Conversations with Ray Martinez

In a world that demands instant results, where faithfulness often feels unseen and unrewarded, “The Unseen Harvest” is the podcast that reminds you: your labor in the Lord is never in vain.Rooted in Galatians 6:9 — “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” — this episode explores how to keep sowing to the Spirit in parenting, marriage, ministry, work, and daily obedience, even when the seeds seem buried and the seasons feel long.Drawing from biblical stories of perseverance (Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Elijah, and Jesus Himself), practical takeaways, and timeless wisdom like Mother Teresa’s “Do It Anyway,” this podcast equips you to fight weariness, trust God’s perfect timing, and stay faithful until the harvest comes.Because the good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow… but do good anyway.Your due season is coming.The Unseen Harvest — Where unseen faithfulness meets eternal reward. Don’t give up — keep sowing.Listen in as we take a deep dive into doing good and not giving up.

The Apostle Paul wrote these words while in prison (under house arrest in Rome). He was chained, uncertain about his future, and dependent on others for basic needs—yet the letter to the Philippians is one of the most joyful books in the New Testament.What if Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” — isn’t about personal success or chasing dreams, but about finding supernatural strength to stay content and faithful in any circumstance?Written from prison, this often-misquoted verse pairs perfectly with Proverbs 3:5-6’s call to intimately know God in every path of life.Through the stories of David vs. Goliath and Joseph’s journey from betrayal to the palace, discover how to access Christ’s strength in your hardest moments.You can… and you will. Tune in! Listen so we can take a deep dive into His power for us on how we can and will...

Why Love God with All Your Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength?The Bible commands total, undivided devotion because God is one (unique, supreme, worthy of everything). Partial love—compartmentalized or occasional—falls short.  His is not mere emotion but a holistic commitment of your entire being. It echoes God’s covenant relationship with Israel and calls believers to respond to His initiating love (e.g., God loved us first by sending Christ). Loving God this way transforms every area of life: priorities, decisions, thoughts, actions, and relationships. It is the root of true obedience, worship, and flourishing. Listen in so we can take a deep dive into the different voices in our whole being.

In the brokenness of this world, pain, suffering, and deep sorrow often leave us without polished words. What comes out instead are groans—deep sighs, wordless cries, or inward aches that express more than language ever could. Scripture reveals that these groans are not meaningless; they are a form of prayer that reaches the heart of God. The Holy Spirit Himself takes up our inarticulate expressions and presents them perfectly before the Father. The apostle Paul develops this beautiful truth in Romans 8:18-30. He begins by contrasting present suffering with future glory. Let's take a deep dive into this prayer through groaning.

Living faith is active, demonstrated through obedience, compassion, and sacrifice. James says faith and works “work together” and faith is “made complete” by actions (James 2:22). It’s like a body without a spirit—lifeless (James 2:26). True faith changes behavior. Listen in as we take a deeper dive about faith by works.

What “Take Captive Every Thought” Means“Taking every thought captive” refers to actively gaining control over your mind rather than letting thoughts run unchecked. It involves: Identifying and challenging thoughts, ideas, or arguments that oppose God’s truth or knowledge of Him (such as lies, doubts, temptations, fears, or worldly philosophies). Submitting those thoughts to Christ’s authority—evaluating them against Scripture and aligning them with obedience to Jesus. Listen in so we can take a deep dive and provide some helpful thoughts.

God's word always accomplishes His intended purpose and succeeds in what He sends it to do. This comes in the middle of Isaiah 55—an invitation to seek God, receive His mercy, and enter an everlasting covenant. God’s Word is alive, powerful, and effective. It is not mere words on a page—it is a force that produces spiritual fruit,  transformation, and results according to God’s perfect will. We can fully trust its reliability even when we don’t see immediate outcomes. Listen in as we take a deeper dive into His promise.

Shakespeare’s “To be, or not to be” is the start of a famous inner speech (a moment when Hamlet talks to himself alone on stage, sharing his private thoughts) in the play Hamlet , known as his Soliloquy (Act 3, Scene 1). Hamlet is asking a deep question: Is it better to live (“to be”) or to die (“not to be”)? He wonders if it is nobler to keep suffering through life’s pains or to end them by dying. He describes life as full of “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” — meaning the painful attacks, unfairness, and troubles that everyone faces.  Listen in as we learn more about how the bible reacts to this kind of well known statement by Shakespeare's writing.

Amos was an everyday person who walked with God. He was a shepherd, a fig-tree tender from a little town called Tekoa in the southern kingdom of Judah. Around 760 to 750 BC. He’s not mainly talking about casual friendships here. He’s proving his own calling. Just like two people don’t suddenly start walking down the road together unless they’ve first agreed on where they’re going and when to meet, Amos isn’t speaking his own ideas—he and God are walking together because the Lord has commissioned him.  Listen in and we will have a better understanding of how to walk in agreement with God, not the world.

The Bible does not directly mention “spacecraft,” UFOs, or extraterrestrial visitors from other planets.  It does, however, provide a clear framework for understanding strange phenomena in the skies—especially in light of recent U.S. government declassifications of UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) files. Biblically, these sightings and the growing public fascination with them align with what Scripture describes as activity in the spiritual realm—not physical aliens from distant planets.  Let's take a deep dive into what the bible says about UFOs.

As Saul grew jealous and sought to kill David, Jonathan risked his life to protect his friend, warned him with the arrow signal, and renewed their covenant. Jonathan died in battle (1 Samuel 31). Years later, King David honored the covenant: “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1) Such loyalty and friendship endures even after we depart. Listen in to learn about the take-aways for us in this great story of Jonathan and David.

God has specific things He wants us to do. He is not vague, nor does He want us to guess and speculate. We often wonder what God's will is for our lives. In today's study, we will understand what God wants us to do in our lives. The first one is to share the gospel with others, and the list goes on. Listen in as we take a deep dive into God's specific will for us today.

God’s guidance is personal and visible. Just as the pillar and Moses’ voice directed millions through the desert, the Holy Spirit and Scripture lead us now. We don’t wander blindly—He goes before us. Servant leadership and humility was a necessity in a culture where leaders often directed others to do the hard labor, here the princes and nobles got their hands dirty. They modeled willingness to serve the community’s needs rather than lording authority over the people. Listen in and learn how we can receive living water when we are in the desert.

Many Christians interested in biblical eschatology (study of end-times prophecy) see ongoing tensions in the Middle East—especially those involving Israel, Iran (ancient Persia), and its proxies like Hezbollah—as potential alignments with or precursors to prophecies in Scripture. These views come mainly from premillennial perspectives that treat current conflicts as “birth pains” leading to greater fulfillments. Interpretations vary widely across Christian traditions; some see general patterns of conflict rather than precise real-time fulfillments, and prophecy often becomes clearer in hindsight. Listen in as we take a deep dive into what the scripture says about today's events.

We will learn about what are not "secrets" in a conspiratorial sense but realities too profound or sovereign for humans to fully grasp or access on our own. God is under no obligation to disclose everything, and attempting to pry into unrevealed matters can lead to frustration or presumption. Revealed things, by contrast, are given to humanity (especially through Scripture) so we can live obediently and relationally with Him. The emphasis in Deuteronomy is practical: Focus on what has been made known rather than speculating on the hidden. Listen as we take a deep dive into what are the secrets of God.

The "secrets of God" (or "mysteries of God") in the Bible refer to divine plans, wisdom, counsel, or truths that God sovereignly chooses to conceal or reveal according to His timing and purposes.  In Scripture, these are not secretive riddles or Gnostic-style hidden knowledge reserved for an elite few, but rather aspects of God's eternal purposes—often hidden from human understanding until He discloses them through prophets, Scripture, or ultimately through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Listen in as we take a deep dive into God's secrets.

Believing in God and knowing Him are related but distinct in Scripture.  The Bible teaches that genuine belief (faith) in God—specifically in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior—leads to salvation.  However, it also calls believers to move beyond that initial faith into a deep, personal, intimate relationship with God. This “knowing” is the very essence of eternal life and transforms how we live. Listen in as we learn to grow and know God.

The Bible addresses confession in several key ways: confessing our sins (primarily to God, but also to one another), and confessing our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. These practices are central to repentance, forgiveness, healing, salvation, and Christian witness. Listen in as we travel through the bible about this topic of confession.

The Bible addresses thinking, thoughts, and the mind extensively, emphasizing that our thoughts shape our character, behavior, and spiritual life.  Scripture instructs believers to guard, renew, and direct their minds toward God-honoring things, while warning against futile, evil, or worldly thinking. Listen in so we can learn more about how we think.

The Bible describes prudence as wise, careful living—thinking ahead, weighing risks, and choosing what honors God instead of rushing in blindly. It's not paranoia; it's just smart faith. The Bible portrays prudence as a vital aspect of wisdom, emphasizing careful thought, foresight, discretion, and sound judgment in decision-making.  Listen in as we take a deep dive into the bible's understanding and teachings about prudence.

Loyalty runs deep through the pages of Scripture. At its core, it's more than just sticking around—it's a steadfast commitment, a faithful love that doesn't waver even when life gets hard.  In the Old Testament, we see this in the Hebrew word chesed, often translated as steadfast love or loyal love.  It's the kind of unwavering faithfulness God shows to His people, keeping His promises across generations, even when they stumble. Listen in as we explore what loyalty is...

The Story of Rizpah's Vigil is about keeping promises. The power of silence and patience. Causing change without violence, and a mother’s plea and remorse. Her act of devotion highlights themes of maternal love, honor for the dead, and quiet resistance against indignity. Moved by reports of Rizpah's vigil, David takes action. Listen in as we see how one woman can change the world through her silent vigilance.

The story of the Levite and his concubine in Judges 19 is one of the most distressing narratives in the Bible, set during a period of moral and social anarchy in ancient Israel, when "there was no king in Israel, and everyone did what was right in their own eyes" (Judges 17:6; 21:25). Let's dive into what we can learn from this story of lawlessness.

The primary biblical account of Benaiah, one of King David's most notable "mighty men," is found in two parallel passages: 2 Samuel 23:20-23 and 1 Chronicles 11:22-25. These describe his heroic exploits and rise in status.  Listen in and find out who was this great man!

 By focusing on aligning your life with God's purposes (through faith, obedience, prayer, and ethical living), God promises to provide for your earthly needs without you having to chase them anxiously. It's not a blanket promise of wealth, luxury, or everything you desire, but assurance that God will supply basic provisions and sustain you as you prioritize Him. This isn't a prosperity gospel formula for getting rich. Those ministries that teach getting rich quick may be sincere, but they are sincerely wrong. Listen in as we take a deep dive into what "these things" are for us.

The Bible offers profound wisdom on the topic of investments, emphasizing principles of stewardship, diversification, patience, and ethical use of resources rather than mere accumulation of wealth. Listen in and we will dive into what God wants us to do with our investments, and how to invest.

“Resilience is the ability to adapt, recover, and grow stronger in the face of adversity, challenges, or setbacks, often involving mental, emotional, or spiritual toughness to bounce back from difficulties.” In the Bible, resilience is closely tied to themes of perseverance, endurance, and steadfast faith in God during trials.  Listen in as we take a deeper dive into resilience.

No matter what we’re facing today, we can trust that God holds our future—both on earth and in heaven—in His mighty hands. Perhaps then we can sleep in peace more easily. What worries keep you awake at night?  How can you learn to surrender them to God and hold on to His promises? Let’s keep in mind that Peter “was sleeping” the “night before Herod was to bring him to trial” (Acts 12:6).  Listen in for more insight on how to get a good nights rest in the Lord.

The Bible teaches that Satan was created in perfection and given a prominent position in heaven (Ezekiel 28:11–15).  He was “full of wisdom and perfect in beauty” (verse 12). God appointed him the highest-ranking angel. From his place of great privilege, Satan led possibly one third of heaven’s angels in a rebellion against God. Listen in as we take a deep dive into, how did angels sin if heaven is sinless?

