Fruitful Living
25 ways to set your mind on things above (Part 1)
INTRODUCTION
The apostle Paul told us to set our minds on“things above,” that is, heavenly things, not on things on the earth,” that is, earthly things – Colossians 3:2. We need to be intentional about the information we feed our minds with and what we process with our minds.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus – Philippians 4:6
SETTING OUR MIND ON THINGS ABOVE.
- ADOPT A HEAVENLY MINDSET
In Romans 12:2, we find another excellent piece of advice from the apostle Paul. He wrote that we should be “transformed by the renewing of our minds” Romans 12:2. How do we do that? The same Bible verse tells us not to be “conformed to this world” – Romans 12:2. We should not allow our minds to be shaped by the present world but by God’s Word. Our mindset needs to be changed. We need to let go of values and habits that don’t agree with God’s will and adopt a new mindset built upon the truth from Scripture.
- FOCUS YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE RIGHT THINGS
Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 4:8 teaches us to be very selective with what should occupy our thoughts. This Bible verse tells us to think about things that are: True, Honest, Just, Pure, Lovely, Admirable, Virtuous, worthy of praise and if something doesn’t fit any of these categories, we should not allow it into our thought life.
- ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR DEPENDENCY UPON GOD
If we want to produce real change in our minds and hearts, we need God’s help. He is the One that can help us desire and pursue change Philippians 2:13. No matter how hard we try on our own, we won’t be able to overcome our sinful human nature without God working in us through His Holy Spirit Galatians 5:16-17.
- LET THE HOLY SPIRIT BE YOUR HELPER
The Holy Spirit dwells in every child of God John 14:17. He will help us keep our minds on heavenly things in many ways, such as:
- Teaching us and reminding us of the words of Christ Jesus John 14:26.
- Leading us Romans 8:14.
- Assuring us that we are children of God (Romans 8:16).
- Interceding for us Romans 8:26.
- Guiding us into all truth John 16:13.
- Empowering us Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:11.
And much more! Ask the Holy Spirit to be your helper, to help you discern and seek the important things John 14:16.
- RESIST THE DEVIL
This is what the apostle James has told us to do. By resisting the devil, he will flee from us James 4:7. To resist means to oppose, to withstand against him. We resist the devil as Jesus did: through prayer, fasting, and God’s Word Luke 4:1-13.
We need to be aware of the enemy’s strategies so we don’t fall into his traps 2 Corinthians 2:11; 1 Peter 5:8. Since this battle occurs mostly in our minds, we need to resist the devil so that we can focus our minds on the things of God.
- PUT ON THE FULL ARMOUR OF GOD
This is a known illustration Paul used to advise us in our fight against the evil one and its army Ephesians 6:10-17. The components of the armour of God are:
- Belt of truth: to fight the devil’s lies.
- Breastplate of righteousness: Jesus’ righteousness (not ours!) protects our hearts from the devil’s attacks.
- Shoes of the gospel of peace: to stand firm and advance into the enemy’s territory to proclaim the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Shield of faith: to extinguish the attacks by the enemy.
- Helmet of salvation: to protect our minds.
- Sword of the Spirit: this is the Word of God, which is our weapon of defence and attack Matthew 4:3-11.
Keep in mind that prayer is a key element in the battle Ephesians 6:18
- GUARD YOUR HEART
What does that expression from Proverbs 4:23 mean? In biblical terms, the “heart” is the centre of the will, thoughts, feelings, and desires. Nowadays, we say those things are in our minds. So, that expression means that we need to protect our minds from worldly things. Exposing ourselves to ungodly things that ignite our temptations can cause us to sin Matthew 26:41; James 1:14-16; 1 John 2:15-17.
- LET GO OF YOUR OLD SELF
In Ephesians 4:20-23, Paul tells us to put off our old self (our sinful nature) and put on our new self (the new creation Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 5:17. This illustration reminds us of a person changing clothes. Paul urges us to let go of our fallen nature, with its evil desires and worldly lusts, and embrace our new holy nature. It all begins in our minds by letting go of worldly thoughts and actions that lead us to sin and pursuing holiness 1 Peter 1:14-16.
- LEARN TO DISCERN WHAT IS TEMPORARY FROM WHAT IS ETERNAL
Everything in this world is temporary; it all belongs to a creation that will be renewed in the end Revelation 21:1. We need to keep that in mind and understand that what really matters are the eternal things 2 Corinthians 4:18. We should set our minds and energy into making an eternal impact with our lives, not living for the things of the world. Our lives must be dedicated to God and the things that please Him.
