August 2017
By Seth Halpern Editor As in past years, California summers inevitably include Fires, sometimes many fires, huge fires. This year is no different. After the extremely wet winter to moisten the ground from years of draught, I thought we might not see the amount of fire we have seen in our state this summer. I was wrong, very wrong. The Detwiler fire in Mariposa grows as I write these words. Already at nearly 70,000 acres with smoke flowing into Nevada, it is a mere 10% contained. Fires like this one displace entire towns and destroy many of those families’ homes. We pray for Mariposa. Yet, it is not exclusive to that small town. There are currently dozens of fires raging throughout the
James Gallagher Legislative Update
Page 14
state, stretching thin the resources and staff of our heroic firefighters. Closer to home, the Wall Fire in Butte County destroyed 41 homes in its path. Some friends from our local church were among the evacuees. Oroville, battered Oroville, first suffered from potential flood devastation, and now fire! Fire- It is destructive and it is dangerous. Firefighters are everyone’s heroes. They battle flames and smoke and sacrifice their very lives for others. I’m thankful for each of them. So, why do we suffer so much at the “hands” of fire? Perhaps a better question is why does God reference fire so much in His word? The word or principle of “Fire” occurs hundreds of times in the Bible and more than 70 times in the New Testament
“From the Archives”Pastor Lee Roberts
Page 15
alone. Let’s look at a few ways it’s used in God’s Word. Many of us typically think of the fire of Hell. This is perhaps the most vivid of the “Fire” references. It is also the most troublesome and terrifying. It was not meant for people but for Satan and his demons. Unfortunately, those who follow them and not God will also find themselves there amidst “unquenchable fire” (Matt 9:43 ESV) The concept of Hell’s fire is enough to cause anyone to want to steer clear of fire in the Bible. However, while God uses fire in the judgement of the rebellious, he somehow chooses to use it positively in the lives of His people. He uses it as a “refiner’s fire” (Zech 13:9, 1 Pet 1:7, Is 48:10) to purify us from our sinful nature
How Do I Forgive Myself?
Page 16
and choices and to test us in order to grow in faith and character. In this mode, it is still “destructive”. It is destructive to our flesh and our own will.. It is not to “judge” the believer but to destroy the sin in the life of His children. The Lord also used fire in the form of a pillar to guide His people during the days of Moses (Ex 13:21). In the New Testament, we read about the Holy Spirit. There are many attributes or descriptions of the Holy Spirit and His gifts. One of them is “fire”. In Acts, God sends the Holy Spirit with “tongues of fire” (Acts 2:3) and in other passages, we read of the Holy Spirit that envelopes the believers with power (I believe this power is
Continue on page 17 1040 Lincoln Rd., Suite A, #124 Yuba City, CA 95991 530-933-1385 editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
The Ambassador
1
The Voice of the Christian Community, Serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
SPONSORS
TREE
SERVICE
, INC.
Serving our neighbors since 1957
673-7993 Certified Arborist
Lic. Contractor #608859
Youthful Courage Stables “BuiIding Character Through Horsemanship”
SHOP CHRISTIAN LOCAL Become a Business Sponsor
Stephanie Kaesekamp
6164 Marysville Rd., Browns Valley stephkaesekamp@yahoo.com (707) 350-2999
Call Seth @ 530-933-1385
A-1 Carpet Cleaning Water Damage Restoration Carpets/Windows/Upholstery
(530) 673-3634 www.a-1clean.com
Country Vet Clinic, Inc. Jerry Long, DVM & Associates 4839 E. Butte Rd.,Live Oak
Buttes Pipe & Supplies Co. "Your Complete Plumbing Supply Store"
Formica & Solid Surface
530-673-8501
(530) 821-5845
www.buttespipe.com
1-800-286-0576 www.collinslake.com
Crosspointe Christian Books & Gifts
Featherston's Roofing
Freedom Mortgage
Dave Greenetz Construction, Inc.
(530) 673-6188
• 1 Corinthians 1:18 •
featherstonsroofing@gmail.com CSL# 997284
jeremy.kurtz@freedommortgage.com
www.greenetzconstruction.com Remodeling Lic.#452975
Gaiser Pets
James Gallagher
Jenine Tanabe M.D.
JM Construction Co.
(916) 319-2003
(530) 743-0301
jerry.jmconstruction@gmail.com Lic.# 420765
Rachel Aleman
Russell & Boals Painting, Inc.
646 Plumas St., Yuba City
Tom Featherston - Owner
(530) 315-5287
(530) 673-8440
(530) 751-8155
"Not Your Ordinary Pet Store"
CA Assembly Member3rd District
Monroe Transmission
Pleasant Grove Farms
Proforma by Kug
Don Monroe - Owner 1397 Colusa Hwy.,Yuba City
(530) 751-2238
714 Plumas St.,Yuba City
Ed & Wynette Sills Familly
Giving thanks to God always, for all things. Ephesians 5:20
www.PleasantGroveFarms.com
Sperbeck's
Shadd Janitorial Supply Roger Shadd- Owner 226 Bridge St.,Yuba City
(530) 673-0083
(530) 632-9292
Collins Lake
Northern California Best Family Fishing Lake
Lic.# 749735
Dr. David A. Bradley
Optometrist 1160 Live Oak Blvd.,Yuba City
Christian Business Alliance “Building up Christians, Lifting up Christ” We meet at the Bride Church the first Tuesday of the month from Noon – 1pm.
(530) 674-1660 www.Countryvet.net
2
Caldwell's Custom Countertops,Inc.
Please Support Our Sponsors
Landscape & Design
Mike Sperbeck - Owner 1316 Woodward St.,Yuba City
The Ambassador
(530) 673-8334
Dave Kugelman Promotional Products
(530) 632-9292
Jeremy Kurtz Loan Officer (530) 415-1149
Dermatology 414 G St.,#204.,Marysville
Century 21 Select Group
Rachel.Aleman@C21SelectGroup.com Web: Rachel.Aleman.C21SelectGroup.com
530-813-2253
SHUTTER-UP
Tracey's Diner
Blinds* Shutters* Shades
724 J St., Marysville (530) 923-2567
Window Coverings (530) 755-3474 Lic.#890713
Open Daily 6am-3pm
GATHER TOGETHER GIVE THANKS & EAT PIE!!
(530) 682-9602
Jerry Munz - Owner
(530) 682-5316
Voted Best Yuba/Sutter Painting Services 2014
(530) 870-2620 Lic.# 496656
Yvette Adams Insurance
Auto - Home - Farm Mobile Home
(530) 743-6081
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
MINISTRIES
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
Adventure!Church 1100 Garden Hwy. Sun. 9am & 11am www.AdventureChurchYC.org
Pastor!Greg!Mansur
Gateway Calvary Chapel 808 8th Street, Marysville Sundays 10 a.m. Wednesdays 7 p.m.
