August 2019
by Steven Lee I didn’t attend an Ivy League school. I was not a cum laude graduate. I’m not a founder, innovator, CEO, or visionary of any company. I sit on no boards. I am the trustee of nothing more than my personal belongings. I have received no honorary doctorates. I have not been named most influential, listed as most attractive, or voted most likely to succeed. I am not a rising star in any field, industry, or arena. I have not written a New York Times Bestseller, and no one has publicly endorsed, recommended, or vouched for me. I don’t have any letters after my name. I can’t charge an exorbitant hourly fee for my time. I don’t speak on any circuits, have given no TED talks, and have been the keynote speaker less than
once. No buildings, streets, or hospitals have been named in honor of me. I have an unimpressive family background and do not come from a long line of important people. And that is okay. Really, it’s just fine. Why? Because God is utterly unimpressed by my résumé. God scoffs at any attempt by me or you to prove our worthiness. Our accomplishments do not justify our existence. Our accolades cannot merit us any greatness. God is unimpressed by our collection of readers, likes, retweets,
friends, connections, or admirers. Don’t drink your own cool-aid. We Are Grass The very first verse my daughter ever memorized was Isaiah 40:8, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” It seemed like an odd one to begin with, but now in retrospect it might have been the best one. “God will use your weakness and obscurity for his glory.” We need to be reminded again and
“God will use your weakness and obscurity for His Glory.”
Encouragement Unaware
Introducing Milo the AmbassaDOG
The Marriage Mission
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by Christy Boals
by Tim Cole
again that we are like grass — disposable, temporary, fleeting, momentary. We are here and gone again. We have one life to use, and the usefulness of that one life depends not on our résumé or even how much we know. The Failure of the Wisest Man Ever Compared to you or me, King Solomon had it all — wisdom, wealth, fame, power. Solomon was given a mind like no one before and like none even after him (1 Kings 3:12). He was a brilliant poet, a skillful songwriter, a genius botanist, and a first-class biologist. And he was an exalted and successful king. Solomon was DaVinci, Einstein, Bach, Jordan,
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INSPIRATION How to Pray? by April James Pray? Yes… I believe that as long as there is breath and life there is a plan and purpose. We heard the Oncologist report, did not dismiss it, however - wanted to also look for the Lord’s report. My friend Tammy adds a perspective “did God say he had 5-6 months? God is the one who determines when his children enter this world, He number their days. He is the one who determines when they will be with him on the other side of the physical world. It may be five months or five years, each day is to be lived in Him and He will be there for each day.” Most of us have heard stories of individuals given a year to live and passed away in one year, some given a few months then in a couple of weeks breathed their last, yet others given two months were still doing well two years later. I appreciate doctors and happen to have a wonderful personal physician who is a believer. I value the wisdom God has given doctors; I respect what they do and how they try within their abilities to help. I am also of the mindset if I am going to follow man’s instructions to take
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a prescription three times a day – I should also be praying three times a day to the Great Physician for healing; who knows perhaps the situation we face is the perfect set up for a miracle. The question is how to pray, a broad and varied territory. Praying in great faith has not always been easy, when my faith and belief lacks confidence I pray as the father did in Mark 9:24 “I do believe, help my unbelief”. We are all given a measure of faith, it grows by exercising it. Pray how we know and watch it grow. Find scriptures to pray that apply to the situation at hand. Sometimes my prayers are simply those of tears but the Lord understands them. Romans 8:26 “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words”. With changing prognosis and passing time it broadened my spectrum of prayers, no longer simply for healing but strength equal to the day, for the plans of the Lord to be fulfilled, peace in the midst of the storm, wisdom in decisions, the ability to show grace, to have an
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Encouragement Unaware by Christy Boals www.gracefilledpurpose.com Early one morning I was in my room trying to wake up, drink enough coffee, and read enough of the Bible to summon my courage for a long day. From the other room I heard my beginning reader lisping out a sign that hangs in my kitchen, “I, can, do, all, things…” Isn't it amazing how creative God is at delivering encouragement to us when we need it? My little reader was just practicing some words she saw, but she sent them right to my heart. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” There are two parts to this. The first is how awesome it is that God brings us encouragement right when we need it. This encouragement can come from just about anywhere if we are paying attention. The second part is God can and does use us to bring encouragement to others, even if sometimes we are unaware of it.
