February 20, 2026, 5:00 PM
Greetings in Christ and happy Friday to you!
I pray you've had a good week so far. It's been an eventful week in my household.
I became a grandparent for the first time this week! My granddaughter was due on March 8th, but decided to come a little early!
Addison Blake Tellman made her official first appearance on Tuesday, February 17th. She weighed 6 lbs, 8 oz, and was 18.25 inches long.
Mom (Meredith) and Baby (Addison) are both doing well.
I've noticed something particular about newborn babies. They cannot do much of anything for themselves.
That's okay. It's a joy providing for them. As a grandparent, I don't have the pressure of being the parent. Now I understand why people say this is such a great gig!
The helpless stage of children doesn't last long. It's amazing how quickly a toddler can go from being very needy to wanting to become independent. As we age, we generally seek to provide for ourselves, and we take great pride in it. Americans are notoriously known for being proud of their "self-sufficiency." That is not a totally bad thing. However, as children of the Living God, we must remember something very crucial concerning such things. Here is the bottom line: God is a provider, and He desires for us (His children) to depend upon Him.
Jesus makes this point in Luke 12:29-32 (NASB): "And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. [30] For all these things are what the nations of the world eagerly seek; and your Father knows that you need these things. [31] But seek His kingdom, and these things will be provided to you. [32] Do not be afraid, little flock, because your Father has chosen to give you the kingdom."
God's provision is not just a New Testament thing. In much the same way, God provided for His people in the Old Testament (Israel).
In the wilderness, God would rain down "bread from heaven" called "manna" each morning, providing them with all they needed in terms of their "daily bread."
Each family was to gather as much as they needed, but were not to store up any for the long-term future (they took in a double portion on Friday so they could observe the Sabbath).
Why did God do this? God wanted His people to depend on Him by providing only one day at a time.
Today, we have Jesus. Jesus says in John 6:35 (NASB): "I am the bread of life; the one who comes to Me will not be hungry, and the one who believes in Me will never be thirsty."
Because Jesus has been raised to life, those who eat this bread will live forever. Thank you, Lord, that you promise to meet all our needs according to Your glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Lord willing, this coming Sunday (February 22nd), I'm going to wrap up my "Be Like Jesus" series of sermons. Our final topic will be "Hopeful Like Jesus." Would you describe yourself as a hopeful person? If the answer is no, there is hope. Come Sunday and hear how Jesus can improve your outlook on life!
Have a great remainder of the week. I'm looking forward to seeing you again soon!
God Bless,
Greg Herriford
