The Word for Today with Ray

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Daniel Seeking the Meaning of the Vision - Daniel 8:16

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man”, and in chapter eight and verse sixteen of his book Daniel says, “I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai” where we read,

And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said,

Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.

The verse reads, “And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, …” Daniel began with the words, “and I heard a man’s voice” or “and I, Daniel, perceived, discerned, noticed and was given the ability to hear a male human being’s noise and sound of uttered words” “between the banks of Ulai” which means “in the midst and middle of the two sides belonging to the Ulai whose name mean my leaders (mighties) and was the river of Elam”, “which called” or “who cried out and uttered a loud sound”, “and said” which means and uttered, declared and proclaimed the following words. Daniel shared how he was given the ability to hear a male human being’s sound of uttered words who cried out and uttered the following words.

The verse continues, “… Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.” Daniel added the word, “Gabriel” or “warrior of God or man of God who is an archangel; the angel God used to send messages of great importance to man; sent to Daniel, to Zacharias, and to Mary”, “make this man to understand” which means “cause this male human being, Daniel, to discern, perceive and have insight toward” “the vision” or “the mental imagery and appearance”. Daniel said the “man’s voice” cried out to the angel “Gabriel” to cause him to perceive and have insight into the mental imagery he was given.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how he perceived the sound of a man’s “voice” in the middle of the “Ulia or Elam” river who called out and gave instruction to “Gabriel” to cause Daniel to discern the meaning of the “mental imagery” given to him. We shall learn what “Gabriel” tells Daniel in our next few verses, but for now let us remember that Jehovah God knew everything that was happening and will happen to mankind. His purpose and resolve is to offer salvation to every person through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of the world and was raised from the dead 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 teach us by His Holy Spirit the value of knowing He has times, seasons and people within His control.

Next time Daniel says, “he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face”, 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".

Daniel Seeking the Meaning of the Vision - Daniel 8:15

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spoke, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed”, and in chapter eight and verse fifteen of his book Daniel said, “when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning” where we read,

And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.

The verse reads, “And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, …” Daniel began with the words, “and it came to pass” or “and the following happened and occurred”, “when I” which means “at the time and moment I, Daniel”, “even I Daniel” or “indeed I, Daniel whose name means God is my judge”, “had seen the vision” which means “noticed, discerned, perceived and observed the mental appearance and sighting”, “and sought for the meaning” or “and desired, requested and looked on behalf of the rendering and interpretation”. Daniel said following his observance of this “mental imagery” he desired to know the interpretation of it.

The verse goes on to say, “then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.” Daniel continued with the words, “then, behold” or “at that time, lo, look and consider”, “there stood before me” which means “there remained, persisted and was erected in front and in the presence of me, Daniel” “as the appearance of a man” or “similar and in likeness to the sight or visage of a male human being”. Daniel called upon his readers to consider that there was erected the visage of a male human being within his presence.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how he desired to know the interpretation of his “vision” after seeing it, and suddenly a male human form was erected in his presence. We can imagine how frightening this must have been for Daniel, however he was God’s chosen one in whom to reveal His plan. God loves people, and because we “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (See Romans 3:23), He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for our sins. God raised Him from the dead after three days, and when we surrender our lives to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us the power of His Holy Spirit not only to be guided into His truth, but also to have the ability to live in it regardless of the circumstances around us.

Next time Daniel says, “I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Two Thousand Three Hundred Days - Daniel 8:14

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spoke, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?”, and in chapter eight and verse fourteen of his book Daniel shared how the saint answers, “Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed” where we read,

And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days;

then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.

The verse reads, “And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days;” Daniel began with the words, “and he said unto me” or “and he, Gabriel, uttered, declared and proclaimed to me, Daniel”, “unto two thousand” which means “up until two thousand” “and three hundred days” or “and three hundred evenings and mornings”. Daniel shared how Gabriel told him the time would take two thousand and three hundred days until the following would happen.

