Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Dying to Meet Jesus: How Encountering Heaven Changed My Life

Rate this book
Where is God when my suffering seems never-ending? Can I really find joy in this fallen world? This powerful book confronts these questions with stories of the author's near-death experience, a daughter's suicide attempt, mental illness, and numerous other gripping stories that demonstrate not only that God is present when we need him, but that through our trials we can find true intimacy with him.Author Randy Kay recounts how, as a former devout agnostic, he survived a near-fatal accident while searching for the truth--and when he met the One he sought to disprove, his journey changed from a life of extreme trials into one of genuine joy. In these pages, Kay offers his testimony to show readers how God uses suffering and brokenness to build an intimate and indestructible relationship with him, while breaking down barriers and ushering the reader into an authentic relationship with the Author of love.

169 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2020

192 people are currently reading
901 people want to read

About the author

Randy Kay

35 books67 followers
RANDY KAY will be launching his newest book, Dying to Meet Jesus, being published by Baker Publishing in late 2019.

Randy has trained over one million people, including Fortune 500 leaders. He is an author, speaker, trainer, entrepreneur, and coach, Currently Randy is CEO of PACEsetters, a human development firm, and TenorCorp, a strategic development firm.

Earlier in his career Randy was a Fortune 100 executive, biotech CEO and owner of a media company and co-owner of three other businesses. He is a graduate of Northwestern University.

Randy has authored four (4) business and self-help books, including most recently, The Power to Thrive; and, he has authored two non-fiction books, including Will's Purpose which earned Christian awards for best fiction.

Find out more at: http://www.randykayauthor.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
125 (55%)
4 stars
60 (26%)
3 stars
30 (13%)
2 stars
9 (3%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Katie.
34 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2024
Had to pace myself reading this one because it was so good that I wanted to stretch it out and enjoy it longer. I’m so happy about what this has done for the way I think about my relationship with God
Profile Image for Renu Ruggiero.
64 reviews
May 15, 2023
This is a beautiful book giving Peace, Understanding and Hope to each one of us. Yet another personal encounter with God, letting us know that he exists and loves us dearly. No matter our trials and tribulations on this earth, he is always there for us. There is no real death but life continues in heaven once you leave earth. Our true home.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
653 reviews10 followers
December 16, 2020

In Dying to Meet Jesus Randy Kay shares his experience with dying and meeting Jesus. Throughout this book the author shares the questions we have about God and this Earth. I could tell that Randy Kay has a calling to share the love and his experience he had with all.

I recommend this book to all.

I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for my review. Each of the words and opinions are my own.



Profile Image for Joan.
4,369 reviews126 followers
January 17, 2020
Yes, Randy Kay died and met Jesus. But that experience is not the focus of the book. Rather, Kay's message is more about suffering and what believers are to make of it. This book, Kay writes, is about “finding joy through sadness by grasping trials instead of avoiding them. (45) How we respond to suffering in important. Suffering can be a bridge to spiritual awareness. It can provide a pathway to intimacy with God. He says, “...embrace your sadness as a vehicle to strip away the flesh, and make yourself empty, so you can be filled with God's presence.” (68)

Kay shares many of his experiences. Some experiences are glorious while others include tragedy. He encourages us to have deep fellowship with God, to be totally immersed in God's presence. He tells stories of how God used him in healing others, the visions he and others have had, and much more.

Yes, Kay does talk about his time with Jesus. It is in the context of adoration beyond words, feeling deeply loved, his excitement and awe. Yes, there were radiant, light emitting stones and glowing hills. Yes, there was life giving water, translucent rocks, and ten feet tall spirit beings. (167) Nonetheless, the emphasis of Kay's account is on the worship and praise and joy.

Kay notes that he was skeptical of such experiences until he had his own. There is so much more to this book than just his experience with Jesus. I really appreciate the emphasis on being in intimate relationship with God, with being rather than doing. (169) Whether you are skeptical of near death experiences or not, this book is well worth reading.

Food for thought: “Regardless of any suffering, the profoundest truth I have learned is that nothing compares to being in the presence of Jesus. Absolutely nothing.” (171)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Profile Image for Becky.
618 reviews29 followers
January 18, 2020
The Key to Happiness!

PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://bookreadingtic.com/2020/01/17/... THANK YOU!

During a health crisis, Randy Kay died and was transported to Heaven where he met Jesus. That near-death experience (NDE) has changed every minute of his life. This book focuses on the feelings, strengths and emotions that Randy had as a result his Heavenly encounter.

Although he does give some description of Heaven, the main point of this story is what he received by meeting Jesus. Any doubts about God’s existence or His being unaware of the hard things Randy was going through, were replaced with rock solid knowledge of God’s reality, and the confidence of the Lord’s hand on his life.

Many trials have come the author and his family, since that time. He has been able to face them all because of the strength and fortitude he received while in Heaven.

Randy uses God's word in the Bible, along with what he gained in Heaven, to offer hope and encouragement to readers. His NDE was so precious to him that he did not share it with others for a long time. Ultimately, he felt God himself was urging him to write this book and include his NDE. The author agrees with Paul when he said:

“To me, living means having Christ. To die means that I would have more of Him. If I keep on
living here in this body, it means that I can lead more people to Christ….” Philippians 1:21-22

I recommend this 5-star book to Christ followers who want hope and help in life, as well as, assurance of a glorious future.

Chosen Books has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Dying to Meet Jesus, for the purpose of review.
Profile Image for Lora.
787 reviews14 followers
March 30, 2025
This might be my favorite NDE book! Not the experience, but the dialogue. I didn't find a single thing I didn't agree with. It was an amazing reminder! The pains of this life are so real. Perspective is everything. This is why bad things happen and must continue to happen, but again, its all perspective and faith.

"Paul affirmed speaking in tongues as an act of private prayer when he encouraged the believers at Corinth to "pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may proph-esy" (1 Corinthians 14:1 NKJV). In verse 2, he provides guidelines for its use in public worship: "For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries" (NKJV). Paul spent the remainder of the chapter contrasting the gift of prophecy with the gift of tongues, then instructed them, "Do not forbid speaking in tongues" (verse 39)—publicly or privately. Speaking to God is the most fundamental definition of prayer. Indeed, speaking in tongues as practiced among believers at Corinth included a different language speaking to God, not people (see verse 2)."

"Today, I am pleased to share that Annie has taught me more about God's love than anyone else. As her parent, I know in my small way how God loves even His most rebellious children and why He loves me despite all my flaws. In God's eyes, I am no different from Annie. I have rebelled, I have cursed God and I are immersed myself in the of forgiveness and grace."

"...you can reach absolute intimacy with Christ without dying physically You simply need to embrace your sadness as a vehicle to strip away the flesh, and make yourself empty, so you can be filled with God's presence. Stop trying to fight the sadness, and instead use it..."

"In the presence of God, all suffering is stripped away and replaced with comfort and joy. Joy is a condition of the heart, not an emotion like happiness. Joy is created through a relationship with God's Holy Spirit that enters us, makes us feel good and opens our spiritual eyes to see the blessings of Christ in all things. That is how I battled the ravages of the mental illnesses that affected my loved ones and me. This is how I have reached an intimacy with Jesus equal to my encounter with Him in heaven."

"Through much of this season of trials, joy seemed elusive. Unbeknownst to me, God was revealing a profound heart lesson while constructing a bridge to joy. God's bridge-building materials consisted of stepping-stones to a new dwelling place har would free each of us to experience God's joy."

"Let's get real with God and each other by sharing our hurts and trusting God to redeem us from sinfulness. The only path toward wholeness is realness. I cry to this day that Annie suffered at the hands of someone I could not stop, but I do not blame God. Today, Annie helps heal those similarly affected because she knows their anguish."

"The truth is that people who commit atrocities always defy God. They are degenerate and those of us who love God are daily exposed to the effects of this sinful world. If we ask why God does not save us from violations, then we should also ask this question: Why did Jesus not save Himself?"
and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kind" J

"Trials tend to break us. They some times humiliate us. That brokenness is not a choice; it is a gift.
After experiencing the comforting embrace of Jesus, I came to know that only being in His presence elicits absolute joy, but it follows brokenness."

