In the First Year of Darius the Mede - Daniel 11:1

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me. And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto you, be strong, yes, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for you have strengthened me. Then said he, Know you wherefore I come unto you? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come. But I will show you that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holds with me in these things, but Michael your prince”, and in chapter eleven and verse one of his book Daniel shared what happened, “in the first year of Darius the Mede” where we read,

Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him.

The verse reads, “Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, …” Daniel began with the words, “also I in the first year” or “even so and indeed I, Gabriel, within the initial division of annual sunrises to sunset” “of Darius the Mede” which means “belonging to Darius whose name means lord and was known as Darius the Mede, the son of Ahasuerus, king of the Chaldeans, who succeeded to the Babylonian kingdom on the death of Belshazzar; probably the same as "Astyages" the last king of the Medes (538 BC)”. Daniel referred to the initial annual set of days pertaining to the rule and reign of “Darius” who was the ruler from Media. 

The verse continues, “… even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him.” Daniel added the words, “even I” or “indeed and also I, Gabriel”, “stood to confirm” which means “rose up, remained and was in a standing position to encourage, make firm, resolute and courageous” “and to strengthen him” or “and to protect, give refuge and a stronghold to him, Darius”. Daniel shared how Gabriel told him that he remained within a standing position to encourage and give refuge to “Darius the Mede”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how “Gabriel” was dispatched during the initial “year” of the reign of “Darius” to encourage and protect him. Rulers and leaders in the world often forget or ignore the fact that God put them in office and will encourage them in their work as well as protect them from harmful foes especially when they yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of the world. God raised Jesus from the dead after three days, and 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 equip us with His Holy Spirit who will encourage us and give us protection in keeping with His Divine purpose and will.

Next time Daniel shares how Gabriel told him, “there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia”, 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".

 

What is Noted in the Scripture - Daniel 10:21

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me. And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto you, be strong, yes, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for you have strengthened me. Then said he, Know you wherefore I come unto you? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come”, and in chapter ten and verse twenty-one of his book Daniel shared how Gabriel said, “I will show you that which is noted in the scripture of truth” where we read,

But I will show you that which is noted in the scripture of truth: 

and there is none that holds with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

The verse reads, “But I will show you that which is noted in the scripture of truth:” Daniel began with the words, “but I will show you” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover I, Gabriel, shall tell, make known, declare and expound to you, Daniel” “that which is noted” which means “what is inscribed and recorded” “in the scripture of truth” or “within the writing, document, edict and register pertaining to that which is firm, faithful, reliable and sure”. Daniel shared how Gabriel told him he would reveal what is recorded within the reliable and sure document. 

The verse continues, “and there is none that holds with me in these things, but Michael your prince.” Daniel added the words, “and there is none” or “and there exists not one” “that holds with me” which means “who prevails, becomes strong and courageous alongside and accompanying me, Gabriel” “in these things” or “within these spiritual matters and entities”, “but Michael your prince” which means “except for Michael whose name means who is like God your, Daniel’s, spiritual leader, ruler, chief, chieftain and official”. Daniel shared how Gabriel told him no one else was with him in the spiritual battle with the exception of “Michael the Archangel”. 

When we consider Daniel's words in this verse, we discover how “Gabriel” wanted him to be aware that he would only convey to him what was inscribed within the Holy Writ or document, and he shared how no one else would help him other than “Michael the Archangel” in these spiritual battles and matters. God knew everything that would happen to Israel, and because He wanted them to know, He chose Daniel who was accompanied by “Gabriel and Michael” the highest of ruling angels to accompany the presentation of what He was minded to do. God’s plan of salvation was to be revealed, and Daniel would receive it and write it down. “Gabriel” was given the assignment to tell Daniel, and because the importance of it was so great, a major spiritual battle ensued which called for “Michael” to get involved. God wants to save us from the penalty of death for our sins, (See Romans 6:23) and this is why He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. 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 who will lead and guide us into the “truth” of His Holy “scripture” so we may live in a manner that is pleasing to Him.  

Next time we begin a new chapter and see Daniel share what happened, “in the first year of Darius the Mede”, 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".

Do You Know Why I Came? - Daniel 10:20

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me. And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto you, be strong, yes, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for you have strengthened me”, and in chapter ten and verse twenty of his book Daniel shared how Gabriel said, “Know you wherefore I come unto you?” where we read,

Then said he, Know you wherefore I come unto you? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.

The verse reads, “Then said he, Know you wherefore I come unto you?” Daniel began with the words, “then said he” or “at that time uttered, declared, proclaimed and asked he, the one who appeared as a man who was Gabriel”, “know you wherefore” which means “do you, Daniel, perceive, recognize, consider and discern the reason and cause that” “I come unto you” or “I, Gabriel, arise and come forth to you, Daniel”? Daniel shared how “Gabriel” asked him whether he knew the reason that he was dispatched to him. 

