Fruitful Living
10 things to stop taking for granted after the pandemic (part one)
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind. – Psalm 107:28-31
INTRODUCTION
When you’re in the middle of a storm, it’s hard to imagine that it could ever end. When the thunder is crashing and the lightning is flashing, we start to think the storm is there to stay. We see the storm as all-consuming and frightening. Logically, we know that at some point, the sun will peek from behind the dark clouds, the air will clear, and the water will dry up. But convincing our emotions and fears to listen to logic is often a losing battle.
When we’re parenting prodigals, nervously eyeing our dwindling bank accounts, taking care of aging parents, or going through a health battle—the storm can seem never-ending.
COVID-19 pandemic has felt the same. Worry, anxiety, and concern abound over all the what-if’s and unknowns. I don’t know about you but I have struggled with the illogical questions of “what if this never ends? What if we’re stuck in our houses forever?” But, like every storm, COVID 19 pandemic will eventually pass. There might be lingering damage in its wake, but the waters will recede. Our country’s “new normal” might look a little different than it did before the pandemic, but there will be a new normal. Life will resume.
The question becomes—
- Will we be ready?
- Will we forget the lessons learned during this pandemic?
- Will we go right back to complaining about the heat of the sun and forget about the torrents of rain that just ended?
- Or will we have a heart that’s permanently grateful, focused on thanksgiving, and ever counting your blessings?
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
HERE ARE 10 THINGS TO STOP TAKING FOR GRANTED AFTER THE PANDEMIC.
1. CHURCH
The Bible is clear in its command to meet with other believers on a regular basis.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” – Hebrews 10:23-25 (ESV).
The church needs each other. Many churches were able to meet via online sessions during the pandemic, while others had drive-up services where each family stayed in their car. While the church itself isn’t a brick-and-mortar building, there’s something very beneficial in meeting together, in person, in a building on a weekly basis. When the pandemic is over, let us be sure not to take for granted the blessing of fellowshipping together in church.
2. THE LORD’S PRESENCE
When people are going through hard times, the presence of the Lord is stronger than ever in their lives. Typically, this is due to the pressing need and lack of distractions. When we truly feel our need for the Lord, idols fade to the background. Our need for Christ is the same every day, but in times of trial, it weighs heavier on the heart.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
After the pandemic, let us be sure not to let the Lord’s nearness and our need for Him fade. Let us keep that in the forefront through praise and prayer.
3. SOCIAL LIFE
One thing I know I’ll never take for granted again is the ability to go and socialize with others, outside of the house. Eating inside a restaurant, leisurely strolling through the street and enjoying a crowded concert or watching football at the stadium will never be the same again. Hopefully, we’ll all be grateful in new ways for these old joys and simple pleasures.
4. PHYSICAL CONTACT
Physical affection is a legitimate need for many. Having to refrain from handshakes, high fives, and hugs has been difficult for me and I am sure for a lot of people. When the pandemic is over, let us be careful not to take for granted the freedom to give and receive affection.
“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.” – 2 Corinthians 13:11-12 (ESV)
5. EXTENDED FAMILY AND FRIENDS
The pandemic has separated many families. With the government-issued direction to avoid other households, many extended family members have not been able to communicate in person—especially those at high risk. When the danger of the pandemic subsides, let us remember how eager we were to see our family and friends, and let us make the most of it.
Fruitful Living
What Will Heaven Be Like?
Heaven is a place of hope
Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.”
— Revelation 21:3
Introduction
As we journey through life, the thought of a future home with Jesus fills our hearts with peace and anticipation. Heaven is not just an abstract idea or a distant place, but it is God’s promised home for those who believe in Him. Today, we will explore what heaven will be like according to Scripture, how it intersects with the new earth, and why this promise is central to our faith.
1. Heaven: God’s Dwelling Place
Heaven is described as the central dwelling place of God, where He rules the universe from His throne. Although God is omnipresent, heaven is uniquely where His glory is most fully displayed. The Bible promises that when Christians die, they immediately go to heaven to be with Christ (Luke 23:43). However, this is not the final destination. One day, God will bring heaven down to earth, transforming the current heaven into what the Bible calls the “new heaven and new earth.”
This concept is revolutionary. While many imagine that heaven is a place where believers escape the troubles of the earth, the Bible reveals that God’s ultimate plan is to dwell with His people on a renewed earth. As Revelation 21:1 says, “Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.”
2. Heaven on Earth: The New Creation
God’s plan has always included not only redeeming humanity but also restoring creation. The fall of Adam and Eve affected not only mankind but the entire universe. However, God’s redemption plan extends to all of creation. Isaiah 65:17 promises, “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth.” This new earth will be free from sin, corruption, and death.
The future heaven, or new earth, will be a place where the glory of God is fully revealed. Jesus’ resurrection secured this future, as His victory over sin and death ensures that all of creation will be renewed. It will be a place of perfect fulfillment, joy, and peace—a world where God Himself will walk with His people once more, just as He did in the Garden of Eden.
3. The Throne of God: Reigning with Christ
In the present heaven, God’s throne is the central feature. Yet, when the new earth is created, His throne will be established there. Revelation 22:3 says, “The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city.” This means that the new earth will literally be “heaven on earth.”
Believers will reign with Christ in this new creation, reflecting the original purpose for humanity. In Genesis 1:28, God gave Adam and Eve dominion over the earth, and in the new earth, this dominion will be fully realised. Believers will serve God, not in tedious labour but in joyful, meaningful work. The Bible promises that we will reign with Him forever, ruling as His children in a perfect, restored world.
4. The Uniting of Heaven and Earth
A remarkable truth about the new heaven and new earth is that they will not be two separate realms. Instead, they will be united under Christ. Ephesians 1:10 describes God’s plan to “bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” This means that there will no longer be a division between the spiritual and physical realms.
Just as the curtain separating God from humanity was torn when Christ died, the barrier between heaven and earth will be removed in the new creation. The result will be one seamless universe, where God dwells among His people forever.
5. The Wonders of the Holy City: New Jerusalem
The Bible describes the New Jerusalem as a city of unparalleled beauty and glory. Revelation 21:2 reveals that the city will descend from heaven to earth, and it will be the capital of the new earth. This city is described as having gates that are always open and streets of pure gold. Revelation 21:24 says, “The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendour into it.”
This implies that the new earth will have cultures, nations, and rulers—all redeemed and purified. The diversity of people and cultures on the new earth will reflect the creativity of God. All the best aspects of history, culture, and art will be restored and redeemed for God’s glory.
6. Life on the New Earth: Joy and Fulfillment
Life on the new earth will be anything but boring. Some people mistakenly believe that heaven will be a place of endless inactivity, but this is far from the truth. Revelation 22:3 tells us that “His servants will serve Him.” Our work in heaven will be fulfilling and without the curse of sin. We will use our talents and gifts to glorify God in everything we do, and our desires will perfectly align with His will.
The new earth will also be a place of feasting, fellowship, and joy. Matthew 8:11 promises that we will dine with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. The Bible often depicts heaven as a banquet, where we will enjoy food, drink, and celebration with Christ as the guest of honour.
We will also have the opportunity to continue learning, growing, and exploring God’s creation. The wonders of the new earth will be endless, as Ephesians 2:7 says, “in the coming ages He will show the immeasurable riches of His grace.” We will spend eternity discovering new aspects of God’s greatness and beauty.
7. The Restoration of Relationships and Creation
One of the most comforting promises of the new earth is the restoration of relationships. In heaven, all brokenness will be healed. There will be no more pain, sorrow, or death. God will wipe every tear from our eyes, and we will be reunited with loved ones who have also placed their faith in Christ. The relationships we experience in heaven will be free from sin and full of love, as we will know each other fully and perfectly in Christ.
Moreover, the new earth will see the restoration of creation itself. The Bible suggests that even animals will be present on the new earth. Isaiah 65:25 describes a world where “the wolf and the lamb will feed together.” This imagery points to a peace that extends to all of creation.
Conclusion
Heaven, as revealed in Scripture, is not a distant or abstract place. It is our true home, where we will dwell with God forever. The new heaven and new earth will be a place of unimaginable beauty, joy, and fulfillment. As we look forward to this future, we are reminded of God’s incredible love and grace. He desires to be with us, and His plan from the beginning has been to dwell among His people. Let us live in light of this hope, sharing the good news of the gospel and anticipating the day when heaven and earth are united under Christ.
Stay blessed!
For further inquiries please contact us on Tel Nos. 0302-772013 or 0268130615
Email: saltnlightministries@gmail.com
Website: saltandlightgh. org
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- By Dr Joyce Aryee, the author
Fruitful Living
National Chief Imam blesses Muslim Youth in Agriculture project
The National Chief Imam with Mr Mensah at his residence at Fadama
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh (Dr) Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has urged Ghanaian Muslims to venture into agriculture in order to enhanced food security in the country.
The Chief Imam said this when the Managing Director of Sky Dolphin Limited, Wisdom Mensah, paid a courtesy call on him at his residence at Fadama, a suburb of Accra on Monday.
Mr Mensah presented a gift to the National Chief Imam in support of his planned anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Maulid) which comes off today October 5 at Fadama.
The National Chief Imam asked for Allah’s blessing for the success of the Muslim Youth in Agriculture project.
Mr Mensah is supervising the Muslim Youth in Agriculture project, a partnership between the Muslim community and the Sky Dolphin Limited, which involves novel aquaponics project, a mixture of fish farming and crop farming, aimed at creating jobs for the teeming unemployed Muslim youth as well as vulnerable rural Muslim women.
The representatives of the Islamic Community on the Muslim Youth in Agriculture, aquaponics projects are Sheikh Mustapha Ibrahim, the founder and chairman of the Islamic Council for Development and Humanitarian Services in Ghana (ICODEHS) and Special Advisor to the National Chief Imam, Imam Mohammed Awal Alhassan, the Metropolitan Chief Imam of Takoradi and Greater Accra Chief Imam of the Dagomba Community, Sheikh Yusuf Farouk Alhassan Umar Yussifiya, the Imam of Yussifiya Mosque in Kumasi and Acting Chairman of the National Hilal Committee of Ghana and Alhaji Khuzaima Mohammed Osman, Eminent Member and Chairman of the Greater Accra Regional Peace Council of the National Peace Council of Ghana and Executive Secretary of the Tijjaniya
By Spectator Reporter