FINISH YOUR COURSE

WHAT MATTERS

4/29/2016

Dr. C. Branker

The new river made a sharp turn and stayed out of the way of the stagnant pool, making a new path for its course.

The river continued it's life meeting all kinds of obstacles, but did not allow anything big or small to deter it from its purpose as it got stronger and stronger.

 It finally approached the ocean where it received a great welcome, celebrated by splashing waves on the rocks joining together with great force becoming one.

PRINCIPLE:- In the course of life, there are many obstacles as those the river encountered. There are huge barriers and walls, there are people who will try to discourage and hinder you on every side. Some will say no, some may want you to compromise your strength and purpose and few will say yes.

You are greater than a river. You were created to do exploits flowing from stream to stream to the oceans of life.

DCB.

GREATNESS MOTIVATES

WHAT MATTERS

4/28/2016

Dr. C. Branker.

The river flowed through a forest and asked, " Will you make a path for me?"

A huge old tree replied, "sure but we have some tender shoots all around so please be careful as they will replace me".

The river was so glad as the forest made a way for its water to flow. " Feel free to get all the moisture from my banks to water your little ones, 

said the river.

"Ahhh, said the trees, we are happy you have chosen this path for your course, thank you thank you!"

As the river continued, it approached another river that was almost dried up, only a little stagnant pool remained.

"Will you allow me to pass as I can give you new life again? The river asked.

"To pass", asked the stagnant pool, " pass where,---here? Oh no, not through me,this is MY river, I chartered this course a long time ago, this is MY course. However, if I do allow you to pass, you must use MY name because everyone knows my great name and my prestige".

PRINCIPLE:-- A GREAT NAME DOES NOT HAVE TO BOAST OF ITSELF.

DCB.

FIGHT FOR JUSTICE

WHATT MATTERS

4/26/2016

Dr. C. Branker.

There are so many people around the world experiencing injustice every day.

They know their politicians appease the masses with promises that are never fulfilled and their life go from bad to worse, year after year.

Many complain, but few are willing to do anything about it. My heart weeps for the blindness that covers the eyes of so many people. 

Culture and customs have a lot to do with it also. Lack of basic things that would make human lives better, like clean running water and garbage pick-up are necessities that no city in the 21st century should lack.

People are afraid of revolution, because politicians blame it on bad people causing problems. 

Peaceful revolution by the masses is the means of speaking to deaf political leaders.

When they are confronted for their unfulfilled promises, they get scared.

In the mean while, they appease a few and keep their citizens quiet.

Injustice breeds children and grand children. Revolution destroys their family.

DCB.

BEAUTY IS IN THE FOREST

REPORT FROM THE MISSION FIELD.

Sitting on a porch in a small village way up on a mountain in Costa Rica, with a chill and mist in the air from the rainforest, we are away from any man made noise and distractions.

Our little cabin is furnished with no television, no microwave, no telephone and no refrigerator. 

Like a tree house, the cabin is surrounded by branches which are on each side within an arm's reach, and the entrance is covered with foliage.

We were given a flashlight on arrival with candles and matches to illuminate our room.

The shower has no roof, but is built with a spout that comes over the top adding to the natural beauty of the trees and sky.

The water is ice cold, and gets a little warm through a solar heater which takes forever to reach your cold skin.

If you're not in your cabin before dark, your journey with the little flashlight takes you up a dark path in the forest. 

The reception closes at 7 p.m. and a security guard is somewhere down the mountain. I'm yet to figure out, from our cabin, in case of an emergency, how to get his attention.

Good Night.

Im awake today, early the next morning excited to view the surroundings.

The sound and sight of the waterfall between the trees are beyond anything human hands can create. A little coffee pot sitting on a stand is steaming and filling the chilled air with a pleasant aroma and added comfort. 

This place is truly part of the magnificence of God's glory; the unspoiled purpose for its existence.

Different speeches of tropical birds with array of colors and  beauty cause my eyes to look in every direction. 

From toucans to hummingbirds they fly and flutter with their constant sound and dance performance.

The trees ascend the mountain in the formation of a choir, with huge branches and leaves leaving no space between, reaching for the sky.

