"Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ...

"Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people's trust in the message, the good news, not flinching or
dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they're up against."
Philippians 1:27

I recently read a wonderful devotional by Ray Steadman on Unity and Vision..." these are the essentials. Never depart from the complete dependency on the Spirit of God to do through you everthing that needs to be done. That is the first essential in Christian life. It is God's life through you. It is the indwelling Lord Jesus expressing Himself in terms of your human personality. All the wiles of the devil, all the thrust and power of his activity is aimed at these two important things. To keep us from observing them, the enemy ties first one and then the other. He tests us first on one point, and if he can't derail us there he goes to the second. He tries to get you to depend upon yourself, not on the indwelling life of Christ, and to make you therefore fearful, worried, discouraged, impatient, or upset with something. Haven't you ever felt like this? This is why Ephesians says, we are not engaged in wrestling against flesh and blood. Our enemies are not human beings. They are those invisible powers ensconced in high places which are at work through human beings. Stand Fast! Don't let them budge you from that essential relationship in which your life is dependent upon the inner life of God. Whenever we get discouraged we are dependent on ourselves. We're discouraged because we are expecting that we could do something and we failed. We've been self-confident, counting on ourselves, thinking we have all it takes to do the job. That is when we move from the position of dependency on God. We get worreid, anxious, fearful, timid,impatient.

If that doesn't work and we stand firm the enemy will use another strategy. He tries to make a breach between us and those who labour with us. He tries to split us up , divide us, create suspiciion, smoldering resentment and personality conflicts. He tries to get us to not talk with each other, having nothing to do with one another, look down on others, cut them off from our fellowship, conversation and contact.

Although it may seem there are thousands of asaults in our direction we really have only two things to watch, that is all. That we stand firm in one Spirit, and that we strive side by side together in the gospel. If we are careful to keep our eyes open to the power of God working in these two areas, our conduct will become worthy of the Gospel of Christ."

Unity, Vision and Courage, the fabric of our choice to stand side by side, the guarantee of our victory against all the enemy will every taunt us with.

Let us hold steadfast, unmoveable for the cause of Christ that our life long message of the Gospel would be trusted, accepted and will flourish in the hearts and souls of men.

Blessings,
Wendy Burton

email: wburton@eod.paoc.org
Phone: 416.303.9840
Personal Blog: http://spaces.msn.com/members/2wendyburton2/

Having nothing and having it All …
from the outside looking in, some may never understand …

Face it, one of these days we are going to find ourselves sitting in matching Cracker Barrel rocking chairs watching the sunset on a porch. When it is all said and done, we will glory in the faithfulness of God and the adventures we have had together as couples through the ups and the downs and through the highs and the lows. I’ve seen it in the eyes and hearts of those senior in years to me… the sweet contentment that is our great reward for having served and responded to the call of Leadership. Some around us, even those who love us dearly will never really understand our drive to live out this thing we have termed the “call of God to Ministry”… 2 Corinthians 6 captures it so well, there are times when we experience that feeling, the day to day of it does not necessarily look exhilerating or adventurous, however there is a rich satisfying reward for the faithful obedient journey .. “ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive. .. filled with deep joy .. having nothing, HAVING IT ALL”

Staying at our Post

Companions, as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don’t squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us. God reminds us,

I heard your call in the nick of time; The day you needed me, I was there to help. Don’t put it off; don’t frustrate God’s work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we’re doing. Our work as God’s servants gets validated - or not - in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, un-swervingly... in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we’re beaten up, jailed and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness and honest love; when we’re telling the truth, and when God’s showing his power; when we’re doing our best setting things right; when we’re praised and when we’re blamed slandered and honoured; true to our work, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all.

2 Corinthians 6:1-10 (MSG)

Staying Connected

Please help us keep current with your email address and personal information.

Email: wburton@eod.paoc.org

Resources

Articles:

Christianity today Library

Ministry Wives Survey

What Wives Want – What Ministry Wives wish their husbands knew

What Pastor’s Wives wish their husbands and churches knew

Balancing act in the Parsonage

Preacher’s Kids International

Salute to the Pastor’s Wife

After Shock – When you discover your husband is ensnared in Pornography

Making Friends when you’re a Ministry Wife

The separation of Church and Mate – How involved should the Minister’s Spouse be in the church?

Links

Thriving in the Fish Bowl

Women in Ministry – Assemblies of God National Website for Women in Ministry

Focus on the Family – The Parsonage (Especially for the needs of Ministry Families)

The Godly Business Woman – The goal of The Godly Business Woman Magazine is to encourage women to be all they can be through Jesus Christ. Our mission is to be a resource on which women can depend, and to shed light on God’s view of the responsibilities we have been given.

Women Today

Ministry Wives Network – MINWIN is a network of Christ-centered groups where pastors’ wives connect together to support each other as they face the challenges and opportunities of being married to a man called to the pastoral ministry! Together they can alleviate the stress, isolation, and loneliness often experienced with life in ministry and replace it with deep, caring friendships.

Just Between Us – Ministry Wives Magazine (Whether you are a pastor’s wife, woman who ministers through leadership or just interested in relationships, ministry and life issues, just between us is for you!

Finding a Safe Place

Minister’s Helpline: There are times in ministry that we need the help and support
of an objective voice, a “safe” place. This resource is for the strength, support and encouragement to you and your family.