Rating: 
Summary: Best kept Secret
Review: The Secrets of the Vine shows Christians how they are to have a personal relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ. Using the parable of the vinedresser from John 15 in the Bible, this book provides valuable insight into the ways in which we are to become more intimate with the Father. The reason for the parable is to learn how God "prunes" us in order to prepare us for bearing more spiritual fruit.
By allowing us free will, God has allowed us to make our own choices throughout life. This book shows us how to see just how close we can become to our spiritual Father in heaven. It provides valuable information for developing the relationship that we should have as opposed to the "fire insurance" of having Christ as our Savior alone. There is so much more to a relationship with Christ than just saying a prayer to accept Him into our lives. Building that relationship is exhilarating and necessary for us to live as productive Christians throughout the rest of our lives.This book has value for Christians and non-Christians alike, allowing them to see that there is more to life than to just exist. This book is the second in the series but more than adequately provides beneficial information to be read by itself. Pick up "Secrets of the Vine" and see why this book is a crucial part of any believer's life.
Rating:
Summary: Oh yeah
Review: This one is beautifully uplifting. It really cleared up some things that i could never quite grasp because to me they just seemed a little out-of-synch with the rest of scripture. Digging into old-texts and "expert" testimonies, it explains the God's desire to lift up and lighten us. Not cut back. To make room for fruit by removing the leaves.
Rating:
Summary: Very personal book
Review: It is my opinion that this book is not suitable for non-Christians, nor for new Christians. This book is very much appropriate for those who grew up in the church, whether currently close to God or having fallen away. I did not agree with everything in this book, but thankfully, I don't need to. The book served exactly the purpose for which I believe it was intended. It made me think. It impacted my life, and as such was used by God as a tool. To say more about this book would really flirt with offering a performance. It is enough for me to say that the thoughts and emotions stirred by this book are very personal in nature and best aimed at God. I very much recommend this book specifically for those who either lack motivation, or those who miss the relationship they once had with God.
Rating:
Summary: A small gem of a book
Review: I have read most of the authors books and this is the first one I have actually liked and in large part because he sticks to the New Testament and deals with issues that I rarely hear a religious leader address. Like burn out and being in a religious occupation for so many years and being reminded that one needs to do some serious revaluation and pruning of the grape vines in ones life. I especially appreciated chapter 7 More Of God More With God where he discusses the mid life crisis he had and where he reminds the reader that if our life bears a lot of fruit that God will invite us to abide with him more deeply. And as his friend George told him that unless his friendship (I liked that word) with God became number one that the author would never reach his full potential in his profession. Chapter 8 deals with the author taking his friend George's advise and getting back on track with God and how within a few months the author saw positive changes. I especially liked his remarks on page 103 "In our Western style rush to do and perform for God we often falter at the task of simply enjoying His (Gods) company. This is a small book that I recommend and think even non-Christians will find value in.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT READ
Review: Description: In this powerful follow-up to his bestseller The Prayer of Jabez, Dr. Bruce Wilkinson explores John 15 to show readers how to make maximum impact for God. Dr. Wilkinson demonstrates how Jesus is the Vine of life, discusses four levels of "fruit-bearing" (doing the good work of God), and reveals three life-changing truths that will lead readers to new joy and effectiveness in His kingdom. Secrets of the Vine opens reader's eyes to the Lord's Hand in their lives and uncovers surprising insights that will point them toward a new path of consequence for God's glory.
Rating:
Summary: Great for any person in their spiritual walk......
Review: I've been a Christian for 13 years and this was a refreshing spiritual boost for me to read this book. Bruce touches on some key, basic steps that will challenge any Christian at any walk in their life. A quick delight from God above.
Rating:
Summary: If you hated Jabez... You'll probably LIKE THIS!
Review: I was intrigued to read Wilkinson's "follow up" to the the work on Jabez's prayer-- especially after seeing the way it polarized so many people (being completely for it, or completely against it). I wondered what he would say, what message he would carry on, how we would clarify (if at all) the ideas presented in his first book. The one aspect I did not like about Jabez was that it seemed so preoccupied with material things (hence, much of the criticism that was levelled at the work-- and much of the interest in it at the same time). In the "Secrets of the Vine," which I thought might lead us more towards "getting that stuff" (i.e. Was there a magic thing to do while you prayed the prayer of Jabez? Did you need to say it in a certain tone, or certain amout of times...?), I was impressed that Wilkinson directs us to... Intimacy with God. That's it. And that's really what we need to know. Know, intellectually-- and know, experientially. Wilkinson speaks of what that looks like-- and wrestles (skillfully-- much more skillfully than in the prayer of Jabez) with the text of John 15 ("I am the vine, you are the branches... Abide in me..."). He speaks of how God wants to (not bless us with stuff) use us so that we can be a blessing. And how we must be intimate with Him for Him to shape us into vessels He can use to do that. Incredible. Even if you didn't like Jabez, by this one.
Rating: 
Summary: It's not the Prayer of Jabez....
Review: This book is like most religious books - glorified copies of sections of the Bible. After reading the Prayer of Jabez, I expected a similiar feeling of hope and inspiration in his second book but I was very disappointed to find that I was more depressed than anything after reading it. I do like his suggestion of spiritual journaling and plan to give that a try.
Rating:
Summary: The Great Secret
Review: Secrets of the Vine is a continuation to the popular and very well written Prayer of Jabez. I think this book is a more helpful spiritual journey than the first book was. Not to take anything away from the Prayer of Jabez. (Which has totally changed my life for the better) But this is easier to see where he is going and how to make the abundant life that he discussed in the first book. Secrets contains the look at John 15. Which I have read many of times, but never grasped the full message that Jesus was talking about here. It went over my head. Just as it did to the disciples that day standing in the garden. But now the secret has been opened, and wow does it explain what I have been missing. It contains four versions of the vine and the look at each one. "No fruit", "Little fruit", "Some fruit", and "Abundant fruit". And through this book Wilkinson shows that God is continually pruning you to create more fruit for yourself. But you have to be willing and ready to take the pruning necessary. I loved this book, and it's not hard to read. It has really changed they way I look at my life. Much like his predecessor book "Prayer of Jabez" and it's not filled with hard to understand concepts that you get you lost or confused. Instead it's right there. A must have for yourself.
Rating:
Summary: THE BEST
Review: Simply- it changed my life. Buy it.
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