Sharing Thoughts about the Tribute Ceremoney for Pastor June Austin

Psa 84:5  Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whose strength is in You, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
Psa 84:6  Passing through the Valley of Weeping (Baca), they make it a place of springs; the early rain also fills [the pools] with blessings.
Psa 84:7  They go from strength to strength [increasing in victorious power]; each of them appears before God in Zion.  

Psa 119:1  Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are the undefiled (the upright, truly sincere, and blameless) in the way [of the revealed will of God], who walk (order their conduct and conversation) in the law of the Lord (the whole of God's revealed will).
Psa 119:2  Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are they who keep His testimonies, and who seek, inquire for and of Him and crave Him with the whole heart. 

Today was the Dover Church Family Tribute for our "mom" Pastor June Austin.  

God gave me a Word during the Praise and Worship service. It was quite simple really, yet spoke tons.

"Beloved, I make all things new. I AM catching your tears and holding your hearts tenderly.  All IS well."

So many wonderful memories were shared, evoking much laughter and a few tears. Victory North/GWWM (the Mother Church in New Castle, DE.) graciously recorded and videoed it all. (I want a copy guys!) They also launched the Dr. June E. Austin School of Biblical Studies Scholarship Foundation! Mom firmly believed everyone should go to Bible School a nd get a solid foundation of the Word. I know she must be so pleased, although I can hear her sputtering a bit about all the attention! 

I arrived home bone weary and slightly weepy, fighting tears, because I really had not wanted to leave my church family today, I wanted to stay and just hug and hug and hug them some more and not let go. (But this was a day for letting go and trusting God with all of our hearts, each one of us.)

Yet nonetheless I did have to leave, and so I arrived home to 5 hungry cats who greeted me. As I stood in the kitchen preparing their bowls of food I found a song coming forth from somewhere deep within.  It was "Taps," which is played at "lights out" and also for military funerals.

For those who don't know the words, here they are:

Day is done,
gone the sun,
From the hills,
from the lake,
From the skies.
All is well,
safely rest,
God is nigh. 

Go to sleep, peaceful sleep, May the soldier or sailor, God keep. On the land or the deep, Safe in sleep. Love, good night, Must thou go, When the day, And the night Need thee so? All is well. Speedeth all To their rest.  Fades the light; And afar Goeth day, And the stars Shineth bright, Fare thee well; Day has gone, Night is on.  Thanks and praise, For our days, 'Neath the sun, Neath the stars, 'Neath the sky, As we go, This we know, God is nigh.

I thought, "how appropriate Holy Spirit, that you would remind me of that song this evening!" Wow. Our General has finished her fight, final maneuvers are complete, and she has taken flight. Her soul is at rest, and we need to be at peace and rest also.  

I say "General" because every Bible School graduation a new class of "cadets" had to learn the graduation song: "Onward Christian Soldiers."  She felt that was the most appropriate song for us to sing and insisted that that song be done at all the graduations. 

Let us sing it now with gusto at HER graduation and hold up high the Cross of Jesus always before us.

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!

Refrain:

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.

Refrain

Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

Refrain

What the saints established that I hold for true.
What the saints believèd, that I believe too.
Long as earth endureth, men the faith will hold,
Kingdoms, nations, empires, in destruction rolled.

Refrain

Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never gainst that church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail.

Refrain

Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honor unto Christ the King,
This through countless ages men and angels sing.

Refrain:

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

Picture is of Mom at her 80th birthday Party. (Can you imagine the party for her, that is going on in Heaven?)

About the paintings:

Welcome Home painting by Ron DiCianni (left)

http://www.christcenteredmall.com/stores/art/dicianni/welcome_home.htm

Welcome Home Reunion by Danny Hohlbohm (Right)

http://shop.jesusartusa.com/products/Reunion%252dWelcome-Home.html

Tribute to Pastor June Austin

   Today there was an ending and a passing of a baton.  A wave goodbye to one thing and hello to a whole new one.  New, but not really so new, for an entire lifetime had been spent in preparation for this moment.  This shedding of the earth earthly and those things physical and tangible and a reaching for and embracing of Eternity and things not seen.

   Indeed by faith we do this every day as we live for Christ.  We should be constantly reaching for those things not seen!  When Abraham answered the call that God put forth-he went searching for a city whose Maker and Builder was God.

   Today, that search is over for Pastor June Austin.  Beloved Pastor, Mentor, Teacher, Friend, Encourager and "Mother" to me. Not just to me alone, but indeed to an untold number, both stateside and around the globe!  She has graduated and stepped into Glory to view HIM face to face.  To know and be known fully, to see no longer through a glass darkly.

