Chapter 12: Enjoy The Kingdom

"Enjoy the Kingdom That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith'the salvation of your souls."
('1 PETER 1:7-9)

For many centuries, the beautiful dove has symbolized two things: peace and the Holy Spirit. When John the Baptist immersed Jesus in the Jordan River, the Spirit of God descended 'in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, 'You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased'' (Luke 3:22). It was the dove that announced to Noah that the waters of the Great Deluge had dried up. It's not surprising, therefore, that I encountered doves on my next visit to heaven.

It was the morning of April 3, and the Lord was with me from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. After thirty minutes of shaking and groaning, I heard the Lord's voice and He took my hand. Soon thereafter, I saw my transformed body walking on the beach with the Lord.

We went to heaven together where we changed into different robes. We crossed over the golden bridge and walked on the right side of a road. It was a very wide road that had a canopy of leaves overhead from the mighty trees that grew on either side of the road. This was a different road from any we had walked on before.

We walked for a long while and then took a road to the right. We walked for quite a while on this road as well. It encircled the base of a large, rocky mountain. To our left, there was a wide valley filled with green trees. The middle of the valley seemed to be filled with white gravel.

HEAVENLY DOVES

As I looked over the serene valley, I noticed movement in the region of the white gravel. The area was filled with birds.

'Lord, what kind of birds are they?' I asked.

'They are doves.'

'Why are there so many doves here?'

'They are very important to Me.'

It was a magnificent place'so large and so beautiful. We climbed atop a solid rock wall upon which we could stand and watch the doves of heaven. We remained there for a long time, and I was profoundly moved by what I was seeing.

AN ENDLESS OCEAN

We stepped down from the wall and resumed our walk along the road. A short time later we reached a narrow road on the left onto which we turned and proceeded. Around a little curve in the road I noticed a massive ocean that was so vast that it appeared to have no end. As we neared the waterfront, I noticed a high rock wall that had steps leading down to the shoreline. We went up the wall and walked down the steps.

The edge of the sea was filled with boats, large and small. It was a marina in heaven, and each boat was chained to a thick bar. All of their hulls were white. As I got closer, I noticed every boat had a beautifully furnished cabin and windows of stained glass. They resembled little churches on the water.

'Would you like to ride in one of the boats, My daughter?' the Lord asked.

'Oh, yes!' I exclaimed.

He led me to one of the boats, and we climbed in. The interior of the cabin was immaculate, but the boat was large enough for only two people. There were two seats in the front and two steering wheels.

I began to remember how our Lord had related to the sea, nature and fishing during His earthly ministry. Peter, James and John'three of His disciples'had been fishermen. He frequently preached on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, and He often used fish as object lessons. The story of Jesus calming the raging waves came to mind.

"And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, 'Lord, save us! We are perishing!' But He said to them, 'Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?' Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea. And there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, 'Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?"
(MATTHEW 8:24-27)

Jesus loves the sea! He loves the world of nature He created. And He wants us to enjoy it as well. In fact, when the creation took place, human beings were to live in a paradise more wonderful than any we can possibly imagine'the Garden of Eden'a place of purity, innocence, perpetual springtime, fruitfulness, peace and joy. But because human beings sinned, we were banned from that earthly paradise.

God, in His great love, however, made a way for us to regain paradise in heaven. He sent His Son to die for us: 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life' (John 3:16). Paradise lost was regained through the death and resurrection of His Son.

The more I study the book of Genesis, the more I realize that the Garden of Eden was a replica of heaven on earth. It is the kind of existence God wants His children to enjoy. There was no death, pain, suffering, darkness or disease in Eden, and there will certainly be none in our heavenly home!

"What a wonderland it must have been, and heaven's beauty even surpasses this description of Eden: The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden."
(GENESIS 2:8-10)

I began to realize it is not surprising that our heavenly home will be like the most fantastic places of earth'the oceans, forests, fields, trees, flowers, birds, animals, fruits and rivers are there for us to enjoy just as God had created them for us in Eden. Because of sin, we lost our right to enjoy such an earthly paradise, but through faith in Jesus Christ paradise will one day be restored to each of us! Won't it be wonderful there?

My mind then turned to the passage about Jesus when He walked on the water: Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land. Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.

"But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled. And immediately He talked with them and said to them, 'Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.' Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled."
(MARK 6:47-51)

Yes, Jesus loved the sea, and He loved all of nature that He created. That's why I'm sure heaven is the prototype of everything that is beautiful on earth. Our Lord and Master wants us to enjoy the kingdom!

