BE COURAGEOUS

WHAT MATTERS

8/31/2016

Dr. C. Branker

When your strength and courage grows week, be sure you are on the journey of fulfilling God's purpose for your life. He will never allow you to fail, if He ordained the journey.

The storms of life will come to test you in what you believe, but during those storms, everything that made you strong in the past, can fall apart.

All the knowledge gained must be the foundation and affirmation for your next test in life. Test and trials come to make you stronger so that you would be ready for the next storm that is ahead. BE COURAGEOUS AND DO NOT FEAR!

Proverbs 24:10. "If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength."

DCB.    www.artostoday.com

ALIENS

WHAT MATTERS

Dr. C. Branker

8/30/2016

A new strange star discovered that could be an alien civilization, is sending unusual signals according to scientist.

Scientists have not ruled out the possibility of this star way beyond the Milky Way; is foreigners trying to make contact.

They say the flickering star deserves a few hours of study, so that they may not miss an opportunity for communication.  

The words "Aliens" and "Foreigners " are a bit troubling to me, as it seems that this is the problem we are having on earth right now; and why, should we be excited about communicating with more aliens far above us.

Scientist need millions of dollars to purchase more new equipment to listen in on what they are saying.

We are not listening and communicating with those who have been alienated from their homes due to war and poverty. We are not trying to bridge families together who were separated from each other right here on earth. We can take the money and help those who are poor, widowed and helpless. Why are we trying to reach more aliens in the sky????

We have a commission from the creator of the universe, to care for those in need right here on earth.

The money is needed here  for the visible aliens, strangers and foreigners all around us who by no fault of their own are homeless, sick, thirsty and hungry.

Matthew 25:36, "I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit". PRAY FOR OUR SCIENTIST.

DCB.......www.artostoday.com

HIS INFINITE MIND

WHAT MATTERS

8/29/2016

Dr. C. Branker.

I took a stroll on the beach and looked out on the great span of the ocean, then I am reminded that the earth is covered by more water than land.

Some scientists say we should call our planet 'Water' instead of 'Earth', since water covers about 71 percent of the planet's surface. 

If that be the case then, every human on earth, can occupy space on the water. This might be a crazy thought, but we can all live on the water, with room to play.

Seafood will be free, and the vegetarians will eat sea moss and sea weed.

A much more intelligent mind placed humans on the smaller portion of earth, the place we call land with all the resources we need.

We can eat and drink coconuts on the beaches, munching on sea grapes instead of bobbing in the water all day.

Thank God for His boundaries and infinite wisdom. Thank God for keeping the sea creatures in the sea, and us humans on land.

I'm so glad we don't cross each other's path, except the seafood is for our consumption. Genesis.1:21.

DCB. 

www.artostoday.com

DO ALL THE GOOD YOU CAN DO

WHAT MATTERS

8/26/2016

Dr. C. Branker.

Whatever good we can do for our selves and others, let us be alert and diligent.

There are opposing forces working against us constantly for our destruction, Therefore; It will take patience, tenacity and a will to accept only victory irrespective of how long it may take.

Forces against you, your family and your children, forces against our neighborhoods, forces against our cities and forces against our country.

These forces are spiritual and vicious working through humanity with one goal in mind; and that is destruction.

Since it is a spiritual battle, you will need God on your side. He is the Lord of Host and the one who wins every battle. We also have our responsibility in this battle. We have to do our part. "Having done all, to stand, stand." Ephesians 6: 10-18.

DCB. www.artostoday.com

CONQUER LONELINESS

WHAT MATTERS

8/25/2016

Dr. C. Branker

There are many people  living in a state of loneliness, and there others who live in solitude. If I had a choice, I prefer solitude over loneliness.

Loneliness usually relates to isolation while Solitude, on the other hand, is being alone without being lonely and can lead to self-awareness.

Solitude however, is a choice even while living in loneliness.

One of my favorite scriptures of comfort is found in Isaiah 30:15. God says," If you return, you will find rest and be saved; In quietness and confidence you will have your strength."

He promises to be there by your side, and never leave you comfortless. 

Also in Matthew 11:28, Jesus said, "Come unto me and find rest for your weariness."

TODAY IS NOT A DAY TO BE LONELY, FIND SOLITUDE IN HIM.

DCB.

TAKE HEED

WHAT MATTERS

8/24/2016

Dr. C. Branker

The world woke up today to the news of two earthquakes which took place early in the morning in two countries in different parts of the world. Italy and Myanmar.

Also, Turkey has sent tanks into Syria on a new front to fight Isis, and the Zika virus is a lot more damaging to infants than previously thought. 

Sounds like the prophesy of Jesus 2000 years ago concerning the end of the age is happening before our eyes.

