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Thursday, September 04, 2008
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09-04-08: A QUESTION OF PRIORITY: A NOTE FROM REBECCA ST JAMES
". . . Do not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.
—Matthew 6:31-33, The Message
Reflection:
Far too many people spend their lives in a continual pursuit of accumulating stuff. Whether they are on a quest for their dream home, the hottest car, or the most fashionable and highest-priced clothes, they can become so consumed with their desire for bigger and better that they make this their number one priority in life, and leave God out of the equation. In Jesus' parable of the sower and the soils in Matthew 13, He warned that this kind of pursuit of worldly riches and cares could take over our lives and choke out any possibility of bearing fruit for Him.
Among my favorite possessions are my cell phone and my computer, which I can't imagine being without. I am constantly texting friends while I'm on the road. It seems like my whole world is caught up in my Mac, because of iPhoto, iTunes, and e-mail. There are so many good memories attached to my laptop. When it comes to clothes, funky jackets are probably my guilty pleasure. But the things I would miss most if they were taken away from me are books. I can't go a day without my Bible. And, I'm always reading books to ensure that I'm deepening my faith.
Possessions in and of themselves are not wrong. But if we are possessed by them, that's a problem. It all depends on the attitude we have concerning the things we spend our money and time on. An attitude of greed is pervasive in our culture. We are continuously bombarded on TV and in magazines to amass more and more. We are often made to feel that we need the latest, the best, and the most expensive. We must constantly be on our guard to fight against a self-indulgent and materialistic attitude in our lives. Jesus calls us to seek Him and His kingdom first, then He'll take care of the rest.
Looking Further:
Jesus had a lot to say about how we view our possessions. He knew how closely our hearts are tied to the things that we own, as if we "owned" anything (see Psalm 24:1).
For instance:
• "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be" (Matthew 6:19-21, NLT).
• "You can't worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you'll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can't worship God and Money both" (Matthew 6:24, The Message).
• "Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot" (Luke 12:15, The Message).
• "A person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God" (Luke 12:21, NLT).
Living It Out:
Are there any treasures you value today that may end up in tomorrow's trash? If an attitude of greed is something you struggle with, talk to God about it.
How can you yield your possessions to His control? What will you do to demonstrate that serving Jesus is really your top priority?
REBECCA ST JAMES BOOKSIGNING
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH @ 9PM
THE WRITER'S SHOP - DISNEYWORLD/MGM STUDIOS
STREET OF AMERICA
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL
MORE INFORMATION: 407-934-7639
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Saturday, August 30, 2008
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08-30-08: NO REVENGE DEVO FROM REBECCA, PLUS NEW BOOK INFO
PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!
We Want to Hear from YOU! EMail Us @ rebeccastjames@rsjames.com
MESSAGE FROM REBECCA:
A No-Revenge Policy
"Don't secretly hate your neighbor. If you have something against him, get it out into the open; otherwise you are an accomplice in his guilt. Don't seek revenge or carry a grudge against any of your people. "Love your neighbor as yourself. I am GOD." Leviticus 19:17, 18—The Message
During a 100-day campaign in 1994, Hutu extremists in Rwanda massacred an estimated 800,000 people—almost one tenth of the East African nation's population. A number of years later, I visited this nation with my younger brother Josh. We toured a genocide memorial that had been a church before the killing started. Bullet holes still puncture the roof and bloodstains can be seen on the walls and on a cloth at the altar. I could just barely begin to understand the profound agony of what these people had been through. What I didn't anticipate was to be humbled by the terrific beauty of forgiveness being acted out in a country that had been devastated in such a horrible way.
Rwandan president Paul Kagame instituted an official "no revenge" policy that forbade relatives of genocide victims from retaliating for atrocities done. Instead, they were to forgive. When I've shared this story of the forgiveness taking place in that land, people have been greatly impacted by the healing that God is bringing about there. More than ever, I appreciate my homeland of Australia, and the U.S., where I now live. Like many of us, I have taken my freedom for granted. I have the freedom to be able to walk down the street without the fear of being killed or tortured. Even such a seemingly small freedom became very vivid to me after visiting Rwanda. The reason there is so much healing in that country in such a short period of time is because of the power of forgiveness.
There is no greater example of powerful forgiveness than can be seen in Jesus' suffering and death. First Peter 2:23 says, "He did not retaliate when he was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly" (NLT). And, even as His enemies were nailing Him to the cross, and dividing His clothes among them, Jesus cried out to God, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
We like to meditate on God's goodness and love, but we don't want to hear much about His wrath. There are times when God seems to say, "Enough is enough." He is extremely patient and slow to anger, but in the Old Testament, there were occasions in which He took revenge on His enemies for crimes committed against Him and His chosen people (see Deuteronomy 32:41, 43; Nahum 1:2). In His absolute justice and holiness, God certainly has the right to take revenge, but we do not (Romans 12:19). We are called to love our enemies regardless of what they have done (Matthew 5:38-45).
