The Word for Today with Ray

Friday, April 24, 2026

Our Life For Yours - Joshua 2:14

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Rahab the harlot hid two men who were spies from Israel, and the woman told them “as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have showed you kindness, that you will also show kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token. And that you will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death”, and in chapter two and verse fourteen of the book of Joshua, the writer or Joshua shared how “the men answered her, Our life for yours, if you utter not this our business” where we read,

And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if you utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD has given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with you.

The verse reads, “And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if you utter not this our business.” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and the men answered her” which means “and the two men from Israel responded to her, the Rahab”, “our life for yours” or “our, the two men’s, living and ability to live in exchange for yours, Rahab’s living and ability to live”, “if you utter not” which means “whether, in case and on the condition that you, Rahab, do not declare, reveal and proclaim” “this our business” or “this, the saving of the two men’s lives, speech, word, occupation and matter”. Joshua or the writer shared how the two spies from Israel told Rahab that because she was to save their active living, they would save hers, as long as she did not speak of this matter.

The verse goes on to say, “And it shall be, when the LORD has given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with you.” Joshua continued with the words, “and it shall be” or “and it, the following, will exist”, “when the LORD” which means “at the time and moment Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “has given us the land” or “has granted, bestowed and assigned the region, territory and district to us, the two men and the people of Israel”, “that we will deal kindly” which means “that we, the two men and the people of Israel, shall fashion, accomplish, make and produce goodness, pity and faithfulness” “and truly” or “and firmness, faithfulness, truth and reliableness” “with you” which means “toward you, Rahab”. Joshua or the writer shared how it would happen at the time and moment Jehovah God granted and bestowed upon the people of Israel the territory of Jericho that the people of Israel would produce goodness and faithfulness toward Rahab.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how there was an agreement made between Rahab and the two men from Israel. The two men agreed to save Rahab’s life because she saved theirs. If she tell anyone about the two men, when they took over the city of Jericho, they would treat her with kindness. God desire is to save people, not condemn them. (See John 3:17) When He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be resurrected from the grave after three days, He made the way through faith and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and provided with His Holy Spirit who will help us know the truth and the way we are to use His wisdom in the salvation He offers to us and others.

Next time the writer or Joshua shares how, “she let them down by a cord through the window”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Save My Family - Joshua 2:13

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Rahab the harlot hid two men who were spies from Israel, and she told them, “as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have showed you kindness, that you will also show kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token”, and in chapter two and verse thirteen of the book of Joshua, the writer or Joshua shared how the woman said to the two men, “save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters” where we read,

And that you will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters,

and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.

The verse reads, “And that you will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters,…” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and that you will save alive” which means “and that you, the two men and the people of Israel, will preserve and allow to continue living” “my father” or “my, Rahab’s, immediate male progenitor and ancestor”, “and my mother” which means “and my, Rahab’s, immediate female progenitor and ancestor”, “and my brethren” or “and my, Rahab’s, male siblings”, “and my sisters” which means “and my, Rahab’s, female siblings”. Joshua or the writer shared how Rahab wanted the two men of Israel to promise to preserve her “father, mother, brothers and sisters”.

The verse continues, “… and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.” Joshua added the words, “and all that they have” or “and each, the whole and everything that they, Rahab’s family, owns and possesses”, “and deliver our lives” which means “and rescue and save our, Rahab and her family’s, active living and breathing” “from death” or “separate and apart from the non-breathing, dying and inanimate”. Joshua or the writer shared how Rahab wanted the two men to save all the possessions of her family as well.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover how Rahab not only desired to save herself from the conquering power of the people of Israel, but she wanted her family and their belongings to be saved as well. This is a great example of our eternal salvation. God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when He raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way through faith and trust in Him as “Savior and Lord” to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit who will teach us not only to value our own salvation, but also give us a desire to have all those within our families to be saved. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8 and 16:31)

Next time the writer or Joshua shares how, “the men answered her, Our life for yours, if you utter not this our business”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Show Kindness - Joshua 2:12

In the book of Joshua, the author or Joshua wrote how Rahab the harlot hid two men who were spies from Israel, and the woman told them “as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath”, and in chapter two and verse twelve of the book of Joshua, the writer or Joshua shared how the woman said, “show kindness unto my father’s house” where we read,

Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have showed you kindness,

that you will also show kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token:

The verse reads, “Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have showed you kindness, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “now therefore” which means “at this time wherefore, then and on this account”, “I pray you” or “I, Rahab, entreat, beg and plead with you, the two men”, “swear unto me by the LORD” which means “adjure and take an oath toward me, Rahab, through Jehovah who is the existing one and the proper name for the One True God”, “since I have showed you kindness” or “because and on account that I, Rahab, have fashioned, accomplished and produced goodness and faithfulness toward you, the two men, ” that you will do the following. Joshua or the writer shared how “Rahab” appealed to the two men of Israel to take an oath by Jehovah God and perform the following because she produced goodness and faithfulness to them.