It was clear that Jesus wanted me to enjoy the experience of a heavenly boat ride. He pushed a button and the small craft began to move, slowly at first, and then we picked up speed. I loved the breeze against my face and the cooling mist that seemed so clean and refreshing.

I began to laugh as we sped over the sea's calm surface, and then I began to sing. I was so joyful. It was far different from any boat ride I'd ever taken on earth, during which I usually had gotten seasick or very nauseated. Not this time. I was enjoying every moment of our thrilling ride.

On the way back the Lord let me steer. I did so with a special kind of excitement that caused me to laugh and sing. I could hear Jesus laughing with me. I knew He was watching me like a parent watches a child.

Somehow, even though at times I was doubled over with laughter, I managed to steer us back to the docking area. We got out of the boat and the Lord tied it back to the bar. He then said, 'Choo Nam, you see the kingdom has many of the things that you know on earth. When all My children come to My kingdom, I want them to enjoy the things I've prepared for them.'

I smiled, because I understood a little bit of what He meant.

'My children will be pleased,' the Lord continued, 'and that is why I've told them to give up the worldly things in order to please Me. They can have anything they need while they are on earth if they are obedient to Me. I want their hearts to put Me first, and I want them to live pure lives because I love all of them and want to bring them here.'

A DIFFERENT WAY OF THINKING

God tells us in Isaiah, ''My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts'' (Isa. 55:8-9). It's so true, and the Lord gave me an inkling that April morning about what this passage means.

After the visit to the heavenly sea, we changed our garments and went to the secluded pond where we often sit and talk. The Lord took His usual seat on the rock, and I began to sing and dance. Then, as He often does, He called me over to sit by Him.

He began to share some important things with me.

'Daughter, you are special to Me. When Larry Randolph prophesied over you and told you how special you are to Me, you did not believe him.'

'I did not believe him, Lord, because I wondered how someone like myself could be so special to You. I marveled at the thought that You had taken notice of me. I believed You answered so many of my prayers, but I never thought You would remember me.'

I began to cry as I went on.

'When Pastor Larry prophesied and told me I was Your friend, I was shocked, and it was hard for me to believe, but now I listen to his tape every day. Each time I listen and hear him talking about me, my body begins to shake. The anointing comes, and then I am able to believe that You are going to use me in special ways. I always wait for You to talk to me each night.'

The Lord listened intently, then responded: 'I choose My children who are pure and obedient'those who put Me first in their lives. You are trying so very hard to please Me, but you must remember, I look only at the hearts of My children. You think like a human being. My thinking is different than yours.

'I know it's tiring for you right now, but you must be patient.

'My daughter, I don't want you to ever worry about anything. Just leave everything to Me. As I have told you, this is My book, and it will be done according to My will.'

I loved these times of sweet communion with the Lord. I felt very much like Mary who willingly sat at the Lord's footstool to learn His ways. Martha, on the other hand, was always trying hard to please Him, and she was filled with anxiety, jealousy and turmoil. I decided that I wanted to be like Mary from that moment on.

Martha, so worried and fretful, had remarked: 'Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me' (Luke 10:40). The Lord answered: 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her' (Luke 10:41-42).

Yes, I determined I would be like Mary instead of Martha. I have chosen the 'good part' that will never be taken away from me, which is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Nothing in all the world is more important than that!

"I wanted to have my mind renewed so that I could see things from a heavenly instead of an earthly perspective. The Lord was helping me achieve this goal. I remembered what the apostle Paul had said in the book of Romans: For those who live according to the things of the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God."
(ROMANS 8:5-8)

To be spiritually minded truly is life and peace, and every time I went to heaven with the Lord I knew what this meant. I determined to take the heavenly perspective back to earth with me, to continue building on my relationship with the Lord and to let Him renew my mind.

Back on earth this morning, we sat on the beach for a while, and the Lord said, 'You saw many things in heaven.'

'Yes, Lord, and these visits are so enjoyable that they're all I can think about. My mind stays in heaven, not on earth.'

'I know, My daughter.'

'I don't really have my own life anymore, Lord. Since the first moment I spent in Your presence, I've changed. I'm sure if my husband were not a Christian, he would have left me long ago.

'I lived for You before I saw Your presence and before I went to heaven, but now'even when I sleep'each time I wake up I sense Your presence with me. The only thing I can think of now is the book You want me to write. I am honored to do this for You, Lord. Thank You for entrusting me with such an important responsibility. I always want to do my best to make You happy.'

'I know, My daughter. Be patient, and remember that I love you.'

He stood up to leave, gave me a hug and vanished. The supernatural shaking in my body ceased.