We are here for training a group of young people and leaders who are very excited and hungry for information. 

Their hospitality is so incredible and warm, with constant hugs and sharing of all kinds of fruits and food. We have already eaten too much, and we haven't been here for 24 hours. 

Keep us in your prayers.

Carl/Victoria.

INCREDIBLE LIFE

WHAT MATTERS

4/22/2016

Dr. C. Branker

What an incredible life it must have been for the first man Adam.

God planted a food and vegetable garden with every thing that was good for him.

Lots of fruit, nutrition to sustain life without contamination from pesticides.

He had perfect protection. The temperature was controlled by God, as he had no clothes and no need for shoes.

The water he drank was clean from the flowing rivers and no need for purification.

At the end of each day, God came to chat him with the language he taught him.

God educated him with super knowledge to discern things and give proper names to each animal including his wife Eve.

His greatest gift and blessing became a distraction which brought change in his relationship with God his maker and counselor.

Principle:- Do not allow the best of God's blessings in your life cause you to strain or ruin your relationship and presence with Him.

HE IS LOOKNG FOR YOU DAILY..

DCB.

Each Day Ends With Its Glory

WHAT MATTERS

4/202016

Dr. C. Branker

The end of each day demands a cut off from our busy activities.

So many people try to accomplish more than a days  labor and effort by overworking themselves. 

We have more tired and weary people driving around our cities hustling and bustling each day.

The reality behind a sunrise and sunset, is simply a start and an end to whatever we have to do.

Taking one day at a time and doing your best at what you do, is all that is required of anyone. Beyond this can lead to greed and physical deterioration.

Give God thanks for each day, and bless His name for strength and grace.

DCB

ONE-WAY

WHAT MATTERS

4/19/2016

Dr. C. Branker

A one- way street can be a pleasure to local drivers but a nightmare to strangers.

Local drivers speed through a one-way knowing where they are going, with the joy of getting to their destination quickly.

Today, even with a GPS, one-way can frustrate a tourist. " In half a mile, make a u-turn" is not what any driver wants to hear; but you have no choice but to drive half a mile to make that turn and go back the other way.

The Lord, is always righteous, In all His ways. All His ways are the same. One-Way.

He never makes 'u turns' as He is perfect.

If we cannot find Him, He is never lost, He is still heading the same right way.

Being on the right road, always get you to your destination.

Psalms 145:17-21.

DCB.

  BEGIN

ONE WAY

UNDERSTANDING

WHAT MATTERS

4/18/2016

Dr. C. Branker

I have learnt the art of making decisions without the influence of others who condemn and pre-judge. It is not fair to anyone who is judged without facts. Yes, people can do strange things that does not fit into a normal pattern and trying to understand their actions could be next to impossible.

However, willingness and patience trying to understand could be rewarding.

Understanding is a psychological process related to an abstract or physical object, such as a person situation, or message whereby -one is able to think about it and use concepts to deal adequately with that object. 

Understanding is a relation between the knower and an object of understanding. Understanding implies abilities and dispositions with respect to an object of knowledge sufficient to support intelligent behavior. (Wikipedia).

Understanding people will always put you to the test, sometimes a bit challenging and confusing nevertheless making you wiser each time.

Proverbs 4:7, Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

DCB.

THE LAW AND PROPHETS

WHAT MATTERS

4/15/2016

Dr. C. Branker

Moses the law giver, he lived from 1393-1273. BCE. 

Confucius was an influential Chinese philosopher, teacher and political figure known for his popular aphorisms and for his models of social interaction.

His social philosophy was based primarily on the principle of "ren" or " loving others" while exercising self-discipline. He believed that ren could be put into action using the Golden Rule, ' What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others. 

He was born in 551 BC. and was influenced by scriptures.

Confucianism later became the official imperial philosophy of China.

Matthew 7:12, Jesus said, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets". 

Long before Confucius was born, the law and the prophets existed.

Jesus taught the law and the prophets.

DCB.

STAND

WHATT MATTERS

4/14/2016

Dr. C. Branker

Each day brings new opportunity to change or correct past mistakes and failures.

What matters at the end of the day, is that you have tried your best to do the greater good in any bad situation.