An example of this is when I was sitting in a waiting room, feeling somewhat anxious for my daughter who was undergoing some tests. From behind me I heard someone sweetly singing Sunday school songs to her little boy. This woman probably thought she was just keeping her son entertained as they waited their turn, never dreaming as she sang how deep and wide God's love is, that she was ministering to my anxious mommy heart. My challenge and prayer for us this month is to keep our hearts and eyes open for God's encouragement to us. Also, that we would continue to live in such a way that God can use us to encourage others, even if we are unaware of it. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” I Thessalonians 5:11
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
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••• The Want of God ••• by Paula McBride The aging missionary sat before me in his wheelchair, though his body was weak and his mind skipped circuits every once in a while, his face was radiant with remembered accounts of his service in the Belgian Congo. I was enthralled as he told of ongoing battles to save his home from driver ants or termites. He told of preparing for the one day a year tall grasses could be burned off. Another story told of the day his middle daughter was born. Her nurse was delayed because a cobra blocked her path. On another trip to the hospital, his car hit a cow and stalled on top of it. In addition to getting the car on the road again, the owner had to be found and paid. Very exciting was an evacuation to Uganda due to the Simba rebellion. There were military checkpoints that were concerning the refugees, but God miraculously had them follow curious Volkswagen tire tracks that led them to safety without encountering a single checkpoint. These stories entertained me, but one story took hold in my heart. As Al Miller spoke of ministering to the people in their language, he recounted that they had no word for love. The closest word that translated is the word “want”. In a gloriously resonant voice, Al began to quote John 3:16 in English, substituting the word “want” for the word familiar to
INSPIRATION San Francisco Bans Official Travel to Pro-Life States by Michael Foust ChristianHeadlines.com Contributor
us. “For God so WANTED the world,” he intoned, “that He gave His only begotten Son.” I was transported as we discussed the nuance of a love that wants us. God wants us! God wants me! How casual I become toward the love of God because the term is so familiar. May it not be so! How do we know God wants us? The closest I come to relating to this want is in considering my son and daughter. I want them because they are part of me. Part of my image is in them. I want them and I love them. In the same way, we are created in God’s image and His Spirit lives in us. We are wanted by creation, even though we didn’t want Him. Look what happens if we substitute ‘want’ for love in I John 4:10: “This is want: not that we wanted God, but that He WANTED us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice
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San Francisco employees on official business won’t be permitted to travel to states with restrictive abortion laws under a new law passed Tuesday. The city’s 11-member board of supervisors voted to ban city-funded travel to states with such laws, Courthouse News reported. It also prohibits the city from contracting with companies headquartered in states with restrictive abortion laws. “It will expand the existing ordinance to states that have waged war on our constitutionally protected right to an abortion,” San Francisco Supervisor Vallie Brown said. It passed unanimously. “Let’s put our money where our mouth is,” Brown said. Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi and Ohio are among the states that have passed strong pro-life laws this year. “As we’re seeing this moving forward, I’ve felt like we should be pushing something that makes a difference,” Brown previously told San Francisco Weekly. “We feel protected, but when the health of women across
the country are in jeopardy, us women in San Francisco need to stand up and say, ‘No.’” The city already had a law prohibiting official travel to states it says discriminate against LGBT individuals. Ten states are currently on that list: Alabama, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee and Texas, according to Courthouse News. “States that are having these horrific bans, I’d like to see them hurt financially,” Brown said. “That is a universal language of economic health. If they’re going to put women in a situation that could hurt their economic health – like having children when they’re not ready – then we should hurt their economic health as a state.” Planned Parenthood of Northern California supported the new law, according to San Francisco Weekly. “It’s a really tough battle, and until the next election in 2020, it’ll continue to be,” Brown told the publication. “It’s terrifying and I’m worried we’re going to keep going back. Are we going to have our right to vote taken away next? I see them just tearing apart our rights in the next year. We need to stop them now, before they completely shred them.”
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SUNDAY
WEDNESDAY
AWANA CLUB - Sundays 5:30-7:00 pm. Check in is at 5:15 pm. Grace Baptist Church - 1980 S. Walton Ave. (Bogue & Walton) Awana is an amazing children’s program for ages 3-grade 6. Our club runs from September to May. Come join anytime. Kids memorize Scripture, play games and learn lots! Call 530673-6847 for information. CELEBRATE RECOVERY - Sundays 6:00 p.m.-8:30p.m Sutter Community Church, 2900 Acacia Ave, Sutter We are a Christ-Centered recovery group that provides a safe place to share your struggles experiences, victories, and hopes with others who are also going through to a Christ Centered recovery. For more info call 530.632.4166 LIVING WATER CHRIST BASED 12 STEPS - Sundays 6-7:30pm The Bride Church -1321 Peach Tree Ln, YC We use a Christ-centered workbook (provided for free), which walks us through the problem and solution. For info call 530-300-6751. ROAD TO RECOVERY - Sundays 7:00pm Crossroads Community Church - 445 B St, Yuba City A Christian support group for anyone who has been involved in drug or alcohol addiction.
HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS - Wednesdays at 10:15am FUMC – YC, 3101 Colusa Hwy, Yuba City This class offers a comparative study for Matthew, Mark, Luke and John’s Gospel accounts. Categorized by subjects, this study also offers side-by-side review of what each apostle recorded in each of the four Gospels AWANA - Wednesday 5:45-7:45 p.m. during school year Evangelical Free Church - 3785 Olive Hwy. Oroville Awana is a boys & girls club consisting of small group time, games, large group time. For information please call 533-6866. GRIEF SHARE Wed 6:00pm at Crossroads Community Church - 445 B St, Yuba City For those dealing with loss of a loved one. For more info call 530-632-7087 TAKING AIM AT DOCTRINE - Wednesday 6:30 – 7:30pm Gateway Calvary Chapel, 808 8th St., Marysville An in-depth comprehensive look at the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith. This class meets at 6:30 every Wednesday night at Gateway Calvary Chapel.
MONDAY KNIT & CROCHET WOMENS FELLOWSHIP - Mondays 10:00 a.m. - Noon First Baptist Church - 1777 8th Ave. - Olivehurst Practice your yarn craft or learn a new one with us. Knifty Knitters are welcome. Bring your own project or work on a charity item that we donate to those in need in the community. Email yarncraftersforchrist@hotmail.com for info. FOUNDATIONS - Mondays at 5:30pm FUMC – YC, 3101 Colusa Hwy, Yuba City You are invited to invest in your spiritual walk as we explore the necessity of prayer, witnessing to others, the meaning of discipleship, who we are as Methodists, and membership at First United Methodist Church.
TUESDAY CHRISTIAN BUSINESS ALLIANCE - First Tuesday of Every Month, Noon - 1:00 p.m. The Bride Church - 1321 Peach Tree Ln, YC Join us for a time of fellowship, prayer & encouragement. All are welcome! FREE KARATE CLASSES Tuesday 6:00 pm - FREE karate classes taught from a Christian perspective. First Baptist Church - 1777 8th Ave. - Olivehurst, 530-701-5131 for info, Pastor Miguel. CRAFTSMEN FOR CHRIST Meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The Bride Church - 1321 Peach Tree Lane, YC Men’s fellowship around the word and worship. All in the Body of Christ welcome! SAMARITAN VILLAGE MONTHLY MEETING - 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30p.m. This meeting is open to all who are interested in helping with an orphanage in Tanzania. For info call Victor Savage at 671-2219. FRIENDS FOR SURVIVAL SUICIDE LOSS SUPPORT GROUP 4th Tuesday of the month, 6:30 PM - 715 King Ave., (off Clark Ave.) Yuba City_ Support for people who lost loved ones to suicide. Contact person, Becky Reimers (530) 454-7698, ffs.ysc@gmail.com PRAYER FOR THE NATION - 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7:00pm Embassy of Heaven Campus - Church of Glad Tidings- Bldg 200 1179 Eager Road, Yuba City Info: Stephanie Steele 530-870-6906 www.churchofgladtidings.com Join us as we intercede for our region and our nation
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THURSDAY HEALING STEPS WITH JESUS - Thursday at 6pm FUMC – YC, 3101 Colusa Hwy, Yuba City A Christ-centered program with foundations firmly established in Biblical truth. The 12 steps with accompanying Scriptures and the 8 principles based on the Beatitudes offer participants a clear path of salvation and discipleship This program addresses all types of habits and hurts, not just recovery from alcohol and/or drug issues. EHOP PRAYER - Thursday 7:00pm Embassy of Heaven Campus - Bldg 200 - 1179 Eager Road, YC Info: 530-671-3160 - www.churchofgladtidings.com “My house shall be called a house of prayer.” (Matt. 21:13). The church today is in an all-out war against the evils of darkness. The body of Christ is called to step up and be aggressive in their prayer life. SONS OF NORWAY, SNOWSHOE THOMPSON LODGE Faith Lutheran Church – 1000 D St., Marysville 2nd Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. for April, Sept, & Oct Sons of Norway, Snowshoe Thompson Lodge, is a group of individuals dedicated to promoting and preserving Norwegian heritage and culture through fun family-friendly programs and acts of service. To learn more, visit https://www.facebook.com/snowshoe.thompson.7 TUESDAY
FRIDAY
CELEBRATE RECOVERY - Friday Nights, 7:00 - 8:30pm Church of Glad Tidings -1179 Eager Rd., Yuba City - (530) 671-3160 Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-center, 12 step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind. Celebrate Recovery is a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that are controlling our life.
SATURDAY BETHESDA HEALING WELL - August 17th (3rd Saturday of the Month) Embassy of Heaven Campus - Bldg 200 - 1179 Eager Road, YC You are invited to come and receive special prayer for divine healing or prophetic guidance. Our prayer teams will pray with you for your needs. For more info.,Ed Han 209-298-6102
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Special Events
AGAPE WORSHIP CENTER WOMEN’S RETREAT held at the Springhill Suites in Roseville Sat – Mon. September 5-7, 2019 starting at 4:00pm on Sept. 5 The cost is $130.00 for two nights lodging, all meals, and materials. Please RSVP by August 30, 2019. Send money order to P O Box 2605, Marysville, CA 95901. Contact church at (530)-749-9248. TO TANZANIA WITH LOVE Crossroads Community Church, 445 B Street, YC September 8th; Free Spaghetti dinner begins @ 5:00 with Concert @ 6:00 Benefit for Samaritan Village Orphanage. Wonderful evening featuring recording artist and missionary, Dan McCraw. Free Dinner and Concert. A Love Offering will be taken to benefit the orphans at Samaritan Village Orphanage. 5:00 Dinner 6:00 Concert Movie Night At Crossroads Crossroads Community Church 445 B St. YC Friday, Aug. 23rd -7:00pm Come enjoy a free family friendly movie complete with Popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, and soda. No ticket necessary. Contact church office for more details.
28th Annual “Praise In The Mountains” Aug 31, 1-8pm Western Gateway Park, Penn Valley All Day Family Fun! Food, Concert, Bounce Houses & Hundreds of FREE Prizes. $1000 Grand Prize at 7:30pm. Free admission- 6 Gospel bands (Rock, Country, Jazz, Gospel) including Lisa Daggs, and Machaira. Festival Seating. Bring a lawn chair. Celebration of Heroes Crossroads Community Church, 445 B. St. YC Saturday September 14th, 10:00am – 2:00pm Join us in this free outdoor community event honoring our men and women on a local and national level. We will have displays and demonstrations from local law enforcement and fire departments, military and veteran’s organizations. Our keynote speaker this year is former US Navy SEAL Chad Williams. There will also be a free Heroes in Training children’s area and free hot dog BBQ.
