July 1

But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence. 1 Peter 3:15.

We are to sanctify, or set apart, the Lord Jesus in the sanctuary of our hearts. Each day I am to protect my heart and not allow evil motives to fill it. He has chosen to live there in the person of the Holy Spirit when we accept Him as our Savior. I did nothing to earn or deserve this gift, but I can defend it by faith when my fellow man asks for an account of my hope. My prayer is that my hope shows to the world, for without it I would appear no different. And what is my hope—is it not that all could know Jesus? And further, it is the expectation of an eternal life with Him, free from sin, and in the full glory of His wondrous, heavenly creation.

We are to use gentleness and reverence as we display our hope. The world will find no reason to be like us when we appear to be unapproachable or rigid in our views. Often we will need to find new ways into their hearts through Christ-like service and sharing.
We are fully equipped to do this by the Holy Spirit—if we will just listen and obey.

Father, as I start this day, let me be a man of hope. Jesus allows me to show that hope as I walk with Him. Because He is present I can do this with gentleness and reverence. Allow the world to see this hope, and I will give all the praise to You. Amen.
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