L-O-V-E

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

If you want to do one thing that will dispel darkness with light and that will do damage to the enemy’s camp and will literally cause demons to have to flee because the light will come piercing through…L-O-V-E.

If you are aggravated by someone: L-O-V-E.

Think instead of a way you can serve him or her. 

If someone is nasty toward you: L-O-V-E. 

Think of the potential pain or unease in their soul and pray for them.  

If someone seems to have it out for you: L-O-V-E.  

Consider how God’s love is far more powerful than their ill intent, and return blessings for curses. When Satan says be aggravated, be bitter, be revengeful, be afraid: L-O-V-E, and then he will be angry but will have to flee from or shrink in the light of God’s life-giving love. 

  

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

Motivate by Love

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

If you are a follower of MESSIAH YESHUA, you are to be a living extension of His life. In other words, we are to be people through whom the Holy Spirit (dwelling in us) is carrying out the LORD’S work!

We must learn how to live as GOD’S servants. We are to use our time and talents that He has given us for His Kingdom. Just like YESHUA, we are not to act independently (John 5:19); we are to do whatever GOD asks of us. 

We are to always be ready to answer His call to give aid to others as needed. We are to reach out whether it be a friend or stranger. We are to motivate one another (fellow Believers) to do good deeds (Hebrews 10:24), to forget about worldly pleasures and self-centeredness! 

Here’s what YESHUA  said about that.

John 12:26
Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.

Good works are not the means of salvation, but they do affect eternal rewards! At the Judgment Seat of MESSIAH, believers will be evaluated for what they did on earth and will be rewarded accordingly!

Let your love for GOD stimulate you to labor for His Kingdom!

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

God’s Sovereign Hand

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

How many of us have listened to the national news and wondered “How could everything have gotten so out of control?” Without a firm foundation of Biblical truth, we can easily be overcome with much fear and despair! But a Messianic believer can find SHALOM in knowing that our GOD is sovereign over every nation and ruler on Earth!

Though it seems the future of a nation is in the hands of its leader, an omnipotent hand is directing a good and glorious plan. The LORD is the One who removes kings and establishes kings; GOD oversees it all! He’s working out all things according to His divine plan. 

We think a ruler has to be righteous for GOD to use them, but the Word tells us that He can direct the heart of any national leader whenever He wishes (Prov. 21:1).

Daniel 2:21
He changes the times and the seasons, He removes kings and raises up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.

Let’s be peaceful today knowing GOD holds the nations in His hands. His divine purpose will come to pass for the world! He truly has the whole world in His hands!

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

Avoiding Divine Discipline

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

Discipline is something we all would like to avoid!

So how can we avoid behavior that brings it on?

By studying Scripture and applying it to our lives, we will learn what pleases and displeases our Heavenly FATHER; also learning to practice spiritual self-examination. We need to examine our thought life, speech and actions in light of what Scripture tells us. When we do fall short (and we will), having a genuine confession (without excuses) agreeing with our FATHER that His way is right and admitting we were wrong! Then truly repenting, which means changing our action, attitude and adjusting our ways.

2 Tim. 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

Believers in MESSIAH YESHUA needn’t fear GOD’S discipline; He never responds to us with wrath or condemnation. His correction may hurt, but it brings great spiritual benefit! Pursuing a lifestyle of RIGHTEOUSNESS and GODLINESS will help us to avoid pitfalls that lead to divine discipline!

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

Crossing Over

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

GOD created us all to be in a living relationship with Him. But there is a gap between a perfect GOD and sinful man (you & I). The bridge across that gap is the “Lamb of GOD, YESHUA our SAVIOR AND REDEEMER”! The cross of YESHUA provided the way from alienation to reconciliation (the span across the gulf) to a holy GOD!

YESHUA took the world’s sin upon Himself and underwent the punishment we deserved—for our sake He gave His precious life because the penalty for sin is death. Because of GOD’S grace through MESSIAH YESHUA,  any person wanting a relationship with the FATHER can have it. 

Believing YESHUA’S blood paid our sin-debt is the only requirement for crossing that bridge debt-free into a new life (relationship) with the GOD of this universe!

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in MESSIAH YESHUA  our Lord.

Have you crossed over that bridge? 

How many of your family members and friends are still living in a state of alienation? They need to know that there is a bridge to GOD! 

If you have crossed that gap, wouldn’t you be THE ONLY  one to guide and to show them the way?

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation