Sunday, March 08, 2015
What does it mean to follow Christ?
Matthew so beautifully tells this story of the brothers, Andrew and Simon-Peter who, at the Lord’s summoning, literally dropped their nets and followed Him.
18Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.… – Matthew 4:18-20
The verses that follow illustrate how James and John, also brothers, also immediately, obediently, dropped their nets and left their boat and their father and followed the Lord.
21Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. 22Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. – Matthew 4:21-22
“Immediately”, they walked away from their family business. From their Earthly father.
That’s crazy powerful faith! That’s FAITH in capital letters. Faith that has mere left mustard seeds behind and goes forth, unknowing of what the future holds. But certain of one thing: God.
How many people do we know who have that kind of faith? Excuse me, FAITH. How many people hear the Lord’s call, heeding and trusting without question? Immediately.
Not me! I’m scared to death every day!
But our beloved Pastor Dewey Moede has done this. When our Lord called him into service, solidifying and confirming what Pastor Dewey already knew in his heart. He dropped what he was doing, left his Corporate position and set about his Heavenly Father’s work.
And in doing that, Pastor Dewey embarked on a whole new life. No worries about how he will be clothed or fed or provide for his family. Simply trusting that this was God’s purpose for him and that both mountains and oceans will make way as he entrusts his life to the Father.
Holy smokes, brother! That’s FAITH!
Even Dewey’s lovely wife Sharon has picked up the mantle of the Ministry. No doubt, it had to be disquieting to consider surrendering a full-time salary and embarking on this spiritual adventure with her husband. But, much as Scripture instructs us on being Godly wives, Sharon stands by her husband with strength and dignity and faith. She often lends her personal support to the many works of the organization, delivering rousing and inspiring talks to Women’s and Professional groups, maintaining a full-time career as a gifted nurse and all the while representing her husband in the most Godly, devoted way! Sharon is an inspiration to all wives. And she brings to mind the lovely verses from Proverbs 31:10-31 (amended here for brevity’s sake)…
10 [a]Who can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her. He shall have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and flax, and works eagerly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships. She brings her bread from afar… 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you excel them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands! Let her works praise her in the gates!
Sharon, surely the Lord will continue to bless you for your faithfulness and sacrifice.
For those of us on an active path to know Christ, Pastor Dewey is, and remains, one of our greatest resources. His unshakable faith is a great inspiration. He always has hope! And when we call, he is ever open and available to offer a kind, supportive word, an encouraging verse or share a personal story of inspiration, Dewey takes the Father’s business very seriously. Ready at a moment’s notice to provide sensible Godly advice, a solid shoulder of faith, a prayer for protection, resolution and restoration and he gladly travels countless miles to administer heartfelt comfort and spiritual sustenance to families in crisis. As 1 Peter 5:2 directs, Dewey is a shepherd watching over his flock…. willing, and not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve. This is Pastor Dewey.
One of Dewey’s greatest gifts lies in his amazing ability to mobilize people in prayer. Our Lord said, …“Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” (Matthew 18:19-20) And now, interestingly enough, scientific studies are supporting the idea that collective intention can, in fact, impact the healing or wellbeing of another individual, the success of specific events or endeavors, perhaps even the weather! (Google: ‘Collective intentionality’. See also The Intention Experiment, Lynn McTaggart, 2008)
But for those of us, students of scripture, people of faith, this is not entirely news. But doggone if it isn’t deeply validating, wouldn’t you say!? And it makes each lightning-fast launch of Pastor Dewey’s prayer chain emails so much more priceless! Every such request literally circles the globe, activating an army of Prayer Warriors to plead healing and restoration for a troubled or ailing loved one, or to stand in agreement with one of us in some other heart felt, often desperate supplication.
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already benefitted from Pastor Dewey’s kindness and generosity. Even if your closest contact has been to receive comfort and inspiration from the FGGAM.org website or a word of guidance from his Daily Cup emails and social media posts. If so, then I invite you to join me and pay tribute to our glorious God by making a donation to FGGAM as a token of gratitude for the grace which you have received! Better yet, I dare you to take God at His word and make FGGAM your monthly tithe, as it is for my family, and reap the blessings that our powerful God has promised!
“’Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the LORD Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’ – Malachi 3:10
Worldly promises are made and broken every day. But as your sister in Christ, I bring you this message: God loves you. And God never breaks His promises. The Father watches over us with the love that surpasses all understanding as only a Supernatural Father could provide. And so, I ask you to search your hearts and pay your blessings forward in gratitude to this Godly ministry which so boldly ushers forth the message of Christ’s love for us.
These are harrowing times we live in. It is understood that we all struggle at times and financial challenges impact us all. However, I invite you to act in faith, just as Pastor Dewey has done, and give what you can, when you can, even if that is only a single dollar. But give with a cheerful heart and a prayer of thanks for your blessings and the blessings of your family.
Brothers and sisters, my prayers go with you that, whatever your circumstances, He may open the floodgates of Heaven over you and His blessings may fall on you like rain. Lean into the Father and know that He hears you and He holds you in His tender care!!
Thank you for your time. Christ’s love and joy be upon you and yours forever!
In Jesus’ name,
Grace Cordova-Kalberer in Albuquerque
Pastor Dewey Note: I had the blessing of marrying Grace and Peter in November of 2011, that is Becca their daughter with them in the picture on the left. What a Godly family. They are a shining light to us all! The light of Jesus Christ! Amen! After reading Grace’s letter I cried. Kind words are like honey—-sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24 Also this verse comes to mind from 1 Corinthians 1:31…Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