Psalm 35 is a powerful psalm attributed to David, often classified as an imprecatory psalm (one that calls on God to judge or defeat enemies).  It vividly expresses pleas for divine intervention against unjust opposition, making it highly relevant to spiritual struggles—those internal and external battles involving temptation, oppression, fear, demonic influences, or persecution that believers face. Listen in as we take a deep dive into being a prayer warrior.

Tradition says that Francis of Assisi created the very first Christmas nativity scene in AD 1223 after a trip to the Holy Land and Christ’s birthplace. So began a new tradition that took root in many Western countries. Yes, Saint Nicholas was a real historical person, and he is one of the key historical roots of the modern Christmas figure Santa Claus. Who was the real St. Nicholas? Listen in as we unravel this mystery.

This is one of the strangest and most sobering stories in the Old Testament. God sends a young prophet (he is unnamed in the text; often called “the man of God from Judah”) to Bethel to prophesy against King Jeroboam’s false altar. An old prophet who lives in Bethel hears about it, catches up with the young prophet, and lies to him, saying, “An angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house that he may eat bread and drink water.’” (v. 18 — the text explicitly says the old prophet was lying). There are consequences. Listen in on how we obey God's voice only.

We don’t know who wrote Psalm 118, and it is not attributed to David in the Bible itself. It is an anonymous psalm, most likely composed several hundred years after David lived.It is a declaration of praise and gratitude, recognizing that every day is a gift from God and an opportunity to rejoice, regardless of circumstances. Let's take a deeper dive into the full meaning of this great verse.

The Bible does not address healthcare directly and of course says nothing about socialized medicine or other political issues related to modern healthcare. But the Bible is definitely pro-health and encourages us to take care of our bodies. Our bodies are creations of God and, for the believer, temples of the Holy Spirit. Listen in for bodily living for Christ.

The Bible teaches that our eternal future will not be as disembodied spirits floating in some ethereal heaven, but as fully physical human beings with resurrected bodies, living on a renewed, physical New Earth.  Jesus Himself, after His resurrection, had a real, tangible body—He walked with His disciples on the road to Emmaus, spoke with them behind locked doors, invited Thomas to touch His wounds, and even ate broiled fish and honeycomb in their presence. Listen in as we explore more about our heavenly bodies.

True discipleship is proven not by an emotional moment but by continual abiding (Greek menō, “dwell”) in His word, just as He later teaches that anyone who does not remain in Him is thrown away like a useless branch and withers, while those whose lives are intertwined with His words may ask anything and receive it (John 15:6-7); such endurance is the evidence of authentic belonging, for those who fall away were never truly of us (1 John 2:19).  From this abiding relationship comes knowing the truth—and Jesus Himself is that Truth. Listen in as we take a deep dive into knowing the Truth.

Psalm 46:10 is a divine whisper to our hurried hearts, a radiant call to pause, breathe, and anchor ourselves in the unshakable truth of God’s sovereignty. To "be still" is not just to stop moving—it’s an invitation to release our burdens, silence our fears, and surrender our need to control life’s storms.  Listen in for more insight for living.

Psalm 51 is widely regarded as one of the most heartfelt chapters in the Book of Psalms, known for its raw, emotional plea for mercy, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal. It is a psalm of David, regarding the time Nathan the prophet came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba. Listen in so we can understand how this applies to us in today's world.

Most people read, "The Lord is my shepherd" and think it's just a nice, comforting verse. But when you understand what a shepherd actually did in biblical times, everything changes. Shepherds weren't gentle caretakers sitting in meadows. They were warriors, professional protectors armed with clubs and slings, ready to fight off lions, bears, and thieves. Listen in as we take a deep dive into Psalms 23.