• Prayer List for August 2019 • 1-Aug 2-Aug 3-Aug 4-Aug 5-Aug 6-Aug 7-Aug 8-Aug 9-Aug 10-Aug 11-Aug 12-Aug 13-Aug 14-Aug 15-Aug 16-Aug 17-Aug 18-Aug 19-Aug 20-Aug 21-Aug 22-Aug 23-Aug 24-Aug 25-Aug 26-Aug 27-Aug 28-Aug 29-Aug 30-Aug
Summer heat- pray for safety for those who are outside most of the day (homeless, outside workers, etc) Local city/county leaders Immigration- Pray for the border crisis, the families and the legislators to solve problems Global Persecution-Safety/Courage of Believers Middle East - For the peace of Jerusalem Children's workers, Teachers and others who are entrusted with our children Homeless/Poor - Twin Cities Rescue Mission, A Hand Up, Salvation Army, REST A Woman’s Friend - Unborn children/Pregnant Women Orphan children- Samaritan Village (see p. 3) and other orphanages Sex Trafficking victims Missionaries -Fruit, Provision Addicted, Rehab ministries- Feather River Mens Center, Joshua House, Celebrate Recovery National unity, Race Relations First Responders-Police, Firefighters, EMT, TIP Back to School- pray for students, teachers, and parents adjusting to the new school year Struggling Women- Pray for Lydia's House, Casa Esperanza Singles, Single Parents, Divorce healing, widowed President Trump- God's Wisdom in decisions & communication School aged kids- Pray that they have productive activities this summer Seniors and Elderly The Ambassador Newspaper-Increased readership and Impact State lawmakers- Pray for Assemblyman James Gallagher and others who represent us Local officials and community leaders Teen Depression, Suicide Local Pastors and their families Military, All armed forces & their families. Hollywood- May God to touch influential people Adoptive families & birth moms Christian Businesses-Ambassador Sponsors & others. War-torn nations- pray for peace and protection especially for civilians
Ongoing Events - Multiple days of the week
WOMENS CLOTHES CLOSET Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 8:00 a.m. - Noon Twin Cities Rescue Mission- 940 14th Street, Marysville We now have a womens clothes closet at the mission! It is free and available to everyone. We accept donations Monday - Sunday of women’s men’s, and children’s clothing! CROSSROADS CLOTHES CLOSET Crossroads Community Church, YC Open Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm - Shop at our - FREE Clothes given away!
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INSPIRATION
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- - - Blessed To Be Broken- - by Tara Jenkins When you have faced emotional, physical or sexual abuse in your life the wear and tear on your heart and thoughts can be devastating. While the effects of physical and sexual abuse can leave visible signs, the toll of emotional abuse is equally debilitating without the outward signs of bruising. I recall speaking to a former pastor about what I had been going through (and for any person under control or abuse it’s incredibly difficult to bring it forward) but the response was anything but what I had hoped for. In essence I was told to “ Be more submissive” as if I already was not-and rather than it making my life peaceful, it added fuel to the fire because abusive people hate both strength (to them it’s opposition) and weakness (to them it makes you vulnerable) So, I spent a lot of time in tear stained prayers, embittered frustration, and brokenness. Many years later, I received a thoughtful card from a pastoral friend. Inscribed within were some uplifting scriptures and random thoughts for my good, but it came at a time when my life had hit an all-time low. Unbeknownst to her, my marriage of 20+years was dissolving, and in one fell swoop, I
had faced the loss of my spouse, home, belongings, church position, income, and every small comfort I had ever known. And a few small uplifting words were enough to rekindle my faith and strengthen me in the Lord, while in a very
Sadly, in churches across the world, people are being abused, crushed, and manipulated by people they love, from the pulpit (leaders, ministers, deacons) to the pew. Perhaps we’re not realizing how our
dark place. My identity had become so woven around the abusive words and behaviors that I was emotionally shattered, and this dear friend helped pick up the pieces and show my value in Christ. She truly was a Godsend. These two ministers had vastly different approaches. One chose to ignore and placate my circumstance, while the other helped me overcome and heal.
words and our deeds have a ripple down effect from the home to the church. When Gods people have no accountability for their actions, it’s like walking with a limp when you could be fully healed. Denial makes the sinful behaviors fester and spread injuring everything within reach. Inevitably, Satan intends for them to be your soul killer- as well as your marriage killer, your relationship
killer, and your witness killer. The devil ideally wants it to carry down to your children, and your children’s children to forever destroy the home with turmoil, and to distract from the peace only God can bring. Either way, you’ll have to choose a battlefield. The devil wants you to be defeated, while God wants you to overcome and conquer because in God, you are MORE empowered. In fact, you’re called MORE than a CONQUEROR. Romans 8:37. So instead of going into battle with loved ones, go into battle against the Devil. Keep your responses focused on practicing Philippians 4:8. Everyday, keep your mind on what is True, Honorable, Just, Pure, Lovely, Commendable, Excellent, and Worthy of Praise. As the people of God, we need to stay centered, honest, and humble, seeking Godly friendship and counsel- and allowing God to make the necessary changes that form us into his image. Through these hardships and heartbreaks, I’ve learned the beauty of leaning into trusting the Lord, so that even in the most shattered places I can whole heartedly say, I am Blessed to be Broken.
