Chasing Vines

by Beth Moore

Join bestselling author Beth Moore in her life-changing quest of vine-chasing―and learn how everything changes when you discover the true meaning of a fruitful, God-pleasing, meaning-filled life.
Most of us have times when, if we are honest, we’d admit to feeling like our lives are embarrassingly small and insignificant. Times when it seems like we’re going through a whole lot of pain and striving without much to show for it. Like our daily pursuits don’t really matter in the long run.

At times like that, we can’t help wondering if we really matter―to the world or even to God.

In Chasing Vines , Beth Moore gives us a new hope, revealing the abundant secrets of a fruitful, Kingdom-building, God-pleasing life. Tracing the images of vinedresser, vine, branch, and fruit through Scripture, and sharing stories from her own journey, Beth shows us how nothing in our lives is wasted. Not the place we’ve been planted. Not the painful pruning. Not even the manure that gets dumped on us when we least expect it.

Beth is convinced from Scripture that every person who knows Jesus is meant to thrive in fruitfulness. Life might not always be fun, but in Christ, it can always be immensely fruitful. Nothing is for nothing.

Join Beth on her journey of discovering what it means to chase vines―and learn how everything changes when we understand and fully embrace God’s amazing design for growing us into fruitful, meaningful, abundant life.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction, Audiobook, Christianity

Paperback

First published February 4, 2020

About the author

Beth Moore has written many best–selling books and is a dynamic teacher and a prolific Bible–study author whose public speaking engagements take her across the United States to challenge tens of thousands. Beth is focused on teaching women all over the world and is known and respected wherever she goes. She is a dedicated wife and mother of two adult daughters and lives in Houston, Texas, where she leads Living Proof Ministries and teaches an adult Sunday school class. Beth is one of the best known women in the evangelical Christian market.

Reviews

[Samantha Barnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had so much promise, but chapter after chapter fell flat. She would start talking about the process of preparing the soil, or pruning, or any other aspect of viticulture, and my mind would be whirling with the significance and intentionality of each piece - but it’s like she didn’t fully get there with it. I would love to take the first half of each chapter then flesh it out to bring it deeper. I am glad I read this, bc I did learn a lot about the growth of grapes that brings John 15 and other parts of Scripture to life. This book was FULL of Scripture. It just didn’t quite go deep enough for me to feel satisfied and spurred on.

[Ginny Yttrup · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I am the vine; you are the branches..." In Chasing Vines, Beth Moore takes the metaphor of the vine and unearths truths seemingly new, yet also familiar because truth resonates. A powerful work on the way to live a life that matters.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, Ms. Beth… she’s back again. Let me tell you, this book does not disappoint. One sentence that Beth Moore said in a video Bible study I did years ago was this: “It is to your Father’s glory that you bear much fruit.” I remember it clearly. I can still hear her saying it, bent over the podium she was teaching from, emphasizing “glory” and “much” in her semi-raspy, adamant, very Beth way.

I didn’t know for a long time she was directly referencing Scripture here — John 15:8. This book is about that quote. About that scripture. About the fruit that EACH of us is called and equipped to bear.
As a self-proclaimed obsessive plant lady, I was fascinated with her in-depth research on the planting, growth, and harvesting process of horticulture. And then the deep dive into how intentional Scripture is through the vine metaphor.

Whether you’re a Beth Moore fan or not, whether you’re a woman or not, whether you are into fruit or not. This needs to be on your To-Read List so that you can truly understand how nothing in your life is wasted and is meant to be fruitful.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beth Moore’s Twitter has been (spiritually) spurring me on thru 2020. I was a little disappointed when the chapters felt disjointed and the personal anecdotes sometimes lacked relevance. Nevertheless, this book had some really interesting research about vineyards and their Biblical/cultural significance- Scripture is so purposeful!

[Adriane Parcel · Rating 5 out of 5]

John 15 will never be the same after reading this book. A passage I have read a many times has never come more alive.

Who would have thought this book would be the glimpse of Him that I neededHis proof that He is has been there all along. His truth that His timing is so much greater than mine. That everything I had been questioning about what He called me towards would be answered.

Each chapter gives glimpse into seasons of being a believer. Some you may not have had, some you may have had many times, but it not only gripped me in the deepest part of who I am, it taught me more than I anticipated about who He is...things I knew, but shown to me in a way that I never expected to see.

This book reminded me that we may not all be called to lead a group, but we all have been called. We all can influence and most of all it can look different than anyone else around you. Maybe it is in the quiet service, the gentle words or just the constant love, prayers and hope you give another. No matter what the influence, when you point to Him, it all matters. Don’t be afraid to speak the truth in love, to share your heart or to just shine the quiet bright light for Him.

