By Tom Wilbur

Contributing Editor/The Salina Post

Every once in a while, I feel inspired to share ideas with you in this written electronic format called The Salina Post.  It’s a great opportunity for us to dialogue together about anything we want to talk about.  I’ll start the discussion—today, I’d like to suggest that you give God a try.  Yep, that guy.

Feeling like life doesn’t have much joy in it?  Try God.

Want to live a life more fulfilling?  Experience God.

Interested in saving someone’s life?  Witness for God.

Experiencing pain and agony in a relationship?  Bond with God.

Wondering how you can be party to universal love?  Seek God.

Determined to gain the opportunity to live a life eternal?  Accept God.

Want to experience true happiness in your life?  Love God.

It’s an incredible experience, but having a relationship with God means that there is nothing in your life that you can’t overcome.  Day in and day out, we all experience things that are beyond what we can handle.  We hurt.  We have pains.  We cry.  We have stresses.  Family members are going through tough times.  Someone hates.  Another reacts.  Someone has health issues—maybe it’s you, or a family member, or a good friend.

And the cumulative effect of all of these things together can push us to the limit of what we are capable of taking on—and we just want to shut it all down—and make it go away.

There’s someone waiting to take your troubles away—to remove all of these things.  Yep, it’s God.  Your troubles might feel like bricks on your shoulders and may have become so heavy— they are breaking your back.   But He is willing to bear the burden– He is waiting to accept you for who you are.  There’s no admission charge, except opening your heart, and allowing Him into your life.  He’ll be your best partner and your new Best Friend Forever.  He is almighty and powerful, genuine, and steadfast in His love for you.  He’s the ultimate wing man—he will never leave your side.

He only asks for one thing—that you come to His door, and accept Jesus Christ into your life.  That may sound like a simple proposition, but as you join God’s team, there are a few rules of engagement.  Like loving others as you would expect to be loved.  To honor your relationships with your mother and father, your spouse, your kids.  You are to care for the downtrodden, and those who need you. You’ll need to make changes in things in your life—for things that need to be changed.  And each of us knows what these are for us, personally.

In return, He will bless you, and keep you, and make His face to shine upon you—and He will give you peace.  He will bring more joy to your heart than you can possible imagine . . . because regardless of where you go, and no matter what your situation—He will be there, right beside you.  You will be bound together in the Holy Spirit with millions of people all over the world, as we sing His praises, and lift up His name in prayer.

Are you happy today?  Truly happy?  If not, maybe it’s time you made a big change.  Maybe your way has been the wrong way, and you are stuck in a rut.  I heard once that a rut is just a grave, with the ends kicked out.  Sounds about right.  To get out of your rut can be as simple as going to a quiet place, and listening for Him to speak to you, and then starting a conversation.  When you get settled, here’s a prayer that will launch your new relationship:

“Jesus.  Today, I bow my head and lift my eyes to You, with an open heart—I want to accept You into my life, as my personal Lord and Savior.  I recognize that I’ve made lots of mistakes in my life, and I’m ready to make a change.  I understand that You made the ultimate sacrifice for my sins, and as we get to know each other better, I’m ready for an ongoing relationship with You.  I know that your arms are open wide, waiting, and now I’m here—willing to accept Your offer of love.  Thank you, Lord.  Amen.”

Many people criticize religion, and actually, I’m a lead dog in that hunt.  I’m genuinely not a big fan of the things mankind has done to create differences between us all each Sunday morning.  Or ways in which people attempt to define the rules and adjust those rules to try and fit their lifestyle.  Or the traditions of man overpowering the teachings of Christ.  That just doesn’t work for me.

None of us are perfect.  But attending church brings you together with folks who are trying to do the right thing.  It bonds you with others in spirit.  It’s uplifting, and creates a nice support network for you, and your family—to grow and mature.  There are a myriad of church services in Salina, from full-on jumping and shouting services— to quiet, solemn places, where everything has order, pomp and structure, and a repeated routine week-after-week.

Find a service that’s right for you.  Where God can speak to you personally, and where you can get help and guidance on your path.  He’s waiting, and He has a lot to offer.

 

Tom Wilbur is the President/CEO of BANK VI in Salina, Kansas.  He is a graduate of Salina Central, and the University of Kansas, and a regular contributor to newspapers and periodicals.  He performs in music worship nearly every Sunday at The NINE:50 service, Trinity United Methodist Church, Salina.  He can be reached at tomw@banksix.com