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

Tender Conscience

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

Do you have a tender heart (Esphesians 4:32), which really is a tender conscience? This is a vital thing if we are to be used by GOD for His Kingdom!

It’s very dangerous to become hard hearted and to develop a seared conscience! When this happens it becomes hard to know when we are doing a wrong in GOD’S eyes. We need to be quick to repent and to avoid excuses when the Holy Spirit convicts us of wrongdoing; this helps us to develop a tender conscience. 

When we are convicted by the RUACH HAKODESH, we need to not make excuses and ask GOD for forgiveness and the help to not offend Him again.

It’s amazing how much that will help us keep a tender conscience toward our Creator!

1 Timothy 4:1-2
Now the Spirit expressly says that in the last times some will depart from the faith , giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy having their own consciences seared with a hot iron.

Never make excuses for your  wrongs or try to reason them out. Instead, let’s have hearts that are willing, stirred up and wise toward the things of GOD and be ready to be used for the glory of His Kingdom! 

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

The Good News

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

When you receive exciting news, what’s the first thing you do? 

You probably call someone who will share your joy! 

As in our verse today, the apostle Paul told others about salvation for a similar reason.                                   

Paul got saved on the road to Damascus (Acts 22), and he dedicated the rest of his life to spreading the Good News of the Gospel (cross of YESHUA paid our sin-debt in full)! 

He gave his time, energy and ultimately his life to committing to spread the Good News. He knew some would accept the truth, while others would reject it. 

Paul himself could not save people—he wasn’t responsible for their reaction. His task was simply to go and tell people about YESHUA! 

Because of his devotion to the LORD, he felt compelled to offer this glorious hope to the lost world that desperately needed forgiveness!

Rom. 1:16
For I am not ashamed of this Good News about MESSIAH YESHUA. It is the power of God at work saving everyone who believes—the Jews first and also the Gentiles.

Do you feel the same indebtedness that Paul felt? Pray that GOD would give you courage and wisdom to share the Gospel with others in your sphere of influence!

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

Expressing Gratitude

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

What motivates us to express gratitude to ABBA FATHER? 

We often remember to thank Him when something positive happens in our life, but our verse of the day tells us to give thanks in all things, which would include difficult times as well as happier circumstances. 

That may seem illogical to some of us, but it is not!

Even though life may be difficult, our hope and joy remain because we serve the eternal, omniscient and omnipotent GOD of love!

We need to remember that our gratitude magnifies the LORD. He is pleased when we obediently thank Him even in difficult times! Our thankfulness also reinforces our faith. Recalling His faithfulness in the past equips us to face the future!

1 Thess. 5:18
In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in MESSIAH YESHUA  for you.

It’s easy to be grateful when we receive something we have desired for a long time. But, GOD wants us to express thanksgiving in everything!

Meditate on His goodness, faithfulness, sovereignty and His pure promises, always offering Him thanks in all!

 

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation