MESSAGE FROM REBECCA: SOMETIMES WE NEED AN “EXTREME MAKE-OVER”
“Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness—righteous, holy, and true.”—Ephesians 4:21-24, NLT
One day I was having a conversation with my brother Luke in the kitchen of our family’s farmhouse. We both expressed our mutual desire to grow closer to God and connect with Him deeply. We discussed how easy it is to fall into the trap of learning about God without really getting to know Him personally. We live in such an instant information culture today in which you can get on the Internet and discover all sorts of things about a favorite movie or sports star without ever having a personal relationship with that person. You may know tons about the person, but not really know the person.
Forgiveness of self is essential when dealing with sexual purity. None of us has handled this area perfectly, and some of us have messed it up big time. Whatever your past consists of in this matter, God can give you a new start. Whether you’re married or single, when you go to Him, He can help you not only heal from the past, but also send you into the future with new habits and a new determination to remain pure. It all starts with what you commit to in your mind.
In the Scripture verses above, Paul told the Ephesians that they had “heard” and “learned” the truth about Jesus. But, for there to be lasting change, they would need to allow God’s Spirit to take up residence in their hearts and transform their “thoughts and attitudes” from the inside out. That’s the way a new nature, created in the likeness of God, becomes apparent to others. Having this kind of purity of mind may require a lot of slow, diligent work, but it is well worth the end result—a life lived in confidence, free of fear and worry, knowing that God is pleased with your thoughts, attitudes, and motives.
One of the greatest examples in the Bible of someone who completely did a one-eighty from the inside out is the apostle John. He experienced a radical transformation in his thoughts and motives. When Jesus first called him and his brother James to follow Him, He named them Boanerges, which means “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17). At one point in Jesus’ ministry, He and His disciples passed through a Samaritan village, but the people there did not welcome him. James and John asked Jesus if they should call down fire from Heaven to destroy them. These rough fishermen were not exactly gentle guys filled with compassion.
But, after walking with Jesus for three plus years, John softened quite a bit and a completely new attitude took over in his life. He became known as the disciple whom Jesus loved. The Gospel of John and his three epistles are filled with multiple references that we are to “love one another.” John stands as a testimony to the truth of 2 Corinthians 5:17: “. . . those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!” (NLT).
Are there parts of your thought life in which you need a new attitude? In what ways do you need God’s Holy Spirit to do an “extreme makeover” in you from the inside out? Confess those aspects of your life to God today, and then ask Him to affect change in your thoughts, motives, and habits.
Walk with Rebecca on a full-on adventure with God—Pure contains 90 days of travel to new depths with messages like this one in purity in body, mind and spirit!
REBECCA TALKS ABOUT "PURE" WITH TANGLE.COM .. Click Above to Watch Video Now!
RSJ CLASSIC VIDEO: WAIT FOR ME
REBECCA'S SCRAPBOOK -- EUROPE TOUR
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Influences
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MONDAY—“COFFEE WITH BEC”—GATHERS STREAMS OF LISTENERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD! Rebecca with Doug Griffin
Thanks to everyone from literally “around the world” who gathered this past Monday morning (6th) to listen via radio and live stream as co-hosted the Salem Radio Network’s eye opening “Doug & Kim In The Morning!” The program is heard live on more than a hundred radio markets in the US—as well as the internet stream. Rebecca had an early LA wake-up call to be on air in studio at 5:00 A.M. Pacific—and despite the early hour—was energized to talk about all the latest music, movie, television, and book news from her universe! Thanks to Doug Griffin for the invitation to co-anchor—and thanks to all who tuned in!
REBECCA IN DENVER NEXT WEEK FOR BOOK HONORS & LAUNCH!
Rebecca will be in Denver next week for media at the International Christian Retail Show—one of the largest convention gatherings for Christian retail. On the schedule will be presentation of the annual “Reader’s Choice Awards” –her book, Pure is nominated among the Top 3 books of 2009 for the youth/teen market. In addition to this honor, her fall release of the latest book, Loved –will be unveiled at a special book signing on Monday. You can pre-order your own copy of the book today!
IN CONCERT: "SHE" MOTHER/DAUGHTER EVENT-BOOKING IN FALL '09! Rebecca and her sweet friend and mentor, Evie join media executive, Owen McGovern, at a SHE concert
Fall '09 will again see the return of Rebecca's much-anticipated "SHE"
mother/daughter events! If you're interested in more information about details for bringing the event to your church -please contact: jonas@smallbonemanagement.com
LA WEEKEND: Rebecca and friends (including West Coast Pastor Miles Mcphereson and his wife at center and Sonny Sandoval of famed band P.O.D) rocked out at the Dakota Motor Company benefit concert over the weekend!
CATCH REBECCA’S “WORLDWIDE PODCAST” FROM GMA WEEK!
A major highlight of Rebecca’s GMA Week here in Nashville was an exclusive worldwide podcast with our media friends at New Release Tuesday! Host Bill Lurwick guided Rebecca through a great interview that includes all the latest scoops on her upcoming film “Sarah’s Choice,” her thoughts on worship, new visions for her career and ministry, and the promise of new music!
Beginning with the next issue of the RSJ bulletin, Rebecca will join us with her personal answers to your questions! If you’d like to submit a question, please send it via e-mail to us: rebeccastjames@rsjames.com Five questions will be selected for each bulletin and Rebecca will personally answer them for us
JOIN REBECCA ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW HER ON TWITTER!
Now there are even more ways to stay connected with Rebecca and her ministry. Come check us out on Facebook and Twitter. They are great ways to stay in touch with you!
Rebecca at GMA with the new, improved T-Bone on the set of JC-TV's "Real Videos!"
Kevin McNeese and Bill Lurwock of "New Release Tuesday" hosted Rebecca on Weds. for a podcast heard around the world from GMA!
