NEVER QUIT

WHAT MATTERS

6/30/2015

Dr. C. Branker

Great people never give up, they never quit.

If you ever had the opportunity to sit and talk with someone who has recognition for their labor and success, you may be surprise to hear all they had to endure and overcome.

Wealthy and powerful people have spent many sleepless nights haggling with issues that could have thrown them off the ladder to their success. 

Persevering and focusing on their dreams; never giving up and pressing forward was the main source of their success.

The adversities that stands in the way of greatness are many; but determination conquers all.

Today is a good day to be hopeful in your journey. 

Proverbs 24:10 " If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small".

Dr. C. Branker.

DANGER ROUGH ROAD AHEAD

WHAT MATTERS

6/29/2015

Dr. C. Branker

It is said, that the gem cannot be  polished without friction; so too one cannot be perfect without trials.

Have you ever asked yourself, why do I have to go through this situation? Or you may have said, I just cannot deal with this any more!!! Well, it just might be the journey you have to embrace. Somehow going through is always tough, but we can always be glad of the fact that after we have been through the ordeal. 

Things that brought tears and pain in a past experience, can be talked about now with a smile.

However, you are glad it's behind you.

Every difficult situation we experience, the pain is not the reason;  even though that is what get the attention. The real reason for it, is the graduation from it.

Our lives are chartered and the course is not smooth all the way.

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Dr. C. Branker

FORGIVENESS HEALS AND RESTORES

WHAT MATTERS

6/26/2015

Dr. C. Branker

Forgiveness heals and restores. 

Because of their envy and jealousy towards their brother, murdering Joseph was their plan.

Their evil hearts revealed no mercy until the elder brother stepped in and changed the plan from murder to abandonment in a deep dry pit in the desert.

The famine was only two years before they were about to starve to death and there was five more years to go.

Joseph's desire to see his family never left his heart in spite of the evil they did to him.

Forgiving his brothers, was the beginning of the abundance of blessings for his family.

As far as they new, his last address was in a pit in the desert.

 God's plan for the family included 

Forgiveness from Joseph to his brothers and forgiveness from his brothers to him.

Practice Forgiving; the best of your days could be in the worst times. 

DCB.

FORGIVENESS

WHAT MATTERS

6/25/2015

Dr. C. Branker

The one who forgives, ends the argument. (African proverb).

One of the greatest blessings in life is the readiness and willingness to forgive. 

People make themselves sick when they cannot forgive. Physically and psychologically many lives are perishing due to the mental stress of unforgiveness. The stubbornness and self-willed heart of man that embraces his right and anger against an offender, is his own prison.

Some people just cannot  LET IT GO. When someone you care about hurts you, you can hold on to anger, resentment and thoughts of revenge — or embrace forgiveness and move forward.

Unforgiveness  usually destroy the innocent and not the offender. When a person forgives the offender, he/she is free. The forgiver is the greater one.

All parents need to teach their little children to forgive....

DCB.

SEEK DIVINE INFORMATION

WHAT MATTERS

6/24/2015

Dr. C. Branker.

When we put our trust in our own experiences and knowledge,

We are doing the greatest injustice to ourselves. We cannot go through life as though we have all the information for the journey. Everything we have learned in life, is subject to improvement, re-learning or correcting. The medical field is a good example;  surgery in different parts of the body is not done the same, as was done a few years ago. It is always evolving into new techniques and procedures as new information becomes available.

In life, we learn many things, good and bad affect our psyche daily. 

Faith always faces doubt, and determination always faces indecision and fear.

This is why we must continue to seek divine help and direction in everything.

God knows it All.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Ephesians 5:17 

DCB.

WHEN THE BOTTOM FALLS OUT

WHAT MATTERS

6/23/2015

Dr. C. Branker

Recently we had to move, and my wife started packing boxes.

I was so happy after returning from the grocery store, seeing so many boxes completely packed and ready to go. It wasn't long after, I started loading up the truck with boxes. To my surprise, the boxes were not properly taped up at the bottom. Box after box, as I lift, things were falling out the bottom. I found out the hard and discouraging way.

Of course, I immediately gave her a lesson on "proper box taping".

Then I realized, ' When the bottom falls out; the journey is not cancelled'. It is not about the boxes, it's about the journey.

If you ever feel life has given you a bad deal and you're at the bottom, keep your dreams alive, don't cancel your trip, repack and continue with your vision. 

Anyone need a few strong boxes? We have no need for them now; the job is done.

DCB.

THIS HURTS

WHAT MATTERS

6/22/2015

Dr. C. Branker

As I began to meditate to write this morning,

I received a text message about 6:30 a.m, from a young woman who lives in a foreign country.

The message reads:- "Good morning, 

it's over.

 Dropped him off to the airport this morning. 

Very cold and uncomfortable. 

End of my marriage. 

I know it's going to be hard cause we spent all our time together the last 4 years".

My short response:- Nothing too drastic happens in our lives that God does not have a way out.

Nothing destroys His plan which produces growth and strength in us.

Nothing too painful nor void of understanding separates Him from you,

And nothing could stop Him from loving you.

He will guide you through this lonely path and place you on solid ground. Ps.46:1.

DCB.

CHECK GPS

WHAT MATTERS

6/19/2015

Dr. C. Branker

Recently I saw a show on television where a couple was supposed to be picked up at a certain point after spending 21 grueling days in the forest.

The difficult days and nights, only made their rescue the most desired moment. 

The only problem, they were miles away from the pick up point, and the rescue vehicle would leave if they are not there. When they came to this conclusion, they began to run over sharp jagged rocks, cutting their feet in the process to the right spot. They were rescued!

This reminds me of so many people struggling every day in a difficult environment, but will not change their course, nor position themselves to change location for a different outcome.

So many people are at the wrong place, at the right time opportunity knocks.

Maybe you may have to leave that spot or relocate to a completely different environment,

Check your GPS today.

DCB.

TRUST GOD

WHAT MATTERS

6/18/2015

Dr. C. Branker

The word " Trust" is mentioned more than fifty times in the bible.

David put his trust in God dealing with all his enemies; especially Saul who had power and authority over him as King.

The day of his victory he wrote praise for his deliverance.

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; The God of my strength, in whom I trust;

My shield and the horn of my salvation.

My stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, you save me from violence.

Proverbs 3:5 " Trust in the Lord with all your heart". 

Today is the day for you to start trusting God in everything, the  small and large problems we face, are not impossible for God to fix.

DCB. 

KEEP ON PRESSING

WHAT MATTERS

6/17/2015

Dr. C. Branker

The difficult road you have travelled is now behind you.

The journey designed for your purpose in life was laid out by the Master designer. Even though there were difficult times and setbacks; and sometimes it seems like you're not going to make it, your highway is just around the curve.

It is like climbing a rugged mountain, it is hard and discouraging but every knee bruising step and stumble takes you closer to the summit. At the summit, there are no more steps to climb, you can see for miles around and the wind blows in your face from every angle. The joy from your struggles is now present.

Keep on persevering with your efforts, for your joy and fulfillment is waiting for you.

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."-Psalm 30:5. 

DCB.

THE GOOD NEWS

Countless ideas and philosophies of men have been used to change the lives of millions, only for those lives to return to their customs and ancient beliefs. Religious teachings and forced habits continue to imprison so many in darkness.

What is undeniable, is the power of preaching Jesus Christ to hopeless people; lives are transformed immediately and renewed strength are noticeable. Let us continue the teachings of  our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16.

DCB.

GOD GIVES SLEEP

WHAT MATTERS

6/15/2015

Dr. C. Branker.

If you got up this morning, then your body just came through a phenomenal experience.

Over the past decades, medical science have come up with different analogies and characteristics of sleep. Yet; sleep cannot fully be understood nor explained.

Our bodies go into a state of relaxation and recuperation for proper function and health for the next day.

 Sleep was once considered an inactive, or passive, state in which both the body and the brain "turned off" to rest and recuperate from the day's waking activities.

scientists have since found that the brain goes through characteristic patterns of activity throughout each period of sleep, and that it is sometimes more active when we're asleep than when we're awake. Says Dr. Thomas Scammell.

Which ever way, we all love and cherish sleep. Even though, we are not in control of our brain activity and all that goes on when our eyes are closed. If someone wakes us up before time to arise, we are not happy! If we are disturbed while sleeping, we are still not happy.

Let's face it, we enjoy and love a good sleep. HERE IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO PRAISE GOD.

Psalm 127:2  It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so He giveth his beloved sleep.  Thank You Lord.

DCB.

BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE

WHAT MATTERS

6/12/2015

Dr. C. Branker

Because God's love is pure, His testimonies are sure.

Every human being experience God's love. His love is like rays of sunshine and sheets of rain.

His love is His goodness and mercies towards us. The whole world need to give Him praise for His love and testify of His tender mercies. We receive sufficient from Him daily.

Individually.     "I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth."

                                 Psalm 34.

Two or Three  " For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the    m

                                 amidst of them." Matthew 18:20.

 Congregation    "Let them exalt Him also in the congregation of the people, and 

                                        praise Him in the assembly of the elders." Psalm 107:32.

 The Earth.             "Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them,

                                  Psalm 69:34.

YOUNG MEN AND MARRIAGE

WHAT MATTERS

6/11/2015

Dr. C. Branker

Why are young men afraid of marriage?

The world has truly changed concerning responsibilities and the role of a man.

Perhaps the lack of fatherhood and mentoring are to blame.

A Young man today is , not  properly educated nor trained about his manhood; therefore his priorities are misaligned.

He gets training in cars, sports and works-out at the gym, but never the coaching  and preparation of how to love and treat a woman.

Taking a wife to care for, love and protect are not the things on his mind. Most young men today are looking for a partner who brings equal financial share to the table; while he still maintains his egotistic boyhood lifestyle.

Most women are still hopeful and praying that the Lord would bless them with the right partner, who they can give all their love.

