Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name. You are mine. Isaiah 43:1
- Very often in the Bible, when God speaks directly or when an angel speaks to someone, the first words spoken are, “Don’t be afraid.” Think of two or three other places in the Bible where an angel said, “Don’t be afraid.” Why would you need to hear these words when God is speaking? Do you feel afraid when you hear God speaking to you?
- What self-perception in Isaiah’s heart and mind would make him feel that he needed redemption? Do you feel guilty about anything? Do you feel that you need to be redeemed?
- What difference does it make to you that God calls you by name?
- Sometimes when we walk out the front door in the morning, we feel we have entered a war zone. God says, “You are mine.” How does God’s claim affect the way you feel about the day ahead?
If you have been thinking about memorizing Bible verses in order to be able to recall them when you need them, this is a good place to start. Write this verse on an index card. Stick it in your pocket or your purse. Take it out and read it any time you wish. Say the verse to yourself when you feel under assault or tired and discouraged. Soon it will write itself in your heart.
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Living On Tilt 
I think the sheer overwhelming power of the presence of an angel of God could be terrifying to a person. What is the first thing that happens when one is the presence of God such as John, he fell face down in fear, and angels carry but a small portion of God’s awe upon themselves.
It is awesome that God desires to speak with us at all, truly awesome!
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I remember seeing a photograph of a painting uncovered during restoration work in an old church in Italy. Under a painting of the annunciation that showed Mary peacefully bowing her head before the angel was another painting in which she had shrunk back in horror at the angel’s appearance. It is easy for me to believe that Mary actually was afraid when the angel appeared. Luke’s words reinforce that perception. Yet in that moment, as in Isaiah’s words, God’s purpose was to bless, not terrify. It is, indeed, awesom that God desires to speak with us at all.
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