Daily Devotional For Thursday, September 24, 2026
Good morning Southside! I am following the One Year Chronological Bible reading suggestion and any Bible verses you see highlighted in bold (ex. John 3:16), means it is a link to that verse. All you have to do is click on the reference and it will take you to the verse online. Our daily devotional reading for today comes from Luke 1:26-38:
This story takes place after the angelic visit to Zechariah and Elizabeth informing that they would be the parents to the forerunner of the Messiah. Their son John would be the greatest prophet ever and he would be the cousin to the Messiah. Zechariah did not believe this at first and he is made mute for it until John is born. As a priest he should have had faith in God to do this. Mary questions how such a pregnancy can occur since she is still a virgin.
Mary never doubted Gabriel’s announcement. She just questioned the means God was going to use to do this. She was single, but engaged. Even at such a young age she knew how babies were conceived and came into the world. Mary trusted God, Gabriel and the grace that was given to her that this was for real. God would do exactly what He said He would do.
Two families. Two sons. Two different responses to faith. Every day or every week you hear and read the word of the Lord. Is it something you accept by faith or are there aspects, parts or verses you doubt? Do you remember the story of a third family and son: Abraham and Sarah? Well, when Sarah heard the angel’s announcement they would have a son, she laughed (Gen. 18:12). Being 89 at the time, we might understand her laughter. God’s messenger said to Abraham this in Genesis 18:14, “Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son” (NLT).
What do you think? You might say “for the cameras” nothing is impossible for God, but what about in your heart? What doubts do you have about God, His Word, His sovereignty, His will and His provision for you? It is one thing to give the “church answer” and it is another to live totally by faith when life does not make sense. God defines faith in Hebrews 11:1, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see” (NLT). Faith proved she understood Hebrews 11:6, “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek Him” (NLT). And what a reward Mary was given – to bear the Messiah, the Savior of the world and to love Him, to raise Him and one day worship Him.
Reflection Assignment: What in your life have you been resistant to step out in faith with God? Who is it you admire for their fatih? Sit down with them and ask them how and why they trust God so much and how you can also. As you look at these 3 women, Sarah and Mary. Why do you think they reacted the way they did? Why do you think Zechariah, a priest, who sees Gabriel standing in front of him, responded the way he did in Luke 1:18?
Scripture To Meditate On: Luke 6:35, “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked” (NLT).
Prayer To Pray: “Lord, I want to be a person of faith. I do not want to waiver or doubt You or Your Word. I do not want to believe and obey for some reward. Obedience is reward enough. Lord, help me where I doubt and are hesitant to step out in faith. I love You Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen!”
I love you Southside! – Pastor Kelly