Tag: God

WF: Shake Heaven

On By Naty MatosIn WorshipLeave a comment

Tonight is the live Album Recording for Shake Heaven at Victory World Church. This is the new hit song by Montell Jordan and Victory World Music. I love this song not only because the rhythm is catchy but because it tells a very real truth, God created music to express love and worship Him. The world has turn the gift of music into obscenities and lust.

So it is time to shake the heavens with music and take it back to where it righteously belongs.

Enjoy!

WF: Worship Friday

 

Remember that Growth Lessons is now available in Print and Kindle versions. The best way to learn to manage the details that keep us connected to God. Grab your copy today!

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

On 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

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WF: Running in Circles

On 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

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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!

 
 
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Did Jesus talk about Grace?

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts1 Comment

There was a recently heated discussion on twitter about Grace. The points of contention where the following:

  • One side argued that Grace was the invention of born again Christians, but that Jesus never spoke of Grace, therefore there was nothing to it.
  • The other side argued that although Jesus per se didn’t mention the word Grace, his action and other statements implied the concept of Grace.

I think we need to start by defining what is Grace to have a frame of reference. I looked in dictionary.com and it defines Grace as mercy, clemency and pardon. It also says that it’s a manifestation of favor especially by a superior.

Starting from this frame of mine, I think that both schools of thought would agree that we consider Jesus Christ our Superior and Higher Power. I found in John 1:14-17 the following scripture “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying,

“This is he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

Now if I’m understanding this correctly Jesus is the Word who became flesh. The scripture says he was full of grace and truth. It also says that the law was given to Moses, meaning all those rules about the things we needed to do to be able to obtain favor in the eyes of God, but that grace (meaning clemency and undeserving pardon) came through Jesus Christ.

Jesus actually said that he didn’t “ come to abolish the Law or the Prophets;but to fulfill them. Truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven” (John 5:17-20)

So does that mean that the other parts of the bible are just as important as his literal words? I think so. Does he call us out of legalism when he says that we should do more than the Pharisees and teachers of the law? I think so too.

As someone who has sinned and have been recipient of the Grace of God, I’m very glad that it does exist. No, Grace is not a license to sin and relay in the Grace of God, which I think is the misconception that those who feel that Grace is not real believe is the interpretation of born again Christians. But I didn’t deserve forgiveness for the sins I committed and break the laws established by God and I have to be thankful to Jesus for redemption and Grace and giving me a new opportunity to start again.

Don’t forget to check out my new Devotional Growth Lessons, and obtain a 10% discount with the coupon code PN34W.

Be blessed.

WF:Hold us together

On 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

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Spiritual Abuse

On By Naty MatosIn Articles7 Comments

Researching information for this month’s articles I ran into something, that yes, I’ve seen but it had not clicked in my mind when I thought about abuse and it’s the term “spiritual abuse” in a relationship. This relates to when a spouse uses God to control or manipulate the other spouse with the Word of God or an alleged spiritual gift or “power”

These abusers use their spouses faith and a legalistic vision of the Word of God to manipulate, control and undermine their spouses. With this behavior the enforced their authority and the victim submits to avoid consequences not only with their perpetrator but with their higher power, as they believe this is coming from God himself.

The fact that the victims are being abused will make them be more submitted as they think that they must be doing something wrong, as they continue to be criticized or chastised by their abuser. On the other hand this can hinder their faith as they would have trouble understanding why God would allow them to live in such conditions, when it’s not God, it’s the other person’s free will that is attacking them.

 

Jeremiah 23:16 says “This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.” But if this is your husband or boyfriend, how can you tell?

  • Study the Word yourself.
  • If your spirit says something is not right, it probably isn’t. Look it up before you agree to do something.
  • Pray and ask the Holy Spirit for clear direction.
  • Read the Word in context and not singling out scriptures. Sometimes just reading a few more sentences can bring clarity to the context.
  • In doubt, research. Sometimes just reading different versions of the same scripture will bring clarity to our notions.
  • Talk to other Christians (be careful about this one, you don’t want someone who is misguided as well)

If you want to identify a potential spiritual abuser, read Matthew 23:1-39 ESV Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so practice and observe whatever they tell you—but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long”

Be safe!

Remember to check out my new devotional Growth Lessons, and obtain a 10% discount the coupon code PN34W

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WF: Lord I need you

On By Naty MatosIn Worship1 Comment

If there’s something that we can’t say enough is how much we need God in our lives. We wouldn’t even have a life without him. We wouldn’t have a future if it wasn’t for his Grace and Mercy.

Let’s rest in his bosom, just like a newborn child; in total abandonment and filled with peace. Only in the presence of the Lord we can find happiness .

Be blessed.

 

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The abuse that nobody sees

On 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

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Courageous: The Movie

On By Naty MatosIn FunLeave a comment

This past weekend I went to see the movie “Courageous” and I can’t say enough about it. It was a shame that there was not a lot of people at the theater because if there’s a must see movie, this is the one. I have not seen a movie, Christian or not, that has actually evoked so much emotion in me in a long time.

This movie has it all: comedy, drama, action and a powerful message to share. I’ll try not to spoil the movie as I would love for everyone who comes across this post to go see it. The central theme of the movie is men and their calling from God, but at the same time it’s so much more. It deals with the issue of fatherless and its results. It talks about accountability, integrity, honor and commitment.

Every man should see this movie to understand and have a visual aid of what a real father and a man of God is called to do. Every woman should see this movie, to see how her role as a supporter of her household is unveiled. It shows the women in the complementary role as a wife and mother. These were not weak women, but strong and determined as well.

I make a special call to all my single women and teenage girls, go see this movie and see what a real man should look like. I know the Word of God is very clear in our roles within the family and society, but at the same time some of us are slower in understanding and this feature can have a powerful visual aid of what things should look like. And no, these people didn’t walk on water in the movie. They were real people, with real traumas, real issues, real sins and real dilemmas; the same way you and I have them.

On a final note, take a box of tissues with you; you’re going to need it.  There were only three rows with people at the theater, our row, two couples behind us and the row next was full. I say that to say, even you men take your hankies with you. I heard sniffling behind me through the whole movie and when it was over I realized that third row was nothing but men and that’s where the sniffling was coming from. It’s a great, great powerful movie.

If you have seen Courageous,come share your thoughts with us. If you haven’t…what’s wrong with you? Go see it this week and come back and tell us what you thought about it!

 Until then, be blessed.

Here’s the Trailer:

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