June 12, 2008

under the cross

"We do not put an obstacle in anyone's way.

Otherwise, fault may be found with our ministry.

Instead, in every way we demonstrate

that we are God's servants

by tremendous endurance

in the midst of difficulties, hardships, and calamities;

in beatings, imprisonments, and riots;

in hard work, sleepless nights, and hunger;

with purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness;

with the Holy Spirit,

genuine love, truthful speech, and divine power;

through the weapons of righteousness

in the right and left hands;

through honor and dishonor;

through ill repute and good repute;

perceived as deceivers and yet true,

as unknown and yet well-known,

as dying and yet—as you see—very much alive,

as punished and yet not killed,

as sorrowful and yet always rejoicing,

as poor and yet enriching many,

as having nothing

and yet possessing everything."

- 2 Corinthians 6: 3-10 ISV