Spend some time today praising God that He has instituted the ultimate "no revenge" policy for your sins. Is there someone in your life to whom you need to reach out with a no-revenge policy? In the power of God's strength, you can do it.
REBECCA
"FORGIVE ME" IS THE NEW SPOTLIGHT SONG ON REBECCA'S MYSPACE PLAYER
…check it out!
DAILY MESSAGES FROM REBECCA –90 DAYS OF WALKING WITH HER—IN HER NEW BOOK "PURE" –AVAILABLE NATIONALLY NEXT WEEK!
More than becoming a Grammy award winning singer and best selling author--Rebecca has spearheaded an entire cultural movement.
Her new book, Pure represents a complete personal lifestyle—approaching purity of spirit, mind, and body in a refreshingly honest and deeply moving and revealing 90 day devotional format that digs deeper into real life issues.
Pure takes readers on an intimate day-to-day walk, presenting St. James' own voice and personal insights, her challenges and victories --ultimately offering readers real wisdom and encouragement in living a lifestyle that's both counter-cultural and totally exhilarating in its' freshness of purpose.
Relevant and edgy in her communication as a lifestyle advocate, Rebecca tunes into the dynamics of today's culture with a challenge for readers to join her on the journey-- to "start with Day 1 and end with a lifetime of everyday radical living!"
Pure comes to bookstores nationally next week—with an official release date of September 3rd!
HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP US GET THE WORD OUT
• Add the banner below to your own website, MySpace, Facebook.
• If you have a MySpace, FaceBook page, website or blog, consider sharing or blogging about the book and how it has impacted your life!
• Share this newsletter with your friends—let them know about Rebecca's new book!
• Write a book review for your local paper, favorite blog site forum, or favorite website.
• Write a review and post it on BooksChristian.com, Amazon.com and other key national bookseller sites dedicated to reader's sharing their ideas.
• Talk about the book on e-mail lists you are on, forums you frequent, and other places you engage with people on the worldwide internet.
• Call your local Wal-Mart store (1-800-925-6278) and request they stock "Pure."
ADD REBECCA'S "PURE" BANNER TO YOUR WEB UNIVERSE—AND WIN MUSIC!
• Grab this banner and add to your sites.
• E-mail us and let us know you've posted Rebecca's banner on your site! E-mail us at: rebeccastjames@rsjames.com
• Each week we will visit sites with the banners posted.
• Three winners each week will win Rebecca's "Ultimate" CD!
• Contest starts this weekend!
REBECCA'S BOOKSIGNING AT DISNEY
FRIDAY—SEPTEMBER 5TH
DISNEYWORLD
THE WRITER'S SHOP BOOKSTORE (IN PARK)
FOR INFO: 407-934-7639
9:00-10:00 P.M. (EVENING)
REBECCA'S MAILBOX
Hi! My name is Shelby. I'm a homeschool Christian teen, and love your music. The first song of yours that I really liked was "Go and Sin No More". I really like the sound and meaning of "You Then Me" too. "Stand", "Wait For Me", and "Here I Am" are probably the ones that have encouraged me the most. I got a SHE teen bookzine for Christmas, and really enjoyed it. I love your music...it inspires me so much. Thanks!
-Shelby
Dear Rebecca St. James, I just wanted to let you know some of the ways God is working though your music. I received an e-mail from a friend I met on line who was a Christian who fell way some years ago. She recently has come back to the Lord. This is part of an e-mail I got from her.
"Rebecca St. James's song you are loved stayed in my head in the darkest hours. Thanks for that. I needed to know that someone cared. I know you think I'm a nut. I am but I've been through a LOT of stuff over the course of the last few months."
Go used that song to show me that the message we need to send out to the world is that they are loved. That is what the world is searching for.
Shalom and God bless - "Toxked"
Your heart for God and your passion for the young generation of women coming up is inspiring. I love your heart and your passion that comes through you music and life about God--Aaron
As a mother of a son that is approching teenage years quicker than I like for him too. I am thankful for you. By you being so bold in saving yourself for the one God created for you helps me. I refer to your ministry often. Have a very bleesed Day and Thanks for all you do !!!
