Thoughtful Thursdays – How much do you know about the story of Abraham?

Today we have the privilege of meeting Dave Ramos. Dave approached me to ask me to review his latest book. Since I don’t do reviews I thought I would ask him if he would be interested in an interview. He said yes.

Welcome Dave.

1.  Tell me a little bit about your church background. How did you come to faith in Jesus?

I actually come from a Puerto Rican heritage, so I grew up in Pentecostal Spanish churches. However, my parents never taught me Spanish because they wanted to make sure I spoke English without an accent. I spent most of my early years thinking church was a complete waste of time because I couldn’t understand anything they were saying. As I got older I drifted from the faith until God got my attention during my freshman year of college. It was a crazy series of events but basically I felt God asking me where He fit into my life. At that time, He didn’t. So I dropped out of school and completely reorganized my life to make Him a priority.

It’s been quite an adventure but I’m very thankful God found me when He did.

2.  When did your interest in writing start? Can you look back and see God working through and with you in your desire to write. If so, explain your thoughts.

I’ve been interested in writing as long as I can remember. I won a few local writing competitions as a kid – just with short stories and essays. But it was always just a hobby. It wasn’t until God got a hold me during my college years that I saw my writing as a gift I needed to steward.

For me, writing is the one unique thing I can do to further His kingdom in this world and build up fellow believers.

3.  How and when do you spend time with God? Do you have a favourite devotional? What version of Bible do you use the most?

My writing time is an overflow of my time with God. I begin each morning by reading the verses I will be writing on. Then I go into 1 or 2 commentaries and read what they have to say about the verses. Afterward, I pray – asking God for wisdom, clarity, and to impact me with His truth. From there I write out the study for the day and then use that as a starting point to meditate on throughout the day. In addition, my fiancé and I do a Bible study together once a week.

It’s so essential to make sure you’re spending time with God alone and in the company of other people.

I don’t have a favorite devotional, but when I am having trouble praying I turn to The Valley of Vision – it’s such a beautiful, encouraging work. Favorite Bible version: ESV.

4.  What new project/s are you working on? Why do they seem important to you? Are you compelled to write or do you need to find inspiration? How do you deal with interruptions?

I am currently working on a series called Testament Men. It’s will be a set of 10 devotionals following the lives of Old Testament characters. The first three, Abraham, Jacob and Job will be out this year, and the rest will be releasing over the next 18 months. I chose this current series because I have seen that most Christians have a hard time understanding the Old Testament. It’s big and intimidating and most of the writing out there isn’t very user friendly. Thankfully, God has given me a knack for reading dense, confusing books and communicating them in an easy-to-understand way.

Honestly, I think every writer needs daily inspiration to write! But I don’t look at it like I have a choice honestly. This is what I believe God has called me to do and I so I will serve him as faithfully as a Pastor or Missionary would.

5.  What is one important lesson that Jesus is teaching or has taught you that has changed your worldview, your outlook, and/or your relationships?

Ever since I heard a sermon preached in Hosea 4:6 many years ago, that Scripture has really shaped my life. It says, “my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” Now, this verse isn’t saying that Christians are dumb or don’t want to learn. In the context of Hosea its saying that the Israelites have forgotten who their God really is.

They’ve forgotten the stories and blessings that shaped their nation. I think the same is true for the modern church.

We are bombarded by so many things that want our attention but we forget to invest in what really matters: knowledge of God – of who He is and what He is doing in this world. That is one reason I write about the Old Testament, I think that is one spot where people’s knowledge is lacking most. So if I can help fill in the knowledge gaps just a little, God can step in and do incredible things.

David Ramos

 

David  is a Christian author and teacher passionate about communicating the life-changing truths found in the Old Testament. He has a degree in Classical and Medieval Studies and is currently finishing a Master’s in Religion (Biblical Studies) at Ashland Theological Seminary. When he’s not writing you can usually find David chasing down the newest food truck or helping his fiancé, Breahna plan their wedding (2016).

David and his library currently reside in Cleveland, Ohio.

Links:

Latest book “Climbing with Abraham” 

Website (Where people can sign up to get future books in the series for free): Dave Ramos 

Facebook page:

Twitter:

Thank you so much Dave for being a guest on Growing Through God’s Word. We pray for the best for you and for your books.

Tweetable:

How much do you know about the story of Abraham? Check out Dave Ramos’ new book called Climbing with Abraham. (click to tweet)