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

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Georges Lefevre:
"Prayer is an end to isolation. It is living our daily life with someone; with Him who alone can deliver us from solitude."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Jonah's Opposite' (Acts 8:26-27)
"As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, "Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza." So he started out, and he met the...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Our Place of Encouragement' (He. 10:24-25)
"We must also consider how to encourage each other to show love and to do good things. We should not stop gathering together with other believers, as...."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Prove It Once Again!' (Jn. 6:29-31)
"Jesus told [the people in the crowd], "This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent." They answered, "Show us a..."

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