October 4, 2021

It has been some time since we have updated the web page.

I hope to try and stay on top of getting new stuff to our page.

It seems that since COVID -19 has hit we have been focused on FACEBOOK to get the message of the Gospel out and the web page has taken a back seat. But I hope that we can do better to place as much information to those who come by and visit out page. Our goal is to grow the Kingdom of God.

God bless - Bro. Jeff.

November 2, 2019

Good evening from Lost Cane, a place where Satan has been working the preacher over this week. But we are giving God the praise and glory and going forward in the name of Jesus.

I am getting this post up late because the printer and computer became possessed ( some pun intended) I have been working on printing out bulletins, study guides, sermons and bible studies I started about 3 pm and just now getting them to print. ANYWHO!!! Give God glory because he answers prayers and teaches us patients.

As you can see the poster up for tomorrow is of someone left hanging and Satan enjoying seeing the predicament this guy is in. That is what we are going to be preaching on Sunday.
Sin and Satan will leave you hanging.

James 1:14-15 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. ( [KJV])

We are going to look at three men in the bible that were left hanging and go into detail about why they were left hanging. Here is the outline for tomorrows message: LEFT HANGING!

I. Haman was left hanging - Esther 7:9-10
Why? After a life of Revenge!

II Absalom was left hanging- II Samuel 18:9-15
Why? After a life of Rebellion!

And thirdly
III. Judas Iscariot was left hanging- Matthew 27:1-5
Why? After a life of Rejection!

We are going into detail on these three reasons and how they can leave you hanging if you allow them to trip you up.

I personally want to invite you to come out tomorrow and join us in Sunday School and Worship service.

Don't forget to set your clocks back 1 hour tonight!!

God bless each and every one
Pastor Jeff

Little River Missionary Baptist Church invites you to worship with us this Sunday and to listen to this most important sermon. It could change your life forever.
1208 North county road 309 Manila Arkansas
Sunday School 10am
Morning worship 11am
Live stream starts at approx 11:20am
Evening worship 5pm
Wednesday night 6:30

October 27 2019

Greetings from the pastor's study of Little River Missionary Baptist church, in Lost Cane May God bless you greatly.

No we are not needing a boat today, came close yesterday lol. I noticed one of the neighbor's son out on the four wheeler zipping through the little lake that was across the road at the farm shop. Even had one of our faithful members Danny call me last night and ask "Preacher are you floating out there yet? You should see where I live it is getting deep but I will see you in the morning for church."

I responded that I would be out to pick everyone up even if I had to get a boat or ship. Now speaking of ships. This morning's message deals with : " A captain" That is correct a captain.

Last week I preached on Mark 8:36-37 I used it to show that man has a soul this week I want to reflect on that Scripture for just a moment to make a point before we move to this week's text.
Mark 8:36-37 36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? ([KJV])

When I was in high school centuries ago- that is a joke, it has not be quiet that long, but in our English literature class we had to read a poem written by William Ernest Henley. Captain of my soul which was very controversial for me.

Many of you here this morning may have had to read this poem- oh it was and is considered to be a classic piece to read. Many humanist, atheist, and new age philosophers apply or make it the creed to their life. Unfortunately it is a road map to hell.

Let me read to you this poem by William Ernest Henley
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.

Oh this piece of literature reminds me of a warning that Jesus gave not only in Mark 8:36-37 but also the parable found in Luke 12:16-21
16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.([KJV])

I say all that to say this. Hebrews tell us that there is a better Captain for us. There is one that is concerned about our souls and our salvation. He is the one who came and died that we might live. Yes we are going to have to bow down to him. Yes we are going to have to give him control. Jesus is the captain of the greatest treasure we can have for our soul and that is Salvation.
I want to try and preach on Jesus Captain of our Salvation this morning.

Our opening text is:
Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. ([KJV])

Our three points this morning are:

I. The greatest treasure that we can have is our SALVATION!
Mark 4:35 - 41 Jesus Calms the Sea

II. Jesus is the Author of our Salvation!
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. ([KJV])

III. Jesus is the Finisher of Our Salvation!
1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.([KJV])

Will you join us this morning at 11 am as we dig into God's word to bring you this important message. God loves you and so do we.

God bless each and every one
Pastor Jeff

October 20,2019

Greetings from the pastor's study of Little River Missionary Baptist church, in Lost Cane May God bless you greatly.

Posting Saturday's blog a little late but here we are.

First of all I want to start out by saying that Jessica and I were very blessed in getting to travel to Mountain home Saturday for the BMA Jonesboro association annual meeting. It was hosted at The Bridge Missionary Baptist Church, Hershel Conley, pastor.

The Lord really moved with a blessed message from Brother Ken Beaver pastor from Cathedral Baptist in Jonesboro. What a blessing his text came from the gospel of John chapters seven and focusing on chapter 8 verses 1-11

His thought or point: How Jesus shows grace to others, how do we show grace to other. To those that do not fit inside our box. It touched my heart greatly. God bless you brother Ken Beaver.

Now, once again good morning and God's blessings upon you all.

This morning God has laid on my heart the text found in Mark.

Mark 8:36-37 36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? ([KJV])

There is really two sermon's in this passage this morning.

The Word of God tells us that a person can lose their soul. Man is made up of a body, soul, and spirit. The scriptures tell us when a person dies, the body is return to the ground and becomes dust. The soul and spirit of man is eternal and either goes to heaven or hell.

Luke 16 - Rich man died "And in hell he lift up his eyes being in torments,..." As you read down through that passage you see that this rich man's soul had a memory and all its five senses.

If you are here today and have never received Jesus Christ by faith into your heart believing Christ died for your sins, was buried and rose again the third day to save you from going to a sinner's hell.

Then your eternal soul will end up where that rich man's soul is today - in a literal lake of fire for eternity. It will be too late to try and make an exchange for your soul. Your soul will be lost for all of eternity in a lake of fire.

Right now while you are alive is the time to make the exchange. Repent of your sins, ask God to forgive you of your sins and receive Christ by faith into heart believing His shed sinless blood alone is what paid for everyone of your sins past, present and future.

Praise God if you are already saved, born again, child of God then you can never lose your eternal soul. You are eternally saved. You cannot lose your salvation. However, even though the Christian cannot lose his salvation there are still some things the scriptures tell us that he can lose.

I want us to look at "Things A Christian Can Lose."

Our three main points we will be looking at in this morning's message are:

I. A Christian can lose his testimony
II. A Christian can lose his rewards
III. A Christian can lose the joy of his Salvation- Not his Salvation but his joy-

Won't you come and join us this morning as we expound on these three points. God loves you and so do we.

God bless each and every one
Pastor Jeff

October 13 2019

Greetings from the pastor's study of Little River Missionary Baptist church, in Lost Cane May God bless you greatly.

We had a wonderful time making a joyful noise unto the Lord in Keiser yesterday afternoon. Thank you City of Keiser and Sister Nancy Coley. We miss you too, hope you will come see us soon. Was wonderful to see some of the men from our Jail ministry. God bless them, and their families. Just remember to serve the Lord and drawn nigh to him.

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (Psalms 100:1-5 [KJV])

This morning we are going to be speaking abut drifting. Drifting can be a dangerous thing in your Christian walk.
Our main text this morning comes from I Thessalonians 3:1-5

I Thessalonians 3:1-5 1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; 2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: 3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. 5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. ([KJV])

We want to look at three things this morning that deal with drifting in your Christian walk.
I. Drifting requires no effort on the part of the believer.

II. Drifting can be an unconscious movement.

III. Drifting can cause a ship to wreck.

God bless each and every one
Pastor Jeff

October 6 2019

Greetings from the pastor's study of Little River Missionary Baptist church, in Lost Cane May God bless you greatly.

Well it is official Fall is here, some would say its because of the date on the calendar, others would look at the leaves and proclaim that it is now fall. Others will determine that the weather pattern shows signs that fall is here.

All these can be correct, but here is how I know that fall is here.....FOOTBALL!!!!
Yes it is football season. From grade and high school football, college football to professional football those are all signs that fall is here.

There are many of you who will find yourselves in the bleachers watching the game on a cool autumn evening. You will travel several miles from the home games. Some will cancel plans just to set in the bleachers. Others will take off work, close shop, just to sit in the bleachers and watch the game.

There is another sign that fall is here as well, harvest time. It is a time when our farmers gather in the crops that they have worked so hard and cared for all growing season long. Not one crop would bring forth an abundant harvest if the farmers spent their life in the bleachers, No they had to get out in the field.

Our Saviour Jesus Christ makes a reference to this time of year in a spiritual sense as well in Matthew 9:36-38
36But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. (Matthew 9:36-38 [KJV])

That is what I want to bring as a message this morning LIFE IN THE BLEACHERS.

We will be taking our main text from II Kings Chapter 2 this morning as we look at the sons of the Prophets. They were what we would say spectators just watching from the bleachers' not in the fields laboring.