Be Blessed,
Samantha
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Thursday, August 14, 2008
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08-14-08:EXCERPT FROM REBECCA’S NEW BOOK
MESSAGE FROM REBECCA: Fighting Through the Tough Times
An excerpt from Rebecca's new book, "Pure"
"If you've been a Christian for any length of time, you have undoubtedly experienced seasons of weariness in trying to stay on the straight and narrow path. In our quest for living a pure, focused life that pleases God, we all hit the wall at one time or another. What do we do then? Give up and decide it's no longer any use to keep trying? Not an option. I have had times when the road has gotten long and I've missed home and found myself yearning for normal life and my friends. Those periods can be very challenging. When they happen I go to God and ask for His strength for the journey.
One of the benefits of getting through the difficult moments is that when we come out on the other side, we have grown through the adversity in ways we would not have otherwise. And, when it's beyond our power and strength to make it on our own, we know beyond certainty that it was God, and not ourselves, that got us through. He receives greater glory when we are depleted, and cry out to Him for the strength to walk through the hardship.
Another key for survival has been leaning on the community of faith that God has given me. In recent years I have discovered more about the power of community by being honest and asking friends to walk with me through the lonely and difficult times. Sometimes just asking for prayer or a chat on the phone helps immensely. I now understand the power of being vulnerable and open in showing weakness within safe friendships. That's been empowering. Knowing that God is using my life and ministry also definitely helps encourage me through any hard times.
It's been said, "Tough times don't last; tough people do." The next time you are facing a difficult situation (maybe even today), pull out God's promises and meditate on them. God is always faithful to fulfill the promises in His Word. That's a truth you can rely on!"
Rebecca
SCRIPTURE:
"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. . . . Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life."—James 1:2, 3, 12, The Message
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT "PURE"
"I sure would like to get that book PURE that she has though too. It would be awesome to read those devotions to keep me staying on track with God." -Wiley
"Pumped for this book girl!" -Maria
"I look forward to reading Pure and growing in Christ. I can't wait to see what God will do for me in the coming months." -Eric
"I am looking forward to your new devo book. Your books always seem to touch me the most." -Sarah
"Wow really? a devotional? wow! Rebecca St. James is on fire! May God bless your ministry and keeps you in His hands! i can't wait to get my hands on your devotional! -"Jesus Freak"
"Books like these are much needed. Just plain practical and encouraging" -Fjodorii
"Hey Bec, awesome sample of what is to come from your new daily devotional book. i so look forward to getting it and reading it". -Bubby
"i'm pumped about this book bec! thanks for the preview!!! I think a lot of Christians get caught up with the world, and this shows that we need to live for Christ!! -"ecarmony"
"I think that what you are doing is wonderful, Rebecca! It is good that you are trying to move people away from impurity and sexual immorality and towards living a godly and holy life. Living for Christ is truly a life worth living. I hope that many people will see that through your work and others who are trying to do similar things. God bless you, my friend!" -Steve
"Rebecca.. I can not WAIT to read your book. I will buy it as soon as I see it. I will go ahead and keep it in mind to have some money set aside for when it comes out to buy a few copies. One for me, my sister, and any friend who may want to read it. Thanks so much for putting time into this! I'm sure it will be blessed. :) -Heather
Click the Cover Image to Purchase from
BooksChristian.com
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Tuesday, July 29, 2008
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Take A Moment to Chill Devo from Rebecca
MESSAGE FROM REBECCA
This week's message comes directly from the pages of Rebecca's latest book—"Pure"—which reaches national bookshelves officially on September 3rd! You can pre-order it online today!
TAKE A SUMMER "CHILL!"
As summer heats up…take your temperature!
Are you tired? Is your spirit weary? Do you ever just want the train to slow down so that you can get off? We live in such a fast-paced culture in which many people think they have to be going and doing something all the time. We're used to getting the things we want right at our fingertips in an instant . . . an instant message, a download on the Internet, a book from Amazon. We even get impatient if we have to wait very long in the drive-through at a restaurant. In His Word, God has a lot to say about waiting. And, I've learned that when I worry or get really stressed, it's because I've tried to take things into my own hands, rather than relaxing and waiting on Him.
I love it when I get to go back to Australia and just chill. I visit my grandparents, cousins, and old friends. I sometimes stay in a house on the beach. I read. I pray. I swim. I study my Bible. I sit looking out onto the horizon and watch the waves. I ride horses and go on an all-day bike ride in the rain. I sleep. The time I spend in solitude with God results in an amazing refreshment and spiritual restoration. During these times God teaches me the art of just being, and not having to do anything. It is a beautiful fulfillment of the meaning of one of my favorite Scriptures, Psalm 46:10, which says: "Be still and know that I am God."
When we take time out to just chill and rest in God's presence, God often reveals His truths to us. When we are still long enough to actually listen, we will be able to hear His will for our lives. It is because of our time of resting that we can know that what is to come from God will be all the more powerful.
