Book Review: Secrets of the Vine for Women

When Lauren was in the hospital a few weeks ago, Addison told me that "some devo book" came in the mail for me. I had Tim bring it to me, and I actually read most of it before Lauren was discharged. I'd curl up on the couch-bed that was about 6 inches away from Lauren's bed and use a flashlight to read after she fell asleep.

Darlene Marie Wilkinson's book Secrets of the Vine for Women is based on Jesus' words in John 15.

"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit." (John 15:1-2, 5, 8 NKJV)

Each chapter begins with the continuing story of a young lady learning from her father as they walked together through his vineyards. The chapters then take the lesson learned in the vineyard and apply it to our spiritual lives. For instance, in one chapter, the father teaches the daughter how to tell which branch will yield the most grapes. It is the branch with the strongest connection to the vine. Similarly, our spiritual harvest is dependent on the strength of our connection with Jesus -- specifically, it's dependent on how much we abide in him.

This book is a quick read, but still both uplifting and challenging. I highly recommend it  -- either to read yourself or to give as a gift. If you'd like, you can download and read chapter one of this book here.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.