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.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

22 Related Resources by Heartlight

Matthew 1:20
Devo: Today's Verse
"But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your..."
Christmas Clause
Article by Joe Bagby
Would people really want to take Christ our the nativity? A preacher gets in trouble talking about Christmas on Sunday, but warns that the world will take Christ out of Christmas.
Matthew 1:20-21
Devo: Today's Verse
"An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in....."
Miraculous Scandal
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still..."
See All 22 Related Resources about Matthew 1:19-20

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."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, April 24, 2026

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'The Holy Spirit Gave the Ability!' (Acts 2:3-6)
"Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of [the believers]. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'He Is the Chosen One of God' (Jn. 1:33-34)
"[John the Baptizer said,] "I didn't know [Jesus] was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, 'The one on whom you see the..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'He Loves with Unfailing Love' (Ps. 117:1-2)
"Praise the Lord, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth. For he loves us with unfailing love; the Lord's faithfulness endures..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Romans 11:26
"Then Moses sang at the Red Sea, it was his joy to know that all Israel were safe. Not a drop of spray fell from that solid wall until the last of..."

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.

More God's Holy Fire

Translations