Experiencing heaven

The King will reply, `I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me' (Matthew 25:40).

One Sunday morning many years ago, a pastor delivered an excellent sermon on the joy yjat the saints experience living in heaven. The next day he met one of the members of his church who had a question. "Pastor," he said, "you delivered a very fine sermon on the bliss of heaven, but you neglected to show us where heaven is to be found. Can you perhaps tell me now?"

The pastor replied, "It affords me great pleasure. Only a few minutes ago I came from yonder height visiting a sheep of my flock. There in a small dilapidated cottage dwells a poor widow with two little children. All three are ill, confined to their beds. They are without fuel, flour, and other necessary things. I would advise you to buy at once a supply of food and then go to that distressed family and offer them your help. When you arrive, read them the 23rd Psalm and kneel down before their beds to pray with them for their speedy recovery, and if you do not find heaven, I shall pay the bill."

The parishioner did as advised by his pastor. The next day he returned to the clergyman, his face beaming with joy, and said: "Pastor, I have for 15 minutes experienced the happiness of heaven. I only wish that others would follow my example."

Would you like to get a small taste of heaven while here on earth? Heaven is where God shows His love. Visit someone laid up in the hospital or confined in jail. Take some food or warm clothing to a family that is destitute. Show these people that God cares about them, and that He has sent you to show that care. Pray with them, and read them the 23rd Psalm: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.