Most of all as I read this book, it wove itself into my story like a long lost friend. It resonated with the current healing and season He has me in and as I learn about the resiliency of the vine and what it takes to become healthy and produce the necessary fruit, the striking resemblance of my own life was not lost on me.

Where would I be without the One who does the pruning? Without the One who has tended to me since I was planted as a seed in the soil? Where would I be in my growth and how I produced fruit? These are the questions that have stuck with me through each chapter.

We are the product of the greatest Gardener of all. He guides us through the rocky soil and into His Light. As He prunes us and guides us through each curve and each stage, our fruit becomes more fruitful and that much sweeter. One day, we will be a finished product and as I stand before that great Gardner, it is my hope that I produced exactly what He always intended.

[Beth Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

You need to get a warm blanket, your most comfortable pjs and your favorite cup of coffee for this one. You will not be able to put it down. Beth does not disappoint and you can hear her voice as you read this. It is such an easy read you find yourself 2 hours later so wrapped up in Jesus and loving every word. This is a must read no matter what season you are in your life. We all need to be living a fruitful life!!!!

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was great for someone who wants confirmation that even someone like Beth Moore doesn't always easily see where she fits in God's world, and that that's okay. We don't have some little faith box waiting for us to find it. Faith is a journey, not a destination. God isn't looking for us to be fully grown and comfortable in our skin. Like many a gardener, His joy is in watching us grow.
This book was a bit flowery in parts, and most of the vineyard metaphor fell flat for me. But I loved all of the scripture that she used and I greatly respect Beth Moore as a public minister. She's dealt with many a "quiet down and go home" from the most vocal in the comfortable patriarchy that unfortunately still plagues Christianity. But she keeps speaking, keeps loving Jesus out loud, and keeps guiding us on our journey with Christ. Beth knows her stuff and she is a gift. 💙

[Megan Lively · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have ever read! And I read a lot.

I loved the parallels and illustrations she uses with vineyards- Beth really did her research with this book and it's so evident.

Read this book! I've already pre-ordered 5 copies for friends!

[Corrie Gerbatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is both convicting and encouraging! Beth Moore truly has a gift of being able to put in to words what our hearts are feeling.
Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book:

“We long for continuity, for some semblance of purpose-anything that might suggest we’re on the right track. Instead we feel like ashes, leftovers from a bygone fire, blown aimlessly by the wind. We feel like we’re not even important enough to be forgotten, because we were never known in the first place. Our perceptions can be very convincing, but God tells us he truth. Nothing about our existence is accidental. We were known before we knew we were alive.“

[Dorothy Bayles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. I relished every chapter. Her research and life experience made this a feast. Definitely recommend- probably best on hard copy .

[Cara Putman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just what I needed at this time. I listened to the audiobook while walking when I needed to get away from my desk during #shelterinplace. Listening to Beth read her book kept the emotion real and the feeling I was sitting with a friend as she shared wisdom with me. I've long loved Beth Moore's Bible studies, and have led many for the women in our church. But this came at a time I needed to go deep and see the hope of good and hard times. Highly recommend.

[Christina DeVane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t Agree with everything in this book or where Beth Moore draws all her lines. But I really enjoyed the study of vines and vineyards in the Bible and all the many references to the agricultural aspects of them and the how they apply to my life. Vines are planted sometimes transplanted and grow best in hard weather conditions. I was encouraged and challenged in the fruit I am bearing, that pruning is for those who will grow the most fruit and to remember that God is still working in my winter vines when things seem so bleak.

[Marissa Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An encouraging, insightful book that had just what I needed to hear. Listened to the audiobook and I think I will always do that with Beth Moore's books--she brings such life to the book and an added level of vulnerability in her readings. Immediately after finishing, I bought it for a friend who is going through a difficult time of trials and change. I would recommend this book to any believer going through a time of spiritual dryness, not merely to learn how to get out of it, but to be met where you're at with love and wisdom.

[Laura Tuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're thinking about reading this book, don't think about it another second. DO IT! I haven’t read a non-fiction book this quickly or with such excitement in a long time. In her usual full of faith, scripture packed, truth speaking way, Beth encourages us to dig into the pages of scripture about vines. Of all things, I never would've guessed how intriguing, encouraging and challenging that journey would be. There's depth, hope, encouragement and invitations along the way to abide in Christ and live a fruitful life. Follow the journey of vines and how God intentionally uses them throughout scripture to identify his people. You will love this book! It will be a top pick for sure in 2020!

