From His Heart Daily Devotional 3 February 2022
BETTER THINGS
But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation…”
Hebrews 6:9
I have had the great privilege of getting to know Mack Brown, former head football coach of the University of Texas Longhorns, my alma mater. Coach Brown is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He genuinely loves people and does a tremendous job of not just coaching football but developing boys into men. I told him I thought he had the greatest quote ever after the 2005 National Championship Rose Bowl victory over USC. He told his jubilant team in the locker room:
Finally, this is the most important thing I want you to hear tonight. Remember that we love you. Be proud of what you have accomplished, and enjoy this moment. Let this be a great thing in life, but don’t let it be the best thing that ever happens in your life. Go on from here, be great husbands and great dads, and make a difference.
Wow! What an awesome and challenging word to share with a group of young champions. When I saw Coach Brown a few weeks after that Rose Bowl game, I gave him a hug and whispered, “When I heard that quote of yours, I said to myself, ‘That is why I love Mack Brown.’” He graciously and humbly thanked me for the encouragement.
BETTER THINGS AHEAD
The beautiful thing about the Christian life is the hope we have in Jesus. He promises better things ahead for us each and every day. One of my favorite verses is Romans 15:13: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” When the God of hope is your God, better things are always just ahead.
REMEMBER EDWARD KIMBALL
Edward Kimball was a Sunday school teacher in the 1800s. He was a nobody in most people’s eyes, but he was used so greatly by God. He was the one who told Dwight L. Moody about Jesus and His love. Dwight L. Moody became a Christian as a result of Kimball’s witness.
Moody went on to become a mighty, worldwide evangelist. Through his ministry, Wilbur Chapman was changed. Chapman went on to preach the Gospel and was used to reach Billy Sunday. Billy Sunday became a powerful evangelist and was used to reach Mordecai Ham… and Mordecai Ham was the preacher God used to bring Billy Graham to Christ. Billy Graham has led millions to the Savior.
What a chain reaction! And it all started with a little nobody named Edward Kimball. The extent of Kimball’s reward in heaven is yet to be determined, as his witness is still reaping dividends for the Kingdom of God.
TODAY
Don’t fail to see today how your life can make a difference. Yesterday may have been great, or it may have been a bust… but take comfort and be encouraged. Better things are ahead!
Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries
