Dusk Till Dawn

This week, we’re focussing on prayer. Many of this week’s readings touch upon Jesus’ example, his commandments to us, and the way he calls us to follow him. This is something we need help with every day, and so rather than spend time expounding on these passages, we’ll pray through a verse or a portion of them, and then I encourage you to go and read them yourself. This week’s readings are primarily from the book of John, or the book of Exodus, but keep in mind while you read that these are both from God. The commandments in the Old Testament may not be binding on us, but they are informative and important. As Paul once wrote to his disciple Timothy:“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”— 2 Timothy 3:16–17“Jesus wept.”— John 11:35Let’s PrayPraying Through ScriptureLord Jesus,I have wept,How many times have I wept,For my sin, and for those committed against me,In grief and in anguish, and for lessons learned too late.Your tears inspire joy in the midst of my sorrows,That you have cried, pouring out the most pure form of raw emotion,Is yet another example of the image to which we are being conformed.Help us today, help me today, to weep more readily,To rejoice more readily, to give both to you, your providence, your timings,and trust the saviour who wept for a lost friend, whom he would shortly see again.AmenToday’s ReadingsJohn 11, Psalm 30, Exodus 24-26, 1 Chronicles 4:6-10Recommended Mediahttps://www.ravenswritingdesk.co.uk/p/seconds This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.— Revelation 1:16The book of revelation is magnificent. Throughout the Bible we get these rare glimpses past the veil of heaven’s door, where those present transcend time and space altogether.If we are to understand this book, the answer isn’t to demystify it. We shouldn’t seek to try and tie events or images in Revelation to the past, present, or future in an attempt to uncover more grounded explanations of the text. Instead, we need to remystify ourselves.There is, of course, much for scholars to draw out from this book, but while they do that, let’s just wonder at it for a moment. Before we dig ourselves, we should stop to observe, to take in the full scope of the task ahead of us. Most importantly, we need to pay attention to the one who gave us this message in the first place.Who is this who holds stars in his hand? Whose speech is so sharp that it has become itself a sword, and with a face that outshines the brightest sun?How does John respond?When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.Revelation 1:17–18This hand that held stars now holds onto John. This most blessed friend whom Jesus loved on earth, and for whom he died. John saw a glimpse of this before, but now he sees Jesus in his fulness.Do you see him? Can you push past the desire to wrap your head around this, and instead have your mind warped and changed by the possibility of such splendiferousness! This is our Jesus. He is the first and the last. The Living One. Dead but now fully alive.How glorious is our God!Let’s pray.Praying through the BibleLord,Help me to see you today.You hold me in your right hand,you hold your church close,just as you held John.When John saw you,He fell at your feet like a dead man.O how I wish I could have fallen beside him,How glorious will that day be,When finally I see you face to face.You have said: “Don’t be afraid.” — so, purge me of all ungodly fear.I am the First and the Last — eternal, yet you humbled yourself and came to us.and the Living One — in whose life we now live, who called us to himself!You were dead, but look—you are alive forever and ever!You alone hold the keys of death and Hades.I trust you Lord, to do justly with your people,to open doors that seem locked away forever,for if you can open heaven’s gates to me,what could possibly be beyond your power?AmenToday’s ReadingsRevelation 1:9-16Psalm 28Exodus 18-20Genesis 2Recommended Media to Start Your DayThe language of remystification I used in this piece was drawn from the work of Malcom Guite. Although I have since lost the video in which he used this word, I’d love to introduce you to him here all the same. If anyone alive has met an Ent in person, it might well be Guite.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGuiM8zjiXUGrace and Peace,Adsum Try Ravenhill This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you,O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.— Psalm 9:9–10Verses like these leave me awestruck.Why?Because I know how true they are.My strength is finite and my weakness infinite, the Lord remains steadfast forever. In the midst of many sagas of weakness in my life, I have awoken in the halls of our Stronghold, the Lord. Bruised, beaten, and afraid, a great fear of God has overcome me, and promised that there is no force on earth as great and as powerful as he.For all those who trust in the Lord, who know to call upon the name of Jesus, we will never be lost or forsaken. For he always sees us, always knows our hearts, and surrounds us with his strength when the final remnants of our own disappears.I don’t know what you’re going through right now, but whatever it may be, fall upon the mercy of God. Whether a mess of your own making or a circumstance out of your control, bring it to the Lord in prayer today.Let’s pray.Praying through the BibleThe Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,A stronghold in times of trouble.We who know your name put our trust in you,for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.I sing praises to the Lord, who sits enthroned in Zion!Be gracious to me, O Lord!See my affliction, for you do not forget the cry of the afflicted.You are the one who lifted me up from the gates of death,How much more may I trust you in this life and the next!I rejoice in your salvation.AmenToday’s ReadingsJohn 10Psalm 27Exodus 15-17Recommended Media to End Your DayI’ll write poetry again.Not today, no, not today,Perhaps tomorrow?Claire does though, and every poem of hers I read is a reminder of the power of verse. Read her latest piece, Maps of Belonging, and find out why.https://lanternsinthedark.substack.com/p/maps-of-belonging-a-poem This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

What does it mean to be known?How do you quantify that?As with many words, we’ve cheapened its use over the past century, and so we’ll often hear people talk about knowing things or people that they have no connection with whatsoever. On the flip side, we recognise some other kinds of knowledge that go beyond this. When we talk about knowing someone biblically it confers a level of intimacy reserved for marriage. That seems to be our spectrum then, right?Where does Jesus’ knowledge fit? He says:“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.”— John 10:14-15I would suggest that if fake knowledge is a 1, and biblically knowing someone is a 10, we cannot even calculate the value of God’s knowledge. He knows every hair on our head, he knew us before the universe began, and he has searched even the depths of our hearts.No one on earth could ever know us so well, and yet he has gone a step further! Not only does he know us, but he has made himself known to us too.Let’s pray.Praying through the BibleGood Shepherd,You know your own, and you have counted me as one of them,I know you, I have seen your works, and have felt your joy in my heart.I know the depths of love you have for me, help me to dive yet deeper into them.As the Father knows you, so do you know the Father;Father, Spirit, Son, Holy Trinity,Be with me, and I with you.Let me never cease wondering at the generosity of your perfect love,That you would lay down your life for your friends,and that you have counted me among them.AmenToday’s Readings* John 10* Psalm 27* Exodus 15-17Recommended Media to Start Your DayEarlier this week I headed to Oxford for my monthly visit. In this article for my main newsletter, The Raven's Writing Desk, I muse on the various reasons I go there so often. I hope you will find it helpful. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

“Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household.”— Exodus 12:3This morning we talked about taking our testimonies to the world around us, but what about those we share our lives with? What about our families, our children, our churches?As we read through the first five books of the Bible this year, we’ll read about various traditions, feasts, and festivals that were given by God for the upbuilding of his people. As we go further into the Bible, we find our forefathers using stones, songs, and writings to do the same.Psalm 9 puts it like this:“Sing praises to the Lord, who sits enthroned in Zion!Tell among the peoples his deeds!”— Psalm 9:11Tradition has an ugly side. If it grows stale, if it becomes empty and if no one knows the depth of history that sits behind it, it can be detrimental to our spiritual health. You can probably name a dozen traditions I’ve never even heard of that fit this bill. That’s not that kind of tradition I’m talking about here. Passover was meant to download the memory of God’s faithfulness into the minds of future generations. It was a part of the people’s worship to God, and that’s something worth retrieving. Building a habit of sharing testimonies in and between households is a powerful tool for fortifying faith among God’s people.Why not do so now. Send a text, turn to the person next to you, or instead of reading a story to your son this evening, tell him about a time that God worked in or through your life.With that in mind, let’s pray.Praying through the BibleLord,Bring to mind the times when my life has been redeemed for your glory,All those times when you saved me, and saved those around me.Thank you for sparing my life, for sending your son,For your blood, your love, your kindness,Thank you that we don’t need to provide sacrifices,As you have done that once and for all,But don’t let me forget the benefits of traditions and habits,Which lift my eyes up to you,And call others to look upwards alongside me.AmenToday’s Readings* John 9* Psalm 26* Exodus 12-14“The descendants of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, Zedekiah his son; and the sons of Jeconiah, the captive: Shealtiel his son, Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama and Nedabiah; and the sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel and Shimei; and the sons of Zerubbabel: Meshullam and Hananiah, and Shelomith was their sister; and Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab-hesed, five.”— 1 Chronicles 3:16-20Recommended Media to End the DayYesterday, Mrs R shared a recommendation all about why women stopped wearing hats all of a sudden! That begs the question though… why did men stop? Are there similar reasons, or very different factors involved? I say all of this whilst wearing a flat cap… does that make me on trend or behind the times? You decide!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vRvv-HUjnU&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fdusktilldawn.substack.com%2FGrace and Peace,Adsum Try Ravenhill This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