The verse continues, “then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” Daniel added the words, “then shall the sanctuary” or “at that time will the sacred and holy worship place” “be cleansed” which means “will be made right, justified and righteous”. Daniel said Gabriel told him after the twenty three hundred days, the sacred worship place of God would be made righteous and whole.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel that the time for the “little horn” to have control over the “temple” of Jehovah God will be for twenty three hundred days, and following that time, the “sacred worship place” will be made righteous again. Once again we see how God has His timing for everything, and we have an opportunity to receive His Son Jesus who died on the cross and was raised from the dead after three days as our personal “Savior and Lord”. God gives us time to receive His Son Jesus into our lives, and when we do, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and cleanse our “temples” by His Holy Spirit and His purifying word - the Bible. (See Psalm 119:9; Ephesians 5:26; 1 John 1:9)

Next time Daniel says, “when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

A Saint Speaking to a Saint - Daniel 8:13

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said the little horn in his vision, “waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stomped upon them. Yes, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practiced, and prospered.”, and in chapter eight and verse thirteen of his book Daniel shared how one saint asked another, “How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation?” where we read,

Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spoke, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?

The verse reads, “Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spoke, …” Daniel began with the words, “then I heard” or “at that time I, Daniel, perceived, discerned and was given the ability to hear” “one saint speaking” which means “a particular sacred, holy and set apart one uttering, declaring and proclaiming”, “and another saint” or “and one other sacred, holy and set apart one” “said unto that certain saint which spoke” which means “uttered, declared, proclaimed and asked to that particular sacred, holy and set apart one who uttered, declared and proclaimed” the following question. Daniel shared how he was given the ability to hear a particular sacred one making a declaration, and another sacred one asked him the following question.

The verse goes on to say, “… How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?” Daniel continued with the words, “how long shall be the vision” or “for what length of time will exist the events of this mental appearance and sighting” “concerning the daily sacrifice” which means “about and in regards to the offering that was presented in a day by day routine”; “and the transgression of desolation” or “and the rebellion, desecration and revolt against God pertaining to that which is appalling, desolated and causes terror and ruin”, “to give both the sanctuary” which means “to grant, bestow and deliver up both the sacred and holy worship place of God” “and the host” or “and the organized spiritual army” “to be trodden under foot” which means “to be trampled upon”? Daniel said the one “holy one” asked the other “holy one” for what length of time would the events of this “vision” last, and for what length of time would the sacred “temple” and the heavenly army be trampled upon.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel that this “little horn” is allowed to stop the day by day sacrificial offering in God’s temple, and these two “holy ones” were discussing the length of time that would be allowed. God will indeed allow the “anti-christ” to have his way upon the earth for a certain amount of time, and we shall see how He reveals this to Daniel in our next few verses. (See Revelation 6:10; 11:2) God has His timing for all these events in keeping with His Divine purpose and will, and although for a while it may seem that His foe is winning against those who will be saved, God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the dead after three days. When we submit our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to assure us that He has everything under control, even those who oppose Him and His ways.

Next time Daniel shares how the saint answers, “Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

A Host Against the Daily Sacrifice Daniel 8:12

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said the little horn, “waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stomped upon them. Yes, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down”, and in chapter eight and verse twelve of his book Daniel said about the little horn, “an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression” where we read,

And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression,

and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practiced, and prospered.

The verse reads, “And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, …” Daniel began with the words, “and an host” or “and an army such as those who go out to war” “was given him” which means “was granted, ascribed and consecrated to him, the little horn” “against the daily sacrifice” or “in opposition to the day by day continual and perpetual offering” “by reason of transgression” which means “through the cause pertaining to rebellion, revolt and sin”. Daniel shared how the “army of heaven” was restrained from responding to the rebellion of this little horn.

The verse continues, “… and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practiced, and prospered.” Daniel added the words, “and it cast down the truth” or “and it, the little horn, opposed and threw to the ground that which is truthful, firm, reliable, faithful and sure” “to the ground” which means “to the land or earth”; “and it practiced” or “and it, the little horn, did works, produced and advanced”, “and prospered” which means “and made progress, was profitable and successful”. Daniel said the “little horn” overthrew that which is truthful, and his works were profitable and successful.

