachi 2:16A few months ago my grandmother-in-law went to be with the Lord. Shortly after, my mother-in-law watched as her brother—who had sat by their mother’s bedside—approached the house.She opened the door. Silently, he put a ring on her finger.It was my grandmother-in-law’s wedding ring. On the inside of the ring, there was a hidden message that she’d never seen before. It was just one word.Fidelity.When we think about faith—and being faithful—our eyes turn heavenward. It is right that we focus our affections, and our mind, on God. When I was a child I used to stare at the sun. Yes, I do wear glasses, why do you ask? Afterwards, I couldn’t look at anything else the same way. Everything was covered by the image of the sun.When we stare up at God, it shouldn’t just change the way we see him. It should burn away the blindness of our mortal vision, and reveal the truth that only spiritual eyes can see. As we look around us, at those whom we love, and even at strangers, we should see his image upon them.In today’s passage, we will take a look at the faithlessness among the people of God in Malachi’s day.To God himself, and to each other.1. ReadingFirst, read or listen to the passage quickly. Then, slow down, allowing the words to sink in, as you read it a second time prayerfully.“Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers?Judah has been faithless, and abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the sanctuary of the Lord, which he loves, and has married the daughter of a foreign god. May the Lord cut off from the tents of Jacob any descendant of the man who does this, who brings an offering to the Lord of hosts!And this second thing you do. You cover the Lord's altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because he no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favour from your hand. But you say, “Why does he not?” Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union?And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth.“For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts.So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”Malachi 2:10-16 ESVUKNow, let’s reflect on what we’ve read.2. Silent ReflectionThis is where the rubber meets the road. 60 seconds to pause and reflect. Close your eyes, sit in silence, and consider these questions:- Which idols are your eyes most prone to fall upon?- Who do you need to show love to today, or this week?- How will you guard yourself in the Spirit of God today?If your mind drifts from these questions, that is absolutely fine. Just don’t drift from the passage. Let Scripture permeate the next minute.3. PrayerLet’s now enter into a time of prayer. Here’s a prayer based on today’s passage:"God, you are my Father! God, you are our father.Every man, and every woman I see today was created by you.Help me to see your image in each of them today.Chasten my faithlessness, when I am faithless towards others.Help me to be faithful, when others are faithless towards me.When I weep in times of worship. Let it be honouring to you.Let me cover your feet with those tears, when I kneel before your throne.As my life smashes like pottery before you,Help me to trust you to pick me back up, and fix me again.You have bound me to others. You have forged us together by the Spirit.May the fruit of that same Spirit be alive within us as we love one another.Guard me in your spirit. Indwell me. Sustain me.Sustain my heart. Sustain my faith. Sustain me.Amen."Take a moment to continue in your own words.Let this prayer guide you into a deeper conversation with God.4. ContemplationIf you’ve been following these devotionals each week, what do you remember so far?What stood out to you?Each week I ask you to write down just one thing, anything. A verse, a line from the prayer, a point of application. Just writing down one thing might seem small, but if you try and remember everything, you won’t remember anything.Take a second to reflect, and then write something. This simple act will help you to remember.Each week, refer back to the lines you’ve already written, and over time they will cement more and more in your memory.Thank you for joining me this morning. May God’s Word continue to guide and bless you throughout your week.Grace and Peace,Adsum Try RavenhillThe Raven's Writing Desk This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ravenswritingdesk.co.uk

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,Adsum Try RavenhillThe Raven's Writing DeskRecommended MediaI recently had the privilege of being a guest on a podcast where we delved into a topic that hits close to home—weakness. We talked about how God can and does use our weakness to bless others, and how God calls us to lay down our lives for our friends.If you're in a season where you're feeling weak or unsure, this episode is for you. I encourage you to listen in with an open heart. It's chock-full of humour, deep reflection, and a lot of honesty.I hope it inspires you to embrace your weaknesses and help others do the same.Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts!Is there any sense in speaking about nonsense? Rhys Laverty certainly thinks so, and I agree! I highly recommend taking some time this week to contemplate the eccentricities of Tolkien’s most misunderstood character, and the importance of the mysterious.https://thenewalbion.substack.com/p/why-does-tom-bombadil-sing-nonsenseA couple of weeks ago I mentioned Amy Mantravadi’s ucpoming book, Broken Bonds, a historical novel set during the reformation. The book is now available to pre-order, which you can do by heading to the link below: https://substack.com/@amymantravadi/note/c-70536840 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ravenswritingdesk.co.uk

This is the second of the new “Featherlight Devotionals” series. You’ll receive a short study every Monday morning which will give you some context, and encourage you to read, reflect on, pray through, and contemplate the passage. Today we’ll be looking at Malachi 1:6-13. I suggest you use your own Bible for the reading, and set your phone aside if you can. You can check out the first article in the series either by clicking here or by heading to Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Further Reading:No One Wants to Preach This Book of the Bible This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ravenswritingdesk.co.uk