Sitting in your usual spot by the road, you hear a group of disciples speaking with their Rabbi. They’re talking about you. They’re fascinated by your blindness, what was it that caused it? Was it your sin, or your parents?What do you think? Whose fault was it?The Rabbi, gives a response you could never have hoped for. You were made blind so that the works of God may be displayed in you. But how?Before You even know what’s happening, the Rabbi has stooped down, covered your eyelids in some kind of paste, and commanded you to wash yourself in a nearby pool. As you wash the dusty mixture away from your eyes you look down at the pool, the water now muddied between your fingers.You’ve been healed, in a moment. All glory be to God, who could possibly deny his work in your life this day.Except they do. They start to poke holes in your story. They confront your parents, who do little to dissuade them, they prod their fingers in the direction of the great man who did this. They press and press until they come to the very same decision the disciples did.They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?”And they cast him out.— John 9:34Once we were blind, but now we see.I’ve met countless Christians throughout the years with stories just like this, they were healed of their sins, shame, and sometimes even physical and mental ailments, and when they shared this good news with others they met nothing but rebuke. The man would go on to follow Jesus himself, and so did these friends of mine too.Years later, after many had followed a similar path, Peter said this:“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behaviour in Christ may be put to shame.”— 1 Peter 3:14–16The truth is that as we share the gospel with those around us, some of the seeds we scatter will fall on hard ground. What do we do when this happens? We brush ourselves down, and we carry on. I know what it is like to be scorned and beaten down for my faith, but I also know the joy of seeing faith blossom in the heart of a new believer. I would take dozens of the former just to get one hint of the latter. What’s more, sometimes the former becomes the latter. That is truly wondrous to behold. Keep that in mind as we pray together today.Let’s pray.Praying through the BibleLord,We were born in utter sin,and yet, you have called us.We have been cast out by the world,and yet we are to teach?Give us strength, dedication,and heal us of any blindness in our lives today.When we suffer for righteousness’ sake,Bless us, Lord, and wipe away all of our fears,let not our hearts grow troubled, but rather,let them honour Christ the Lord as holy,Prepare us even today to make a defence,Remind us of the truth of the gospel,bring to mind testimonies of your goodness,plant our feet on the rock of our salvation.To anyone who asks us for a reason for the hope that is in us,May we do so with gentleness and respect,In good conscience,So that when we are slandered,Which we surely will be,Their shame would bear witness to your steadfast love in us.Turn that shame to joy, Lord, by calling them immediately towards yourself.Let them not linger long in that place, but instead, lead them to the Way.AmenToday’s Readings* John 9* Psalm 26* Exodus 12-14“The descendants of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, Zedekiah his son; and the sons of Jeconiah, the captive: Shealtiel his son, Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama and Nedabiah; and the sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel and Shimei; and the sons of Zerubbabel: Meshullam and Hananiah, and Shelomith was their sister; and Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab-hesed, five.”— 1 Chronicles 3:16-20Recommended Media to Start Your DayA splendid video about a Swedish inventor and his plethora of self-built houses:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYtPRuLbJCg&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fdusktilldawn.substack.com%2FGrace and Peace,Adsum Try Ravenhill This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

“Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, and the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go out of his land.”— Exodus 11:10God is sovereign over all things, and yet he has—in his providence—given us free will.These two truths are perhaps the most paradoxical we could possibly imagine, and yet they are true. This passage is one of those when these two truths seem to collide. There’s a bigger picture that we may miss though, if we don’t view this verse through the greater canon of Scripture.In Romans 1, we read:“Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.”Romans 1:22-23How true this is, and especially of the Pharaoh. You can look to the scripture for evidence, or the walls of the great Egyptian pyramids themselves. The historic record is teeming with evidence proving this to be true. He worshipped created things, not least himself. What is God’s response?“Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity”Romans 1:24aThis might be hard, goodness it is only half way through January and we’re already hitting some of the more difficult verses in the Bible, but if we don’t face them now it is possible that we never will.The truth is that for all of us who believe, we were once running full hilt away from God. What is harder, to have allowed us to keep going, to deliver us where wanted to go already? Or, to turn us around, so that we might repent before him?In God’s providence, he allows and he invites. When we come across Scriptures like these, it should lead us to praise. How far gone were we when we relied on our own desires? How many leagues closer to are we to his eternal throne now?As we pray today, thank him for saving you, or ask him to do so now.Let’s pray.Praying Through ScriptureLord,What wonders have you wrought in my soul alone,Not least that you saw the hardened stone which I called my heart,and you turned it to flesh in a moment, and now keep it beating with love for you.May I never harden my heart towards you again,Like Pharaoh did towards you,Never give me up to my desires,but instead turn my desire towards you.Let me never claim to be wise in my own eyesLest I become a fool, exchanging your immortal glory for a lie.Leave no stone unturned, no idolatry, whether for mortal man,For created things, or for creations of my own mind.Don’t give me up to the impure lusts of my heart,but deliver me from evil, even that which springs from within.AmenToday’s Readings* John 8* Psalm 25* Exodus 9-11Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son, Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son, Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son, Amon his son, Josiah his son. The sons of Josiah: Johanan the firstborn, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum.— 1 Chronicles 3:11-15Recommended MediaA recommendation from Mrs R today. If you're anything like Mrs R, you've wondered why women's hats went from being required at every possible occasion to optional every now and then. If so, this is for you! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

“What were you doing yesterday evening?” asked the detective.What do you say? “I was alone officer, reading, in my living room.” Well, that’s not gonna convince anyone. You don’t even know what your suspected of yet, you don’t have a good alibi, and they’re not just gonna take you on your word that you were sitting with a glass of wine and a copy of Calvin’s institutes.You need a witness to prove your innocence.In this passage we get to see one of those cosmic events in which the temporal world begins to sing in harmony with eternity. Jesus hasn’t yet been tried, but in the court of public opinion the jury was still out. Jesus is called to the stand,I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me.” They said to him therefore, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”— John 8:18-19Strong words.Who else could Jesus swear by though? John’s gospel opens with a retelling of the creation narrative. Jesus is testifying here to being the light of the world, but more than he’s identifying himself with the Father. He isn’t only the light of the world, but the one through whom every light was breathed into existence. Were his prosecutors there when the foundations of the world were laid? When God made a covenant with Abraham, he bore witness to his own faithfulness.For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.”— Hebrews 6:13–14Jesus is doing the same here.By whose name could he swear that is greater than his own?As we pray, think about Jesus witness and another cosmic trial which is about to take place. You’ll appear before the prosecution. You’ll stand trial for your crimes, who will take the stand to witness on your behalf? Who will stand in your place? Who took the punishment that trial should end with?Let’s pray.Praying Through ScriptureLord,You have born witness about yourself,Through your life, you proved your guiltlessness before the world,In your death, you took on the guilt of that same world,Into your resurrection, we are now called to the home of all homes.Most blessed Saviour, thank you for revealing yourself to me,by the indwelling of your Holy Spirit,by whom I am being conformed to your image.Now I know you, I know the Father also.AmenToday’s Readings* John 8* Psalm 25* Exodus 9-11Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son, Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son, Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son, Amon his son, Josiah his son. The sons of Josiah: Johanan the firstborn, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum.— 1 Chronicles 3:11-15Recommended MediaWe’ve just passed the two week mark. The new year precipitated hundreds of fresh goals per capita, but like each morning’s fresh layer of precipitation, much of this has already evaporated. What is the point of goals, is there a deeper yearning they speak to, and in that light how can we form a healthier relationship with them? Check out Bob Allen’s latest piece for more on this: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

