The Word for Today with Ray

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…

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 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…

A Hand Touched Me - Daniel 10:10

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 in chapter ten and verse ten of his book Daniel said, “a hand touched me”, where we read,

And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.

The verse reads, “And, behold, an hand touched me, …” Daniel began with the words, “and, behold” or “and lo, look and consider”, “an hand touched me" which means “a hand from a body reached out and extended toward me, Daniel”. Daniel shared how a “hand” reached out to “touch” him.

The verse continues, “… which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.” Daniel added the words, “which set me upon my knees” or “that raised me, Daniel, up to his physical knees” “and upon the palms of my hands” which means “and on the hallow or flat part pertaining to my, Daniel’s, physical hands”. Daniel said the “hand” that “touched” him raised him to the position of being upon his “physical knees” and the flat part of his “hands”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how he was raised from being prostrate with his face toward the ground to his “palms and knees”. No doubt Daniel who was without strength was being helped by this “hand”. God’s omnipotence is way beyond our ability to handle, and yet, He desires to be in a personal intimate relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of everyone 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 the strength we need by His Holy Spirit when we are too weak to manage matters on our own.

Next time Daniel shares how Gabriel tells him, “O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto you”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Daniel Hears the Voice of His Words - Daniel 10:9

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.

The verse reads, “Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, …” Daniel began with the words, “yet heard I the voice” or “still I, Daniel, was given the faculty for hearing, perceiving and discerning the sound and noise” “of his words" which means “pertaining to his, the certain man’s, utterances, speeches, declarations and proclamations”: “and when I heard the voice” or “at the time and moment I, Daniel, perceived, discerned and distinguished the sound and noise” “of his words” which means “pertaining to his, the certain man’s, utterances, speeches, declarations and proclamations” the following happened. Daniel shared how he was given the faculty for hearing the sound and noise of utterances and declarations belonging to the “certain man” and afterward the following occurred.

The verse continues, “then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.” Daniel added the words, “then was I” or “at that time was I, Daniel” “in a deep sleep” which means “within an unconscious, heavy and fast stupor or slumber” “on my face” or “upon the front of my head and countenance”, “and my face toward the ground” which means “and the front of my head and countenance in the direction of the earth”. Daniel said he was in a heavy stupefaction and oblivious state at the time the “certain man” was speaking to him, and Daniel’s “face” was pointed in the direction of the earth as though he was prostrate on the “ground”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how the spoken “words” of the “certain man” who appeared to him caused him to be in an oblivious state. Daniel was on his “face”, prostrate upon the ground when he heard his voice. We can imagine how intimidating this was for Daniel, but let us remember that Jehovah God knew Daniel’s limitations, and He wanted Daniel to know what He was going to reveal. God loves us as well, and He desires that we have a personal intimate relationship with Him through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth so when He reveals something to us, we will be comforted by Him in the process.

Next time Daniel says, “behold, a hand touched me”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Daniel Alone With No Strength - Daniel 10:8

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”, and in chapter ten and verse eight of his book Daniel said, “I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me”, where we read,

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.

The verse reads, “Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me:” Daniel began with the words, “therefore I was left alone” or “wherefore, then and on this account I, Daniel, remained and was left behind”, “and saw this great vision" which means “and perceived, discerned and observed this important, distinguished and intense mental imagery, appearance and sighting”, “and there remained” or “and there continued or was left over” “no strength in me” which means “not any might, power or ability within me, Daniel”. Daniel shared how he remained by himself when he observed the intense mental imagery, and it caused him to be without any might or ability.

The verse goes on to say, “for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.” Daniel continued with the words, “for my comeliness” or “because, since and on account that my, Daniel’s, beauty, splendor, majesty and vigor” “was turned in me” which means “was overthrown, transformed and changed within me, Daniel” “into corruption” or “into ruin and utter destruction”, “and I retained no strength” which means “and I, Daniel, detained, maintained and kept not any power, might or ability”. Daniel said what beauty and splendor he thought he obtained was changed to ruin and destruction as he was left without vigor.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how Daniel reacted to the “vision” given to him. He was by himself when he observed the “vision”, and it was so intense that he became weakened was without any might or power. All the beauty Daniel thought he had about himself, turned into ruin or ugliness. This same effect takes place with the person who truly considers the holiness and beauty of God compared to themselves. God wanted Daniel to see these things, and He would take care of him in the process. God wants us to be in an intimate relationship with Him as well, and when we humble ourselves and surrender our lives to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins and was raised from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with the power of His Holy Spirit so we too may receive His beauty in place of the wretchedness that lies within us.