WILLIAM HOON GARDENING
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CBA MARKETPLACE MONTHLY EXPOSED! Does that word frighten you? I think the answer depends on how you are living your life. Are you the same person in public as you are in private? Too many people are living a double life and live in constant fear that their secrets will soon be exposed. Politicians, actors, entertainers, professional athletes and other notable public figures continually have their “dirty little secrets” exposed in the national media for all to see. However, this also happens to less notable folks like you and me also on a daily basis. Here is what Jesus had to say about this… Luke 12:2 (NIV) There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. So, before I go to my next point, it is never too late to repent and ask God for forgiveness and to deal with any hidden secret sin. Now for the positive aspect of being exposed. The Christian Business Alliance was founded and formed in 1997. God brought to mind a conversation with a friend who was considering becoming a member of CBA at that time and made the following comment. “If I join this organization, (which
meets publicly in the marketplace) then everyone is going to know that I am a Christian.” Our conversation continued so let me clarify and summarize. This person recognized some hypocrisy and knew once his faith was made public, he would have to adhere to a higher standard or be exposed for his duplicitous life. So, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, are you “exposing” Him to your family members, friends and those you interact with in the community? Remember, there should never be any secret agent Christians. I will leave you with this very challenging verse; Matthew 10:32-33 (NIV) Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. One other thought, my personal opinion is keeping silent about our faith is the same as denying Him. Let’s get out there and expose ourselves for Jesus! David Kugelman is the president of the Christian Business Alliance which meets each Tuesday at noon at various locations. Dave welcomes your questions or comments on this article at drkug@ comcast.net
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Attention Christian Business Owners/Managers There are many choices for promoting your business
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Hi, I’m Milo the AmbassaDOG, I am a real comfort to my human “mama” and we love each other very much. My 2-legged parents wanted me to have a column where we asked for pictures of you and maybe even a few sentences about how God uses you in your “parents” lives. Just like the cover story says “God uses even you”. So, please have them send your picture (since we don’t have fingers) whether you’re a dog, cat, horse or any other of God’s creatures and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Have them email high-resolution pictures to editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
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Man Donates Liver to Fellow Church Member He Barely Knew
An Ohio woman has a new lease on life thanks to a priceless gift from a fellow church member she barely knew. When Jason Stechschulte sat down and started reading the bulletin before the Sunday service at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Van Wert, Ohio, he read something that arrested his attention and felt God-calling him to make a life-altering decision, CBN News reports. Stechschulte read that Carole Motycka, a 44-year-old mother with four sons, had stage 4 colorectal cancer and needed a liver transplant to survive. He said, “I just had this feeling come over me that this is going to be me, that I need to do this. I was called to do it. Answering the call was not easy for Stechschulte, who has two pre-teen children of his own. The
41-year-old would have an eight-hour surgery to remove the left lobe of his liver, which comprises about 40 percent of the organ. Another team of Cleveland Clinic surgeons skillfully transplanted the liver into Motycka during a 12-hour procedure that was necessary to save her life. Motycka did not know she was suffering from cancer until she struggled to complete a 17-mile hike with her family. She dealt with severe pain in her back and shoulder during and after the hike, so she went to the hospital the next day. There Motycka learned the shocking news… she had stage 4 colorectal cancer and it had spread to her liver. Motycka underwent chemotherapy and it seemed to stop the spread of the cancer. Then, a doctor with the Cleveland Clinic performed an operation in which she removed the colon and liver cancers. However, her liver was severely damaged
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would like to thank the following people for their Individual Sponsorship Tom Harris Kristen Bird Lucy Campbell April James Charles & Rita Collins Cale & Merlene Judd Donald & Concetta Cotter Sandi Juri LaDonna Curteman Clay Maynard Chuck David John Nicholls Dennis & Connie Gabel Dale & Susan Nieschultz Bob Gilbert Mimi Robarge MaryAgnes Gobel Jeff Royce Rich & Joan Hackney Roberta Spear Allen Halpern Robert E. Stark
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due to a genetic disorder and her health continued to decline. Doctors told Motycka that she had one hope to prolong her life, a liver transplant. Not wanting to be one of the 3,000 people a year who die while waiting on a liver transplant, she sought a living donor who would be willing to help her. When Motycka, the church’s youth director, placed a notice in the bulletin, Stechschulte did not hesitate to help. He said that he remained composed throughout the time leading up to the lengthy surgery. He said, “I was really calm throughout. I wasn’t worried or nervous. Everybody was really
professional, really helpful.” He views the surgery in a positive light, noting that his family and the Motyckas have become close through the process. “I gave her a liver, and I received a relationship with Carole and her family in return. That was a pretty good trade off.” Motycka’s health continues to improve and she has lived to see one of her sons graduate college, two begin college, and another graduate high school. She remains grateful to Stechschulte and is thankful for his sacrifice. She said, “I can’t ever do or say, or give enough to thank him for what he gave to me: My new life.”
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THE MARRIAGE MISSION by Tim Cole "Marriage is all about finding the partner of your dreams, a storybook wedding, and living happily ever after." How do you feel about that statement? The fact you're reading this indicates you've already discovered it's not true, though society continues to perpetuate this myth, and most of us go into marriage expecting some variation of it. As we plan the wedding, with its decorations and photo moments, we believe it's all about us and our “little stories”. The Scriptures tell a different story, however. Several passages make it clear that my spouse and I are not the focal point of our marriage. Marriage is about God and His “Great Story”, the ultimate focus of which is the Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:10). As a child of God, every aspect of my life – and especially my marriage – has to be seen in that context. At a practical level, this means we may be in for some big surprises… Like Jacob, who thought he'd married the girl of his dreams only to wake up the next morning with her homely older sister. He then spent the rest of his married life in a never-ending rivalry between his four jealous wives. Out of that nightmare, however, came Joseph, whose equally
eventful life led to salvation and blessing for many. Out of it also came the 12 patriarchs and the 12 tribes of Israel. Like Esther, the most beautiful woman in the land, chosen to be King Xerxes' trophy bride during the Persian rule of Israel. While some scholars question why a Jewish girl would agree to marry
Our Marriage Mission To Have A Christ-Centered Marriage That Brings Glory To God Through The Way That We Love And The Way That We Live. That We Would Be Servants Of Grace Who Give More Than We’re Given And Forgive Before We’re Forgiven. a Gentile king, the account makes clear that God had orchestrated her marriage "for such a time as this" (Esth. 4:14). It was her marriage and her willingness to put her personal happiness on the line that saved the Jews from genocide at the hands of their enemies. Like Hosea, who was commanded by God to "go take to yourself a wife of harlotry…" (Hos. 1:2). It is not clear whether Hosea's wife Gomer was already a prostitute when he married
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her, or whether he knew she would leave him later to become one. Either way, Hosea had no expectations of a fairytale marriage. He knew from the outset that his marriage was to be a living parable, by which God would speak to the people of his age, calling them to repentance in the midst of their spiritual adultery. For
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that purpose, God specifically led Hosea into a marriage filled with uncertainty and pain. Even today we see marriages God has ordained to fulfill a mission. Consider Jim Elliot, whose marriage to Elizabeth was cut short by martyrdom at the hands of the Waodani Indians. In a sense ,Elizabeth was called to be a widow and yet her gifting as a writer provides a story of dedication and commitment that still inspires us half century later. One of Jim
Elliot's famous lines resonates throughout the Christian world: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." Or consider Sachiko in Aomori, Japan, who felt led to marry a young evangelist named Kazutoshi Mitsuhashi to literally support his ministry. Pastor Mitsuhashi was paralyzed in both legs and one arm. Sachiko, who was a nurse, would pull him to his various preaching points in rural Japan in a cart behind her bicycle. Before elevators became common, she carried him on her back up and down the station stairways when he traveled by train. Their marriage illustrated Jesus' words, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Lk. 9:23). Is your marriage just plain difficult for no explicable reason? You are committed to the Lord and are doing everything in your power to make it work, but it's a constant struggle? Even after years of prayer and effort, the marital bliss you'd hoped for remains elusive? Perhaps God has a special purpose and mission for your marriage. God may intend your marriage to be a living parable of perseverance, unconditional love, and grace. You may or may not come to understand the purpose of your struggle in this life, but you can be sure that it is not in vain.
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Bible Trivia
• • • Money in the Bible • • •
The Christian Business Alliance would like to invite you to our midweek meeting. Rich Fellowship, Powerful Prayer, Refreshing Presence of God! We meet at the Bride Church the first Tuesday of the month from noon – 1pm.
Current members:
Business Members After Hours Notary - Bill Sluder - (530) 777-8667 Caldwell’s Custom Countertops, Inc. - Kathleen Caldwell - (530) 821-5845 David Greenetz Construction - Dave Greenetz - (530) 682-9602 Elite Group - Pat & Doreen Maher - (530) 713-9420 Gaiser Pets - John Gaiser - (530) 751-8155 Hilbers, Inc. - Kurt Hilbers - (530) 673-2947 Holycross Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc - David Holycross - (530) 751-7000 Jeanine L. Tanabe, MD Dermatologist- Jeanine Tanabe - (530) 743-0301 Proforma by Kug - Dave Kugelman - (530) 742-2423 Rejoice Studios - Danny & Shem Lin - (530) 632-0038 Richard’s Tree Service - Fred Cox - (530) 673-7993 Shadd Janitorial Supply - Roger Shadd - (530) 673-0083
Ministry Members A Hand Up Ministry- Ron Brasier - (530) 671-1360 A Woman’s Friend - Kristen Bird - (530) 741-0556 Adventure Church of Yuba City - Greg Mansur - (530) 632-1779 Band Together for Christ - LaDonna Curteman - (530) 933-5960 CaliforniasForLife.org - Wynette Sills - (916) 955-1577 Cornerstone Church - Jason Poling - (530) 674-3087 Operation Christmas Child - Connie & Dennis Gabel - (530) 695-1495 Serving Our Savior - George & Cherie Shaw - (530) 671-3303 The Ambassador Newspaper - Seth Halpern - (530) 933-1385 Twin Cities Rescue Mission - Kevin Carlson - (530) 743-8777
1. What was the value of two sparrows in Jesus day? a. One piece of silver b. One bag of salt c. One mite d. One farthing
6. Who offered Delilah silver to find out the secret of Samson's strength? a. The lords of the Philistines b. The chief priests c. The scribes d. The Amorites
2. A man whose 10,000 talent debt was written off, failed to forgive a debt of a. 5000 talents b. 500 talents c. 50 talents d. 100 pence
7. According to Luke, the price of five sparrows was: a. Ten pence b. Five mites c. One piece of silver d. Two farthings
3. How much was Judas Iscariot given to betray Jesus? a. 20 pieces of silver b. A Talent of gold c. 30 pieces of silver d. 100 pence
8. For how much was Joseph sold to the Ishmeelites? a. 10 pieces of silver b. 20 pieces of silver c. 30 pieces of silver d. 40 pieces of silver
4. The love of money is the root of...? a. Happiness b. All evil c. Many possessions d. Much wealth
9. As Jesus watched, how much money did the poor widow throw into the treasury? a. Five farthings b. Seven mites c. Two mites d. Two pence
5. Who did Jesus send fishing to get money for taxes? a. Matthew b. Peter c. John d. Nicodemus
10. What prophet's sons were greedy, and took bribes? a. Joshua b. Elisha c. Nathan d. Samuel
Answers On Page 17
We build structures and relationships to last.
