Already Heaven

God lives and works today. His kingdom is the kingdom of heaven, which, as Jesus said, is already in our midst today. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven ought to be a joyful reality in our lives.

But what does this mean in practical terms? Listen to today's meditation by Basilea Schlink called Already Heaven. On the darkest, most difficult days of our lives, it is especially important for us to give thanks. Yes, we should be thankful that our Lord Jesus came to bring heaven to earth.

What amazing grace! Whoever lives in heaven here on earth will also live in heaven after he dies. Whoever knows the joy of heaven here will be able to join in the rejoicing in the city of God. And whoever begins to sing of heaven today will be surrounded by heaven in the coming days, the most difficult time the world has ever known.

Don't let anything rob you of your faith in heaven. It's not even worth comparing with the glory of heaven, which, as the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 8, verse 18, will be revealed for all eternity. When you hear the word heaven, you may know for certain that the joy which will come is an eternal joy, and that the suffering of the moment will come to an end.

Therefore, concern yourself more with heaven. It's worth it. Heaven is your eternal home.

And if you can't relate to heaven, if it doesn't seem real to you and doesn't mean blessedness and joy, then you can ask the Lord until he makes it real for you. If you recognize that you're a poor sinner, then you will be able to hear the sound of angels as they sing about you, how there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. You will actually be drawn into the joy of heaven.

There is still another way to find entrance to heaven here on earth. It's the way of suffering. Suffering opens the gates of heaven.

For as the Bible says, this momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. In the measure that we must suffer, in the same measure will we experience the joy of heaven. And all the promises about eternity begin on earth.

Even Jesus' words, blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh. Yes, heavenly joy begins already on earth. Therefore, if you would like to taste a bit of heaven, commit yourself to your suffering now.

Oh, that we were there. Oh, that we were there. We'll pay this dreadful pleasure.

Oh, who such bliss can measure? Oh, that we were there. Oh, that we were there. You have been listening to a program written by Basilea Schlink of the Little Land of Canaan.

To learn more about how God lives and works today, visit us at our website, www.canaan.org. If you contact us, we would be happy to send you a free inspirational booklet. If you do not have access to the web, please contact this radio station for our postal address. God bless you.