Are You Honoring His NAME?

by Bill Rudge

No one wants his name disgraced. A bad name is a curse, while a good name is a blessing. People live and die to protect their name, their testimony and the reputation of their family. Likewise, the Lord defends the honor of His name:

I am the LORD, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, nor My praise to graven images” (Isaiah 42:8).

While many today attempt to silence or profane the name of the LORD, we as believers should acknowledge and reverence His name in both words and deeds….

• The third Commandment is: “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain” (Exodus 20:7). First Chronicles 17:24 tells us His name should be “magnified forever.”
• The prophet Ezekiel states: “Thus says the Lord GOD, It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went. I will vindicate the holiness of My great name…” (Ezekiel 36:22-23).
• David said to Goliath: “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts” (1 Samuel 17:45). Solomon built the house (Temple) for the name of the LORD (1 Kings 8:20). Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal in the name of the LORD (1 Kings 18:20-39).
• The Psalms frequently mention the name of the LORD. A few examples follow:

I will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High (7:17).
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God (20:7).
From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the LORD is to be praised (113:3).
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD (118:26).
Our help is in the name of the LORD (124:8).

• Proverbs 18:10 tells us that “The name of the LORD is a strong tower.” Micah 4:5 states: “We will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever.”
• Psalm 23, which you have probably read or recited many times, says: “He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (verse 3). The Lord’s Prayer starts out: “Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9).
• Jesus told His disciples to ask of the Father in His name (John 15:16; 16:23-27). The Apostle John tells us that his Gospel and the miracles of Jesus he recorded were “written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31).
• Acts 2:21 promises: “And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” Acts 4:12 tells us there is salvation only in the name of Jesus for “there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
• The Apostle Peter said to the crippled man: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6).
• At Damascus and Jerusalem the Apostle Paul was speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord (Acts 9:27, 28). Paul said to the slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination: “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” (Acts 16:18).
• Colossians 3:17 exhorts: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” James 5:14 instructs: “Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”

His Name the Only One

In every way possible we as believers should respect and reverence the name of the Lord – just as we hope our children will honor our name! We must also trust in, pray in and be witnesses in the name of the Lord.

Ask yourself one crucial question: Do my words and behavior honor or dishonor the name of the Lord?

One day the profanity and blasphemy of God’s name will cease. The day is rapidly approaching when:

The LORD will be king over all the earth; in that day the LORD will be the only one, and His name the only one (Zechariah 14:9).

The Power of Words

Words of Encouragement vs. Discouragement

From a Young Age

When Karen was 17 and I was 18, we committed our lives to Jesus Christ. Less than two weeks later, at that young age, we ran away and got married. We could have easily failed, both in our Christian walk and our marriage, had it not been for the encouraging words of Rev. Guy Bongiovanni and Rev. Roger Shaffer. They and others at Farrell Christian Assembly and First United Methodist Church of Sharon, Pennsylvania, as well as those from various denominations, encouraged our growth in our faith and knowledge of Scripture. As a result, we have served many years in various churches and ministries—most of those years here at Bill Rudge Ministries.

Have we faced times of discouragement and difficulties? Yes…a plethora of times! There were those whose goal, it seemed, was to discourage us from obediently serving Christ and to dissuade us from following Jesus’ call into ministry. But the encouragers (through God’s Holy Spirit) superseded them and God accomplished His work in and through this ministry, built from day one on God’s Word and the leading of His Spirit.

Peter and Paul; Nero and Herod

During the first year of my new life in Christ, I worked with two other young men, considering them Peter and Paul because of their strong commitment to Christ. By word and example they encouraged and strengthened me in my faith. However, after a few months, they moved on and were replaced by two men I regarded as Nero and Herod—constantly seeking, through lying words and dishonest behavior, to oppose and undermine my faith in Jesus Christ. Needless to say, it was a challenging time in my early Christian life! However, that year revealed to me the difference between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error—between those who love Christ and those who despise Him—and the deadly effects of discouraging words versus the lifelong benefits of encouraging words.

