Taking slight liberties with the text, Wilkinson introduces us to four distinct stages of a vine bearing fruit: no fruit, fruit, more fruit and much fruit. He expands on each, introducing us to our current stage and offering helpful guidance to propel us toward the "much fruit" category.
The first "secret" talks of God's fatherly discipline that pushes us toward a life that bears fruit. Secret number two is that God the vinedresser will prune us of our selfish desires so we can bear even more fruit. Secret number three involves God's invitation to abide more deeply with Him.
In the words of the author, "...the secrets of the vine reveal how God changes you so that you will become even more useful (fruitful) for His glory."
This little book will help you come to terms with the current struggles you have in your life, and focus your attention on becoming the person God meant you to be. Highly recommended.
Larry Hehn, Author of Get the Prize: Nine Keys for a Life of Victory
It's encourageing to know that even during times of discipline the vinedresser--our loving Father--is caring for us in a tender, loving way, in order that we might bear fruit. If only we would choose to bend in the way that He chooses. And when He prunes us, even though it's painful, is for the purpose of expanding our fruitfulness.
While reading this little gem, I was able to recognize that the pain I suffered a couple of years ago was a result of God's pruning in my life. It brought joy when I recognized the fruit that sprung forth as a result of that pruning. Now, all I have is the task of living in obedience and abiding in Him, waiting for the pruning shears to cut again, in order for more fruit to come forth. What could be better?
But because I'm not perfect, at some time I'm sure the hand of disciple will touch me once again. Only after reading this book, now I know what to look for. I can discern why the pain is there, whether it be pruning or discipline.
By applying the Prayer of Jabez and the principles in Secrets of The Vine my life has been enriched. But something that struck me as I read this book was how often I miss out on understanding a spiritual truth, because I didn't take the time to really study. I have a Strong's Concordance, so I have no excuse. Why do I, like so many others, leave it to someone else to do the footwork for me?
Jesus gave the analogy of the vine and the branches for a reason. But how many of us have looked into what tending a vineyard is all about? If we had, we wouldn't need Bruce to show us.
2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." NIV How can we correctly handle the Word if we don't read it--study it? Each of us has a responsibility to study for ourselves. I want my life to be as enriched as Bruce's, because I took the time to find out for myself by thorough study.
By Bruce's faithfulness, he is bearing "much fruit", and I am thankful that God is using him to help others have a better understanding of what scipture teaches, including myself.
This comprehensive book can help your understanding of the vinedresser's work in your life. Do you desire to bear fruit and then more fruit? Do you want to learn what it means to abide in the vine? Are you suffering through painful circumstanes and wonder why? Then I highly recommend you read this book, along with careful personal study, and begin to bear the fruit you were destined to bear. The Lord Bless You until He Comes!
"Pruning is how God answers your prayers that your life will please Him more and have a greater impact for eternity" (pg. 60).In Chapter 5, "A Country Awakening", there is a very useful chart that helps discern whether one is being disciplined or pruned; as often both can be painful, they are sometimes confused, but their purpose and consequence are quite different. In Chapter 6, "Flourishing Under the Shears", Dr. Wilkinson talks about how we have to submit to the tests of faith, and might have to give up things dear to you, in order to have personal transformation, and a bigger harvest for God.
Chapter 8, "Living in the Presence", is exquisite, and gives the simple steps to the "promise and practice of abiding", an abiding that brings peace and happiness to every day, no matter what the circumstances.It is a well-made volume with nice quality paper, and nine line drawings of vineyard themes by Vicki Shuck that are lovely, and represent much more than vines and grapes.Small but very mighty, this book is one of the most important I have read ( I have underlined so many passages, it has almost as much of my ink as print); it has been a powerful blessing in my life, and if you are looking for a "breakthrough" book, this may well be it.