Wolf becomes shepherd

The wolf becomes the shepherd

The hunger painful driving,

An emptiness with gaping jaws

To try all things taste all things

Yet no satisfaction left wanting 

what's next

Over time the salivating

Drooling down the chin

Seeking smelling sniffing and racking

Searching out a prey 

That's never been 

Panic

Always on the move

No resting just waiting

Strengthening of cravings

Driving a heart mad 

Eyes no longer fixed

But blurred vision beyond redemption

Trembling 

What is this that is hunted for

Is there any slaking the thirst

Pulling back the reigns on this driving force

Or fated to implode Ina fit

Of frustration and rage

To thine own self now the enemy be

Till

Collapsed Ina heap

Pile of skin n bones

A cool furnace of breath

Begins to fill the lungs

Heart quickening of a pulse from beyond

New drum beat new song

Waking to a dream

New hunger that need not be satisfied

As predator and prey become

One and the same

New hunt new mission new fields to explore

New hills to run as thirst slaked 

With a new rain

Thanks to new reign

The wolf becomes shepherd

What better protector

Gentle as dove

With canines like razors

Strength upside down in love

Thank you my new master 

Lamb become wolf

Wolf become shepherd

faith and sin

What is our real call as Christians? Is it to legislate a sense of morality? Is it to wave angry fists at those with whom we disagree? Is it to throw insults back at those who insult us?

I truly doubt that our call is any of those above. I believe our call is first and foremost to be in relationship with our Creator through His Son who did the work on the cross by way of his own sacrifice in order to reconcile us back to our heavenly Father. I believe that this call then includes living our lives in such manners that this relationship is expressed naturally in all that we do so that His glory may be reflected back to the world.  We are given the word which outlines the steps in which The Word did this to set the pace for those who would later deny their "self, take up their cross daily and follow" him.

What did this include?

It included touching those who should not, by societal standards, be touched. It also includes sitting with those who were/are considered "unclean", sharing meals, talking with them, revealing the heart of their heavenly Father to them, encouraging them to seek that relationship for their self so that they too may experience that restoration intended from the beginning. He challenged behaviors that did not line up with that relationship. He especially challenged those who claimed that they had that very same relationship but were not living in a manner that reflected the relationship they claimed to have.

He embraced the sinner while rejecting, and literally in some cases physically casting out, the sin. We are called to do the same. As John points out, the world does not need to be judged, because it is judged already. It is condemned already. Therefore, there is little to any reason to work on condemning the world further. In fact, what the world needs, what we as Christians are called to do, is to demonstrate what it is like to be transformed by the renewing of our minds rather than remaining conformed to the ways of this world.

This cannot be legislated. It cannot be forced. It cannot be made to happen. I've tried and know for a fact that you cannot force a horse to drink water. They will yank, pull, twitch, buck and kick, but they will not open their mouth and start to drink just because you are trying to force their face into the trough. Allow the horse time to realize it is thirsty and it will reach into that trough for what will refresh.

The example of a genuine/real/non-hypocritical Christian lifestyle is supposed to give direction for that thirst that we feel rumbling up from that deep unknown place within.

We so often fall back into that pattern that is referred to as original sin. Do you know what it is? No, it is not being naked, nor is it about sex, apples or kiwi (as one person proposed). It is about man's innate desire to be his own god. We want to have all the knowledge in order to have all the control so that we can make things happen the way we want them to happen. I discovered some time ago now, that this just simply doesn't work. There was a saying I heard when a teen but cannot recall who originated it; in the beginning, God created man, in return, man created god.

This perspective allows me to see that all of us are broken. Some hide their brokenness well. Others fail to see where their brokenness begins. Others recognize their brokenness and strive to make up for it--over working, over achieving, trying to make up for it by fixing others, etcetera. I know for certain that I cannot save anyone. I can come alongside them in their grief and share the gifting of love that has been given to me. I can meet them while they are in their own darkness, lost in their own sin and allow them to see the lack of judgment and condemnation in my own eyes. I can share with them my own story of being in darkness and what happened when I began to walk out of the shadows and into the light. I cannot by my own strength, but by His strength flowing through me, meet someone where they are at. It allows me to see with His eyes and notice the person separate from whatever their "stuff" may be (current sin, addictions, abuses, histories and the like). I am called to be a light in the darkness to give proof to the effective working of God in a person's life.

Yet, there is also a truth to the challenge associated with being this light; the message is one of love (God with everything you have and your neighbor as yourself) but does that mean that sin no longer exists? Does love excuse whatever a person would do as long as they do it out of love?

I don't believe so. I believe that in the case of genuine love, it means that we would do what we could in regards to guiding others away from self-harm (and therein lies another debate about what constitutes self-harm and who has the right to interfere).  This may seem like it would then justify legislating morality, yet, it is not. I continue to hold true to the statement made earlier that one cannot legislate morality. We must, though, provide an example that may lead others to this same light that we as Christians have come to know. Not coercion to refrain from sin, but a loving desire to live in a new way.....thanks be to God.

like Paul

It has been a long time coming with little to no word. Recently as I was meditating, a word came that I was in Corinth. Spent time seeking clarity. No, not Corinth New York, but in Corinth from the letter to the Corinthians. It did not make much sense initially, but sparked something internally regarding prayer and meditation.

With that, I came to a new appreciation for the letters that Paul wrote. As I rewound the tape, in the spirit, new perspective started to come. Is Paul nothing more than a male chauvinist? Is all that he is is someone who is controlling, dealing with unresolved inner demons and taking it out on others? Are Paul's letters all about control and intolerance?

Often, this is some of what I have heard as well as what I have some what thought myself. I took the time to meditate after getting the word. I asked about these thoughts and others. Then comes an unusual answer. I had to ask what it was that drove Paul to write the letters he was writing. I had to ask what my motivate him and what was his aim in writing them. In doing so, I also had to ask what the circumstances were that he was sending these words into. Then comes the answer after much thought, prayer and meditation.

The love of a father for a child. The love of the Father for His children. This was the motivation, this was the drive, this is what permeates each of the letters. The desperate love of a parent expressed to children in circumstances that are so perilous that the parent fears for the eternal outcome of the children's lives and very souls. It is that love that moves him.

The light bulb went on. Revelation came. In the process of all of this, the prior thoughts came up and began to dissolve like a sand castle as the waves begin to pull the particles away and reveal a freshly groomed beach of gleaming white sand.  I hear the desperation he feels. I hear the desire that he has for his spiritual son to live into the blessings and spiritual gifts he has been given. I see the desire he has for all of his children to get along and pay closer attention to the important things. The desire that he expresses for them to set aside any petit differences in order to be more focused on the work of the kingdom........

Amazing the change in perspective.

I know now, there is much more reading for me to do. More meditations to be done as well. Thank you God.

1 Corinthians 13:13

Now abide faith, hope and love, these three, and the greatest of these is love.

Each of these is a choice:

• Faith: choosing to trust now, being focused on the present rather than anchored in the past and revisiting mistakes...faith involves trusting and a willingness to step forward, choosing to take that chance even if what is next cannot yet be seen, it operates in life by selectively holding onto what is needed and letting go of the rest, where the trust is placed determines the source of the strength provided and is choice to believe rather than disbelieve, to step rather than stand still and to hold hands rather then clench fists

• Hope: choosing the future yet to be realized, it is allowing that unrealized future to be the anchor that draws you continually onward, a rope that is gripped to in order to be pulled upward out the well of despair, much like Jeremiah out of the cistern, it is that which points forward and draws the eyes from dwelling on what was but straining towards what is not yet

• Love: the greatest for a reason, in choosing love, we choose to be patient and kind, we choose to forgive rather than choosing revenge, we choose to celebrate successes rather than batter with past mistakes, we choose to encourage rather than cast doubt, we choose to live out faith and hope as gifts to be given away, without them we sail lost and confused, when we choose love, we choose healing and wholeness, an opportunity for growth and connectedness, we redefine intimacy on our own terms and we freely give away a gift of peace no matter the storm being faced, love is the binding and threading, the purposing of faith and hope, it shapes the future with the expectation not founded in the past, but free of the disease of regret and inoculated against condemnation, it is the fire that burns bright making it okay to have in that which we do not yet see and to hope in that which has not yet fully come to be

This is not about emotions which come and go and can change with wind, this is not about popular opinion or instant gratification, it is not about brownies, puppies or warm fuzzies

It is about making the choice even if the evidence tells you not to, it is answering the higher calling and allowing inspiration to flow from God through the spirit and well up inside so that grace and mercy are able to join in the dance and peace is given away, a peace that flows out of the peace that surpasses all understanding, it is to choose as He chose, to choose love for others, faith in Him and a hope in the future He has promised no matter what yesterday tells you.

