The Word for Today with Ray

Thursday, February 19, 2026

How Can the Servant of This My Lord Talk? - Daniel 10:17

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how Gabriel said, “behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spoke, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength”, and in chapter ten and verse seventeen of his book Daniel shared how he asked Gabriel, “how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord?”, where we read,

For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me,

straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.

The verse reads, “For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord?” Daniel began with the words, “for how can the servant” or “because, since and on this account in what way is a man-servant, man of servile condition and slave” “of this my lord” which means “belonging to this, Gabriel, firm and strong master” “talk with this my lord” or “speak, make declarations and converse with this my, Daniel’s, firm and strong master”? Daniel asked Gabriel because he was a “servant” before him, how was he able to say anything to him.

The verse continues, “for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.” Daniel added the words, “for as for me” or “because, since and on account on behalf of me, Daniel”, “straightway there remained no strength in me” which means “immediately there existed not any power, might or ability left within me, Daniel”, “neither is there breath left in me” or “no and not in any way is there wind, divine inspiration or intellect within me, Daniel”. Daniel said he was immediately affected by the “vision” given to him which caused him to be without any power, might, ability, divine inspiration or intellect.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how he questioned Gabriel concerning his ability to even “talk” with him after being immediately affected by the “vision” given to him. The “vision” caused him to be without any might, ability and divine inspiration at all. We can imagine how weak this made him feel. Paul the apostle wrote, “I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” ( 2 Corinthians 12:10), and God will be with us when we submit ourselves to 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 personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and fill us with His Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide us into all truth for whatever comes into our lives.

Next time Daniel says “there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man”, 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".

Touching Daniel’s Lips - Daniel 10:16

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how Gabriel said, “Now I am come to make you understand what shall befall your people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days. And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb”, and in chapter ten and verse sixteen of his book Daniel shared how Gabriel said, “one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips”, where we read,

And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spoke, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.

The verse reads, “And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spoke, and said unto him that stood before me, …” Daniel began with the words, “and, behold” or “and, lo, look and consider”, “one like the similitude” which means “a particular one who was similar and in likeness” “of the sons of men” or “pertaining to the male offspring and progeny belonging to human beings” “touched my lips” which means “reached forward and extended his hand to my, Daniel’s, physical lips of the mouth”: “then I opened my mouth” or “at that time I, Daniel, freed and let loose my, Daniel’s, orifice in the face used for eating, drinking and speaking”, “and spoke” which means “and responded and replied”, “and said unto him” or “and uttered, declared and proclaimed to Gabriel” “that stood before me” which means “who was erected and standing in front and in the presence of me, Daniel”. Daniel shared how a being who was in likeness to the progeny of a male human being “touched” his physical lips, and he set free his “mouth” speak and say the following words to Gabriel who was standing in front of him.

The verse goes on to say, “… O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.” Daniel continued with the words, “O my lord” or “O my, Daniel’s, firm and strong master”, “by the vision” which means “through the means of the mental imagery, appearance and sighting” “my sorrows are turned upon me” or “my, Daniel’s, pang, pain and mental pressure have overthrown, changed and transformed me, Daniel”, “and I have retained no strength” which means “and I, Daniel, not have withheld, detained or kept any power, might or ability”. Daniel said he spoke to his strong master about the mental imagery and the effects that it had upon him which included pain, mental pressure and lack of strength within him.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how Daniel was physically and mentally affected by the “vision” given to him. He was unable to talk until the one like a “son of man touched” his “mouth”, and afterward he told Gabriel how his pain and mental pressure change him so that he had no might or ability. We can only imagine what an experience like this would have upon a person, but we can be assured that God will be with us should these times arise. When we surrender our lives to God’s Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the grave after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us ability and strength in our time of need according to His perfect will and plan for us. (See Philippians 4:19)

Next time Daniel asks, “how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Face to the Ground and Dumb - Daniel 10:15

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how Gabriel said, “Now I am come to make you understand what shall befall your people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days”, and in chapter ten and verse fifteen of his book Daniel said, “I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb”, where we read,

And when he had spoken such words unto me,

I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.

The verse reads, “And when he had spoken such words unto me, …” Daniel began with the words, “and when he had spoken” or “and at the time and moment he, Gabriel, declared, proclaimed and uttered” “such words unto me” which means “these utterances, declarations and proclamations to me, Daniel” the following happened. Daniel began to share what happened after Gabriel made his declarations to him.

The verse continues, “… I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.” Daniel added the words, “I set my face” or “I, Daniel, stretched out, extended and caused my, Daniel’s, front of the head or countenance to bow” “toward the ground” which means “to the earth”, “and I became dumb” or “and I, Daniel, was bound and put to silence”. Daniel said he extended his countenance toward the land or earth and was put to silence after hearing the proclamations of Gabriel.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how he responded to being told that Gabriel was dispatched to him to help him know what would happen to his people in the last days. Immediately Daniel fell forward with his countenance toward the earth in a prostrate position, and he was unable to speak. We can imagine the terror he experienced with such a weighty prophecy entrusted to him. God was in control of all these things, and although Daniel was weakened by this awesome experience, God cause Gabriel to help him. God knows our limits as well, and because we have sinned against Him and our sins have separated us from a personal relationship with Him, 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 yield our lives to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit to give us the strength we need to bear whatever “vision” or insight He brings into our lives.

Next time Daniel says, “one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

In the Latter Days - Daniel 10:14

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how Gabriel, “said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto you, and stand upright: for unto you am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that you did set your heart to understand, and to chasten yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I am come for your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia”, and in chapter ten and verse fourteen of his book Daniel shared how Gabriel said, “I am come to make you understand what shall befall your people in the latter days”, where we read,

Now I am come to make you understand what shall befall your people in the latter days:

for yet the vision is for many days.

The verse reads, “Now I am come to make you understand what shall befall your people in the latter days:” Daniel began with the words, “now I am come” or “at this time I, Gabriel, have entered and come on the scene” “to make you understand” which means “to cause you, Daniel, to know, perceive, discern and distinguish” “what shall befall your people” or “that which will encounter, meet and happen to your, Daniel’s, human beings” “in the latter days” which means “within the after, hindmost and last division of times or periods”. Daniel shared how Gabriel told him he was assigned to help Daniel know and discern what would happen to his “people” within the last “days” or time period.

The verse goes on to say, “for yet the vision is for many days.” Daniel continued with the words, “for yet the vision” or “because, since and on account that besides, again and still the mental imagery, appearance or sighting” “is for many days” which means “exists on behalf of a great number of sunsets to sunrises and sunrises to sunsets”. Daniel shared how Gabriel told him the mental imagery he observed covered a great number of time periods.

When we think through Daniel's words in this verse, we discover how Gabriel was assigned to him to help him know what would happen to his “people” (the people of Israel) during the last “days” because the “vision” he observed concerned a great number of sunrises to sunsets. We shall see what Gabriel revealed to him in future verses, but for now let us be mindful that God was aware of all the events which shall occur with mankind. Because we have sinned against Him and those sins lead to death, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of everyone. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide us with the assurance of His Holy Spirit that He has the times, events and circumstances of the world and our lives within His control.

Next time Daniel says, “I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Prince of Persia’s Delay - Daniel 10:13

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how Gabriel, “said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto you, and stand upright: for unto you am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that you did set your heart to understand, and to chasten yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I am come for your words”, and in chapter ten and verse thirteen of his book Daniel shared how Gabriel said, “the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days”, where we read,

But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days:

but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

The verse reads, “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days:” Daniel began with the words, “but the prince” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the ruler, leader, chief, chieftain and official”, “of the kingdom of Persia” which means “pertaining to the royal reign and rule belonging to Persia whose name means pure or splendid and referred to the empire Persia; encompassed the territory from India on the east to Egypt and Thrace on the west, and included, besides portions of Europe and Africa, the whole of western Asia between the Black Sea, the Caucasus, the Caspian and the Jaxartes on the north, the Arabian desert, the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean on the south” “withstood me” or “endured and took a stand against me, Gabriel, ” “one and twenty days” which means “twenty-one sunsets to sunsets”. Daniel said Gabriel told him his prayer was “heard” right away, however, the spiritual ruler over the region of “Persia” took a stand against him for twenty-one days.

The verse goes on to say, “but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.” Daniel continued with the words, “but, lo, Michael” or “however, look, behold and consider Michael whose name means who is like God”, “one of the chief princes” which means “a particular one of the primary and foremost rulers, leaders, chiefs, chieftains and officials”, “came to help me” or “entered for the purposes of succoring, supporting and assisting me, Daniel”; “and I remained there” which means “and I, Daniel, continued and stayed in that location” “with the kings of Persia” or “alongside and accompanying the royal rulers and leaders belonging to Persia whose name means pure or splendid”. Daniel shared how “Michael the Archangel” who is one of the foremost rulers came to him to give Gabriel assistance, and it allowed Gabriel to remain in “Persia”. (See Daniel 12:1; Jude 1:9; Revelation 12:7)

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how Gabriel wanted to come earlier to assist him, however, he was in a battle with the spiritual ruler over “Persia” until such time that “Michael the Archangel” came to help him fight. Because of this spiritual battle, Gabriel was delayed. Paul the apostle wrote, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (See Ephesians 6:12), and many times because we cannot see them, like Daniel, there is a spiritual battle going on over the issues we experience. God wants us to know He is in control of all these spiritual entities, and we have no need to worry when we surrender our lives to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. God will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to assure us that when it appears our prayers are not being answered, there may be a spiritual battle engaging outside of our sight and knowledge.

Next time Daniel shares how Gabriel says, “I am come to make you understand what shall befall your people in the latter days”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Fear Not, Daniel - Daniel 10:12

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how Gabriel, “said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto you, and stand upright: for unto you am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling”, and in chapter ten and verse twelve of his book Daniel shared how Gabriel said, “from the first day that you did set your heart to understand, and to chasten yourself before your God, your words were heard”, where we read,

Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that you did set your heart to understand, and to chasten yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I am come for your words.

The verse reads, “Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that you did set your heart to understand, …” Daniel began with the words, “then said he unto me” or “at that time he, Gabriel, uttered, declared and proclaimed to me, Daniel”, “fear not” which means “do not dread, be afraid, astonished or terrified”, “Daniel” whose name means “God is my judge”: “for from the first day” which means “because, since and on account that from the initial sunset to sunset” “that you did set your heart to understand” or “that you, Daniel, ascribed, consecrated and dedicated your soul and mind to know, perceive and discern” the following occurred. Daniel shared how Gabriel told him not to be afraid, because from the initial “day” that he consecrated his soul and mind to discern and comprehend what he heard, the following happened.

The verse continues, “… and to chasten yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I am come for your words.” Daniel added the words, “and to chasten yourself” or “and to occupy, busy, afflict and humble your, Daniel’s, own personal self” “before your God” which means “in front and in the presence of your, Daniel’s, Supreme Deity”, “your words were heard” or “your, Daniel’s, utterances, declarations and proclamations existed as perceived, discerned and distinguished”, “and I am come for your words” which means “and I, Gabriel, am brought near, gathered and brought in on behalf of your, Daniel’s, utterances, declarations and proclamations” Daniel shared how Gabriel also noted the way he humbled and occupied himself in God’s presence, and told him that his utterances were perceived and he was dispatched to him for those “words”.

When we consider Daniel’s words in this verse, we discover how Gabriel attempted to calm the terror within Daniel, and he told him his words were heard from the initial day that Daniel desired to know what the words spoken to him meant. Daniel humbled and afflicted himself in the presence of God, and God heard him. Gabriel was dispatched to him for this cause. God knew Daniel, loved him and “heard” his words. God knows us, loves us, cares for us and proved His love when He dispatched 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 believe and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth as He “hears” us when we call out to Him.

Next time Daniel shares how Gabriel says, “the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Daniel Understand - Daniel 10:11

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said,, “I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands”, and in chapter ten and verse eleven of his book Daniel shared how Gabriel said, “O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto you”, where we read,

And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto you, and stand upright: for unto you am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.

The verse reads, “And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto you, and stand upright: for unto you am I now sent.” Daniel began with the words, “and he said unto me or “and he, the certain man Gabriel, uttered, declared and proclaimed to me, Daniel”, “O Daniel" which means “O Daniel whose name means God is my judge”, “a man greatly beloved” or “a male human being who is desirable, precious, goodly, beautiful and pleasant”, “understand the words” which means “discern, consider, perceive and comprehend the utterances, declarations and proclamations” “that I speak unto you” or “that I, Gabriel, utter, declare and proclaim to you, Daniel”, “and stand upright” which means “and erect your body in a standing attitude”: “For unto you” or “because, since and on account that to you, Daniel” “am I now sent” which means “am I, Gabriel, at this time dispatched and assigned”. Daniel shared how “Gabriel” told him he was very desirable and precious, and he wanted him to know and perceive the declarations that he made to him. Daniel was instructed to stand up because he was to consider and discern the utterances that Gabriel who was assigned to him would tell him.

The verse goes on to say, “And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.” Daniel continued with the words, “and when he had spoken this word unto me” or “and at the time and moment he, Gabriel, declared, uttered and proclaimed the declaration to me, Daniel”, “I stood trembling” which means “I, Daniel, remained standing in a quaking and shuddering condition.” Daniel said at the time Gabriel declared his words to him, he remained shuddering and quaking while standing.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how he was considered to be extremely loved, and therefore he was to have the knowledge of the utterances that Gabriel would speak to him. He was instructed to stand up because Gabriel was assigned to him, and as Daniel remained in an upright position, he began to quake as he stood. God had a plan, and He was working it out. He used Gabriel and Daniel to convey His message, and 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 used in God’s Kingdom in whatever way He desires and with whatever He reveals to us even if we “tremble” while being assigned.

Next time Daniel shares how Gabriel says, “from the first day that you did set your heart to understand, and to chasten yourself before your God, your words were heard”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…