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 devotional book called “Morning & Evening.”Today’s devotional is taken from the penultimate entry of his book, originally meant for the last day of the year, but it still has something to say to us today.Listen to his words today wherever you are, and then spend some time reading the word of God this morning.Today’s Readings:* John 7* Psalm 24* Exodus 6-8* 1 Chronicles 3:6-10 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true;he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”— Psalm 18:30In the early verses of this Psalm, you might be forgiven for thinking David is a little too full of himself. He seems to be claiming a perfect version of himself, one we know for certain did not exist. By this time David has committed more than few significant sins. However, God has kept him. This Psalm isn’t written by David alone though, it was inspired by the Spirit, and like many of the Psalms, is written about another also.“For who is God, but the Lord?And who is a rock, except our God?”— Psalm 18:31I encourage you to go and read this Psalm today and imagine putting on Jesus’ righteousness. How does it feel? Probably a little heavy if we’re honest with ourselves. Are we blameless? Have our feet not slipped?Jesus is the only one who could say these things in his own strength, but like David, we’re called to do the same! “the God who equipped me with strengthand made my way blameless.”— Psalm 18:32Let’s pray.Praying through the BibleLord,Your way alone is perfect;You are the way, the truth, and the life,Your word proves true, over and over,Again and again I find you faithful,You have been my shield all these yearsa refuge, a stronghold, and the rock of my salvation.You have equipped me with strength,You have made my way blameless.In my own strength I would have faltered beyond repair,but you have treated me, a sinner, without reproach.My sin and shame would have witnessed against me,but in the name of your Son, I have put on righteousness.Thank you for your everlasting love,AmenToday’s ReadingsJohn 4, Psalm 17, Psalm 18Nahshon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse. Jesse fathered Eliab his firstborn, Abinadab the second, Shimea the third, Nethanel the fourth, Raddai the fifth, Ozem the sixth, David the seventh. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

John 3:16 might be the most famous verse in the Bible. Why? It encompasses the very heart of the gospel, in a way that anyone can understand. What possible reason would people have to deny this good news then?Well.Just a few verses later, we read:“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 3:19When I was a teenager, I attended a camp where we got to take part in dozens of different physical and mental activities to test ourselves and work together in the process. One of my favourites was an underground maze with tunnels and rooms, 90% of which was in complete darkness. We sat in the first room for about five minutes until our eyes adjusted, and then we headed off, each in different directions. The twist was that you would occasionally find spots of light, either from a well placed bulb, or above ground window, which would wipe out your dark vision almost instantly. You had two choices when you began to see the light. Keep both eyes firmly closed, and feel your way around the rooms, or close one eye, so that when you were back in the dark your eyes would adjust more quickly. You did whatever you had to in order to remain in complete darkness.When some people hear the good news, it feels very much like this. The light comes in and threatens to wipe out their ability to navigate their present darkness. They have given so much time, and effort, and sometimes even love, to remain there and the light would destroy that.Some don't even know they’re doing until it is too late. They will step one foot into the darkness, and then another, until it simply becomes their new norm.1The sad truth is that some people will never turn away. They might occasionally open one eye to walk through the light on the way to a continued life in darkness, but others will simply shut their eyes, blinding themselves further as they make their way swiftly on. The is hope though. We that are in Christ know what it was like, “for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”2Our response should never be to lose hope over those who still stumble in the darkness, but to walk around as beacons of light.Let’s pray.Praying through the BibleLord,Thank you for your great love, through which you gave your only Son,So that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.We know, Lord, that whoever believes in Jesus’ name is not condemned,but whoever does not believe has chosen the darkness over the light.We pray now for those we love, who love the darkness rather than the light.In those times when my heart is tempted to lose hope,Remind me of my life before you, the hopelessness that predated my hope,and for the way you drew me towards yourself, into