Impact of the Tongue

Powerful

The average tongue is about four inches long and weighs about two ounces, yet it can be as quick as lightning, as sharp as a blade, and as devastating as a natural disaster. Friendships have been ruined, reputations tarnished, lives destroyed, families devastated, and churches split by the tongue. Social media can intensify and magnify the potential benevolent or malevolent use of the tongue.

Words are like arrows shot from a bow—once released they cannot be taken back. It may take months or years (if ever) to bring healing to a situation caused by careless or foolish words. That is why Scripture admonishes us to guard our tongues and speak words of wisdom and healing instead of foolishness and hurt.

While most Christians would never strike someone with their fists, many carelessly abuse and inflict pain on others with their words. Yet it is often more difficult for victims of verbal abuse and gossip to recover from a damaged reputation or a broken heart than from injuries caused by a physical attack. Virtually everyone has at times either spread or listened to gossip. Most people also know from firsthand experience the pain of being victimized by gossip—whether the information was true or not. So too we all remember times when we said something about someone else we later regretted. Gossip is like a stone thrown into a pond, sending ripples outward.

Poisonous

My friend and coworker in ministry, Jim Weikal, comments on the power of the tongue with the following words: A bullet fired from a deadly weapon can never be retrieved by the shooter. The speeding lead projectile quickly hits a target, hopefully not an innocent victim. In a similar fashion, a word fired off in anger toward any person cannot be retrieved either. The ears of the person send the voice to the brain where the content, intent and tone of the words are indelibly recorded to be played over again and again.

Anger is often the spark that ignites the tongue to spew its deadly poison. Words can be so hateful and venomous that no apology will erase the mental scars and emotional harm. Physical scars from a cut heal on our bodies leaving clean skin, but verbal scars caused by angry words don’t heal so easily, perhaps never. Remember, from our mouths come blessing and cursing (James 3:10). Ask God that your tongue be one known for speaking blessings.

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Examine Yourself

by BJ Rudge, Ph.D.

The apostle Paul told the Corinthians to examine themselves to see whether or not they were in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). Many people base their confidence in trying to be a “good” person and live a “good” life. Others believe they are saved by merely reciting the sinner’s prayer or responding emotionally to an altar call – and then living any way they choose. Still others think salvation is simply an intellectual acknowledgement of beliefs in God, Jesus, and the Bible.

These views of salvation allow many people to believe they are on their way to heaven, when in fact, they may not be. Jesus clearly warns that many will stand before Him claiming to be saved and He will say: “I never knew you; depart from Me …” (Matthew 7:23). So in light of this sobering verse, it is crucial that each of us can answer the question, “Am I really a Christian according to what the Bible says about a believer in Christ?”

The apostle John provides the answer to this question in his first epistle, “These things I have written to
you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13). Consider the following points that John makes; indicators of the certainty of eternal life:

1. Admit and confess your sins (1 John 1:8-9).
2. Acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God (1 John 2:22-23; 4:15).
3. Live a life of obedience and keep God’s commandments (1 John 1:6-7; 2:3-6, 29; 3:7-10; 5:2).
4. Display love to others (1 John 2:9-11; 3:10, 15, 17-19; 4:7-9).
5. Possess the hope and longing for Jesus’ return (1 John 3:2-3).
6. Love other believers and enjoy having fellowship with them (1 John 5:1).
7. Persevere in the faith (1 John 2:24).

God Wants Firstfruits, Not ‘Lastfruits’

by Bill Rudge

It was on the third day of my January fast, as I was strategizing when to begin my intense Scripture study and prayer time, that the Lord spoke to my heart. I was also contemplating how to focus even more time on Bible study and prayer each day in the midst of a hectic ministry schedule and with many projects we have been attempting to finish for several years.

Suddenly, and unexpectedly, the Lord spoke to my heart: “I do not want the lastfruits; I want the firstfruits.” It was crystal clear. He was not asking for what was left over after all my deadlines, meetings and helping everyone in need was accomplished. He wants the firstfruits. He desires the “choice portion” of my time each day.

Life has a way of overwhelming us. But it is good to be reminded to quiet our hearts and seek Him each day. As we make Him the priority of our lives, He will teach us what is really most important and reveal to us new and wondrous things by His Word and Spirit.