Precepts of Men

I was on my way into work and coming to the close of my meditation on the Second Coming and the New Heaven and New Earth. As I did, there was that piece of me that drifted away from the meditation and recalled a discussion I was involved in regarding tattoos. The teaching throughout much of the evangelical church is that God forbade anyone to have any tattoos. I was disagreeing with the posting based upon what the one verse in the book of Leviticus is referencing regarding the marking of the body as dedication to the dead--part of pagan worship practices (then and now). Then it hit me...."you teach as the Word of God precepts of men and neglect...." Jesus speaking....hmmmm

I view Eucharist as a Holy moment. Jesus did not say, "this is kinda sorta like my body and blood and I would like you to once a month sit down and think about that as a remote distant memory and allow yourself a warm fuzzy". Not one manuscript that I am aware of has anything other than his saying "this is my body" and "this is my blood" (emphasis added).  He very clearly indicates that there is more than a simple memory going on. In Luke's gospel, Jesus chooses the moment of fracture (breaking of the bread) to reveal himself to the disciples he has been walking with. Paul lays out a strong exhortation to not receive communion in an "unworthy manner" which, he explains has been leading to "weak...sickly....many sleep" (1 Cor 11:30).  So, obviously there is something there in the Eucharist. 

Another quick background point; the common Jewish (Hebrew) form of worship was to bow low. Throughout the Tanakh we see this. It is especially important to do so at the time of the pronouncement of God's Name during the feast of Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. At a point in the feast, after several washings and sacrifices, the High Priest comes forward and pronounces to the congregation (assembly) gathered the proper Name of God. At this, the whole gathering as one bows to the ground. Fast forward to John 18 and Jesus being confronted by the group of guards sent from the temple with the assistance of Judas to arrest Jesus in the garden. They all bow when he responds to them using the phrase I Am....why? The logical reason would be that in the Aramaic that Jesus spoke, he used the Hebrew phrase for I Am which goes back to the encounter of Moses at the burning bush and God using this phrase to identify himself. Fast fast forward to Revelation and we are told that at the Name of Jesus, there will come a time when every knee shall bow. Now, back to the present. At the Eucharist, Jesus, being that he is both divine and human and a resurrected human at that, is somehow fully present...."this is my body", "this is my blood", irrespective of what Zwingli may have argued as he limited God's abilities. So, why would we not bow at the Eucharist? After all, if ancient Israel is to bow at God's name and future generations will all bow at the name of Jesus, why would we not bow at his actual presence? 

Teachings exist to contradict this. Okay, following your convictions I will make some room for in order to avoid becoming a legalist. You wish to stay standing during Eucharist, do so. You wish not to bow your head or make the sign of the cross over yourself, okay, I am not going to jump on your case about your lack of recognizing "real presence".  Yet, these same proponents who argue against the real presence and/or acknowledgment of that real presence (for a multitude of reasons inclusive of a fear of "looking too Catholic"----yes, I have heard that cited as a reason), will state that one cannot have any alcohol. They teach that the bible says that one is not allowed to have any alcohol because the body is the temple of God...... 

I cannot find that in scripture. I have found multiple citations to not become drunk, to not act foolish or to not become addicted. I have found these in both the Old and New Testaments. Yet, never once have I come across a scripture that says to not engage in any alcohol use or equates the use of alcohol with sin. In truth, Paul, who is often used as the source for the argument of the body being the new temple and the need to keep it pure for that reason, tells Timothy to have some wine for the sake of his stomach. How much is too much? That is what a person will have to determine. If you are addicted, then any much is too much. If you become violent when you drink, then any is too much. If you are prone to unhealthy choices and do not practice self control, then any is too much. I agree with several pastors who have stated that abstinence is a better choice. I would whole heartedly endorse that and have often stated that abstinence is always the safer choice. You cannot abuse alcohol if you never engage in its use. Yet, to offer a flat interpretation and state that any use is sinful is teaching the precepts of men in place of what God has stated in his word. 