Pastor Doug Hileman
www.gatewaycalvary.com
Does your
Agape Lighthouse Community Church
2106 Pepper Street, Sutter
Pastor BJ Wilson 530-237-6351
The Bride Church
1321 Peach Tree Lane, YC 530-751-0505 thebridechurch.org Sun. 9am & 11:30am Craftsmen for Christ- Tues 6:30
Living Water
Evangelical Lutheran Church Sunday 9a.m. Bible Study 10:30a.m. Worship 950 Tharp Rd.,Ste.1200-B, YC
530-300-0528
Church of Glad Tidings 1179 Eager Road,Yuba_City www.churchofgladtidings.com
_ 530.671.3160
Saturday 7pm-Sunday 10am Wednesday 7pm
Praise Chapel
Word of Life Church
398 Aylor Avenue Yuba City
1229 Buchanan Street, Marysville
www.praisechapelyc.com
wolmarysville.org
Sun. 9 &11a.m., 6p.m. Wed. 7pm
Sun. 10am & 5pm & Wed. 6:30pm
530-923-7204
530-742-3724
Pastor Stan Reynolds
Pastor Chris Madsen
yubasutterlutheran.org
TWIN CITIES RESCUE MINISTRIES •
•
•
••A•Place•to•Sleep,•Shower,•and•Eat-A-Meal
church or ministry
••Hear•The•Word•of •God•Every•Night ••Daily•Bible•Studies ••Noon•Prayer•Service•(Mon-Fri)
partner with The Ambassador? Email editor@ ambassador
Hear the Word of God Every Night at 6:30p.m. Sharp!
A WOMAN’S FRIEND
Roger•Vaca,•Executive•Director 940•14th•St,•Marysville 530.743.8777
Samaritan•Village•Orphanage Tanzania,•Africa
You CAN help save the lives of children in Tanzania!
newspaper.com
for details
Call Victor Savage (530) 671-2219 or see page 8 to learn how
THE AMBASSADOR ?The Ambassador is a free, monthly publication promoting unity and revival among the local Yuba-Sutter area Bible-believing churches. ?The Ambassador has a circulation of 5,500 - 7,500 and is distributed in local churches and businesses in the community. ?The purpose of The Ambassador is to pursue the great commission of Christ by making disciples and to encourage, inform, challenge and connect the local body of Christ. ?We believe in the inspiration and authority of the Bible as the written word of God. We believe that God exists as One, in three distinct persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. ?We believe that the atoning work of Christ (His death) on the cross and His resurrection is the ONLY means of salvation and the only way to Eternal Life in Heaven. ?We welcome editorial content from anyone wishing to promote the mission of The Ambassador. All articles and advertisement content is subject to the approval of the editor. Views expressed in The Ambassador do not necessarily reflect those of our sponsors or advertisers
Editor/Publisher - Seth Halpern
-
Advisory - Dave Kugelman
-
Design - Teresa Davis
The Ambassador
3
INSPIRATION
The Voice of the Christian Community, Serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
• • • PEACE • • •
by April James The joyful song of the mocking bird fills the crisp morning air; its delightful melodies put a song in my heart. In the distance, the songs of other morning birds chime in; a wave of peace flows over me as I pause to listen. Their melodious tunes temporarily drown out the road
construction outside my front door and cause my thoughts to turn to creation and the Creator. As I sit with thoughts turned heavenward, my cares melt away. I am revitalized and ready to tackle the day with hopeful expectation that all will go well. Horatio G. Spafford wrote the lyrics “It is Well With my Soul” in the midst of a tragic and sorrowful time, the loss of his four children in an Atlantic ship crossing. What could make him, or us, in the midst of difficult and trying times be able to say - it is well with my soul or I am at peace? A look at John 14:27 shows us Jesus left us His peace, a perfect peace. Then Philippians 4:7 says “And the peace of God [the peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, {that peace which} stands
guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].” If these are so, then why don’t we walk in peace at all times? Are we allowing things and situations to invade our peace zone? I’m not referring to the grief at the loss of a loved one or sudden tragic circumstance that unsettles us, there are times to mourn and grieve. Yet, in the midst of such difficult times it’s possible to have a peace as we go through them. John 14:27 (AMP) “Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” We find scriptures such as: cast our burdens on Him, don’t worry about
By Mark Ellis Blog.godreports.com He came from a Hindu family that was very invested in idol worship, but a dream about Jesus and a ladder to heaven changed the course of their lives. “Even though my entire family worshipped idols and performed all the required rituals, we had no peace in our home,” Asish Sunar explained to Biglife. “My parents fought regularly which made
me very unhappy. It made me begin to question our beliefs and to search for truth.” While most of Sunar’s family was Hindu, he had one aunt who became a follower of Jesus. “My aunt used to share the gospel with my parents, but they always refused to listen to her and rejected hearing the truth,” he recounts. “However, my aunt was able to share with me the truth of the Gospel. She encouraged me to
believe in the Lord Jesus because only He can save us from our sins. As a result of his aunt’s testimony and the power of the Word and the Spirit, Sunar was born again. He was not fully prepared for his parents’ reaction to his newfound faith. “My parents became very upset when they learned about my conversion,” he says. “They would not allow me to meet with other Christians, so my aunt began to take care of me.” But then something unusual happened – Sunar had a powerful dream about Jesus. “I had a dream where I saw Jesus holding my hands and taking me up a ladder until I came to a road and saw a huge light. I woke up suddenly and I cried out to God to give me understanding of this vision. I could sense God asking me to share my faith with my parents. I shared this dream with my aunt and we both started to pray for my parents.”
anything – instead pray about everything and thank Him for the answers, where our treasure is there our heart will be also. When we find ourselves not being at peace would it help us to ask a few questions such as: Am I carrying a burden that is not mine to carry? Am I worrying or praying in faith? Why does this upset me? Am I thanking Him for the answers I don’t yet see and offering praises to Him for I know He is good and faithful? Am I making a bigger issue out of this than is reasonable? Where is my hearts’ treasure, is it in this temporary decaying world that surrounds me, or, is it heavenward with steadfast thoughts focusing on the One with the answers for my temporary distresses? Let’s not forget – a heart at peace gives life to the body.
Former Hindu’s Parents Opposed Jesus, Until A Dream About a Ladder To Heaven
Newcastle Yuba City
9093 Old State Hwy Newcastle, CA 95658
4
The Ambassador
916-663-4116 530-751-2238
1397 Colusa Hwy Yuba City, CA 95993
Asish Sunar After Sunar shared about the dream with his parents their hearts began to soften toward Jesus. “Praise God that the Holy Spirit moved upon my parents and changed their hearts!” “Today my parents also follow Jesus and now there is peace beyond understanding in our home. I am so thankful to Jesus that he has delivered us from all our problems. Now I am sharing my testimony and challenging people to believe in Jesus.” To learn more about Biglife’s ministry around the world, visit https://big.life
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
INSPIRATION BIBLE QUIZ
- - A True Story - by Paula McBride “I got baptized today!” The announcement was startling since it came from our nursery coordinator. Janie is a petite, dark-haired bundle of energy and smiles. Several things about this scenario didn’t fit my perception of how baptisms usually go down: she wasn’t young (nearing empty-nester age), she was on church staff, and it was Tuesday. I had joined the conversation late, so Janie filled me in as much she could before children arrived for their activities. “I was raised Catholic by parents who adopted me,” Janie explained. “I’ve always been very shy, and I never felt like I belonged, except for here.” Janie waved her hand around to include the nursery workers surrounding her. “You are my family. I have always considered myself like a secret. In fact, I call myself “Secret.” I had to close my gaping mouth. I never would have considered that she carried such pain. “But today,” Janie continued. “God just sewed up the shreds of my past, and I knew I had to get baptized today. I called the church and the pastor came to my father-in-law’s pool and baptized me. I feel so free!” Janie’s face was radiant as she leaned into our hugs. Oh, how many Janies do we encounter
every day who wear invisible pain? And just because a person is older doesn’t mean they have it all together. Just because they are in ministry doesn’t mean there aren’t broken pieces and wounded spirits. How can a true story such as this help us be more compassionate and sensitive to those in our circle of influence? It’s true that we don’t really know who we know. A few close friends might truly know us, but mostly we brush up against acquaintances, those we see only once a week, or those we work with on an impersonal level. Sound just like Jesus, doesn’t it? He had a few close friends, but even they didn’t really understand Him. Yet, He was moved with compassion when He was with the crowds because He saw them as sheep without a shepherd
(Matthew 9:36 and Mark 6:34). He spent time with them and taught them. Perhaps it’s time to deepen those “How-areyou-I’m fine” conversations and invite someone out for coffee or ice cream and share life stories. The common thread in our life stories is restlessness, a longing, a not-quiteright feeling that things are not as they should be. We are homesick because this world is not our home. Our story isn’t finished yet, and it won’t be until we enter the home for which we were made, our eternal home in heaven. Janie’s baptism outwardly expresses that she has accepted Jesus as Author and Finisher of her story. Her delight, and ours, rests in our position as heirs with Christ, and that’s a true story we can tell others!
1. Who wrote the words on the tables of stone for the 10 Commandments? 2. Elijah went to Heaven in a …? 3. Who was Samson’s wife? 4. In Genesis 4 a musician is named. Who was he? 5. Who was cremated in Jabeshgilead in 1 Samuel? 6. King Saul consulted a witch to communicate with which Old Testament prophet? 7. God told Abraham that his children would be as numerous as what two things? 8. What did Jonathan eat not knowing that his father had forbidden his soldiers to eat the rest of the day? 9. The oldest man in the Bible, Methuselah died before his father. How could that be? 10. The word “hats” is only found once in the King James Version of the Bible. In which well-known story does it appear? 11. Besides leaving the presence of the Lord and living in the land of Nod, what was Cain’s punishment for killing Abel? 12. Ravens brought food to which Old Testament prophet? 13. What does Beth-El (or Bethel) in Genesis 28 mean? 14. Who was Cain’s first son? 15. Which prophet saw God give life to a pile of dry bones? ANSWERS ON PAGE 13
Country Veterinary Clinic “Beautiful Country Setting for Quality, Personable Medicine”
Country Veterinary Clinic 4839 E. Butte Road Live Oak, CA 95953 Phone: (530) 674-1660 www.countryvet.net
Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 5:30pm Sat: 8:00am - 2:00pm Sun: 4:00pm - 6:00pm (for lodging pick-up only)
After Hours: (530) 674-1660
The Ambassador
5
The Voice of the Christian Community, Serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
CALENDAR
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
Ongoing Events SUNDAY 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. Join this new Club as it begins! Kids memorize Scripture, play games and learn lots! Call 530-673-6847 for information. Info: Ed Han 209-298-6102 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.
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. FREE KARATE CLASSES Mondays 5:30 pm - FREE karate classes taught from a Christian perspective. First Baptist Church - 1777 8th Ave. - Olivehurst, 743-1831 for info, Pastor Miguel. CELEBRATE RECOVERY Mondays 6:30p.m.-8:30p.m. 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 Christ Centered recovery. For more info call 530.755.4149. Follow us on Facebook @ Celebrate Recovery Crossroads Community Church
TUESDAY ENCOUNTERING GOD 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Every Tuesday Morning Embassy of Heaven Campus - 1179 Eager Rd., YC - (Hwy 99 @ Eager Rd.) 530-671-3160 - www.churchofgladtidings.com Our Tuesday morning meetings begin with a time of worship. Afterwards we rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us to minister to each other, encourage each other, and build our hunger and desire for the things of God. Childcare is provided. 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! CRAFTSMEN FOR CHRIST Meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The Bride Church - 655 Colusa Hwy, YC Men’s fellowship around the word and worship. All in the Body of Christ welcome! SAMARITAN VILLAGE MONTHLY MEETING The 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 - Every Tuesday Evening @ 7PM 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
6
The Ambassador
WEDNESDAY FREE BIBLE COLLEGE CLASSES - Wednesday Mornings 10:00 a.m. First Baptist Church - 1777 8th Ave., Olivehurst Starting in January 2015 you can earn an accredited bible college degree … all books are in public domain and you only need a tablet, computer or some type of electronic reader. We can print them out for a small charge. You will need a King James Bible to get started. fbco@comcast.net for more information. ENROLL TODAY! 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. LIFE @ HOPE POINT Wednesday @ 6:30 pm for kids, 7:00 p.m. for adults Hope Point Nazarene - 600 N. George Washington Blvd, YC Join us for Life@Hope Point - groups for Nursery through High School ages and classes for adults Parenting, How to Study your Bible, more so contact the church office at 671-1130 for more details. TUESDAY FRIDAY LIFE RECOVERY meets every Friday night at 7:00 PM (except the last Friday of the month) in the social hall of Loma Rica Community Church. Contact Church Office at 743.5435 for more information. TUESDAY
SATURDAY
BETHESDA HEALING WELL - Saturday, Aug. 19th at 10AM 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
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 Open Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm -Shop at our - FREE Clothes given away! Crossroads Community Church, YC PRAYER VIGIL FOR LIFE! Yuba-Sutter Right to Life is hosting peaceful, prayerful vigils in front of the Yuba City Planned Parenthood. All you need to participate is one hour and the desire to pray for LIFE. Please contact Heather Pugh at 751-9349 for date and time if you are interested.
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
CALENDAR
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
Special Events OLD FASHION FISH FRY Mt. Olivet Baptist Church 2284 McGowan Parkway, Olivehurst, August 5,2017---11am Price: $13.00 for 3 pieces of Catfish OR Red Snapper, 2 sides, AND INCLUDED cake, and roll and drink Dine in or take out. FREE DELIVERY. For more info please call 530-329-6993 or 916-583-0569 TDS SCHOOL OF DELIVERANCE Tearing Down Strongholds Begins Mon, Aug 14 at 9am Ends Wed, Aug 16 at 9pm Embassy of Heaven Campus Church of Glad Tidings 1179 Eager Rd., Yuba City 530-671-3160 Registration/Info: www.tdsministries.org Tearing Down Strongholds School of Deliverance is an intense 3-day course designed primarily for those involved in or feel God may be calling them into the deliverance ministry. Freedom comes as truth enters the heart and mind. Facilitated by Jess Parker. EPIC 80’s Dance Party Millennium 901 Spiva Ave. YC Aug. 18, 9pm – midnight Get your friends together and step into the 80’s at this totally awesome dance party. Live performance by the MULLET MECHANIX, laser tag, bumper cars and climbing wall all provided by MILLENNIUM! Come in 80’s attire! A portion of event proceeds to benefit Yuba Sutter antibullying organization, STAND FOR THE SILENT. 21+ only. Tickets $30 available at www.eventsbyladonna.com
PASTOR & WIFE’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY Mt Olivet Baptist Church-2284 Mcgowan Parkway, Olivehurst August 27th, 3 pm We are pleased to announce and invite you to join us in celebrating our pastor and wife’s dedicated and faithful service. Meals will be served from 1:30 pm to 2:45 pm in the church’s dining room. The public is welcome. Got questions? Call Brother Blackwell at (530) 7418002. 26TH ANNUAL PRAISE IN THE MOUNTAINS Western Gateway Park, Penn Valley Sept 2, 1-8pm Longest running Free Gospel Concert. 6 Gospel bands, Food, Bounce Houses, Prizes. Free admission, Family Fun. (see full page ad in this issue) TO TANZANIA WITH LOVE Crossroads Community Church , 445 B St. YC September 10, 5pm-Dinner, 6pm- Concert Join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Samaritan Village Orphanage, rescuing abandoned and orphaned children in Tanzania, Africa. This special fund raising event will feature a free spaghetti dinner and Leon Patillo in concert. Meet Josephat, the orphanage director and Anna, the first child raised at the orphanage. Want to have your activities and events bold and hightlighted in the Ambassador? Become a church partner and help support this ministry. Contact Seth at 530-933-1385 or editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
Prayer Calendar for August 2017 2-Aug Children and Children’s Ministries 3-Aug Pray for the healing of our nation 4-Aug HEAT - Pray for protection from severe hot weather 5-Aug Military, All armed forces & their families. 6-Aug Global Persecution-Safety/Courage of Believers 7-Aug Missing Teens & children- pray for protection and found safe 8-Aug Middle East - For the peace of Jerusalem 9-Aug ISIS/Terrorism- pray for wisdom & strong leadership to eradicade it 10-Aug Homeless/Poor - Twin Cities Rescue Mission, A Hand Up, Salvation Army 11-Aug A Woman’s Friend - Unborn children/Pregnant Women 12-Aug President Trump- God’s Wisdom in decisions & communication 13-Aug Christian Businesses-Ambassador Sponsors & others. 14-Aug Missionaries -Fruit, Provision 15-Aug Singles, Single Parents, Divorce healing 16-Aug Orphan children- Samaritan Village (see p. 3) and other orphanages 17-Aug First Responders-Police, Firefighters, EMT, TIP 18-Aug Back to School- Pray for teachers and students 19-Aug Hollywood- May God to touch influential people 20-Aug Sex Trafficking - pray for victims 21-Aug Pray for dads to be Godly leaders in their home and give thanks for those who are! 22-Aug Addicted, Rehab ministries- Feather River Mens Center, Joshua House, Celebrate Recovery 23-Aug Seniors and Elderly- pray for support and protection from heat 24-Aug The Ambassador Newspaper-Increased readership and Impact 25-Aug Teen Depression, Suicide 26-Aug Local officials and community leaders 27-Aug State lawmakers- Pray for Assemblyman James Gallagher and others who represent us 28-Aug Local Pastors and their families 29-Aug Adoptive families & birth moms 30-Aug War-torn nations- pray for peace and protection especially for civilians 31-Aug Struggling Women- Pray for Lydia’s House, Twin Rivers Crisis Center, Casa Esperanza
Check Out The New Ambassador Calendar Of Events! Learn About Events For The Local Christian Community All In One Place! Visit www.ambassadornewspaper.com and click on the “Ambassador Calendar” link.
The Ambassador
7
COMMUNITY CBA MARKETPLACE MONTHLY Instructions: 1. Read Article 2. Apply Principle 3. Experience Change I hope my unusual headline piqued your interest in reading what I have to say. You have already noticed that it is not a lengthy article. This also is deliberate knowing that many of you (like me) make a decision to read something because it is only a couple of paragraphs. I have found it interesting that although I may have read something in the Bible 20 times (for example) and on the 21st time, God reveals something brand new to me. I love it when that happens. I experienced that same thing recently but not with reading the Bible. I was listening to a song on K-love that I have heard numerous times. It is a song written by Matthew Hammitt titled ALL OF ME. You can go online and read all of the lyrics but I want to focus on one simple line from the song that really impacted me. Here it is. I can’t give you half my heart, and
pray it makes you whole. There it is! So many people come to Jesus with a messed-up life and want Him to fix it but do not experience the victorious Christian life that God intended because of a half-hearted commitment to Jesus Christ. There is not much more that I can add to that so I will allow Scripture to drive the point home. Please note the big three letter word in both verses that I have emphasized in bold type, written in all capital letters and underlined. Just to be clear. Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with ALL your heart. Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding; And just to be really, really clear I also need to work on my ALL too!
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
8
The Ambassador
The Voice of the Christian Community, Serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
10 Ways You Can Help The Ambassador Ministry 1. Pray with us and for us to not only sustain but to grow in impact. Pray for our health and for spiritual protection 2. Read it yourself – You will be enriched by reading it. 3. Share a copy or an article with someone- you will have someone in your life benefit from an article in every issue, cut it out and send it to them, or send them the whole issue 4. Leave a copy of The Ambassador when you’re having coffee or a meal or waiting for your car. Use it like a tract. It may be less intimidation. 5. Monitor The Ambassador at your church: assure their presence and visibility 6. Subscribe for a friend or family
member (or yourself) 7. Find new locations- ask businesses that you frequent to take some papers, deliver and monitor them 8. Deliver a small route- 1 to 2 hours each month 9. Give financially as an Individual partner, business partner, churches/ ministries partner (every dollar helps to impact the community) 10. Talk to your like-minded Christian friends, family, business associates and church leadership, about helping as well. If you would like to help, please contact Seth Halpern at 530-933-1385 or email editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
COMMUNITY
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
Samaritan Village 25th Anniversary Celebration! Plan now to help us celebrate twenty-five years of rescuing abandoned and orphaned children at Samaritan Village Orphanage in Arusha, Tanzania, Africa. This year’s benefit event begins with a free spaghetti dinner at 5:00 p.m. and features Leon Patillo in concert. Leon is the former lead vocalist for the band Santana—from Santana to Hosanna! Also, coming all the way from Africa, we will have Josephat Mmanyi, the director of the orphanage and Anna, the first orphan raised at Samaritan Village. Anna was just a small child when she was abandoned by her mother. She was taken to Samaritan Village where she grew up in a loving Christian environment. She graduated from high school and is now attending law school in Tanzania. Here’s how you can help. . . Ask about having a Samaritan Village promotion at your church. We can supply you with bulletin inserts, a promo video, brochures, posters and even a representative from Samaritan Village to share at your church about the orphanage and the upcoming celebration. You can also help by asking a business to donate items for the raffle or funds for the event. Finally, you can come celebrate with us and invite others to attend with you! It all happens September 10, 2017 at Crossroads Community Church 445 B Street Yuba City. For more information visit www.samaritanvillageorphanage. org.
lic#452975
“...whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matt 25:40
KITCHENS + BATHROOMS DECKS + ADDITIONS REPAIRS + SIDING ALTERATIONS GRAB BARS WHOLE HOUSE FANS LEAF GUARD FINISH CARPENTRY
682.9602
www.GreenetzConstruction.com
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: A-1 Carpet Cleaning - (530) 673-3634 - www.a-1clean.com Rachel Aleman - Century 21- 530-813-2253 Ron Brasier - A Hand Up Ministry - (530) 671-1360 Marty Brown - KCYC-LP FM - (530) 674-5296 Kathleen Caldwell - Caldwells Custom Countertops - (530) 695-2112 Fred Cox - Richard's Tree Service - (530) 673-7993 LaDonna Curteman - Band Together for Christ - ladonna.curteman@gmail.com Chuck David Carol Dodds - A Woman’s Friend - (530) 741-9136 Stephen Elliot- Ad Lucem Tax Services - (530) 329-8685 Dennis & Connie Gable - Operation Christmas Child - (530) 695-1495 Rita Galusha Steve & Cash Gilliss - Crosspointe Christian Books - (530) 673-6188 Pamela Givans Adrian Graves - Solar City - 530-329-1698 John Guth - Guth & Changaris, A Prof Law Corp - (530) 674-9841 Seth Halpern - Ambassador Newspaper - editor@ambassadornewspaper.com Kurt Hilbers - Hilbers Inc - www.hilbersinc.com Arlene Hite - Bridges to Housing - (530) 755-3414 David Hobbs Painting - Cont. Lic#880562 (530)742-2428 David Holycross - Holycross Memorial - (530) 751-7000 Bill Jens - Yuba Sutter Healthy Marriage Project - (530) 671-6069 Cornell U. Kay - Integrity Chamber of Commerce - (916) 969-0205 Dave Kugelman - Proforma by Kug - (530) 742-2423 Bill & Sonja Lindholm- RVOC - (530) 329-8361 Clay Maynard - Consultant - (530) 790-6611 Jim McCarty - Trinity Living Systems - trinityls@yahoo.com Jerry Munz - JM Construction Co. - (530) 682-5316 Maria Paras Ronda Putman Roger Shadd - Shadd Janitorial Supply - (530) 673-0083 George Shaw- Serving Our Saviour - (530) 671-3303 Wynette Sills - CaliforniasForLife.org. - (916) 955-1577 Robert Stark - Retired Auditor/Controller - stark@otnusa.com Dwayne Tanabe - Taylor Accountancy Corp - dktanabe@yahoo.com Jenine Tanabe - Jenine L. Tanabe, MD Dematology - (530) 743-0301
For weekly reminders, updates, or to join email editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
The Ambassador
9
10
The Ambassador
. Cabins . Tepees . RV Sites
. Store . Events . Restaurant
(with beer & wine bar)
“A place where Memories are made & Memories are shared” www.indianvalleyoutpostresort.com IVOResorthwy49@gmail.com Dave & Karla Gardner Proprietors
Opening Night Tickets Start at $15! Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability.
GOLDEN 1 CENTER 1701790
© 2017 MARVEL
SEPT 14 – 17 MarvelUniverseLive.com
The Ambassador
11
RESOURCES
The Voice of the Christian Community, Serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
LIFE MATTERS presented by Yuba-Sutter Right To Life Video Catches Planned Parenthood Abortionist Joking About Eyeballs From Aborted Babies “Rolling Into Our Laps”
Steven Ertelt LifeNews.com A shocking new video from the Center for Medical Progress catches Planned Parenthood executives discussing gruesome abortion procedures and the sale of body parts from aborted babies for profit. The video shows top Planned Parenthood staffers attending meetings of the National Abortion Federation in 2014 and 2015 and it is the latest in a series of over a dozen videos from the organization showing the Planned Parenthood abortion business and others engaging in potentially illegal sale of body parts of aborted babies. The new undercover video shows Planned Parenthood executives and other top abortion advocates making shocking comments about abortions. Several attendees made jokes about eyeballs from aborted babies and other aborted baby body parts “rolling down into their laps.” Dr. Ann Schutt-Aine, a Planned Parenthood abortionist, is shown describing abortions this way: “If I’m doing a procedure, and I’m seeing that I’m in fear that it’s about to come to the umbilicus [navel], I might ask for a second set of forceps to hold the body at the cervix and pull off a leg or two, so it’s
not PBA [partial-birth abortion].” The expose’ videos catching Planned Parenthood officials selling the body parts of aborted babies have shocked the nation. Here is a list of all videos: • In the first video: Dr. Deborah Nucatola of Planned Parenthood commented on baby-crushing: “We’ve been very good at getting heart, lung, liver, because we know that, so I’m not gonna crush that part, I’m gonna basically crush below, I’m gonna crush above, and I’m gonna see if I can get it all intact.” • In the second video: Planned Parenthood’s Dr. Mary Gatter joked, “I want a Lamborghini” as she negotiated the best price for baby parts. • In the third video: Holly O’Donnell, a former Stem Express employee who worked inside a Planned Parenthood clinic, detailed first-hand the unspeakable atrocities and how she fainted in horror over handling baby legs. • In the fourth video: Planned Parenthood’s Dr. Savita Ginde stated, “We don’t want to do just a flat-fee (per baby) of like, $200. A per-item thing works a little better, just because we can see how much we can get out of it.” • In the fifth video: Melissa Farrell of Planned Parenthood-Gulf Coast in Houston boasted of Planned Parenthood’s
WILLIAM HOON GARDENING
skill in obtaining “intact fetal cadavers” and how her “research” department “contributes so much to the bottom line of our organization here.” • In the sixth video: Holly O’Donnell described technicians taking fetal parts without patient consent: “There were times when they would just take what they wanted. And these mothers don’t know. And there’s no way they would know.” In the seventh and perhaps • most disturbing video: Holly O’Donnell described the harvesting, or “procurement,” of organs from a nearly intact late-term fetus aborted at Planned Parenthood Mar Monte’s Alameda clinic in San Jose, CA. “‘You want to see something kind of cool,’” O’Donnell says her supervisor asked her. “And she just taps the heart, and it starts beating. And I’m sitting here and I’m looking at this fetus, and its heart is beating, and I don’t know what to think.” • In the eighth video: StemExpress CEO Cate Dyer admits Planned Parenthood sells “a lot of” fully intact aborted babies. • The ninth video: catches a Planned Parenthood medical director discussing how the abortion company sells fully intact aborted babies.
The 10th video: catches the nation’s • biggest abortion business selling specific body parts. The video also shows the shocking ways in which Planned Parenthood officials admit that they are breaking federal law by selling aborted baby body parts for profit. Unreleased Videos: a woman • talking about the “financial incentives” of selling aborted baby body parts. • The 11th video: catches a Texas Planned Parenthood abortionist planning to sell the intact heads of aborted babies for research. Amna Dermish is caught on tape describing an illegal partial-birth abortion procedure to terminate living, late-term unborn babies which she hopes will yield intact fetal heads for brain harvesting. • The 12th video shows new footage of Jennefer Russo, medical director at Planned Parenthood in Orange County, California, describing to undercover investigators how her abortion business tries to harvest intact aborted babies’ bodies for a local for-profit biotech company and changes the abortion procedure to do so. The 13th video: exposes a • Planned Parenthood medical director admitting that babies born alive after abortion are sometimes killed.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA'S BEST FAMILY FISHING LAKE Planted with TROPHY TROUT TWICE WEEKLY thru May Rainbow & German Brown Trout, Florida Largemouth Bass, Alabama Spotted Bass, Crappie, Bluegill & Catfish Located between Marysville & Grass Valley
12
The Ambassador
www.collinslake.com
1-800-286-0576
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
BIBLE QUIZ ANSWERS FROM PAGE 6
The Moral Outcry What if a Massive Moral Outcry Emerges From the American People? In the 1992 landmark case Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the US Supreme Court had an opportunity to reverse Roe v. Wade, and its companion Doe v. Bolton.
In conference the justices
voted 5-4 to overturn Roe and Doe, but at the 11th hour before the opinion was released a centrist coalition of moderate judges -including Justice Kennedy who
RESOURCES
• Sign the petition. • Spread the word. • End abortion. Scan the QR code below or visit www. themoraloutcry.com to read and sign the petition to be brought to the Supreme Court to overturn past horrible decisions which have resulted in the death of millions of babies.
1. God. Exodus 31:18, 34:1 2. Whirlwind (not a chariot of fire). 2 Kings 2:1-14 3. A woman of Timnath, Judges 14. The Bible never says that Samson was married [4] to Delilah. Judges 16. 4. Jubal. Genesis 4:21 5. Saul. 1 Samuel 31:11-13 6. Samuel. 1 Samuel 28:7, 8 7. The stars and sand. Genesis 22:17 8. Honey. 1 Samuel 14:24-27 9. His father was Enoch who did not die. Genesis 5:24
10. Story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego when they were put in the fiery furnace. Daniel 3:21. 11. The ground would not yield up its fruit to him. He would be cut off from his occupation as a farmer. Genesis 4:9-16 12. Elijah. 1 Kings 17:1-7 13. The house of God. Genesis 28:1719 14. Enoch. Genesis 4:17 15. Ezekiel. Ezekiel 37
switched his vote -was formed to write a compromise that would weaken the Roe and Doe decisions, but still leave abortion as the law of the land.
The Ambassador Ministry
would like to thank the following people for their Individual Sponsorship
530-755-3474 We build structures and relationships to last.
God Bless Each Of You For Your Support Of This Ministry And Our Community
License #547970
and Partnering together to save millions in the design and construction costs for Christian schools and churches nationwide.
John Nicholls Rich & Joan Hackney Kathy Baum Carrie Pederson Marty Brown Tom Harris Mimi Robarge Warren & Lucy Campbell Allen Halpern Jeff Royce Rita Collins April James George & Cherie Shaw LaDonna Curteman Sandi Juri Mike Sherman Sue Kochi Chuck David Robert E. Stark Clay Maynard Christine Emerson Josh Vanassche Jim McCarty Bob Gilbert
530-673-2947
•••
If you would be interested in supporting The Ambassador as an Individual Sponsor ($20/month) please contact Seth Halpern at: editor@ambassadornewspaper.com or call 530-933-1385 or visit us online at www.ambassadornewspaper.com
The Ambassador
13
RESOURCES
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
Legislative Update from Assemblyman James Gallagher Psalms 37:34 (KJV) Wait on the LORD, and keep His way, He will exalt you to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, you will see it. When did freedom of religion transition into freedom from religion? In May of this year, Assemblywoman Gonzalez-Fletcher introduced AB 569 which would prohibit religious nonprofits, businesses and organizations from exercising their First Amendment rights to religious expression and association regarding reproductive rights. AB 569 specifically prohibits two actions: (1) taking any adverse employment action against an employee based on his or her reproductive health care decisions; and (2) requiring an employee to sign a code of conduct or similar document that implies a denial to any employee the right to make their own reproductive health care decisions. I strongly opposed this bill as it intentionally targets faithbased organizations that stand opposed to abortion. Despite strong opposition from our Republican caucus in the Assembly, AB 569 has already passed and is on its way to be heard on the Senate floor. Current law already exists to prevent discriminatory actions under the Fair
Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). The language of AB 569 would expand the FEHA to include religious personnel of non-profit organizations. Faith-based businesses and organizations would no longer be able to infuse the principles of their faith within their code of conduct. Many organizations could be subject to negative impacts because these codes of conduct show common adherence to tenets of a faith. But once again the progressive Left is on the march against religious organizations. Just last year they passed AB 775 which required non-profit, pro-life women’s resource centers to refer their clients to publicly run or publicly funded abortion groups. Last year the Supreme Court heard a case that deals specifically with this issue. Zubik vs. Burwell saw a challenge to the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the US Constitution. Zubik v Burwell involved religious non-profits and schools objection to the Affordable Care Acts mandate requiring contraceptive coverage in insurance plans. In advance of the outcome of this case, AB 569 attempts to directly prohibit religious association rights. Legislation such as AB 569 is a blatant attempt to remove religious rights of
association, even in the faith-based workplace. No longer content with secularizing the public sphere, now they want to secularize the private religious sphere as well. The very same individuals that want to keep religion out of government now want the government to interfere in religious business practices. Many of us have warned all along that this was coming. Religious organizations and non-profits have a right to ensure that the employees they hire are committed to the same doctrines, beliefs and practices which are core to their mission. Building and enjoying fellowship of belief is a key tenet of Christian church communities. True Christian fellowship is a relational approach to growing together in Christ and the Holy Spirit, including submitting
James Gallagher ourselves to a common theology and to correction or reproach where necessary. Legislation like AB 569 removes the ability to accomplish a biblically instructed and God-given purpose of the church.
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news” - Isaiah 52:7 Can you help bring “Good News” to our community? The Ambassador needs volunteers to help deliver to locations throughout Yuba, Sutter, and Butte counties. If you can help once a month for an hour or two, please call The Ambassador at 530-933-1385.
Excellent Massage Care
Introductory Offer
Reflexology - Deep Tissue Couples Massage - Hot Stone - Exfoliating
30 Minute Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage -FreeBack Glow Treatment I Love My Work”
Brenda Banducci, CMT, ABMP
(530) 7 0 1- 4847 Located in Yuba City
"Wonderful…I felt refreshed and energized!" Seth Halpern
14
The Ambassador
$
2500
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
FROM THE ARCHIVES... by Lee Roberts
The Power and Puzzle of Prayer
“A PUZZLING TRIP”
A few years ago, when high school graduation was fast approaching, my daughter made a list of colleges that she would consider attending. One of the schools on the list was Azusa Pacific University in southern California. Since I am an alumnus of that school, I wanted to encourage her in that direction. So, we scheduled a “let’s go visit” trip. We flew down and spent a day on campus, and since Kaela is artistically inclined, a good deal of time was spent in the art department. For a small university, that department was quite impressive, especially when we toured the art gallery. What an amazing collection of artistic pieces by students, both past and present. In the middle of that creativity, one piece will always stay with me, primarily because I was not initially drawn to it. On the six by six canvas, the artist painted a random collection of letters. All I saw was a word search puzzle. Now, I hate word searches! The words do not jump out at me, and I do not have the patience to diligently search out the hidden words. So, I spent just a few seconds looking at this piece of art and said, “Okay”, and moved on.
Then Kaela said, “No, no, no, dad! Come here! Look at this!” She then pointed at one spot and read the word “sinner”. Another spot and said, “liar”. Another spot and said, “thief”. Then I started seeing them! “Faithless”. “Pride”. “Selfishness”. “Deception”. In all, we found over a dozen such words hidden on the canvas. Then the artist’s message was clear. In the center of the canvas one word was circled in red… “beautiful”! Never have I found a word search to be so beautiful because the hidden words described me too well. I am a sinner. I am full of selfishness and pride, desperately wanting to keep the ugly hidden. But for God, it is clearly visible. No denying the fact that with all we try to do in looking “good”, God is still very much aware of what we are trying to keep out of sight. We may fool everyone else, but there is no fooling Him! Which brings me to an amazingly liberating passage. “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57) He may clearly see what is “hidden”, but through our Lord Jesus and His red blood, we are spotless, blameless, and yes, “beautiful” in His sight.
Professionals Dedicated to Protecting and Preserving Your Growing Investment Serving Our Neighbors Since 1957
(530)
TREE
SERVICE
, INC.
673-7993
www.richardstree.com
Certified Arborist Tree Trimming Cabling & Bracing Tree & Stump Removal 24 Hr Emergency Service Arborist Reports
10% DISCOUNT WITH THIS AD Fully Insured for P.L. & P.D.
Workmen's Comp.