your eternal light,I thank you that you exposed my inward being,That you brought my darkness into your light,Cleansing me from my sin and shame.Draw them towards yourself Lord,Bring those works of darkness into the Light,So that what is true may come to the light,Bring your people home.AmenToday’s ReadingsJohn 3, Psalm 15, Psalm 16The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara, five in all. The son of Carmi: Achan, the troubler of Israel, who broke faith in the matter of the devoted thing; and Ethan's son was Azariah. The sons of Hezron that were born to him: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai. Ram fathered Amminadab, and Amminadab fathered Nahshon, prince of the sons of Judah.1 Chronicles 2:6-103Recommended Media to Start Your DayI have a fun one for you this morning, in which an interior designer takes a look at spaces submitted by her subscribers, which they’d like the improve. It is a great background video, and you might even pick up some tips along the way.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfHzBsHRIj0 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

“Pay… attention.”I love that phrase.It feels more poignant than ever. These days most of us pay social media giants, streaming services, and host of other companies and conglomerates a portion of our attention in return for entertainment, or targeted services. What’s more, they do such a good job of convincing us that this investment is worthwhile that over the past decade or so they have diverted our “attention investment” away from family, friends, and churches, in order that we might reinvest them there.The writer of Hebrews suggests a better plan.“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard,lest we drift away from it.”Hebrews 2:1What have you heard? How would you articulate the good news? Are there particular Bible verses you hold dear? It is all very well seeking to invest our attention well, but first we need to identify where it should go. That’s where the angels come in.“For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?”Hebrews 2:2-3aEvery now and then I’ll catch a clip of Shark Tank in the US, or Dragon’s Den over here, and one question comes up again and again. It doesn’t matter how good to pitch was, they want to know how the business is faring so far. The moral: Never invest in anything that hasn’t proven true. The angels came with news of Jesus birth and resurrection, they were dazzling, heavenly beings, with great power. That isn’t the amazing part though. The shepherds found the boy they spoke of, and hundreds saw the resurrected Jesus. This news is something worth investing in. It proved true.“It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard”Hebrews 2:3bWhat next? Well, we do what the disciples did. This gospel—the good news—didn’t remain in their minds, for them alone to dwell on. If we truly give our attention, our lives, our everything to God, then we will share it with others. Can you attest to God’s goodness in your own life? Who then can you share it with? The writer of Hebrews goes further.“while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”Hebrews 2:4In churches the world over today, these gifts are still at work. Pastors are exercising the gift of teaching, others have been blessed with hospitality in abundance, and wise and discerning members of church communities are helping others to wade through spiritual wildernesses. Our God was, and is, and is to come. He spoke before any other word was spoken, and still speaks today.Pay attention.Jesus is still moving, his body on earth acting on his behalf.That should be wondrous to us. Therefore…Let’s pray.Praying through the BibleLord,Thank you for the many ways by which you have proven your faithfulness.For your Word from the beginning,For your messengers from heaven and earth,For the preaching we will hear today,For the gifts you have given your church,by which you build us up in the faith.Help us to hold firm to these truths today,and pay close attention to the news we have heard.Let it ever be on our lips, on our mind,and the driving force behind our steps.AmenToday’s ReadingsHebrews 2:1-4Psalm 22Exodus 1-3Jerahmeel also had another wife, whose name was Atarah; she was the mother of Onam. The sons of Ram, the firstborn of Jerahmeel: Maaz, Jamin, and Eker. The sons of Onam: Shammai and Jada. The sons of Shammai: Nadab and Abishur. The name of Abishur's wife was Abihail, and she bore him Ahban and Molid. The sons of Nadab: Seled and Appaim; and Seled died childless.— 1 Chronicles 2:26-30 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