HEAVEN, A PLACE OF WORSHIP

Two mornings later I had another life-changing visit from the Lord. It took place from 5:50 a.m. to 8 a.m. on April 5. After nearly 30 minutes of shaking, I heard the Lord's voice. He came close to me and took me by the hand. I saw my transformed body walking with Him along the beach. We went to heaven, changed our clothing and walked over the golden bridge. Then we found our way to a white, shiny road that was adorned with beautiful flowers on both sides.

I couldn't comprehend the grand beauty of these gorgeous flowers. How can any flowers be this beautiful? I wondered.

'Would you like a flower, My daughter?' the Lord inquired.

'Yes, I have always loved flowers.'

He picked an exquisitely shaped yellow one and placed it in my hand. I held onto it all the way through this visit to heaven.

After an incredibly long journey, we arrived at a huge and beautiful mansion. The palatial structure was situated at the end of the road, in a region where the ground was white and shiny, and multitudes of flowers could be seen everywhere.

We went to the back of the mansion, and I noticed flowers everywhere, as far as my eyes could see. It was indescribably wonderful. Then the Lord escorted me back to the front of the building.

We walked through the doorway, into a spacious corridor. All of a sudden, the interior of the home became dark. The Lord disappeared. I felt very much alone and somewhat frightened. I began to cry.

Just as quickly as it had darkened, the room was filled with the most radiant of lights I had ever seen. The room was so attractively furnished, arranged and decorated, and I was stunned by its brightness and beauty.

Then I noticed steps leading to a platform where the Lord was sitting. He was dressed in pure gold. His golden crown glistened in the light, and His golden robe sparkled and shone. His face was very bright, and I couldn't tell what He looked like.

Then the room filled with people who wore white gowns and silver crowns. They bowed in the Lord's presence, and I did the same. It seemed as if the room began to expand in order to accommodate the rising number of people of all colors and types. It was a moment of sacred worship and adoration before the Lord.

Then they all disappeared as if they were in a video, and the Lord came toward me, wearing His regular white gown.

'Daughter, look around,' He said.

I did so, taking in everything I could see. It was the biggest room I'd ever been in'like a majestic ballroom that could contain countless thousands of people. The walls sparkled with jewels and gems, and the floor was made of immaculate white marble.

'They worship Me. They worship Me continually,' the Lord said, explaining why the people were there.

"I immediately thought of a particular passage of Scripture that relates to worship: All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. For You are great, and do wondrous things; you alone are God."
(PSALM 86:9-10)

'May I worship You with them when I come back to heaven to be with Your forever?' I asked.

The Lord chuckled and said, 'Of course, My daughter.'

That's all He said. I must admit I had felt rather intimidated by His appearance as He sat on the throne in all His radiant glory. And as we walked together, I felt a bit uncomfortable with Him because the vision of Him sitting on His throne left me with a scary feeling.

When He is with me, He looks entirely different. When He's with me He is like a normal man, except I can't see His face with my eyes, but my mind can tell what He looks like. He is loving and sweet, gentle and so understanding.

The uncomfortable feeling alternated with moments of joy as we changed and went to the pond. I began to sing and dance, as usual, and the Lord took His customary seat on the rock. Flashbacks of the Lord's austere presence on the throne would steal my joy from me from time to time, but I endeavored to keep on dancing joyfully.

'Come here, My daughter,' He called.

I began to cry because I knew the visit would soon be over. 'I don't want to leave You, Lord.'

'The place I showed you, Choo Nam, is where all My people will gather to worship Me. I will never let anyone on earth hurt you. If you were not such a special daughter, I could not bring you to heaven to show you all the things you have seen.'

It was the reassuring message I needed to hear. The Lord's love for me was dispelling all my fears. The discomfort I had felt earlier was gone, but I responded to the Lord's uplifting message in my usual way.

'I'm nothing, Lord.'

He rebuked me.

'Don't ever say that again. You are very special to Me. You must believe this. I had to choose the right daughter for this important work, and you are the one I've chosen. I want you to have the best possible life on earth until the last day arrives. I will never leave you and I will always look after you. My daughter, I love you.'

His tender words of love and comfort broke my heart. I wept profusely. It was a moment of cleansing, healing and catharsis, and I felt fully renewed.

Heaven, I now know, is a place of great joy. It is designed to be enjoyed by us. That is its purpose. As the Westminster Catechism states, the chief end of man is 'to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.' The closer I get to Jesus on this earth, the more I am able to enjoy my life. His love casts out all fear.

Yes, heaven is so real.