The same could be said for the way one comes dressed to church. I am a fan of giving to God our best. It is certainly the most biblical formula. He instructs Israel only to offer the best in sacrifices of the flock and never to offer up the lame or blemished. When we come to church (or corporate worship if the word "church" evokes too much negative connotation), we should be offering up to God our best. On an individual basis, though, that best is going to have a wide array of representation. For some, their best is going to be $700 suits. Others, however, may be best adorned in $1 flip-flops. When you come to the feast you will be provided a wedding garment (that is, the draping of Christ's righteousness, a la the parable of the wedding guests) which will cover whatever you may have arrived in. I understand that this is not an easy concept to wrap around and certainly may bring up history and family issues for some. I recall the days of very unsightly plaid polyester pants that wore like 60 grit sandpaper. My parents wanted us to look our best for when we attended a service. I get that. Some of that has stayed with me. However, to accost someone because of their mode of dress when they come through the door? What conclusions are you jumping to? I remember a conversation with a friend many years ago who was insistent that men should be in ties when they come to worship. His belief was that you could easily get a tie from anyplace such as the Salvation Army and that is how one should always dress for Church. I asked him when it was we began worshipping church and turned away from worshipping God? There was no response to the question. 

Then there is the issue of the pharisaical clean cup on the outside and dirty cup on the inside. I look forward to the day that we may present our whole self, clothes and all, as the richest of garments. In the meanwhile, I am okay with jeans and sneakers. My prayer is for conversion of the heart and mind first. Anything can too readily be accused of the same old hypocrisy that we as believers are often accused of. 

What weakens the Church? A quick answer that I would propose is this: we camp out in our own territory on the precepts of men and hold that ground forgetting that they are precepts of men and not the word of God. We allow ourselves to become divided over smaller matters and "forget the weightier manners of mercy". This divides the denominations. I pray that God will always convict me of when I hold onto such precepts and allow them to divide me further. I pray that I will listen well to His heart and will so that I do not camp out in such areas. May we hold ground on well founded biblical doctrine. May we hold fast to the necessities of our faith and not compromise on such. And, may we, as a body of believers, not fail to give away God's grace and mercy wherever we can.

More to come at a later time..........

Breathing the Word (dedicated to Dave)

So, having a late night conversation after a long day and flooding information is not a fair move to anybody. Yet, when you get the chance to talk about that which is exciting and may be what pushes someone to that next level of engagement in their relationship with the Lord???? I stink at resisting that temptation. In all fairness, however, here is a summary for you;

Hebrew, originally, had no vowels. It was simply consonants as far as letters go. To learn the written word, one had to have study in a mentoring relationship to know the words and how to say them when you found them in the context of a sentence. In essence, on the page, they were but dead lifeless symbols that pointed (and still point) to something greater. When the breath that was given to man was then added to the symbols, by means of speaking the words aloud, they were then given life. In this way, no single "word" could be taken on its own out of the context of the sentence it was in because it would lose any specific meaning. Students still practice today sitting across from each other alternating as they read aloud the words of ancient scripture.

It was not until late, off the top of my head I do not recall exactly how late, but will guess somewhere around 12th to 14th century that Hebrew was "rediscovered" and they began doing the vowel pointing that is seen commonly today. Prior to that, to read it, you had to in a sense memorize it which then led to you being able to recite it and no need of the vowel pointing. As persecutions go and the Jews were dispersed more and more, hebrew was read less and less--as in the Septuagint (Greek version) of the Old Testament that became so common following the Babylonian exile. (As an aside, this is also some of the argument that was taking place at the time between Pharisees and Sadducees as they were disagreeing on which were more accurate scriptures--just the Pentateuch or did the other writings have validity and did that validity include the writings that were part of the exile?)


So, back to the point. Adam came to life as a result of God breathing life into him. Then comes the word on the page which reveals God to his people, but it means that his people have to then give that life giving breath back as a gift when they read the word in order for it to come to life.

