Conversations with Ray Martinez

This is a story about three Kings that needed Godly direction.  There is a clear delineation between their worldly decisions versus a Godly decision in this reading.  I offer nine takeaways for this reading that will help you stay focused, and you can't do this without a melody in your heart; it brings God's presence into our lives.

This remarkable narrative takes the reader into the tent of Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram, and to the meetings he had with his general staff. It turned out that his plans were known to the king of Israel and his staff. Ben-Hadad suspected a spy, and he was right. The spy was Elisha, who had never left Israel.  In this podcast, I'll share with your 9 take aways that we get from this story.  Elisha uses blindness and specific prayers to his advantage.

Elijah and Elisha were great friends.  Elijah was also a mentor to Elisha, and they walked in harmony along with God.  In this episode, Elijah went to the different schools of the prophets to give them his last exhortations and blessing before he is taken up in a whirlwind. God says he will never leave us or forsake us, even though these two guys were going different directions, God was with them.  In their final steps, Elijah parts the Jordan River with his coat.  Suddenly, “a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven. I'll share 7 takeaways from this reading and a story of God intervening in my life, to save my life from a dangerous moment as a policeman.

Jesus takes the time to teach the disciples how to fish in this episode. When Jesus called out to them and asked, have caught any fish?  They replied, “No”.  This was in His way or style of making them tell their case. Jesus wanted to better prepare them for what was coming… all Jesus has ever asked us to do is for us to bring the bread and fish. Jesus didn’t ask us to feed the 5,000. In this case, he even provided the fish and bread, and prepared it, ready to consume. Hasn’t the word of God been prepared for us, ready to consume?

Everyone knows what a horrific tragedy occurred at the King Soopers in Boulder where a lone gunman killed 10 people.  One of those killed was a  Boulder Police Officer who entered the store in an attempt to take the gunman down. This podcast is about Elevations Credit Union (ECU) who stepped-up to the plate within 24 hours to arrange a fundraiser for the victims and their families.  It's such a great demonstration of a community of people that pitched in with donating over $700,000 to support  those who suffered a loss.  Money doesn't replace a life, but we know it can help get them through an unexpected crisis in their lives.  Thank you to the citizens that donated $509,224, and the Elevations Foundation along with Elevations Credit Union match of $200,000. ECU, put the hearts of people first.

There is an unimaginable price Jesus paid for us.  The suffering, stress, and weeping he went through.  Then the physical abuse that lead to the cross.  You’re going to realize that Jesus was committed and steadfast in completing the mission that God wanted him to do, regardless of the pain and suffering. Charles Spurgeon urged, “Keep your eye simply on Him.” When we do, we don’t see obstacles. We see God, the One who makes our way clear.  Remember, our job isn’t to feed the 5,000.  Our job is to provide the loaves and fish.

When asked what my motto was, I said, "visions are real."  Being a visionary person is incredibly important.  Otherwise, our imagination is limited and the creative side of our brain grows dormant.  What does a blind person see?  We learn about this in today's podcast.

We continue with our series of short stories in the bible that need explaining.  This is part 2 of Naaman being healed from our last week's study.  We discover this week that Gehazi, Elisha's servant, steels the gifts from Naaman that were intended for Elisha; the very gifts he refused to receive.  Gehazi is caught and punished and his family suffers too.  We learn how our ego, greed, and pride can run interference with our life with Christ.

Naaman was the commanding chief of the King's army and loved by the King.  He was sent to see Elisha because of his leprosy.  Naaman becomes indignant because Elisha wouldn't personally see him to cast healing over him.  He was sent to the Jordan to wash 7 times.  Naaman left angry and stomped away.  This story expresses the need for humility and humbling ourselves before the Lord.  How humble are you?