Conversations with Ray Martinez

The concept of knowing whose word to pay attention to has precedent in Scripture. “False prophets” are still with us. “Experts” dispense advice while ignoring God altogether or twisting His words to suit their purposes. We have seen this occur on the pulpit, social media and many other electronic venues. I’ve Watched television evangelism or ministers that want to mail you a handkerchief that will...

In India, animals are worth more than the human. In Hatti, people think they are cursed. Anyone can curse another with Voodoo. What do you do if you feel like you are cursed? Everyone who doesn’t trust Jesus is cursed. The Scripture says: “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.” If we only had faith in Christ, the curse is lifted. This is a clear message of u...

The "blasphemy challenge" is an internet-based project that invites young people to submit videos to Youtube or other video internet hosts, in which they record themselves blaspheming or denying the existence of the Holy Spirit. The Pharisees said that the work of Jesus by the Holy Spirit was really the devil's work. Nobody should say that the work of God is Satan’s work. God will forgive anyone w...

The call of Jesus was straight forward….come and follow me. Another way to translate that is “come and be my disciple."  In the first century world, Discipleship was the apex of the Jewish education system.  There were three levels to Jewish education. The terminology, “Christian” is used 2 or 3 times in the new testament and only in a negative light. Whereas disciple is used 268 times i...

My cousin, Curt Moore, passed away on April 3, 2022 @ 11:20pm.  The family asked me to deliver the eulogy, which I am very grateful about, for the Mass that was held April 23, 2022 at 1:00pm.  Cousin Joannie Moore conducted the Rosary on behalf of the family as well.  Curt will always reside in our hearts forever more.  He leaves us a legacy of friendship, family, and loyalty i...

The average person has more than 6,000 thoughts in a single day. That’s a lot of thinking! There are so many distractions in our lives. Even with the chaotic pace of our days, there are quick and simple ways to focus on being mindful. The practice of mindfulness is simply bringing awareness to the current moment, without judgement. God wants us to take our thoughts deep inside our minds and stay f...

The believer’s power over sin and the ability to lead a new life stem from identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. From God’s perspective, Jesus’ death to sin is ours as well. His rising to new life means that we also begin to lead a new life, and in the future our bodies will also be raised. In scholastic achievments, we can read a book and know what it says, but we may not...

The timing of the rapture in relation to the tribulation is one of the most controversial issues in the church today. First, it is important to recognize the purpose of the tribulation. According to Daniel 9:27, there is a seventieth "seven" (seven years) that is still yet to come. While this does not necessarily indicate that the church could not also be present, it does bring into question why t...

Experiments, and research has uncovered an astonishing number of poor health outcomes that result when we are deprived of touch. The correlation between anxiety, depression and stress and touch is large and inversely related. There is something about “touching” that is so relevant and needed not only for healing, but for comfort, and a unique way of communicating.  The laying on of hands was...

Yes, the miracles of the Bible are to be taken literally, just as all Scripture is to be taken literally, except those portions which are clearly intended to be symbolic.  Each of the miracles in the Bible served a purpose and accomplished something that couldn't be accomplished in any other way.  Once we begin to doubt the reality of any miracle, we have to discount everything the Bible...

You've undoubtedly seen the ubiquitous Capital One ad campaign featuring celebrities asking that now famous question “What's In Your Wallet?” The company wanted to use the quote because it's an interesting question. The stuff in our wallet represents financial security, purchase power, and prosperity. Today we’re gonna be talking about what’s in your toolbox or what’s in your wallet. How do we use...

Being and serving one another is scripturally based for sure.  Let’s think of some other scriptures, from the Words of Jesus, that discusses the idea of “one another”.  If we don’t know how to comfort one another, Paul teaches us that God  is “the source of all comfort.”  Follow in his steps, one step at a time. We are taught to accept one another, to forgive one another, serve...

Five other times in Scriptures the word “fix” is used by God to give us direction. God gives us a clear direction to keep our focus fixed upon His will; for us to permanently maintain our focus, our centre of attention, firmly on God.  We are admonishes to keep our hearts and minds, our intellect and the very fibre of our being, always feasting on the word of God, constantly meditating on His...

People do not drift  towards holiness.  People do not gravitate towards holiness, obedience, prayer, scripture, and the delight in the Lord. We drift towards compromise and call it tolerance, we drift towards disobedience and call it freedom, we drift towards superstition and call it faith, we drift”… It’s important that we engage with faith driven effort. We have to be in pursuit. The b...

Many times in our decision making process we don’t know which way to go. We might not know which way to go, but God does. The Scriptures are clear that God will show us our path in life. the scripture teaches us that if we are godly He will direct the very steps that we take and He really enjoys every detail of our life, even when we stumble, He says I’ve got your hand so you don’t get hurt. God s...

Luke and Cleopus were engaged in a fervent discussion about the death of Jesus.  One may have been doubting, but they were still spreading the good word, even though they are sadden that they have not seen Jesus, arisen.  Jesus suddenly appears to them, without revealing himself, and asks what they are discussing?  Jesus explains to them that he was from the beginning.  In this podcast we discover...

Today's news coverage is at the Town Hall meeting with Rep. Hugh McKean (House Minority Leader) in Loveland, CO. Rep. McKean updated us on the current events at the capitol.  Topics included: The $1m liability insurance proposed on Uber drivers that will only drive up the cost of rides for you and me.  Public Safety the lack of will drive up insurance costs.  Sen Bill #217 to elimin...

There are times, we want to do God’s will, our way, instead of His way. Peter needed to assure his readers that their struggles to live godly lives in the face of false teaching and the world’s mockery would be rewarded. God knows how to rescue us. In other words we don’t know how, but God does. When we are at wits end and don’t know what to do, we refer to God and what He taught us: Trust God. Do...

Even what seems to be some of the smallest things in our life are many times some of the most difficult. Such as: our appetite, exercising to the point of injuries, and our tongue. The Bible warns us that if we do not have self control, we will be slaves to what controls us. Impulse control is never easy. All of us struggle with overcoming sinful impulses. We are not to feed our minds with that wh...

There should be a reason why you are giving. God gave out of love so that no one would perish if they would choose to believe on his son. Are you giving for personal recognition, for personal gain, or to influence someone? Or are you giving just for tax deduction reasons? Will you still give if the federal government takes away the tax deduction? The intent of your giving says it all. The silent d...

Occasionally, I like to send out a podcast on the latest news update.  Hi-lights  of top stories are captured in a few minutes from National, State, local and political races.  Today's podcast captures the Truckers in Canada, local families are done with covid, Critical Race Theory, and Colorado US Senate race in the GOP.

In this podcast we talk about a business here in Fort Collins, Colorado known as Ihop! I talk about their friendly service and survey opportunities to get a free stack of pancakes. What a great response from management and employees which are all very friendly people. But I’m going to advise you how you can get a free smile as well. Carrie Juarez is a super star manager. She deserves recognition f...

To restore means "to repair, renovate, or return to a former condition." The soul is the deepest part of us, our spirit and innermost being. There are people who like to restore cars, old clocks, antique furniture, and even houses. They like to bring them back to their original state and make it look new again. Bringing things back to its original state, or how God first met you when you were so m...

Making disciples is not the same as making converts.  Converts come from decisions; disciples com from dedication.  And it takes one to make one. To obey Jesus’ final commands, we must share the Gospel with others so they will also go and “make disciples of all the nations.” We are not saved to sit and contemplate; we are saved to go and share. It is important that we talk and proclaim t...

Encouragement is something we all need to keep us motivated, loved, and feeling confident in ourselves and what we do.  It’s something that is important for our mental and overall health and it truly can give us just the same amount of joy to give it to others as it is to receive it. Because God created us and knows this about our personalities, he has provided countless verses in the Bible t...