October 25

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season.—Psalms 1:3.

AM I daily growing in the knowledge and love of God? Is my tendency, like that of the tree, ever upward? As the tree is firmly rooted in the earth, so am I rooted and grounded in the faith? As the tree draws life from the air, so do I draw life from the Holy Spirit? As the tree is nourished by the rivers of water, so do I daily receive fresh supplies from the ever-flowing streams of God's mercy and goodness? As the tree brings forth fruit in its season, so do I improve every season, to bring forth fruit to the glory of Christ, my Saviour?

Even the leaf of those who bring forth only the leaves of profession without any good fruit, shall wither. But if the word of God rule in the heart, that will keep the profession green, both to our comfort and credit, and we shall bear much fruit for God. —MATTHEW HENRY.

The branch is wholly dependent on the vine; and so are we on Christ: it derives all its supplies from the vine; and so should we from Christ. Let us rest on Christ; trust in Christ; look for all to Christ; and so walk in union and constant fellowship with Christ. Thus shall we honor our Saviour, and bring forth fruit for him.

See the trees thine hand hath planted;

Watch them with thy constant care;

Oh let our request be granted,

Make them fruitful; make them fair.

Planted by thine hand, may we,

Each bring forth rich fruit for thee!