LOVED - By Jacksen West

SAMPLE FROM THE BOOK

THE HEAVEN ZONE

David Hatman

We ought to fly away from Earth to Heaven as quickly as we can.

- Plato

CHAPTER 1

I BEGIN TO TRAVEL FASTER and faster upward as if I were a rocket breaking through the atmosphere at supersonic speed on its way to some distant galaxy light years away.

I hear thunderous sounds rattling inside my ears as my entire being trembles under the force hurling me skyward. It feels like I'm in my own science fiction movie. What a wild ride. Where am I off to? It must be a dream, but I feel as though I'm awake.

It was only a few minutes before that I crawled into my bed. I was exhausted from working so late at the office, trying to finish the reports due by tomorrow.

The small digital clock on the nightstand, next to a half-eaten banana and my Bible, read 10:43 p.m.

I barely managed to shut my eyes, then, without warning, I felt an overwhelming force pulling me upward as if an invisible vacuum was sucking me in. I must be having a crazy dream. I have crazy dreams sometimes, but nothing compares to what I'm experiencing right now. This dream felt way too real.

Then, I suddenly felt my body buzzing as if a tremendous bolt of lightning had hit me. It surrounded me as if I were suddenly underwater. Every fiber of my being was engulfed insider this glorious power.

CHAPTER 2

I FELT AS IF I WERE SWIMMING in a sea of powerful, overwhelming, peaceful energy that completely surrounded me from head to toe.

My entire body buzzed as if energized by supernatural electricity. This overwhelming sensation even made my lips and nose tingle. I could barely feel my hands; they felt almost numb. What was happening to me?

Many years ago, I experienced a similar sensation while in a deep prayer session, but it was nothing like what I feel now. I knew it was the Holy Spirit, so I was unafraid and welcomed what was happening to me. Bring it on, I thought.

Inside my heart, I knew that what was happening to me must be for a reason, so I surrendered to the peaceful presence of Almighty God—at least, that was my intention.

If this were just a dream, I'd wake up soon enough.

Suddenly, a brilliant light surrounded me. It filled my room, and I couldn't see the things in my bedroom anymore, only the brilliant white light surrounding me. It looked like the sun had just risen inside my room, beams of radiant light streaming into my eyes and face.

The clock on the nightstand I had just glanced at seconds ago was hidden by the thick cloud of light. I felt like I was standing in the middle of a sea of liquid light; that was all I could see.

"The glory of the Lord filled the house." -2 Chronicles 7:12

I was unable to resist being sucked up by such a powerful force. Never had I felt such a powerful force. Even Superman: Escape from Krypton, the ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, didn't come close to this level of excitement.

As I looked up, the ceiling suddenly disappeared, and I could see what appeared to be an infinite tunnel spiraling heavenward. It felt like I was inside a tornado of light that stretched forever.

The tunnel was narrow, about twenty feet wide, and I could see a brilliant light shining inside. It was not dark inside but filled with a brilliant white light that appeared to be moving upward as well. Where is the light coming from? It must have a source, but what is it?

I sense someone is beside me as I enter this tunnel of light, but I am reluctant to turn and see who it is. My heart tells me it's an Angel. He wraps his right arm around my waist, comforting me as we travel upward.

Now I know how a baby feels when embraced by its mother. I feel safe and protected with his arm around me—at least I'm not alone. We begin to move upward rapidly, and I feel my body shake uncontrollably. What a rush!