Here is an interesting thing bout life in the bleachers. When we attend the football game, we cheer and shout we make a noise. We brag when a touch down has been made. We boo and awwwww.... when a turn over happens and the other time runs it into the end zone. But you know none of us spectators in the bleachers contribute to the outcome of the game. We are just eye candy in the stands.

Not one of us showed up for practice. Not one of us studied the playbook. No of us felt the pains of the tackles or the mental strain of making sure our team mates were protected, not to mention the pressure of the quarter back.

No not one thing did we contribute to the out come of the game, even though when a victory is gained we brag about how good the team is, if a loss occurs we have all the answers to WHAT THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE.

Well Christians, some of us have just been identified by this illustration. We are just spectators in the harvest, we are not in the field contributing, we are watching afar off. This morning I invite you to listen to the message via live stream or better yet, get out of the bleachers and attend service this morning as I try to preach on LIFE IN THE BLEACHERS.

God bless each and every one
Pastor Jeff

September 22 ·2019

Good Morning and God's blessings.
I haven't done a post for Sunday morning services in a while. One of the reasons is we have been having poor internet service the past month or so. Jessica has been trying to live stream on Sunday mornings but it has been hit and miss. They have repaired one of the towers that services this area so hopefully it will be better.

This morning I want to share with you the title of the message today. Some of you may find it conflicting, but trust me it is not.

The Holy Bible God's breathed word says, that God knows everything about the past, present and the future. Let's look:

I John 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. ([KJV])

Acts 15:18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. ([KJV])

John 21:15-17 15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. ([KJV])

I believe this with all my heart for in these Holy verses we find that God knows all things.
Would you agree with me that God is omniscient?
In other words let's say that God is infinite in knowledge!
Maybe we should just put it in plain English, He is ALL Knowing!

God possesses complete and universal knowledge of all things past, present, and future. This includes not only the actual, but also the possible.

I believe that this total and immediate knowledge is based on His eternity (He has always, and will always exist), and His omnipresence (He has been, is, and will always be everywhere at the same time).

Psalms 147:5 Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. ([KJV])

Hebrews 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. ([KJV])

I will show from the scripture this morning that God is omniscient.

Now for the conflicting part and the title of the message: 7 things God does not know: Now hold on before you begin to slam me against the wall- it is a play on words, simply it is to make you think. What are the 7 things that God doesn't know?

I. God Does Not Know A Sinner That Does Not Need Saving.

II. God Does Not Know A Sinner That Cannot Be Saved.

III. God Does Not Know A Better Place To Go Except To Heaven.

IV. God Does Not Know A Worse Place To Go Except Hell.

V. God Does Not Know A Better Place To Worship Him Than In His House.

VI. God Does Not Know A Better Time To Get Saved Than Today.

VII. God Does Not Know Any Other Way To Be Saved Than By His Son Jesus.

I want to personally invite you to today's worship service as we preach on these 7 things. I believe God will make this a two part message so join us for morning and evening worship. God bless and hope to see you at Little River Missionary Baptist Church

Pastor Jeff.

August 18 ·2019

Well I have been busy the last few weeks and gotten out of the habit of posting a Saturday trailer of Sunday's message. So I am going to do something different today.

I have struggled with today's message. Why? Because I in no way want to be judgmental. So with that said, Today's message is " Do we love Jesus enough". Oh yes the finger is pointed at me as well, do I love my Jesus enough, there was a point in time when I did not love my Saviour enough. So don't think that the preacher is going to preaching to everyone but himself. Nope, today's message as all messages God lays on my heart include "the preacher".

There are so many that walk down to the front of the church and make a profession, then you never see them again. I have had this to happen with several that I have spoken to and it breaks my heart, those who have come forward but don't follow through.

The reason it breaks my heart because as our main text this morning says:

John 2:23-25 23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. 24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, 25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
( [KJV])

Jesus knows our hearts. I don't have to be a judge, but I can ask this question Do we love Jesus enough to do these five things we are going to look at this morning: Do we love him enough to read his word, do we love him enough to go to his house, do we love him enough to love his people, Do we love him enough to seek his blessings, do we love him enough to separate from the world, and Do w love him enough to honor him?

God bless each and every one
Pastor Jeff

August 3 2019

Greetings from the pastor's study of Little River Missionary Baptist church, in Lost Cane May God bless you greatly.

Next week is VBS how exciting. We are ready, bring all the little ones to be with us starting Monday and going through Friday, 6pm till 8pm for Farm fresh faith. An exciting tale of Joseph and God's faithfulness. Hope to see you there.

Well this past week has been one that has caused a heavy heart. We had to take Panda to the Vet and he is going to have surgery Monday for 3 bladder stones that are too big for him to pass. Bless his heart I don't know which one was worse this morning, him or Jessica. I had to make her leave the hospital. But it is all in God's hands and he will take care of him.

A Vision Begins With Prayer
Text Nehemiah 1:1-11 and Nehemiah 2:1-18
Opening text:
Nehemiah 1:1-4
Nehemiah 1:1-4 1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, 2 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. 4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven, ([KJV])

This Sunday I want to speak on Nehemiah. Nehemiah was a visionary not a dreamer, he had a vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The difference between a dreamer and a visionary. Dreamers dream about things being different. Visionaries envision themselves making a difference.

Dreamers think about how nice it would be for something to be done. Visionaries look for an opportunity to do something.

There are three points we want to look at as I try and preach: A vision begins with prayer, keeping the dream alive.
Nehemiah Prayed
Nehemiah Planned
Nehemiah understood that God was using him

God has something special planned for you life, he want's you to prepare for what he has planned for you. Don't be a dreamer, be a visionary. Pray, Plan and understand that God is using your circumstances to position and prepare you to accomplish His vision for your life.

God bless each and every one
Pastor Jeff

July 27 ·2019

Greetings from the pastor's study of Little River Missionary Baptist church, in Lost Cane May God bless you greatly.

What a great time I had yesterday with my wonderful wife Jessica and Panda boy. Jessica encouraged me to take a day off yesterday. I did so reluctantly, but when we got on the road God spoke to me as we traveled to Hardy and Mammoth Springs for the whole day. I had forgotten how nice it was to take some time and enjoy what God has placed in front of us. So a big thank you goes out to my wife, thank you for reminding me we needed some us time. I say all that to say this, we serve an wonderful God who not only gives us eternal life but abundant life here on this earth. As we saw the beauty that God has placed for us to enjoy, with the hill, trees, streams and wildlife it dawned on me of the commitment God had about his creation. It reminded me that in return his creation should have that same commitment to Him.

As I sat down this morning in my office for my quiet time with God, it hit me very hard what the message God had in store for us this Sunday. I had been putting it together earlier this week but it wasn't until yesterday that it came together with meaning. So this Sunday I hope that you will make it a COMMITMENT to get up and bring YOUR FAMILY to CHURCH and worship GOD.

If you do not have a home church I earnestly invite you to come and worship with us at Little River Missionary Baptist church as I try to preach on THE 3 B'S OF COMMITMENT.
( notice how I hinted in the all cap's in the paragraph above about commitment ~smiling~ )

Our Main text this Sunday comes from.
I Peter 4:16-19

16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. ([KJV])

Our Thee points this Sunday are:

I. BE COMMITTED TO GOD
Psalms 37: 5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. ([KJV])

Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. ([KJV])

Proverbs 3:5-6 5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ([KJV])

II. BE COMMITTED TO YOUR FAMILY
Colossians 3:18-20 18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. ([KJV])
This is truly a picture of God wants a family to look like, I think Paul nailed this down.

III. BE COMMITTED TO YOUR CHURCH
Malachi 3: 8-10 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 9)Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.([KJV])
Uh oh, there's that TITHING word. We need to be committed, to giving to the church. It's more than tithing, it's supporting the Church, with our love, our prayers, our time, our availability, and our finances! The ministries or programs don't just happen by themselves. We need to be committed.

Let me close with a short story and I want you to truly think about it and ask yourselves, am I truly committed?

A three generation farmer was talking to his son one morning, who had gotten up to do his chores as his father inspected what the son had done he noticed the son had done a halfhearted job at his chores, the cow had not been fed, the hay bales had not be stacked in the barn., the chickens had not been watered. His father proceeded to explain to him that being a farmer was not just a job but it was a commitment a way of life that he and his father, and his father's father before him had made in their family farm. The father drove his point home as the two went in and sat at the breakfast table. His mom had gotten up and fixed a big breakfast complete with biscuits and gravy, bacon, ham and eggs. As the son began to eat the father asked him this question. "Son let me ask you before you eat your bacon and eggs, which one do you think was committed in making this breakfast possible; the chicken or the hog?" The boy stopped and thought a moment then answered. "Father I would have to say, the hog."

The hog was committed because it cost him everything he gave his all. Folks that is true commitment. Our commitment to God, to our family and to our church should be the same, no turning back, but giving our all. You see the chicken could lay an egg any time. I will compare that to the fair weather Christians, they show up for God when they want to.

God bless each and every one
Pastor Jeff

July 15, 2019

Greetings from the pastor's study of Little River Missionary Baptist church, in Lost Cane May God bless you greatly.

"It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark."

Our Main text comes from Matthew 24:32-39

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. ([KJV])

There are only two points in today's sermon Folks it is pretty simple:

I. They had a preacher
II. They didn't believe.
They sinned away their day of Grace.

Jesus is coming again, soon and very soon we are going to see the King. BE READY!

God bless each and every one
Pastor Jeff

July 11 ·2019

Greetings from the pastor's study of Little River Missionary Baptist church, in Lost Cane May God bless you greatly.

What a blessed week we have had in Lost Cane. God sent rain, a beautiful sunset the other evening. But most of all, God is moving in Little River Missionary Baptist Church. We are in earnest prayer for revival and God is preparing us.

This Sunday I will be speaking on four ways we can know that we are trusting in God. Our Main text comes from:

Psalms 119:41-48 41 Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word. 42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. 43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments. 44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. 45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. 46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. 47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved. 48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes. ([KJV])

The difference of God's true work in our lives is amazing.
Religious people are not very impressive to the world and are really not very impressive to themselves. That is why the bible says in: Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ([KJV]) The word faith means to trust in.

You see a religious person only trust in himself and the man made rules of a religion. A true Christian, Trust's in Jesus through faith and not in himself.

Religious people go through the motions, all they are concerned about is the outside. They are trusting in a fallen nature, themselves and their works. Here is what God's word says about that. Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. ([KJV]). All of the rituals, the washing of the outside, the doing our best for the "church", our good works, makes no difference when there has not been a change on the inside.

Let me give you an example: Let's say that you are in the market for a house, you see one that is in the country, surrounded by beautiful shade and fruit trees, a gorgeous flower garden. It has a freshly painted white Pickett fence. The house has new shingles, and is painted a beautiful cottage white with green shutters. It sets on a nicely manicured two acre parcel with a lovely clear rock bed creek that runs behind the house filled with trout (Bass, brim, whatever trips your trigger) . Oh this is sounding good right? So you and your spouse, are so excited you buy it. But after closing you find out the the entire wooden frame, structure and foundation is eaten up with termites. The house that you put all of your hard earned cash in, is worthless. Beautiful on the outside but rotten from top to bottom.
That is what happens when we do not trust in God but trust in ourselves.
Come Join us Sunday as we look at four ways we can know that we are trusting in God and not ourselves.

God bless each and every one
Pastor Jeff

July 8 2019

Greetings from the pastor's study of Little River Missionary Baptist church, in Lost Cane May God bless you greatly.

Satan has worked on me this week. He said " Jeff, nobody reads your invitation to attend Little River church. You might as well stop posting it on Saturdays." He also includes " Jeff how many times are you going to continue to talk to people and have them turn you down. You know the neighbors down the road? You know your family members? You know those who really act sincere when you talk to them about Jesus, oh and they tell you one of these days their going to surprise you? You might as well give up they are not going to come."

I have news for you Satan as Jesus rebuked Satan in Matthew 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. ([KJV])

In the name of Jesus I rebuke him as well. God's word has a purpose, when it is sent out it reaches those who need the uplifting, the guidance, the conviction and cutting that God's two edged sword brings. His word will not return void. I am reminded of Isaiah 55:8-13 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. ([KJV])

Understand that God has a purpose for us. Satan will provide all kinds of excuses for us not to do something, mine this week was this......DON'T PUT UP THE INVITATION BECAUSE NO ONE IS READING IT ANYMORE..................Wrong!!!! Satan is afraid that someone will come to know Jesus through the posting and that is why he wants to discourage me from doing so.

So this Sunday's message deals with excuses. I have heard many excuses for why someone will not accept Jesus as their Saviour. Sunday we will be looking at Excuses and God's answer to them.

Main Text : Romans 1:17-25
Focus text: Romans 1:20-21

Romans 1:17-25 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. ([KJV])

I invite you to come and bring a friend to Little River Missionary Baptist Church this Sunday, It could change your life forever.

God bless each and every one
Pastor Jeff

Little River Missionary Baptist Church invites you to worship with us this Sunday and to listen to this most important sermon.
1208 North county road 309 Manila Arkansas
Sunday School 10am
Morning worship 11am
Live stream starts at approx 11:20am
Evening worship 5pm
Wednesday night 6:30

July 6 2019

Good morning and God's blessing to you

The past couple of months have been busy ones for us here in Lost Cane community. The rain showers sometimes hits us and sometimes it hits the neighbors across the field. Crops are all in and looking well.

The spiritual seed has been planted and God is opening more doors for us here. We are praying for revival and God will soon send it as he does the refreshing rains; Zechariah 10:1 Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field. ( [KJV])

The Jail ministry is doing well, we have seen 9 so far give their heart to Jesus. We have been able to reach out to the families of these men who are behind bars. God is doing things in their lives. Keep this ministry in your prayer.

Keep VBS in mind it will be here August 5-9

We have just celebrated the 4th of July a day of freedom. We gained our independence from England some 240 plus years ago we have treasured it and fought to protect that freedom every day since.

I want to close with a devotion dedicated to Freedom. Spiritual, Christian Freedom:

Jesus want's you to be free

John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

What is freedom? Webster says: The state of being free; exemption from the power and control of another; liberty; independence.

There are three basic types of dogs, and all people seem to fit into one of these three types of dogs. The wild dog, the dog on a chain and the family pet.

The wild dog roams the city streets at will. Stealing meals from garbage cans, and comes and goes as he pleases, seeks shelter where he can. Oh the good life no one to tie him down, in the end the wild dog can be found lying on the side of the road dead by being hit by a car. At the hands of the local dog pound being put to death after being captured if no one claims him or he can go off and die a lonely death of old age with no one caring.

This is the people that are utterly lawless when it comes to God's authority. The Lost person thinks that he is free. But he is not. II peter 3:3-6 3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

Then there is the dog that has to be kept on a chain and only can go a few feet because they can not be trusted. Their boundaries are set because they tend to run.

There are those who tend to try and establish their own righteousness and have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God. Romans 10:3 says For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Those are the ones that want to stay under the law to have that chain, so they can stay in bounds. Those who say that unless the law is kept God will punish.

Then we see the third dog that needs no chain, because he knows and loves his master. They have experienced the truth and the truth has made them free. John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. That dog is there waiting and obeying his masters commands not out of fear but out of love. He is guided by his masters eyes and voice

May 22, 2019

Good Morning and may God bless you richly

This month is quickly coming to a close. What blessings we have seen from God. We are gearing up for VBS and also in deep prayer for Revival. The weather has been mostly wet and the farmers are doing their best to get the crops in between the rain clouds, but we know that God is in control.

We celebrated a wonderful Mother's day service with about 38 present in our morning service. We did something a little different this year. One of our Church member's family purchased yellow roses to give to ALL the moms present, Thanks Miranda and Josh. Instead of the Church doing roses this year, Sister Thelma and Brother Randy Veach purchased a yearly devotional book to give to the youngest and oldest mom.

Last week we were blessed to have 30 present in morning worship. God is blessing us. Pray for me that I will continue to let him led me in messages that will grow us spiritually.

Also I would ask that you be in prayer that God will place on the hearts those in our church to be in outreach ministry. That God will send me those that want to partner up and go out and share the gospel. We need more feet on the battle field.

The nursing home ministry is beginning to grow. God is blessing with me being able to share on a weekly basis, his word to those who need uplifting. I only have one at this point but it is a start and God is change that persons life, as well as mine. Praise the name of Jesus.

God is continuing to bless through the Jail ministry May 21, 2019 we had one that made a profession of faith, ( now here is where I am not happy to see a house full, the jail) There was about 14 in the Cell block that I minister to. I always tell them when I leave " I know it is customary to say I hope to see you next week, but guys I hope I DON'T see you back in here." I get a lot of Amens on that.

Pray for these men in jail, we are all broken vessels but we are not beyond repair.

If you read these post and do not have a home church and you are in our area please pray about making Little River Missionary Baptist your home church. We would love to have you visit and be a part of us. Jesus is working here.

Till next time. God bless you and keep us in your prayers. Pastor Jeff

May 1, 2019

Greetings in Christ.

It has been a busy last few weeks here at Little River Missionary Baptist Church. We had a wonderful Easter service and top that off with a great time at the Manila Nursing home. It has put me behind once again in posting in our weekly blog but the Lord makes a way.

I was very blessed to see our little community come together for a family here in Lost Cane. The church as well as other neighbors in our community lifted this family in prayer, as bringing dinner dishes to help lighten the chore of preparing meals in this time of grief, in the loss of a child at 22 weeks in the pregnancy. Continue to pray that the Lord will draw them closer to him and give peace and comfort.

God truly blessed this past Tuesday, April 30th 2019 in the Jail ministry. I had the opportunity and blessings of seeing five men give their hearts to Jesus. Pray for these men God knows who they are.

Folks there are those lost in the world that are truly looking for Jesus, we need to fulfill the Great Commission. Also let us remember what Jesus said : Matthew 25:34-40 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. ( [KJV])

We need to make that effort to reach out to those, in our families, our communities, our workplace, and yes even to those in prison.

Just a reminder remember Jessica and I as we travel to the National convention this next week.

God bless Pastor Jeff.

April 13, 2019

Brothers and Sisters, May God bless you in a mighty way this week.

It has been a beautiful week here in Lost Cane. I want to thank Bro. Jimmy for coming over and turning over a garden spot for Jessica and I to work.

Also if you will notice there is a new refrigerator in the fellowship hall, we have one now that will not freeze everything then drown it with water.

Please be in prayer about our vacation Bible School this year, the Lord is working wonderful things already. We had our first meeting April 7th and are blessed with several volunteers but we still need more. Jessica was able to find a company that could provide our crafts supplies for a bigger savings. Thank you Jessica.

If you have not gotten with us about Options on Main Banquet please do so and we need to RSVP by April 19th. The banquet is May 2nd at the First National Bank Arena in Jonesboro, doors will open at 5:30 pm. We need to be seated by 5:45.

If you are up we will be observing Easter Sunrise April 21th 6:10 am. Also our Nursing home Ministry is April 21st at 2pm

Well, Saturday is upon us once again. It seems as if time is flying by, we are one day closer to joining Jesus our Saviour in our Heavenly home, whether it be the rapture of the church or death.

Do you ever wonder what people think about you? Do you even care? To some extent, most of us do care what others think of us. Now, let me ask you another question: Has anyone ever told you what they think about you? When they do, you are often sorry they did. There have been times, when a person told me just what they thought of me, and I was glad they did. There have been other times when folks have shared their thoughts about me and I was not pleased at all. That is one reason I do not ask people what they think of me. I am afraid they will tell me!

This Sunday morning I want to look at this matter from a spiritual perspective. If you were to ask Satan what he thinks about you, he would probably say, "You are a failure!" If you asked society what they think of you, they might say, "You are a fool!" If you asked self, that is, your own heart, self might say, "You are a fake!" Have you ever heard these things? Many have and on a daily basis!

But, does it really matter what Satan, society and self think about you and me? No! All that really matters, in the end, is what God thinks about us. Have you ever wondered just what God thinks about you? Is it possible to know what God thinks about us? Do we really want to know what He thinks about us? Well, this passage clearly reveals exactly what God thinks about us. This morning we want to link this passage from Jeremiah 29:11 in the Old Testament to Paul's letter to Titus and see in depth what God thinks about us. Titus 3:1-8

I want to look at four points and go into detail about What God thinks about you In our main text Titus 3:1-8 Paul answers the question I posed a few moments ago: What Does God Think Of Me? In this passage designed for instruction, we can find a word of encouragement. Some of you may be discouraged as you wonder how God sees you. Well, if you are saved, you are about to find out. If you are not, then you are going to learn how God would see you if you came to Jesus. Let's look in to these verses together as we address the question: What Does God Think Of Me?

So Will you join us this Sunday Morning At Little River Missionary Baptist Church to find out WHAT DOES GOD THINKS ABOUT ME! I think you will be surprised.

Sermon outline:

I.GOD THINKS YOU ARE PRECIOUSTitus 3:3-6 3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; ([KJV])

II. v. 7a GOD THINKS YOU ARE PERFECT Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.([KJV])

III.v. 7b GOD THINKS YOU ARE PRIVILEGEDTitus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.([KJV])

IV.v. 1-2, 8GOD THINKS YOU ARE PROFITABLETitus 3:1-2, 8

1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. ([KJV])

8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.([KJV])

God loves you, he wants the best for you, if you are lost this morning understand this, he wants you to come to him for Salvation. Lost person, this morning he wants to draw you to him, he wants to make you his child. Even in your lost sinful condition God still loves you. Look what he says in Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. ([KJV])

God Bless

Pastor Jeff

April 10,2019

Good morning and God's blessings from Little River

As a pastor I see it every day, people who seek Jesus for the wrong reason worldly gain. It is an age old adage of "I'll do this for you if you do this for me." Our fleshly nature says "what's in it for me, what can i get out of it."

I guess this is why I have a hard time with prosperity preachers. Folks God will meet our needs if we obey him. Be grateful for the grace and mercy he gives, don't be standing in line waiting for a handout of material possessions. Be more concerned about your spiritual salvation, than the physical wants.

Jesus had to call out the people about this in John 6:26-27

Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

(John 6:26-27 [KJV])

A question to ponder, why do you seek Jesus?
Who is Jesus to you?

Is he someone that you think if you follow him he is going to give you great possessions here on earth?

Is he your Lord and Saviour that you trust in him with all your heart for eternal life?

Jesus comes and puts it on the chopping block here, when this crowd is seeking him. He tells them it is for the wrong reason.

They were seeking him for the martial reasons, the loaves of bread. Not the healing miracles. You see their minds here were not on the spiritual prosperity but on the physical or the what can I get out of it aspect.

There are so many people that turn to Jesus for what he (or they think he will give them) might do for them monetarily. Folks those things will spoil, rot, be taken from you by thief, and a thousand other ways.In the end your monetary possessions will be taken away by death, and passed on to your family to squabble over.

We need to seek him for Salvation, eternal life. That was why Jesus died on the cross for us. When we seek Jesus for the wrong reasons we miss the Grace he truly has in store for us. We miss his purpose for Calvary. We miss the abundant life he has in store for us.

We truly miss him. We use him for our worldly gain, and I have news for you JESUS DON'T PLAY DAT!

Jesus took care of the physical when he did his miracles but if you will notice he also took care of the Spiritual....Take up thy bed and walk, your sins are forgiven, thy faith has made whole.....the spiritual was more important, the renewing of the fellowship with God was his priority. For he was here to do the will of the Father.

Folks when we come to Jesus, come to him for what what has you spiritually dead, spiritually separated from God and that is sin. The outside may look good, but it is the inside that needs fixed.

Jesus gave his all that you might have eternal life, not a new car.
Stop being so worldly minded.

Pastor Jeff.

March 21, 2019

May the Lord bless and Keep you:

Good morning everyone;

It has been a long and tiring two weeks we have baptized one and had another come on profession of faith and we praise God for his moment in the church here at Little River Missionary Baptist Church.

I must apologize for not posting last week, but I would ask that you life sister Jessica up in prayer. We received word last Friday morning the 15th that her father passed away. We made two trips to Fordyce to help take care of arrangements.

I would like to share with you that we are going to be starting a new Bible study on Wednesday nights. "From the cloud to Calvary the building of God's church: a historic walk through of the tabernacles and temples." I think that those of you who will attend with find it very uplifting and informative. It is a study that takes us back to the "beginning" yes that's right we have to start in the book of Genesis and work our way forward.

Also we are continuing to prepare for this years VBS. Please be in prayer and make arrangements to be a volunteer. It has been many years since the church has sponsored VBS so we are looking forward to sharing the Lord Jesus Christ with our children of the community. It should be fun for the kids and adults as well.

May you be in prayer and prepare yourselves each morning for your Christian walk.

Pastor Jeff.

March 9, 2019

Greetings from the pastor's study of Little River Missionary Baptist church, in Lost Cane May God bless you greatly.

Today is Saturday, looks as if we are going to get a round of unsettled weather. It should be out of our area by around 5 or 6 pm this evening. Praying for everyone's safety. Tomorrow looks like a wonderful day to come to the Lord's house to worship and praise him.

This Sunday evening I have the privilege to baptize a young man who gave his heart to the Lord, January, 27th of 2019 at 10:49 am. He is following the Lord in baptism this Sunday. Please pray for him and lift him up to the Lord as he starts his Christian walk. We invite you to come share this moment with him at 5 PM Sunday.

DON'T FORGET TO SET YOUR CLOCKS FORWARD THIS EVENING BEFORE YOU GO TO BED! We don't want you to miss the message that God has in store for you this Sunday.

We will be preaching from chapter 13 of I Corinthians, verses 1-13. The title of the message this Sunday is : A perspective of what matters most.

Our opening text is I Corinthians 13:13
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. ([KJV])

The greatest, most essential gift that God gave His church, the gift that contains the most divine power is the gift of His love working in us and through us.
One of the problems in the church at Corinth, was that they were manifesting nearly every spiritual gift in existence, but they were not walking in love one for another. The Corinthians loved the flashy gifts. They loved tongues, prophecy, and other gifts that made them look spiritual in the eyes of others. God was more interested in them coming to the place where they loved one another like He loved them.