   To be honest, I've shed tears, albeit selfish ones, in that I've "lost" someone so dear to my own heart  and in my life.  Selfish tears for me, but happy ones for her.

   See, I've not "lost" her really- only the earthly connection. The Spiritual and heart connection remains and indeed grows stronger as she now encompasses me and all of us, around about with cheers and encouragements from the Heavenly Portal as she has joined that "great cloud of witnesses" that Hebrews talks about.  

   She is now abiding in Heavenly "Son"light surrounded by the light of His Glory and living in the depths of His Love as no mortal can ever do!

   So, for us down here, still upon the Earth, but not of this world, we continue the race set before us.  May we run with steady hearts and Grace upon our feet.  We must finish the journey begun, so that we too the Master can meet and hear "well done."

   Pastor June Austin, we your brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, friends and family- both blood and spiritual, salute you!  We love you Mother dear!  No longer will we hear your lovely voice and that phrase, "now dear hearts..."  but we carry it and you close in our hearts.  

   You are "Home" at last, the baton of your life passed.  We shall carry the flame- our lives a burning torch- all for the Glory of His Name: Jesus- King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

   Thank you Lord for the Gift and love you gave us in and through the life of your daughter and handmaiden!  We are forever grateful for how she showed us more of You and opened unto us Your Word.  How she nurtured and encouraged us to follow You and the dreams You gave to us.  It was a privilege Sir, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  

   Now Abba, help us to "go forth!" into the fields that are ripe unto harvest.  Help us to live our lives with Eternity in view. Help us to walk with footsteps that lead others to You.  To love and be loved as we journey towards that Heavenly City whose builder and maker is You God!  Help us to be Lively stones, living Epistles read of all men-fitly joined together to create a habitation in which You can live, here upon Earth.  Truly, let others find that our hearts, are Your home, until we all reach "Home" together.  Amen.

P.S. Tell Mother, I'll see her there.
Love, Nancy

Pastor June Edith Austin

Born May 4, 1924

Graduated to Glory April 22, 2012 12:09 pm

Tribute Service : 
Sunday May 27th 3pm at Main Church
Victory Christian Fellowship
100 Wilton Blvd.
New Castle De.19720
302-324-5400
(details of tribute Service to be announced by Pastor Faye Whetstone)

Look At Life Through God's Lens

God gave me this on April 15-2012 during an evening church service, as I pondered a conversation with a dear saint and some things that we both had concerns about.  This is what He spoke to me:

 

You are looking at things from the wrong end.  You are looking from your perceived limitations, instead of from My view of Grace and Anointing.  You are looking from your past failures and disappointments. I Am looking from My Plan for you. I’ve already provided for you.  And I’ve already made provision for your failures and shortcomings, through the shed Blood of My Son.

I have not changed My mind about you!  Though you have missed the mark sometimes, you have not disqualified yourself because you have run back to My arms and sought Me again.

I Am well able to right what’s wrong, when you place it into My hands. So place your Trust in Me dear one. Trust Me in every area of your life.  Trust that I AM at work in you, even when you do not see it.  Trust that it is My good pleasure to give you the keys to the Kingdom.

What you haven’t realized is those keys are sometimes hidden in opportunities to serve, opportunities to obey, and opportunities to walk in Love.  And as you do these things,  things are being worked out and doors are being set (ready) to be opened unto you.

Fret not My child! Trust Me!  Fret not My child, I AM setting you free!  Fret not My child, I AM working all things for your good. Degree by degree.  Step by step, as you follow Me, as you set your heart to seek Me and to know Me for yourself.  I AM  revealing Myself to you and showing you My Glory.  So make room for more of Me, and you will see new expressions of My love for you, new expressions of My Glory, because it is not only My desire, but it is My Will for you to flow in Me and Me to flow through you.

4-15-2012

My Love Envelopes You

Word given through a sister during the altar call on Palm Sunday.  It is powerful- let it wash over you and sink in! Be blessed dear ones! Love, Nancy

"You say to me, I love you Lord, but in your heart, you think "my love is so weak and frail". You hear the accusations of the enemy in your ear - he reminds you of the many ways that you have failed - your wrong thoughts, actions and feelings. I ask you this day to change your focus - do not consider your love for me. Your love will always fail. Your love will always fall short. So I say to you this day, to focus, not on your love for me, but on my love for you.

My love for you is perfect. I have loved you with an everlasting love! Greater love has no man than this, that a man will lay down his life for his friends. I LOVE YOU. The cross is the expression of my love for you, the cross is my bridge to get me to you. Wherever you are today, my love can get to you. You are in a place where you think that there is no way out. But I say to you this day that you cannot get so far away, you cannot get so low that my love cannot get to you. 2000 years ago, I saw you where you are right now and because of you, I became the way - so that I can get to you.
 