I’m thrilled to share the latest episode to shine a spotlight on Ron Lautzenheiser, owner of Big O Tires and the distinguished recipient of the 2025 Tire Dealer Humanitarian Award! In this episode, we celebrate Ron’s incredible journey from corporate leadership to impactful philanthropy, showcasing his unwavering dedication to community development and humanitarian causes. Tune in to discover how Ron’s vision and compassion are transforming lives! Available now on [platforms, e.g., Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen]. Don’t miss this inspiring story of leadership and impact! #BigOTires #2025TireDealerAward #CommunityLeadership

Matthew 18:1-11, particularly verse 10, connects God’s holy angels to humanity by emphasizing their protective and intercessory role.  Jesus warns against despising or looking down on "these little ones" (referring to children or humble believers), stating, "For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father" (NLT). This suggests that angels are assigned to watch over individuals, especially the vulnerable or faithful, and have direct access to God, implying they advocate or intercede on behalf of those they protect. The passage underscores the value God places on every person, with angels serving as divine representatives who safeguard and maintain a close connection between heaven and humanity.  Listen in as we take a deep dive into explain that there are Angels amongst us.

President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed a comprehensive peace plan for the Middle East, focusing on ending the conflict with Hamas and creating a path to stability in Gaza. 

What does it mean that Jesus is our “Wonderful Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6)? When Isaiah wrote his prediction of the coming of the “Wonderful Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6), he was spurring Israel to remember their Messiah was indeed coming to establish His Kingdom (Isaiah 9:7).  Isaiah was writing nearly 800 years before Christ. This period of history was tumultuous as the Assyrians were on the march, taking people into captivity by droves.  Isaiah’s prophecy gave the people of God a hope they so desperately needed: a Child would be born to fulfill the Davidic Covenant, and He would bear the titles “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Listen in as we take a deep dive into what's Wonderful.

Jesus seeks those who are wayward, even those who don’t realize they’re lost. This is the essence of amazing grace, as the hymn so beautifully captures: “I once was lost, but now am found.”  Every one of us, by nature, is like that wayward sheep, wandering far from the fold until Christ, the Good Shepherd, comes to find us (John 10:11). Listen so we can take a deep dive into the lost and found.

Global tribulation—remains a highly debated topic in Christian theology. It is not a settled doctrine but an interpretive framework based on biblical exegesis, historical analysis, and theological reasoning. There is no empirical "scientific" evidence, as the rapture is an eschatological (end-times) belief rooted in scripture. Instead, "research" here refers to scholarly books, theological studies, historical investigations, and biblical commentaries that argue for or against its validity. Listen in as I draw a conclusion of what is valid.

The debate over the rapture—whether there will be a literal event where believers are taken up to meet Christ before a period of tribulation—has been a point of contention among Christians.  Those who deny the rapture, or question its common evangelical interpretation (often tied to dispensational premillennialism), typically argue from theological, historical, and scriptural perspectives. Last week we talked about why there is a rapture. This week is about why there is not a rapture. Listen in as we take a deep dive.

We will explore the concept of the rapture and whether it is true. This is a three-part series on the rapture. In this episode, we discuss why the rapture may be real. The next episode will examine why the rapture may not occur. In our third episode, we will weigh the evidence to determine which case holds more validity. This promises to be an exciting series you won’t want to miss! Listen in as we take a deep dive.

These are unsettling words. Jesus, whom we often associate with peace, declares He came to bring division. This seems to contradict the angelic proclamation in Luke 2:14 (NLT): “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Yet, Jesus’ mission is not to broker a superficial peace but to ignite a refining, illuminating fire—a fire that demands a response, even if it divides families.  Listen in as we take a deep dive into what this division is all about.

The contrast between "weeping" and "joy" reflects the transient nature of hardship compared to the lasting hope and restoration found in God’s faithfulness. To unpack this verse and weave its meaning with parallel scriptures and biblical stories, let’s explore its themes of temporary sorrow, divine restoration, and the promise of joy, supported by examples from Scripture. Listen in as we take a deep dive.

The distinction between God’s presence and God’s power in Christian theology reflects different aspects of God’s nature and interaction with humanity. While closely related, they emphasize distinct ways God reveals Himself and works in the world.  Listen in for a deeper dive into the differences.