Wine and the Word by Kurt Senske

Throughout the Bible, wine or the vine is referenced a total of 521 times and Dr. Senske is on a mission to connect lessons from the vineyard to our daily life. In Wine and the Word Dr. Senske weaves together stories of the vineyard, connecting them to the Christian lifestyle and and taking readers through places such as Bordeaux, Napa and Tuscany. Using both storytelling as well as humor, he guides readers through a conversation about their lives as disciples and how to fully savor God’s blessings and serve others with great joy. (from the publisher)

My Review: I have always been aware of the many Scriptures that include wine and the vineyard, but I know nothing about winemaking. I love the way this book shares the intricacies of wine development and the varieties of wine and it is a great metaphor of Christians. One chapter spoke on how some winemakers will "sell-out" or compromise quality for what they can gain. There are many Christians who slowly get caught up in the culture around them and forget they are to be nurtured by the the One who wants us to be our best. Just as an oenophile, whether an expert or a beginner, breathes in, savors, and lets the taste of the wine explode, we are called to "Taste and see that the LORD is good." In John 15 Jesus tells us that He is the vine and we are the branches. We must stay attached to Him so we can glorify God, the Master Gardner.

In explaining the full process of winemaking and how conditions affect the harvest on to some of his favorite wines and experiences of sharing wine with loved ones, Senske illustrates that God's Word can have that same impact in our development. Wine and the Word: Savor and Serve is a small sized book that would be perfect for the wine lover you know to enrich their knowledge of how Scripture is reflected from the beginning to the finished product. It is one you can pick up and enjoy for a long time.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Shelton Interactive, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

CEO and critically acclaimed author, Dr. Kurt Senske is deeply passionate about creating conversation centered on faith and character. As a dynamic speaker and leader, he is known as much for his acute business acumen as he is for authorship on the Christian lifestyle. Dr. Senske finds joy in connecting various personal life experiences to the Bible and sharing his insight with other Christians. (from the publisher)