PRECIOUS PROMISES

WHAT MATTERS

2/27/2015

Dr. C. Branker

Usually when someone makes a promise, it is something very special and perhaps require a sacrifice on their part. For example ; " I will take you to Disney world in June". There is nothing greater than a promise fulfilled to the one that was promised. God is a God of promises.

At the end of our little book of promises declares; 

I know that He hears me whatsoever I ask, I know that I have the petitions that I desire of Him.

Today I go forth in the strength of the Lord.

Today I go forth in the power of the Lord.

Today I go forth in the wisdom of the Lord.

All of my needs are supplied. ( Phil. 4:19)

The Angels of the Lord are going before us.

This day holds nothing but good for me.

My day is well organized.

He will perfect that which concerns me (Ps.138:8)

I am relaxed in Christ!

Dr. C. Branker.

LOVE IS GREATER THAN FEAR

WHAT MATTERS

2/26/2015

Dr. C. Branker

One of the greatest forces that work against humanity is Fear. Fear can literally paralyze its victims . Fear is a spirit that can have an effect on anyone.

Political leaders often use fear, to get support for attacking and invading other nations and advancing their own interest.

Once people are fearful, they will stand behind the one that is sounding the alarm.

 Fear is an emotion induced by a threat perceived by living entities, which causes a change in brain and organ function and ultimately a change in behavior. It is the brain reaction to a stimulus where chemicals are released that raise the heart rate. The Greek word for fear is Phobos, where we get our English word Phobia. Fear affect us physically, psychologically and spiritually.

Spiritually, fear induces doubts in our relationship with God. It questions God's love and care towards us, His ability to provide for our needs and eternal life which is His promise to us.

2 Timothy 1:7  "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind".

Dr. C. Branker.

LOVE BEYOND COMPREHENSION

WHAT MATTERS

2/25/2015

Dr. C. Branker

The story of the good Samaritan in the scriptures, was a response to a question Jesus asked a lawyer, who tried to justify himself of his goodness.

Here are the facts:  

 (A) The man was on a journey traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho.

 (B) He fell among thieves.

 (C) They stripped him of his clothing.

 (D) They wounded him, and left him.

 (E) He was found half-dead.

A priest and a Levite past the man, but kept on going on their journey.

A Samaritan saw the man, he stopped and showed compassion.

His compassion involved, banding his wounds, pouring on oil and wine, setting him on his animal and checking him into a local Inn for recovery.

His final act was signing a promissory note guaranteeing payment for all added cost.

Jesus asked the lawyer a final question. "Of the three, who was neighbor to him?"

The lawyer replied, " The one who showed Mercy".

The Lord was our stranger who showed mercy on us and paid the ultimate price by shedding His blood on the cross. There has been no greater act of love than this.

Luke 10: 30-35.

  

COMPASSION

WHAT MATTERS

2/24/2015

Dr. C. Branker

One of the attributes of God is...He is slow to anger.

Many people desire to exhibit spiritual virtues, however slow to anger is not one that people cherishes. Being slow to anger, patient and merciful, all work together.

How long does it take before you get angry, will let you know where you are with this virtue.

There many people around us during the day or night who can say or do the wrong thing that may bring an angry respond.

Just think of how many lives have been destroyed due to anger. Everyday, people exchange angry words, threaten, fight and even kill because they couldn't control their anger.

Ephesians 4:26. " Be angry and do not sin". Do not let the sun go down on your wrath.

Be like your Heavenly Father, He is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. Psalm 145:8-9.

BE COURTEOUS

WHAT  MATTERS

2/23/2015

Dr. C. Branker

Recently I have been noticing the behavior of people as they drive on the roads. There are more  angry, discourteous drivers today than any other time.

There seems to be a growing disrespect, as drivers use their vehicles to get from one place to another. It takes the average person about thirty minutes or less to get to any destination in the city, yet people are running short on patience. 

With cell phone in one hand and the other on the wheel, everyone seems to be in a rush to get things done.  Texting while driving, stopping at green lights, and going through red lights have made driving a more dangerous activity. So many people have been hurt and killed already by their  lack of concern to others. 

We are encouraged by the scriptures to do good, and be courteous to others. 1Peter 3:8

Finally, be all of one mind, having compassion one with another, love as brethren, be tender hearted, be courteous. 

If more people would simply take heed, we can overcome this evil with good.

Dr. C. Branker.

THINK THE RIGHT THOUGHTS

WHAT MATTERS

2/13/2015

Dr. C. Branker

I Saw this sign recently which caught my attention .

" YOU GET MORE THAN YOU THINK FOR LESS THAN YOU THOUGHT".

I believe Fear is the culprit that binds us from moving forward . The fingers of fear is intimidation. Fear of failure in our thought process from making decisions . Whether from past  mistakes or what we lost; intimidation is a spirit.

Looking at the sign, how many times we deny our selves opportunities, or believe it is far beyond our financial ability.

What we believe and confess we hardly use when the opportunity arises, because we immediately go into fear and doubt mode.

If your life exist around your spare change. How Sad !!!

If a person doesn't move beyond this trap, eventually depression will take control. Many people who experience depression, are people who have been caged up in a very small environment with the same routine and can't see a way out.

They seldom venture out to take a walk in a garden, or by the sea to witness a sunrise or sunset. Some thing that cost little or nothing.

They treat themselves based on currency.

We have to remind ourselves, that we came into this world with nothing; so where did the rule change for happiness ?

Our first smile came when our mother smiled, as she held us in her arms . That was happiness and comfort (Well maybe it was dad)!! 

We have to reprogram our minds daily and eliminate the disposition of denying ourselves with the poor- mindedness, that we can't afford to be happy and enjoy beautiful things.

Yes, we need money, lots of it; according to my daughters, but no one will move beyond negative thoughts, in processing a goal or vision for success .

Phil: 4:13  "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".

DCB 

TIME TESTED VALUES

WHAT MATTERS

2/12/2015

Dr. C. Branker.

Some of the greatest treasures in life do not carry a price tag. I recently sat on my mom's bed, stroking her feet while she opened her memory bank of  many years. 

I am always amazed when I leave, hearing some words of wisdom that I never heard before. How precious is it when we take the time to hear those time tested values from the ones we love the most.

A friend recently shared with me of her weekly trips to her parents home  after a tedious week at the office. Her trip takes her away from the city to her parents farm. I don't know where she gets the strength, but it amazes me of her dedication. She sits under a tree at the farm talking with her parents and laughing about little things. She brings more than she could ever imagine to the the people she cherishes the most. 

What matters in life, is gleaning from parents, mentors, spiritual leaders, and those people who carry the treasure chest of wisdom from their experiences. The people who care, and love you.

1 Cor. 4:15 "For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you".  HONOR YOUR PARENTS, RESPECT THE ELDERLY. 

Dr. C. Branker.

HIS BANNER OF LOVE

WHAT MATTERS

2/11/2015

Dr. C. Branker

Many couples get married under a well decorated Arch or Trellis. The idea of standing under an arch with special vines and flowers seems to add more meaning to the ceremony. 

There are different reasons given for wanting to exchange vows under an arch. The majority of  brides say they felt like being under a canopy of love which gave so much more meaning at the moment.

God's love for us transcends every part of our lives; wether we are single, married, family, in-laws. He is present all the time. The wedding  ceremony is very special to God .

The prayer to God at the ceremony, is for the miracle of marriage to take place; two becoming one. God's unseen  banner of love is the canopy which seals the ceremony from two individuals to one. Husband and Wife.

 Song of Solomon 2:4. He has brought me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me was love. 

Dr. C. Branker.

BIRTHDAYS ARE MEMORIES OF JOY

WHAT MATTERS

2/10/2015

Dr. C. Branker

As I woke up this morning celebrating my birthday, I feel most blessed hearing the voice of my mother saying a prayer and blessing over my life. Then a call from a friend from Ghana Africa. My inbox is full of greetings from around the globe and my cell phone is constantly vibrating with messages of well- wishers. As most of my close friends and family know, I celebrate my birthday for the whole month with joy and good deeds to others. This was the reason for my birth, so I make sure I keep it up. Today I celebrate my purpose and fortify my spirit to continue my service to humanity according to each need.

I give God praise for life, and for allowing me to be a source of inspiration to others. I give Him thanks, for His Mercy and Lovingkindness towards me. I thank Him for all my friends around the world who is but a Tap away. 

Finally, the tribute I received from my wife Victoria, expressing her love for me. What a Jewel you are.

May God bless and prosper all who read today, and may your next birthday be purposeful and joyful as mine. KEEP LOVE FLOWING.

Dr. C. Branker.

YOU ARE SPECIAL

WHAT MATTERS 

2/9/2015

Dr. C. Branker.

God's love for you is unquestionable. In all my travels, I have seen many wonderful sites. 

Places untouched by mankind; like  Waterfalls, mountains and valleys are just a few. Snow- capped mount Fugi in Japan, white water rivers in S. America to rain forests and beaches are all part of His handy work. The pure scenic plains of Africa filled with wild majestic animals roam as far as human eyes can see.

We see His handy work in the stars and His magnificence in the milky-way. All the planets are aligned in Its order and perfection by His command.

Of all the wonderful things God has made, you are at the top of His creation. 

You were created in His image and likeness. You were formed and designed by His hands. His love is stamped all over you, and you cannot escape His sight. You are so very special.