[Chelsea Paulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how the book had 4 parts, The Vineyard, The Vinedresser, The Vine, The Fruit. It is a deep encouragement to me. Knowing that the grapes thrives on rocky soil. If you try to maintain the pristine soil for the grapes. It will wither. I’m celebrating to make the hardships an opportunity to thrive and grow. I loved the personable writing of Beth’s. Felt like I had coffee with her as I read. Ought I say, wine? :-)

[Meredith Storrs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this audiobook because I just wanted to have Granny Beth speak some truth over me during a lonely season, and while her vivacity did not disappoint, I was struck by the depth of scriptural reflection and sage encouragement she offered. A great read for anyone who wants their life to matter eternally.

[Heidi Prockish · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goal this year is to be intentional about staying connected to the Vine. I thought this book was very fitting for that. Nothing can replace quiet time in the Word with Jesus, but some books help the desire for more. This is definitely on that list. Because of the season I am in, I was not able to read & enjoy this book like I had hoped. Adding this to my re-read pile.

[Amy King · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I began reading it, I was captivated by the imagery and insight of a vineyard. It was as if I were walking alongside Beth through a vineyard sharing hope. There were moments of laughter and tears as I turned each page anticipating the next word. My favorite chapter was #4, I have went back and read it several times. My head can't even begin to comprehend God's love for me, all I'm left to do is sit and bask in it. His song over me is beautiful and incorruptible.
Pick up the book and discover how nothing in your life is wasted... you matter and are meant for more!

[Kayti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one came to me at the perfect time. Nothing completely revelational but a solid read.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know that in recent years, Beth Moore has been scourged for some of her doctrinal stances; however, I found this book to be life-giving, well-rooted in study, and pointing to the Savior. I loved her take on the horticulture of our faith and the many different ways God desires to prune us and provide the best possible environment to grow. Heartily recommend!

[Allison Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenged and refreshed by Beth in this book. I came back to this quote over and over again:

“Will we resolve to do what it takes to become a bonafide testament and disciple of Jesus Christ bearing what we have to bear, learning what we have to learn, denying what we need to deny, and embracing all there is to embrace or will we slip into the seductive black hole of business and business platform and position, notoriety ,and name making, marketing, carnality, self-importance, celebrity, and branding? After the fiercest battle of your life when you were no longer naïve, what will you do? If you let yourselves and others down at some point - we all do - would you give up believing the lie that you no longer have what it takes, will you just go with the current and figure degeneration naturally follows regeneration or will you fight to get a pure heart back?”

[Paige Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intelligent, funny and completely genuine. Thank you for trusting the Lord enough to teach.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved what she had to say. The audio felt a bit hard to follow at times and sometimes I wandered a bit. I'd love to get my hands on the paper copy. Also, she's southern and southern accents are never my favorite for audio... but that's just me!

[Mia Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth Moore is such a down-to-earth authentic writer. I so love the “real life” examples she gives. I love the way she has taken the time (for us) to research and spell out horticulture especially as it pertains to grapes & vines. It made the Bible come alive for me. (Again). I am so blessed to have read it; to know that Jesus sees ME! Specifically and deliberately... I matter. Wept several times and have already begun re-reading it, this time with pen and highlighter in hand. I highly recommend this book. Especially if you’re in a season of pruning & change. 👌🏽

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh y’all! Chasing Vines needs to be at the top of your stack for 2020. Sprawling with imagery, personal reflection, and scripture, Beth Moore beautifully weaves tendrils of truth and wisdom to captivate the reader with a fresh desire to abide like never before. Chasing Vines edifies the body of believers, brings refreshment to the curious, and beckons all to experience an immensely fruitful life through abiding in the One True Vine, Jesus Christ.

[Misty Krasawski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve appreciated Beth’s writing for many years and this book didn’t disappoint. She takes us along on her journey as she learns more about viticulture (the growing of grapevines) and all the lessons we can draw from a deeper knowledge of both the practical and Biblical lessons involved. Beth’s style is approachable and offers us all new insight into our relationship with the true Vine.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The name of the second [Joseph] called Ephraim, ‘For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.’” Genesis 41:52. “Not before the land of his affliction. Not after the land of his affliction. In the smack-middle of the land of his affliction.” Who’s to say the topography of my anxiety is not the most fertile of my life? “No question is more relevant that this: What kind of fruit are we producing?” Through anxiety, my heart has grown warmer toward people and I crave people’s company (love). I am constantly in a good mood (joy). I am increasingly rested (peace). Although I am fixated on fear, I am willing to overlook offense (forgiveness). I have become much gentler over the last year (gentleness). I have increased in my intentionality to not resist or at least delay compulsions (self-control).

