Tag Archives: Prayer

Elsie’s Dream: A Revival in Bryant

Leave a reply

Elsie, a young woman from Bryant, Arkansas, had a vivid dream one night that would change her life forever. In her dream, she found herself standing in the heart of Bryant, a town known for its small charm and community spirit. She was drawn to Bishop Park, where the vast open fields, serene ponds, and winding trails seemed to glow with an ethereal light. The park, a place of leisure and fitness, had transformed into a holy ground where the presence of God was tangible.

As Elsie walked through the park, she saw a gathering of people at The Center, a facility typically used for fitness and community events. However, in her dream, it had become a sanctuary where believers from all walks of life were kneeling in prayer and worship. Their voices rose like a symphony, crying out, “I just want You, Jesus!” The words echoed through the air, filling Elsie’s heart with a warmth she had never experienced before.

Then, a great wind swept through the park, shaking the trees and stirring the waters of the ponds. Elsie looked up and saw a bright light descending from the heavens. A voice, strong yet gentle, called out, “Bryant, this is your time of revival. No two outpourings are the same, and I am doing a new thing in this place.”

Suddenly, Elsie found herself standing in the middle of a large gathering at the Taste of Bryant Food Festival. The festival, known for its vibrant food trucks and summer festivities, had taken on a different atmosphere. Instead of laughter and casual conversation, people were testifying about the goodness of God. Vendors and attendees alike spoke of miracles—bodies healed, hearts restored, and minds renewed. The presence of God was so thick that many fell to their knees in worship right in the streets of Bryant.

A pastor stepped forward, holding a Bible high above his head. His voice rang out over the crowd: “We will rejoice in Your salvation, O Lord, and in Your name, we will set up our banners! The time of revival is here!” The people responded with shouts of joy, hands raised, and tears streaming down their faces. It was as if the heavens had opened over Bryant, and the Holy Spirit was moving in a way that no one had ever seen before.

As Elsie turned to look around, she noticed familiar faces—friends, family, and even strangers—all caught up in the same powerful move of God. The Center’s indoor aquatic area had become a baptismal pool, where new believers were being submerged in water, symbolizing their rebirth in Christ. The walking trails, normally used for exercise, had become pathways of prayer where intercessors walked, declaring God’s promises over their town.

Then, Elsie saw something incredible. The sky opened, and she beheld a vision of angels descending, carrying golden banners inscribed with the words: “Awaken, Bryant! The time is now!” It was then that she understood the urgency of the message. God was calling Bryant into a deeper relationship with Him, to be a beacon of revival not only for Arkansas but for the entire nation.

As the dream came to a close, Elsie heard one final whisper: “Surrender to My work, for I am baptizing you in awe.” And with that, she woke up, her heart pounding with excitement. She knew that what she had seen was more than a dream—it was a divine commission.

The next morning, Elsie wasted no time sharing her vision with her church and community. The revival had already begun, and she was ready to step into the calling God had placed upon her life. Bryant, the geographical center of Arkansas, was about to become the epicenter of a spiritual awakening unlike any other.

Bible Study Reflections in Maumelle

Leave a reply

Nestled just down the Arkansas River from Little Rock, Maumelle is a vibrant community known for its scenic beauty and active lifestyle. Among its many natural wonders, Lake Willastein and Lake Valencia stand out as serene locations that inspire spiritual reflection. It was in this picturesque setting that a group of believers gathered to engage in a heartfelt Bible study, seeking wisdom and guidance from God’s Word while enjoying the tranquility of His creation.

One warm April afternoon, as the sun cast golden reflections on the rippling waters of Lake Willastein, a small circle of faithful individuals met at one of the picnic tables near the walking trails. Their purpose was clear—to study the importance of faith, service, and spiritual discernment. As they opened their Bibles, they were reminded of the words of Paul and Silas in Acts 16:17, where a young woman with a spirit of divination proclaimed the truth about their mission. The group discussed how discernment is crucial in the Christian walk, just as Paul discerned the spirit behind her words. They reflected on the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit to understand the motives behind what appears to be truthful yet may not align with God’s will.

As the study continued, the discussion turned toward the theme of spiritual gifts. The gift of helps was a focal point, emphasizing the significance of service within the church and the community. Participants shared personal testimonies of how they had been able to serve others, drawing inspiration from II Chronicles 14:11, which speaks of God’s ability to help, regardless of human strength. One of the attendees, a longtime volunteer at the Big Catch Fishing Derby and Health Fair, shared how this event, held at Lake Valencia, had impacted many lives by teaching children how to fish and providing healthcare screenings for the community. The group reflected on how acts of service, no matter how small, are meaningful in God’s kingdom.

