Personal Matters

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

Because GOD has created us as unique individuals; knowing about prayer is not enough. He made us to have an intimate “distinct” relationship with Him. So, He will teach us to pray according to who He has made us to be.

Yes, there are principles of prayer that apply to everyone; for one, we must be praying in YESHUA’S name! But, GOD will lead you and I according to “who we are” and the season of life we happen to be in. GOD has a personalized plan just for you as an individual. It’s important to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit (who dwells within you as a believer) and follow His plan for your particular life. The Holy Spirit (our Helper) knows the will of GOD for you. He’ll never lead you astray!

Romans 8:27 “Now He who searches the heart knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God… ”

GOD delights in you and your uniqueness and wants you to be free to express your differences as you pray. He’s waiting to spend time with you just as He designed you to be; your unique self!

Love & Blessings,

Bruce & Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

God’s Way or My Way

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

Decisions – they are constantly before us! You probably have decisions presently on your plate – some may be minor & some major! Regardless of size, they will impact your life and also the lives of others.

When it comes to choices, we need to pray and ask GOD what He has to say about it. GOD clearly says in His Word (Ps. 25) that He desires to lead our life and always wants to help us make the best choices!

One thing you can be sure of, GOD will never direct you to make a choice that is contrary to His Word. The Bible is the ultimate “road atlas” ever printed! The choice He wants for you is one that will lead to life and will have His fingerprints of peace all over it!

Psalm 25:4-5 “Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth & teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day… ”
Abba leads us gently; He never pushes or pressures us to do anything. His yoke is easy; His burden is light (Matt. 11:30).

Blessings,

Bruce & Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

True Success

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

What causes some people to fail and others to achieve their goals? Society tells us the definition of successful achievement in life is fame, fortune or power! But GOD’S Word tells us something different.

In GOD’S eyes, true success means becoming what He wants us to be and reaching the goals He has set for our lives (Heb. 12:1).

We should seek encouragement from the lives of other believers who have seen MESSIAH’S faithfulness and followed His direction. We need to get rid of anything that holds us back from obeying GOD. And we need to persevere through difficult and discouraging times – always relying on YESHUA for guidance and strength so we can succeed in GOD’S plan for our lives.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.

FATHER GOD has a wonderful plan for blessing and fulfillment in your life and part of His plan is that you live with purpose and perseverance! Stay in the Word, pray for direction and if necessary seek godly counsel!

Love & Blessings,

Bruce & Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

In the World

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

You may have heard that believers are to be “in the world but are not of the world.” Have you ever wondered what the difference is? Messianic Believers have to participate in their culture’s systems (John 17:11-16). We live here in a world filled with politics, laws, religions, art, education and science! As a believer, we have homes, belong to a CONGREGATION, make and spend money, etc. But no matter how fulfilling those involvements are, we as GOD’S children are to value ABBA above all earthly pursuits! This is not to say that our everyday activities are not void of spiritual purposes! When we interact with non-believers we are representatives for MESSIAH YESHUA shining His light on them!
Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness & all these things shall be added to you… “

Until MESSIAH comes back to establish a new heaven and a new earth, believers must take part in this world which is corrupted by ha satan! Earthly success or pleasures can never equal the soul-satisfying Kingdom that awaits us. Let’s always bare that thought in our hearts and let our lights so shine!

Love & Blessings,

Bruce & Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

Stay Calm

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

When trouble times come your way, do you stay calm? Our carnal tendencies are to fear, worry and try to do something ourselves to fix the situation! We need to learn to control our emotions so we can act wisely and pray about it in faith!

As in our scripture today we see Moses had to help the Israelites calm down! As they were being chased by Pharaoh’s army straight into the Red Sea, death seemed certain; they wished they had stayed in Egypt as slaves. Moses, reassuring them not to be afraid, told them to watch what GOD was going to do for them. And we know the ending; GOD parted the Red Sea and they escaped what they thought was a sure death!

Well, the same miracle working GOD is on your side today and He still fights for His people.

Exodus 14:13A-14 Moses said to the people, Do not be afraid. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. The Lord will fight for you and you shall hold your peace…

If you are a believer in Messiah Yeshua, then in times of troubles your only job is to simply hold your peace, stay calm and GOD will do the rest!

Love & Blessings,

Bruce & Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

Click here to read more blogs from Pastor Bruce & Suzi