October 2019
by Seth Halpern Editor At the end of this month, many will “celebrate” Halloween. For most, it is a time of fun- sweets, costumes, parties- sounds great! Unfortunately, it comes with a cost, dental bills aside. Each person and family has a right to participate (or not) however they choose. While some choose to embrace it and go all out with spooky, even sinister decorations and costumes, other families dress their kids in Disneyesque costumes that make them look adorably cute. Then there are others who choose not to participate at all out of principle or personal conviction. This article does not deal with the topic of Halloween nor how to participate in it.
A Bag of "What if's"
by Christy Boals
Page 4
However, on the 31st of this month, many will dress up like the zombies pictured on this cover. Our culture has really embraced the horror and grotesqueness of zombies for entertainment. There are groups, even locally, that put on “flash mob” performances. The TV show “The Walking Dead” is scheduled to air its tenth season this month and is going strong. Yes, we definitely have a fascination with horror and zombies! However, that is also
NOT the topic of this article. I confess I have never watched or been tempted to watch a single episode of the show nor have I seen “Night of the Living Dead” or any other such media. I am simply not interested in it. It’s just not my thing. I know many family members and friends who enjoy it for entertainment sake and I will not judge them for their preferences. I’m sure that there are things that I watch or read that some would bristle at as well.
“Our culture has really embraced the horror and grotesqueness of zombies for entertainment”
Caught Serving Banquet Season
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Saving Pastors' "by John Stonestreet"
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We have liberty in Christ and we should each be guided by the Holy Spirit as to what we do. That said, the reason I bring up the “walking dead” is because I read in God’s Word that Paul says “I have been CRUCIFIED with Christ. It is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:20 NIV emphasis mine). Crucifixion was a horrible way to die. It was torturous and when it was over, you were definitely dead! Proponents of the “swoon theory” who believe that Jesus didn’t really die, He just passed out from weakness, are intellectually dishonest. There is no way that a human could endure the brutality and
Continue on page 16 1040 Lincoln Rd., Suite A, #124 Yuba City, CA 95991 530-933-1385 editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
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INSPIRATION 5 to 6 = 32 by April James www.BeyondTheSilverCoin.org In our office, when an equation did not equal the expected results we jokingly called it “creative accounting”. Then we dove into to find out why the difference. I have found some things in life don’t logically line up; they are better understood with the heart or spirit. My husband’s prognosis was five to six months. When he passed at only 32 days, I felt cheated out of time with him; it did not add up to “what was supposed to be”. When speaking with a visiting chaplain, he stated that individuals have more influence over the length of time they continue in situations such as ours, whether they are ready to go or fighting to remain. Barbara Karnes writes in The Dying Experience, “How we approach death is going to depend upon…, how willing we are to let go of this known expression to venture into a new one. Fear and unfinished business are two big factors in determining how much resistance we put into meeting death.” John 19:30 states of Jesus “…He gave up His spirit”. Despite taking our infirmities and bearing our sicknesses they did not kill him, no one took his life He gave up His spirit. In Philippians, Paul talks about being hard-pressed between the desire to depart and “be with Christ or to remain in the flesh which is more needful for others”. Later, Paul, nearing
the end of his life writes” I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord,…will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing”. I am not comparing Gene to Jesus or Paul, just the desire/willingness to lay down the earthen vessel when our earthly journey is over. They had no fear of death or unfinished business. A gentleman’s actions years ago made a lasting impression on me. Knowing he would soon die he reached out to anyone that he thought there might be unresolved matters with, all was settled, he had peace, he finished well. 32 days was not what I expected logically, but a grieving heart recognized the grace of God and answered prayer as he entered heavens’ gates. We cannot put life in a box and certainly not God who is far greater than we could ever conceive. Thus, begins the tension of rejoicing for the one who has gone before us while at the same time grieving our loss; yet we “do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope”. Like it or not grief is an experience we must walk through in order to be healthy and have a new normal; it’s not a place to camp out in; thankfully we do not walk alone for the Lord is with us. He wants to turn our mourning into dancing.
When the heart grieves over what it has lost, the spirit rejoices over what it has left.
