Romans 15:13 Joy in the Lord is our secret power. In Him alone there is hope.

 Romans 14:17

for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. NKJV

Christ within is our hope. If we glory, glory in this, that Jesus Christ gave up His life to redeem the world. He did not leave us alone here but He gave us Holy Spirit to guide us and defend us against the evil that is so prevalent in the world today. Carla

Romans 15:13

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. NKJV)

The root of Jesse In the original context of this quotation from Isaiah 11:10, the root of Jesse refers to an individual ruler from the Davidic line. Paul’s quotation comes from the Septuagint (the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament), which emphasizes that the root of Jesse will rule the nations and provide them with hope. For Paul, Jesus is the root of Jesse—the Messiah from David’s line—who rules over both Jewish and non-Jewish people (Jews and Gentiles). Faithlife Study Bible

Jesus Christ became a servant to the Jews for two purposes: (1) to confirm God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and (2) to demonstrate God’s mercy to the Gentiles so that they might glorify Him. 

Paul cites four passages from the Old Testament to prove that God intended the Gentiles as well as the Jews to glorify Him. Paul quotes from all three divisions of the Old Testament  (the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms or Writings), and from three great Jewish leaders (Moses, David, and Isaiah), to demonstrate that God’s purpose was always to bless the Gentiles through Israel. Although the nation of Israel has been set aside for the present (11:1–31), both Jews and Gentiles are being brought together in the church (3:1–12; Eph. 2:14–22). Root of Jesse is a title for the Messiah. Jesse was the father of David, and the Son of David was the promised Messiah. The NKJV Study Bible

1 Corinthians 2:4

And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 

1 Thessalonians 1:5

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

Romans 15:19

in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 

1 Corinthians 4:20

For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.

My confession is that there have been times in my life and ministry when neutrality (deliberately staying away from disagreements or conflicts) was applauded. Even revered. Somehow seen as a skill, and a strength.
I told myself to not speak up about any number of social moral issues—bullying, abuse, war, sexual orientation—because I didn’t want to offend. Or lose parishioners. Or readers.
And here’s the irony: to not choose, is to choose.
I said I was a follower of Jesus.
But here’s the deal.
Jesus wasn’t neutral. In his choices, or in the stories (parables) that he told.
Bottom line: As the Good Samaritan teaches us—when there is a wounded, or broken, or distressed, or even despised human being by the side of the road, you don’t walk by. You choose to stop. To care. To invest. To heal. To reconcile. To say no to intolerance.

As a young pastor, I remember saying often, “Let’s just agree to disagree.”
Which is all very well and good, but should be reserved for things like, “I don't like coffee.” Or, “Do we have to sing those hymns every Sunday?”
When it comes to honoring human dignity, it is not a difference of opinion. It is a difference in morality.
Jesus wasn’t neutral with regard to treating each and every human being with dignity.
My friends, let us choose to do the same: To honor dignity… regardless of race, religion, color, creed, sexual orientation or citizenship status. Today, I am so grateful for the sabbath moment community. And our reminder to say yes to sanctuary, inclusion, empathy, compassion and kindness. Sabbath Moments