God's Holy Fire: 'Reassurance'

Friday, April 24, 2026

Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced [when she became pregnant]. While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God's angel spoke in the dream: "Joseph, son of David, don't hesitate to get married. Mary's pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God's Holy Spirit has made her pregnant."
— Matthew 1:19-20 MSG

Key Thought

Joseph was not only concerned about his righteousness when Mary became pregnant; he was also concerned about Mary's reputation and future. In his deep hurt, he displayed a righteousness and faith few of us could match. So God sent his angel to Joseph to assure him that the impossible was true! Mary had not acted dishonorably. Instead, God had worked miraculously through his Spirit to bring humanity his greatest gift! Just as he did with Joseph, God reassures us that he can do the impossible and inexplicable through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Today's Prayer

O Almighty God, our tender Abba Father, thank you for the reassurance you give us through the work of the Holy Spirit within us. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 1:19-20 MSG — "Joseph, son of David, don't hesitate to get married. Mary's pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God's Holy Spirit has made her pregnant."

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About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

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