So, what about it? Do you need to take some extended time to get away and be with the Lord? If you can't afford to take too much time off, think about having some "mini-moments." Take a walk on your lunch hour; walk your pet at night; curl up in a comfy chair with your Bible, a journal, and a pen; get out some watercolor paints, put on some soothing music, and see what God allows you to create. God created the world in six days, and then He rested. What can He do for your life while you "chill" in Him?
Rebecca
"CHILL" WITH REBECCA THIS SUMMER THROUGH THE PAGES OF PURE
We are sensing a tremendous amount of advance interest in Rebecca's new book—"Pure" --it will no doubt be the biggest release yet in her growing history as a best selling author! Between Rebecca's advance promotional trip to sign books in Orlando at ICRS several weeks ago to the comments on her MySpace and beyond—excitement is building about the book—and we thank you for being a part of this encouragement! See what all the excitement is about—spend 90 days on a mission with Rebecca to go deeper in the exploration of "purity" –in body mind and spirit!—through the pages of "Pure!"
Click the Cover Image to Purchase from
BooksChristian.com
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Thursday, July 17, 2008
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07-17-08: Devo from Rebecca
"PURE" BOOK—EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PREVIEW
Click the Cover Image to Purchase from
BooksChristian.com
This is just one of the 90 days of spiritual and practical "lifestyle encouragement" Rebecca recounts in her about to be released new book "Pure" –coming to bookstores officially in early September! Need a bit of "life coaching" to help boost your daily walk with God? Do you wonder what a "pure" lifestyle looks like in the real "rubber meets the road" world? Rebecca's new book has some great wisdom to share –here's a sample below.
Different Way of Thinking
Scripture
"Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love the world, you show that you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and pride in our possessions. These are not from the Father. They are from this evil world. And this world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever."
—1 John 2:15-17, NLT
Reflection from Rebecca:
It's so easy for us to buy into the current thinking of the day—whatever that is. Whether it concerns same-sex marriage, our politicians' view ..ion, the popular notion of a man and woman living together before marriage, or tolerating all world religions as equal in God's sight, Christians are often seen as intolerant if they don't swim with the current. God is concerned that we retain His views on these topics as He revealed them to us in His Word. He wants us to be pure in our thinking. When one speaks of a certain breed of animal as being purebred, it means that the animal came from one strain of pure blood with absolutely no mixed ancestry. Even though we must live in this world, God doesn't want us to allow the various strains of impurity to infect our hearts and minds. It's a high calling, but God intends for us to think radically different than the rest of the world.
People admire us when we stand for purity of life. They can see that we don't have to escape the world's pressures and find love and acceptance through doing drugs and alcohol, and engaging in promiscuous sex. When others see God's true love, joy, and peace lived out in practical ways, they will want what we have. The thing that speaks the loudest to non-Christians is when we live out our faith. When they see us not only talking about God but living it 24/7 the best that we can, that's when people really can see the Jesus difference in us. That's our loudest witness. This should be our daily prayer, "God, show me how to live a life that's more pleasing to you."
Looking Further
The word "holy" is something we don't hear much of in our culture today, unless it's used in a context in which someone is making fun of one who is a "holy roller" or has a "holier than thou" attitude. The root word means to be "set apart" or "consecrated" for a specific purpose. Here are some verses that should challenge our thinking:
• "We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness" (Titus 2:12-14, The Message).
• "You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that 'he's a fiercely jealous lover.' And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find" (James 4:4, 5, The Message).
• "Obey God because you are his children. Don't slip back into your old ways of doing evil; you didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God—who chose you to be his children—is holy" (1 Peter 1:14, 15, NLT).
Living It Out
What things prevent you from thinking and living differently from what you see all around you? In what specific ways would you like to be different than those around you? Make a list of those things, then talk to God about your desires, and ask Him to empower you to walk a "set apart" life today.
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Wednesday, July 02, 2008
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07-02-08: WHY CHRISTIANITY MATTERS & MORE FROM RSJ!
PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS
We want to Hear from YOU Click Here to Email Us!
MESSAGE FROM REBECCA
We're head first into summer, my friends,—and hopefully you—like me-- are turning to see the "beauty" of the season all around you!
It's a reminder to me that this past year my study group read the book, Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense, by N. T. Wright. I really enjoyed the way much of his thinking stretched me. One of his thoughts that I'd like to unpack is that "the church should awaken its hunger for beauty at every level." I woke one morning recently with a strange goal. I set out with a desire to beautify the world as best I can, whether through cleaning my house, having an inspiring conversation with someone, or serving in a way that makes another feel loved. These are all ways in which I can beautify the world around me.