People will continue their every day lifestyle as if they don't care. They have become careless to the things they should heed, and their hearts will get harder to the truth.

Jesus said TAKE HEED! That means  listen to your father and prepare to stand before your maker. Matthew 24:1-51

DCB. www.artostoday.com

REJOICE

WHAT MATTERS

8/23/2016

Dr. C. Branker.

The bible is filled with scriptures encouraging  righteousness and the avoidances of evil.

The words Rejoice, Praise, Trust, Sing and Hope are mentioned to all who desire to draw closer to God; expecting His mercy and blessings to follow all those who love and honor Him.

The scriptures declare His righteousness and power. He is our maker and God, and we are His children.

He will never be found unrighteous, nor unworthy, nor will He disappoint those who trust and hope in Him.

He is God and worthy of all praise. LET ALL THE EARTH PRAISE HIM!

Psalms 33,34,35.

DCB

HOPE IN GOD

WHAT MATTERS

8/22/2016

Dr. C. Branker.

When thoughts grow weary and our flesh is weak, our soul continues to hope in God.

It is only by His mercies we are not consumed; for by His compassion He sustains us in our weakest moments. 

We experience our frailty, and the weakness of our character, while He extends His greatness and magnitude with glory and majesty.

Surely His compassion fail not and His mercies are new each morning.

His tender hands bring forth new flowers each morning from the same plant that drops every petal at sunset.

Rise up soul! and hope in your redeemer and deliverer.

DCB www.artostoday.com

PRESS FORWARD

What matters

8/19/2016

Dr. C. Branker

It doesn't matter what false accusation is circling from the mouths of false prophets or negative thoughts from your own mind; if your faith and confidence is in God, keep trusting Him.

There are opposing forces design to set you back and stop you from accomplishing your purpose in life. You must focus straight ahead and fulfill your calling with the gifts and talents that were given you.

The Pharisees tried everything to stop Jesus, until they realized they were ineffective. They said to themselves " IT AINT WORKING, WE ARE ACCOMPLISHING NOTHING, LOOK THE  WHOLE WORLD HAS GONE AFTER HIM" John 12:19.

Jesus was already in Jerusalem with a massive crowd following Him.

DCB. www.artostoday.com

FULL MOON WITH ECLIPSE

WHAT MATTERS

8/18/2016

Dr. C. Branker

Tonight there will be a full moon with a lunar eclipse.

This is not an ordinary full moon as it represents timing and changes. What ever these are, only the creator of the Universe has the correct answers.

Genesis 1: 14&15. "And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years,

15. And let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so.

Since the beginning of time, the signs have not missed its purpose, as they speak according to God's divine plan.

Look to the skies and view this phenomenon.

DCB.

TIME FOR BLESSINGS

WHAT MATTERS

8/17/2016

Dr. C. Branker

God is patient and long-suffering. He has time and eternity in His hands and nothing can change that.

His timing of things is precise and it all works to fulfill His will and declare His praise and glory.

We humans on the other hand, like to get God's help quickly. Most of the times we get in difficult situations, is due to the fact that we didn't ask for direction nor enquire of His will. We show no patience when we need a blessing. We want it now.

Try praising God for all the past blessings the next time you need one. 

Praise Him consistently for His mighty works toward us all. Praise Him without the need for anything. 

Praise Him for this beautiful day we are all enjoying.

DCB. www.artostoday.com

ULTIMATE TRUST

WHAT MATTERS

8/16/2016

Dr. C. Branker

People who have faith in God sometimes forget that God will do things different than they expect.

God has everything under His control and He will do only those things that are in accordance with His word. 

If He says something, He will do it. If one of His prophets speak His word, He will fulfill it.

As concerning world leaders and nations, God knows the future leaders and the future of the nations. He has used kings and leaders of nations in the past to bring His people closer to Him through hunger, war, sickness and death.

As He has done with Israel, so to He will perform His will to all nations.

When your confidence in man has failed, you will still need to look to the Lord.

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

DCB.

SEEK PEACE

WHAT MATTERS

8/15/2016

Dr. C. Branker.

 There are two words that have become very popular which I never thought I would ever use in a sentence. 'CALM DOWN'

I used the words separately in sentences in school when I wrote compositions, like; "It was a calm peaceful day" and "we were going down the hill," but never together.

I have come to realized, that people are so ticked off, that these two words are used in conjunction many times each day. I actually did a search on the meaning.

[calm down]-make calm or still; "quiet the dragons of worry and fear"

Life truly has its challenges, but patience is no longer short, but on a stub. People really don't have to be provoked to get angry, many wake up angry. 

Whether driving, working, at the mall or eating out, people are uptight and angry.

Here are a few ways others try to dismantle a heated situation.

"Sir, you need to calm down", " Let's all calm down", "You need to calm down", 

"Calm down bro." " You better calm down", 

Jesus said in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you."

DCB.

LOVE HAS NO BORDERS

WHAT MATTERS

8/12/2016

Dr. C. Branker

Bigotry, discrimination, or hatred arising from attaching relations of inferiority and superiority between any person or groups should never take place in Christianity.

It always seems to happen with individuals or groups who feel they have the handle or right concerning the faith and interpreting the scriptures.

Some are just plain prejudice because the were taught that way of life from childhood.  

God sent His son to die for all and that all may receive salvation through Him. Rich or poor, black and white, Jews and Gentiles.

Jesus rebuked this attitude in Mark:9:38-40.

Just imagine, the very chapter where Jesus rebuked his disciples for not being able to cast out a demonic spirit from a boy, his disciples forbid; (perhaps one of John the Baptist followers) from casting out demonic spirits from someone else. 

This is called sectarianism. We were all delivered and called to preach the Good News of  gospel.

DCB

FALSE PROPHETS

What matters

8/11/2016

Dr. C. Branker.

We live in a very rural area where we enjoy the fresh breeze and the peace from city traffic and urban noises.

It takes fifteen minutes to get to the nearest town and forty five minutes to the city.

Agriculture farms of oranges, tomatoes, watermelons, beans and other vegetables extend for miles. 

Deer, turkeys, wild-hogs, bears, alligators are familiar sights crossing the roads at anytime of the day or night.

Vultures feasting on dead carcasses are very common as animals do get run over while crossing. They descend on the carcass in large numbers as they pick up the animal scent. This reminds me of the scripture that tells us that men will gather to hear false prophets just as the eagles gather to feast on the dead carcass. Matthew 24:28.

DCB.

SO MUCH LIFE AROUND US

WHAT MATTERS

8/10/2016

DR. C. BRANKER

Each day, there are so many  beautiful things all around us waiting for our eyes to behold.

I walked out my back door this morning to the sound of birds and crickets with a slight breeze blowing through the branches of the trees welcoming the new day.

My two hibiscus trees greeted me displaying their purpose, with new buds and fully open flowers.

Today I'm thankful for life and the breath that I breathe, as I join with everything around me that is so full of its own life and existence. 

Violet, purple, red, peach, orange, white, are just a few colors that blessed my eyes.

Life is so much more than a human with his own affairs and thoughts.

THE FORCE CALL LOVE

WHAT MATTERS

8/8/2016

Dr. C. Branker

As we look around our world today, the divide and separation of humanity which generates all kinds of evil and trouble are only getting worse.

The many things that divide us like income, religion, politics ,race and prejudice to name a few; destroy the faith of the innocent.

The only true answer is the powerful force call LOVE.

Love flowing through every heart on the planet can change the world.

Imagine a world full of people sharing love to one another. If this doesn't happen to our world, then we will only see worse.

Matthew 24:12. " Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold."

DCB

LOVE CANNOT BE HIDDEN

WHAT MATTERS

8/5/2016

Dr. C. Branker

If you have love, you do not have to advertise it to anyone.

Love starts out invisible until it can no longer conceal itself, it is like a streaking star that's obvious for all to see.

This  most important emotion of humanity can flow through any heart that makes room for it.

We all need to feel and live with love, for love gives assurance and hope to the hopeless and lonely soul.

Love comes from above and only does good, it is necessary; as the rain before a great harvest, and the snow in the winter.

DCB.

FRESH START

WHAT MATTERS

8/4/2016

Dr. C. Branker.

A new day gives a fresh start, and old ideas can weary the soul.

The day brings joy at sunrise, gives hope for the future and strength to the worker.

When we rise, our soul leaps in praise as our bodies sometimes drag along.

There are many distractions that clouds the mind, and there are many unfinished tasks.

Zeal and mercy are brothers, they will always get the job done. Be warmhearted and joyful in the midst of chaos and you will have many followers.

DCB.

THE BEAUTY OF THE EARTH

WHAT MATTERS

8/3/2016

Dr. C. Branker.

Every place under the sun has its beauty in its own way.

You can find beauty around the globe in in every nation on the planet. Forest, mountains, valleys, rivers, beaches, vegetation etc., display the beauty of life on earth.

It is necessary for humanity to break away from being locked up in apartments, condos and homes to enjoy the natural beauty of their surroundings.

Sometimes a stroll through a botanical garden can refresh the mind from clutter cause by the rituals of doing the same thing everyday.

Remember, the world was created for us to live and enjoy.

DCB.