Paul deals with these issues in chapters 12 and 14 they were written to combat the problems that existed in Corinth related to the spiritual gifts and their usage in the church. Sometimes we look at these chapters as standalone chapters, they really should be read together.

In Chapter 12 Paul teaches about the spiritual gifts and how they are given and why they are beneficial to the whole body of Christ. In this chapter Paul speaks about how the body of Christ is strengthened and blessed when individuals use the gifts they have been given by the Lord.

Paul is bold in Chapter 14 about the misuse of the sign gifts like tongues and healing. Contrary to popular belief even with some churches today, chapter 14 of I Corinthians does not encourage the use of tongues, as a matter of biblical fact Paul actually discourages the use of tongues church and calls the church of Corinth to deeper maturity in their walk with the Lord.

Then stuck right in the middle of those two chapters of 12 and 14 is Paul's wonderful chapter to the Corinthians for their perfecting, good ole chapter 13 and that is what we are going to look at this Sunday morning.

Look at what the last verse in chapter 12 which closes with this statement: I Corinthians 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

Read it this way: "You are coveting the best gifts, but I show you a much better way".

That is what we want to look at in Chapter 13 this Sunday: What Matters Most.

What Matters Most is not whether you possess some flashy gift or not.

What Matters Most is not how smart you are.

What Matters Most is not how wealthy, not how popular, not how famous, not how well liked, you are.

What Matters Most is how well you love.

When you learn to love like Jesus loves, you have discovered What Matters Most.

Chapter 13 is all about What Matter Most.

Our outline for this Sunday is:
I. LOVE'S DISTINCTION I Corinthians 13:1-3
II. LOVE'S DESCRIPTION I Corinthians 13:4-12
III. LOVE'S DURABILITY I Corinthians 13:13
Is there room for improvement in your love life? Or, so you have it all figured out?

If you need to talk to Him about your love life, the time to do it in right now. Who wants to ask Him to help you love like He loves?

Come join us and hear the message in it's entirety, that God may bless you.

For more Bible studies, upcoming events and much more Make Little River Missionary Baptist Church's Webpage part of your daily internet visits. Stop by and visit us at https://lrmbc.webnode.com/

Don't let Satan win a battle, Little River Missionary Baptist Church invites you to come and worship the Lord with us this Sunday.

1208 North county road 309 Manila Arkansas
Sunday School 10am
Morning worship 11am
Live stream starts at approx 11:20am
Evening worship 5pm
Wednesday night 6:30

God bless
Pastor Jeff

March 8, 2019

Good day and God's blessings.

It is time to start thinking about VBS, that's right the year is already rolling by fast. We have the starter kit in for this years Vacation Bible School and we are working on putting it together. Now we need for you to be in prayer about what the Lord would have you do. We need workers, helpers, prayer partners. If you can teach, do crafts, serve in the kitchen, paint, build sets or any of the 1000 other thing that go along with making a great VBS for our children of the community we need YOU!

Jesus says in Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. ( [KJV])

Our Children are important, it is our responsibility as parents, adults, church and community leaders to share the gospel and instill in them good Christian values.

VBS is one way we as a local church at Little River Missionary Baptist, can bring the little children to Christ. They are the kingdom of heaven. We have to reach them before the world does.

As your pastor I am encouraging you all to be in deep prayer and to commit to helping this year in VBS. God will truly bless you for getting involved and bringing the little ones to him.

God bless you

Pastor Jeff.

March 2, 2019

Good morning and may God's blessings enrich your lives today.

It has been a busy week in the little community of Lost Cane Arkansas. The Lord has blessed us with a new friend and companion that we have taken in. His name is Panda, he is a three year old Australian shepherd. His previous family were moving and could not take him. He is wonderful dog and has captured both Jessica's and my heart from the first day. Also he loves to play fetch so I think he may help me to loose some weight with the longs walks and activity he has me to engage in.

Today I want to give some words of encouragement. This Sunday our Sunday school lesson is on Wisdom. Have you ever heard the phrase, that ole book is book smart but street smart? Folks there is a difference in Spiritual wisdom and what some call worldly wisdom.

The Sunday School lesson deals with King Solomon and his prayer for wisdom. I want to take you to, the book of Proverbs which is a great writing given to us by God.

King Solomon wrote most of the book of Proverbs. He composed his sayings during his reign from 970 to 930 B.C. .Proverbs 1:1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; (KJV)

Solomon penned chapters 1 to 29 of Proverbs. A man named Agur wrote chapter thirty. King Lemuel wrote chapter thirty-one. The author tell us right in the first chapter the nine sets of reasons why the book was written.

Proverbs 1:2-4 2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. ([KJV])

Solomon wrote Proverbs to offer instruction, wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 1:2). He also recorded the book to help others gain an understanding of judgment and equity (verse 3), to acquire simple prudence and to offer discretion and knowledge to the young (verse 4).

I want to take you to chapters 23 and 24 today just for a moment and talk about how Spiritual wisdom builds a house and guides the heart. Our opening Scriptures for today are:

Proverbs 24:3-5 and Proverbs 23: 12,19, 23

Proverbs 24:3-5 3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: 4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. ([KJV])

The world teaches us to envy those that grow rich, and increase their estates and families, to use any unjust way or course to do so. Look out for number one, sere your conscience and knock the first person down that gets ahead of you, because what matters in the end is what you have, not how you got it. But, the Bible says to set aside that temptation, Solomon here shows that a man, with prudent management, may raise his estate and family by lawful and honest means, with a good conscience, and a good name, and the blessing of God upon his industry; and, if the other be raised a little sooner, yet these will last a great deal longer.

1. That which is here recommended to us as having the best influence upon our outward prosperity is wisdom, and understanding, and knowledge; that is, both piety towards God (for that is true wisdom) and prudence in the management of our outward affairs. We must govern ourselves in every thing by the rules of religion first and then of discretion. Some that are truly pious do not thrive in the world, for want of prudence; and some that are prudent enough, yet do not prosper, because they lean to their own understanding and do not acknowledge God in their ways; therefore both must go together to complete a wise man.

2. That which is here set before us as the advantage of true wisdom is that it will make men's outward affairs prosperous and successful.

a. it will build a house and establish it,

3. Men may by unrighteous practices build their houses, but they cannot establish them, for the foundation is rotten:

Habakkuk 2:9-13 9 Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil! 10 Thou hast consulted shame to thy house by cutting off many people, and hast sinned against thy soul. 11 For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it. 12 Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity! 13 Behold, is it not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity? ([KJV])

whereas what is honestly got will wear like steel and be an inheritance to children's children.

a. It will enrich a house and furnish it,

4. Those that manage their affairs with wisdom and equity, that are diligent in the use of lawful means for increasing what they have that spare from luxury and spend in charity, are in a fair way to have their shops, their warehouses, their chambers, filled with all precious and pleasant riches--precious because got by honest labour, and the substance of a diligent man is precious--pleasant because enjoyed with holy cheerfulness. Some think this is to be understood chiefly of spiritual riches. By knowledge the chambers of the soul are filled with the graces and comforts of the Spirit, those precious and pleasant riches; for the Spirit, by enlightening the understanding, performs all his other operations on the soul.

a. It will fortify a house and turn it into a castle:

Wisdom is better than weapons of war, offensive or defensive. A wise man is in strength, is in a strong-hold, yea, a man of knowledge strengthens might, that is, increases it,

5. As we grow in knowledge we grow in all grace,

II Peter 3:14-18 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. ([KJV])

a. Those that increase in wisdom are strengthened with all might, .

Colossians 1:9-10 9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; ([KJV])

Group two Scriptures

Proverbs 23:12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. ([KJV])

Apply - Put you heart into this instruction. Instruction is used to teach, to show, to tutor.

Thine Heart- the inner man, the desire, the soul.

Who is the instructor?- John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. ([KJV])

Ears- hearing, is a way of observing, searching, a portal to understanding.

Words of Knowledge, - Numbers 24:16-17 16 He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: 17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. ([KJV])

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ([KJV])

Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.([KJV])

John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. ([KJV])

Proverbs 23:19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. ([KJV])

Take, learn, follow the wisdom, let it lead your heart,

What way- who is the way- John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.([KJV])

Wisdom will guide thine heart, come to Jesus who is the way.

Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. ([KJV])

We can not purchase salvation, We can't buy our way to Jesus but this word "Buy" here has the meaning of ownership- When you buy something it becomes yours, you retain ownership- It becomes your personal possession.

We use this in our personal relationship with Christ- it is ours because we have taken possession of the Truth. He also advises us of taking possession of wisdom, understanding, and instruction.

See the word of warning- sell it not. What does he mean? Turn not away from it, don't stop making it useful for your life, don't let it set unattended, cherish it, use it. Don't let it become something cast aside and covered with dust.

Ill: Yard sale. Why do we have a yard sale? What do we put in a yard sale?

Things we have gotten tired of- Things that has no value to us anymore- Things that we feel are just taking up space- Things we no longer want. Things that we no longer like or love. Things we think we have outgrown. Hmmmmmmm!!!

Revelation 2:1-5 1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. ([KJV])

I hope this will encourage you to seek God's wisdom and build your house on a solid foundation Let me close with these Scriptures:

Matthew 7:24-27 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. ( [KJV])

Matthew 6:19-21 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. ( [KJV])

February 26, 2019

Greetings from the pastor's study of Little River Missionary Baptist church, in Lost Cane May God bless you greatly.

The rain has stopped and God's promise stands true. It has been a busy week here in Lost Cane. We want to invite you to come Join us tomorrow morning for Sunday School and Worship Service.

Today, I want to talk about a humble beginning that has produced amazing results. I want to share with you The Message Of The Mighty Mustard Seed.

The Story of Jesus Christ started with humble beginnings. A small town, a small stable, A common family, Friends who were common fishermen, tax collectors and so forth. He even ate with publican's and sinners. But there was something about him that the people did not see from his humble beginnings and that was he is the Son of God and he came to build the kingdom of God, to make the perfect sacrifice so that you and I could be reconciled back to God. We will be looking at Mark Chapter 4 this Sunday morning :Mark 4:30-34 30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: 32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. 33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. 34 But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. ([KJV])

Jesus is still teaching in parables. Verses 33-34 tell us that parables were our Lord's primary means of teaching His truth. He begins this parable by seeming to search for an illustration of the Kingdom of God. The disciples may have held some imaginative ideas about what the Kingdom of God was like.

Perhaps they imagined it to be a high mountain that soared above the world, displaying its glory, power and majesty. Maybe they imagined the Kingdom of God as a mighty river that carried its life to faraway lands. Perhaps their minds pictured the kingdom as a massive oak, standing tall and providing shade and shelter. We really don't know what they were thinking, but I am sure they were surprised when Jesus shared His illustration with them.

When Jesus began to speak, He didn't compare the Kingdom of God to a high mountain, a mighty river or even a majestic oak. Jesus compared the Kingdom of God to a tiny mustard seed!

Jesus uses the image of something small to teach us about something larger than we can comprehend. Let's look into the words of this parable and see the lessons Jesus wants to teach us about the Kingdom of God. I want to preach on The Message Of The Mighty Mustard Seed.

I. v. 31 HOW THE KINGDOM BEGINS

II. v. 32a HOW THE KINGDOM BUILDS

III. HOW THE KINGDOM BLESSES

Febuary 19, 2019

Psalms 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth. ([KJV])

Good morning and my the blessings of the Lord shine upon you.

It has been a long time since we have updated the webpage. The Lord nudged me the other day about this, so I am in the process of updating Little River Missionary Baptist website. We spend a lot of time posting to facebook and have forgotten about our page, I do apologize for that. I think we have put up some things that will make it better. My thought was that we are not getting the traffic to our page, so I am going to try and work on that. We are going to do better listings and promote the page more. Also I have added a guestbook and counter, I hope that you will use the guestbook to let us know you are using the page. God bless and hope to hear from you soon.

Pastor Jeff.

July 26, 2017

Greetings in Christ, It has been a hot summer but God is blessing Little River Missionary Baptist Church. I must apologize for taking so long to update the webpage. It has been busy this summer with Bible studies and putting things back together from the storms that hit us in May.

We have had two new additions since I last posted Jamie Leigh Coley came on profession of faith and followed the Lord in Baptism June 11, 2017. Also I had the privilege to baptize our youngest son Tommy Austin Knowlton June 11, 2017. Tommy had accepted the Lord in 2009 while on a retreat with Dale Poag, Tony Crowell and some of First Baptist boys in Tennessee. Tommy had not followed through with scriptural baptism; while he was down on vacation and staying with us the Lord convicted him that he needed to follow in Baptism and I just praise God for that prayer that was answered.

We are praying for workings and teachers continue to lift us up in prayer that God will send growth as well as workers. We have been running on most Sunday's between 25 and 30 even though summer tends to cause attendance to drop because of vacations and other schedules. We are praising God and moving forward.

Jessica has put together a ladies group that meets on Monday evenings at 7pm. They are meeting weekly as of now. The Group is called the "Little River CLOVERS" Christian Ladies Of Virtue Education Revealing Salvation. They meet and have Bible studies, they put together programs for the community; this quarter they are putting together back to school supplies for children in our area. You do not have to be a member of Little River Missionary Baptist to join the Group (even though we would love for you to join us if God leads you to) visitors are welcome to join in on the fun. The ladies first meeting there were 12 in attendance.

I would like to leave you with this scripture from Psalms 1:1-5.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

Be planted in the Lord and Worship him, read his word and Pray to him daily, fellowship with his people on a regular basis . Having him control your life with make you a fruitful and sanctified Christian.

God bless you.

Pastor Jeff.

May 13, 2017

Greeting in Jesus, for he is the Lamb of God the author and finisher of our faith.

A couple of things to cover with everyone. First, as of May 12th 2017 I have retired from my secular job with Securitas (Denso site) I will be devoting my time to the church field. It is what I believe the Lord has lead me to do. I spent ten years there and met many wonderful people, I had the opportunity to spread the word and lift up those Christians that worked there. So be in prayer for us as we go forward and look at beginning some new programs for the summer.

Second, this last month Satan has worked overtime in his attempt and I mean his attempt to have us become down trodden and discouraged praise the Lord we shall overcome, because "greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. Storms at the latter part of April have taken a toll on the Little River and Lost Cane Community, much flooded fields and washed out crops. The Church was hit pretty hard with roof damage and water damage to the inside of the sanctuary. We also had lightning or a power serge to take out the sound system, the fellowship hall stove as well as all of the heating and air conditioning units at the church as well as the parsonage. I say to all the members at Little River Baptist Church to keep on praying, reading your bibles and being out in the community witnessing because we want to aggravate ole Satan by not giving in or giving up. God bless you one and all

Pastor Jeff

April 14, 2017

Greetings in Christ, we give God and Jesus Christ Glory and Praise.

April has sprung into action here at Lost Cain and Little River. Little River Missionary Baptist Church is seeing the greenness of new life beginning to bud like the grass and flower that come forth in the spring. God is using his earthen vessels here at Little River Missionary Baptist Church to pour out the living word of God and we are excited. We are wrapping up the study of Daniel and through that we have taken some great key points from the book to help guide us in our daily walk as well as waiting and watching for Christ's return.

I truly think learning about Daniel's integrity has helped us as we prepared for revival which started way before the schedule date of April 12-16. By prayer and obedience we have allowed God to use us to reach out to those that need the word of God in our community. He has used this to stir the embers of our hearts to allow the Holy Spirit to move during our revival and worship services; having people to come forward seeking salvation, dedication, rededication as well as church membership.

We have been praying for workers and God is sending the later rains on Little River Missionary Baptist Church. Does it sound like I am bragging on Little River Baptist Church? (Without out Christ we could do nothing) No, I am giving Jesus the glory and praise and lifting up those who are being obedient to the Lord and through that we are seeing the work of the Lord prosper.

If you want to see Prayer at work, just talk to some of the Christians at Little River Missionary Baptist Church. The list of prayer praise is as long if not longer that the list of prayer request, why? Because God answers prayers and those who believe in prayer do not cease to pray. I Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks. It works folks.

Revival is going great just as God has planned it. We are at the halfway, (scheduled) mark but I will say I do not think that revival is going to end Sunday the 16th I think that it is just the beginning. God rewards obedience, blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God. As I was preaching Thursday evening, on this verse it not only means to see God when we enter into heaven but we can see his presence and blessings in our lives as well. We draw near to him and he will draw near to us.

I will try and give you'll more update on the revival next week also we will be having a baptismal service on April 23, 2017 evening service.

God bless till we speak again, and please attend church this weekend somewhere. If you do not have a home church, come visit us at 1208 N. cr. 309 Manila Arkansas.

Let me give you our Special service time for this Easter Service.

Sunrise Service 6:00 a.m.

Sunday Easter Worship Service 10:00 a.m.

We will dismiss Sunday School that morning so that visiting families will have a little more time to spend with each other.

God Bless and Happy Easter

Pastor Jeff

March 27, 2017

Praise the Lord, we serve an awesome God.

Galatians 6:9 KJV And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

March is Marching through Little River, and Lost Cane community. What a blessed month the Lord has given us.

We spent Saturday in fellowship and cleaning day at the church. The weather was not the greatest with the wind, thunder, lightning and rain but those who were able to get out accomplished much.

Jessica and I have started putting the pastor's study back in order after many years of it setting by itself. I really think that the Lord will use this little corner of my world to grow me and teach me many things. I really can't wait to get into the study and start work.

I will say the desk, is a good sturdy desk. It is one that I think was pushed over the side of the ark because it was too heavy. LOL Seriously though many of pastor's have sat behind that desk and studied the Word of God, and I feel honored to be able to spend some very special quiet time with the Lord in his word.

Jessica ordered some fabric to redo a chair and small couch for the study and she is doing a wonderful job. It should be done by this Tuesday, also she has some fabric for the study's curtians it was either butterflies and hearts or wild birds. I chose the wild birds and Camo......lol.

Sunday service the Lord moved with a peaceful and blessed spirit. We had 8 visitors and 25 total present. We had one to come forward with a profession of faith and wanting to follow in scriptual baptism to join Little River Missionary Baptist Church. Praise the Lord, revival has begun and we are feeling the spirit move. There are others that God is dealing with and we are just lifting each other up in prayer. We ask for your prayers also so that God's work will be done in our community, let us start revival within our own heart.

God bless

Pastor Jeff.

March 13, 2017

Greetings in Christ

March is here and came in with a bang, Lost Cain and Little River was hit with howling wind, blowing rain, thunder and lightning. We were without electricity from March 1st till 4pm March 3rd. Then as the storms blew through the sun came out and warmed up so that services were not canceled because of the weather. Then Saturday March 10th we saw snowflakes as big as goose eggs, but by the time service was over Sunday morning it was gone and once again we were blessed with Heavenly Sunshine.

We have been blessed in the last few months with many visitors and hope they continue to come worship with us. We are looking for a good turnout for revival this April 12-16 starting at 7pm; my prayer is that we see a homecoming of those who may have left the church and a harvest of those who are seeking Jesus. We are setting our sites on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to do the Lord will here in the community.

Let me say this, if you are a member of a church that believes in prayer and I mean truly believes in prayer you will see things happen. You will see the love of those who know that bearing one another's burdens is not a heavy thing to do, if you do it in the love of Christ. You will feel the power of prayer and edification within the church family. I am very blessed to be the pastor of a church who believes in lifting up their pastor and his family in prayer. I thank God for them daily.

We are having a good time with the Tuesday night Bible study at the parsonage, we are using this time to answer question that new members and new Christian may have. We are also doing a study on the life and times of the Messiah. We start a 7PM and would love to have you come visit our home and share in the word and fellowship with us.

Please be in prayer as Jessica and I are preparing to go to the National BMA convention in Arlington Texas In May. It is a long trip but as the pastor I believe that it is very important that Little River Missionary Baptist Church be represented and their vote be counted. This year there are things on the agenda that we need to take action on. With the direction that country is going, we as a church need to stand and be counted.

It is a shame to see that many of our sister churches do not feel this way, they over the years have fallen away from attending these meetings. From the local to state and National levels it is important to be involved, it is a time to show our support for our Association.

Friends we can gain knowledge and wisdom from our brothers and sisters in Christ at these meetings. It is a time to hear the word preached. It is time to listen to a testimony that may edify you. We need the fellowship of our other church families, these meetings are a place where we come together with all things in common....hum doesn't that sound familar, I think it was somewhere in ACTS the early church was doing this. The Lord may have placed someone in these meeting to give you words of encouragement with issues that maybe are bothering you or maybe your church is going through a problem in which they could be of help. You may never know the blessing you can receive if you do not attend.

Let us continue to lift each other up in prayer and continue to give God the glory.

But he who glories, let him glory in the Lord. For not he who commends himself is approved
but whom the Lord commends. II Corinthians 10:17-18

God Bless

Pastor Jeff.

February 14, 2017

Greetings in Christ

This past weekend we held our monthly fellowship meal, this month we did something a little different. We honored one of our wonderful couples who have served the Lord for many years at Little River and also raised a wonderful family over the sixty plus years they have been married. We the members of Little River Missionary Baptist Church proclaimed Brother Jimmy and Sister Bernell Baugher "Forever Sweethearts". I can truly say that they were very surprised and we were able to keep it a secret until the presentation. Even as the evening service began and some of their children came in, they were unaware. It was truly a blessing as pastor to recognize them before the church.

Sister Bernell touched my heart, for the words that she shared were from a true servant of God, "While we thank you all, we want to thank Jesus for coming into our hearts."

Sister Amber Veach and Brother Tyler Veach two of our youth acted as ushers and escorted our guest of honor to their table in the fellowship hall and served them. God bless and thank you Amber and Tyler.

We also had three first time visitors that evening as well from Osceola. We shared the word of God and had great fellowship with them.

I tried to finish up from the morning sermon, having a heart for Jesus which was taken from Chapter 5 of Song of Solomon. As we looked at the sleeping bride in the morning service, we were to look at the seeking bride that evening picking up verses 6 to the end of the chapter, when about 20 minutes into the message, as the spirit was moving and I was moving from point to point then it hit me.....I was in Chapter 2 instead of chapter 5. I was looking for the watchman and he wasn't there. It just goes to show when the Lord want's his word preached it comes without hesitation. We finish up with the point of He being ours and we being his.

Before I close please keep us in prayer for our upcoming revival, we should be setting a date at this month's business meeting.

We had 25 in attendance Sunday morning praise the Lord, with 4 new visitors. We had 31 in attendance Sunday evening Praise the Lord for Brother and Sister Baugher's children and 3 new visitors that came to worship with us. Total of 7 first time visitors.

God bless,

Pastor Jeff

January 25, 2017

Greetings in Christ:

Even though our attendance was down some Sunday, do to sickness and the weather, we had two wonderful services. God is preparing his people at Little River for revival and working in the hearts of those in our community.

Folks if you want to see God move then dedicate yourselves to prayer ...prayer.....prayer. Our God is good all the time. He works to move obstacles in our life, now listen to what I just said.....he works to move, not to remove them. He will always provide a way for you to come through. He will bring us through the trials and tribulations that we think we can't walk through.

Jessica and I will be starting up the cottage bible study in February on Tuesday night beginning at 7pm. We want to make this a casual atmosphere where we can study, grow and fellowship together as we look at Gods word and the world around us. This open to anyone that wishes to attend, growing in the Lord is a blessing to the individual and to those around them.

Praise God for the love and true commitment that Miranda is showing, God bless you sister. Sunday night was special as we observed her following Christ in Baptism.

March will be coming up soon. How many of you all remember as children flying kites? We are in the process of putting together for the month of March a Weekend Flyers group called KITES FOR CHRIST. It will be open to children of all ages 0-101 or objective is to teach about Jesus, have fellowship with our youth and spread the Gospel. We will be setting up a work shop on Thursday evening during the month of March where we can come together and build kites. Then on Saturday mornings we will gather to fly them. Some of the kites will contain scripture, others biblical drawings whatever idea you can come up with to share the word of God with others. Keep us in prayer as we minister to the youth of our community.

We invite you to join us in our Wednesday night bible study of Daniel. We are in Chapter 7, we are finding that to really get into the meat of the word we are going a little slower than expected but that is alright. There is a lot of good stuff found in Daniel.

Blessing to all

God bless you

Pastor Jeff

January 16, 2017

Greetings in Christ,

I was going to wait until Thursday to post a letter from the Pastor's desk but with excitement I decided to write an update today.

Sunday January 15th 2017 we had a great beginning to our service with Brother Randy Veach opening our Sunday school hour with an introduction dealing with the wheat and tares. God was moving, in a great way maybe not as the rushing wind but the small still voice. I will confess most of the time, unless I have to bring the Sunday school lesson will not study it.....Before you say shame on you preacher, there is a reason. I do not want anyone to think that I take my sermons to parallel with the Sunday school lessons. There have been many of mornings that I have had a sermon ready and it changes because the Lord leads me to do so, I depend on him to give me the message.

This weekend was no different; all week long I had been planning to speak on Jonah's pity party. I had studied and drawn out my outline. Then Saturday morning from out of nowhere the scriptures of Matthew 7: 21-24 and Matthew 25:31-41 came to me. The Lord convicted me that we as preachers and pastors across our great land have pushed aside and slacked off preaching on Hell. So with the Lord's guidance that was Sunday's sermon "Yes there is a Hell!" It is time for us as churches, Christians, laypersons, preachers, evangelist and teachers to get serious about this place called hell. Two things are going to happen, either we are going to die or Christ will return we must be ready. Christian you are ready but there are many who are not; you need to know about this place called hell to be able to lead someone to the Lord so they can escape an eternity of torment. LOST person, you need to know about this place so that you can give your heart to Christ and become one of his to escape total separation from God. It is time for us to preach about hell!

At our business meeting last night, there was a spiritual movement. God has led us at Little River to prepare for Revival, Amen and Amen. It was felt by all that God's is preparing us for a great work. Little River Baptist Church family let us continue in fervent prayer as we prepare. Friends, neighbors, brothers and sisters in Christ please lift us up in prayer as God guides us through a spiritual revival here at Little River.

One thing to remember about revival, you can't just set a date for revival once a year, twice a year; God has to send it and I believe with all my heart he has here at Little River Missionary Baptist Church.

God Bless

Pastor Jeff.

January 12, 2017

God's blessings to everyone;

It is the first part of the year and we can sure say that we have seen a little bit of every kind of weather one could think of; from thunder, lightning, rain, wind to below freezing temps and snow. Welcome to Lost Cane...LOL. The greatest news in all this is, God still reigns and Christ is still Lord and Saviour.

We started this month of January and the New Year out by holding Sunday afternoon worship service in Manila at the nursing home. We had a blessed time; the residents do enjoy the singing and hearing the word of God. They enjoy staying afterward and talking, I find the smiles on their faces are edification to me. The passage of scripture Philippians 2:1-4 comes to mind, that we should lift up and think of others better than ourselves.

In our service to the Lord let us not be seeking self-gratification or man's praise, but as the King of Glory came down from heaven and humbly took on the role as servant to do his Father's will; let us understand and know that we are nothing without his grace.

We are to bear one another's burdens; as we walked into the nursing home and the eyes of the residents saw us coming to visit their faces changed, a smile of joy seem to overcome the distant faraway look. And for the time that we were there, we lifted their burdens and gave them comfort. Yes we took on their burdens, for the feeling we shared after leaving reminded us we should serve and edify others. Maybe it also took our hearts back to a time and a place where we felt alone and lost, thinking no one cared. Then our Saviour came and lifted our burdens as we accepted him into our hearts, it was his servanthood and willingness to go to the cross that allows us to sit in heavenly places. Praise God Praise God.

Keep Little River Missionary Baptist Church in your prayers, God is continuing to do great things here. We are gearing up to start Cottage bible studies beginning in February. If you do not have a home church or you would like to be involved with the Cottage bible studies please contact us. We plan to have them on Tuesday or Thursday evenings, I will post more as we have all the plans in place.

Busy month for us, business meeting, baptism services, soup fellowship and the 29th we will be observing the Lord's supper.

God bless

Pastor Jeff.

December 26, 2016

Well the end of the year is winding down and God is blessing us at Little River Missionary Baptist Church. May he receive the glory and praise.

Yesterday the 25th we held Special services for our Christmas worship, God moved in a mighty way. We had one to come forward to make public her profession of faith in Jesus. She had come and accepted him in our Wednesday night bible study on the 21st, but wanted to come before the church for baptism and church membership as well. God bless her.

We also had about 30 guest and visitors.

Brother Tyler Veach blessed us with a solo and the reading of the Christmas story from Luke's Gospel chapter 2.

Sister Christi Dillon, sang and blessed us with a beautiful song called Only one King became a baby. ( I think David Phelps wrote the song).

Sister Ambrett Veach touched our hearts with a solo on the Saxiphone.

Our song leader Sister Thelma Veach, brought us a beautiful message in the song Born to die by Barbara Mandrell.

Yours truly attempted Oh little town of Bethleham on the fiddle, Now let me say*******Christmas songs are hard because we only play them maybe 2 to 3 weeks out of the year. I settled for Silent night. I will be practicing more this year and be ready Next Christmas. LOL

We as a church observed the Gifts for Christ tradition. Little River Baptist Church has for many years, instead of taking a morning offering, each family came together and placed their gift in a box that will be used as God leads. May the Lord bless all those who gave, may he lead us someone that it can be used to met their phycial needs and draw them to Jesus for their spiritual needs. Amen and Amen.

Jessica and I made up some small paper sacks with the bible verse Luke 2:11, that we call an old fashion Christmas. Growing up, my brother and I would always receive a brown paper sack with an apple, orange, mixed nuts and a few candy canes in the sack when we would go visit our grandmothers and grandfathers. My dad and mom told us that was what they and most kids received during the depression times and when they were growing up. We gave out almost twenty sacks to the kids in Christmas service.

I brought a Devotion or short sermon on God's perfect Christmas tree and gave an invitation. Hearts were moved and spirits were stirred as we had one to come forward.

Sister Baugher dismissed us with an uplifting and wonderful prayer that brought tears to many eyes.

Lord we just praise and thank you for another Christmas, may we celebrate your birth everyday until you return as the reigning King never to be harmed by human hands again. Thank for the Cross, and your willingness to take our sins upon you to be our sacrifice for sin. Thank you Jesus.

God bless each and everyone; God is moving at Little River and we have decided not to sit still but to move with him, here am I Lord send us to your fields of harvest.

Pastor Jeff.

November 28,2016

Greetings and Peace in Jesus Christ our Lord;

This week has been a busy week but a blessed week; I just wanted to post an update from over the weekend. God is blessing and moving at Little River. I am glad to report that we have three new families worshiping with us and we praise God for that, I pray that we shall be an uplifting for them as they seek the Lord's will in their lives.

Also we had one to come forward in Sunday evening's service for rededication, and Church membership through believers Baptism. That makes me want to shout, and I do. We are just giving God the glory for his work and movement at Little River.

Be in constant prayer for us, we are trusting and moving forward with the Lord's guidance.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Those things we do through Christ are the things that strengthens our Christian character, our Christian witness, our Christian walk and our Christian growth.

God bless each and every one of you.

Love in Christ.

Pastor Jeff

Greatings in Christ and Welcome. November 22, 2016

Just a few lines to let you know that Jesus our Lord is blessing Little River and lost Cane area. We had our first lock in at the church since the Lord called us here, my heart was much blessed. We had a total of 14 youth. They all had a great time and learned of the Love of Christ. We spoke about the great commission that our Saviour gave to us as his children. To go out and proclaim the Gospel and bring other into the saving grace of Jesus Christ. I believe we shall see the harvest in the eyes of the young.

We also had our Harvest fellowship meal this weekend. I think I can speak for the men of the church, "Ladies you did great!" everything looked and tasted wonderful. The fellowship was so uplifting. Many family members were there with loved ones and I know they felt the love of our little community. It is Good to come home every so often, of course we would love to have you here every day.

God bless each and every one over the Thanksgiving holiday. To our new visitors we love you in Christ and want you to worship and grow in the Lord with us.

Pastor Jeff.

Greatings in Christ and Welcome. November 16, 2016

Well fall is here and it looks to be a typical Arkansas Delta style season. We turn the heat on at night and the AC on during the day. The farmers are winding up and getting things ready for the winter slow down.

Jessica and I are going on our second month of being on the field and God is blessing in a great way. We are seeing visitors, Wednesday night prayer service is back and growing. Also the one thing I see here is the Love our little church family puts forward. The love for not only the church but it's community and surrounding neighbors.

As a pastor it makes my heart glad to see a church family that shows it's love and not just talk about it. The excitement I see each Sunday and Wednesday is uplifting, the testimonies we hear, and the dedication. God bless each and everyone.

On My personal prayer list, a special prayer is "Lord send us workers, those who want to get involved and be the oars to move the ship Zion on its journy. I stand fast and strong that God is going to answer that prayer. In fact he already is. God bless those with a missionary mind.

I hope to udate you on the "Youth lock in", coming this Friday November 18th, Which by the way is Little River's birthday founded in 1928 wouldn't it be great for us to see many young people give their heart to the Lord Friday night, then their rebirth day could be shared with Little River Baptist Church's birthday....88 years and still winning souls.

God bless you and hope to send you all another letter soon.

We support or church and community here at Lost Cane and little River. There is a lot of history in this little area, it would do your heart good to take a little trip and visit.

God bless and hope to see and hear from you soon.

Pastor Jeff.

The Town Crier

New pastor at Little River Missionary Baptist Church Tuesday, October 18, 2016
By REVIS BLAYLOCK

Jeff Knowlton is the new pastor at Little River Missionary Baptist Church, 1208 North County Road 309, Manila. He and his wife, Jessica, have moved into the parsonage and are enjoying living in the country. They have been serving at Little River Church since Sept. 11.

Brother Knowlton, a native of Manila, is a member of the Manila High School Class of 1981. He served as a minister in the area from 1984 until 1991. He went west living in Wyoming until returning to Northeast Arkansas in 2005.

"I see a wonderful road ahead of us," Brother Knowlton said. "We are starting up some new outreach programs for the community and resuming midweek services. We are taking great care in developing some good programs for our youth. This year Little River Baptist Church will celebrate its 88th birthday. It has been a beacon shining in the community for a mighty long time. God has a plan and purpose for us and we are committed to take that torch and carry it forward as we journey to Little River Baptist Church's 100th birthday. Matthew 5:14 says, "Ye are the light of the world A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." I truly believe that hill is Calvary, and I believe Little River Baptist Church is founded on that hill, and we want to continue to let our light so shine."

Brother Knowlton said they are gearing up for the study of the book of Daniel starting Oct. 19 on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. He and the members invite everyone to come by and visit.

"Jessica and I try to have a pot of beans on the stove and cornbread in the oven, so drop by and visit," Knowton said. "God loves you and so do we."

Sunday service times are: Sunday School, 10 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m.; and evening service, 5 p.m.