Several weeks ago on the European tour, we had the joy of returning to Oberhofen, Austria, to do a concert with our dear friend, Father Christoph and the wonderful people there who have become our friends and provide our favorite place to return to when we tour Europe. Reflecting on the experience of our first concert Father said, "It was one of the most important days of my life because it was evident that the Lord is using different people for his service in one spirit working together. I don't like loud music and I am a fan of Mozart, but the Lord showed me that other sorts of music can make a difference and his Holy Spirit was at work yesterday. At the concert, we felt such an atmosphere of open-heartedness." Father's words were a reminder to me that we can, by the way in which we live, be a part of Heaven beginning here on Earth."
Read Rebecca's entire message online at Myspace… Visit: www.myspace.com/rebeccastjames
ON THE MYSPACE PLAYER
Check out Rebecca's song "Thank You" from her album, "If I Had One Chance to Tell You Something" It's on the Myspace Player Right Now!
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO!
See Rebecca talk about the inspiration for her message and recent new edition of her best selling book "Wait For Me!" Click Here to Watch Video
Click Book Cover to Buy Wait For Me
SEE REBECCA IN CONCERT IN JULY
12 - LifeFest - Sunnyview Expo Grounds
500 East Sunnyview Rd
Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901
Click here for more Information
18 - Fishnet Festival
Fishnet Life Center
Front Royal, Virginia
Click here for more information
RSJ FRIENDS -- WELCOME TO OUR WORLD!
Hope you've noticed the new "world map" feature at Rebecca's MySpace this week! The map pinpoints where our friends come from to get the latest news and music in Rebecca's world. Rebecca's global reach is amazing and here are some highlights of the "far away places" around the world Rebecca's friends in the RSJ MySpace community have come from this week!
Iquique, Chili
Torshavn, Faroe Island
Lentigione, Italy
Mount White Australia
Kuwait
Buena Esperanza, Venezuela
Primrose, South Africa
Bhubaneshwar, India
Nigeria
New Delhi, India
Korea
Curitiba, Brazil
Hagata, Guam
Nunck, Japan
…check out the map this week!
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE RSJ VIDEO ONLINE
"Wait For Me" and "Reborn" are currently leading the votes—vote for your favorite RSJ video today! Click Here to Vote!
REBECCA'S MAILBOX
Rebecca,
I really just wanted to say how amazing your new album is and my favourite track is love being loved by you, this song really touched my heart that has been broken for sometime and have never taken the time to fix it. The words in this song are strong and attention grabbing it tugged on my soul with such passion and movement, I really didn't want to make an effort to get to know God anymore and believe in anything (long complicated life story). The only music concert I ever have been to was the one that was held in Wellington at this church in the city where you preformed and I found safety in your words away from worldly influences, if I'm ever lost I can always count on your music to guide me to what is true and I know is real in my heart, the love that God has for us all J
So thank you,
Jaime
Hi Rebecca, my dear friend and sister in Christ and Hi to all members of your family,
also by this way a huge "Thank you" for the concert in Oberhofen / Austria and in general first praise to Jesus and second thanks to you Rebecca for sharing your great talent as musician / singer with the world. Thank you for your music, your songs are truly filled with and of the Holy Spirit, what a gift for the mankind. Hallelujah to Jesus! God bless you and your family, friends and fans around the world and all visitors of this amazing myspace too.
in Christ, the Lord and Saviour,
your faithful friend, bro and fan - Manfred (Salzburg / Austria)
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Friday, June 20, 2008
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06-20-08: REBECCA’S BACK! NEW MESSAGE, EUROPE PIX, CONCERT NEWS!
Please share this newsletter with a friend! Invite them to join us @ rebecca's online community: Myspace: www.myspace.com/rebeccastjames and @ the official Website: www.rsjames.com
Check out the full content of this "sneak preview" from Rebecca's forthcoming new book "Pure" –online this week at her MySpace!
MESSAGE FROM REBECCA:
This summer marks the anniversary of our first visit ever in the Czech Republic. for a concert! Concerts like ours are seldom staged in this country. We visited the former communist nation on the day of their National Youth Gathering in the city of Tabor. We had an audience of more than 7,000 Czech young people who jumped, clapped and sang their way through our entire concert—it was like a massive sea of people in motion. The show that night was phenomenal. During the song "Forgive Me" almost all raised their hands in surrender to God. From what the organizers said, I'm sure for many in the crowd this was their first experience with Christianity.
Europe is almost like a second home to us. I always love going there because there's such a fresh enthusiasm. We've visited a number of countries several times and have built up a kind of supportive family—it's like coming back to visit relatives. We've felt a real sense of community with them, and through them our hearts have been "strangely warmed" by Jesus' love. After returning back home we're refreshed, much as the two men were who walked with Jesus on the way to Emmaus.
