CHRIST the FRUIT-BEARER: “He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5). The heart is often parched and dry. But Jesus can sweetly soften. “He shall come down like rain upon the grass before mowing, like showers that water the earth” (Ps 72:6). Each morning opens on a scene of need. Each morning finds supplies. “I will be as the dew to Israel” (Hos 14:5). The roots of grace are planted in flinty soil; there must be constant nourishment or else the leaves wither. Fear not, believer, “The Lord will…satisfy your soul in drought…You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail” (Isa 58:11). Precious crops of holy words and holy works in due succession come. Then fruits of godliness ripen in turn. Faith stands a noble tree by the river. Hope raises high its richly laden boughs. Love scatters fragrance all around. Clusters of righteousness bear witness: this is the vineyard of the Lord. —W. Law