"To find joy, you and I must first endure the inevitable sadness that precedes it. This is an irony of the fallen human condition, even though we, like Jonathan, are always loved by the Father. There is a symbiotic relationship between suffering and joy somewhat analogous to the pain of surgery to repair a damaged organ or bone that eventually results in a new lease on life. Suffering and joy seem like opposites, yet in God's Kingdom they are intertwined in this life. All of God's saints faced trials of various sorts. One cannot experience lasting joy without the sadness in this world. There is no sadness in heaven, yet in this world sadness is the pathway toward genuine relationship with God and others. In this world we live as orphaned believers predestined with the purpose of being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ (see Romans 8:29). And that requires being molded like the proverbial potter's clay. This world taints us and tends to conform us to its image, not to Christ's."

"...the toll of mental illness and oppression. It robs family members of their joy. For those of you who have suffered likewise, I say, "God bless you." I understand your pain. I now know "the Lord is my strength and shield" (Psalm 28:7), and the "joy of the LORD is [my] strength," as Nehemiah 8:10 declares. Many days and nights, we prayed. And many times, God's presence soothed our trepidation of not knowing when the next crisis might happen. But it was a hellacious existence."

"As a mature Christian, I now view suffering as a means toward something much better. My circular reasoning that brokenness was to be avoided at all costs has turned into a conviction that brokenness is a means for building a stronger relationship with God."

"This book is about finding joy through sadness by grasping trials instead of avoiding them. Until we understand how interwoven joy and sadness are, we cannot confidently walk in faith over the long term. Eventually, the harshness of this world will wear away our belie in God's providence, and we will become hopers instead of believers- only hoping that our faith is merited."
Profile Image for Margaret Lukasik.
2 reviews
March 6, 2020
Randy Kay had been an agnostic for most of his adult life until he experienced a unique event. While in the emergency room with a serious physical condition, he died and went to heaven. In his Near Death Experience he found himself in the presence of Jesus Christ! Although joy and peace filled his being, Jesus told him that it wasn't his time to die because God had a purpose for him to fulfill.

Randy spent time with God in prayer and private conversations after his experience that gave him focus about his purpose and to develop an intimate relationship with God. Clearly referenced in his story is his determination to have and keep an intimate relationship with God and to help others do the same. Dying To Meet Jesus beautifully shares with Christians how to get on the path with God to see Him as a loving Father, to live one’s salvation, to understand the importance of prayer and to discover and develop life purpose by waiting upon God. He also demonstrates how to overcome the negative memories that keep us from living God’s best and much more. Randy breaks down this information in detail to bring healing and recovery.

His credibility for teaching and helping others make positive changes in their lives spans many years with his leadership experience as the CEO of two companies, PACEsetters, a human development firm, and TenorCorp, a strategic development firm. He reaches out to people from all walks of life through articles, books, television appearances and radio programming. Although I’ve never met him, I can feel his gracious and loving character through his writing that says, I care about you and love you. It’s a warm feeling because I know Randy’s Words are backed with Christ’s love. Dying to meet Jesus is an extraordinary book that takes one on a journey of love, healing and purpose.
Profile Image for Aurelia Mast-glick.
373 reviews11 followers
Read
January 15, 2020
How Encountering Heaven Changed My Life

I got this book by mistake, I clicked the wrong button when I was requesting my review books. When I got the book, I read the back and thought, oh this might have been a good mistake. This looks intriguing. Listen:

"Kay had spent most of his adult years as a devout agnostic. Then one day, after an accident that ended his life, he met the One he had sought to disprove. From that time, though many challenges lay ahead, his sense of emptiness was transformed into genuine joy."

In reality, that is not what the book is about, Kay was an agnostic until, I would guess, his mid-20's. While an agnostic, he did have an accident that should have killed him, but he walked away unscathed and still an agnostic.

There was no accident that resulted in him nearly dying. It was a medical condition. His near-death experience is fascinating and plausible, but I struggled to make sense of what happened before the experience and what happened afterward. He had been a Christian at the time and while I believe the experience gave him a deeper sense of purpose, I don't see that it changed that much about his life. Some of the time frames didn't seem to fit together quite right.

I don't like leaving a negative review but I have to be honest, this book was not for me. And I feel like I could have had a negative bias before I started, but I was truly fascinated to read the story after I received the book. It was all just a bit charismatic and out there for me. The next person may love it and totally relate, but I can't

I did find a few quotes that I thought were good. "...I needed to live life through brokenness to realize God's abundance."

