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one of my heroes, Dr. Gil Fisher

1 Thessalonians 3:8 NASB
for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord.

I first read that scripture and began to understand it when I was being discipled by some great people.  One of those people was Dr. Gil Fisher.  I learned this morning that Gil passed away yesterday after an extended illness.  For years we studied God's word together and traveled on mission trips as well as helping to disciple others.  His heart for God and learning Biblical truth was incredible.  He taught me what that verse was all about.

Our lives count for little unless we give them away.  Often we away part of what we have or who we are and it is not taken or used.  It is only when what we share is used and shared with others that we begin to find meaning.  Understand this the way that Jesus gave to those around Him.  Jesus met current needs, but he stepped into people's lives and led them to see those needs and future needs met.

That is what Christianity and following Jesus is all about.  God didn't save us so we could just go to heaven or have a better life.  He saved us with someone else in mind (thats what Pastor Grady Roan taught Gil and I years ago).  Jesus was always giving Himself and the goodness of God away.  Are we giving ourselves and our blessings away?

It is not just about sharing stuff.  It is about sharing life with others.  It is not until the next person uses what we give and stands firm that our life finds meaning.  No, not everyone we seek to serve will accept Jesus.  But many will.  It is one person at a time that we must share with.  God loves life change, and it is His plan to use ours to touch others.  Think about it.  Your life is an instrument of God's good when you allow Him to live through your life.

I have some heroes in my life, and Gil Fisher was one of those.  Not only did he disciple me, but he would always share his learning points and failures.  I remember several conversations.  Those are some of those stretching times that have impacted my life for much more than the few minutes we spent together.

Dr. Fisher was an OB/GYN, and he delivered both of my daughters.  He was my wife's DR for years, but the strange thing was that he was my DR as well (I wasn't very comfortable on the examine tables in his office because my feet didn't fit in the stirrups... haha).  Gild and Edna Fisher came into my life a short time after I moved to Vidalia, Georgia in 1991 to serve as a youth ministry intern at First Baptist Church.  They were the middle school leaders.  I was blessed to work with great 6th and 7th graders and to work with the Fishers.  They had a love for life that I needed to see and experience.  Both of them poured into me as I was young and a long way from home.  

Who are the people that you need to thank God for?  Some of them as gone on heaven, but some of them haven't.  Write a card.  Send an email.  Make a call.  Tell that person who discipled you and poured into your life the truth of Christ that you appreciate them and their sacrifice.

I'm grateful for the life and commitment of Gil Fisher, one of my heroes.

2 Timothy 2:2 NASB
The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able toteach others also.

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