A Branch in the Vine Summary and Analysis

Rees prays to the Lord and asks the spirit to enter him to bring the proper message to a prayer meeting. The Lord's response is for Rees to give up all claims to money and for Rees to spend not even one penny on anything but essentials. Rees gives up claim to his own money. Rees is tempted to spend a penny to send a New Year's card in response to one received with a gift of books from a friend. Rees struggles with how to respond without insulting his friend but still remaining faithful to the Lord's request. Finally, Rees sends a note of thank you note for the books and explains why he did not enclose a card. The friend is blessed by the explanation and sends Rees money just in...