The Word for Today with Ray

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Depart Not Hence - Judges 6:18

In the book of Judges we learned how Jehovah God told Gideon, “Go in this your might, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent you? And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with you, and you shall smite the Midianites as one man. And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in your sight, then show me a sign that you talk with me”, and in chapter six and verse eighteen of Judges, we learn how Gideon said, “Depart not hence, I pray you”, where we read,

Depart not hence, I pray you, until I come unto you, and bring forth my present,

and set it before you. And he said, I will tarry until you come again.

The verse reads, “Depart not hence, I pray you, until I come unto you, and bring forth my present, …” The writer began with the words, “depart not hence” which means “do not leave from this place”, “I pray you” or “I, Gideon, beseech, entreat and request of you, Jehovah God”, “until I come unto you” which means “till such time that I, Gideon, enter in and besiege you, Jehovah God”, “and bring forth my present” or “and present, offer, bestow and donate my, Gideon’s, sacrifice, gift and tribute”. The writer shared how “Gideon” asked Jehovah God not to leave him till such time that he approached Him and presented his gift to Him.

The verse goes on to say, “… and set it before you. And he said, I will tarry until you come again.” The writer added the words, “and set it before you” which means “and put, place and establish it, the gift, in front and in the presence of you, Jehovah God”, “and he said” or “and he, Jehovah God, uttered, declared, proclaimed and answered”, “I will tarry until you come again” which means “I, Jehovah God, shall remain and stay till such time that you, Gideon, return”. The writer shared how Gideon wanted Jehovah God to remain in that location till such time that he presented a gift to Him, and God told him He would stay till such time that Gideon returned.

When we consider the words in this verse, we see how “Gideon” presented an offer to God. He desired that God not depart from where they were till such time that he could return with a gift to present to Him, and God told Him He would stay. The amazing part of this story is that God allowed “Gideon” to make a deal, and because He loves to relate to all of us, He makes great efforts to have a personal intimate relationship with us. For example, He 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 ourselves to Him, he will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and give us assurance that He will be present when we bring our gifts to present before Him. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:20)

Next time we learn how, “Gideon went in, and made ready a kid”, 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".

If I Have Found Grace in Your Sight - Judges 6:17

In the book of Judges we learned how Jehovah God told Gideon, “Go in this your might, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent you? And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with you, and you shall smite the Midianites as one man”, and in chapter six and verse seventeen of Judges, we learn how Gideon said, “If now I have found grace in your sight”, where we read,

And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in your sight,

then show me a sign that you talk with me.

The verse reads, “And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in your sight, …” The writer began with the words, “and he said unto him” which means “and he, Gideon, uttered, declared and proclaimed to him, Jehovah God”, “if now I have found grace” or “whether and in case I, Gideon, have attained, secured and acquired favor, charm, elegance and acceptance” “in your sight” which means “within your, Jehovah God’s, vision and presence”. The writer shared how “Gideon” presented the idea that perhaps he had gained acceptance and favor in Jehovah God’s presence, and if so, the following should occur.

The verse continues, “… then show me a sign that you talk with me.” The writer added the words, “then show me a sign” which means “at this point, time and moment work, make and produce for me, Gideon, a signal, distinguishing mark, token and omen” “that you talk with me” or “that you, Jehovah God, speak, declare and converse with me, Gideon”. The writer shared how Gideon asked Jehovah God for a signal or distinguishing mark that He was actually conversing with him.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how “Gideon” had some doubts as to whether he had favor with God, and he desired to have a signal or token that would prove that it was really God speaking to him. We may be able to relate to this. Sometimes we wonder if God is really speaking to us or not, and we can be assured that He has spoken to us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all true and help us know when He is speaking to our hearts concerning a work in His Kingdom. (See Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 1:1-2)

Next time we learn how Gideon says, “Depart not hence, I pray you”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Angel Touching the Flesh and Cakes - Judges 6:21

And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with you,

and you shall smite the Midianites as one man.

The verse reads, “And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with you,” The writer began with the words, “and the LORD said unto him” which means “and Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the One True God uttered, declared and proclaimed to him, Gideon”, “Surely I” or “yes and indeed I, Jehovah God” “will be with you” which means “shall exist alongside and accompanying you, Gideon”. The writer shared how Jehovah God told “Gideon” that He would indeed accompany him.