Lic. Contractor #608859
Senior Discounts
by Mark D. Roberts Then the word of the LORD came to Isaiah: “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city.’” Isaiah 38:4-6 .As Isaiah 38 begins, King Hezekiah was deathly ill (38:1). In fact, Isaiah came to him with a word from the Lord that Hezekiah would soon die. In response to this bad news, Hezekiah prayed, reminding God of Hezekiah’s own faithfulness. Then Hezekiah wept bitterly. After this tearful prayer, Isaiah brought a new message. God was going to add fifteen years to Hezekiah’s life! Moreover, God would soon rescue him and Jerusalem from the Assyrians. What fantastic news! How glad Hezekiah must have been and his people along with him. This story portrays vividly the power and puzzle of prayer. God healed Hezekiah, doing that which required supernatural power, in response to Hezekiah’s supplication. This is the power of prayer. The puzzle comes from the fact that God seemed to change his mind in response to Hezekiah’s prayer. In verse 1 the Lord told Hezekiah through Isaiah that he was going to die. Yet, in verse 5, after Hezekiah prayed, God promised to heal him. If you are a person who prays, you have surely experienced both the power and the puzzle of prayer. In a way we will never fully understand, the Sovereign God allows us to participate in the unfolding of his will. Thus, when we pray, we submit to God’s will and, at the same time, tell God what we’d like him to do. Mysteriously and graciously, God receives our counsel and, according to his inscrutable wisdom, even acts upon our requests.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: When have you experienced the power of prayer? How do you respond to the puzzle of prayer? PRAYER: Gracious God, your ways are wonderful. And your ways are perplexing. You are sovereign over all things. Yet you listen to our prayers, somehow working them into your plans for the universe. I expect we’ll never quite understand this mystery, at least this side of the age to come. Yet, in faith, we pray, just like Hezekiah. We pray because you’ve told us to do it. We pray because we’ve experienced the power of prayer. We pray because we believe that you take our prayers seriously. We pray because, as we do, we draw near to you, sensing your presence and receiving your peace. Dear Lord, may I pray with greater faith, greater hope, and greater wisdom. May I submit myself to you as I pray, offering all that I am for your purposes. And, even when I tell you what I want you to do, may I be guided by your Spirit to pray according to your will. Amen. http://lifeforleaders.depree.org/thepower-and-puzzle-of-prayer/
The Ambassador
15
The Voice of the Christian Community, Serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
HOW DO I FORGIVE MYSELF?
by H.B. Charles www.hbcharlesjr.com The most faithful response to this question is the reject it as an illegitimate question. The biblical teaching about forgiveness can be summarized in two main ideas: God forgives sinners freely, completely, and sacrificially. Ultimately, divine forgiveness is paid for by the cross of Christ. Christians must forgive those who wrong us, as God has forgiven us for the sake of Christ. That’s it. Sermon over. There is not third point. God has forgiven us and we must forgive others. Period. There are more than 125 direct references to forgiveness in the Bible. But the Bible does not teach that we should forgive
ourselves. It does not explain how to forgive ourselves. It does not say anything about forgiving ourselves whatsoever. God is just, holy, and righteous. We are not. We are sinners who cannot do anything to win the approval of God. We cannot reach up to God. But God has reach down to us through the blood and righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our infinitely holy God extends forgiveness to stubbornly rebellious sinners. Yet they are those who claim, “I know God has forgiven me. But I need to learn to forgive myself.” This is the self-centered psychology of the world, not the teaching of scripture. In fact, it contradicts the message of the Bible. If I need to forgive myself, it suggests that I am the God that I have offended and need to appease. This way of thinking is not just erroneous, it is blasphemous. To claim that I have been forgiven by God but I cannot forgive myself betrays that I do not understand, believe, or appreciate the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a sinister attempt of the Enemy to get us to depend upon our own righteousness, rather than the grace of God. Isaiah had a violent encounter with the holiness of God (Isaiah 6), who was seated in sovereign authority. “Woe is me!” Isaiah responded, “For I am lost; for
I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” (Isaiah 6:5) Confronted by sovereign holiness, Isaiah braced himself to die. But God graciously forgave him instead. As he basked in amazing grace, Isaiah did not say, “I know God has forgiven me. Now, I have to learn to forgive myself for my unclean lips!” Rather, Isaiah volunteered to be God’s messenger, “Here I am! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8) When a Christian repents of sin and receives forgiveness by the atoning blood of Christ, it is natural to wish you had never sinned against God in the first place. There should be a godly sorrow over sin. There will be regret and remorse, as you consider those who are hurt by your sin. You may lament the consequences of your transgressions. But none of these things
represent an ongoing guilt for which you need to forgive yourself. “For freedom Christ has set us free,” declares Paul. “Stand firm therefore, and do not submit against to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1). Jesus guarantees our spiritual liberty by declaring, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). You do not need to supplement divine forgiveness with any self-forgiveness. Your forgiveness in Christ is complete. Receive it. Remember it. And rejoice in it. If your testimony is, “God has forgiven me,” that is enough! You do not need to forgive yourself. 1 John 1:9 is the Christian’s blessed assurance… If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Free Home Market Value Analysis Call or email Intero Real Estate Services for a free, no obligation market value analysis of your home.
David Holycross Helping families honor the lives of those they love since 1998
Yuba City
16
www.holycrossmemorial.com | (530) 751 - 7000 | License #FD1653
The Ambassador
Intero Real Estate Services Donna Phelan Director of Sales 868 Richland Road Yuba City, CA 95991
Office: 530-790-7000 Donnaphelan@interopride.com BRE#01338574
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
Continued From Page 1 - “FIRE” related to Holy Spirit fire) It describes the power of the Holy Spirit that enabled Jesus’ disciples to have the boldness and fearlessness to say and do things they would otherwise have not done. The Greek word for “Fire” is “pyr” from which we get our word “pyrotechnic” or “pyromaniac”. It has always intrigued me that God chose something as destructive as Fire to build our lives and faith in Him. Sometimes we only hear of (or look for) the “softer side of God”, comforting and encouraging us in the faith. Those messages are good and often helpful. We need the “oil” of the Holy Spirit to soothe
us at times. But “Fire” does not soothe or comfort. It destroys and sometimes cleanses. The fire of the Holy Spirit can destroy sin in our path and in our nature. It is also able to destroy fear and provide boldness and courage so that we can rescue others from the truly destructive flames of Hell by bringing them out of the “burning house” and lead them to Jesus. Fire is ALWAYS to be respected and when it is in our hands (so to speak) , we need to be good stewards of it and use it wisely without pride or recklessness. Yes, fire serves a very important purpose in our lives. Some fires need to be put out while others need to be fanned!
#Pray For California
Can You Help This Family In Need? Jose Guzman is a 46 yr old Catholic man who has worked his entire life, making sure that he provided for his family which includes his wife of 21 years, Tysha, and their seven children. Additionally, Jose and Tysha have five grandchildren who are part of their everyday lives. Sadly, on June 28th of this year tragedy struck. Jose suffered a ruptured AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation) and a brain aneurysm which also led to Jose suffering a stroke. The Guzman’s were informed that Jose would need a sterotactic radiation procedure to shrink the AVM as soon as possible to prevent a further rupture. Should Jose not have this procedure, he will have a 1 in 3 chance of the AVM
rupturing once again. Such an event would be life threatening. Unfortunatley, Jose’s medical insurance does not cover the procedure. Any donations received will help Jose to have the necessary procedure as well as help with other various medical expenses on his journey to recovery. The Guzman family appreciates every contribution. Please keep Jose in your prayers. God bless you! To contribute please go to www.gofundme.com/help-save-ourdaddy.