Isaiah 5:2 says, “He dug it and cleared it of stones, and planted it with vines,” not the other way around. The Divine Vinedresser takes the shovel and turns over the rocky soil first, then He gets rid of the stones. God does His best work when we are at our worst. He doesn’t wait for us to smooth our rough edges or refine ourselves; instead, He digs right in and starts planting right there in the midst of our stony hearts! That is not to say that He won’t eventually remove the stones of sin from the rich soil of our souls. But He doesn’t wait for us to clean up our act--or till our soul’s soil--first.

The rock was undoubtedly limestone, the stone for which my terroir--the town where I live--is famous! Our limestone was quarried for the reconstruction of buildings after the great Chicago fire of 1871. We are also known for the vineyard’s most unwelcome tourist-- “Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom” (Song of Solomon 2:15). The river that wends its way through our tri-cities is named the Fox River. Perhaps God has planted me here--in this limestony soil for such a time as this. This stone prone soil is not so much about failure as it is about fruitfulness. Sometimes God supplants that which He supplies.

I love Exodus 4:12, “Go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” Not I will tell you, I will teach you. What’s the difference between teaching and telling? Teaching takes two. It requires relationship. Teaching is interactive. “Our lives become witness to His with-ness.” Abounding with love is possible only through abiding in Love. Jesus’ life flows through our veins. Sin is the tourniquet that staunches our fruitfulness. We are never more poised for fruitfulness than in the wake of winter.

Isaiah 37:30-32 convinces me that the vineyard is a trajectory for life. “This shall be a sign to you: You shall eat this year such as grows of itself, and the second year what springs from the same; also in the third year sow and reap, plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them. And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward...The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” The first “year” is our teens--all the single digits with the one before them. This is the decade we spend eating and growing. The second “year “is our twenties--the fruit of our education, college degrees, friendships we’ve made and habits we’re still cultivating. When I was in my twenties, I called this my reinvention; little did I know that I had barely started my inauguration. The third year--thirties is our most fruitful decade. Time and again celebrities speak for most of us when they talk about finally coming into their own and feeling more settled in their own skin. Our thirties are when we sow and reap--in our careers and families--plant vineyards and eat the fruit of our labor. But the best is yet to come!

Luke 13:6-9 is not just a passage I read; I experience it viscerally. I AM the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree. Barrenness bears a certain resonance in my life experience. “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ” If my year-decade parallel holds true, then my thirty years of barren hopelessness are just around the corner from a 40th birthday party redemption! My 40s is when I will take root downward and bear fruit upward. And who is responsible for this fertility? All of my digging and fertilizing? No, let it alone! “The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” Amen! Let it be and let it begin!

Psalm 30:5 tumbles through the spin cycle of my mind: what if joy not only comes in the morning but in the mourning? Are joy and mourning mutually exclusive or codependent? Is there room enough for both to coexist as brothers--or sisters? Beth Moore’s Chasing Vines is a tribute “To my fellow bookworms, who love nothing better than the sound of a book spine breaking--cheers! Here’s to taking the time. Here’s to feeding our minds. And above all, here’s to chasing the Vine, who turns water into wine.”

[Allison Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reading this now and I am so excited for others to take this journey too.

[Ann · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book wandered all over the place and the first 1/4 of the book seemed to just throw in a mention of vines. I was hoping for a deep look at John 15, Very disappointed.

[Tara Smith Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Vines is not just a reading; it's an experience. Beth Moore packs the pages with, not only scripture, but also a vivid description of where she is taking us during this moment. The Lord has hope for every single one of us. He exclaims this through His scripture, and she illuminates them with every chapter and verse. We take a walk through the vineyards of Italy and find our heritage there, whether we are Italian or not. Beth describes the viticulture and terroir with such passion that you want to begin your legacy.

From this hope, she intertwines the difficulties of our life, and mine being the vicious disease that she speaks of. @bethmoorelpm breaks down Scripture in her newest book, Chasing Vines, for us to see where God has planted Hope. Let me give you just a glimpse there.

You transplanted a vine from Egypt.
PSALM 80:8, NIV .
This psalm was written centuries after the Moses saga, but the people of God were again in dire need of deliverance, as they were captives far from home. The lyrics give them voice to say to their God, essentially, “Do it again!”

And God knew. God knew that slavery wasn’t the end of His people’s story. He knew the enemy wouldn’t get the final victory. He knew He would keep His promises in dramatic fashion. He had delivered them before, and He would deliver them again. The same is true for you, whether you’re battling a vicious ruler or a vicious disease, whether you’re up against an occupying army or your own anxiety.

God transplanted the vine—He snatched it right out of the ground and carried it out of Egypt, with four centuries of roots dangling, so He could plant it back in the soil of its belonging. Its home. Its true terroir.
@bethmoorelpm @livingproofministries
#ChasingVines