As the gentle breeze stirred the waters of the lake, the Bible study transitioned to the concept of faith in adversity. Using Philippians 2:25-30, they explored how Epaphroditus nearly lost his life in service to the gospel. The group discussed how faith sustains believers during difficult times and how serving others can often come at a personal cost. One participant recounted how they had experienced challenges but found encouragement in knowing that their work was not in vain. They emphasized the peace that comes from trusting that God understands and rewards acts of faith and service.

The session concluded with a powerful reflection on the mercy and grace of God. As they looked out over Lake Willastein’s shimmering waters, they were reminded of Lot’s realization that it was only by God’s mercy that he had been spared from destruction. This led to a conversation about how many today struggle to see God as merciful, often influenced by misconceptions and fears. They prayed for those who wrestle with their faith, asking that God would open their hearts to His truth.

As the evening approached and the sun dipped below the horizon, the group closed their Bibles and bowed their heads in prayer. They thanked God for His guidance and for the opportunity to come together in such a beautiful setting. With a renewed sense of purpose, they left the lakeside, carrying with them the lessons learned and a deeper commitment to live out their faith.

The Bible study in Maumelle was more than just a gathering—it was a moment of spiritual rejuvenation, a reminder of the beauty of God’s creation, and a call to action to serve others with love and discernment. Just as the waters of Lake Willastein and Lake Valencia refresh those who visit, so too does the Word of God refresh the souls of those who seek Him.

The Heart of El Dorado – A City Built on Community and Faith

Leave a reply

Speaker: Freya

Introduction:
Good morning, beloved! What a joy it is to stand before you today in the heart of El Dorado, a city that thrives on love, community, and faith. They say El Dorado is the heart of Arkansas tourism, but we all know the real heartbeat of this city—it’s the people! It’s the neighbor who waves at you as you drive by, the teacher who prays over their students before a test, the young person who volunteers at the community center. This city is built on relationships, on service, and on faith, and today, I want to talk about what that means for us as believers.

A City of Love and Giving
El Dorado isn’t just a place; it’s a people. It’s a community that pours into one another, that builds each other up. And isn’t that exactly what God calls us to do? The Bible tells us in 1 John 4:11, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” El Dorado exemplifies this through programs like the El Dorado Promise, a scholarship that ensures every graduate has the opportunity to chase their dreams. Isn’t that a reflection of God’s promise to us? He, too, has made us a promise—a promise of hope, a promise of a future, a promise of eternal life.

Just as the city of El Dorado works to provide for its children, so does our Heavenly Father provide for us. But here’s the thing, church: He provides so that we, in turn, can be a blessing to others. We are not meant to keep God’s blessings to ourselves. We are called to be a light in our neighborhoods, to serve, to give, and to love as Christ has loved us.

Building a Strong Community Through Faith
One thing I love about El Dorado is the way we invest in our people. We have parks where families gather, a skate park for our youth, a dog park where strangers become friends, and a Murphy Arts District where we celebrate creativity and culture. This is what community looks like! But let me tell you something—without God, even the most vibrant community will lack true peace and purpose.

Acts 2:42 tells us, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” This is what the early church did, and this is what we must continue to do. A thriving community doesn’t just happen—it is built, it is nurtured, it is strengthened by the faith of the people who live in it.

So, I ask you today: Are you investing in the spiritual community of this city? Are you pouring into the next generation? Are you inviting your neighbor to church? Are you showing up for your brothers and sisters in Christ?

Faith in Action
Let’s take this one step further. James 2:17 tells us, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” We cannot sit in our homes and just hope for a better community; we must get out there and be the hands and feet of Jesus. El Dorado gives us so many opportunities to do just that!

Do you love to cook? Bring a meal to a family in need. Do you have a heart for children? Mentor a student. Do you want to share the love of Christ? Strike up a conversation at the farmers market.

You see, church, this is how revival starts. It starts in small conversations, in acts of kindness, in prayers whispered over a friend. It starts when we stop waiting for someone else to do the work and say, “Here I am, Lord! Send me.”

Closing Encouragement
El Dorado is more than just a place on a map. It is a reflection of God’s heart—a heart of generosity, of love, of promise. And just as this city is known for its hospitality and community spirit, let us, too, be known as a people who love fiercely, serve faithfully, and live boldly for Christ.

Let’s take hold of this moment. Let’s commit to being active in our faith, to strengthening our community, and to being the light that El Dorado needs. Because, church, when we live out the Gospel, when we love our neighbors, when we pour into this city—we aren’t just changing El Dorado. We are changing lives for eternity.

May God bless you, may He bless El Dorado, and may we continue to shine His light wherever we go. Amen!