Now, take a dip into John's Gospel and the first chapter. In this chapter, John crashes together the Hebrew understanding of word and the life giving breath with the Greek understanding of word (from their philosophy) and we come to Logos. It is the very thought of God in action. Through God "speaking" the world came into being and nothing came into being without God speaking it. Thus, all creation comes through pre-incarnate Jesus as he is word at that time. Yet, ultimately, as part of the plan, that word does not remain as word but actually relinquishes his glory that he may become incarnate and the word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us. So, the breath which carried through the word and gave life to Adam gives life to the word on the page which points to the Word that comes from heaven to become incarnate and, through life, death and resurrection followed by ascension then gives life to all those who would believe.

As we read the scriptures, and especially read them O U T  L O U D, we take the life breath that was given to us to give life to the word which in turn is giving life to us who believe. This is the 'simplicity' of John. He sat at the foot of the cross, the only one of the men willing to follow Jesus even to the end. He witnessed Jesus' words come to truth as he was revealed in a glory that they never imagined. Think about it. Earlier in the gospels, Jesus was asked by John and his brother to be able to be at his right and at his left when he entered into his glory. John then looks up to the cross as he is instructed to now care for our Blessed Mother. He looks at the cross as a thief is pardoned in an instant and promised paradise that day. He is there to hear the thunder, feel the earthquake and see the flood come from the side of Jesus after he has already declared that it is finished and death is defeated. I wonder how small John might have felt at that moment realizing what he had unknowingly asked for?

Anyway, when you read John next time, keep this in mind. The Greek thought was that words were powerful because they strengthened the mind and made it possible to excel in worldly wisdom. John tells them that their whole theory culminates at one point:  and the word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.....yet he was not known, because they loved (and so many still do) the darkness more.

Amen

New Creation or White Wash

2 Corinthians 5: 17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

2 Corinthians 5: 21 "For our sake he made him to be sin, who knew no sin, os that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

What is this new creation that we are supposed to be? Is it really new or is it simply just something that is old but kind of sorta revamped or refurbished? Is it really a new creation that we are supposed to become and why would we become a new creation anyways?

Jesus loves me enough to meet me where I am at. The expression continues, however, that he loves me too much to leave me there. What good is it to believe in a God of creation when that creation doesn't change anything for me especially in the here and now where I must live?

There was a time in my life that I couldn't wait to be someone other than who I was. I went to church, participated in the service, attended meetings, went to Happening and even "studied" the bible (more like searched through it blindly for something of which I knew not what I was searching for). Each time I would attend a service, each time I would recite the corporate confession and receive the general absolution, it was not a renewing of who I was. It certainly never felt like I was being reborn. When I would hear of others talking about being born again, I have to confess, I considered how odd they were. To me, it was as if they were disconnecting with this life. There is a young woman, whose name I think is Melanie or Melody, whom I owe a big apology to. I recall mocking her to her face when she would talk about how much time she spent consulting with God on his will for her life. I was spending my time trying to dodge the cosmic hammer so as to avoid further earthy punishment for my sins in the hope that someday, there would be enough relief that I could relax. To that young woman, and others like her, I am quite sorry. The problem was not them. Nor was there an issue with the way in which they prayed or connected with God or anything of the sort. Quite the opposite. The real issue was with me. I was not renewed. I was not made new. In truth, the real issue was that I was merely white washed. Each time I attended church, I was not being made new. I was the same old sinner loaded with the same problems. The only thing that was happening was that I was seeking through my religion to be washed up a bit, having my sins painted a bright shiny white.

Have you ever tried painting with latex paint over latex paint and didn't use the primer? If you would like an experiment, I would recommend it. The results? Some of the new paint will stick. Some of the new paint will peel. Some of the new paint will stick to the old paint and both will peel. In the end, you will have a very colorful wall with chunks of paint missing and a mismatch of color where it seemingly bonds in a random fashion. This is the essence of religion without relationship. This is the issue that Jesus had with the pharisees. They were following the Law. They had Torah down to so complex a procedure that the early apostles even had to admit that there was no way for them to succeed at keeping it let alone the gentiles who were not raised anywhere near it.  White wash. Covering up the old with a fresh coat of the sacrifice of the day hoping that it sticks well enough that you can make it to tomorrow's sacrifice.