John 3:16 might be the most famous verse in the Bible. Why? It encompasses the very heart of the gospel, in a way that anyone can understand. What possible reason would people have to deny this good news then?Well.Just a few verses later, we read:“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 3:19When I was a teenager, I attended a camp where we got to take part in dozens of different physical and mental activities to test ourselves and work together in the process. One of my favourites was an underground maze with tunnels and rooms, 90% of which was in complete darkness. We sat in the first room for about five minutes until our eyes adjusted, and then we headed off, each in different directions. The twist was that you would occasionally find spots of light, either from a well placed bulb, or above ground window, which would wipe out your dark vision almost instantly. You had two choices when you began to see the light. Keep both eyes firmly closed, and feel your way around the rooms, or close one eye, so that when you were back in the dark your eyes would adjust more quickly. You did whatever you had to in order to remain in complete darkness.When some people hear the good news, it feels very much like this. The light comes in and threatens to wipe out their ability to navigate their present darkness. They have given so much time, and effort, and sometimes even love, to remain there and the light would destroy that.Some don't even know they’re doing until it is too late. They will step one foot into the darkness, and then another, until it simply becomes their new norm.1The sad truth is that some people will never turn away. They might occasionally open one eye to walk through the light on the way to a continued life in darkness, but others will simply shut their eyes, blinding themselves further as they make their way swiftly on. The is hope though. We that are in Christ know what it was like, “for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”2Our response should never be to lose hope over those who still stumble in the darkness, but to walk around as beacons of light.Let’s pray.Praying through the BibleLord,Thank you for your great love, through which you gave your only Son,So that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.We know, Lord, that whoever believes in Jesus’ name is not condemned,but whoever does not believe has chosen the darkness over the light.We pray now for those we love, who love the darkness rather than the light.In those times when my heart is tempted to lose hope,Remind me of my life before you, the hopelessness that predated my hope,and for the way you drew me towards yourself, into your eternal light,I thank you that you exposed my inward being,That you brought my darkness into your light,Cleansing me from my sin and shame.Draw them towards yourself Lord,Bring those works of darkness into the Light,So that what is true may come to the light,Bring your people home.AmenToday’s ReadingsJohn 3, Psalm 15, Psalm 16The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara, five in all. The son of Carmi: Achan, the troubler of Israel, who broke faith in the matter of the devoted thing; and Ethan's son was Azariah. The sons of Hezron that were born to him: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai. Ram fathered Amminadab, and Amminadab fathered Nahshon, prince of the sons of Judah.1 Chronicles 2:6-103Recommended Media to Start Your DayI have a fun one for you this morning, in which an interior designer takes a look at spaces submitted by her subscribers, which they’d like the improve. It is a great background video, and you might even pick up some tips along the way.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfHzBsHRIj0 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill?— Psalm 15:1In so many ways the entire Bible hinges on this verse and others like it. The question in its most basic form is, “who can get to heaven?” When Jesus dwelled among us, people would constantly come to him and ask about what they needed in order to earn eternal life. There’s a brilliant moment in Luke 10 in which Jesus turns the question back on the person asking. “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” (Luke 10:26)Throughout Jesus’ life, the tension on earth begins to rise. It is as though the air itself grew heavy in anticipation of God’s kingdom, and as Jesus died, everything froze. I think often about those three long days, in which disciples scattered, a mother mourned, and countless people heard the news of the travelling preacher who died flanked by criminals on a cross. I am sure that in those days, eternal life couldn’t have felt more impossible.This man who breathed life into the universe, had died.Then.Jesus appeared once, twice, to a few and to many, until the moment when he was to leave. The thin ice that stood as a barrier between heaven and earth smashed, and we were invited to cross over. Suddenly, we could sojourn in the tent of the Lord, we could dwell on his holy hill. Not by our own works, or our own righteous, but his.“O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?”Who has ascended to heaven and come down?Who has gathered the wind in his fists?Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?Who has established all the ends of the earth?What is his name, and what is his son’s name?Surely you know!Proverbs 30:4Today, we’re gonna pray through Psalm 15 together. As we do, think on Jesus, his life, his death, his resurrection, his ascension, and his invitation to come into his kingdom.Let’s pray.Praying through the BibleO Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?Who shall dwell on your holy hill?He who walks blamelessly and does what is rightand speaks truth in his heart;who does not slander with his tongueand does no evil to his neighbor,nor takes up a reproach against his friend;in whose eyes a vile person is despised,but who honors those who fear the Lord;who swears to his own hurt and does not change;who does not put out his money at interestand does not take a bribe against the innocent.He who does these things shall never be moved.AmenToday’s ReadingsJohn 3, Psalm 15, Psalm 16The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara, five in all. The son of Carmi: Achan, the troubler of Israel, who broke faith in the matter of the devoted thing; and Ethan's son was Azariah. The sons of Hezron that were born to him: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai. Ram fathered Amminadab, and Amminadab fathered Nahshon, prince of the sons of Judah.1 Chronicles 2:6-10Recommended Media to End the DayYou will often see me in suits, no matter the time of year or the function or event I’m attending. That really goes back to my school days wearing uniform—which is standard here in the UK—and so I’ll often be asked where people should go to buy blazers, or sports coats, or suits etc. The genuine answer is that of the dozens of suits I’ve bought over the years, only a handful have been new, and of those only a couple were full price. This won’t be applicable to everyone watching, but perhaps you have a husband, or a father, or friend who is wanting to splash out a bit this year. Why not buy a pre-loved treasure instead, using the tips and tricks in this video?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZpyVEBw8LE This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

John 3:16 might be the most famous verse in the Bible. Why? It encompasses the very heart of the gospel, in a way that anyone can understand. What possible reason would people have to deny this good news then?Well.Just a few verses later, we read:“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 3:19When I was a teenager, I attended a camp where we got to take part in dozens of different physical and mental activities to test ourselves and work together in the process. One of my favourites was an underground maze with tunnels and rooms, 90% of which was in complete darkness. We sat in the first room for about five minutes until our eyes adjusted, and then we headed off, each in different directions. The twist was that you would occasionally find spots of light, either from a well placed bulb, or above ground window, which would wipe out your dark vision almost instantly. You had two choices when you began to see the light. Keep both eyes firmly closed, and feel your way around the rooms, or close one eye, so that when you were back in the dark your eyes would adjust more quickly. You did whatever you had to in order to remain in complete darkness.When some people hear the good news, it feels very much like this. The light comes in and threatens to wipe out their ability to navigate their present darkness. They have given so much time, and effort, and sometimes even love, to remain there and the light would destroy that.Some don't even know they’re doing until it is too late. They will step one foot into the darkness, and then another, until it simply becomes their new norm.1The sad truth is that some people will never turn away. They might occasionally open one eye to walk through the light on the way to a continued life in darkness, but others will simply shut their eyes, blinding themselves further as they make their way swiftly on. The is hope though. We that are in Christ know what it was like, “for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”2Our response should never be to lose hope over those who still stumble in the darkness, but to walk around as beacons of light.Let’s pray.Praying through the BibleLord,Thank you for your great love, through which you gave your only Son,So that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.We know, Lord, that whoever believes in Jesus’ name is not condemned,but whoever does not believe has chosen the darkness over the light.We pray now for those we love, who love the darkness rather than the light.In those times when my heart is tempted to lose hope,Remind me of my life before you, the hopelessness that predated my hope,and for the way you drew me towards yourself, into your eternal light,I thank you that you exposed my inward being,That you brought my darkness into your light,Cleansing me from my sin and shame.Draw them towards yourself Lord,Bring those works of darkness into the Light,So that what is true may come to the light,Bring your people home.AmenToday’s ReadingsJohn 3, Psalm 15, Psalm 16The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara, five in all. The son of Carmi: Achan, the troubler of Israel, who broke faith in the matter of the devoted thing; and Ethan's son was Azariah. The sons of Hezron that were born to him: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai. Ram fathered Amminadab, and Amminadab fathered Nahshon, prince of the sons of Judah.1 Chronicles 2:6-103Recommended Media to Start Your DayI have a fun one for you this morning, in which an interior designer takes a look at spaces submitted by her subscribers, which they’d like the improve. It is a great background video, and you might even pick up some tips along the way.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfHzBsHRIj0 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com