The verse goes on to say, “… that you will also show kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token:” Joshua continues the words, “that you will also show kindness” or “that you, the two men, shall even so and indeed fashion, accomplish and produce goodness and faithfulness” “unto my father’s house” which means “toward my, Rahab’s, male progenitor and ancestor’s, abode, habitation and dwelling place”, “and give me a true token” or “and grant, bestow and assign to me, Rahab, a firm, faithful, truthful, sure and reliable sign and distinguishing mark”. Joshua or the writer shared how Rahab asked the men from Israel to return her goodness and faithfulness to her and her male progenitor’s dwelling place, and she desired that the two men “give” her a reliable sign to prove that they would keep their word.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how Rahab made an appeal to the two men from Israel to preserve herself and her family. She knew the people of Israel would soon enter her land and conquer it, and she wanted to save those within her home. God has also given a salvation plan to all mankind, and when we yield our lives to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of everyone and was raised from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit as a sign who will guide us into all truth and give us His faithful and true protection for all the days of our lives.

Next time the writer or Joshua shares how the woman told the two men, “save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Hearts Melting - Joshua 2:11

In the book of Joshua, the author or Joshua wrote how Rahab the harlot hid two men who were spies from Israel, and she “hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof. And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate. And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof. And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when you came out of Egypt; and what you did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed”, and in chapter two and verse eleven of the book of Joshua, the writer or Joshua shared how the woman said, “our hearts did melt” where we read,

And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

The verse reads, “And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, …” Joshua began with the words, “and as soon as we had heard these things” which means “and at the time and moment we, Rahab and the people in Jericho, listened and gave attention to the powerful works of Jehovah God”, “our hearts did melt” or “our, Rahab and the people of Israel’s, souls, minds and wills dissolved, wasted away and grew fearful”, “neither did there remain” which means “no and not in any way did there arise, come on the scene and raise up” “any more courage in any man” or “no longer a continuance or persistence of wind, breath and spirit within any person whether male or female”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Rahab” said the souls and minds of the people within Jericho became fearful and they were without any spirit after they heard about the powerful acts of Jehovah God on behalf of the people of Israel.

The verse continues, “because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.” Joshua added the words, “because of you” or “on behalf of you, the people of Israel”: “for the LORD your God” which means “because, since and on account that Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God and the people of Israel’s Supreme Deity”, “he is the God” or “he, Jehovah God, exists as the Supreme Deity” “in heaven above” which means “within the sidereal heaven where God dwells and other spiritual beings”, “and in earth beneath” whose name means “and within the world that is underneath Heaven” . Joshua or the writer shared how “Rahab” continued to tell the “two men of Israel” how the souls and minds of the people in Jericho were made fearful because Jehovah God worked on their behalf. God is omnipresent which means He is in every place at the same time. He is with us, and His desire is to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into the truth and help us to live within that truth as He provides for and protects us even as He did the children of Israel. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8)

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover more of what “Rahab” said to the two men of Israel who were spies in Jericho. She spoke of the fear that came upon the people of Jericho after they “heard” about the powerful acts of Jehovah God, and they were no longer bold and resolute because of the people of Israel. They also understood that Jehovah God, who was Israel’s Supreme Deity, exists as the Supreme Deity in “Heaven” and upon the “earth”. This same God desires to have a personal intimate relationship with all of us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the grave after three days. When we believe and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us so we may be guided into all truth and empowered to live in that truth as His witnesses within the world.

Next time the writer or Joshua shares how the woman told the two men, “swear … that you will also show kindness unto my father's house”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Hearing How the LORD Dried Up the Red Sea - Joshua 2:10

In the book of Joshua, the author or Joshua wrote how Rahab the harlot concealed two men who were spies from Israel, and she “hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof. And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate. And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof. And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you”, and in chapter two and verse ten of the book of Joshua, the writer or Joshua shared how the woman said, “we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea” where we read,

For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when you came out of Egypt; and what you did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed.

The verse reads, “For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when you came out of Egypt;” Joshua began with the words, “for we have heard” which means “because, since and on account that we, Rahab and the people of Jericho, have listened to with attention, interest and understanding” “how the LORD” or “the way Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “dried up the water” which means “withered and made without moisture” “of the Red Sea” or “the large body of water known as the Red Sea” “for you” which means “on behalf of you, the people of Israel”, “when you came out of Egypt” or “at the time and moment that you, the people of Israel, existed and departed from Egypt whose name means land of the Copts and is a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Rahab” told the “two men” from Israel that she and her people attentively listened to how Jehovah God made the “Red Sea” to be without moisture on behalf of the people of Israel at the time they exited “Egypt”.

