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

Reading

“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

Silent 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 Ravenhill

The Raven's Writing Desk

Recommended Media of the Week

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 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-is

Finally, 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