Conversations with Ray Martinez

Grace beats at the heart of the Gospel, embodying God’s unmerited favor that breathes life into our souls. We neither earn nor deserve this gift; a loving God freely bestows it. Today, we explore wha…

A false prophet is a person who spreads false teachings or messages while claiming to speak the Word of God.  In the Bible, false prophets also spoke on behalf of false gods. False prophets functione…

Life is replete with unpredictabilities, often symbolized as storms—tumultuous periods marked by difficulty, confusion, and waiting.  The Bible, rich in metaphor and narrative, offers profound insigh…

I am deeply saddened to hear about Wayne Shorteidge's passing. He was not just an honorable man; he was a true patriot who served our country with distinction as a Major in the United States Army. 

This story underscores the mercy and patience of God, highlighting the importance of bearing good fruit in one’s life. Ultimately, the passage serves as a reminder that repentance is vital, and that …

Resisting temptation can be challenging, but many people adopt various practices to help them navigate daily struggles. Here are some common strategies. While the devil cannot read our minds, he obs…

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 calls for a holistic approach to faith — one that touches every part of our existence. It reminds us that a vibrant relationship with God transforms not only our hearts but also our…

One key takeaway from Luke 6:27-38 is the principle of unconditional love and mercy, particularly toward those who may not treat us well. This teaching challenges us to respond to negativity with lov…

“What if?” ...which are a lot of hypothetical events. What if this happens to me? What if I slide off the road while I’m driving? We all know the list can go on and on with "what if?" If want a real …

Knowing is about experience—it’s not just cognitive thinking.
Sprinting is all about relaxation; the more you relax, the faster you can run. The Bible speaks of experiencing Jesus in various ways, emp…

The idea that simplicity equals transparency is reflected in various biblical principles and stories, emphasizing honesty, humility, and clarity in both actions and intentions. We will talk about som…

The Bible discusses dreams as a means through which God communicates with people. Dreams are seen as significant and can carry messages from God, provide guidance, or reveal future events. We will ta…

The phrase "sharing is caring" conveys the idea that when we share what we have—whether it's our time, resources, love, or knowledge—we demonstrate care and compassion for others. The concept encompa…

What is the purpose of our life? Do I count? The Bible tells us that this life is like a vapor, here for a moment and then gone (James 4:14). It is crystal clear about the brevity of our existence. W…

The Bible does not directly address the concept of celebrating the New Year in the same way that many cultures do today. However, it contains several passages and principles that can relate to the th…

In the small town, nestled in the hills of Judea, a young couple was making their way to an inn. Joseph, a humble carpenter, and Mary, his betrothed wife, who was now very pregnant, were tired after …

God's silence appears in various parts of the Bible, often prompting questions about why God might choose not to respond or intervene in certain situations. I'll share a few instances and relevant ve…

Gideon expresses his feelings of inadequacy. This illustrates a common theme in biblical narratives where God chooses unlikely leaders to accomplish His plans, reminding us that our weaknesses do not…