With calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, Ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:6-8, NKJV
There have been several people in my life I could hold up as examples of how to live. One such person passed away last weekend after a battle with cancer--Mike Fleming. Mike was gentle, smart, and generous. I had the privilege to be in the same Sunday School class with him for a few years. He was constantly handing me topics for my Saturday Sermonette and Monday Morning Devo blogs. Not on purpose, but just by tossing out pieces of his abundant wisdom.
The man deeply loved his family. I remember one time when we were probably discussing the story of Abraham and Isaac when God asked Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son. Mike said he hoped God never asked that of him, because he didn't think he could do that. This loving father would gladly have substituted himself, though.
I count it a privilege to have known him, and I thank God for the gift of people like Mike Fleming to this world. As he walks up those final steps to pain-free life, I pray he finds that heaven is more than he ever dreamed.
Who can you name who have been positive influences in your life? Who would you pay tribute to?
Lord, please bless these saints of Yours who are such gentle and wise leaders. Please open our eyes and ears to see and hear them. In Jesus's name, Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment