January 17,1990 • Portland Observer • Page 5 • LIGION 11 Hl Scripture o f the ‘Weeii Deuteronomy: Chapter 16 Strengthen four fa ith Through 'Prayer A n d fyguCar Church ‘Worship National Urban League Release “The State of Black America'* The Spirit of Division by Mattie Ann Callier-Spears Every month, every week, and every day, that goes by; we see so much anger, everywhere. Whites against Whites. Blacks against Blacks. Asians against Asians. Hispanics against Hispanics. And so the list goes on. Anger! . . . . Anger everywhere! We, as human beings, can be so callous toward one another. This nation was, actu­ ally, built upon the blood and demise of im.occnt, unsuspecting individuals. We can 't stand to see someone have something that we would rather have. We strike-out at anyone and anybody, who gets in our way; without having arational reason . . . . Why. It seems that we never stop to really think about what we have done until its too late. Too late! Yes! Too late to heal. Too late to reconstruct. To late to even sympathize. Words of anger. Sounds of anger. Acts of anger. Put them all together and what do you have? Division. People cannot con­ tinue to go on as if nothing has happened and expect good to come out of it. Hate is hate no matter where or how far apart you are from the person it is being launched against How many times have you heard these old cliche's: "A house divided against it­ self cannot stand'’ or “ United we stand and divided we fall?” As a nation, we are falling apart because we are so divided. The Christian church has so many divisions until you wonder -- how long will it take everyone to understand that we are serving the same Lord? The spirit of division is caused by the devil. Every time someone gets angry, punches someone in the mouth, slaps someone's face or just hurls an angry thought toward someone; the devil keeps on strok­ ing your anger. The spirit of unity is divine. We, as Christians, must help strengthen the body of Christ. Not tear it down. We are all parts of one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future. For us there is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and we all have the same God and Father who is over us all and in us all, and living through every part of us. [EPH. 4:4-6] Let me share this story with you — A customer went into a store and decided to make a purchase. The customer became dissatisfied with the quality of service and began on a rampage of yelling. The mer­ chant, on the other hand, stood quietly by and waited for the customer to conclude venting his frustrations. Then, the mer­ chant said "W e are here to serve you. If there is anything wrong, let us know. We want you to have a positive shopping expe­ rience.” Of course, the merchant said ' ‘We are here to serve you. If there is anything wrong, let us know. We want you to have a positive shopping experience.” O f course, the merchant was going to be cordial to the shopper because he wanted his business. More Christians need to be like this. This kind-of-a attitude can only come about through growth and maturity. G od's people will be equipped to do better work for him, by building up the church, the body o f Christ, to a position of strength and maturity; until finally we all believe alike about our salvation and about our Saviour, G od’s Son, and all become full-grown in the the L ord-yes, to the point of being filled full with Christ. When we allow ourselves to be sepa­ rated by the spirit of division--some con artist is waiting out there with just the right juice in his mouth. Juices to fuel your fire! Not to put it out. Arguing causes division. How many times have you and a friend or a family member been separated because of an argu­ ment? If you both had just taken a little time to be silent so that you could better under­ stand what the other was trying to say? Follow God’s example in everything you do just as a much loved child imitates his father. Be full of love for others, following the example of C hrist Some people live by their own wit, craftiness and cunning; then, that same person loses his way and wonders why. Its because God is not in it. If you have really heard Christ’s voice and learned from him the truths concerning himself, then throw off your old evil nature—the old you that was a partner in your evil ways—rotten through and through, full of lust and sham. Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better. Yes, you must be a new and different per­ son, holy and good. Clothe yourself with this new nature. Stop lying to each other; tell the truth, for we are parts of each other and when we lie to each other we are hurting ourselves. If you are angry, d o n 't sin by nursing your grudge. D on't let the sun go down with you still angry-get over it quickly; for when you are angry you give a mighty foothold to the devil. The spirit of division gets us so fowled up. Il divides families, churches, commu­ nities and government. You have to come against it with the LOVE of God. Whatever shall be restored, do it in the Holy name of Jesus C hrist The spirit of division is a major threat in G od’s body of Christian believers. Stop being mean, bad-tempered and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ. Find strength through spiritual growth. The only way that this can be achieved is by studying the WORD. Walk in the Spirit and grow. God has more confidence in our ability to learn than we do about our own selves. Keep envying, strife, jealousy and back biting out of your lives. Don’t be confused by those who excuse these sins, for the terrible wrath of God is upon all those who do them. Don’t even associate with them. For though once your heart was full of darkness, now it is full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! Stop stealing! Stop fussing! Stop using bad language! Say and do only those things that are good and helpful to those you are talking to, and what will give them a bless­ ing. Don’t cause the Holy Spirit sorrow by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who marks you to be present on that day when salvation from sin will be complete. We can’t do it by ourselves. We need God. You should expect God to hear your words being sent up in prayer. Expect God to help you. Expect God to help you build your faith. Expect God to keep you strong. How can you be so positive that God will hear and answer? Stay in His will. Keep His commandments. Don’t let the spirit of division rob you of G od’s Glory. John E. Jacob, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Urban League, lead a panel of distinguished Afri­ can-American scholars in an analysis of key issues confronting Black America during the release of ‘ ‘The State of Black America 1990” at 10 a.m., on Tuesday, Jan. 9th at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. “ The State of Black America,” a publication of the National Urban League, is the most authoritative annual document examining the current status and conditions of African-Americans. The 1990 report is th fifteenth annual edition. The authors and articles are: Black Americans and the Courts: Has the Clock Been Turned Back?, by Julius Chambers, Esq.; The New Budget and Tax Strategy: Implications for Blacks, by Dr. Lenneal J. Henderson, Jr.; Economic Status of Black Americans, by Dr. David Swinton; Health Status of Black Americans, by LaSalle D. Leffall, Jr., MD; African-American Family Diversity, by Dr. Andrew Billingsley; Pre­ venting Black Homicide, by Carl C. Bell, MD and Dr. Esther J. Jenkins; Housing Opportunity: A Dream Deferred, by Dr. Phillip Clay; Television Advertising and Its Impact on Black America in the ’80s, by Dr. Eugene S. Robinson; Perspectives on Election '89 by Dr. Matthew Holden; Ra­ cism in the United States: Too Costly in the 1990’s?, by Dr. Ramona Edelin; and Those of Broader Vision: An African-American Perspective on Teenage Pregnancy and Parenting, by Georgia L. McMurray. The publication also features an over­ view by John E. Jacob and a chronology of events of importance to Black America in 1989. URGENT!!! PIANO/ORGANIST Troubled Waters Is your head bowed down in sorrow, As you come to the end o f the day, Is there no one you can turn to. And somewhere you have lost your way? “ Let not your heart be troubled, Neither let It be afraid,” Joys awaiting you tomorrow Have merely been long delayed. And whether you voice your problem. Or Just meet Him in silent prayer, God hears and He oft times answers In a way that we know He cares. Come what may, you can endure it, If you will pray your way through it. by Laura Baker Haynes Calendar of ‘Events 67th Annual School of Religious Learning Slated The 67th Annual School of Religious Learning will be held on four consecutive Monday evenings beginning, January 23rd at First United Methodist Church, S.W. 18th and Jefferson in Portland. Classes will begin each evening at 7:30 p.m. with an opening night celebration at 7:00 p.m. The Reverend Rodney Page, Executive Director of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, stated, * ‘This is the oldest continuous lay school of religious learning west of the Mississippi and one of the oldest in the country. This years offerings are one of the most comprehensive ever offered by the school. We will be offering courses in Biblical and Religious Studies, Parish life Studies, Social Justice, and Healing and Wholeness Studies.” The Reverend Paul S. Wright, Pastor Emeritus of First Presbyterian Church at Theologian Inn Residence at Lewis & Clark College will be celebrating his 35th year teaching in the School of Religious Learning. Registration is $20.00 for the four sessions and can be made through Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, 0245 S.W. Bancroft, Portland, Oregon 97201. Class sizes are limited and no registration can be accepted by telephone. A brochure and required materials will be sent upon request. LEE OWEN STONE Cooperative Preschool St. Mark Baptist Church on Rodney. Salary nego­ tiable. Please contact: Rev. Joe S. Hardie at AMA, 285-0493. 120 N.E. Knott Street • 281-5802 ACCEPTING NEW ENROLLEES! 