Jesus ended up staying with the two men and eating dinner with them. "When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, 'Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?'" (24:30-32).
Whether we're communing with the saints on another continent, or sharing the Lord's Supper in our local church, something powerful happens when we gather with the body of Christ and partake of His goodness.
Spend a few moments thinking about some of the best times you've had sharing life with other members of the body of Christ. How have you been refreshed by spending time with them? Give thanks to God for that kind of fellowship that is possible because of what Jesus accomplished for you on the cross. Then, drop a card in the mail thanking someone for sharing authentically with you.
Rebecca
CLICK COVER IMAGE TO READ MORE @ REBECCA'S MYSPACE
EUROPE JOURNAL—AND COOL PIXS FROM THE TOUR!
Rebecca is just back from Europe and a successful concert tour that brought her music and message to thousands! Check out the complete 'day to day' journal of life on the road in Europe—PLUS cool new photos of the tour--up now on her MySpace!
NEW MUSIC ON THE MYSPACE PLAYER!
Hear Rebecca's classic song, You're the Voice on the Myspace Player this week! She performed it during her recent European tour, and you may remember seeing it featured on American Idol this past season!
CATCH REBECCA IN CONCERT THIS WEEKEND
June 21 -- Celebration 2008 Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom
937 Phillips Lane
Louisville, Kentucky 40209
For more information, visit: Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom Website
POST A REVIEW OF REBECCA'S "WAIT FOR ME" ONLINE AT AMAZON.COM!
Read the book and love it? Have friends whose life it's impacted? Please share your thoughts and reviews of Rebecca's new edition of "Wait For Me" with the world online at Amazon.com. It will help tremendously in getting the word out on what a tremendous resource book this is. E-mail us to let us know your review is posted: rebeccastjames@rsjames.com
REBECCA'S MAILBOX
Hey Rebecca!
I was at the concert in Austria I wanted to thank you, Joel and Luke for performing there!! Thank you so much, you all were so great and I enjoyed it so much!! Your music was awesome and even my parents who were there too, were nearly freaking out :)!!! I love your lyrics, like from "Forgive Me". That song is really beautiful...and it was awesome how you performed it with Joel!! I really hope you'll all come to Germany sometime soon…or rather to Munich cause I'm from Bavaria…if not we will definitely be there the next time you come to Oberhofen!
God bless you all,
Tabea
Hello,
I'm Florian, I live in switzerland, and i was in Oron last week end at your concert. And I was also at your concert one year ago. And these two times God spoke to me about purity in my life.
And that's incredible how God show his purity in your concert. I always feel it. You and your brothers fight for this purity come in our world and I only want to say to you that a battle was won in my life and i'll join also the fight for war of purity.
God use you, God use your band, God use your light show, God use your music quality to give a revival of purity!
Thank you sister
Take that for an encouragement
Don't STOP
Florian
from Geneva
Rebecca,
I want to thank you for being such an influence even in my late husbands life he loked up to you even in his 40's. he died last year. He always from the first date said you where a person to look up to.
I thank God that there are people like you that all young and old can look up to. Many of us did not have that luxury in our lives. I know that I did not have anyone to look up to growing up. I'll tell you onething that I respect you for what you are doing, because it has to verry hard to do what you do everyday. I even in my late 30's look up to for guidence and inspireation when I need it the most.
DawnCourtney
2:07 PM
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Thursday, June 05, 2008
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SHARE YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THE LIVE SHOW FROM FRENZY!
Please share your comments here about Rebecca's Live performance from the Frenzy Festival streamed by www.GOD.TV
7:20 PM
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11 Comments - 9 Kudos
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06-05-08: NEW MESSAGE FROM REBECCA
06-05-08: NEW MESSAGE FROM REBECCA
A shout out to all you—my friends—this Thursday-- as we scramble to pack and embark tomorrow for concerts in Europe! Europe is always exciting --so many potential new friends to make and old friends to see as we've toured there so often we have a real community of those we love and look forward to seeing on these trips!
My travels overseas have always been filled with wonderful experiences, perhaps none more inspiring than our trip to Oberhofen, Austria, set in the shadows of the towering peaks of the Alps. The population of the little town was 1600, and most of the folks there had never been to a contemporary concert, let alone heard of contemporary Christian music. Our extraordinary day began at eight AM on a cold, clear morning in January, when a young choir enthusiastically greeted our tour bus. On this particular stint through Europe (six concerts in seven days), we had many late nights and early mornings, so most of us didn't emerge that morning until noon. The choir sang some lovely local music, the mayor welcomed us, and the local Catholic priest Christoph Haider (who was also the promoter) prayed over our meal. He opened the rather large rectory for us to enjoy.
Mid-afternoon, while sound equipment was being set up, the priest and his interpreter took us for a walk around the village. We were surrounded on every side by huge beautiful mountain peaks. The priest, whom we affectionately call "Father," explained how he had discovered our ministry and why we were there. A year prior to that he realized he needed to communicate the gospel to his young people in a more relevant way. He had stumbled onto my music via the Internet. He knew of my passionate message of abstinence before marriage, and felt this was the message the village needed to hear.
He shared that the young people in the village, including those in his church choir, were living together as young as sixteen years of age. Believe it or not, this was happening with the support of their parents. "Father" told us that he often felt hopeless when parents reasoned that it was a new day and the times had changed. The kids had adopted the values of TV celebrities and mainstream rock stars, totally unaware that there was a better way of living available to them. The concept of sexual abstinence wasn't even a consideration.
That evening at our concert we were given a tremendous opportunity to present a new way of living, and a challenge to go deeper in the Christian life. After the altar call, most of the 600 present prayed a prayer of commitment. Even though this was the smallest concert of this leg, everyone on the road felt that we had been somehow changed as well. We had observed the extraordinary servanthood of a priest high in the mountains of Austria, making a difference by daily loving his not-so-interested congregation, but being faithful nonetheless. That is purity of heart. As Matthew 5:8 says: "God blesses those whose hearts are pure . We saw this scripture come to life in practical application, and it was a defining moment in the lives of all on our tour. We fell in love with his ministry in that place so much that we decided to return as often as we could when we came over for European concerts—as we will next week when we will see Father and the friends in Oberhofen for a much anticipated reunion in the Alps!
Please pray for our tour—that many will be touched, lives will be changed by God, and we will have strength for the mission! I hope many of you can link to the live Saturday morning "worldwide concert" from Edinburgh, being hosted by our friends at GOD-TV.
Thanks for your support and prayers for the telecast—I'll wave from the stage!
Rebecca
1:25 PM
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Thursday, May 22, 2008
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05-22-08: NEWS FROM RSJ, PRAYER FOR STEVEN CURTIS, JUNE TV & MORE!
PLEASE FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS!
REBECCA ON JUNE "BILLY GRAHAM" NATIONAL TV SPECIAL
Tune in North America! Rebecca will have major national television exposure in June as a featured highlight of the June Billy Graham TV Special, "Longing For Change," which will air in cities throughout the U.S. (with viewership in Canada) May 31st-June 8th. Rebecca will be seen on video in a special live version of "Forgive Me" originally recorded during her appearance with Franklin Graham in Canada.
For a preview of the telecast and to check local day/time listings of the airing in your market, resource: www.billygraham.org/tv
PLEASE PRAY FOR STEVEN CURTIS & FAMILY
I want to encourage everyone to lift up Steven Curtis Chapman and his family in prayer today. The Chapman family live about 5 minutes from where I am sitting right now as I share this with you. As I was hanging out with some friends last night I got a call and a text from two different friends with the news that Steven and his wife MaryBeth had lost their beloved 5 year old daughter, Maria, in a tragic car accident at their home. I don't think any of us can imagine any more horrific pain than what they are walking through right now with the loss of this child. My heart is so heavy today—my friends and I have been praying—so I am asking you, in my extended community of friends, to please join us in prayer for God's comfort for the Chapmans during this most difficult time.
HELP US PROMOTE REBECCA'S "WAIT FOR ME" BOOK!
If you've loved Rebecca's book, "Wait For Me" –as more than 100,000 readers already have –please help us get the word out on the new edition of the book, now arriving in bookstores! The new book is updated and revised with new materials, journaling space, commentary from Rebecca—an exciting 'new edition' in every sense for new and returning readers!
Here's how you can help:
• If you have a MySpace, FaceBook page, website or blog, consider sharing or blogging about the book and how it has impacted your life!
• Share the FREE download chapter of the book with friends—you'll find it on Rebecca's MySpace!
• Post the banner for the book on your website locations.
• Write a book review for your local paper, favorite blog site forum, or favorite website.
• Write a review and post it on BooksChristian.com, Amazon.com and other "book sites" dedicated to reader's sharing their ideas.
• Talk about the book on e-mail lists you are on, forums you frequent, and other places you engage with people on the internet.
• Share the new edition of "Wait For Me" with friends –or consider giving it as a gift to friends who need to be encouraged by Rebecca's message!
• Share Rebecca's song "Wait For Me" on your personal MySpace player –it's a great conversation starter!
• Share the message of the book with your youth pastor –and let him know how it's impacted your life—and that you recommend sharing it with other young people.
• Consider using "Wait For Me" as a group study/discussion book for your youth group or Bible study.
…let us know your unique comments and stories about the book! E-mail to: rebeccastjames@rsjames.com
SEE REBECCA ON THE ROAD NEXT WEEK –"SHE" CONCERTS IN MICHIGAN AND WISCONSIN!
FRIDAY, MAY 30TH 7:00pm
Faith Lutheran Church
37635 Dequindre Rd
Troy, Michigan 48083
248-689-4664
Tickets available at Family Christian Stores (Troy),
iTickets (800.965.9324) or online at www.itickets.com
SATURDAY, MAY 31ST 7:00pm
South Church
5250 Cornerstone Dr
Lansing, Michigan 48917
517-322-2000
Tickets available at Gift and Bible Center (Delta Center), iTickets (800.965.9324) or online at www.itickets.com
SUNDAY, JUNE 1ST 6:00pm
Grace Church
3626 Hwy. 31
Racine, Wisconsin 53405
262-632-2111
Tickets available at Treasure's Christian Books (Racine) and Commitments (Racine), iTickets (800.965.9324) or online at www.itickets.com
COMING THIS FALL:
SPEND 90 DAYS WITH REBECCA GOING DEEPER INTO THE REAL MEANING OF A 'PURE' LIFESYTLE –IN BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT!
Here's a "sneak preview" of what's to come! A wonderful 90 day, devotional study with Rebecca—that's real and relevant to your everyday life! Each day will be a unique study—personal commentary from Rebecca and the opportunity to dig deeper into the Bible with her on thought provoking "looking further" and "living it out" sections that will make this book your 'must read' daily personal devotional! Coming in September from FaithWords publishing.
Here's a snippet from the book—check out the full excerpt from the book online now at Rebecca's MySpace.
DAY TWO: NEW SEASONS.
Scripture
"Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new.
It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands."
—Isaiah 43:18, 19, The Message
Reflection From Rebecca:
"A few years ago I learned the hard way that it's very important for people in ministry to take "time out" and be still. Recently I took an extended sabbatical and really focused on praying and seeking God on what this time should look like. My life is pretty mapped out—with touring, book writing, songwriting, and time spent in the studio. Sabbatical is a time of open space to approach God with open hands and heart and to say, "God, renew me, speak to me, prepare my heart for new things that you want to do in my heart and in my ministry." I really have a sense of anticipation that God is moving me into a new "room" of my life—that I have actually been in one room for some time—and He is moving me into another space in the house of my life."
…Read the full excerpt now @ www.myspace.com/rebeccastjames
NEW MUSIC ON MYSPACE –"VEGGIE'S ROCK!"
Check out the tribute Rebecca pays to the world's favorite vegetables—her version of the VeggieTales song rocks! Now 1 on the RSJ MySpace player!
REBECCA'S MAILBOX
Rebecca,
I would just like to say thank you. I was at the SHE concert tonight in Chandler, and it was so beyond what I expected. It was really a life-changing experience. I've been going through one of those dreadful "seasons" in my walk with God. When you share a relationship with God, you still try to take things into your own hands all the time, and you find yourself carrying tremendous burdens. Tonight my faith was lead back on track because of the things you and Evie said. I gave it all to God. You two are truly remarkable women, and you're excellent examples of the kind of person I would like to be as I grow older. Thank you so much!
Sydney
Hi Rebecca,
My name is Rachel, and I've been listening to your music since I was 14. Your "God" CD was the first CD I ever owned. It marked a the turning point in my life when my Lord urged me to follow him wholeheartedly. For the last ten years, through all the ups and downs of my walk with Christ, gradually getting, as you say, nearer and nearer to the flame, your music has been a constant source of inspiration to me. Styles, tastes, arists have come and gone, but God uses you in a special way to speak to me. I feel like I have a big sister who I've never met; one day in heaven you'll get to hear all the details of just how much your walk has urged me on. Thank you for the uncompromising life you seek to live. I adore your spirit, and I just wanted
to say thank you.
Press on, look up, live well,
Rachel
Rebecca,
Your concert was amazing! I am 20 years old and I am a youth leader at our church. I lead a small group of 6th grade girls and I am proud to say I am a virgin and will be until I get married. (Which I'm engaged so that's fun!) I get excited to hear someone else who shares my same great godly moral of staying pure until marriage. It is an amazing feeling knowing that my "white dress" I walk down the aisle in will actually mean something to me! Thanks for your inspiration and your powerful walk with God and your willingness to share with other girls about purity!! Its so IMPORTANT!! Thank you again! May God truly bless you and your career and continue to work wonderfully through you!! --Allison
5:17 PM
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6 Comments - 8 Kudos
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