Whether calming someone fears or hurt, pain or grief including yourself, You see; life should not be lived with regrets.

 You have the will power to free yourself from such.

Sunrise and sunsets happen everyday and we can count on that. 

The Lord does not take a day off with this phenomenon.

Do all that is necessary today, embrace His salvation, and you will have the confidence for another day.

After having done all, JUST STAND IN VICTORY.

DCB.

GOOD WORKS

What matters

4/13/2016

Dr. C. Branker.

"Wealth and children are an adornment of the life of this world; but the ever-abiding, the good works, are better with thy Lord in reward and better in hope". (The Qur'an)

There are so many countless blessings we receive in our lifetime, innumerable to count  but all praise and thanksgiving belongs to our Creator.

Good works does not justify our evil deeds nor make restitution, but are necessary to humanity while we live our daily lives, before we stand in judgement.

We have the opportunity to do good each day, loving each other with care and compassion.

Evil workers may seem to do well while on earth, but their season is eternity.

Give thanks for all your blessings, and do good works which solidifies a hopeful eternity.

DCB.

HUMMINGBIRDS

WHAT MATTERS

4/12/2016

Dr. C. Branker

There are many beautiful  birds in the world, one of the most fascinating is the humming bird.

Hummingbirds are small, colorful birds with iridescent feathers. Their name comes from the fact that they flap their wings so fast (about 80 times per second) that they make a humming noise. Watching the humming bird when I was a boy growing up was always a specular show. I was always left with questions.

Hummingbirds can fly right, left, up, down, backwards, and even upside down. They are also able to hover by flapping their wings in a figure-8 pattern. 

Their hearts beat at over 1,263 beats PER MINUTE. At at night, they enter "TUPOR" which means they can rest and drop their heart rate to 50 beats a minute to conserve energy.

They have a specialized long and tapered bill that is used to obtain nectar from the center of long, tubular flowers and their feet are used for perching only, and are not used for hopping or walking.

Did I ever wanted to catch one and put it in a cage, but I was talked out of it by my father who explained to me that the bird didn't eat bird seeds and it will die in a cage.

My lesson learnt; if you want to capture and control the life of anything, you better get all the information and knowledge that will sustain its life.

So to with mankind, so many are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

DCB.

DETERMINATION

WHAT MATTERS

4/11/2016

Dr. C. Branker

Determination is the act of coming to a decision or of fixing or settling a purpose.

I find this to be so true, as not much can be accomplished without determination.

When a goal is set, or justice need to be settled, determination  guarantees a resolve.

Whether right or wrong, good or bad, determination will cause a matter to be heard and settled.

You cannot get ahead of the many obstacles before you, without persistence. 

Continual banning at the door will get a response, as others may try to brush you off  hoping you go away and leave them alone.

When you are a determine person, you're always a winner.

Do not settle for mediocrity.

DCB.

Artos Today: BEAUTIFUL DAY

Artos Today: BEAUTIFUL DAY: WHAT MATTERS 4/8/2016 Dr. C. Branker. Another beautiful day for purpose and destiny. Today is payday for millions around the globe, millions...

BEAUTIFUL DAY

WHAT MATTERS

4/8/2016

Dr. C. Branker.

Another beautiful day for purpose and destiny.

Today is payday for millions around the globe, millions more have plans for the weekend, others religious services with their families.

Wherever you are and whatever your plans may be, do not forget to be thankful to God the maker and creator of this day.

Find something to laugh about, as life, for so many is sad and oppressing.

If you have a meal, something to wear and a place to sleep, you're better off than millions.

Give God praise and thanks today for your life, pray for others and help those in need.

Enjoy this great day.

DCB.

Enjoy Each Day

WHAT MATTERS

4/7/2016

Dr. C. Branker

Each day is priceless, as we hope.

So many times we wait patiently for a special date to arrive. Whether it is a performance by beloved artist, graduation day, anniversary or what ever, we set our hearts toward that day.

Taking time and recognizing each day before that special day, is rewarding and fulfilling.

Select a part of each day and record the memory for another time.

Make a new friend, smile at someone at the store or across the hall.

Show patience and kindness to another driver. Make it a wonderful day as it is part of the calendar leading up to your big day.