The verse goes on to say, “and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.” Daniel continued with the words, “and now will I return” or “and at this time I, Gabriel, shall turn back” “to fight” which means “to do battle and make war” “with the prince of Persia” or “with the ruler, leader, chief, chieftain and official belonging to the Persia whose name means pure and splendid and was referred to as 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”: “and when I am gone forth” which means “and at the time and moment I, Gabriel, have exited, left and departed”, “lo, the prince of Grecia shall come” or “behold, look and consider the ruler, leader, chief, chieftain and official belonging to Grecia or Greece will arise and come forth”. Daniel shared how “Gabriel” told him he was going back to engage in battle with the spiritual ruler and leader over “Persia”, but after he departed, the spiritual ruler and leader over “Greece” would arrive.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how “Gabriel” was going to go back to engage in battle with the spiritual ruler over “Persia”, however, when he departed, the spiritual ruler over “Greece” would arrive. Spiritual warfare is taking place all over the world, (See Ephesians 6:12) and God oversees all of it. Satan and his evil demons are doing everything they can to keep people from receiving God’s Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days as their personal “Savior and Lord”. Battles ensue, but when we put our faith and trust in Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with the power of His Holy Spirit to keep from falling prey to the spiritual entities who desire to destroy us. 

Next time Daniel shares how the man says, “I will show you that which is noted in the scripture of truth”, 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".

Fear Not, Peace and Be Strong - Daniel 10:19

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me”, and in chapter ten and verse nineteen of his book Daniel shared how the man said, “fear not: peace be unto you, be strong, yes, be strong” where we read,

And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto you, be strong, yes, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for you have strengthened me.

The verse reads, “And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto you, be strong, yes, be strong.” Daniel began with the words, “And said” or “and uttered, declared and proclaimed”, “O man greatly beloved” which means “O male human being who is desirable, precious and beautiful”, “fear not” or “do not be afraid or in awe or dread”: “peace be unto you” which means “completeness, soundness, welfare, health and prosperity be to you, Daniel”, “be strong” or “prevail, be firm, courageous and resolute”, “yes, be strong” which means “even so and indeed prevail, be firm, courageous and resolute”. Daniel shared how the one like the appearance of a man told him that he was precious and beautiful, and he encouraged him with soundness, prosperity and courageous resolution.  

The verse continues, “And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for you have strengthened me.” Daniel added the words, “and when he had spoken unto me” or “and at the time and moment he, the one who appeared as a man, had talked, conversed and made declarations to me, Daniel”, “I was strengthened” which means “I, Daniel, existed as firm, courageous and resolute”, “and said” or “and uttered, declared and proclaimed”, “let my lord speak” which means”allow and permit my, Daniel’s, firm and strong master utter and make declarations and proclamations”; “for you have strengthened me” or “because, since and on account that you, the one who appeared as a man, have caused firmness, courage and resolution to come upon me, Daniel”. Daniel said at the time the one who appeared like a man spoke to him, He regained his courage and resolution and wanted him to talk to him because he was made strong again. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how the one who appeared unto him encouraged him not to be afraid and to allow tranquility to come upon him. He wanted Daniel to be firm and courageous, and afterward Daniel was. This caused Daniel to desire to hear what he had to say. Sometimes we need to be “strengthened” to “hear” the words of God, and even though they are for our betterment, when we are weak, we may sometimes resist. God knows our weaknesses, 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 us to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and provided with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us the ability not only to hear what He has to say, but also to obey Him.

Next time Daniel shares how Gabriel asks him, “Know you wherefore I come unto you?”, 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".

 

One Like the Appearance of a Man Touches Daniel - Daniel 10:18

In the book of Daniel, Daniel 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. 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”, and in chapter ten and verse eighteen of his book Daniel said, “there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man”, where we read,

Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, 

and he strengthened me,

The verse reads, “Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, …” Daniel began with the words, “then there came again” or “at that time there arose and entered another time” “and touched me” which means “and extended and stretched forth one to touch me, Daniel” “one like the appearance of a man” or “a particular one similar and in likeness to the sight or appearance of a male human being”. Daniel shared how another certain one similar to a male human being stretched himself forth to “touch” him. 

The verse goes on to say, “… and he strengthened me, …” Daniel continued with the words, “and he” or “and he, the one who looked like a man” “strengthened me” which means “made strong, courageous, resolute and firm me, Daniel”. Daniel shared how the one who appeared similar to a male human being restored his strength and courage. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how a particular one who appeared like a “man” came to where he was and “touched” him, and Daniel was made strong and courageous because of it. God knows when we are weak even as Jesus said, “Come unto me all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (See Matthew 11:28). We gain that “rest” when we surrender our lives to God’s Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. As we put our faith and trust in Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who is known as the “Comforter” to bring us strength and courage whenever we find ourselves in need. (See John 14:16)

Next time Daniel shares how the man says, “fear not: peace be unto you, be strong, yes, be strong”, 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".

 

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…

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".