Source of Strength

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

Recently, we took a look at the apostle Paul; continuing on, we as believers would be wise to take on his mindset (1 Corinthians 11:1). 

First comes humility; pride cannot hide in the heart of a believer who understands divine mercy.  GOD’S grace is sufficient to save any sinner, and Paul knew that! 

Second, Paul never lost sight of how far GOD’S grace had brought him. Through all of his constant turmoil and heartaches, as we see in the book of Acts, Paul kept praising the LORD for the great privilege of serving Him. 

Looking at our verse today, Paul never lost sight of his source of strength. Paul desired more of YESHUA and none of himself.

1 Corinthians 15:10A
But by the grace of God I am what I am and His grace toward me was not in vain.                           

We all need to have the mindset of Paul—to know where our sufficiency comes from—GOD’S mercy and grace! Praise the LORD for all that He has done for us, and then let’s get busy working for the Kingdom of GOD! 

 

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Bruce and Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

No Excuses

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

Even though the Bible clearly states that every believer receives a spiritual gift, some nevertheless think they were overlooked. So they go through their lives refusing to serve. Others are so busy wishing they had a different ability that they do not use the one given to them by the Holy Spirit! Both of these attitudes are sinful!            

GOD has a specific purpose and ministry for every believer. Our spiritual gifts help us fulfill GOD’S master plan. He always has a purpose for handing out our spiritual gifts. We are to use our gifts for equipping, edifying and encouraging one another (Ephesians 4:11-13) and for bringing the lost into the Kingdom. Everyone profits when we do GOD’S work through the power of the Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 4:10
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of GOD.

Each one of us has important work to do for the kingdom (no excuses for bypassing GOD’S will)! Where He has gifted us, He will also provide strength and courage to exercise those gifts.

 

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Bruce and Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

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Life’s Motivation

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

Freedom is one of humanity’s most prized possessions! Yet many people are in captivity. You see, we aren’t just physical beings, we are also spiritual, and we can be enslaved spiritually as well as physically.                 

YESHUA said that anyone who commits sin is in bondage to it (referring to continuous wrongs that become a lifestyle, even for His believers)!   

Almost anything, including the pursuit of power, money or relationships, can develop into a pattern of sinful living.   Usually ungodly habits begin in a way that seems innocent and fulfills a desire or need.  Over time, we can easily become desensitized to any guilt that we might have felt in the beginning. As we sense less conviction by the Holy Spirit, our habit can become comfortable and eventually controls us!

John 8:34
YESHUA answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.

Let’s not be deceived by satan. Take an honest look at your life’s motivations! Are there some habits, emotions or dreams that own you?

There is only One who can set you free. His name is “YESHUA.” Cry out to Him today!

 

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Bruce and Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

Click here for more blogs from Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman!

Burden Bearing

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

)If you are looking for a way to carry out YESHUA’S command to love your neighbor, the Apostle Paul has a suggestion in today’s verse, “bear their burdens!”

There are times when everyone struggles under the weight of a heavy burden, and now more than ever, there are lots of people struggling just to survive! As believers we have an obligation to help lift that burden for our fellow brothers and sisters in the LORD! We need to look at YESHUA as our example. He calls to Himself all who are heavy laden and gives them rest. (Matthew 11:28-29) 

Because GOD has conformed us to MESSIAH’S likeness, we should imitate His care and concern for those that are in need. Even though we have our own needs, YESHUA tells us in the Word that we can do all things through His strength, including sharing someone else’s adversity!

 I can do all things through Messiah who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Share each other’s burdens and in this way obey the law of MESSIAH. Galatians 6:2

When we’re willing to step out to help another in their time of need, two things happen! 

First, the person in need is receiving GOD’S blessings, support and love through you! 

Second; we are fulfilling the LORD’S command to love our neighbor. 

Let’s do it on purpose, be a blessing today!

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Bruce and Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

Heaven Bound Express

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

YESHUA told us in the Word that we can choose the wide path or the narrow one to journey through this life! Placing our trust in YESHUA makes us members of GOD’S family and takes us immediately onto the narrow road!

As we travel on this heaven-bound express, the Holy Spirit becomes our guide, helping us move ahead. Through Him, we receive spiritual eyes to catch glimpses of His majesty and the love He has for us. He will equip us to be ambassadors for MESSIAH. Through GOD’S precious Word, the RUACH HAKODESH will speak to us and comfort us whenever the road gets bumpy. 

Now, on the wide road, none of these things are possible! On this road we may have lots of material things and satisfaction of self-desires, but it’s only temporary!

Matthew 16:26
And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?       

Eternity is forever; let’s plan ahead and make sure we are traveling on the right highway that leads to our divine destination—Heaven!

 

Love & Blessings,

Bruce and Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation