Emotions and Christianity

On November 21, 2011November 21, 2011 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts2 Comments

I was reading an article on the magazine “In Touch” the other day. They will have to forgive me because I don’t remember the specific author or the edition of the magazine that I read. The article was talking about how as believers we tend to have unrealistic expectations of what our emotions should be in determined situations. I think the saddest part about it, is that we permeate this culture of unrealistic expectations when we attempt to provide support to someone in distress.

I’m guilty of telling someone one that they are not trusting God on a situation, because they are exhibiting anxiety or distress and I know I’m wrong for that. I also know that I’ve accused myself of not being submitted enough to God for experiencing things like: fear, anger, sadness, anxiety.

There’s this wrong perception that if you’re a believer everything in your life has to be going absolutely perfect. We forget to read that part of the Bible that says, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Who can forget the scene where Jesus kicked everyone out of the temple? He was angry. The Word says, “be angry but do not sin”…it doesn’t say you’re not allowed to be angry.

Where do we even get these ideas that because we believe we’re going to be walking in clouds, our children will be perfect, and our relationships will be perfect? Yes, we have deceived ourselves.

The interesting thing that we missed, that was addressed in the article was that we are made as God’s image; this means every emotion that we have, he has and made for us. It’s what we do with our emotions that could either edify us or destroy us. If we use our emotions and turn them into prayers, instead of complaints, and remember that the test is only the beginning of the testimony; we would see our life with different eyes.

I had a situation this week, where everything that could go wrong, went wrong. At the end of the day, I was tired, frustrated, overwhelmed. I kept praying God’s peace. I surrounded myself with my accountability support people. I finally came to the conclusion that this was the test becoming a testimony. The testimony is that every single thing that looked impossible on Monday was resolved without my intervention and in ways that only God could have shown himself. The fact that I cried and was frustrated doesn’t mean that I didn’t know that God had it in his hand and was going to deal with it. I didn’t’ doubt it for a minute. I just had a bulk of emotions; I recognized them as such and treated them as such.

Sometimes we lose focus that not only the lost souls struggles, but our fellow believers have struggles too, and how can we be of help when instead of mercy, we hand out judgment.

Be Blessed!

Faith, Fun & Food BlogParty

Today only!

Powered by Linky Tools

Clickhere to see another blog in the Faith, Fun, & Food BlogParty!

Reader’s Choice: God’s plan not our plans

On November 14, 2011November 14, 2011 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts2 Comments

This is the second post requested by one of our readers. Growing up everyone asks you what do you want to do when you grow up? Nobody asks you, have you discovered God’s purpose in your life? How many times we choose a career path or a living because of it’s financial profits, the propensity of power or our personal exposure instead of our gifts, talents and purpose?

The world view of human life is formed from the point of view of achieving status, hoarding possession and being selfish about our own well being. When we discover Christ, we realize that life has nothing to do with that.

So what is the plan? First of all we are not here by coincidence. God created humanity for a purpose. In both Genesis 1:26 and Genesis 2:15 it is said that God created mankind to rule and work the earth. In other words, it’s not ours, we are here to take care of it. We were also created to use our gifts and talents for the Glory of God and to disciple the nations of the world.

Individually we also have a plan and a personal purpose. We read in Ephesians 1:11 NIV “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” We need to seek God and discover what our individual purpose is. In my book Growth Lessons there’s a lesson about “Operating in your gifts” that I would recommend if you’re searching for your personal purpose.

Life lived with purpose its worth living, otherwise we wander our days unsatisfied. When we live for our own goal, within our own plan and not those that we were created to fulfill, likewise life is unsatisfied.

We first need to discover our individual plan, that in the large scheme of things will be attached to the larger plan. Once we do, we will find purpose, fulfillment and satisfaction. No earthly riches, fame or power can accomplish that.

Remember,”Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is” Ephesians 5:17

“The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but life without reason. It’s dangerous to be alive and not know why you were given life.”Anonymous

Be blessed

PS. Remember that we will have Best Seller Author Shawn Lamb this coming Wednesday on The Rising Muse talking about the influence of her faith in her writing and presenting her new book. I know we are all looking forward to her visit.