When we consider the words in this verse, we discover through Daniel how this “little horn” not only abolished the worship practices within God’s sacred temple, but also abolished that which is faithful and true. Whatever he did not only advanced, but also was profitable and successful. We may wonder, how could these things be? God has His purposes for every person, even those who do not align with Him. We shall see the fate of this man, the little horn, will not be good in his future, but for that time period, God will use Him. God desires to have an intimate personal relationship with everyone, and when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way for all who put their faith and trust in Him to be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and given understanding through His Holy Spirit about His oversight of all the affairs of people, even when they are opposed to His “truth” and ways.

Next time Daniel shares how one saint asks another, “How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Saturday, February 7, 2026

The Little Horn Magnifying Himself - Daniel 8:11

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven. And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land. And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stomped upon them”, and in chapter eight and verse eleven of his book Daniel shared how the little horn, “magnified himself even to the prince of the host” where we read,

Yes, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.

The verse reads, “Yes, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away,, …” Daniel began with the words, “yes, he magnified himself” or “even so and indeed he, the little horn, made important, increased and powerful his own self” “even to the prince of the host” which means “indeed toward the Commander and royal ruler belonging to the heavenly army of angels and envoys”, “and by him the daily sacrifice” or “and through him, the little horn, the offerings which were presented each day” “was taken away” which means “was removed and cancelled”. Daniel shared how this “little horn” will exalt himself indeed toward the Commander of the spiritual army and will eliminate the offerings that are presented each day.

The verse goes on to say, “… and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.” Daniel continued with the words, “and the place” or “and the fixed and established location” “of his sanctuary” which means “pertaining to his, the Commander of the host’s, sacred worship place and temple” “was cast down” or “was thrown in a descending direction”. Daniel shared how this “little horn” threw down the worship place or temple of the Commander of the heavenly hosts.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel more about the power this “little horn” would execute while ruling in the world. We shall learn more about him in our later verses, but for now let us consider the role of the antichrist in the world. (See Revelation 13:5-7) Although he will show himself to be powerful in this world, he will in no way or manner be more powerful that God. God gives power and authority to people according to His Divine purpose and will, and because people live for a short amount of time, God may use them in any way He desires. God wants a personal intimate relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised 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 teach us to revere and pray for authorities as they rule in the positions He gives them.

Next time Daniel says about the little horn, “an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Great Little Horn - Daniel 8:10

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven. And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land”, and in chapter eight and verse ten of his book Daniel shared how the little horn, “waxed great, even to the host of heaven” where we read,

And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven;

and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stomped upon them.

The verse reads, “And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven;” Daniel began with the words, “and it waxed great” or “and it, the particular horn that arose out of the four on the he goat, became exceedingly important, magnified and increased”, “even to the host of heaven” which means “indeed toward the army of angels which belong to the sky, atmosphere and sidereal heaven where God dwells and other spiritual beings”;. Daniel shared shared how the “rule” of this small horn that ascended to power from the “four horns” became so exceedingly increased that it became magnified among the angel army.

The verse continues, “and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stomped upon them.” Daniel added the words, “and it cast down” or “and it, the notable horn that preceded from the four horns, threw in a downward direction” “some of the hosts” which means “a number of the heavenly hosts” “and of the stars” or “and particular ones belonging to the stars in the sky” “to the ground” which means “toward the earth or land”, “and stomped upon them” or “and trampled them, the host and stars”. Daniel said the “small protrusion” threw a number of the “army of spiritual beings and stars in the sky” toward the earth and trampled them.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how this “little horn” was so powerful that he affected the “saints of heaven” and “angels”. In other words, he is to be powerful in this world and the spiritual world as well. God is in control of the powers who rule in the world, and we shall learn more about this “little horn” as we read ahead. For now let us keep in mind that God knew these things would and will come to be, and because He wants to redeem mankind from the penalty of sins which is death, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him 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 assure us that He has all people, nations and kingdoms under His Divine rule.

Next time Daniel says the little horn, “magnified himself even to the prince of the host”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…