Verse of the day Romans 15: 13

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope"

Context: Paul is once again stating the inclusion of the gentiles in salvation, quoting from several passages of scripture including Isaiah 11:10 "The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the gentiles; in him the Gentiles hope." The hope then that Paul states in verse 13 is a hope for all who believe, not just for the Jews. After laying on such an extensive passage of what it means to follow Christ, this verse serves as an encouragement of how this is possible

Why this passage: I liked this verse because of how easy is is to break down, but how powerful and convicting it is.
May the God of hope - our God is not one who, as many people have thought, created the universe and then backed away to let us figure it out. He is always present as Paul characterizes Him as one who's nature is Hope. It is quite impossible to fully explain or understand God, but the idea that He is "of hope" is amazing. Hope, not in the sense like I hope the Leafs will win the stanley cup, but hope as in Jesus Christ died for me and saved me from the sin that lived within me. It is an absolute assurance and God is full of it. Amazing thing...He wants to fill us
"fill you with all joy and peace in believing" - for the race set before us in Christ, God has chosen to fill us so that we may be able to stand. When asked about my life in Christ it's pretty hard not to look at my situation and see blessings, but I am convicted, and rightly so, that this is not how I should esteem my relationship with Christ. If I were in a third world country with no possessions and no food would I still be loving God and loving to others. This verse reminds me that I am filled with joy and peace because of my belief in Christ regardless of whatever situation I am in, whether well fed or hungry.
"so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" - this is where the conviction really kicks in. It is necessary to understand and believe that the joy and peace will only come by the power of the Holy Spirit and not by human means. We can not get this joy or peace by wealth or friends or good deeds, it is only coming from a belief in the God of Hope THROUGH the power of the Holy Spirit. What is so powerful about this verse I believe is that it ends with an abounding hope. Similar to the start of verse one where God is stated as being hope Himself, we, as followers of Him are going to be completely filled, overflowing, etc with the assured hope of what God has promised: The joy and peace of believing in Jesus Christ

Verse of the day - Romans 15: 7

"Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God"

Context: Paul is speaking to the Romans about the obligation for the stronger brother to help the weaker brother as Christ did not care for himself but for others.

Important point: 15:5 is a prayer from Paul that God would grant harmony. It is important to see that the unity of believers that is so often addressed in scripture is not one that is self made. God is the one who brings unity and without faith in Him there will be none.

Why this verse: So what is so important about this verse.
Well to start of it is a command. Suggestions are not really a part of scripture and so every time a command is given, a follower of Jesus needs to examine it and see how it applies to there own life. Am I welcoming to those around me? Other translations have accept or receive so the real question is am I loving everyone?
Secondly, Christ is the example. "As Christ has welcomed you". We are not commanded to welcome/receive/accept/love one another because it makes us feel good, we are to do these things because Christ has first shown this to us. The strength that Paul addresses in 15:1 is not one of human strength in superiority but one of God at work in the believers life because "Christ has welcomed you"
Finally, the purpose of it all is to glorify God. God has created all things to bring Him glory and the pinnacle of this is the life death, resurrection and saving power of Jesus Christ. No matter what we do God will always be glorified, and as this verse commands that we welcome one another, we must do so with the example of Christ in mind and for the ultimate purpose of glorifying God as "they may see your good works and glorify your Father, who is in Heaven"