9 a.m. - Noon Mon.Fri. Scholarships • Aftercare Available Socialization Skills for 2-1/2 to 5-year-olds United Way If you care, share. GOOD TIMES! Call Jerri Broadbeck: 282-7081 Young Men, Did You Know? by Mattie Ann Callier-Spears Jesus Loves You! The future o f the human race rests in the hands o f our young men. G od is closely watching you, and He weighs carefully everything you do. ADVICE FROM THE PROVERBS, #6 “ B efore You M u s t’ ’ — Make a Decision — "Inquire about the services we offer” Cox Funeral Home, Inc. 24 H r . S e r v ic e 2 8 1 -4 8 9 1 We are interested in your problems. MRS C’S WIGS WHOLESALE & RETAIL HUNDREDS OF WIGS FOR YOUR EVERCHAHGING LIFESTYLES NAOMI SIMS • BORNFREE • MICHAEL WEEKS BETTY C A B IM PROPRIETOR TUIS-SAT 11:30-6 «O0 X & ANO OTHER NAME BRANDS E VER YTH »« FROM CURRENT STYLES TO SPECIALTY W B S UNDUE H A H ORNAMENTS HAD BEADS & BEAUTY SUPPLES MRS C’S EBONY ESSENCE COSMETCS ZURI COSMETICS ................- ....... .............. 1 2 8 1 -6 5 2 5 _________ ! i BEAUTICIAN A STUDENT DISCOUNTS 1 0 0 % HUMAN HAM FOR BRAIDING & 7th A FREMONT (7 0 7 N.E. FREMONT) WEAVWG Son, if you endorse a note for someone you hardly know, guaranteeing his debt, you are in serious trouble. You may have trapped yourself by your agreement. Quick! Get out of it if you possibly can! Swallow your pride; don’t let embarrassment stand in the way. Go and beg to have your name erased. Don’t put it off. Do it now. Don’t rest until you do. If you can get out of this trap you have saved yourself like a dear that escapes from the hunter, or a bird from the net. [DO N O T CO-SIGN] Take a lesson from the ants, you lazy fellow. Learn from their ways and be wise! For though they have no king to make them work, yet they labor hard all summer, gath­ ering food for the winter. But y o u -a ll you do is sleep. When will you wake up? ’’Let me sleep a little longer! ’ ’ Sure, just a little more! And as you sleep, poverty creeps upon you like a robber and destroys you; want attacks you in full armor. [G E T UP AND G E T A JO B] Let me describe for you a worthless and a wicked man; first, he is a constant liar; he signals his true intentions to his friends with eyes and feet and fingers. Next, his heart is full of rebellion. And he spends his time thinking of all the evil he can do, and stirring up discontent. But, he will be destroyed suddenly, broken beyond hope of healing. For these are six things the Lord hates—no, seven: H aughtiness Lying Murdering Plotting evil Eagerness to do wrong A false witness Sowing dLscord among brothers • f Young man, obey your father and your mother. Tie their instructions around your finger so you won’t forget. Take to heart all of their advice. Everyday and all night long their counsel will lead you and save you from harm; when you wake up in the morn­ ing, let their instructions guide you into the new day. For their advice is a beam of light directed into the dark comers of your mind to warn you of danger and to give you a good life. Their counsel will keep you far away from prostitutes with all their flatter­ ies. Don’t lust for their beauty. D on’t let their coyness seduce you. For a prostitute will bring a man to poverty, and an adulter­ ess may cost him his very life. [OBEY YOUR PARENTS] Can a man hold fire against his chest and not be burned? Can he w alk on hot coals and not blister his feet? So it is with the man who commits adultery with another’s wife. He shall not go unpunished for this sin. Excuses might even be found for a thief, if he steals when he is starving! But even so, he is fined seven times as much as he stole, though it may mean selling everything in his house to pay it back. But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys his own soul. Wounds and constant disgrace are his lot, for the woman's husband will be furious in his jealousy and he will have no mercy on you in his day of vengeance. You w on't be able to pay him off no matter how much you offer. G od’s W O RD is a sharp as a two- edged sword. It goes forth with love. God only wants what is good for all his people. Young men! Open, open your eyes and your hearts. Listen! Sec the truth! Be all that you can be in the eyes of God Al­ mighty! a * f f l ! 4236 N.E. Eighth Avenue (co m er o f 8th & S k id m o re) Portland, Oregon 97211 (503) 287-0261 P h illip S. N elson, P a s to r f Speedy Service DAD'S OIL SERVICE Heating Oils Friendly Call for Quote!!! 104 N.E. Russell St. Portland, OR 97212 (503) 282-5111 0 ARANATHA HURCH 4222 N.E. 12th Avenue Portland Oregon Sunday Services 10:30 A.M. Maranatha School of Ministry A.M. Afternoon ft P.M. Shifts Available No Experience Necessary • Under New Management. 6:30 P.M. 1412 8.E. Morrison • Portland, Oregon 235-3536 Mid-Week Services - Wednesday 7:30 P.M I : • ■ • (503) 284-1954 Radio M inistry Each Sunday, 8.00 A.M. - KBMS Morning Worship ' Ì 7:45 A .M . - W O R S H IP SERVICE 9:30 A .M . - SU N D A Y S C H O O L 10:45 A.M . - W O R S H IP SERVICE 6:30 P.M . - W O R S H IP SERVICE BIBLE STUDY: 10:30 A .M . -1 2 N O O N - W ED N ESD A Y 6:30 A .M . - 8:00 P.M . - W ED N ESD A Y Hiring -• Psalm 34:3 i I 1 D r. Jam es E. M artin , S en io r P asto r tdicapped Work« . «------ -- L 116 N.E. Schuyler 9:00 A.M. .................... t ñ MT. OLIVET BAPTIST CHURCH AMERICAN J m 'A TeacJung Church “With A gyaching M inistry.' Sunday School Best Cash Prices n _____ , . - - - •