Every year as I am putting away my Christmas decorations, I think about getting rid of some of them. I have limited storage space, so it just makes sense to clear out some of the ornaments that are no longer in great shape or the garland I don’t use much anymore. But I rarely do. I have all kinds of reasons why. Maybe a relative gave it to me, maybe I’ll use it next year, maybe . . .

It isn’t just Christmas decorations. I think many of us have a lot of “extra” around our homes. Whether it is books, craft supplies, some sort of knick-knack collection, or clothes that no longer fit, we have stuff in our homes, sometimes a lot of stuff, that is hard for us to part with.

That is why there is a concept called “Swedish Death Cleaning.” Apparently, it was trending last year (there is even a reality TV show about it), but I just recently heard of it. A few years before, the Marie Kondo method of decluttering sparked interest with her advice to choose to keep only what “sparks joy.” Swedish death cleaning is a little different.

What is Swedish Death Cleaning and How Can It Help You?

The term comes from the book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter by Margareta Magnussen. While there are personal benefits to living without a lot of clutter (many people report feeling less stress and more focus and control when their surroundings are clear), Magnussen promotes getting rid of our possessions for the sake of our families. Maybe not when we are young and starting out, but when we are approaching middle age or beyond, when we are starting to wonder about our later years, is a good time to begin thinking about all we have accumulated.

Many of us believe that the stuff we value and hold dear will automatically be valued by others – but most likely the things we hold onto and fill our homes with will end up out front in a yard sale. Our collections, our letters, our stuff, is ours and means more to us than it could ever to someone else, and Magnussen asks us not to burden our family with possibly months of sorting and deciding. Leaving it all for our family to deal with also takes the power away from us to determine where our belongings will actually go.

The author encourages us. She says the process is not sad – it can be a good thing to remember why each item holds special memories for us, and she also gives concrete tips, such as starting with the largest objects, like furniture, and objects that hold little emotion

first. It is not meant to be a speedy process. Even Magnussen took almost a year to go through her belongings. It isn’t so much about throwing things away as it is about deciding what truly matters.

Living with Intention

I think you will find much of Magnussen’s advice to be helpful, but let me encourage you with one additional tip: while you sort through your belongings, with your death in mind, to determine what is most important, give some serious thought not only to what you do with your stuff but also what you do with your time. Whether we are around for one more year or fifty, what we do with our time, our lives, is what truly matters.

Preparing for our death can bring clarity to our lives. Death “living” helps us ask and answer if what we are doing right now specifically in this moment and with our lives in general is important. Is it worthwhile? Is it pleasing to God and helpful for others? Is this the best way to make our lives count for something?

Reading the Swedish death cleaning book helped me know how to deal with my clutter, but the whole idea made my wonder about my time. I hope it is helpful for you too.

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Guess what? 2025, it is here and God has been here waiting for us to arrive!

God is never caught off-guard of where we are or in what condition we find ourselves. Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,” says the LORD, “plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

The context of the story surrounding Jeremiah and this message can apply to us as we may see our current situation(s) impossible and hopeless. The time period is after the Israelites had been captured and taken into Babylonian captivity under the rule of Nebuchadnezzar. The Israelites were in captivity for 70 years when Jeremiah’s message came to them. Jeremiah was part of those remaining in Jerusalem and he was sending a message to those in captivity. The ruling class of Jerusalem was unhappy with Jeremiah, and sending this message placed Jeremiah in grave danger.

Jeremiah was sending a message of hope to the captives. Jeremiah earlier in the same chapter stated (vs 5-7):

“Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters, multiply there and not decrease [in number]. Seek peace and well-being for the city where I have sent you into exile, and say to the LORD on its behalf, for in its peace (well-being) you will have peace.”

God is standing in our present with open arms declaring to us, “I’ve been waiting for you to arrive.” God has love to lavish on us because we are His children. He has gifts to offer us through that love. Just as Jeremiah told the people in exile, God has “plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope,” God today is aware of our current condition and circumstances. Our grandmothers in the driveway knew our condition and loved us just the way we were. They were still overjoyed to have us come into their presence. The question is, “Will we stay in the car?”

What does it look like to get out of “the car” and into the presence of God? The first step is admitting we have an estranged relationship with God. While many of us may have gone to church as kids, we have not walked in a close loving relationship with God our Father and Creator. Secondly, we need to ask God for forgiveness, and ask Him to come into our lives as the savior and director of our lives.

Finally, as we get out of “the car” we need to run into the arms of Jesus and begin to read our Bibles and fellowship with other believers so we can get to know the true LOVE NATURE of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

If you have additional questions of what this really means or how to begin this relationship with God, give us a call at (937) 424-1640. We’d love to talk to you about it!

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Marriage issues? Help is available! Dr. David & Theresa Mabry talk about the marriage support services and resources available at Encompasscc.org.

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Author & Pastor Lawrence Bishop talks about the journey that leads to the forgiveness and healing found in his new book ‘The First Day of Your Worst Day’ Lawrence Bishop II says ‘I hope you never need this book, But I hope you have it in case you do.’

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Bill Goodrich talks about the opportunity to visit senior care homes and share life-enriching hope & conversation with elderly residents. Training, resources, and encouragement is available to churches and volunteers at GodCaresMinistry.com.

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Kermit Rowe with Dayton Habitat is working with volunteers & donors to help provide home ownership in the Miami Valley. Learn more @ www.DaytonHabitat.org

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Darrel Geis and The Christian Blue Pages share the encouragement and resources to spread some Christmas cheer this season by gathering a group and going caroling. Learn more at www.GoCaroling.com

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Lately, my wife Vicki and I have been trying to declutter our home. We’ve been going through all the closets and finding things that we’ve had for years, from when our children were little. In that process, I noticed something I guess I hadn’t thought about before. Little children’s play things tend to be very colorful and shiny! I’m sure that’s helpful in getting and keeping a young child’s attention. The bright and shiny catches their eye and they want it.

Unfortunately, as adults, we haven’t outgrown that fascination for the bright and shiny and the enemy of our souls knows that very well. He can dress up sin in some of the brightest colors and make it sparkle so it catches our eye and makes us want to have it. What he will never let us see is the ugly, destructive nature of that sin. If we saw that, we would never be tempted.

A number of years ago there was a popular gospel song whose chorus shed light on this:

Sin will take you farther than you want to go, slowly but wholly taking control.

Sin will leave you longer than you want to stay. Sin will cost you far more than you want to pay!

The Apostle Paul also addresses this progression of sin as he warns the Christians at Thessalonica in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15:

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

This passage gives us hope because there are several steps that happen before we fall headlong into sin and each of those steps gives us opportunity to turn away; an opportunity to recognize that what we see might not be all there is. With God’s help, we can see what’s behind all the glitz and glitter before it’s too late!

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This Week’s Bold Step

Clogged pipes in your home can really be a headache for a homeowner. Whether it’s a sink, toilet, or bathtub, all of these lines can gradually clog over time as debris accumulates, making it harder and harder for waste to move through. If not identified and addressed in the early stages, you could end up with sewage water backing up into your house. I speak from experience!

Unconfessed sin is a lot like that clogged pipe. Its tentacles can wrap around every part of our being and can often leave us feeling paralyzed if we’re not careful. The effects are often devastating from developing a wrong spirit towards God to feeling separated and isolated from community to losing the joy of our salvation. If left unchecked, unconfessed sin blocks our healing in other areas of our lives, leaving us hopeless.

In Psalm 51, we see David wrestling with the weight of his sin of adultery and murder. His anguish is palpable as he confesses his sins to God, holding nothing back. We see that he doesn’t blame anyone else but himself making no attempt to excuse his actions. David knew that his sin had separated him from God, so the only appropriate response was a humble and contrite appealing to Him to extend His mercy, love and forgiveness.

Like a pipe that’s been unclogged, there’s a hunger when your heart is repentant. The weight of sin is gone, replaced by joy and freedom like no other. You’re no longer a slave to sin! My friend, true repentance doesn’t merely alleviate guilt but cultivates a deep joy in your life. Might today be that day?

This devotional was written by Pastor Mark Jobe and used with permission from Moody Radio.

To learn more and to access other amazing resources please visit http://www.boldstepsradio.org/

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By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.

Hebrews 11:30

Read Joshua 6:1–21

What is your favorite day of the week? Studies show that Friday and Saturday are the favorite days for most. But how many of us would say Sunday?

In Joshua and the battle of Jericho, a story that some Christians have known since Sunday School, we get a glimpse of how a particular day can be the most jubilant day of a week; filled with music, trumpets, shouts, and victory. But before that joyous moment when the walls came down, we observe that the people of God fully obeyed each of His commands for six full days.

They were to march around Jericho each day with all the armed men (v. 3) and seven priests carrying trumpets in front of the ark of the covenant (v. 4). There were further instructions given by God through Joshua for the people. They were not to give a war cry or raise their voices; not to say a word until they were told which day to shout (v. 10).

What a picture of faith and daily obedience to the Lord! It was faith in the Lord that brought down the walls of Jericho (Heb. 11:30). From morning to night (vv. 11–12), the people had to trust in God’s Word before the outcome, knowing that the Lord had something greater in store for the final day. Indeed, God had something greater. On the seventh day, the Israelites saw victory through Joshua (Yeshua) over the enemy in Jericho in the Promised Land.

We too have something greater in our future! That’s why gathering with God’s faithful people on the Lord’s day can be the most exciting day of the week. It is filled with jubilant worship as we remind ourselves of the victory we have in and through Jesus (Yeshua).

Go Deeper

What do you think went through the minds of the Israelites as they followed God’s puzzling instructions?  How does being mindful of our future hope (Heb. 4:9) influence the way we walk in obedience today?

Pray With Us

Lord Jesus, thank You for the freedom we have to come together with fellow believers in our churches. Thank You for the joy of joining Your people on earth and all the company of heaven in the unending hymn.

This Devotional is from Sing to the Lord: Music in the Bible written by author Dr. Brian Lee

Find more edifying, Christ-centered devotionals and other great resources at www.todayintheword.org

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I figure I’m doing a good thing. We’re familiar with the verse in Proverbs that says a merry heart does good, like medicine. And you know that’s true. We distract children from the pain of a shot or a scraped knee with a funny face or a silly song, and even as adults, when someone or something makes us laugh, we momentarily forget our troubles and worries.

But according to the Mayo Clinic, laughter can literally help heal your body. Laughing forces more air into your lungs so more oxygen goes into your body. It increases the endorphins released from your brain. These not only make you feel good, but they affect your cardiovascular system, decreasing your blood pressure and heart rate and improving your circulation. Long term, laughter fights the effects of stress on your body and can improve your immune system, relieve pain, improve your mood, and even help you lose weight.

God didn’t have to create us with a sense of humor, but He did, simply for our enjoyment and health. We have times of joy and laughter now, but there are several passages in the Bible that speak of laughter in the future, when our hearts and bodies are free of pain and worry and we have full freedom and joy in the Lord. That seems almost unreal now because of the world we live in, but the moments of joy and laughter we experience here give us another glimpse into the world to come.

One more thing laughter does is encourage connection with others. Almost everyone likes to hear a joke. Telling one is an easy way to make difficult situations a little easier or break barriers and forge the beginning of a relationship with a coworker or someone you regularly encounter. They might laugh at your joke now, but, through you, may eventually come to know the joy that lasts forever.

So where do bad rainbows go? To prism. But it’s a light sentence and gives them time to reflect.

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Definitions

• a coming into place, view, or being; arrival
• the coming of Christ into the world
• the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas
• second coming

Synonyms

• Arrival
• Coming
• Onset
• Appearance
• Approach
• Entrance
• Incoming

Often advent is relegated to the “religious” realm. But, we always have advent occurring in our lives. Anticipation of births, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, retirement, and many other events.

Israel was in advent waiting for the Messiah. There was 400 years of silence. Advent implies hope or expectation or an arrival of a joyous occasion.

We are often waiting, “adventing” for some distant event or opportunity, when God wants us to advent (anticipate) His presence today. Lamentations 3:22-23 declares, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your [God’s] faithfulness.” Do we have that daily anticipation of meeting with God in a scheduled quiet time? We anticipate seeing friends and family, why do we not have the same anticipation to meet with God?

Do we anticipate seeing God demonstrate His realness in our daily lives by a “God wink?” The times you whisper or think of a need, and the solution appears…those are God winks. The sound of laughter or a beautiful sunset is a God wink. Are we “adventing” the answers to long held prayers of healing or salvation for loved ones, or have we given up anticipating an answer?

I’d say, our daily routines distract us from anticipating good things to happen in our lives. Often the world as it is makes us callus and cynical.

The antidote is daily washing ourselves in God’s word and EXPECTING (adventing, anticipating) His fresh response. A song from my childhood that has stuck with me these many years encourages me to anticipate God’s daily presence and His move on my behalf.

Don’t let advent only come once a year before Christmas. Begin a tradition of advent for each and every day. Establish a desire and anticipation to experience the fullness of God, right here, right now, and not in some distant future that lessens our joy and hope of His present reality.

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We as Christians need to begin to see that God does not leave us hanging out to dry in an effort to test us and see if we will make wise decisions to better our lot in life. The wisest choice is to “seek God and His righteousness, and all the things we need will be added unto us” (Matthew 6:33). These “things” don’t have to be material items that can sidetrack us from the true needs within our lives.

Our true needs that might send us over the edge of despair are our needs for safety, health, and peace of mind. The Bible is FULL of encouragement to lead us to the source of hope, as well as the power to provide us with what we need.

Psalm 91 is a vivid picture of God’s provision of hope through many dangers. God rescues us from the snare of the fowler. God protects us under His wings. God fights our enemies. God provides energy for us to keep going forward. All of this provision is because of our trust and dwelling in His presence; not our own efforts.

We need to have a mind shift to trust in God, the unseen, more than we trust in the seen. So many say that is foolish. But Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:27 says, “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God hath chosen the weak things of the world, to confound the mighty things.”

The many Bible stories and Bible verses we have learned over our lifetime, need to now be put into demonstrated power actions that reveal we have our faith in God who is our rock and fortress (Psalm 18:2), and not in the temporal things of this Earth…even though God will provide things we need…homes, jobs, transportation, food, etc. “Some trust in chariots, some in horses, but I trust in the Lord my God” (Psalm 20:7).

That kind of abandoned faith causes us to say, as the words of the song, “I Surrender All.”

Surrendering to God restores us with His authority and power living in us as “Christ the Hope of Glory” (Colossians 1:27). His power moves mountains (obstacles). His power is creative and demonstrated throughout the Bible with examples of providing out of nothing: manna, quail, and water. His power demonstrated the parting of the Red Sea and everyone crossing over on dry ground while moments later drowning Pharaoh and his army. In the New Testament, Paul was saved from death: shipwreck, beating, and snake bite. God says, “Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27). We say God is the same yesterday, today, and forever…therefore we should have that God kind of faith to believe He will use His power to provide us hope. Hope in His love that was so strong, He gave His only son so that we would be brought into His family to dwell (John 3:16).

As we become part of His family, we need to move away from the idea of doing life on our own efforts to the realization that “I can’t do it myself.” We MUST live only through God’s power moving in and through us. That is when we become the Kings and Priests God intended to step out in His Name to do great exploits (Daniel 11:32) to win the lost and to disciple the nations toward His Glory covering the Earth as the water covers the sea (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, Habakkuk 2:14).

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John Wootton shares about the Ohio For Jesus plan by the Assemblies of God churches in Ohio and how their principles and resources can help other churches and denominations develop leadership and progress towards sharing Jesus in Ohio.

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Aubrie Kimbrough is helping students connect & pray for their school, community, and nation by providing encouragement and resources. More info at www.ClaimYourCampus.com

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