14  Psalm 139:14." I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
  your works are wonderful, I know that full well". 

Hebrews 2:7  "You made them (Men) a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor".  Love The Lord  your God Today.

Dr. C Branker.

LOVE'S PHENOMENON

WHAT MATTERS

2/6/2015

Love is like a giant, whose shadow covers its victims and paralyzes from the inside out with peace and tranquillity.

When you are the victim of love, your behavior is affected. Giving, caring, listening, attending to, preferring to others, and so on. It's divine source and presence transcends the human will, strength, time and space.

Love is an unnatural phenomenon shared with humans for our very existence. It works through our senses and cause us to respond to our Creator and fellow humans. 

Every living soul, share and experience the power of love. No one can ever escape nor avoid its reach.

Love is the peace we experience in all the wrong that may encamp. Love shows up in the darkest hours of devastation, wars, hunger, pain, loneliness, and fear. Love will find a stranger and share its comfort.

Phil: 4:7 "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Share the love today.

Dr. C. Branker.

LOVE RAINS INSIDE

WHAT MATTERS

2/5/2015

 I always believe that falling in love involves the whole body. A new study may suggest just that.

“Does the heart fall in love, or the brain?” A university professor, form Syracuse university asked. “I would say the brain, but the heart is also related because the complex concept of love is formed by both bottom-up and top-down processes from the brain to the heart and vice versa. For instance, activation in some parts of the brain can generate stimulations to the heart, butterflies in the stomach. Some symptoms we sometimes feel as a manifestation of the heart may sometimes be coming from the brain.” 

I met a friend recently whom I haven't seen for years, he mentioned he never thought he could ever fall in love again after his wife died some years ago. He explained to me ,when he met his new bride and fell in love, his toes curled. ( I Smiled ).From the brain to the heart,to the stomach to the sex organs to the toes. Love affects the entire body. It is like walking in the rain, the only difference, you get soaked inside. God created our bodies to experience love in many ways. Thank You Lord!

Dr. C. Branker.

FREE LOVE

WHAT MATTERS

2/4/2015

Everything we want cost something. All material things have a price tag, yet we desire those things that keep us in financial bondage. 

Dr. C. Branker.  

We buy  expensive cars, clothes, jewelry, eating in fine restaurants, shoes and other nice things. 

Our lust and desire for things, are usually more than we could afford. If we get a raise in salary, we just buy more things. The things we cherish the most are usually the things that perishes. Love is our most important treasure and it is totally free. We don't have to buy love, because love cannot be bought. 

Love is more precious than any other costly thing on the planet.

 A man and woman will do any thing for love. The price is invaluable to its fulfillment, it is more valuable than gold, silver and diamonds. No precious stone can equate love's worth, but only describe sentiments of its true value.  Everybody has a need to be loved, and at some time is searching for that love. Love is revealed when we search out its source. God Is Love.

Dr. C. Branker.

LOVE REFLECTS

WHAT MATTERS

2/3/2015

God's Love is not a  One-Way street. He wants us to love Him back. So many people enjoy the love they receive, but they never intend to share nor give back. True love covers you with all its goodness. True love will not cease to care and protect. God's Love never sign "on" nor "off", but is constant. 

We are to remain in His love and also share with others that they may know Him and Love Him. We must keep ourselves in the love of God and perform His will so that others may see, hear and benefit.

When we attend a concert, we see a huge Spot-Light following the performer around the stage.

Where ever the person goes on the stage, the spotlight follows, the light dispels the darkness around the person  and allow everyone in the audience to enjoy the show.

The light shines and the performer gives back. So to with God's love, we must stand and walk in His love where ever we go, He follows us, even till the end.

Dr. C. Branker.

LOVE MONTH

WHAT MATTERS

A recent poll found that one in ten young adults admitted to feeling lonely, insecure, depressed, or unwanted on Valentine’s Day. And that’s just the ones that admitted it.

Forty percent of people have negative feelings towards Valentine’s Day.

64 percent of American men do not make Valentine’s Day plans in advance. 

30 percent had arguments before or after dinner at a restaurant.

45 percent never got married.

Commercial sales gross over 17 billion dollars.

And many women had their hope dashed by the men they loved.

If you are single, and don't have that someone in your life, you can cheer yourself up and join millions around the world who are now celebrating their own valentine by feeling good about themselves. If you allow the sights and sounds of this season to deflate you feelings, turn it around and celebrate the love you have for yourself. Do something special for yourself this month. Do not wait  for the 14th. Love is in the air, feel it inside you. Treat yourself to something you enjoy, something that makes you smile and memorable. You will never end the month feeling low or unloved. Somebody Loves You!

Dr. C. Branker.