Reader’s Choice: How is God using my writing skills?

On November 9, 2011November 9, 2011 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

I gave yesterday my readers the opportunity of choosing what blog topics they would like and for the next couple of weeks we will have a Reader’s Choice post. After I opened the proposal I prayed, God please don’t let them ask me anything I have no clue about. No worries, even if that was the case I would do the research and we would both learn together. Isn’t that what this walk is all about?

So, the first question was: How is God using my writing skills?

When I started seriously writing two years ago I had a serious case of WIMS (Woe IS Me Syndrome). At the same time, I had no choice but to give into what God wanted me to do because it was pressing so hard in my heart. I’ll start by saying what it has done in my life.

Writing has given me a sense of completion. After years of wandering like the Israelites I’m finally in my element. There’s no better satisfaction at the end of the day, that no matter how many hours you spend in a project, you are enjoying what you are doing, because you love what you do; and I love what I do. This experience has enriched and deepened my walk and knowledge of the Word of God. The fact that the bible is my source of reference for everything I write helps me learn every day more and more about His Word and His purpose for my life. It has also helped me stay accountable. I truly hear from some of you if I miss a posting.

This writing journey has given me a new community. The only Christian writers that I knew before this were those from whom I had bought their books and probably met two at a book signing. I now belong to an awesome group called Grace and Faith Authors Connection. He has placed in my path a huge writing, supportive community of writers, Christians and Non-Christians that have taught me so much. Just like when I started back my journey with Christ and I felt like a two-year old learning how to walk, eat, speak and dress…My writing journey has felt somewhat like that. Every day I open my eyes and one of these fabulous people has something to sow into my life. Just know that I’m trying to pay it forward and I hope that I’m doing the same for them.

I also learn from my readers. The beauty of writing, especially blogging is that you can have a conversation with others about a specific topic. I appreciate all of your comments, inside the site and outside. You are a blessing to me and my walk.

Part of my WIMS; was the fear of who is going to read this Lord? I’m humbled by saying that I have followers from all over the country and as far as I know I have a few from United Kingdom and other places. It is great that I get to witness and share the love of Christ with so many people. The Glory is to God!

As for you, this is what I’ve heard. I get e-mails and messages with testimonials quite often about how something I wrote has touched someone’s heart, has inspired their day or was the answer to a prayer they had. The one that sticks out the most in my mind was a devotional I wrote titled “A Spirit of Cinderella”, which is now part of my book Growth Lessons. This devotional talked about the fact that sometimes as believers we think so little about ourselves that we feel like we are still living in the dungeon when our Prince Charming has already come to the rescue.

I received a message from this beautiful lady who happened to be a model. She expressed how she was feeling so insecure of herself and how she had been praying to God to lift up her spirits. She ran into my posting and apparently was the answer to her prayers.

I’m totally humbled by this experience, as all I do is show up to the paper and share what God wants me to say or is doing in my life.

As always I love to hear from you. Is there anything from “The Rising Muse” that has touched your heart in a special way? If you’re shy and want to share in private I still want to hear from you, you can send me an e-mail at therisingmuse@gmail.com

To obtain a copy of Growth Lessons, which also talks about the things that God has been placing in my heart and my new living lessons, click on the picture to get your Kindle edition. The rest of November will be Reader’s Choice Month, so if you have something specific you want me to talk about, go to my Facebook page and let me know about it.

In Christ

Naty

Growth Lessons for e-readers (therisingmuse.com)

WF: Running in Circles

On November 4, 2011November 4, 2011 By Naty MatosIn Worship1 Comment

I’ve been wanting to share this song with you for the longest time. I just didn’t know the name of it, to find it. Every time I hear this song I can’t but feel a great communion with the Lord and an upmost sense of peace, because like the song says, “you’re the only one who gives me peace”.

No matter what we are going through, we can take five minutes to be revived by the peace that only the Prince of Peace can give.

WF: Worship Friday

Please remember that if you’re in need of guidance and inspiration , get a copy of my book “Growth Lessons” This opportunity ends tonight. Grab this wisdom pearl for just 0.99 cents…just for today using promo code NF98U

Be Blessed!

WF: Lord I need you (therisingmuse.com)
WF:Hold us together (therisingmuse.com)

WF:Hold us together

On October 28, 2011October 27, 2011 By Naty MatosIn Worship2 Comments

It’s going to be alright! Sometimes that’s all we want and need to hear, but not always have the opportunity to do so. Even the strongest of the believers have their days of concern and sorrow.

Sometimes you feel like the weight of the world is upon your shoulders and although your faith tells you that there’s hope and that in the midst of your tears God will do something absolutely wonderful, you still feel the pain.

But your spouse is involved in their own issues, and when you call a friend to talk they are happy that you called because they wanted your support over their own problems and you end up again alone in the pain.

I’m here to tell you what you’ve been needing to hear, “It’s going to be alright. Keep your chin up. You know your FATHER, and He will make it alright. You are not alone, I’m standing here with you”

From my heart to yours a big hug.

WF: Worship Friday

WF: Lifting the name of God (therisingmuse.com)
WF: Lord I need you (therisingmuse.com)
WF: Resting in his peace (therisingmuse.com)
WF: Get off the fence (therisingmuse.com)
WF: Through the eyes of God (therisingmuse.com)

The abuse that nobody sees

On October 12, 2011October 12, 2011 By Naty MatosIn Articles6 Comments

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is a cause very dear to my heart and once again I want to collaborate by bringing awareness to this illness in our society.

When most people think about domestic abuse they think of broken bones, black eyes and dishevel appearance. Usually the abuse is thought of as from a man to a woman. Although this stereotype is true, there’s a silent, sometimes subtle kind of abuse that goes on in many households undetected, that’s emotional abuse.

Emotional abuse is usually defined by instances where one spouse or partner belittlers, yells, name calls and is offensive towards the other spouse or partner. Some victims believe they are not being abused because they engage in the cycle by responding to the attacks. I found this interesting article on emotional abuse that if you think you are in an abusive relationship you should read. It gives you the right questions to ask yourself to determine if you are in an emotional abusive relationship.

I’ve talked to Christian women in domestic violence situations that do not believe they are in an abusive relationship because there are no bruises on their bodies. They also quote scriptures about the wife being the role model to Christ for their husband. Yes, that can happen, if the man wants to be lead by Christ and not his emotions. When a man becomes abusive, he has become his own god, why would he need the real ONE?

I have been presented with this scripture in 1 Corinthians 7:12-16 ESV “To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, (this particular portion makes a lot of women in abusive relations justify their acceptance to abusive situations, but like my pastor would say keep reading) and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace. For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? (Yes, as Christians we are to model Christ not only to our spouses but to everyone, but we are not the saviors, Jesus is. Only the spouses willingness to accept Christ and his lordship will save and change him) how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? “

God has a particular plan for your life, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11 ”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. See those plans are specific for YOU and they are not to harm you. If God Almighty doesn’t want to harm you, do you think he wants you to be harm by your spouse? Read in the above scripture where it says, “God has called you to peace” Is that relationship bringing you peace?

I’m not advocating for any particular decision or solution, what to do is something you should decide with God in prayer. All I’m saying is that we need to look deeper into the Word and will of God for our lives. Slavery doesn’t come from God. There are options to stop the abuse. You need to recognize your value as a child of God, to know that you are loved, precious and accepted. That tolerating abuse is not the answer as it tells the abuser that is ok.

Please be safe

Emotional Abuse Test (mademan.com)

Helping others in the midst of our troubles

On October 3, 2011 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

In conversations with fellow believers I’ve heard way too often” I’m too messed up to help others with their mess”. I admit that I used to belong to this school of thought up to very recent. Ironically the other common denominator was the passionate desire of these women to serve God and others.

The enemy has done a good job pointing out each one of our mistakes to paralyze us from our destiny. We have the tendency to feel unworthy and inadequate to help others because of our life is upside down. Then we come up with the incorrect believe that as we become “perfect” or as close to it, we can then demonstrate the things that God has done in our lives and then be able to be an example. Who hired us for the God job? God doesn’t need us to ensure his image. He is who he is and he does what he does.