"Remembering how God got you through the past provides evidence that He can do it for you again."

I received this book from Chosen and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
2 reviews
January 6, 2023
Wonderfully Surprising and Inspiring

I first read about Randy Kay when reading a book he co-authored with Shaun Tabatt I had begun a quest of learning about heaven and the afterlife after my Christian mother-in-law died in our home in June 2021. I wanted to know where she was as well as others I had known who died in the Lord. I also wanted to know what is in store for me and my loved ones here on earth who had put their trust in Jesus.
I read his story in the beginning of the book but was disappointed that it seemed so short and didn't reveal much of what he saw or felt. Then he took the main body of his book explaining about having a close relationship with God, dying to self and loving Him with all we have and all we are. I kept on reading because his words were so scriptural, having referred to many verses to back up every statement he made. That was great!
Then at the end of his book, the author once again explained his dying experience from his notes he took after seeing Jesus face-to-face. Wonderful! Fantastic way to end his writing.
1,324 reviews11 followers
March 21, 2020
I’ll be honest, I am always a bit skeptical of books from someone who claimed to die and meet Jesus, not because I don’t believe it could happen but because so many stories have come out on this subject.
What I liked about this book was that the author really didn’t focus on that subject. He talked about his overall relationship with Jesus, that moment of dying is part of his story but not the only part.
One chapter in particular spoke to my heart during this time of uncertainty. This chapter dealt with why bad things happen, what can we learn from it? So many words of wisdom and I was writing down quote left and right in my journal.
Basically, this is a book that will challenge you to grow in your faith, to use the good and the bad that comes into our lives to glorify God.

A copy of this book was given to me through the publisher. All opinions are my own.
271 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2020
The author primarily uses his own near-death-experiece (NDE) and family history to encourage a close, intimate relationship with Jesus. He uses dozens of Biblical passages to show God's unwavering love for us, as well as other points he emphasizes.

The book can be powerful in some places, but in some places perhaps a bit too self-serving. The author seems to be blessed with all types of spiritual gifts (prophecy, tongues, ability to understand "eye blinking" language, etc.) that can, in all honesty, be tough to believe. Yes, I understand God can bestow whatever gifts on whomever he so desires, but even as a believer, this can be difficult to fathom.

Still, the book is spot-on regarding the importance of developing an intimate relationship with Christ and how that relationship can get one through life's toughest challenges. Recommended.
Profile Image for Katelyn Fuller.
7 reviews
October 29, 2024
This is Randy Kay's first book about heaven and his personal life after death encounter with the Lord Almighty, Jesus Christ. Randy not only talks about his encounter with meeting Jesus after he suffered a life ending illness, but beautiful revelations that God showed him. Finding Jesus through the sufferings of this world, and running to the Father during life's many trials rather than away from him are just a few of the topics that Randy touches upon through his novel. The paradigm of Jesus' unconditional love and purpose for each of us through our worldly sufferings is an uplifting and soul-healing theme that everyone can benefit from. The only reason it did not get 5 stars was because I read his next novel, "Heaven Stormed" first (which is just a deeper dive into this experience) and loved it all the more.
2 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2020
Thank you Randy Kay for being so brave to share this with us.

I'm not an avid reader like many of you. I'm pretty picky about what I read because I don't have much time. A friend of mine recommended I read this book because I am struggling with the loss of someone I loved. I have to say that "Dying to Meet Jesus" gave me a new perspective on what Heaven is going to be like. I can imagine my loved one there now having read Randy's' very personal experience. It brought be peace knowing he is in heaven with Jesus probably experiencing some of the very same things Randy did.

