Home for Easter

On March 31, 2013March 30, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts2 Comments

As you have probably noticed, although some of the great authors from Grace and Faith Connection have done appearances at The Rising Muse, you have not heard much from me. I wish I could tell you that I was finishing my next book for your reading. Yes, I did some of that and the book is not yet ready. That has not been the reason for my absence. Life just got complicated. You can blame my 9-5, you can blame some health issues, but the reality is that at some point I had to be back.

I was born to write, and in these weeks when I was away, rather than resting I was wilting. It is this space that allows me to connect with you, to tell you how God is working in my life. More than my books, this is the place when I can share with you the message of hope. So I saw very fitting to resuscitate this blog on the most important day of our faith, Resurrection Day!

With that I know that life still happens and it’s always complicated, but one thing I’ve learned in my walk with Jesus is that you don’t need a lot of time, you just have to be intentional.

May the Lord Bless you this day and always. May his blessings be upon you. May the light and hope of his resurrection reaches your heart today.

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!

THE ROAD HOME $1.99 Only through Easter!

A powerful story of redemption…

“This book certainly held my interest straight through to the very emotional ending. ”Mary Anne Benedetto

“With the ever-constant presence of her closest friend, Aimee, Desiree slowly makes her way to God and learns the greatness of His power and love. ”Cynthia

“A very engaging story about faith, love, and friendship, and the trials and tribulations that life can bring you. ”Jersey Gina

Psalm 19 P.5 And the winner is…

On February 8, 2013February 7, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Book Review, Worship2 Comments

First of all you have to forgive me. This has been one of those weeks, but I didn’t forget about you. I’m very glad that you all enjoyed our latest series of studying Psalm 19. If you missed it, I have linked the previous parts at the end of this post so that you can catch up.

We never got to discuss the last few verses, but I know that at this point you get the message of what this psalm is about. I still want to share those last verses with you for your Friday meditation with a little worship video. (It’s Worship Friday after all, right!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-zJHgaoVa4

Psalm 19:12-14

Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Now to the part you are all waiting for.

The winner of a copy of Growth Lessons is…

Marriott Cole

Studying the Bible: Psalm 19 (therisingmuse.com)
Psalm 19 Part 2 (therisingmuse.com)
Psalm 19 Part 3 (therisingmuse.com)
Psalm 19 Part 4 (therisingmuse.com)

Psalm 19 Part 4

On January 30, 2013January 29, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts4 Comments

For the past few days we are conducting a study of Psalm 19. Is this your first day finding us? No worries. Here are Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. Well wait for you.

All caught up? Let’s move on… Today we are looking at the following verses:

Psalm 19:9-11

God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold,

with a lifetime guarantee.

The decisions of God are accurate

down to the nth degree.

God’s Word is better than a diamond,

better than a diamond set between emeralds.

You’ll like it better than strawberries in spring,

better than red, ripe strawberries.

There’s more: God’s Word warns us of danger

and directs us to hidden treasure.

Otherwise how will we find our way?

Or know when we play the fool?

Once I turned my life to Christ the Word of God became vital to me. Just as vital as oxygen and food. I had come to the realization that I didn’t know how to do life. If I knew how to do life I would have done it right all along. The bible is more than a book of stories and tales, it’s the instruction manual of how to live and also the live Word of God and one of the ways he communicates with us.

As a woman who loves jewelry and food, it gives me a deeper understanding of what this means. I once went to an Indian jewelry store and saw something I had never seen. It was 18 and 24 carat gold. As much as I love jewelry it was way too much for me. The color was so intense that it was almost blinding. I spoke with an Indian friend who told me that 24 carat gold is the purest form of gold. Then there are the diamonds, my best friends. I love sparkly things. And it is true, the Word of God is the purest of words and also worth more than any precious jewel. None of my pieces of jewelry have had an impact in my life any closer than the smallest experience closer to God.

Remember to return for the last part of this study. Until then, be blessed

Note: Remember, I encourage you to follow the You Version challenge. If you follow our Bible studies as well and enter a comment in any of our blogs until February 2nd your name will be place in a hat to win a copy of my devotional “Growth Lessons”. I will announce the winner on February 4th 2013. Let’s enjoy this journey of learning the Word of God together.

In Growth Lessons, I was reminded of this beautiful truth: Our walk with the Lord is a process of growing up into the image of Christ. P. Yates

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like some common sense and light added to their life. C. Cunningham

Great for meditations and daily devotions. N. Thames

Psalm 19 Part 3

On January 28, 2013January 27, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts4 Comments

We continue the study of Psalm 19. If you missed our 2 previous post Click here for the first one. And Here for the second one. Go catch up, no worries, we’ll wait for you.

Today I’m very excited about the verses we are going to look at. Let’ see which ones they are

Psalm 19:7-8

The revelation of God is whole

and pulls our lives together.

The signposts of God are clear

and point out the right road.

The life-maps of God are right,

showing the way to joy.

The directions of God are plain

and easy on the eyes.

I have been blessed to have a notion of God all my life, but following him was a different process. At some point in my younger years I thought I knew how life should be lived, how things worked. If you have lived a little longer than me you probably know what the outcome was. I got lost, running into many dead ends and in lots of trouble.

When I finally became a born again Christian I discovered that there was a way to become whole and it was the revelation of God. That I was able to get myself together. That his Word always points us in the right direction and that every time something doesn’t feel right I have to evaluate what I think are the two possibilities: Is this a lesson? or Did I make a wrong turn?

Most of you have read my GPS stories and how stubborn I am to follow it’s directions when I think I know better. I can’t deny that sometimes that is true in my journey with God. But just like my GPS has to prove to me over and over than I’m wrong, God just sits back and I have to realize that he DOES know better than I do, which has helped me trust more in him, his Word and his direction. Hey grandma was right, “ A hard head makes a soft behind.”

We have more to learn, until then be blessed.

In Growth Lessons, I was reminded of this beautiful truth: Our walk with the Lord is a process of growing up into the image of Christ. P. Yates

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like some common sense and light added to their life. C. Cunningham

Great for meditations and daily devotions. N. Thames

Psalm 19 Part 2

On January 23, 2013January 20, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts1 Comment

We are going over Psalm 19. I’m not a preacher, a theologian and aside from going to church, my only official bible classes were two semesters in college. I don’ t claim to have a deep understanding of the scriptures, but this one had a great impact on me when I read it the other day and I wanted to share with you what I saw in it. If you missed the first 4 verses check them out here.

Psalm 19: 4b-6

God makes a huge dome

for the sun—a superdome!

The morning sun’s a new husband

leaping from his honeymoon bed,

The day breaking sun an athlete

racing to the tape.

That’s how God’s Word vaults across the skies

from sunrise to sunset,

Melting ice, scorching deserts,

warming hearts to faith.

The imagery of a dome gives me a sense of covering. In the crazy world that we live in, I need to feel the safety and the protection of my Lord. It is what gives me the strength every morning to do what I’m called to do, the knowledge that I’m under his covering.

I love how this verse talks about the athlete and the newlywed husband. To me it shows God’s love and eagerness to be with us, to wake us each morning to see his creation in action. When I read this I thought, How sad would it be if the Lord wakes up with all this expectations of the things he has planned for me to do today and then I work on my selfishness instead of his plan. I think that’s the other reason why my morning prayers have become so important, because I can surrender my agenda to grab his agenda.

The other day I was listening to the radio and the announcer said, “ If you want to make God laugh, just tell him your plans” It left me thinking, yes I would make him laugh because my plans are usually nonsense compared to his.

Food for thought

Until our next time, be blessed

In Growth Lessons, I was reminded of this beautiful truth: Our walk with the Lord is a process of growing up into the image of Christ. P. Yates

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like some common sense and light added to their life. C. Cunningham

Great for meditations and daily devotions. N. Thames

Becoming the church

On January 16, 2013January 15, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Articles, Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

The beginning of a year is a good time for reflection and planning for the future. 2012 was a hard year and we saw in many ways how the church was either an important part or absent in those events that we experienced.

So in a society that is visibly degrading progressively, we as believers have to ask ourselves where is the church. On my last post I talked a little about who the church is and the importance that the church has for Jesus Christ. He is the one we say we follow and worship. But the bottom line is that WE are the church. The church is not a building or even an institution. Every time one of us makes the decision to follow Christ we become the church.

The word “church” as rendered in the New Testament comes from the Greek term ekklesia which is formed from two Greek words meaning “an assembly” and “to call out” or “called out ones.” In summary, the New Testament church is a body of believers who have been called out from the world by God to live as his people under the authority of Jesus Christ.

So when we ask where the church in the tragedies, the sadness and the scandals was the question really is, where was I? How did I contribute to this situation? Was I an element of healing or part of the problem?

You may wonder, what is it required from us. To love others as we love ourselves.

Don’t know where to start. I’ll give you a good starting point.

Follow Matthew 25:34-40

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵For 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, ³⁶I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Until then, be blessed

“This book certainly held my interest straight through to the very emotional ending. ”Mary Anne Benedetto

“With the ever-constant presence of her closest friend, Aimee, Desiree slowly makes her way to God and learns the greatness of His power and love. ”Cynthia

“A very engaging story about faith, love, and friendship, and the trials and tribulations that life can bring you. ”Jersey Gina

Working the Mission Field

On January 9, 2013January 8, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Articles, Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

What a blessing we find in those who dedicate their lives to the work of the kingdom. In a way we are all called to the mission field. Our field may be different and that’s why we don’t consider ourselves missionaries. It is our duty as Christians to sow the seed of the Gospel in our workplace, with our family and friends, with the works of our ministries, with our neighbors and the cashier at grocery store.

With that said, I admire those who leave family and friends, move away to just work for the kingdom. Those who leave their commodities and sleep on the floor, and have very little to eat just to help needy communities and dedicate their lives to the mission field. They truly fulfill the scripture that reads Acts 6:4 “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” They see first hand the pain and suffering for those in need. They love with the love of Christ every single day of their live. They are an example of what Christ-like life is.

Matthew 28:19-20

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Let’s stay alert to what our individual mission fields are and fulfill them eagerly. Also let’s help as much as possible those who have sacrificed everything for the cause of the Kingdom.

Until then, be blessed.

In Growth Lessons, I was reminded of this beautiful truth: Our walk with the Lord is a process of growing up into the image of Christ. P. Yates

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like some common sense and light added to their life. C. Cunningham

Great for meditations and daily devotions. N. Thames

The Economy Frenzy

On January 7, 2013January 6, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Articles, Inspirational Thoughts3 Comments

Well, this is the beginning of the year and what do we hear, we went halfway over the fiscal cliff. Can I be honest with you? I am not concerned. Yes, I just got my first paycheck of 2013 and has less money than the one before. Yes, I have a lot of debt and expenses to pay. Why I am not concerned? First of all, as it says in Psalm 54:4 “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.” God is my provider and I assume responsibility for the debt that I have. This was not something that the government made me do, I got into that debt. I was fiscally irresponsible and my mistakes have consequences. I disobeyed to the instruction on Proverbs 22:26 “Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts” So if I have to tighten up, I will do so knowing that my Heavenly Father will provide for my needs. My wants will have to wait.

As I say that, we just watched with glee how much was spent just a few weeks ago. Christmas has moved from a spiritual celebration to a worldly, expensive one.

My 9-5 is very close to a shopping mall. My office has a window that looks directly onto the road in front of the mall. I would stare with amaze at how crowded that road was. Leaving work was painful during that time because the traffic was insane. I’m not against celebrations and presents. At the same time I know that people stretch themselves for the wrong reasons during this season, struggling in the aftermath.

Black Friday was just as eventful and successful as days prior. There were people camping in front of stores since Tuesday to buy a television. That’s beyond my comprehension. It all comes down to stewardship. Are you being a good steward of everything the Lord has given you? When I say everything that means your time, your resources, His Money…because it’s his, your body.

Trust in the Lord. Seek the kingdom of God first. He will supply your needs and instead of agonizing over the world’s economy, agonize over what else you can do to further the kingdom of God.

Be blessed.

In Growth Lessons, I was reminded of this beautiful truth: Our walk with the Lord is a process of growing up into the image of Christ. P. Yates

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like some common sense and light added to their life. C. Cunningham

Great for meditations and daily devotions. N. Thames

WF: The Light in Me

On January 4, 2013December 30, 2012 By Naty MatosIn Worship1 Comment

2012 is gone. Good or bad, there’s nothing from that year that we can bring back. God always gives us the opportunity of new beginnings. The best way to start this year is to acknowledge who Jesus is in our lives and take advantage of the opportunity of a new year to live.

Have you given yourself the opportunity to trust Jesus? Have you lost your way and don’t know how to go back to the path of righteousness?

Remember that when He died on the cross, he died for all your sins, the ones that you have done and the ones that you will do. Do you remember when Jesus was walking down Golgotha towards his crucifixion? We are told that he fell three times and even with literally the weight of the world on his shoulders, he got up again and again because he loved you.

Let’s begin this year allowing God to put his light in our hearts. Let’s allow his Spirit to overwhelm us with his presence.

You don’t know where to begin. Here’s and idea. Push play in the video below, listen to the words and allow yourself to go. After that just start by saying exactly what’s in your heart. Even if it is, “ God I don’t know what to say or what to do” He never left and it’s time for you to come home.

Blessings.

WF:Worship Friday

In Growth Lessons, I was reminded of this beautiful truth: Our walk with the Lord is a process of growing up into the image of Christ. P. Yates

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like some common sense and light added to their life. C. Cunningham

Great for meditations and daily devotions. N. Thames

Careful when praying for light

On November 28, 2012November 28, 2012 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts4 Comments

We all have heard that we should be careful what we ask for because we might get it and it may not be what we have in mind. I’m a nosy person. Friends and family struggle with surprising me because with a minimal clue I am able to figure it out. But I’ve learned that with God things are a little bit different.

Sometimes when someone lies to us or we are in conflict about something, that we can tell that we do not have all the necessary information, we may ask God to reveal to us what’s hidden, but are we ready to handle what will come out?

The Word of God says in 1 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV) “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.”

I’ve included this verse in many of my prayers and when things were opened and revealed I was either devastated or astounded by those things that were unknown to me. Now I’m not advocating to stay ignorant. God wants us to walk in truth, wisdom, and freedom.

What I decided to do was to add a little extra to that prayer. Instead of just asking the Lord to reveal what is hidden from me, I’ve also asked him to prepare my heart for those things that may hurt. I ask him to give me wisdom on how to react to the findings and for the peace to deal with it all.

There has never been a time when I’ve asked for revelation of the truth when God has not responded almost immediately, but now I prepare my spirit and my heart for whatever the revelation is.

Do you have an experience where a revelation caught you unprepared and changed your life? I would love to hear it.

Stayed prayed up and be blessed.

Talking about revelations, stay tuned for my new release on December 1st and find out what the letters from Amelia reveal to our main character Daisy Adair.

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