I love every day, because I seek for the good in it and celebrate the moment.

Or I can just say to you 'Have A Good Day'

DCB

Be wiser than your enemy

WHAT MATTERS

4/6/2016

Dr. C. Branker

You don't have to have a big name to be famous in this world, and survive your enemies. You just need to be humble and fulfill your purpose.

Be wise, work hard, and do what you do with resilience and determination.

I'm an avid gardener and delight in seeing plants grow. Most of my plants however are infested with ants, destroying them from the roots. I have used every recommendation ant killer from friends, Google and stores clerks, to rid my plants of these pest, which never seems to work.

Recently I noticed a herb in my garden growing and spreading its healthy leaves, untouched by the ants. I decided to break off the leaves and place them into the pots of the plants infected by the ants. To my surprise, the ants started to move out of those pots looking for new residence.

By no means, do I believe I got rid of the ants in my garden, I want to believe though they are figuring out a come-back; as we have a history.

Here is my point, (A) My answer was in the midst of my garden.

                              (B)  My enemy was always below my feet.

                              (C). My enemy was finally defeated in my garden

                              (D). My enemy has not gone too far away.

                              (E). My enemy is wise yet small.

                              (F). My enemy has poison in their stingers like fiery darts.

I feel victory today over all the power of my enemy ( small tiny ants )

DCB.

EXPERIENCE GENUINE LOVE

WHAT MATTERS

4/5/2016

Dr. C. Branker

Love is not what you think, Love is what you experience.

One of the things people do not communicate about  in a relationship, is their understanding and expectations of the love they share for each other.

Falling in love with someone or saying I love, doesn't necessarily give full comprehension of what you're saying or mean. At the same time, expectations are high on both sides.

Relationships go through a roller-coaster journey for this very reason, sometimes causing pain, disappointment and eventually separation.

Here is a test of genuine love.... When you are faced with an unexpected adverse situation, never accuse nor take out frustration on each other, but use the situation to work it out together. This practice only make the relationship get stronger, and dependent on each other support.

I saw a vehicle broke down on the side of a highway, and the couple set up a picnic table with two chairs eating a sandwich while waiting for the tow truck.

What a way to deal with an unexpected situation.

DCB.

Fear

WHAT MATTERS

4/6/2016

Dr. C. Branker

 The things that people fear are things they never really encounter. 

Fear is common to man, but courage, hope and dreams comes from above.

Fear arrest the human soul from success.

Fear intimidates the soul which desires victory and captures the mind in prison.

To overcome the fear of anything, one has to become knowledgable of it, encounter and face the object of your fear.

You overcome the fear of that thing by the wisdom and knowledge you have acquired about it.

To fear a thing, object or person you never face, cripples your soul in vain. 

Nelson Mandela once said, "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." 

You're a conqueror.

DCB.

Our Genius Bar

WHAT MATTERS

4/1/2016

Dr. C. Branker

I'm presently experiencing some issues with my apple devices.

I made a visit to the Apple Store to get them resolve where I encountered the Apple World and family.

The moment I entered the store, I was greeted warmly by a young customer service representative who quickly passed me on to another rep; who escorted me to two more reps, at the back of the store, who made an appointment for me to speak to someone at the "Genius Bar".

None of the people I encounter, was willing to give me a possible answer as to what I was describing about my devices. "You need an appointment to speak with someone at the bar"

This is the way their system works and of course you cannot change it, as 

Apple has no competition.

At the "Genius Bar", your device would be plugged into a gadget that would diagnose the problem and tell the technician the course of action for repair.

Be aware, if your device is about the age of a toddler, like mine; you might be recommended to upgrade to a newer model, because your device was warranted for only one year.

I started thinking about humans and how our mind works.

We are the sum of our thoughts. We are controlled by the way we think, and many people live with a mind that work against their progress. Whether it is fear, anxiety, phobias, doubt etc, their life remains the same with no correction nor diagnosis for repair.

Only the scriptures give us "A Genius Bar" for improvement and correction for the proper functioning of the human mind, which controls life. 

Philippians 4: 8-9. (Pls. Read) 

Also, "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he" Proverbs 23:7.

DCB.