Our journey lasts a lifetime and the reality is that “THE DAY” of perfection is not scheduled on earth, but in heaven. So what do we do with that?

Be real -Let’s be honest with ourselves. Why are we trying to become holier that thou to feel worthy to assist others in pain. When we accepted Christ and started our recovery journey; who were those who we would be more inclined to listen to. Those who has situations or had been in situations similar to ours; who were strongly trusting God to see them through. We don’t do well with those who we don’t relate to.

Share – Yes, if you have overcome some of your issues you can witness to those still in the struggle. My point is that not having arrived is not a requirement to extend to someone who is just starting the journey, of course maintaining awareness of providing support without affecting our own recovery. As it says in Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

Acknowledge God– Let’s say you’ve only been working on your issues for six months. It would be unreal (if you’re really honestly working in your issues) that you have not done any progress. Everything you have attempted, either if it has been successful or it has failed; its part of your walk and God has placed those blessings or obstacles to promote your growth.

You may be surprise how much sharing even your failures can enlighten someone else. Remember that those small or big step God has used to guide you through your healing. 1 Peter 4:10 says ,”Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” The scripture says we should serve others with our God-given gifts not with our perfection skills.

Food for thought

Christians have something to learn about celebrity fans

On September 27, 2011September 27, 2011 By Naty MatosIn Articles4 Comments

I’m usually intrigued with criminal high profile cases. Today was the first day of the trial against the doctor accused to be responsible with the death of Michael Jackson, and of course I’m with the rest of the world watching. I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard a woman being interviewed who said that she came from Germany just to see the trial. Really?

No disrespect to Michael Jackson, he was a great artist and he has now passed on. There are people who are still claiming for him and he can’t do anything for them because he’s dead. This has nothing to do with MJ, it was this situation that got me thinking. It made me look at our behaviors as Christians. Are we that bold as followers of Christ?

Jesus didn’t come to earth to entertain us, he gave his life for us, to save us from eternal damnation. He is alive and still intervening on our behalf and yet a lot of his so called followers do not exhibit the passion that some celebrity fans do.

Just following the same example, think how much sacrifice it may take to follow this trial for that person who came to the US from Germany. She was an adult, so I’m imagining that she should have a job, which means vacation time, travel expenses, lodging, food to see something she could have seen in the comfort of her bed as I am doing and gain nothing but satisfaction I guess.

On the other end, as a Christian, are you willing to cancel your family vacation and utilize all those resources to do a missions trip or spread the Good News? Are we this passionate to follow the Word of God? Do you spend your time doing what Jesus would ask us to do in Matthew 25:35-37 “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me”

I’m not judging what others do with their free will, but it does let me know we can learn to be more passionate for He who matters over every other.

Food for thought!

The Joy of Sharing

On September 6, 2011September 6, 2011 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts3 Comments

Last night I had the unique opportunity to share my life testimony with my spiritual family at church. I can’t deny that it was quite a challenge. It is not easy to unveil everything you’ve done and gone through with those who you are doing life regularly, but it was also a joyful experience.

In preparation for this day, I had to remember that whatever mistakes I had done were already at the cross and that I was just sharing the Glory of God in my life. That those listening to my words had been witness to my growth and had walked with me through my healing; on the other hand any new visitors will just obtained hope that if God had forgiven me and healed me, they had a shot too.

The beauty of the experience is taking a load off. As it says in Luke 12:3 “What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.” So what better way to bring light into your life than opening yourself to the healing that comes with sharing not just your struggles but the victories that God brought into your life.

Everything in our lives should be to glorify God, so sharing allows us to do just that. To show others how that Glory of God has become to dwell in you. It reminds me of Luke 8:16 “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light”

I think at the end of the night I had received more hugs than I had received in my whole life. Some people dearest to me ensured their attendance to provide support, that and the Holy Spirit gave me the strength to get through and in the aftermath it was the best experience of my life…after getting saved of course! Smile

Why I’m I writing this? To share the great experience I had last night and to encourage those who are called to share what God has done in their lives. Don’t be afraid, there’s freedom and healing in sharing and I would love for you to be part of this wonderful club.

Have you experienced something like this? I would love to hear from you!

Until then, be blessed!!