- SEE THE WORLD FROM GOD’S PERSPECTIVE
Doing this helps us deconstruct the lies the world has taught us our entire lives. Let us start by observing how Jesus and the apostles lived. Let’s start by reading the New Testament and pay attention to these questions:
- What occupied their time?
- What were their priorities?
- What mattered to them?
- How did they relate to the things of this world?
For example, in the episode of Jesus’ temptation, we see the Lord refusing things of this earth, like food, riches, fame and power, in order to obey God’s Word Luke 4:1-13. The Kingdom of God was His priority over whatever the devil could offer Him from the things of earth. His was a heavenly perspective.
- LET LOVE BE YOUR MOTIVATION
Paul begins the well-known chapter about love in 1 Corinthians chapter 13 by saying that everything we say, do, and give must be out of love; otherwise, it all comes down to nothing 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. God’s love must dwell in us, through the Holy Spirit, so our love for Him and others will be the driving force for what we think and do 1 Corinthians 16:14.
- ACKNOWLEDGE THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN YOUR LIFE
You cannot do it alone. But the good news is that God is with you Isaiah 41:10. This assurance helps us focus on what matters, on the things of heaven. We don’t depend upon our own strength; we depend upon God! So, when you feel weak, when your mind slips into negative thoughts, remember that God is there with you, even if it doesn’t seem so.
- SEEK GOD’S WISDOM
We need God’s wisdom to help us focus our minds and hearts on the things of the Kingdom of God. Here are some suggestions to help you seek wisdom from God:
- Be humble and acknowledge you need it Proverbs 3:7, 18:15.
- Know that all wisdom comes from God Proverbs 2:6.
- Study the Bible. Start by meditating on Jesus’ life in the New Testament and the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament.
- Pray and ask God to give you wisdom James 1:5.
- Welcome advice from more experienced followers of Jesus and learn from those who belong to the body of Christ Proverbs 19:20; Colossians 3:16.
To be continued!
Stay Blessed!
For further inquiries please contact us on Tel Nos. 0243588467 or 0268130615
Email: saltnlightministries@gmail.com
Website: saltandlightministriesgh.org
By Dr Joyce Aryee, the author
“…at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly” – Romans 5:6 (NIV)
Introduction
JESUS Christ shed His blood on the Cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for our salvation.
The Holy Spirit glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ and convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and we are baptized in Him into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God.
The Holy Spirit also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.
We continue from where we ended last week.
Seven words on the cross
4. The word of spiritual suffering
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” – Mark 15:34.
These words mark the climax of Jesus’ suffering for a lost world. Jesus experienced separation from God the Father as the sinner’s substitute. Here the sorrow, grief and pain were at their worst.
He was pierced for our transgression – “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5 (NIV), and gave Himself a “ransom for many” – Matthew 20:28; 1 Timothy 2:6.
God made Him who had no sin to be sin for you and me – 2 Cor. 5:21.
Jesus died, forsaken that we might never be forsaken – Psalm 22. Because of this we are redeemed by the suffering of Christ – 1 Peter 1:19.
5. The word of physical suffering
“Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” – John 19:28.
Jesus nearing death goes through the agony of thirst. Jesus the fountain of Living Water desires earthly water and is given vinegar – sour wine which He rejects. He had to endure pain and shame.
6. The word of triumph
“When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished” – John 19:30.
Mission accomplished. The work of redemption is done. Jesus did not say “I am finished.” Rather, He triumphantly made a declaration that He had completed and accomplished His work on the cross.
• He had accomplished the earthly mission assigned by the Father;
• He had fulfilled the important Old Testament prophecy about the suffering Messiah – Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 53:3–12;
• Completed the work of redemption as the sacrificial and Passover Lamb of God – John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7, involving blood atonement – Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:12 & 22;
• The decisive moment of victory over Satan and his network of demons – Colossians 2:15;
• Jesus has achieved the means of reconciliation of God with His creation and sinful humanity – 2 Corinthians 5:18–19 & 21; Colossians 1:20–22.
It is worthy to note that nothing can be added to the finished work of the cross for salvation. The way of salvation is now open to all who believe and draw on Jesus’ finished work on the cross – Matthew 27:50; Luke 23:46.
The debt for our sin has been paid in full and the plan of salvation established.
7. The word of committal
“Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit My spirit.” When He had said this, He breathed His last.” – John 19:30; Luke 23:46.
The Lord Jesus voluntarily committed His life into God the Father’s care – He went in spirit to His Father in Heaven.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” – John 3:16 (NIV).
Author
Kindly note: You are warmly invited to join us for our programme, Meditations on Easter, on Saturday, 11th April 2026 at Christ the King Parish Hall at 8:00 a.m.
The theme is: “He Is Risen Indeed, Hallelujah!!! – The Transformative Power of the Resurrection” (Matthew 28:5; 1 Peter 1:3–4).
Our deepest desire this Easter is to experience the power of Christ’s resurrection more intimately in our lives and to share the hope of the risen Lord with others.
Stay Blessed!
For further inquiries please contact us on Tel Nos. 0302-772013 or 0268130615
Email: saltnlightministries@gmail.com
Website: saltandlightgh.org
By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee
Fruitful Living
HAJJ: The 5th Pillar of Islam, a sacred journey to the house of Allah…an elevated call to faith, sacrifice, spiritual renewal (Final part)
Types of Hajj: Understanding the forms of pilgrimage
THERE are three recognised types of Hajj:
• Hajj al-Tamattu’: Performing Umrah first, exiting Ihram, and then entering Ihram again for Hajj.
• Hajj al-Qirān: Combining Umrah and Hajj in one Ihram without exiting.
• Hajj al-Ifrād: Performing only Hajj without Umrah.
Each type has specific rulings, and the choice depends on the pilgrim’s circumstances.
Miqāt and the State of Ihram
The Miqāt refers to designated boundary points where pilgrims must enter into Ihram before proceeding to Makkah. Crossing these boundaries without Ihram invalidates the proper commencement of Hajj.
Ihram is not just clothing—it is a sacred state of discipline, intention, and spiritual consciousness.
Fidyah and Dam: Expiation in Hajj
Islam provides remedies for mistakes during Hajj:
• Fidyah: Compensation such as fasting, feeding the poor, or sacrifice for minor violations
• Dam: Sacrificial penalty required for certain omissions or violations
• Tawaf
• Sa’i
These ensure that errors do not invalidate the pilgrimage but are corrected through prescribed means.
The virtue of Hajj Mabroor
The ultimate goal is to attain Hajj Mabroor (an accepted Hajj). The Prophet Mohammed pbuh said:
“An accepted Hajj has no reward except Paradise.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
Its signs include sincerity, avoidance of sin, humility, and lasting transformation after the pilgrimage.
The role of intention and acceptance
Hajj is not judged by outward actions alone but by sincerity of intention (Niyyah). A person may perform all rituals correctly yet fail to attain acceptance if sincerity is lacking.
Allah looks at the hearts, not merely the actions.
Life after Hajj: A new beginning
Hajj is not the end—it is the beginning of a renewed life. A pilgrim is expected to:
• Maintain righteousness
• Increase acts of worship
• Avoid returning to sin
• Become a model of good character in society
The true success of Hajj is reflected in one’s transformation.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is a lesser pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year. It includes:
• Ihram
• Tawaf
• Sa’i
• Shaving or trimming hair
Though not obligatory like Hajj, it holds immense spiritual reward. The Prophet Mohammed said:
“One Umrah to another is an expiation for what is between them.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
Visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah
While not a pillar of Hajj, visiting the Mosque of the Prophet Mohammed pbuh in Madinah is a highly recommended Sunnah.
The Prophet Mohammed said:
“Do not undertake a journey except to three mosques: Al-Masjid al-Haram, my mosque, and Al-Aqsa Mosque.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
Praying in the Prophet’s Mosque carries immense reward, and sending salutations upon him at his grave is a deeply spiritual experience.
Summary and conclusion
Hajj is a journey of total submission, unity, and spiritual rebirth. It connects the believer to the legacy of the Prophets and prepares the soul for the ultimate return to Allah.
The Prophet Mohammed pbuh said:
“Whoever performs Hajj for Allah and avoids obscenity and wrongdoing will return like the day he was born.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 1521; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, 1350)
May Allah grant us the opportunity to perform Hajj, accept it from us, and make it a means of our salvation. Ameen.
• Author
Author’s profile
Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai
Kpone Katamanso Metropolitan Chief Imam
Governance Expert and Islamic Scholar
Imam Saeed Abdulai is a distinguished Islamic scholar and community leader known for his impactful teachings on faith, governance, and societal development. He actively contributes to religious education and public discourse in Ghana and beyond.
22. References
• The Noble Qur’an (2:197, 3:97, 22:26–27)
• Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī
• Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim
• Sunan al-Tirmidhi
• Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azim
• Imam al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, Kpone Katamanso Municipal Chief Imam, Certified Counsellor and Governance Expert
