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.

Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters in Christ, I stand before you today in the heart of Overland Park—a city that so beautifully blends the suburban ideal with a dash of urban flair. Recognized for its high quality of life, we see it all around us: great schools that educate our children, top-notch healthcare that sustains us, and an economy anchored by thriving sectors like finance and technology. But let me tell you something, beloved—these blessings, as wonderful as they are, do not compare to the eternal promises of our God.

Now, I know we love our sports here in Overland Park. Whether it’s gathering for a Chiefs game or watching our kids play little league, we understand the value of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. But have we ever stopped to think of our faith as a team effort? Do we recognize that in this race called life, we are not meant to run alone? Hebrews 12:1 tells us, ‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.’

Today, my friends, I want to challenge you. What is hindering you? What is entangling you? In a city that thrives on commerce and connection, are we connecting first and foremost with our Savior? Overland Park is a place of abundance, where our dining options are as plentiful as our shopping centers, but are we feeding our souls as much as we feed our bodies? Are we seeking the bread of life, or are we filling ourselves with things that leave us empty?

Jesus said in John 6:35, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’ Yet so many of us, even here in our prosperous city, live in spiritual starvation. We chase success, we run after financial security, we work hard for the good life, but we often neglect the best life—the one that is found in Christ alone.

You see, Overland Park is known for its balance. It’s a place where suburban peace meets a touch of urban excitement. But in our own lives, are we balanced? Have we let the distractions of the world drown out the voice of God? Have we become so consumed with the next big thing that we have forgotten to seek first the Kingdom? Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, ‘But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.’

I don’t say this to discourage you—I say this to remind you of what is possible when we align our hearts with God’s will. There is a greater quality of life than even the best cities can provide. It is found in walking daily with the Lord, in trusting Him with our worries, and in surrendering our plans for His perfect purpose.

My friends, we live in a city that values excellence. Whether in our schools, our businesses, or our beloved barbecue joints, we strive to be the best. But I ask you today—are we striving for excellence in our faith? Do we seek God with the same passion that we seek success? Do we love others with the same enthusiasm that we cheer for our sports teams? The Apostle Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:23, ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.’ Let us be a people who pursue Christ with all our hearts.

I want to tell you about a young man I met right here in Overland Park. He had everything—an impressive job in finance, a beautiful home, and all the trappings of success. But he came to me one day and said, ‘Natalie, I don’t feel fulfilled. I’ve got everything I ever wanted, but I still feel like something’s missing.’ And I told him, ‘That’s because you weren’t made to be filled by things. You were made to be filled by the Spirit of God.’ That young man began seeking the Lord, and today, his life is transformed—not because he gained more, but because he finally surrendered.

Beloved, there is no shortage of entertainment here in Overland Park. We have plenty to do, places to go, and experiences to enjoy. But do you know the greatest joy of all? It is knowing Jesus. It is walking in His presence daily. It is knowing that no matter what happens in this world, we have an eternal hope. The Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 1:3, ‘Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.’

Today, I want to invite you to take that step. If you have been running after everything but God, stop and turn to Him. If you have been weighed down by worry, let Him lift your burden. If you have been searching for meaning, know that you have been created for a purpose.

Overland Park may be known for its prosperity, but let us be known for something greater—our faith in Jesus Christ. Let us be a city on a hill, a light that cannot be hidden. Let our love for God shine so brightly that people cannot help but ask what makes us different. And when they do, we will point them to the One who is greater than any city, greater than any success, and greater than anything this world can offer.

As I close, I leave you with this: Let’s run this race together. Let’s seek God first. Let’s live in the fullness of His love. And let’s make Overland Park not just a place of great living, but a place where the presence of God is undeniable. Amen!