Individual Members Elaine Briefman David Hobbs JC Carpenter Janet Johnson Rita Collins Bill & Sonja Lindholm Chuck David Clay Maynard Assemblyman James Gallagher Vic Savage John Guth Robert Stark
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Tough Questions For Christianity A series dealing with real questions from real people about God and the Christian faith Rev. Dan Prout Sierra Ministries International #2 How can a loving God send people to Hell? To start, the question itself affirms that there is a God and that God is loving and, therefore, good. Let us make sure we know what we are talking about when we use the word “hell”. Hell is commonly understood to be a place or situation that human beings may experience after death. Human beings do continue to exist after death, according to the Bible. The idea of existence after death is widely held to be true in Western culture due to the influence of JudeoChristian understandings. After death, Heaven is a good place to go to and Hell is a bad place to go to. Simply put, Heaven is where God is and Hell is where God is not. Let’s let it go at that for the moment. “Does God send people to Hell?” is the question at hand. At this point, we need to remember why evil exists. Evil exists because beings with a will and ability to act do bad things. How many human beings fall into that category? Well, it is all of us because all of us have done at least one bad or evil
thing. In fact, the Bible confirms what we all already know, that we each fail far more than just once to make decisions to do good, to be good. To quote the Bible, it says, “All have sinned and fall short of the perfect goodness of God.” Romans 8:28. Since all human beings are already evil by the definition of doing bad, by doing wrong things, we all are headed for Hell. You see the problem here. God loves us but we are doing bad things which are evil. We could do right and good but we have chosen and are choosing to do bad and wrong. We in effect are saying we want to do whatever we want regardless
of what God asks of us. In so doing, we are saying “No” to Good and “Yes” to Evil. If we want to do evil, then we cannot be with God. Here is the point: God is not sending us to Hell. We are choosing it for ourselves! Now here is the amazing part. As we are taking the road to Hell, God is running along the shoulder of the pavement saying, “Stop. Choose Me. I can save you from Hell! Turn around, go back. I can rescue you.” Can you envision Jesus running ahead, standing in the center line waving his outstretched arms trying to get our attention? Some stop but others duck under his arms and keep going the way
they have chosen. Now that is scary. So, does God send people to Hell? Clearly not. God actually is in the saving business not the condemning and punishingt business. Before I conclude this session, let me ask you this simple but profound question: How did you get the idea that God is bad and sends people to Hell? Hopefully, you can now see that this thought is a lie. How is it that you have had in your mind this lie and even believed it to be the truth? Let’s talk about that one another time. Rev. Dan Prout is Sierra Ministries SierraMinistries.org.
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Continued from Page 1: "God Will Use Even You" Augustus, and Shakespeare rolled into one superior man. Yet, Solomon turned away from God (1 Kings 11:4, 9–12). Having all the wisdom in the world didn’t guarantee fidelity. Wisdom didn’t guard him against a wandering heart. Wisdom didn’t ensure obedience. Don’t get me wrong, wisdom is important. If we lack wisdom, we should ask God for it (James 1:5). Wisdom alone, though, is insufficient. It doesn’t matter if you have theology degrees or mothered a dozen healthy, happy children or started several 501(c)3’s to feed the poor and end trafficking. God is unimpressed. Being a creative, innovative or highly effective leader is insufficient. We might make Jim Collins proud, but God yawns at our leadership abilities. We might be a life-hacking, productivity guru. That doesn’t make us anything more in God’s eyes. Our Foolishness, God’s Greatness We need to remember that God uses the foolish. God picks the scrawniest little girl to lead off on his kickball team. God chooses the custodian with a heavy accent to share the gospel and save lives. God uses the overwhelmed and disheveled mother to nurture her children into spiritual giants.
God commissions the invalid retiree to uphold dozens, even hundreds of missionaries on the field. God calls the autistic man to give the most profound articulation of his simple faith. Consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. (1 Corinthians 1:26–29)
“If your résumé is sparse, your skills unimpressive, and your wisdom just average, fret not. God can use even you.” Tweet Share on Facebook If your résumé is sparse, your intellect feeble, your skills unimpressive, and your wisdom just average, fret not. God can use even you — even me. God wants to use those who look away from their selfsufficiency to his all-sufficiency. God uses
all those who humble themselves before the cross, boasting only in him — his strength, his wisdom, his righteousness, his accomplishment. God uses pathetic people for his glorious purposes to show his superior power. Do not begrudge your weakness. Do not lament your insufficiency. Rejoice that Christ is all-sufficient and always dependable. Embrace your weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon you to reveal God’s surpassing greatness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Be encouraged Christian, God intends to use you in all your multifaceted weakness and obscurity for his glory. It’s okay to be a nobody, if in all you do, you serve Somebody. Steven Lee (@5tevenLee) is the lead pastor of the North Campus of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, where he lives with his wife, Stephanie, and their five children. He is a graduate of Bethlehem College & Seminary.
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Con't From Page 4: "How To Pray" understanding heart for what the loved one is going through, to not become bitter or impatient. When at a loss on how to pray there is a powerful but simple prayer Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:10 “‘[Father
let] Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven”. What do you do when the loved one say’s they’re ready to go home – ready to be with Jesus?
Con't From Page 5: "The Want of God" for our sins.” God wants us when we don’t want Him, and we don’t deserve Him. Let’s substitute want for love in Ephesians 2:45: “But because of His great WANT for us, God who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions.” In spite of our rejection of God’s great want, nothing can separate us from it--not death, life, angels, demons, height, depth, nor anything else in all creation. Nothing
can separate us from the WANT of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39). If hearing of God’s love has become commonplace to you, or if you are unmoved by reflecting on the greatest attribute of our Father, please take to heart this little missionary story. A primitive tribe that lacks the word for love in their language has opened up for us a new dimension. God wants us. It’s that simple.
