Conversations with Ray Martinez

People often ask the question, where is God?  God has revealed Himself to us through His Word, the Bible. Throughout Scripture, the existence of God is treated as a self-evident fact. When Benjamin Franklin wrote his autobiography, he didn’t waste time trying to prove his own existence. Likewise, God does not spend much time proving His existence in His book. Jesus is also with us here, in th...

“In every life we have some trouble…when you worry you make it double. Cause when you worry your face will frown, and that will bring everybody down. Don’t worry, it will soon pass, whatever it is.” Don’t worry, be happy”…this song was recorded by Bobby McFerrin in 1988, and on Sept 24 that year, the song became the first “a cappella” song to reach #1 on the Billboard Top 100 chart..The Christian...

Can you list the ways you use the Word of God? First of all, why do we need the Word of God? The word need holds many different meanings. To say, “I need my coffee in the morning, or I won’t be able to function” is a popular thing to say, but not really true. To say, “I need oxygen to breathe, or my heart will stop beating” is a factually true statement. The Word of God is living and active in our...

We often wonder if our anger is sinful or not.  In last weeks study we talked about anger not being sin.  Our motive is important and how we manage our anger.  In the anger of Jesus, he had the proper motivation. In other words, He was angry for the right reasons. Jesus’ anger did not arise from petty arguments or personal slights against Him. There was no selfishness involved. His...

What are the biggest problems facing veterans returning home from conflict? The majority readjust to life off the battlefield with few difficulties. But a significant number—44% who’ve served in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to one survey—say they’ve had problems readjusting after their return. What about problems apart from health-related issues? In addition to health problems, some returning s...

Here is a phrase I like to keep in mind:  Anger is just one letter short of Danger.  Handling anger is an important life skill. Christian counselors report that 50 percent of people who come in for counseling have problems dealing with anger. Anger can shatter communication and tear apart relationships, and it ruins both the joy and health of many. Everyone struggles, to varying degrees,...

We can all certainly identify with the need for guidance. In fact, Jesus addressed this very need during His Upper Room Discourse. He said that after His departure the Holy Spirit would play a crucial role in the lives of believers. As part of that role, Jesus promised, “When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth”.  The difference between magnetic north and true...

What does it mean to let the peace of Christ rule in YOUR hearts.  I think it’s interesting when the scripture is talking directly to me, personally, when IT says YOU or YOUR heart. When I see the word you or your, it’s a personal direct communication specifically for me. Today the Scriptures are talking about peace directly at me or you--it’s not speaking about them or they, or those people....

Have you ever caught yourself giving someone a tongue lashing, or have you been on the receiving end of a yeller?  James has some poignant suggestions for us today. We see this every day amongst strangers, friends, siblings, and, worst of all, among husbands and wives, the very people who, next to their love for the Lord Jesus, should have the most love for each other. What can we do to tame...

In our passage today, there is so much to unpack with this message. Faith without works or action is even a bigger message. However, the one thing is for sure that we will focus on today is sharing, giving, a good deed, benevolence and helping others. This isn’t about sharing what others have, but sharing what I have. Do I have plenty?  If so, then shouldn’t I share what I have. It’s easy for...

Fear in and of itself is not sin. Fear is a normal response to threat. Like pain, it is a gift of God intended to keep us safe. Feeling guilty for feeling fear in a situation of threat is like feeling guilty for feeling hungry when you haven't eaten. It's something your body does, not your will. The challenge is to respond appropriately.  We will understand today how to take a stand in the lo...

King Hezikiah has a big problem.  He is faced with war with the King of Assyria, which he knows is not winnable by his own army.  The King of Assyria sends threatening messengers and later on an insulting letter with threats, insulting God.  In today's story, we will learn how King Hezikiah reacts.  He isn't afraid to lay his problem before the Lord.  He took the threateni...

Today's study is about the healing of a deaf man with a speech impediment.  How does Jesus manage the situation and what does he want from us?  While touching the man’s tongue, Jesus looks up, and he sighs, saying “be opened!” Jesus cares enough about us to die.  He wants to hear our voice. Jesus wants to have that conversation. I think Jesus sighs, when we don’t turn to Him. And I...

This is one of those amazing stories in my life while growing up in Fort Collins, CO.  My first venture into the water by myself, resulted in me almost drowning. Join me in hearing my near death experience at age 7, when someone out of nowhere rescued me.  Was it an angel?  How did my cousin, Linda Jean, hear me yell for help, when no one else could hear me?

It’s important that we recognize who our source of power comes from, not only for us to know, but also how to serve Him and how to serve others. As a police officer, if I don’t recognize the authority that I have, how can I protect the people?  I do this in “the name of the law”. In England, the Bobby’s used to enforce the law in the “name of the Queen”. We as Christians do things “in the nam...

King Jehoshaphat was faced with a huge dilemma in his reign.  War was declared against Israel by the armies of the Moebites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites. There were messengers that told the king about the troops that were on the move to attack. This was considered a vast army from Edom and they were not far away. Naturally, Jehoshaphat was terrified by the news. I love what Sir Winsto...

We are taught that living spiritually will draw you away from desiring sinful activity.  Evidently, the two war with each other; spiritual and fleshly.  Certainly, we know what many of the obvious fleshly desires are... However, being spiritual entails that, from deep within, we have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. What is important about...

Paul felt it necessary to stir Timothy up and guard him against the possibility of unchristian dereliction of duty as to bold confession of Christ. we shouldn’t be ashamed because He has equipped us, and in fact, he instructs us not to be ashamed, but to share in sufferings. God gave Timothy  (and us) everything needed to accomplish the job.  He empowers us before He ever expects from us...

Paul was keenly interested in the life and ministry of Timothy, and he wanted to make sure that Timothy used the gift he was given effectively, for the glory of God.  It’s not that Paul thought Timothy’s faith was weak or dying out, but that he wanted Timothy to experience the fullness of God’s gift. The gifts we receive from the Lord through the filling of the Holy Spirit are not given to us...

What does Paul mean when he says that he wants us “to understand what really matters?  He also says that he runs with purpose in every step.  Otherwise, his preaching may disqualify him.  He compares this to the athlete that is in training…be useful and purposeful, otherwise you can’t win the race. Why?  so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ’s return. Paul...

In this passage, Paul has a special place in his heart for the people.  Do you have a special place for others? We know God has a special favor for us…he has a fondness, and a thoughtful place in his majesticness for each one of us. Compassion requires caring for others by sharing and doing special favors for others…be a blessing to them. When you are blessed, bless others. If you are not bei...

I had the opportunity to interview Dylan, from Las Vegas, NM, about his quest to find the right college for him.  Little do we know, this really is a journey for many students who trying to find the right fit.  Dylan shares his ideas, struggles, and thoughtful concepts on how to find away to get on the right path to higher education.

This is one of many family stories of my cousins and I growing up.  This particular story was with his brothers on a mini-bike in Cheyenne, WY, on a unlicensed mini-bike and the police saw them.  The chase was on!  Short stories to laugh about.

If you ever had trouble completing a big project such as painting a house, writing a novel, or earning a diploma, the thought of the Heavenly Father beginning a good work in you and completing it is an awesome one. Reflect on the commitment it takes to go through the ups and downs of completing the work. You have accepted Jesus as your Savior. Now, the Father is determined to accomplish His will i...

Uncle Reuben passed away on May 2, 2021, but not without leaving a legacy of success, humor, and family traditions. I'm sharing my personal perspective of my Uncle Reuben and what he left us to remember and learn from.  I think all of us will have some takeaways in this special podcast edition.  We salute you, Uncle Reuben for serving your Country during the Korean War, serving  you...