This is the first of the new “Featherlight Devotionals” series, looking first at the book of Malachi. Every Monday morning, I will release a short study, which will give you some context, and encourage you to read, reflect on, pray through, and contemplate the passage. Today we’ll be looking at Malachi 1:2-5. I highly suggest you use your own Bible for the reading, and set your phone aside if you can.“Does he really love me?”Countless Rom-Coms, family dramas, and counselling sessions are in progress right at this moment predicated on that exact question.Sadly, we can’t always trust the feelings and motives of those closest to us. We are fallible. People make mistakes, say the wrong things, and aren’t always there when we need them. We have all been in relationships, romantic or otherwise, that haven’t lived up the standard we hoped for, and we’ve left feeling hurt and dejected. At times though, the enemy tempts us to attribute these same lowly failings to our Most High God. This mentality had become systemic among the people of God in Malachi’s day, and had even spread among the priesthood.These people, who were meant to be God’s representatives on earth had begun offering false sacrifices (1:7), were calling evil good (2:17), and were known for being unfaithful to their wives (2:14-15.)All the while, they cried out for the God of justice (2:17.)Principals for Reading the Minor ProphetsGod’s people asked for justice, and received justice.It had to start from within.If you’re a Christian reading this, you know well the sanctifying work of the Spirit within you. There have been times when you have been tempted to sin, or standing in the wake of the sins you’ve committed, and you’ve sensed the grave nature of the act.At times, the language in the minor prophets can seem too harsh to our modern ears. We hear rebuke, and condemnation, and it irks us. Whenever you read such verses, think through the following:What has Jesus taken for us, and what has the Father given us?The truth is that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23), and we deserve that very same commendation.But.“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.”John 3:19 ESVUKKeep that in mind and we read the passage together.1. ReadingFirst, read or listen to the passage quickly. Then, slow down, allowing the words to sink in, as you read it a second time prayerfully.“I have loved you,” says the Lord.But you say, “How have you loved us?”“Is not Esau Jacob's brother?” declares the Lord.“Yet I have loved Jacob but Esau I have hated.I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.”If Edom says, “We are shattered but we will rebuild the ruins,”the Lord of hosts says, “They may build, but I will tear down, and they will be called ‘the wicked country’, and ‘the people with whom the Lord is angry for ever.’”Your own eyes shall see this, and you shall say,“Great is the Lord beyond the border of Israel!”Malachi 1:2-5 ESVUK2. Silent ReflectionNow, the hard bit. Take 60 seconds to pause and reflect. Close your eyes, sit in silence, and consider the word of God.Here are some questions to help you:- How many ways did God show me his love just last week?- Do I trust the Lord to deal justly with the wicked?- What does it mean that the Lord is “great beyond the border of Israel?”You don’t need to restrict yourself to these questions.Just let the Spirit guide you in this time of reflection.3. PrayerLet’s now enter into a time of prayer. Here’s a prayer based on today’s passage:Lord,I know you love me, but when I am tempted to ask, “How have you loved me?” remind me of your blessings, stir your Spirit within me, and help me to fix my eyes upon Jesus.Help my heart to trust you with those who are unjust, for you are a God of Justice.You, O Lord of hosts, have said that the wicked may build, but you will tear down. Help me to show mercy to those with whom you are merciful, just as you have poured out your mercy upon me.Your wrath and your justice and perfect.Help me never to think the same of myself.Great are you Lord, beyond the borders of Israel, to the ends of the earth.Amen.Take a moment to continue in your own words.You might pray for:* Someone who is far from God* For God to remind you of his love* For guidance in showing kindness to others* For faith enough to trust God when all seems lost* For unbelievers in your congregation4. ContemplationFast forward five years… Someone invites you into a conversation about the minor prophets, and you engage with eight distinct takeaways about the book of Malachi.How helpful would that be?Each week I will ask you to write down just one thing, anything. Maybe it’s a verse, or a portion of a verse. You might have been struck by a line from the prayer, by a point of application, or by a question you’d never thought of before.One line might seem trite, but if you try and remember everything, you won’t remember anything.Take a second to reflect.Write it down.Each week, refer back to the lines you’ve already written, and over time they will cement more and more in your memory.5. PAQs (Possibly Asked Questions)Here are some brief answers to questions that may have come to mind during today’s reading:- What does it mean that God is angry forever?In Psalm 103, we read:The LORD is merciful and gracious,slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever.Psalm 103:8-9 ESVUKDuring this life, we have experienced both God’s justice, and his mercy. When we were still abiding in our sin, we received rebuke, and an invitation into his grace. As such, we can now sing Psalm 103 full of faith and thankfulness.Never forget though, that we didn’t deserve this end.The eternal life we have in Christ isn’t something we earned, but a gift we received. Those who do not put their own crown at the foot of the cross, and humble themselves before God, will endure the full weight of their own sin. They will know the wrath of the Lord in eternity.- Can a God of love hate?Yes, and no. In Luke 14:26, Jesus says something odd:“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”Luke 14:26–27 ESVUKSo we all hate our parents and families? Of course not. Hate and love in the Biblical sense aren’t so much something we feel as something we do. When I wake up each morning, I have feelings of love for my wife, but that’s useless if I don’t choose to actively love her. Put simply, love is unity, and hate is separation. God “hates” Edom because they are not his people and are separated from him.Feel free to reach out with any other questions you might have, or leave a comment to discuss further.This was a little longer than I’d hoped, I’m still getting used to the shorter word count, please bear with me as I learn to use my self-appointed restraints!Thank you for joining me this morning. May God’s Word continue to guide and bless you throughout your week.Grace and Peace,Adsum Try Ravenhill The Raven's Writing Desk This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ravenswritingdesk.co.uk