Continued From Page 14: "Bible Trivia" Money in the Bible • Answers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Answer: d. One farthing Answer: d. 100 pence Answer: c. 30 pieces of silver Answer: b. All evil Answer: b. Peter Answer: a. The lords of the Philistines Answer: d. Two farthings Answer: b. 20 pieces of silver Answer: c. Two mites Answer: d. Samuel
Reference: Matthew 10:29 Reference: Matthew 18:28 Reference: Matthew 27:3 Reference: 1 Timothy 6:10 Reference: Matthew 17:24-27 Reference: Judges 16:5 Reference: Luke 12:6 Reference: Genesis 37:28 Reference: Mark 12:41-42 Reference: 1 Samuel 8:1-3
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Finding Freedom in God’s Perfect Peace If you would like to experience the peace and transformed life that God can provide through Jesus Christ and you are willing to commit your life to the only one who can truly set you free from your sin, you can pray to the Lord right now and ask Him to forgive you of your sins. Because of what His Son, Jesus, did by dying on the cross, your sins will not be held against you by God anymore. You can experience freedom for the rest of your life on earth and then have a life in Heaven with God for eternity. God’s part of the deal is already done. Your part is to confess your sins, repent (or change your ways) and believe that He is Lord. If your life is out of control, let Him take over control. For help, questions, or more information, contact us at The Ambassador or any of the churches listed on page 3.
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OP/ED
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PROGRESSIVE FRUIT By Jon Skillman Have you noticed progressives have become more openly closeminded? Recent congressional hearings have shown progressives to be lacking in consideration and compromise but loaded with anger and arrogance. They no longer debate, they demand and demonize those with opposing views with cries of “Racist!” “Fascist!” and any other “ist” they can come up with. Progressives pride themselves in tolerance and diversity yet are intolerant of divergent views. What’s with that? I think maybe the progressives are sensing a resistance to their radical move to the left and are concerned that they may be losing some of the fruits of their labor. What are the fruits of their labor, you may ask? Well, the plum of abortion…on demand…for any reason… and up to the moment of birth (and possibly beyond)…may be plucked by a more conservative court. But I fear the entire crop of legalized perversion, sexual orientation and gender identity, although rotten, has already been consumed. I fear a sickness has come upon our nation. But the progressives are busy planning new crops of marijuana and magic mushrooms. Bon appetite! Well now, progressives in congress are pushing for the passage of the “Equality Act.” The “Equality Act”… doesn’t that sound all warm and fuzzy, righteous and fair? I mean who can argue against equality? But this benign and noble sounding legislation does not bring about equality…it separates us
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further by elevating one group over others. In essence, The Equality Act plugs LGBTQ folks into the 1964 Civil Rights Act, essentially placing them above reproach, while at the same time, inhibiting the freedoms of others. If passed, this bill could force Christians, and other people of faith, to participate in activities that go against their religious beliefs. Christian doctors and medical personnel could be forced to perform and/or assist in gender transition procedures. Christian bakers, florists and wedding venue owners could be forced to participate in same sex marriages or face fines and/ or imprisonment. This bill would, in effect, make living a Christian life an act of discrimination. I’m not a constitutional scholar but the first amendment seems to overrule this act… “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free expression thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech.” This bill would do both. We are in dangerous times. Progressives are willing to use any means to silence decent and achieve total allegiance to their radical dogma. The “Equality Act” has passed the House but probably won’t get through the Senate or across the President’s desk…but it’s only one election away. Christians, it is time for planting… planting the fruits of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22.
Finishing Well If you read the cover story, you can see that God uses us all. The only qualification is a willingness to be used. He will equip you for His purposes. I want to add my thoughts to that article and emphasize the point that God uses the older folks too. The cover story showed that those who seemed underqualified were used by God but so are those who think they have “passed their prime”. A huge number of readers of this publication fall into that category. Many in our churches and a large percentage of those in my home church are in that category as well. We have lived a good many years, perhaps previously active in the Lord’s service and perhaps not. Either way, there is still time for God to use you. Many of the heroes of the Bible thought themselves to be past their prime. Fortunately for all of us, when God called them, they obeyed. Think of Abraham who left his home at 75 and had a child at 100 (remember Sarah was 90!)! Or Moses, who God used to free the people of Israel at the age of 80. There are many more. The point is that there is no maximum age for doing great things for God when He calls you. Many seniors seem to “coast” in the later years, thinking that there is nothing
Seth Halpern - Editor left for them to do. Maybe they think it’s time to pass the torch to the next generation. Certainly, it is important to groom and teach the next generation to take over and lead their peers in the work of the Kingdom. But that doesn’t mean that all there is left is Bingo, Bunco, Potlucks and Trips! There are many needs and ministries open to and looking for the seasoned saints among us. The Gideons ministry is served by many even in their seventies and eighties. It is understandable that health issues and other physical problems brought on by age can slow a person down and add limitations. But I hope you will take the challenge to be used by God (if you are not already). You are needed AND God wants you to “finish well”!
The Ambassador accepts opinions and editorials (op-ed’s) as long as they are well-written and less than 450 words. Op-ed’s will be published purely at the discretion of the editor. If you would like to submit your op-ed, please email it (written in MS Word) to editor@ambassadornewspaper.com. The deadline for submission is the 15th of the month for the next issue.
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