In the heart of central Kansas, there lies a town known for its dedication to arts, culture, and community—the town of Salina. While Salina is a beacon of creativity with its rich arts scene and vibrant downtown, the most meaningful aspect of this town lies in its people who are deeply committed to their faith and to one another. It is in this community where Ruby, a well-respected Bible study leader, gathered a group of believers one evening to delve into the Word of God and reflect on how their faith intersected with their lives and their local surroundings.

Ruby opened the Bible study with a warm welcome and an invitation to consider the spiritual significance of the place they called home. “Just as Salina is a place of creativity and purpose, so too are we called to live with purpose in our daily lives,” Ruby began. “In Colossians 4:2, we are told to ‘continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.’ This verse speaks of the commitment we are to have in our relationship with God. Just like the arts are woven into the fabric of this town, our faith should be woven into the fabric of our lives.”

The group nodded, and Ruby continued, acknowledging that their faith was not just for Sundays or for moments of crisis. It was to be ever-present, filling every part of their being and reflecting in their actions, just as Salina’s commitment to arts and culture fills the town. Ruby encouraged the group to think of prayer as an art, a practice to be perfected, just as an artist refines their craft over time.

The Importance of Steadfast Prayer

Ruby led the group in a discussion about the importance of remaining steadfast in prayer, and how this discipline was essential for living a life of faith. “In our busy lives, we often forget the power of prayer. But prayer is what keeps us connected to the heart of God,” she said. She asked the group to reflect on their own prayer lives. Were they committed to praying even when times were tough? Were they watchful in their prayers, being alert to the needs of others and to God’s call on their lives?

Ruby continued by sharing a personal testimony. “A few years ago, I faced a personal crisis. My health was failing, and I had to be rushed to the hospital. It was a time of deep uncertainty and fear. But through it all, I remained steadfast in prayer. And God showed up. Not only did I recover, but my faith was deepened in a way I never could have imagined. Prayer, my friends, is not just a way to ask for things. It is a way of aligning ourselves with God’s will for our lives, seeking His wisdom and trusting in His sovereignty.”

Her words echoed the truth that prayer, like any other aspect of life, required intentionality. It wasn’t always easy, and at times, it might feel like a struggle, but just as an artist labors over their work, so too must we labor in prayer. Ruby reminded the group that their steadfastness in prayer could impact the world around them, just as Salina’s art scene touched the lives of those who encountered it.

Faith and Community

As Ruby transitioned to another key element of the Bible study, she talked about the importance of community in faith. “Salina is not just a place; it’s a community of people who support and encourage each other. The Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts is a prime example. People come together to witness something beautiful and transformative,” Ruby said. “In the same way, we as a body of believers come together to encourage one another, to bear one another’s burdens, and to grow together in faith.”

Ruby pointed out that in the Christian life, we are not meant to walk alone. She read from 1 Timothy 6:20, which speaks of guarding the good deposit of faith entrusted to us. “Each of us has been entrusted with a gift, and we are to guard that gift with the help of the Holy Spirit,” Ruby explained. “But we do not guard it in isolation. We are called to share it with others. We are called to serve our community.”

The group began to reflect on how they could serve Salina, this town that had been a place of so much creative energy and purpose. Ruby urged them to think about their unique gifts and how they could contribute to the well-being of their local community. Just as the arts in Salina draw people together, their faith should have the same unifying and transformative power.

Living a Life of Purpose

Ruby emphasized that living with faith required intentionality and purpose. “Just as Salina’s commitment to economic and community development helps the town grow, we must also develop and grow spiritually,” she said. “The Bible tells us in Ephesians 2:10 that ‘we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.’ God has given each of us a purpose, and it is our responsibility to live it out.”

Ruby asked the group to consider their own purpose. What were the things they were passionate about? What were the ways in which God was calling them to serve? As she spoke, it was clear that she wanted each person to understand that faith was not just about personal salvation, but about using their lives to impact the world for God’s kingdom. Whether they were called to serve in the arts, in education, in healthcare, or in any other sphere of influence, their faith was meant to shine brightly and reflect God’s glory.

Ruby shared a final thought from 2 Corinthians 5:15: “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” She reminded the group that Christ’s love was the catalyst for living with purpose. “As you go out into your world, remember that you are a reflection of Christ. Just as Salina’s arts scene reflects the creativity and talent of its people, your life should reflect the love and grace of God.”

Closing Reflection and Prayer

The Bible study concluded with a time of reflection and prayer. Ruby encouraged the group to continue living with intentionality and purpose, and to make prayer and community a central part of their daily lives. “Remember,” she said, “as we strive to live with faith, we are creating a masterpiece for God’s glory.”

The group prayed together, asking God to empower them to live with purpose, to be steadfast in prayer, and to serve their community with love and joy. As they left the Bible study that evening, they felt a renewed sense of calling and a deep appreciation for the town of Salina—not just as a place of culture and arts, but as a place where their faith could grow and flourish, impacting not just their lives but the lives of those around them.