Can’t you just see the anticipation in this little girl’s face? Her cheeks are flushed with excitement, her eyes sparkling, full of wonder. She’s waiting for a special guest—her best friend is coming for a visit! How do I know? Because that little girl is me. My dad captured this photo when I was three years old.
Have you ever received an invitation—one that made your heart race with anticipation? Not just an invitation to come, but to come today? The excitement is real.
God has an invitation for you today…
Heaven Comes Close
Today, I heard a song about the thinning space between here and heaven. Every day, the time between now and eternity grows shorter until heaven becomes a reality for each of us.
I sometimes wish we could see how much of our “gas tank” of life is left before we take our final step—only to realize it leads straight into eternity. My dad certainly didn’t know that his next step would be into heaven. He thought he had millions more steps left on this earth before God called him home. But what a step that was!
Aren’t we all the same? If we had to guess how long we’d live or how many steps we had left, most of us would overestimate. That’s why we must make the most of today.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
—Psalm 90:12
A Hunger for God
Lately, I’ve noticed that God is bringing people into my life who are seeking Him—whether they realize it or not. Is it the same for you, too? There’s a deep hunger for the Lord all around us. People are longing for something more, something real.
My mom, a minister here in Arvada, is known as an encourager to many. But I’ve come to see that her greatest gift is evangelism. When I walk into a store she just left, I often find that someone has been prayed for, uplifted, or had a “God moment” because my mama walked through the doors and let Jesus shine through her.
Leading people to Jesus is a calling for all believers. It’s not just through words but through how we live, love, and serve. People can sense the difference when we carry the limitless love of God.
O Come to the Altar
We may not see altar calls today as often as in the days of revival preachers like Billy Sunday, D.L. Moody, and Billy Graham. But the call to come forward, to respond to Jesus, to surrender at the altar is just as real today.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
—John 3:16
Billy Graham’s voice once echoed across stadiums and tent revivals, calling anyone who felt the Holy Spirit’s tug to come forward as the choir sang the song, “Just As I Am”. He would often say words like these:
“Tonight, you have heard the Gospel. Jesus Christ loves you. He went to the cross for you. He shed His blood so that you might be forgiven. The Bible says, ‘For God so loved the world…’ (John 3:16).
Right now, the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart. Maybe you’ve felt empty. Maybe you’ve been searching for peace, for purpose. Tonight, you can have a new beginning. Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28). He is ready to receive you, to forgive you, to change your life forever.
I’m going to ask you to do something bold. If you want to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, step out of your seat and come forward. Don’t wait. The Bible says, ‘Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation’ (2 Corinthians 6:2). If you are with friends or family, they will wait for you. But come. Come now. You may never have another opportunity like this. God is calling you.”
I’ve heard stories of members of my own extended family and friends who rose from their chairs, walked forward with purpose to commit their lives to Jesus. Some of us came to Christ this way. Others found Him through a whispered prayer in a church, a prison, a parking lot. Some met Jesus as children, some as teens desperate for something real.
The Importance of Going to the Altar
Whether physically or in our hearts, coming to the altar is a moment of surrender. Here’s what it means:
- Admitting that you have sinned
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” —Romans 3:23 - Believing that Jesus is the Son of God and our only Savior
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” —Romans 10:9 - Confessing your faith
“Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven.” —Matthew 10:32
Have You Ever Done This?
If not, you can do it right now—wherever you are. Sitting at your computer? Traveling? Reading before bed? The place doesn’t matter. What matters is your heart.
I invite you to pray something like this:
“Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I believe You are the Son of God who died for my sins and rose again. I ask You to forgive me, come into my life, and be my Lord and Savior. I surrender to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
If you prayed this, something incredible has happened—you are now a child of God! You answered his invite… yes, I am coming to you, today, Jesus!
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new is here!”
—2 Corinthians 5:17
Your First Steps as a Christian
- Find a Christian church that teaches the Word of God.
- Start reading the Bible, beginning with the Gospel of John.
- Tell someone the good news—Jesus is now your Lord and Savior!
If you’ve made this decision today, I’d love to celebrate with you! Reply to this message or comment below.
The Bible says:
“There is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
—Luke 15:10
Death and sin no longer have power over you. Jesus bought your freedom with His blood. By accepting Him as your Savior, your eternity is secure!
“Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation!”
—2 Corinthians 6:2
Don’t wait. Come to the altar today.
Enjoy this song: O Come to the Altar – Elevation Worship
Until next time,
Melanie Talevski 