If you are lost, I am your way back to the father
If you are sick, I am your way to divine health
If you are lonely, I am your way to the father, who has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you
If you are depressed, I am your way to joy unspeakable and full of glory
If you are in need, I am your way to God's storehouse full of supply

The cross is my response, my answer, my provision for every need, situation and problem. When you feel alone, unloved, sick, depressed or discouraged; remember my my love for you. Remember the cross, partake of the cross. The cross is my price paid, for every need. The cross is profound evidence of my love for you. No one took my life, I laid it down. If I laid down my life for you, how will I not freely give you all that you need? Whatever you need, look to the cross, remember my love for you and receive the provision I already made. Because the cross is a declaration of my love for you - says the Lord".
 

Blessings,
Gloria Godson  April 1, 2012 10:30 am Service

Word of Life Christian Center

854 Old Baltimore Pike
Newark, De. 19702

Rematch: Devil 0- Jesus WON!

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

HE LIVES!

Let there be no doubt in your hearts

GOD LOVES YOU!

Jesus DIED for YOUR SINS!

But He didn't just die and pay the penalty.  

Oh no! He went far beyond just

paying our debt to God. 

He went into hell, and preached 

to those held captive. 

What did He preach?  

"I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE! No Man comes to the Father, EXCEPT by and through ME!" (John 11;25, John 14:6)

Then He faced off with the devil. 

Met him on his own turf and said,

"You have nothing in Me." (John14:30) 

"But, I Believe you have something 

that belongs to ME?"

"The keys- HAND THEM OVER!" (Rev. 1:18)

Apparently, the devil thought to hold on to them 

because we are told HE (JESUS)

made an open show of him. (Col. 2:15)

In plain American English, let me tell you 

what this means.  

Jesus whooped his tail.  

Showed Himself strong on our behalf and 

beat the old boy up.  

I can just hear Him "talking trash" to him now.

(that means putting him to shame 

with His words) 

"Hey, Lucifer, remember when YOU were the highest angel in Heaven?  Remember how beautiful you were?  You were the star, the chosen angel to cover Our Throne with Praise.  But were you satisfied with that?  

Oh no!  You wanted to sit on Our Throne!  

So, you thought you would would rebel and have a little revolt and take over... hmm, seems you lost that fight, didn't you?  

Got yourself demoted, kicked right out of Heaven you were. And now here you are, 

Lord of the dung hill and of flies! 

So, you thought you would try a little rematch!  

Thought since I didn't have My angels down here in this hole, called hell, that

My Father created for you, (2Peter 2:4) that you would just square things and kill Me, huh? 

But guess what devil?  You LOSE! 

AGAIN!

I'M OUTTA HERE!

Oh, and all my people that you've held captive in the bonds of death?

 They're coming with Me! So out of my way, LOSER!"

And, just like that, graves were split open and people long dead, once

again were seen walking upon the earth!

See, when Jesus Cried out 

"IT IS FINISHED"  

all of Heaven and Hell, 

as well as Earth itself, reverberated and shook, under 

the Proclamation of those words!

IT IS FINISHED!

Christ Paid the Price, the awful price. 

Paid it in Full.  And then He Arose!

That means the death sentence against you and I was removed, through the Power of His spotless, shed Blood.

When We accept his Gift, and Ask Him into our hearts, He comes in and 

He applies His Blood to the 

door posts of our hearts. 

And just like in Israel, when the death angel came, he saw the blood 

and looked no further but he passed on by.

But wait! His blood doesn't just hide us. 

It cleanses us!

If any man be In Christ Jesus, 

(hidden in Him by the work of His Blood)

he is a new creature. (2Cor. 5:17)

A new Creation- 

made fresh and new.

You are a never before creation. Yes, you existed before- 

but as a sinful man or woman. 

Now you exist as a Child of God!  

Washed and made clean, whole and forgiven!

You are entirely new!  

You just need to learn how to walk in this 

new and living way!  

Before you walked in paths of death.

Now, you walk in paths of Light and in new Life!

Remember Jesus said, 

"I am come that they might have Life, and that More Abundantly." (John 10:10)

Welcome to Your Abundant Life! 

He's Alive Forevermore! 

Because He Lives, you too can live.

And Live VICTORIOUSLY!

If therefore the Son shall set you free, 

ye shall be really free. (John 8:36)

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

LIVE IT EVERYDAY! 

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