Lack of Confidence

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

Because we consider certain emotions and behaviors harmless, we don’t pay much attention to them. In fact we regard some attitudes as “normal!” We just assume everyone feels them from time to time. One good example is discouragement. Some people view discouragement and disappointment as the same thing, but this is a misconception!

Since we cannot have success every time we try something, there is no way to avoid all disappointments in life. But we can avoid all disappointment; it’s a choice we make when we decide whether or not we will allow our times of disappointment to destroy our confidence. That’s exactly what discouragement is—a complete lack of confidence, a feeling of dismay!

Joshua 1:7
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.”

This verse tells us to be strong and courageous. If you are without courage, ask GOD to wipe away your fears and remind you of His mighty power.

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Bruce and Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation
Lake Worth, Florida

 

Times of Turbulence

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

Life is continually changing. As one problem is settled, a new one always seems to pop up! Since we live in a fallen world, trouble is part of our reality!

But, thankfully, GOD guides believers through our times of turbulence (Psalm 23). He is truly our Good Shepherd who constantly abides with us (His weary lambs)! 

YESHUA promised to not leave us as orphans, and His promise was fulfilled in the person of the Holy Spirit (who was sent to indwell and to care for each one of us who are believers in MESSIAH ). 

The apostle Paul describes the Holy Spirit as a seal placed around believers until they are called to their heavenly home (Romans 8:35-39). 

YESHUA speaking: John 14:18 “I will not leave you as orphans , I will come to you…”

This protection or seal of the Holy Spirit is for GOD’S children (those who have received YESHUA as Savior)! Our lives can get rocky at times, but we as believers always have the assurance of a companion (the RUACH HAKODESH) in those tough times. We can be confident that GOD’S goodness and love will surround us always (Psalm 23:6).

Love & Blessings,

Bruce and Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

Judgment Day

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

Hello, dear one(s), from Pastor Bruce & Suzi! 🤗🙏

The last few days we have seen the wonders of heaven in our devotionals (spending eternity with our heavenly FATHER)! Accepting YESHUA as your Savior is our blessed assurance we will make it into heaven! That’s justification!!!👍YESHUA said He is THE ONLY way to the FATHER!

But salvation through MESSIAH is about more than getting into heaven; it’s also about the process of becoming MESSIAH-like while living here on this earth. That’s sanctification. 

In fact, on Judgement Day, we all will be asked to give an account for the ways we used our opportunities, abilities and resources! GOD gives us, His children, different types and amounts of His blessings: gifts, strengths, wealth, etc. What matters to GOD, is the way we make use of them. 

Are you selfish with them, using them for your own good? Or are you generously using those gifts to serve MESSIAH YESHUA and further His kingdom?!?  We will all be held accountable and will be rewarded for the ways we invested our lives while here on earth!

Oh, heaven will still be our GLORIOUS home! That issue was settled when we came to faith in YESHUA as our LORD & Savior! 

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all stand before MESSIAH to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

This is a very good time to think about all of your blessings and how you are utilizing them for GOD’S praise and glory!  It’s our responsibility to be faithful servants in whatever He calls us to do. Yes!, 

In Yeshua’s Name. Amen. 

 

With lots of prayers, love & hugs, 

Shalom,

Pastor Bruce & Suzi!

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

The Power of Love

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

Believers are vessels for GOD’S love. His love flowing through us is a powerful force that enables us to do more than the unbeliever, who RELIES upon himself. The love that dwells in us is described perfectly in our verse of the day!

1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud…”

First, “love is patient,” and with GOD’S Spirit living within us, we are empowered to wait upon His timing and purpose so we can be patient with others, knowing GOD is working on their behalf. 

“Love is kind,“ and with GOD’S love, we have the capacity to be genuinely kind, regardless of how others may treat us.

Love is not jealous or envious. Jealousy is a fear of losing someone. GOD’S love gives us the security to hold relationships more loosely.

“Love does not brag, is not arrogant.” We understand our value in GOD’S eyes, and there is no need to be arrogant!

GOD’S love is powerful! When we allow His caring Spirit to flow through us, we can have a profound effect upon our world!

Love & Blessings,

Bruce and Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

An Act of Love

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

Forgiving those who have wronged us is a tough command to follow. Our human nature finds it easier and more satisfying to hold onto our anger. But as followers of Messiah, we are to be vessels of GOD’S love and no longer living according to the impulses of our flesh!

When someone mistreats us, the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, leads us not only to forgive but also to show love to that person. 

As we read our scripture today, it is a mandate from YESHUA that we are to love our enemies! He is our greatest example. He had to face religious leaders who deliberately provoked Him, yet at the cross He sought ABBA’S forgiveness for them.

Matthew 5:44
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.

Yes, people will wrong us, however, if we have the love of the FATHER living in us, then we will refuse to be provoked and will let go of all bitterness and forgive them with love!

Love & Blessings,

Bruce & Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

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