Rebecca offers congrats to long-time pal Michael Tait on his new gig with Newsboys!
Lifeway.com editor Jeff Large was among the major media friends Rebecca interviewed with at GMA!
Very much in the national headlines this week--Miss California--Carrie
Prejean--met Rebecca backstage at the Doves. A dedicated Christian--Carrie told Rebecca "You've been a role model to me!"
Brad Schmitt--News Channel 2's famed entertainment reporter--and his cameraman, Brock, joined Rebecca for an interview--and lunch--at Nashville's Hilton.
Rebecca took Carrie as her guest to the EMI post party following the Dove Awards
THANK YOU AUSTRALIA-NEW ZEALAND!
Welcome Home, Rebecca, Joel & Luke and band!
RSJ and crew were jumping for joy over the reception that welcomed them to Australia-New Zealand over the past three weeks! Rebecca’s appearance at “Easter Fest ‘09” –Australia’s premier Christian festival—rocked the land of Oz with more than 10,000 concert goers joining the celebration!
Joel & Luke @ Easterfest
Then it was off to New Zealand for Easter week concerts and more wonderful audiences!
REBECCA PRESENTED WITH 2009 ARVELLA SCHULLER AWARD FOR POSITIVE CHRISTIAN CONTRIBUTION TO THE ARTS REBECCA WITH FILM COMPOSER, MARK MCKENZIE
This past weekend, Rebecca was honored with the Arvella Schuller Award. Read all about it here
AUSTRALIA "COVERS" REBECCA!
Prior to her traveling to the homeland next month for concert dates, Rebecca is the cover/interview subject of the current issue of Australia's popular "Christian Woman" --a favorite read in the Land Down Under!
CBN.ORG –CHECK OUT THE LATEST RSJ MESSAGE AND GIVE-AWAY
Rebecca’s guest appearance with James and Betty Robison on Life Today is airing in the U.S. and around the globe this week! It’s a wonderful opportunity to see Rebecca share her heart on what propels her through her life and ministry! Check it out through this link
CHECK OUT REBECCA'S NEW YOUTUBE VIDEO PLAYER
BEC'S COFFEE CHAT
Relevant cultural chatter from Rebecca on Movies and Books!
1/27 –Personal Message from Rebecca…
Dear Friends—I really want to especially ask for your prayers this week as I’m in LA working on the prep of the new film I’m involved with—working title is Sarah’s Choice. I play the lead in this pro life film. Please pray and agree with me for authenticity and God’s spirit to be with me in the role as we go from prep to filming. I’m sensing God’s hand on me with this movie—and your prayers are so important to me –and so appreciated! Can’t want to tell you more!
Rebecca
HELLO FROM HOLLYWOOD! Rebecca onset with Candace Cameron –To The Wall filming in LA
Rebecca sends greeting and updates from Hollywood this week where she is filming To The Wall. Filming was delayed over the weekend due to the horrific fires in California—but filming resumed and will continue for Rebecca through Sunday of this week.
Here’s her note by e-mail:
Hey everyone!
Here's what I know about the movie..
To the Wall is a faith and family film about two young guys whose dads died in the Vietnam war. The movie contains flashbacks from Vietnam, showing the friendship between their fathers. One is a believer, the other is struggling with matters of faith. Wayne and John, the young guys, embark on a journey to the Vietnam wall in DC, to see their fathers names and to connect with their history. Along the way, they meet my character, Annie and her cousin Ted, and we bring some lighter elements to the film.
I would love prayer for God's peace and joy to shine through me and for inspiration as I move into this new genre.
Stephen Baldwin and Candace Cameron are also featured in this film.
Bec
The film will debut in ’09 –we’ll have many more updates!
Wow YOU GOT IT !!! GBY ALWAYZ... May your week be filled with the love of GOD N your soul lighted by the fire of Lord Jesus N quickened by His Spirit Amen thankyou!!! I love your music woohoo!!! 8)
YOU ARE VERY WELCOME. MAY THE LORD CONTINUE TO USE YOU MORE AND MORE EACH AND EVERYDAY!!!! MUCH BLESSINGS ON YOU...YOUR MINISTRY...AND YOUR FAMILY!!!!STAYBLESSED!!!!
have been a big fan for a long time and admire your commitments to God ,family ,and community.hope to see you in concert soon. God Bless!!! hope to meet more people like you
Ow, you are so sweet... Much appreciated. Actually, I really admire you as an artist, Christian artist. I love your music.. Keep up the good works for the glory of our Savior King. Continue to minister the young generation. You're such a Big blessing to this world.
It's actually my dream to become a recording artist. Because I want to share my life to this generation. I want to share my life as worshiper of the Most High God. I'm asking your prayer too. Thanks...
"But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God." -The Apostle Paul (Acts 20:24 NLT)
Thanks so much for the add. I remember meeting you at a signing at, I believe, Long's Music in Orlando when we both were about 16.... you've come such a long way! And, BTW, I still listen to the RSJ CD... :)
Hi Rebecca, I would like to thank you for inviting me to be your friend. My sister and I enjoy listening to all of your music. In fact, your music has been and still is an imspiration to us. Therefore, may, God continue to bless you and your family always.
thanks for add me!!!you are very nice!!!thanks for the comment!!!
God invisted so much in you because only He knows really the value that you have. He drifted you for a special purpose. Believe you are the best of God!! then don't never give up on struggling!! because to the tired ,He gives force to struggle... to the sad,He gives happiness of living !!the Lord is with you!!
Hey Rebecca! Thank you for the comment. It is a blessing to have such a great singer and messenger in our world. Your song Wait for Me is my favorite song of all time. Nothing will ever replace it. Have a good evening. Your brother in Christ. Adam.
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