"Only strong branches can carry much fruit." Gillian  John 15:11-17 Through the eye of a leader developer. Jesus uses a metaphor to explain the concept of "bearing fruit." We envision a vine and its branches massive with fruits. We also see a gardener watering, nurturing, and pruning the branches that do not bear fruit. Jesus starts by saying He is the true vine; could it be another fake/false vine? We see a great picture of the Trinitarian image when Jesus says His Father is the gardener, and He is the vine. He introduces "God in us" an invitation to the Triune God. We see the father pruning every branch in Him that does not bear fruit. We notice that He prunes such branches so that they will be even more fruitful and gain health. We observe the word "remain" ten times in these 17 verses. What does that mean? He talks about remaining in Him and Him in us so we can bear fruit. No branch can bear fruit by itself. What fruit does Jesus refe...

  Prepare the future for them (Inheritance) but don't forget to prepare them for that future.  Gillian.    Psalms 127:4-5 (NIV),  “ Children  are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like  arrows  in the hands of a warrior are  children  born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with the opponents in court.” September is the month I get to reflect a lot about being a parent and a mum because of our kids' birthdays. The last two years have found me very busy, so I have had to integrate activity with contemplation as I slow down to ponder. No matter what happens like the African proverb says, "there is no stone placed on children, they have to grow."    The psalmist seems to be compelling me to not allow that to just happen but be intentional and aware of the invitation by God to partner with Him to raise His children made in His image....