Forefront Records

Rebecca St. James

04-29-09: REBECCA TALKS ABOUT EXTRAVAGANT LOVE

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MESSAGE FROM REBECCA: Bargaining with God

“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?”—Matthew 7:7-11, The Message

When I go on a shopping excursion, I love hunting for great deals. What girl doesn’t love the adventure of finding the best clothing or the coolest decorations for the best price? I think it’s part of our DNA as females. A few years ago I bought a house and named it “Avonlea,” after one of my favorite books, Anne of Green Gables. I really like the hardwood floors in my house. I want my home to be an eclectic, comfortable, and welcoming space in which to relax. When shopping for furniture I bought most of the pieces secondhand. When I’m on the search for something to add to my home décor I love finding just the right accessory. And, if it’s a bargain, I get all the more excited.

No wonder it’s easy at times for us females to approach God and begin to bargain with Him. In our hearts, we know that He knows what’s best for us, yet, we tend to be concerned with what the whole “deal” looks like. Sometimes the fear of not knowing everything He has planned keeps us from giving our dreams to Him. We may not say these words, but we may be thinking them: God, I’ll do this if you’ll do this. I’ll give you this if you’ll give it back to me the way I want it. He’s the Lord of the universe, yet sometimes we act as if we can manipulate Him! But God already knows our human ways. And He wants more than that when we approach Him in prayer.

It really all comes down to a matter of trust. God wants us to live fulfilled lives. He wants to shower us daily with His extravagant love. He is not withholding good things from us. He desires that we come to Him in obedience—pure and simple. And, if we do that, we will be free, and that’s what He most wants us to be. I can’t think of a better deal anywhere.

The Old Testament wisdom books offer some great insight into this theme of accepting from God what He wants to give us, rather than bargaining with Him. We may not always understand what God is up to in our lives, but we can be assured that He’s all about what’s good for us!

Do you spend more time in prayer asking God for His guidance, attempting to bargain with Him, or simply coming to Him in obedience? Make a concerted effort in your prayer time today to leave the bargaining out, and a willful obedience in.

Blessings!Rebecca

Join Rebecca in the journey to find all God has for your life! Her latest book, “Pure” is an upbeat and encouraging 90 day road map to all you can be!

FACES FROM “GMA WEEK” IN NASHVILLE!

In town last week to co-anchor the color commentary on the 40th Annual Dove Awards telecast, Rebecca had a week of embracing industry friends—new and old!

Rebecca’s “Dove Week” in Nashville last week was made even more interesting in the fact that she had the opportunity of meeting Miss California—Carrie Prejean—the young woman at the center of all the recent national headlines for her comments at the Miss USA pageant. Carrie had specifically asked to meet Rebecca on her Nashville trip—stating to media… “Rebecca St. James has been a real role model for me.” A reminder in Carrie’s words that we can all set an example to impact and influence the culture for good!

,b>With the newly trimmed down and “hunky” T-Bone (he’s lost over 100 pounds!) Rebecca had a ball onset for taping of JC-TV’s “Real Videos.” RSJ and T are old friends from touring days together in the rock opera musical, “!Hero.”

See more exclusive RSJ photos from GMA Week—online at: www.myspace.com/rebeccastjames

NEW RSJ MUSIC ON MYSPACE

Record plays over the past few days on Rebecca’s MySpace player! Check-out what’s new there this week! On the Player

CONCERT NEWS FLASH!

Upcoming this year with the fall release of Rebecca’s starring film role in “Sarah’s Choice,” –look for RSJ to schedule a series of major events in support of crisis pregnancy centers. Please contact jeffrob@jeffroberts.com if your church or local pregnancy center would be interested in hosting one of Rebecca's pro life Sarahs Choice concerts More news to come!

REBECCA'S MAILBOX

Hey Rebecca!
I've listened to you growing up, and your music is always so awesome. You helped me in my decision to save sex for marriage and I am happ to say at the age of 17 I am still waiting until I get married! I have worn a purity ring since I was about 13. You are a huge encouragment to me! And God works through you in way more than one way!!

God bless and Rock on!!
Kailina

Hi, Rebecca,

I purchased your book "Pure" and I have been reading it every day. I have found it to be very inspiring and enlightening. At times, it is very difficult to wait on God in terms of relationships. I definitely thought that by now I would be married and it hasn't happened, but since I was in my early twenties I have always felt that God has someone for me. I , too made the decision, long ago to wait until marriage to have sex. I have also completely surrendered that part of my life to God and know that He's in control.

I'm just writing this email to let you know that you are making a difference in other people's lives and to let you know that I am one of them. Just keep up with the great things that you are doing for God's Kingdom and know that it's all worth it for Him in the end.

God's Blessings,
Dorothy