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- - - A Bag of What if's - - by Christy Boals www.gracefilledpurpose.com If you ever found yourself stuck in an elevator, I am the person you would want to have with you. Not for my charming personality, but because we could live pretty comfortably for quite awhile on the things I carry in my purse. I live by the Scout motto of, “Be prepared.” Need a band-aid? A granola bar? A safety pin? I’ve got you covered. Another way to look at it is I carry a bag of “what if’s”. What if I need a snack? What if my kids get a scrape? What if I need to perform emergency CPR? (Yes, the emergency mask and instructions are in my purse too, even though evidently, we are no longer supposed to do the breathing part of CPR!) I am thinking maybe there is a fine line between being prepared and being worried. Yes, many things have come in handy, but do I really need to lug all this stuff around with me? I started to wonder if there are other “what if's" I am carrying around. What if something happens to my kids? What if I get sick? What if my car breaks down? These kinds of “what if's” can get heavier and heavier the more I think about them. They also do something
worse; they move me further and further away from trusting God. I am in essence saying, “I don’t trust that You are going to take care of me. I better carry all these things myself.” Ouch. That is not how I want to live. Not only is it way more difficult, but I really do want to live in a place of peace and trust in God. I have to continually hand all of my worries and burdens over to my loving Heavenly Father. He gladly takes them and gives me rest in their place. So maybe I will change my motto to, “Be prepared for God to take care of everything.”, and my “what if’s” into “what if everything works out according to God’s amazing plan?” “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” I Peter 5:7
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INSPIRATION
Pumpkin Perfect by Paula McBride You know how it is. The family has jumped off the hay wagon and the kids have rushed to find their perfect pumpkins. But you (or the little kid in you) wants to find a perfect pumpkin for yourself. You spot it several yards off and high-step through the tangle of vines trying to beat the family over there heading toward “your” pumpkin. Whew! You reach it first and admire the deep, smooth orange color and symmetrical round shape. You bend down to look at its other side and groan. The back is mashed flat, and there is a jagged scar running down the side. What was love at first sight has now become conditional, and you have to decide. Do I accept this beautiful pumpkin as it is, or do I look for another one? Is there such a thing as a perfect pumpkin? Is perfection possible at all? Jesus must have thought so, because as He taught the sermon on the mount, He said, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly father is perfect (Matthew 5:48). Yet, the Bible reminds us over and over about our sin and that no one is righteous. Are we being asked the impossible, or should we take a closer look at what Jesus is saying? We usually think of perfection according
to the dictionary definition which is “free from any flaw, faultless.” The word Jesus used, as recorded in Greek, was “teleios” which means mature or full grown, or the state of being complete. In addition, Mathew wrote his statement in the fuller context of the Sermon on the Mount. That means Jesus’ followers were being given a plan for making our Heavenly Father’s character visible in their lives, for imitating God’s love and behavior. Jesus never indicated that His followers would achieve perfection, but would work daily to reflect grace and mercy without any strings attached. They would mature till they were fully grown in heaven. That’s a wonderful mystery for us. The pressure of perfectionism is off, and
it even allows us to see that the marred pumpkin is beautiful and purposeful. It had its season to be planted, nurtured, pruned, and brought to maturity. Now it can decorate our home or feed us from its seeds and flesh. So, too, as we grow in our walk with Jesus and others, we will “let perseverance finish its work so that [we] may be mature and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:4). So, there are no “perfect” pumpkins, but there are mature and complete ones. Neither are there perfect humans, but we can mature and grow in grace and mercy to display the perfect character of our Lord. One day, the Lord will come and pick us up and take us right to heaven where we WILL be perfect for eternity.
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CALENDAROngoing Events
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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
GT LIFE RECOVERY - Friday Nights, 7:00 - 8:30pm Church of Glad Tidings -1179 Eager Rd., Yuba City - (530) 671-3160 GT Life Recovery is a Christ-center, 12 step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind. GT Life is a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that are controlling our life.
SATURDAY BETHESDA HEALING WELL - September 21st (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 A WOMAN’S FRIEND BANQUET October 4th, 6:30pm Church of Glad Tidings, 1179 Eager Rd, Live Oak Speaker Ashley Bratcher from the movie “Unplanned”. AGAPE WORSHIP CENTER 9TH CHURCH ANNIVERSARY 504 J Street – Marysville October 19, at 5:00pm ALL ARE WELCOME WESTERN ROUND-UP AND BBQ Crossroads Community Church 445 B St. Yuba City Saturday October 12th 6:00pm Put on your best country and western duds and come enjoy good oldfashioned country worship and preachin’ followed by a homestyle BBQ. WOMEN’S NIGHT OUT, FOOD SHOPPING AND SERVICE Crossroads Community Church 445 B St. Yuba City Friday, October 18th, time yet to be determined Come enjoy an evening of shopping and fellowship. Contact church office for more details as they come available.
“PLAY THE FLUTE” SPECIAL ONETIME-ONLY MOVIE SHOWING! Cinemark Theatre, 1410 Whyler Rd, Yuba City Monday, October 21st @ 7:00pm “Play The Flute” is about a Youth Pastor (Brett Varvel) who takes over an indifferent youth group to motivate them to read God’s Word and get serious about their relationship with the Lord. Reserve your discounted tickets locally at $10 each by calling Rejoice! Studios 530-632-0038 or go to www.playtheflutemovie.com. MOVIE NIGHT AT CROSSROADS Crossroads Community Church 445 B St. Yuba City Friday, October 25th 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.
COMEDIAN AARON WILBURN IN CONCERT Crossroads Community Church 445 B St. Yuba City Sunday, October 20th 6:00pm Aaron Wilburn brings the house down with laughter... and he does it without four-letter words or making his audience feel uncomfortable.
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!
CALENDAR
• Prayer List for October 2019 •
1-Oct Church unity 2-Oct Local city/county leaders 3-Oct Immigration- Pray for the border crisis, the families and the legislators to solve problems 4-Oct Global Persecution-Safety/Courage of Believers 5-Oct Middle East - For the peace of Jerusalem 6-Oct Children's workers, Teachers and others who are entrusted with our children 7-Oct Homeless/Poor - Twin Cities Rescue Mission, A Hand Up, Salvation Army, REST 8-Oct A Woman’s Friend - Unborn children/Pregnant Women 9-Oct Orphan children- Samaritan Village (see p. 3) and other orphanages 10-Oct Sex Trafficking victims 11-Oct Missionaries -Fruit, Provision 12-Oct Addicted, Rehab ministries- Feather River Mens Center, Joshua House, Celebrate Recovery 13-Oct National unity, Race Relations 14-Oct First Responders-Police, Firefighters, EMT, TIP 15-Oct Adoptive families & birth moms 16-Oct Struggling Women- Pray for Lydia's House, Casa Esperanza 17-Oct Singles, Single Parents, Divorce healing, widowed 18-Oct President Trump- God's Wisdom in decisions & communication 19-Oct Local schools- pray for safety of students and staff 20-Oct Seniors and Elderly 21-Oct The Ambassador Newspaper-Increased readership and Impact 22-Oct State lawmakers- Pray for Assemblyman James Gallagher and others who represent us 23-Oct Local officials and community leaders 24-Oct Teen Depression, Suicide 25-Oct Local Pastors and their families 26-Oct Military, All armed forces & their families. 27-Oct Hollywood- May God to touch influential people 28-Oct Band Together for Christ Festival- Pray for hearts of the youth to be open to the Gospel 29-Oct Christian Businesses-Ambassador Sponsors & others. 30-Oct War-torn nations- pray for peace and protection especially for civilians 31-Oct Halloween- Pray for wisdom and physical and spiritual safety for those participating
Pray For Our President Daily
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”
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• 5 Gifts for Your Pastors for Pastor Appreciation Month (and all the time) • by Eric Geiger October is (here), which means so is “Pastor Appreciation Month.” Very few folks celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month, and I am not advocating that it become a more prominent holiday on our calendars. While I am grateful for those in our churches who express appreciation to pastors during October, it is far better for the pastors, their families, and the churches they serve if the love, support, and encouragement is ongoing. Below are two important passages and five gifts we should give our pastors. Pastors, myself included, sometimes struggle to point out these passages because they can come off as selfserving. I likely feel more comfortable posting this because I am not serving as a “pastor” in my day-job at this point, but that shouldn’t be the case as these passages are in the Bible. Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith… Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Pray for us; for we are convinced that we have a clear conscience, wanting to conduct ourselves
honorably in everything. (Hebrews 13:7,17-18) The elders who are good leaders should be considered worthy of an ample honorarium, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says: Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain, and, the worker is worthy of his wages. (1 Timothy 5:17-18) 1. Pray for them. The writer of Hebrews asked for prayer. The greatest gift you can give your pastors is prayer. Pray that the Lord will keep them to Himself, pure and blameless (1 Timothy 3:2). Pray they will persevere in life and doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16). And pray for their families as their families shoulder the burden of ministry alongside them. As you pray for your pastors, you will find yourself loving them more and more. You can’t pray for someone and despise them at the same time. 2. Imitate their faith. The writer of Hebrews challenges us to imitate our leaders. Of course, this is a challenge for leaders to be imitable, to
live holy lives in response to the grace of God. And obviously this does not mean our pastors are perfect, as the writer of Hebrews has clearly articulated Jesus as the only perfect One. But this does mean we should learn from our pastors; we should put into practice the faith we see displayed in them. 3. Follow their lead. The writer of Hebrews says we are “to obey our leaders and submit to their authority.” The abuses of power and the ministers who fall morally do not negate the truth of this verse, and likewise should not negate our observance of it. Surely there are times when a pastor, because of sin, disqualifies himself from ministry and no longer has the privilege of asking God’s people to follow. In the same way, a pastor who distorts the truth of the gospel should not be listened to or followed (Galatians 1:9). But if we are in churches led by godly leaders who herald the truth of God’s Word, we should follow. In His providence, God places pastors in their places of ministry. The Lord gives
them unique gifts and specific passion for the churches they serve and the communities they serve in. Their passion, sense of mission, and specific gifting will and should impact the direction of the church. 4. Pay them well. This is biblical. The church’s goal should not be to “starve the pastor to keep him humble.” That is the Lord’s work, not the work of the finance committee. Too many pastors and their families are under unnecessary financial stress because some churches are not generous in this manner. 5. Help them love their families well. Pastors must be able to love and shepherd their own families well if they are to lead the people of God (1 Timothy 3:5). Help your pastors love their families well by not putting expectations on them that would equate to neglecting their families if they actually lived up to the expectations. Rejoice that your pastors disappoint others by not accepting all invitations so that they may invest more in their own families. A pastor never “clocks out.” A pastor is a pastor all of the time. The responsibility is enormous as, to quote Martyn LloydJones, the pastor “is given charge of souls.” Let’s encourage, love, and support our pastors as they seek to faithfully fulfill all the duties of their ministries.
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Are you a “But” Christian? Some people may not like how direct some Bible verses are, but I personally am a huge fan. One of my favorites is Proverbs 12:1 (NIV) “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.” I can’t recall who to credit for the following quote, but it speaks to the importance of knowing the Bible and being in a church where the Pastor will risk offending the congregation with God’s Truth. “I want a religion that is right when I am right and a religion that is also right when I am wrong.” I am addressing this because of the number of “but” Christians who are ignoring the truth of God’s Word. It goes something like this, “I know the Bible says ______ ‘but’ I believe _____!” We cannot be genuine followers of Jesus Christ and modify or ignore verses that we don’t like. God does not approve of “but” Christians. In addition, many believers don’t read the Bible to know what it says. There are approximately 50 different nations where it is illegal to possess a
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I’m a Christian
Bible. The obvious reason is that Satan knows the supernatural power of God’s Word that can radically change a person’s life. But only if it is applied! You and I continually need correction. Sometimes unpleasant, intense correction. I don’t want to be stupid (as proverbs states), but want to have a heart that loves discipline. I like how Jeremiah prays for correction Jeremiah 10:23-24 (NLT) I know, LORD, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course. So, correct me, LORD, but please be gentle. Do not correct me in anger, for I would die. So, let’s embrace discipline and correction so we can become healthy genuine Christians that will bring the lost to Jesus Christ. Amen?
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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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- Beware of Your Narrative -
their own “narrative” about Jesus. He was (according to them) a small town upstart, a usurper born out of wedlock, a glutton and a drunkard who hung out with the dregs of society. He worked miracles and exorcisms using demonic power, and was a clever manipulator who stirred up mobs in his lust for power. Of course those who walked with Jesus knew this narrative was false, but for the leaders, maintaining their power and position was far more important than the truth. “The narrative” bolstered the self-righteous lies they lived, and protected them from having to change. Most of us caught in struggling
marriages have our “narratives”, which maximize our mates’ faults and minimize our own. The entire history of the marriage is reinterpreted through this “narrative”. We fiercely guard our narratives because if they collapse, we can no longer run from our faults, escape the blame for our sins and mistakes, and refuse to change. The problem with our “narratives” is that they enable us to “live a lie” (actually a whole system of falsehoods) that makes vital change impossible. In Karen’s case, her “narrative” rescued her from the anxiety she felt over Jim’s selfless ministry initiatives. It masked the jealousy she felt over the praise Jim sometime received
from people he had helped. And it kept her from having to confront her own need to always be in control and in the spotlight. How do you know if you’re living in that false “narrative”? First, your “narrative” will simplify a complex situation in a way that vilifies your partner and pushes the blame away from you. Second, you will find yourself fiercely dodging, deflecting, denying, and distracting away from anything suggesting you had a central role in causing your marriage problem. And third, you find yourself arguing vociferously that it is your partner, not you, who needs to change. The sad fact is that the “father of lies” loves to see us caught up in our own false “narratives” so that growth and positive change don’t take place. Jesus, by contrast was (and is ) passionate about the truth. It is God’s purpose to change us into the image of Christ. But in order for that to happen, we need to recognize the narratives that bind us, seek the help of God’s Spirit to be set free. Tim Cole is involved in family ministry in Japan as director of Family Forum Japan. He met his wife in Japan 40 years ago, and has 5 children and 4 grandchildren. Follow his daily posts at https://www. facebook.com/strugglingmarriage/?ref= settings
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by Tim Cole “You are of your father the devil… whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies." How aware are you of your narrative? “My what?” you ask. Your “narrative” is the story you create to protect yourself in the midst of your confusing and painful circumstances. Karen was in a difficult marriage. She and Jim clashed about everything - parenting, schedules, sex, leisure, church…When she started seeing a marriage counselor, she poured out her story - how Jim was selfish, abusive, dishonest, and unloving. When Jim joined the counseling session the following week, the counselor was surprised at how different Jim seemed from the husband Karen had described. He freely admitted failures early in their marriage and weaknesses he struggled with now, but his love for Karen was obvious throughout. The counselor began to see that Karen was subjective, her memory easily swayed by her emotions. Her description of Jim was a “narrative” Karen had created and rehearsed hundreds of times, that enabled her to place all the blame for their marriage problems on Jim, to avoid having to confront her own issues. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day had
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Daniel Webster’s Words for Today by Dan Prout This summer, I read Heirs of the Founders by H W. Brands. The book orbits around the lives of three “second generation” luminaries in our American history – Henry Clay, John Calhoun, and Daniel Webster. The issue of Slavery dominated the political discussion for decades – from the considerations, compromises, and edits of the Constitution through the tumult of the Missouri Comprise (1820), the Compromise of 1850, and the Dred Scott decision (Supreme Court, 1857). Daniel Webster was a United States Congressman (Massachusetts and New Hampshire) and served as Secretary of State under three presidents. It is said of Webster that he would speak for as much as four hours virtually without notes. When addressing the Supreme Court, the Justices and all present were in tears at the conclusion of his powerful, moving message. Brand’s book contains long passages from his hand. Webster’s words are insightful and instructive, his reasoning well-founded and developed, his delivery colored with skillful cadence. One of his statements struck me cold. I have read and re-read it multiple times.
His prescient comment penned 196 years ago accurately warns of our nation’s present deteriorating, social condition. “If religious books are not widely circulated among the masses in this country, I do not know what is going to become of us as a nation. If truth be not diffused, then error will be. If God and His Word are not known and received, the devil and his works will gain the ascendency. If the evangelical volume does not reach every hamlet, the pages of a corrupt and licentious literature will. If the power of the gospel is not felt throughout the length and breadth of this land, anarchy and misrule, degradation and misery, corruption and darkness will reign without mitigation or end.” (1823) Let us renew our zeal and energy for broadcasting biblical truth in the public arena with its life-giving, liberating precepts and practices. Not to do so places us on the precipice of a new slavery threatening freedom of thought, choice, and conviction. Generations are dependent on what we decide and do today. Rev. Dan Prout California Leadership Initiative Sierra Ministries International
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 - www.rejoicestudios.com 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
Individual Members Elaine Briefman David Hobbs JC Carpenter Janet Johnson Rita Collins Bill & Sonja Lindholm Chuck David Clay Maynard Fredricka Dahlander Vic Savage Assemblyman James Gallagher Robert Stark John Guth Diane Weaver
For weekly reminders, updates, or to join email editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
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Bible Trivia
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.
1.) How long was the ark that Noah built? ___100 cubits ___ 200 cubits ___ 300 cubits ___400 cubits 2.) Where did the ark land? ___Mount Horeb ___Mount Carmel ___ Mountains of Ararat ___ Mount Sinai 3.) Where was the boat headed for that Jonah boarded to run away from the Lord? ___Tarshish ___Tunis ___ Tarsia ___ Thyatira 4.) What did the men on the boat do to Jonah? ___They tied him up. ___They tried to kill him. ___ They got him to help them to row. ___ They threw him overboard. 5.) In Psalms "They that go down to the sea in ships and do business in great waters ____" ___bring wealth to their children and their children's children. ___should look to the Lord to provide for their families at home. ___should see that their families are cared
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for at home. ___see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep. 6.) Why did Jesus preach from a boat when he preached the parable of the sower? ___The crowd that had gathered was very large. ___He was having a picnic at the lake. ___He was fishing with the disciples at the time. ___He was on his way to Caperneum. 7.) Who did Paul take with him on his first missionary journey? (sailing from Seleucia to Cyprus) ___Silas ___Barnabas ___Tychecus ___Luke 8.) What was Jesus doing in the boat when the disciples thought they were going to perish in the storm? ___praying ___sleeping ___bailing water ___steering 9.) When Jesus called James son of Zebedee and his brother John, they were in a boat with their father Zebedee. What were they doing? ___Mending the nets. ___Mending the sail. ___Sorting fish. ___Gutting fish. Answers on Page 17
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Saving Pastors’ Lives
A Call to the Church to Help Those Struggling with Ideas of Suicide by John Stonestreet Breakpoint.org Tragically, last week we all learned that Jarrid Wilson, associate pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship Church in Riverside, California, had committed suicide. He was a husband and the father of two. He was only 30 years old. Jarrid had founded a ministry called “Anthem of Hope,” in order to minister to people with depression and suicidal ideations. He ended his life on the same day he officiated the funeral of a Christian who had ended hers. About a year ago, Andrew Stoecklin, another 30-year-old pastor from California, also committed suicide. Like Wilson, he shared openly about his own battles with depression and anxiety. About a year before that, Wisconsin Pastor Bill Lenz took his life after bouts of depression and anxiety. Like Wilson, he had ministered extensively to many with depression and suicidal ideation, and had created a suicide-prevention ministry. In the fog of questions and grief, one thing is clear: Neither Christians nor Christian pastors are immune from the suicide epidemic that’s sweeping our country. My friend Ed Stetzer wrote, in response to Wilson’s death, that while all suicides are shocking, stories of pastors and other
Christian leaders who take their own lives “cause questions to arise,” questions that are unique. Among them must be, why is there still such a lack of awareness about the emotional, psychological, and spiritual struggles pastors face? And also, where can pastors turn for help? It’s no surprise that so many pastors and ministry leaders are reluctant to admit that they are struggling with sin, with depression, or with their family. They especially struggle to be vulnerable with those who “hold the power of the purse” in their lives and can shape the future of their careers. And, as Stetzer pointed out in his article, there is an evangelical reluctance to look outside Christian circles for assistance, especially when it comes to mental health issues. It’s as if by doing so, we’d be admitting that the Christian faith is somehow inadequate. It isn’t, of course. The Christian faith not only explains who we are, it explains why truth and health can be found by those who carefully study God’s world. As Ed put it, “God does not fix it all…Yet.” Or as Wilson himself wrote on Twitter the day he died, “Loving Jesus doesn’t always cure suicidal thoughts,” and “Loving Jesus doesn’t always cure depression,” or “PTSD and anxiety, for that matter.”
Wilson ended his life on the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day, a day intended to draw attention to the enormity of the crisis in the U.S. and around the world. In connection with World Suicide Day, and in order to help us all answer the one question we should be asking right now— what can we do?—my friend Jeremiah Johnston has written an article explaining how Christians can make a difference when it comes to suicide and depression. It starts with knowing more about suicide and its causes. Among the most important thing to know is that “Mental illness is not a character flaw; it’s a disease.” Similarly, it’s “not a spiritual problem” in the sense it can be fixed with just “more faith”
or “more church.” Mental illness is a treatable medical condition. There remains too much stigma and shame in Christian circles when it comes to mental illness. That has to stop. Mental illness is treatable, but only if it’s treated. By supporting those around us, the church can help make that more likely. So let’s help. Just as Christians in the Roman Empire ran towards epidemics while everyone else was running away from them, we have a chance today to do the same. If you who are suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts: Please, seek help. There are folks who love you, care for you, and want to help. If you need help immediately, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK.
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Continued from Page 1: "Walking Dead" asphyxiation that comes as a result. Jesus endured crucifixion and he DIED. Yes, He was later raised to life, but first He died. So it is to be with us. Just like Paul, we are to be crucified as Christ was crucified. Without getting into the theological aspects of whether we were crucified WITH Him at the time of the Cross or when we come to salvation, the point is that we ARE crucified. We are dead. What does this mean? Certainly, we are not in the cemetery yet. We are not having a funeral prepared for us or see people grieving for losing us. No this isn’t a movie. But it is our true state. We are dead to sin. We are dead to our self. Our old man or old nature has been crucified. What does this look like? It looks like when we see the things in life or this world that once had a hold on us, alcohol, drugs, sex, money/greed, or any of a number of temptations,they are dead to us. Just as Christ was raised to life after He died, so are we. However, in order to be raised to life, we must first be dead. This may sound impossible and indeed It IS without the help of the Holy Spirit! We cannot clean up ourselves enough. We can try, but we will never be clean enough. We must die to our old nature
so that we can be given a new nature in Christ. Of course, repentance (or turning around) does play a role and in fact is commanded by Jesus, “turning over a new leaf” is not the same thing as salvation. Repentance means that we see our sin, and want to be led by God to change. It is HIS power that changes us. Our repentance is our decision to seek His way with the use of His power, nothing we can attain by our self. (remember it was our “self” that got us into this mess! That is what needs to die). Many verses point to the problems of self- “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives,
that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” James 4:1-3 (NIV) “Let each of you look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of other. Prefer one another over yourselves”. Philippians 2:4 (ESV) “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus”. Romans 6:11 (NIV) There are many, many more. Last issue, I encouraged you to find REST and PEACE in Christ. To know Him is to have that Rest and Peace both here and in the life to come for eternity. Today, my question for you is this: Are you DEAD ENOUGH? Think about it… Although none of us are perfect and we won’t be until we see Jesus in face to face, the more we are dead to our self (selfish desires and sin) the more we are alive in Christ. Please consider whether you are fully alive in Christ and a soldier for the Lord or still in the army of “The Walking Dead”
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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)
Continued From Page 14: "Bible Trivia" Answers 1. 300 cubits (Genesis 6:15) 2. Mountains of Ararat (Genesis 8:4) 3. Tarshish (Jonah 1:3) 4. They threw him overboard (Jonah 1:15) 5. See the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep (Psalms 107:23,24))
6. The crowd that had gathered was very large (Matthew 13:1-9) 7. Barnabas (Acts 13:1-5) 8. Sleeping (Matthew 8:23-27) 9. Mending the nets (Mark 1:19) STUDY TO SHOW YOURSELF APPROVED. 2 Timothy 2:15
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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 Ambassador Ministry
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
God Bless Each Of You For Your Support Of This Ministry And Our Community •••
9093 Old State Hwy Newcastle, CA 95658
1397 Colusa Hwy Yuba City, CA 95993
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
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The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
OP/ED
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
Here We Go Again Well the bobble heads in the California Assembly are at it again. You may recall last year, Assemblyman Evan Low, introduced AB 2943, the “Unlawful Business Practices Sexual Orientation Change Effort Bill,” more commonly known as the “Must Stay Gay Bill.” Essentially, this legislation would make it illegal to advertise or provide any services for pay considered to be conversion therapy…meaning any attempt to treat or correct unwanted same sex attraction. Strangely, but not surprising, all psychotherapies providing acceptance, understanding and support of the LGBTQ lifestyle are just fine and dandy. I watched the hearings on the bill and even though there were reputable professional voices in opposition, and testimonies of people helped by conversion therapy, their voices fell on deaf ears and closed minds. Here are few remarks from our esteemed legislators: “You can still try to pray the gay away if you’d like, but it hasn’t proven to be effective.” assembly member Susan Eggman. How condescending is that? “The faith community, like anyone else, needs to evolve with the times.” this from the right arrogant, Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi. And Evan Low stated, “The notion that we would accept that conversion therapy works is antithetical (to my gay identity)…” meaning, don’t you dare oppose my gayness. Low later tabled AB 2943 until a later date. So now, “here we go again!” Assemblyman Low has authored and the legislature bobbled its consent and passed ACR 99 (Assembly Concurrent
Resolution 99) This resolution is full of “Whereas’” lacking factual support. For example, “Whereas, the California State Legislature has found that being LGBTQ, is not a disease, disorder, illness, deficiency, or shortcoming.” Such a definitive statement is not definitive, there are therapists and health professionals who disagree. Another whereas lacking any conclusive support is: “Whereas, the stigma associated with being LGBTQ often created by groups in society, including therapists and religious groups, has caused disproportionately high rates of suicide…among LGBTQ individuals. If I read this right, it is my morality not their immorality that has stigmatized their lifestyle and is causing them to kill themselves. Woe to those who call good evil and evil good. Therefore, in order to resolve these whereas’, ACR 99 resolves that, “… California institutions with great moral influence-especially its churches, model equitable treatment of all people of the state.” As Christians we are already commanded to do just that. But ACR 99 is really asking churches to lower their moral standards in order to placate the LGBTQ community’s perversion. No can do…God has set His moral standards and they are… definitive! I fear we are in for another “Here we go again” moment in the near future… and it will not be in the form of a nonbinding resolution…it will be the law!
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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The Ambassador
Apathy: I Could Take it or Leave it! by Seth Halpern Editor My title is the statement written across the front of one of my favorite T-shirts. I like it because of the play on words, with the statement being the clear definition of Apathy. It’s funny on a shirt but it’s not funny when it comes to spiritual matters. Unfortunately, that seems to be where the majority of people land- Apathy! The opposite of apathy, I believe, would be “passion”. Often used in a sexual context, passion can be applied to anything. We see it for politics, sports teams, rock bands, cars, shopping, food and just about anything you can think of. How sad, then, that passion for the spiritual is often seen as fanatical. Why does our culture only allow passion for non-spiritual things and only allow us to have a quiet and private interest in our spiritual lives? I’m not only referring to shouting and dancing during worship. I am personally a reserved kind of guy and don’t worship all that loud, though it is ok if I do (or you do). My point is that many in the church are not as passionate about our spiritual life (and more specifically the focus of that life- Jesus) as we are in other things. While you may be thinking “Hey, you don’t know me. I AM passionate about my faith”. You may be right that I don’t know you and you may be very passionate about Jesus. I know some people (many of whom attend the Christian Business Alliance with me) who are examples of passionate believers. I’m talking about the church as a whole. For now, let’s just limit it to the Yuba-Sutter-Butte Church for argument sake. Are we (each of us) sticking our necks out to defend our faith, to participate and support
vital local ministries, helping people who are not “like us”, standing firm on God’s Word and making our voices heard to proclaim the Gospel? Or are we allowing blasphemy and perversion on our watch. Are we allowing those who do ‘the work of an evangelist” (2Tim 4:5) to struggle to make ends meet while we spend excess on our pleasures? Is it enough to go to church on Sunday and then live like the world Monday through Saturday? The answer is obvious and the reason, I believe, is just as obvious: Apathy. Some would say not to be “judgement”, after all our faith is personal, private. While I agree that our faith is Personal, it is definitely NOT Private! A Private faith is not biblical. How can the Great commission of Matthew 28 be private? “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” It does not require a megaphone but it cannot be private. As I said, there are many local ministries including The Ambassador, that are struggling to do the work of building the Kingdom of God because of a lack of support. Please consider investing in these organizations. While none of us can support everything, and your tithe should go to your home church first, please pray about where God would call you to invest. If Jesus is central to your life, then He’s central to your daily schedule, your calendar, and your bank account. My shirt may show a clever play on words but Spiritual Apathy is no joke. (Some worthy ministries are listed on page 3. If you would consider partnering with The Ambassador, please email us at editor@ambassadornewspaper.com)
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
MARKETPLACE
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AUTO
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IMPACT THE COMMUNITY HEALTH
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Richard’s Tree Service
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BUTTES PIPE & SUPPLY CO. "Your Complete Plumbing Supply Store"
(530) 673-8501 www.buttespipe.com
www.greenetzconstruction.com
682.9602 - lic.# 452975
HILBERS INC.
CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS 770 Walton Ave Ste.#100, Yuba City www.hilbersinc.com 530-673-2947
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SHAW & ASSOCIATES,INC. 950 Tharp Road., YC www.ShawAssociatesInc.com (530) 632-9292
EL CENTRAL CAFE RESTAURANT Authentic Mexican Food 427 Palora Ave., Yuba City (530) 763-5057 The Soltero Family
2nd Thursday of the month at 6:00p.m. in April, Sept & Oct Fun Family Events Every Month
(530) 713-1132
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"Quality Service Guaranteed"
Wealth Management Taxes/Accounting/Payroll
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4839 E. Butte Rd, Live Oak "Treating all creatures Great and Small" Jerry Long, DVM & Assoc.
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in our Marketplace Section. BUSINESS SERVICES
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Country Vet Clinic, Inc
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The Ambassador Newspaper Ministry - Seth Halpern, Editor----
editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
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(530) 933-1385
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www.ambassadornewspaper.com The Ambassador
19
Milo and
"Milo the AmbassaDog"
Friends
Woof! I’m Loki – a 2-year-old Australian Cattle Dog. I was rescued by a family on a 14-acre ranch because my last family’s yard was too small for all of my energy! My new family wants to train me to herd goats, but in the meantime I’m coming alongside another rescue dogto help him learn how to sit, fetch, and come on command. I also like to show my human family loyalty and faithfulness for rescuing and adopting me into their family, just as our Creator has done for us!
Being A Christian is like being a Pumpkin God picks you from the patch and brings you in. (John 15:16)
Then washes all the dirt off of you. (2 Corinthians 5:17) He opens you up and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. (Roman 6:6)
Then He carves you a new smiling face. (Psalm 71:23)
And He puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see. (Matthew 5:16)
