Abba Hears Our Cries

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

Discouragement can cloud our thinking and give us a divided mind (some of the external causes). Today, let’s look at some spiritual causes which can take us by surprise!

Satan, being the primary instigator wants us to lose heart, think poorly of ourselves and focus only on the negative!

Then next is unanswered prayers; when a prayer is answered “no or not yet”, we can begin to lose hope!

Some get so disappointed they give up praying altogether; while failing to understand GOD’S sovereignty and that His timing is not always our timing! Cutting off communication with the LORD is a sure way into even deeper discouragement!

Psalm 40:1-2
I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of the horrible pit, out of miry clay and set my feet upon a rock and established my steps.

Let’s not be taken by surprise by our enemy and lose heart! Never let Satan get a stronghold on us; knowing ABBA hears our cries and His love for us is based on His own grace, not our deeds!

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

Count It All Joy

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

Discouragement is one of Satan’s most effective weapons; he knows that if he can destroy our courage, we’ll be ineffective in accomplishing anything for MESSIAH!!

A divided mind will always be the result of discouragement, affecting every area of our lives and the decisions we make! No matter what we’re doing, it feels as if a dark cloud covers our entire thought life. Discouragement also leads to the “blame game,” where we feel a deep need to point a finger at someone else.

You may even want to blame GOD because He’s allowing these painful circumstances! Blame is always an empty activity; no healing ever came from blaming anyone else for your hardship!

James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience…

Blame and resentment will act like a cancer that will slowly spread and destroy your life! Let’s short circuit the work of Satan and pray to ABBA to cleanse our hearts!

Love & Blessings,

Bruce & Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

Priorities

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

The Old Covenant tells us idolatry is a serious issue, but in our modern world, not many give that much thought!

The worship of idols may seem ancient, but the truth is, all of us will struggle with this heart issue!

Modern idols can come in many different forms, such as a relationship, position or title, possessions, etc! When we depend on or give priority to anything besides the LORD, it becomes our God!

Does something in your life have a higher value than the LORD?

One accurate measure of priorities is the use of our time.

Do you reserve a part of each day for time spent with GOD? On what or whom do you depend; do you rely on GOD for strength & provision or on yourself or others?

Matt. 6:24 No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one & love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God & mammon.

We must make up our minds (double-mindedness never works)! If we believe our GOD is the one true GOD, then give Him your whole life, be faithful & serve Him and only Him!

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

Faith Is Like a Muscle

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

Almost every Believer at one time or another will make the statement “I wish I had great faith!”

Faith is like a muscle, in order for them to become strong, you must exercise them, just wishing doesn’t work!   We are to believe GOD, not only for salvation through Messiah Yeshua, but for everything. Faith is actually a process that involves increasing degrees of trust throughout life.

Elijah was a man of great faith; he saw increased challenges as opportunities for GOD to do His work. This prophet believed GOD for the supernatural (1 Kings 18:22-36); check it out. We can too, if we are obedient and willing to trust in Him.

Do you want to be used by GOD? Well, He’s not looking for perfection; He’s looking for believers willing to walk by faith & trust!   2 Cor 5:7  For we walk by faith, not by sight…

Little faith hopes that GOD will do what He says.
Strong faith knows that He will.
GREAT FAITH believes that He has already done it!

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation

A Solid Anchor in Turbulent Times

Encouraging Words with Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

When turbulent times are upon you; the Word of GOD should be your anchor and in our verse today we find Isaiah’s writings about our source for that hope! YESHUA.          

Here GOD promises us strength, help and protection. Moreover, He gave the command,  “Do not fear and do not be anxiously looking about.” One of Satan’s successful traps is distraction! He knows that fear can choke faith! He works hard to make upsetting circumstances our focus. Once our attention is diverted from GOD, and prayer and worship are in lack – anxiety and doubt have room for growth!                           

Is. 41:10  “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”          

The emotions of anxiety and doubt don’t belong in a believer’s life! Let’s use the spiritual anchors throughout the Word of GOD to keep us steady in the faith!

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Bruce & Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation