Micah J. Sturm

It was the craziest thing I had ever heard! This lady stood up in a convincing voice and said, “I praise the Lord that He’s given us a heaven to go to Heaven in!” Hearty amens came from nodding heads and tear stained faces aglow with smiling affirmations!

What I heard in that dear lady’s testimony, and in many others since, captivated my heart. How could people say that they enjoyed a measure of heaven here and now?

Life is often overwhelmingly difficult, distressing, depressing, and dark—even for those who have received Christ. But if it’s possible to have a touch of heaven now, then I’m interested!

The Bible says, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us…made us alive together with Christ…and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-6).

I still believe in a real place of eternal union with Jesus Christ that far exceeds human imagination—a place called Heaven. The never ending day of praise around the throne of God, joining the voices of all those who have been redeemed, and living forever in the presence of Jesus Christ is the ultimate destiny for all who believe!

When our forgiven hearts and lives are surrendered to Him, we enjoy a full cleansing from sin (1 John 1:7), the joy of the Holy Spirit, and a daily preview from heavenly seats with Jesus! The transforming love and grace of God absolutely elevates our daily existence into His presence!

“Since Christ my soul from sin set free,

This world has been a Heav’n to me;

And ‘mid earth’s sorrows and its woe,

‘Tis Heav’n my Jesus here to know.

Chorus:

O hallelujah, yes, ’tis Heav’n,

‘Tis Heav’n to know my sins forgiv’n;

On land or sea, what matters where?

Where Jesus is, ’tis Heaven there.

Once Heaven seemed a far-off place,

Till Jesus showed His smiling face;

Now it’s begun within my soul,

‘Twill last while endless ages roll.

What matters where on earth we dwell?

On mountain top, or in the dell?

In cottage, or a mansion fair,

Where Jesus is, ’tis Heaven there.”

(C.F. Butler)

Knowing Christ is everything to us, no matter where we find ourselves on the journey, we have a heaven to go to heaven in—enjoy the touch of heaven right here and right now!