Holy Land Pilgrimage ~ April 18-26, 2023

Mount of Olives – view of Jerusalem from Garden of Gethsemane. Photo by Bill Rudge

We invite you to come with us on an unforgettable journey to the land of the Bible. This will be Bill’s 11th trip to the Holy Land, and we have personally customized it for what we believe to be the best tour at the best price—maximizing both time and itinerary.

Several people are already registered but we still have room for some more travelers. Prayerfully consider joining us on our 11th Holy Land Adventure for a life-changing experience. To receive a brochure, including itinerary and registration form, check the appropriate box on the enclosed envelope insert form or contact us at:

brm7@me.com
724-983-1223
Box 108, Sharon, PA 16146

Motherhood

by Jim Weikal

The Bible has a high regard for mothers. From Eve, who is “the mother of all the living” (Genesis 3:20), through Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah, Ruth, Hannah, Elizabeth and, of course, Mary, who after listening to the shepherds, “treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). Little did she know that one day she would watch the horrible crucifixion of her Son (John 19:25). After this devastating event, Mary set a Godly example devoting herself to prayer in the upper room with the 11 disciples, other women and Jesus’ brothers (Acts 1:12-14).

Motherhood is very rewarding but with it comes the unknown and that unknown is the future. Mary did not know her Son’s future, but she had a firm foundation even as a teenager to deal with it. She knew the sacred texts, exalted the Lord, rejoiced in God her Savior, recognized His holiness, His mercy and His mighty deeds (Luke 1:46-54).

I encourage all you mothers to face your children’s future with a firm belief that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9, 10). A righteous, saved mother is a powerful and beautiful woman in her family’s life!

Quotes To Reflect On

Building Character

“Character is like a muscle; the more it is exercised and used, the stronger it becomes. Every time we choose to do what is right, we build character and moral courage.” Senator Douglas V. Mastriano, PhD (Colonel, U.S. Army, Retired)

Face the Worst

“If you want to be the best you have to face the worst.” Quote from Ken Rudge for a nephew going through rigorous Special Forces training.

What God Does

“It’s not the years in your life, it’s the life in your years.”

“It is not what you do for God, rather, it is what God does through you.” Authors Unknown

Great Things

“Expect great things from God and attempt great things for God.” William Carey

The Focus

“You will find your purpose when you make Jesus the center of what you want to do and the focus of what you hope to accomplish.” BJ Rudge

Memories of Aunt Lucy

Mary Green, a longtime supporter of BRM and the mother of Ann Ore who is on staff at the ministry, went home to be with the Lord recently. A few months ago, Mary had sent us the following note and the poem, Faith (following note):

Dear Bill and Karen,

Just a note to let you know how much I enjoy your newsletters, and how much I learn from them. This has been a very difficult time for many people, but it is during the stressful times that we grow in our understanding of God’s Word and in growing closer to Him, so I can be thankful for them.

Enclosed is a poem entitled Faith, written by my dearly loved Aunt Lucy. She had a difficult life. She lived in a log cabin with no electricity or running water. I have so many happy memories of times spent on that farm. Aunt Lucy always sang hymns as she worked in her garden or worked around the house. Her book of poetry is called “Dream Petals” and many were written during World War II. May God be with you both. I continue to pray for you, your family, and your ministry.

Mary Green, New Jersey

Faith

by Lucy Morgan Johnson

If oft affliction I must bear,
I do not mind, for God is there
To strengthen me with faith anew,
To bear my cross, and weakness too.

Should darkness hide me from His sight,
My faith will be a guiding light;
To feel, and know that He is near,
To lead me when life’s way seems drear.

When pain and shadow ’round me loom
That faith will help me pierce the gloom
And it will be a beacon light,
To guide me safely through the night.

And should my path be rough and steep,
I pray that faith will help me keep
Life’s weary way without a sigh
To feel that God is ever nigh.

My future though I cannot see,
Faith makes it seem so real to me;
With hope, my bright and shining star,
Enriched by love, that gleams afar.

May my affliction be for me
Stepping-stones, to eternity;
And may I ever understand,
That faith is but my Savior’s hand.

And when life’s sun is sinking low,
That faith will light my way to go;
And when the veil of death is drawn,
My soul will rise to greet the dawn.

If dark the way, I will go on,
With faith to meet the coming morn,
And know that when night’s shades have flown,
I’ll see the sun rise o’er God’s throne.

A Psalm of Life

by Lucy Morgan Johnson

The Lord, my shepherd, is ever near
To watch o’er me, and I’ve no fear –
He’ll quench my thirst with nectar sweet
And give me daily food to eat.

He’ll make for me a grassy bed
On which to lay my weary head;
Beside still waters, cool and bright
He’ll watch o’er me till morning light.

In paths of righteousness from sin
He’ll cleanse my soul, without, within;
For His Name’s sake, I will obey
My Lord, my Shepherd, day by day.

When thru’ the vale of death I go
And shadows hang quite dark and low;
I’ll fear no evil, for He is there
To lead me with His tender care.

His rod and staff will comfort me
As I tread life’s path to eternity;
T’will be my stay in time of need
My Shepherd’s Hand, to guide and lead.

And He’ll a table spread for me
In presence of mine enemy;
My cup of joy will overflow
With oils of peace that He’ll bestow.

And when I rise from earthly strife
To start a new and fuller life,
His goodness and His mercy, pure,
Will evermore with me endure.

Then with my Shepherd as my guide
I’ll enter thru’ the gates thrown wide
And step within my mansion door
To dwell with Him, forevermore.

The preceding poem, A Psalm of Life, is from the book, “Dream Petals” (copyright 1943) by Lucy Morgan Johnson and used here with permission from her niece, Mary Green. Mary is a longtime supporter of BRM and her daughter, Ann Ore, is on staff at the ministry. We hope you enjoy this insightful and inspirational poem.

End the Fright!

Filling your mind with bad things,

dark intruders to your life it brings.

Terrors in the darkness, fears in your dreams,

cold sweats at night, rooms filled with screams.

But come to know Jesus, walking in the light,

will give you His peace and end all the fright.

Serve the Lord daily, with all of your might;

the enemy soon will know he’s lost the fight.

Bill Rudge

Don’t Be Afraid

by Bill Rudge

Photo by Bill Rudge

When my wife and I are in potentially dangerous situations, such as walking down a dimly lit street or walking in a remote area during a mission trip, I tell her, “Don’t be afraid. Just stay close to me. I will protect you.”

So too, the Lord tells us, “Don’t be afraid. Stay close to Me and I will protect you and be your Helper.”

Hebrews 13:6 – “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear.”

Isaiah 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.”

Dealing With Fear

BJ Rudge, Ph.D.

Halloween is a holiday focused on the emotion of fear. While some people enjoy the adrenaline rush from walking through a haunted house, for others the ongoing daily battle with fear has kept them paralyzed in bondage.

While occasional fear is something all of us will experience, the question is, how do we prevent this emotion from controlling our lives? Certainly, our mindset is important because what we perceive in our lives through the lens of fear, dramatically impacts how we will deal with reality. Also, realizing the strength and support we can gain from others is vital in helping us overcome our fear.

The real key in dealing with fear is knowing the LORD our God Who is greater than anything or anyone we will ever face. Joshua was reminded of this as he prepared to take the children of Israel into the Promised Land, “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

The next time you feel the emotion of fear holding you back, remember the words the Apostle Paul gave to Timothy, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Are You Hiding From God?

BJ Rudge, Ph.D.

Most of you are probably aware of the manhunt for Brian Laundrie, who was a person of interest in the murder of his fiance Gabby. Brian had eluded law enforcement until his remains were recently discovered. Many of us try to do likewise with God. Just as Adam and Eve hid in the Garden after they sinned, we try to keep certain sins hidden from God. Brian did not remain concealed forever; so too the hidden sins of our lives will one day be exposed. The Bible teaches that all of us will be held accountable for our words and actions in this life:

God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad (Ecclesiastes 12:14); …everything that is now hidden or secret will eventually be brought to light (Mark 4:22)…when the Lord comes, He will bring our deepest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives (1 Corinthians 4:5).

The key question in those days of accounting (the Judgment Seat of Christ for believers; the Great White Throne Judgment for nonbelievers) is, will you be pardoned? God has provided forgiveness through the life, death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ (John 3:16).

A Quote by A.W. Tozer

Photo by Bill Rudge

What Really Matters

by Bill Rudge

I have spent time with many people who lay dying on a hospital bed or in their home. They didn’t care about material possessions or past accomplishments. Foremost in their minds and hearts was being prepared for eternity. And that was my main purpose in being there. Likewise, I want to both help prepare you for eternity and to live victoriously in this life.

When we die – or when Christ returns – all our accomplishments, degrees, credentials, awards, accolades and possessions will not matter. Paul wrote in Philippians 3:8:

I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.

All that will really matter at the end of your life is:

• Do you know Jesus Christ in a real and personal way?

• Did you honor Him with your life and ministry?

• Were you a wise steward of the resources He entrusted to you?

• Did you use the talents and skills He bestowed upon you for His glory?

• Did you help (by witness or financial support) to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth (family, friends and beyond)?

• Was the passion of your life to know Christ more and grow in His likeness?

• Were you a person of faithfulness and integrity and love?

If Truth Be Not Diffused

“If religious books are not widely circulated among the masses in this country, I do not know what is going to become of us as a nation. If truth be not diffused, error will be; if God and His Word are not known and received, the devil and his works will gain the ascendancy; if the evangelical volume does not reach every hamlet, the pages of a corrupt and licentious literature will; if the power of the Gospel is not felt throughout the length and breadth of the land, anarchy and misrule, degradation and misery, corruption and darkness, will reign without mitigation or end.”

Daniel Webster (1823)

Dad

What I’d give, if I could say

“Hello Dad” in the same old way.

To hear his voice and see his smile,

to sit with him and chat for a while.

So, if your Father is still here,

cherish him with care,

for you’ll never know the heartache

until you see his empty chair.

Author Unknown

Consider Carefully

by Bill Rudge

The following confessions of faith have heartfelt meaning in my relationship with Christ. They are frequently part of my prayer and fasting time:

You are the CREATOR and Sovereign Lord of the Universe; ELOHIM, the strong and faithful One; ADONAI, Master and Lord; YAHWEH, the Great I Am; KING of Kings and LORD of Lords …

You are Holy, Righteous, Just, Faithful, True, Loving, Kind, Merciful, Long-Suffering …

You are my Source and Strength, my God and King, my Savior and Messiah, my Lord and Master, my Creator and Sustainer, my Rock and Fortress, my Shield and Sword, my Protector and Provider, my Helper and Healer …

My desire and prayer is to:

• Walk with You like Enoch (Genesis 5:22-24).

• Be considered Your friend like Abraham (2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23).

• Be considered Your servant like Moses (Joshua 1:2).

• Have a heart after You like David (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22).

• Be obedient like Jesus (Philippians 2:8; Romans 5:19; Hebrews 5:8).

• Be a faithful witness like Antipas (Revelation 2:13).

Now read all the above once again slowly as you ponder and pray about each description of God and what He means in your heart and life. Then give the LORD your praise, thanks and worship because He is truly worthy!

A Relevant Message in the Midst of the Coronavirus

Bill Rudge recorded this video on March 18, 2020, at the beginning of the Coronavirus. The message is even more relevant today and a good reminder about where our focus should be.

Seniors

by Bill Rudge

Don’t look at yourself as growing older,
consider yourself growing wiser.

Don’t look at yourself as becoming weaker,
look at yourself as becoming stronger in faith.

Don’t look at yourself as having less money,
focus on your riches in Heaven.

Don’t look at yourself as getting more forgetful, rejoice that your mind is overflowing with a lifetime of memories.

Don’t look at yourself as being home bound,
be glad that you can enter the heavenlies through prayer.

Don’t limit aging to diminishing youthfulness, health, talents, memory, and independence,
be thankful it increases knowledge, wisdom, love, peace, and hope.

Don’t be discouraged because more and more of your loved ones and friends are passing away,
be encouraged by the “great cloud of witnesses” awaiting you in Heaven.

Don’t look at life being too short and death looming on the horizon,
reflect on the fact that through Christ you will inherit an endless Eternity in a perfect body.