“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit” (Luke 6:43).

Jesus is Lord. That means we dig deeply and lay our foundation on solid rock so when there’s a flood, we’re not shaken. It’s like a test to know if we’re applying what we know–am I frazzled and frantic? I dig deeper and check my mooring. Fasten it again. Hold on tighter.

Any sudden disruption is that flood. Any unpleasant surprise shows us how solidly we’re tethered. React? Or respond? The moment before we react or respond is the moment to check in and breathe and remember who is Lord

It’s the same as the bearing fruit analogy just before. We check the results and know where it came from.

Not for the sake of beating ourselves up. God’s voice isn’t a voice of condemnation or shame. But for an opportunity to reset and reconnect and try again and keep practicing. As long as we’re alive, we’re called to that asymptote: Be a little better human each time we strap on our boots. Have grace for ourselves and others along the way

Being a Christian isn’t about doing good to get to heaven. A friend explained his understanding of Christianity like that to me the other day and I was amazed that that type of misunderstanding still exists.

Being a Christian means accepting the radical love of God. Just receive it. and then see what happens.