Next time Daniel says, “yet heard I the voice of his words”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Daniel Alone Saw the Vision - Daniel 10:7

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel: Then I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz. His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude”, and in chapter ten and verse seven of his book Daniel said, “I Daniel alone saw the vision”, where we read,

And 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.

The verse reads, “And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision;” Daniel began with the words, “and I Daniel alone” or “and I Daniel whose name means God is my judge all by myself” “saw the vision" which means “perceived, discerned and observed the mental imagery, appearance and sighting”: “for the men” or “because, since and on account that the male human beings ” “that were with me” which means “who were alongside and accompanied me, Daniel” “saw not the vision” or “did not perceive, discern and observe the mental imagery, appearance and sighting”. Daniel shared how only he saw the mental imagery because the male human being with him did not observe it.

The verse continues, “but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.” Daniel added the words, “but a great quaking” or “however, notwithstanding, nonetheless and moreover a large, intense and exceedingly loud anxiety, trembling and extreme fear” “fell upon them” which means “was fallen down and settled upon them, the men that were with Daniel”, “so that they fled” or “which caused the men to run and to hurry away” “to hide themselves” which means “to withdraw, make secret and conceal their own selves”. Daniel shared how the men with him had an extremely massive fear come over them which caused them to withdraw, run away and hide.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how the “men with him” responded to the appearance of the “certain man”. Suddenly an extreme fear and trembling came upon the men, and it terrorized them to such an intense decree that they quickly ran away from that area and concealed themselves. We can imagine how intense this experience was, and even though these men did not see the “vision”, they were afraid. God knows our limits, and although we may be extremely afraid at times, He has everything under His control. God knew we needed to be saved from our sins because those sins lead to death and eternal separation from Him, 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 given His Holy Spirit who will help us to receive His love which shall cast out all fear. (See 1 John 4:18)

Next time Daniel says, “I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

More About the Certain Man - Daniel 10:6

His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

The verse reads, “His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, …” Daniel began with the words, “his body also” or “his, the certain man’s, physical body even so and indeed” “was like the beryl" which means “existed similar and in likeness to the precious stone or Simi-precious gem which is perhaps a chrysolite, yellow jasper or other yellow colored stone”, “and his face” or “and his, the certain man’s, front of the head and countenance” “as the appearance of lightning” which means “was similar and in likeness to the sight, vision or spectacle of flashing bright glitter or light”, “and his eyes” or “and his, the certain man’s, physical eyes for seeing and vision” “as lamps of fire” which means “similar and in likeness to torches or burning flambeaus or flames”. Daniel shared how the “certain man” he observed by the “Tigris” river had a physical body that was similar to a precious yellow colored stone, his countenance like flashing bright light and physical “eyes” similar to burning torches.

The verse goes on to say, “… and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.” Daniel continued with the words, “and his arms” or “and his, the certain man’s, physical forearms and shoulders” “and his feet” which means “and his, the certain man’s, physical feet” “like in color to polished brass” or “similar and in likeness to the color of burnished and brightened copper or bronze”, “and the voice of his words” which means “and the sound and noise belonging to the certain man’s utterances, declarations and proclamations” “like the voice of a multitude” or “similar and in likeness to the sound and noise belonging to a murmuring, rushing, abundant crowd of people”. Daniel said the physical “arms and feet” of the “certain man” were similar to the color of burnished copper or bronze while the utterance of his sounded words were in likeness to a massive crowd.

When we consider the words in this verse, we discover more of the description of this “certain man” that Daniel observed by the “Tigris” river. With a “physical body” similar to a precious yellow stone, a face like flashing light, eyes like flaming torches, arms and feet similar to burnished copper or bronze and the noise and sound of his utterances similar to a massive crowd of people, he must have been quite the sight to see. We can imagine Daniel’s response, and we shall see what this “certain man” has to say in our next few verses, but for now let us be reminded that God’s resources are eternal and abundant. When He sent His Son Jesus into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days, He provided forgiveness of sins, everlasting life and His Holy Spirit to guide into the truth all who believe and trust in Him as their “Savior and Lord”. Let all who read these words know God is in control of every being, both physical and spiritual, and He uses them according to His Divine purpose and will.

Next time Daniel says, “I Daniel alone saw the vision”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…