Rating: 
Summary: Better than Jabez, but be discerning still
Review: I read this out of curiosity more than anything. I didn't like Jabez, and I wasn't expecting much out of this either. But I did find it to be better than Jabez. I'm still not convinced it is entirely biblically sound, but he has some good points and some interesting applications. And I didn't find anything I seriously objected to, like with Jabez.I found his explanation of vineyards and grapevines very helpful in understanding this passage of John. I thought he did a good job in making the distinction between discipline and pruning, and that is important. But I disagree that abiding is the next step after bearing much fruit. I think that abiding is a continuous state for all Christians...without Jesus, you can do nothing. Including bear fruit. So you need to be abiding to bear fruit in the first place. I can't really argue with anything he said per se, but I do think he still bordered on the "this is the secret of getting what you want out of God" type of mentality, which I'm uncomfortable with. My radar always goes up when authors use phrases like "God wants to....if you'll just let him" and assorted other phrases that seem to suggest that God's action is dependent on my permission. God is God and doesn't need my permission to do anything. He's the Creator and I'm the creature, and it's not my place to tell him how to form me, as Romans tells us. The clay doesn't say to the potter "Why have you made me this way?" I also liked the idea of a spiritual journal, but I doubt that I'll ever do it as he describes. I've tried it in the past and it just doesn't work for me. So I guess Secrets is a good read, but I'd be discerning too.
Rating:
Summary: Somewhat better than Prayer of Jabez
Review: I read this book in a women's Bible study group. We had just finished The Prayer of Jabez (about which I have some strong reservations). I was glad to see that Secrets of the Vine is not as easily misunderstood. It is a short book and an easy read, but I thought that it was oversimplified and that you had to dig to find a significant point. What I remember best from the study was not God's methods for dealing with people, but the attitudes of the women in the group about themselves. With very few exceptions, the women consistently expressed how little they value themselves and the work that they do. The book asks you to think about whether you produce "no fruit," "little fruit," and so on; nearly everyone said that they produced no fruit or little fruit. I was a little surprised: our group had a broad cross-section of women at all stages in life and every social and economic group. Many of them are the kindest, most gentle women you have ever met; in addition, they teach Sunday school, tithe, spend time daily in prayer, feed the hungry, visit the sick, can quote lengthy sections of the Scriptures, lead various community service and mission projects, and so on. Despite having an amazing collection of women in the group, I'm not sure that even one woman out of our 30 or 40 really thought that she produced "much fruit" (although we could all name half a dozen "humble souls" who should have laid claim to it). But even the "pillars of the church" demonstrated an unshakeable faith in their utter inability to reach whatever nebulous ideal of "a Christian producing much fruit" they had in mind. Unfortunately, there wasn't much in the book that I thought would address their low self-esteem.
Rating: 
Summary: Letting us in on the secrets...
Review: When you don't really understand how God is working in your life, it helps to have a handbook. This little handbook based on John 15, should be helpful to anyone wanting to let God guide them and prepare them to grow spiritually.
Rating:
Summary: Secrets of the Vine
Review: Bruce Wilkinson has done it again with Secrets of the Vine. If you enjoyed the Prayer of Jabez, you will love this next installment of the series. This book takes a look at a beautiful, well-known passage of scripture (John 15) where Jesus uses the parable of the vineyard to show what kind of life God desires for us to have. The Prayer of Jabez shows how to ask for what you want, and Secrets of the Vine will show you what to do with it! Secrets of the Vine will encourage you and inspire you to have a closer walk with God. You will feel peace and abundance like you never dreamed possible!
Rating: 
Summary: Bruce Wilkinson
Review: I do not want to question the authenticity of Pastor Bruce Wilkinson, but would like to warn any people that have not read any of Bruce Wilkinson's works yet. I have just recently watched the video of him on Larry King Live, along with Pastor John MacArthur, and other religious leaders, and was extremely upset about the way that he did not stand up for his faith, and his very vague and wishy washy comments. Honestly, I was expecting a more clear testimony from such a well known Christian man. His lack of defense of the Christian faith has made me very suspicious towards his books. I pray that he is a much more dedicated man to Jesus Christ than what he showed the nation. May the Lord Bless
Rating: 
Summary: Explaining the Parable of the Vines
Review: This book is a fairly quick read that takes the reader through the parable of the vines in John 15. It shows that believers are on one of four levels: no fruit, fruit, more fruit, and much fruit. The author shows how God interacts with believers at each level of fruitfulness. He also explains how our reaction to that interaction will increase the amount of fruit in our lives. I think that different people will read this book in very different ways, but people at all different points in their spiritual journeys will benefit from this book. This book is both very practical and very insightful.
Rating:
Summary: Secrets of the Vine - Breaking through to Abundance
Review: This is a wonderful book. It has really helped me to understand why I have gone through some of the experiences that I have. I have recommeded this book to a dear friend who feels that she is not close enough to God. I know that this book will help her to have a more fulfilling relationship with God and she will move on to a basket overflowing with grapes. This is a definite must buy.
Rating:
Summary: Why bad things happen to good people?
Review: Bruce Wilkinson, has done an excellent job with this book, helping Christians discern the struggles in their lives with consequences of bad choices. When in the midst of crisis, turmoil and etc. we easy say "Why Me?" This is a clear and concise approach to the famous question 'why bad things happen to good people'. As with the Prayer of Jebez, Wilkinson uses a methodological approach to understanding life's struggles. Bruce Wilkinson eloquently, explained punishment versus pruning. Knowing this now, before questioning "Why me", I stop to ask am I being punished for not being obedient or am I being pruned for improvements. I enjoyed this book more than Wilkinson's "Prayer of Jebez". However I feel the Prayer of Jebez fans will also find this book useful. This is an excellent book! I occasionally review view for guidance and reassurance.
Rating:
Summary: Great For Personally Understanding How God Works!
Review: One of the better and timelier Christian Books of the year. A very good book on understanding how God works, using LOVE, in molding His people. It gives you a gentle understanding of God's Tough Love, allowing you to embrace how He works as opposed to fearing Him. I highly recommend it for those interested in how God might be working in their personal lives. ...
Rating:
Summary: great book, an encouragement in your Christian walk
Review: Secrets of the Vine was a great encouragement to me in my walk with God. Bruce Wilkinson provides his insight on an extremely important conversation Jesus had with His disciples. Because the Bible transcends time, I am able to apply the principals Jesus taught to my life today in amazing ways. This book has inspired me to look at my walk with God in many different lights. Even those who are in the gutter (and we all have been there and will be back in there at several points in our lives-none of us are immune) have the most immense hope, all because Jesus loves us so much. If you feel your faith has stagnated, or you are talking to the ceiling when you pray, pick up this book. It will give you insight as to why you feel that you aren't communicating with God.
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