I’ll be sharing some notes today on Psalm 145 and Revelation 20.

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Psalm 145:18 (NIV)

There are two components to this verse. The first is, “The Lord is near to all who call on him.” God is omnipresent, but when we reach out to him in prayer, we become closer to him. Some say that his presence can thus be felt, but I believe his nearness is more than just a visceral experience. It’s being able to discern the manifestation of prayers and God’s movement here on earth. The verse that comes to mind when I think about God drawing closer to us is this one from James.

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded (emphasis added).

James 4:8 (NIV)

The second element of Psalm 145:18 is a requirement to “call on him in truth.” What comes to mind here are two verses.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

Lots of people “pray” and have “faith.” Yet, they don’t know God, or their idea of God is some intellectual or flimsy spiritual construct that has nothing to do with Jesus. The other verse that deals with “truth” and calling on the Lord is this one from John.

“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

John 4:24 (NIV)

The truth here coincides with Hebrews 11:6. It’s one thing to say you believe in God and another to earnestly follow him. When we worship God, we do it with our minds, body, and spirit. Everything within us.

Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:15 (NIV)

This verse from Revelation sums up what will happen to people who don’t know Jesus. There won’t be any parties or other gatherings for those who choose not to follow Christ. They will be thrown into the lake of fire. The logical question, then, after reading this verse, should be, “How do I get my name into the book of life?” Although the words are slightly different, we saw this same question asked by the jailor in the book of Acts.

He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

Acts 16:30 (NIV)

The same answer holds true for that man as it does for us today.

And they answered, “Believe in the Lord Jesus [as your personal Savior and entrust yourself to Him] and you will be saved, you and your household [if they also believe].”

Acts 16:31 (AMP)

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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