Jesus calls us into relationship with him. Our religion, the practice or act of that relationship has to flow from Him through us and pour out again. It is this which is the exact nature of what 2 Corinthians 5:17 is composed of. If we are not born again, made new, then we are simply white washed individuals awaiting the next "rain storm" to find out what layers stuck and what layers didn't. In Ephesians, Paul references being tossed about by every wind and wave of doctrine as indicative of spiritual immaturity. White washing is just that; Spiritual Immaturity. It has a place in the beginning of your faith walk. In certain support groups they use slogans such as "fake it til you make it" for inspiration that looks the same. Basically, it is. You are exposing yourself to the right way to be until the body and mind follow the course set before them and you become that right way. The issue will continuously be, however, that to do so outside of the right relationship requires one to do so under their own power. This is not going to happen. It can't. Why? The pattern was laid out for us very early on. You must be born again of water and spirit. Those are not my own words. They are taken from the Gospel of John, third chapter. Jesus is having a conversation with Nicodemus. Jesus uses these words to describe what it is truly supposed to be like once a person comes into relationship with God through the Son and in the Spirit. We are born again....not necessarily physically (but don't discount this), yet at the least spiritually and subsequently emotionally and behaviorally.

Righteousness, true righteousness, requires far more than a white washing. Garbage is garbage now matter the color bow you put around it.

When we allow God to transform us from the inside out, truly making us new creations, it is through this that we explore and enter into his righteousness. This new creation looks similar to the old. Some may even mistake it for the old. The ones who have a close tie with the old, however, will themselves notice that things are what they used to be. Spiritually, they should not be able to avoid it. Your thoughts no longer correspond to the pattern of this world. As your heart is softened by the Spirit, it begins to knit itself to the will of God. Your hunger becomes for him. This is what it means to be a new creation. We are no longer simply moved to complain, we are moved to act. This is the new creation that reflects the righteousness of God.

Are you allowing this level of relationship to take place? Are you engaging in a dialogue with God and responding accordingly? How does this happen, you might ask? Simple, listen.........

A young man one night gave his life to Christ. He thought he was making a deal, but the deal was already set, it was more of an excuse to "give in" to what had been desired for a long time. Following that, within hours, there was an urge to engage in physical violence. This was a typical pattern of learned behavior that "felt normal". Until that night, that is. That night, as the urge welled up, the young man swears he nearly heard an audible voice telling him, "No, we don't do that any more. You are mine now and that is not what we do."

This is an example of "new creation". He wasn't just white washed, the change was internal. He was becoming that new man that scripture calls us to be.

Sustainability:

This is not possible without direct relational interaction between oneself and the body of believers as well as intimate time with God Himself. I have often heard it said by folks, "I don't need to go to church in order to believe in God." Truth is, no, you don't have to go to a church or belong to any organization in order to believe in God. If you faith, however, is going to have an impact on your life and thus on the lives of those around you, you best do something besides doing what you've been doing and at the same time spitting out "faith" from the sides of your mouth. Jesus prayed for us that His joy might be made complete in us. Yes, the only begotten Son wants us to know his joy fully in our lives. That is not a future wish for a time when the streets are all gold and the new heaven and earth appear. This joy is for now. For today.

Without being in relation with other believers, the weight of the world is likely to drag on back down after a time. Handling the world in your own strength gets tiring after a time. As we come into communion with God and each other, such as in sharing the Eucharist, we are filled and pouring out at the same time. This is what leads to sustainability. Too often we get caught up in the idea that we have to "pull ourselves up by the boot straps". This is absolutely the way of the world. It is not to be the way of us. We are called to not conform to this world any longer. We are called to be transformed by the renewal of our minds.  Transformation into that new creation. The transformation will be sustained only when we are "plugged into the flow" of God's love, His mercy, and most especially His Holy Spirit.  When we are operating and taking our spiritual sustenance from Him, He does the sustaining for us. This cannot take place in a vacuum. By vacuum, the reference is to isolation. Isolation of the self is a great method to find some peace so that you have the alone time with God, but, spend too much time there, and you quickly will find yourself out numbered by your history, by the "old self", by the temptations of the world, and feel free to add so many more things to this........

Are you a new creation? If not yet, then when will you allow that transformation to begin to take place.

Were you once a new creation but find that you aren't there any more? Then I will ask you this; what is your fellowship like? Do you spend more time with other practicing believers or with non believers/non practicing believers?

This is not an option. According to Jesus, unless this takes place within us, we will not see from heaven. (John 3)