If you are struggling and need hope or you have lost someone you love, I would recommend reading this book. It's a beautiful reminder of God's grace and love.
Profile Image for Danny Trussell.
98 reviews
May 8, 2024
This was a good book. The author shared his NDE and how he saw Jesus in person. He shared the struggles of his personal life and those of his family. He points out the healing power of Jesus in our lives, but also points out the suffering and struggles we all go through. Although we may like easy street, it’s our suffering and struggle that makes us who we are. Trusting in God and His love we become better people with His power as we go through the suffer and struggles with His power. We become refined. Excellent book to provide a Christian understanding of the afterlife as well as how to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit on this earth.
Profile Image for Sherry Vycital.
Author 6 books1 follower
January 16, 2020
A wonderful witness

Sharing his personal experience of dying and meeting Jesus in heaven, Randy Kay addresses many questions we humans have about God and this imperfect world. Ever present is God’s unfailing love for us, and His desire for personal and intimate relationship with each of us. Thank you, Randy, for sharing your life stories of suffering, brokenness, mental illness and questioning, and how God grew you through those situations. May the LORD use this book to bring understanding and encouragement to many to trust in God and seek the life purposes He has for them!
Profile Image for Dan.
180 reviews9 followers
March 5, 2020
I am not sure why the influx of those who have died and when to heaven/hell but I am becoming concerned that those have had this experience are seen as superior to those who have not. Those who went to heaven in the Bible were often overcome with fear and awe. Some were even fearful for their being there fearing their sin would cause them to die.

Books written today seem to be the opposite and almost make these heavenly visits superior to Scripture. This book, I fear, could cause readers to pine for these heavenly experiences and not for the author of Scripture. Such a sad thing indeed.
10 reviews
May 24, 2024
Started this book because it was free to listen to on Audible and John Burke wrote the foreword. There was a lot I appreciated about this book (a good look of looking at hardships as being valuable in our life, using our time well for Jesus, being prepared for death). There were things that I didn’t agree with, however. He spoke of being drunk in the spirit and being possessed by the Holy Spirit - which I don’t believe to be biblical. I wouldn’t suggest this book to others, but I can’t say I wasn’t completely disappointed with everything.
87 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2020
Randy Kay had a near death experience which brought Randy closer to Jesus Christ after being an agnostic for most of his life. Even though Randy Kay was a firm believer in Jesus Christ after his NDE, he faced unbelievable challenges which thoroughly tested his faith. At the end of the book he relates his face to face encounter with Jesus during his near death experience and tells you how Jesus wants a personable relationship with all of us.
298 reviews3 followers
July 20, 2023
Must Read for everyone!!!

Powerful! Much to learn and much to hope for! For those of us who love the Lord and those who are searching for the truth and unconditional love, this is the book to savor. It will show you the kind of love that does not exist in this world that awaits you!!
Profile Image for ashhh❤.
31 reviews
February 20, 2020
What a wonderful experience through reading this journey.
It is easy to be skeptical of it but faith must be stronger than your fear!
Profile Image for Melissa Caudle.
Author 6 books35 followers
February 23, 2020
This is an incredible read about a journey. If you need uplifting through your pain, consider reading this book.
Profile Image for Chris.
1,090 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2020
I was with this book and author until it turned into him becoming an exorcist from "demonic" comic books. Seems to be going way off track by then.
45 reviews
September 12, 2020
Inspiring

Reading this book helped me even more in my Christian life. Jesus is truly wonderful and worthy of praise. Everyone should read this
1 review
March 21, 2021
I believe

I believe this book. I believe Randy’s account of Heaven.
This book has inspired me to have a closer daily walk with Jesus.
23 reviews
January 1, 2022
My review

This is a wonderful book. Everyone should read it. I was provoked to jealousy to get to know God better. It was well written. Every chapter thrilled my heart.
Profile Image for Liz.
44 reviews
March 8, 2024
Great and encouraging testimony. Randy’s testimony was encouraging and insightful. Inspiring and Biblical.
5 reviews
September 8, 2025
This book was good, but it talked about prophesizing and speaking in tongues and I get a little weirded out about that stuff.
Profile Image for Ursula Rosien.
Author 1 book38 followers
December 17, 2024
This book has to be one of the most fascinating near death experiences. I’ve ever read. Written from a Christian perspective and absolutely delightful. This book will stay with me for a long time. Eternity is everything!
Profile Image for Lizz  Christed ♔.
5 reviews23 followers
February 4, 2022
Randy Kay is an intelligent and Loving father, husband, member of the community and man of faith. But first and foremost he is a child of God that has a passionate Love for The Lord.
His words are a blessing and his story will resonate with many.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.