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.
The Ambassador
17
EDITORIAL PARENTHOOD RUN AMOK by Jon Skillman I seem to recall when the gay community promised that all they wanted was the same rights afforded married couples. So our legislators came up with civil unions that did just that (at least in California). But that wasn’t good enough, it lacked the legitimacy and acceptance the word “marriage” imparts. So, our weak kneed, limp wristed legislators and judges abandoned logic, ethics and morality in favor of diversity, inclusiveness and tolerance thus, same-sex marriage became the law of the land. Then same-sex couples, even though it is physically impossible, wanted to have children. Hey, no problemo, declared the court…adopt. But wait…there’s more! Gay couples are now petitioning the court to allow, “Tri-parenting,” in order to hurdle those pesky physical barriers in God’s natural design. This in turn gave a whole new dimension to the term, “modern family.” Warning: Some readers may be repulsed by the following and, ironically, parental discretion is advised. Case in point: A lesbian couple wanted to have a child together, but because things just don’t work thata way, they enlisted the help of one side of a gay couple to provide the…uh…missing ingredients. The result is a child with two biological parents and another mother who is actually, the bio mother’s wife. I warned you! But it
doesn’t end there. The father and his husband are now contemplating having a child by a woman to be named later. In a case in New Jersey, a heterosexual woman and one side of a gay couple decided (on a whim) to have a baby together. The child was born with the DNA of the biological parents but the last name of the father’s husband. You really need a program to keep the players straight (no pun intended). Anyway, the mother decided to marry her boyfriend and move out of state. Well the two daddies sued for custody and a judge ruled the non-bio dad to be a psychological parent and awarded custody to all three. The mother now feels she is in a two against one situation and is questioning the wisdom of her choices and wonders just where the court will draw the line. There is a case in the Netherlands where a child has five legal parents…a lesbian couple, a gay couple with a live-in with benefits. I guess the bigamy laws are still in effect. What’s next? What is missing in this whole sorted scenario is…how does all this complexity and perversion affect the child? When are we, as a society, going to realize it doesn’t take a village to raise a child it only takes one daddy and one mommy. Just the way God designed it.
The Ambassador accepts opinions and editorials (oped’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.
18
The Ambassador
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
Resurrecting The Ambassador! In this issue of The Ambassador, we have a bit of irony. It is a new section called “From the Archives”. In other words, it is a NEW section featuring OLD articles! Let me explain the reasoning behind this section. For the past 12 years (yes, 12 years) The Ambassador has published stories (the majority of them locally and exclusively written for The Ambassador) of various genres. Some were testimonies, some current events, some inspirational pieces, some information on ministries, some of them challenging pieces and some strong opinion/editorials. I have committed myself to publishing new articles only and not running “repeats”. I felt that was a lazy way to publish the “Good News”. But, here’s what I realized. Each issue was chock full of wisdom, encouragement exhortation, and information that is both a Gift from God AND a Blessing to His people. And just to be clear, I’m not talking about my editorials!! (if there’s ever a place for “LOL”, it’s here!) No, I’m talking about the writers that God has gifted us with for more than a decade. I was discouraged that their work was given only a 30 day “shelf-life” and then it was buried as we published the next issue. This truly has bothered me for some time. Therefore we are now creating two unique channels for these previous and significant articles: The first is as
Seth Halpern - Editor already mentioned, we will have in each issue an article from the past in our “From the Archives” section. Second, I have compiled a collection of articles from last year’s issues (2016) in a volume called “The Ambassador Redux – The Best of 2016”. Again this was a way to “resurrect” these wonderful insights given by God to His people for the purpose of blessing. The Ambassador Redux will be available as a pdf download from our website www. ambassadornewspaper.com and click on the Documents tab. It is also available via link to read as an ebook at http:// issuu.com/ambassadornewspaper/docs/ bookrev2. Whether you missed these articles the first time they ran or enjoyed them at their original release, I pray that you will take the opportunity to bring new life to these words in your own life. I know I have been blessed. I hope you will be as well.
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
MARKETPLACE
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM AUTO
MONROE TRANSMISSION Don Monroe 1397 Colusa Hwy Yuba City 530-751-2238
BUILDING/REMODELING
DAVE GREENETZ CONSTRUCTION INC. www.greenetzconstruction.com REMODELING
682.9602 - lic.# 452975
HILBERS INC.
CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS 1210 Stabler Lane, Yuba City www.hilbersinc.com 530-673-2947
SHUTTER-UP
Window Coverings (530) 755-3474 Blinds* Shutters* Shades Lic. #890713 BUSINESS SERVICES
PROFORMA BY KUG
IMPACT THE COMMUNITY HOME MAINTENANCE
LANDSCAPING
Featherston’s Roofing
Richard’s Tree Service
(530) 315-5287
Certified Arborist www.richardstree.com Lic. 608859
Tom Featherston - Owner CSL#997284
Featherstonsroofing@gmail.com
BUTTES PIPE & SUPPLY CO. "Your Complete Plumbing Supply Store"
(530) 673-8501 www.buttespipe.com
Intero Real Estate Services (530) 790-7000 www.interopride.com donnaphelan@interopride.com Great People. Great Agents
If you need a little tractor work done, you've come to the right guy.
OTHER
PERSONAL CARE
Indian Valley Outpost Resort
530-870-2620 lic.#496656
Yuba City Pest Control
Why Rent - Hire Me
530-933-8052
P.O. Box 2, Yuba City, CA 95992 Ph. (530) 755-2555 Fx. (530) 755-4672
Excellent Massage Care
SUPPORT "LOCAL" CHRISTIAN BUSINESSES
317 D St, Marysville
"Quality Service Guaranteed"
LANDSCAPING
General Yard Care & Maintenance
Contractor’s License # 728636
REAL ESTATE
“Voted•Best•Yuba/Sutter•Painting•Service•2014”
HOME MAINTENANCE
Call us to schedule yours. (530) 673-3634
4839 E. Butte Rd, Live Oak "Treating all creatures Great and Small" Jerry Long, DVM & Assoc.
SmartTractorWork.com
A BETTER YARD CARE
CHIMNEY & DRYER VENT Cleaning Time!
Country Vet Clinic, Inc
RUSSELL•&•BOALS PAINTING,•INC
Dave Kugelman Promotional Products www.proforma.com/kug 530-632-9292
A-1 Enterprises
530-673-7993
PETS
“We can help free up your weekends!”
530-788-5899
Cassandra Hoon
“A Touch Like No Other"
Brenda Banducci 530-701-4847
eXfuze Seven+
botanical supplements: acai, fucoidan, goji, seabuckthorn, noni, gac, mangosteen Robert E. Stark
Camping-Restaurant-Store On the Yuba River Tahoe National Forest
530-289-3349
Youth Courage Stables
"Busing Character Through Horsemanship"
Stephanie Kaesekamp
stephkaesekamp@yahoo.com
707-350-2999
6164 Marysville Rd.,Browns Valley
674-0345, stark@otnusa.com
JENINE L. TANABE MD DERMATOLOGY 414 G Street, Suite 204 Marysville 743-0301
MarketPlace Ads should not be considered as an endorsement of The Ambassador as to the spiritual commitment of the advertiser. The Ambassador does not and cannot "monitor" spiritual commitment of its advertisers."
Promote Your Business Here! The Ambassador
19