The verse continues, “and what you did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed.” Joshua added the words, “and what you did” or “and that which you, the people of Israel, fashioned, accomplished and performed” “unto the two kings” which means “toward the two royal rulers and leaders” “of the Amorites” or “belonging to the Amorites whose name means a sayer and was one of the peoples of east Canaan and beyond the Jordan, dispossessed by the Israelite incursion from Egypt”, “that were on the other side Jordan” which means “who existed and dwelt upon the opposite side of the Jordan whose name means descender and was the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approximately 200 miles (320 km)”, “Sihon” whose name means “warrior” and was “the king of the Amorites at the time of the conquest and was defeated by Moses in Transjordan”, “and Og” whose name means “long-necked” and was “the Amorite king of Bashan and one of the last representatives of the giants of Rephaim‘, “whom you utterly destroyed” or “that you, the people of Israel, completely banned, dedicated and consecrated for destruction and exterminated” . Joshua or the writer shared how “Rahab” told the “two men from Israel” that she and her people were aware of how Jehovah God exterminated “Sihon and Og” who were the royal rulers and leaders of the “Amorites”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how “Rahab” and the people of Jericho were aware of Jehovah God’s power and might working among the people of Israel. He parted the “Red Sea”, and He defeated the royal rulers named “Sihon and Og” who were over the Amorites on behalf of the people of Israel. (See Exodus 14:21-31) “Rahab” knew the city of “Jericho” and the people there could be the next to be defeated. We shall see how she made an appeal for herself and her family in our next few verses, but for now, let us also be aware that God is able to defeat any foe He desires, but His plan is to save all who will submit to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead as their “Savior and Lord”. When we submit to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth so we are aware of God’s ability to provide for and protect all who believe and trust in Him. (See John 16:13)

Next time the writer or Joshua shares how the woman told the two men, “our hearts did melt”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The LORD has Given You the Land - Joshua 2:9

In the book of Joshua, the author or Joshua wrote how Rahab the harlot hid two men who were spies from Israel, and when the king’s men were attempting to find them, she told them, “it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: where the men went I do not know: pursue after them quickly; for you shall overtake them. But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof. And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate. And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof”, and in chapter two and verse nine of the book of Joshua, the writer or Joshua shared how the woman, “said unto the men, I know that the LORD has given you the land” where we read,

And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.

The verse reads, “And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, …” Joshua began with the words, “and she said unto the men” which means “and she, Rahab, uttered, declared and proclaimed to the two male spies from Israel”, “I know that the LORD” or “I, Rahab, perceive, understand, discern and distinguish that Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “has given you the land” which means “has granted, bestowed and assigned to you, the people of Israel, the region, district and territory”, “and that your terror” or “and that your, the people of Israel’s, dread, horror and fear” “is fallen upon us” which means “exists as cast down, settled and lie prostrate on us, the people of Jericho”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Rahab” told the two men from Israel that she was aware that Jehovah God granted them their territory and that fear has settled upon them.

The verse goes on to say, “… and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.” Joshua continued with the words, “and that all the inhabitants” or “and that each, every and the whole of the people who remain, dwell and abide” “of the land” which means “pertaining to the region, district and territory” “faint because of you” or “are softened, dissolved and dissipate on account of you, the people of Israel”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Rahab” told the “two spies” that everyone in the city of Jericho were fearful on account of the people of Israel.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how “Rahab” talked with the “two men who were spies” from Israel whom she concealed upon her rooftop. She told them that she was aware that Jehovah God gave the people of Israel their territory, and this caused the people of the land to be fearful. God’s power was demonstrated through the people of Israel, and we shall see how His reputation preceded the people of Israel entering the promise land. God’s power is demonstrated today when a person yields their life to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. At the point we put our faith and trust in Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth, secure our hearts and minds and help us to know His desire to use us in His Kingdom.

Next time the writer or Joshua shares how the woman says, “we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Coming Up to the Men on the Roof - Joshua 2:8

In the book of Joshua, the author or Joshua wrote how Rahab the harlot hid two men who were spies from Israel, and she told the king’s men who were attempting to find them, “it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: where the men went I do not know: pursue after them quickly; for you shall overtake them. But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof. And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate”, and in chapter two and verse eight of the book of Joshua, the writer or Joshua said, “before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof” where we read,

And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;

The verse reads, “And before they were laid down, …” Joshua began with the words, “and before they” which means “and in advance and prior to the time they, the two men of Israel” “were laid down” or “existed in rest, repose and relaxation” the following occurred. Joshua or the writer began to share what happened in advance of the “two men” of Israel being relaxed and in repose.

The verse continues, “… she came up unto them upon the roof;” Joshua added the words, “she came up unto them” or “she, Rahab, arose and ascended to them, the two men” “upon the roof” which means “on the housetop”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Rahab” ascended to where the “two men” were hidden on the housetop in advance of their full rest.

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how “Rahab” continued to care for the “two spies” from Israel. When the king’s men departed the city of Jericho to pursue the “two men” from Israel, the gates were closed and “Rahab” ascended to the housetop to where the “two men” were hidden. There is more about what she did in our next verse, but for now let us realize there was a process to this rescue of the “two men”. God used these normal activities to protect the “two spies” of Israel, and He often works that way in our lives as well. God wants to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to lead, guide and watch over us as we fulfill His will for His purposes and Kingdom.

Next time the writer or Joshua says the woman, “said unto the men, I know that the LORD has given you the land”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…