The compromise it takes from a woman to have a relationship today, is sometimes way below her customs and integrity.

Young men lay out many conditions to the relationship while they are courting: while the woman is trying to meet those conditions because of her love for him, little change is taking place in his life.

Some young men, do know how to court, but they make good company. They are completely void of the total responsibilities of caring for a wife.

A woman should first notice how well a man takes care of himself, 

secondly, that he is not self-centered and proud.

Thirdly, he is willing to take on the responsibility of caring for a wife, sharing his life with her and loving her to the end more than anyone else.

DCB.

EVERYBODY NEEDS LOVE

WHAT MATTERS

6/10/2015

Dr. C. Branker

To be soaked in love, is the right of every human being.

When does the journey in love suppose to divide or end ? when is a human being supposed to be cut off from being loved?  Never!!!!

A human soul thrives on love; for Love is the fuel of every heart. Take away love and being loved from a human being, and you have a most miserable soul.

Whether a wounded soldier on a battle field, an elderly person in a nursing home or a lost child found. Love is the first medication applied and cherished.

No one has the right to stop loving another loved one; for love is what we all need.

No one should be starved for love, as so many do for food.

If you're not receiving your share of love, give love to someone else. Help a child survive, visit a senior's home, visit a hospital or donate clothing to those in need.

Love is perpetuating. (Continue indefinitely).

DCB.

LOVE IS POWERFUL

WHAT MATTERS

6/9/2015

Dr. C. Branker.

Love is a powerful force design for all to enjoy and experience.

To experience and share love is the most gratifying fulfillment in life. Many people feel love but cannot share it,  many are hindered by their upbringing or a past abusive lifestyle and are not able to express love.

Love cannot be bought, prop up  nor  be disguised for others to see. 

To dilute love is to rob someone who is loving you. 

Relationships are destroyed because one partner is giving all the love trying to carry the other.

When I was a boy, we played in the rain. The heavier the showers, the more we played and the more fun we had. When the rain stopped, we looked for the puddles to continue the fun, but it wasn't the same.

To feel the full power of love is like a human soul standing in a heavy rain shower.

Many couples are In Love today, but one partner is not getting their equal share.

Learn to receive and share love, forgive, laugh, don't take the cares of life too serious that you cannot relax and have fun. Play in the rain ( Avoid the lightening ).

Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one's house for love, it would be utterly scorned. Song Of Solomon 8:7

DCB. 

 

    

GOD LOVES

WHAT MATTERS

6/8/2015

Dr. C. Branker

To love, is to know God. God is love and everything about God is love.

This great attribute, God used to connect all of creation back to Himself.

We were created as free moral beings, with the ability to choose right or wrong, good or evil.

God's love for us, is like the hand of a mother and father reaching out to a child running towards danger. 

He send His love to us by giving His only son Jesus. Jesus gave His life as He demonstrated His love to His Father.

We need to know this love.

 Ephesians 3:17-19. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

DCB. 

DEVELOP A CALM SPIRIT

WHAT MATTERS

6/6/2015

Dr. C. Branker.

The need for attention has gone from toddlers to teens to adults.

A temper tantrum is a sudden, unplanned display of anger or other emotions. Watching a toddler display of tantrums is but all too common. What is amazing today, is young people and adults are now displaying their own tantrums.

I'm amazed to see videos  posted online of adults taking this to another level.

One woman was stopped by the police and threw a tantrum. The police officer, completely surprised, called for back-up to calm the woman down.

The bible tells us to go after a gentle spirit. 1Peter 3:4 "let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God".

DCB.

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

PoWHAT MATTERS

6/4/2014

Dr. C. Branker

Our relationship with each other, usually determines our relationship with the Heavenly Father.

When we sincerely love God, we want to make peace and be in harmony with everybody.

The ruler of our heart, the Holy Spirit; can only emulate the life of God in each of us as we seek to please the Him.

God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him, must worship Him in  spirit and in truth. St. John 4:24. When we obey the command to love one another, we worship Him in truth.

There is no reason therefore not to love...

Ps. 145: 8-9. The Lord 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.

DCB

21ST. CENTURY BUILDERS

Everybody like to see the finished result. Whether it is a construction project of a sky-scraper, a new park in the neighborhood or a small home-built gizmo.The need to see the  finish product is always rewarding.

This season, millions of students around the world are celebrating their own accomplishments as each put on cap and gown to graduate. 

Their hard work has paid off and they are on their way to the next level. 

They are constructing their lives to build others and a better world.

Congratulation to the builders of the 21st century.

DCB.

TRUE LOVE

WHAT MATTERS

6/2/2015

Dr. C. Branker.

True love can only be expressed by the receiver. 

The only reason we love, is because love was initially shared to us. The perfect love we received from the Heavenly Father, is enough for a lifetime.

The human spirit receives love and shares it to others.

Love is not an individual attribute we have to develop, it is a flow from a divine spring.

Humanity restrict that flow because of sin and offenses committed against us.

Anyone can release the flow of pure love by opening the blocked channel of the heart.

This act pleases the Father.

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.