The verse goes on to say, “and you shall smite the Midianites as one man.” The writer continued with the words, “and you shall smite the Midianites” which means “and you, Gideon, will strike, hit, beat and slay the Midianites or Midian whose name means ‘strife’ and was the son of Abraham by Keturah and progenitor of the tribe of Midianites or Arabians ” “as one man” or “similar and in likeness to a single male human being”. The writer shared how Jehovah God told “Gideon” that He would accompany him, and that he would slay the people of Midian like a single man.

When we mediate upon the words in this verse, we see how Jehovah God assured “Gideon” that He would accompany him and give him the power to defeat the “Midianites” in such a way that it would be like he was defeating them like one man. God has the power to strengthen anyone according to His will, and when we yield to His Son Jesus who came into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and provide ability that is beyond our imagination for what He desires to do. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:20)

Next time we learn how Gideon says, “If now I have found grace in your sight”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Monday, September 28, 2026

Wherewith Shall I Save Israel? - Judges 6:15

In the book of Judges we learned how Jehovah God told Gideon, “Go in this your might, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent you?”, and in chapter six and verse fifteen of Judges, we learn how Gideon, “said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel?”, where we read,

And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel?

behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.

The verse reads, “And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel?” The writer began with the words, “and he said unto him” which means “and he, Gideon, uttered, declared and proclaimed to him, the messenger of Jehovah God”, “Oh my Lord” or “O my, “Gideon’s” master”, “wherewith shall I save Israel” which means “how will I, Gideon, rescue, deliver and make victorious Israel whose name means ‘God prevails” and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”? The writer shared how “Gideon” asked the angel whom he called “lord” how he would ever deliver “Israel”.

The verse continues, “behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” The writer added the words, “behold, my family is poor in Manasseh” which means “lo, look and consider, my, Gideon’s, relatives exist as impoverished within Manasseh whose name means ‘causing to forget’ and was the eldest son of Joseph and progenitor of the tribe of Manasseh”, “and I am the least” or “and I, Gideon, exist s the most insignificant and youngest” “in my father’s house” which means “within my, Gideon’s, male progenitor and ancestor’s abode, dwelling place and habitation”. The writer shared how “Gideon” began to give reasons and excuses for how he was not suitable for rescuing “Israel” such as being “poor” within “Manasseh” and existing as the youngest and most insignificant person within their dwelling place.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how “Gideon” responded to Jehovah God’s commissioning him to rescue “Israel” from the “Midianites”. He began to give reasons why he was not befitting for the job. “Gideon” did not believe he was equipped for this task because his “family” was “poor” and he was the youngest one among his “family”. God loves to use people who are impoverished in conditions in this world because they know they need help from Him to accomplish His will in their lives. God knew “Gideon’s” conditions, and He knows ours. 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 through faith and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to His perfect will and plan for us in His Kingdom. (See John 3:16; 16:13, Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:20)

Next time we learn how “the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with you”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Go in This Your Might - Judges 6:14

In the book of Judges we learned how, “there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor. And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD has forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites”, and in chapter six and verse fourteen of Judges, we learn how, “the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this your might”, where we read,

And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this your might,

and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent you?

The verse reads, “And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this your might, …” The writer began with the words, “and the LORD” which means “and Jehovah who is the existing One and is the proper name for the One True God” “looked upon him” or “faced and gazed on him, Gideon”, “and said” which means “and uttered, declared and proclaimed”, “go in this your might” or “walk forward, depart and carry forth your, Gideon’s, strength and power”. The writer shared how Jehovah God gazed upon “Gideon” and instructed him to depart in his strength and power.

The verse goes on to say, “… and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent you?” The writer continued with the words, “and you shall save Israel” which means “and you, Gideon, will rescue and deliver Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendant of Jacob” “from the hand of the Midianites” or “separate and apart from the power, might and authority belonging to the Midianites whose name means ‘strife’ and was a son of Abraham by Keturah and progenitor of the tribe of Midianites or Arabians”: “have not I sent you” which means “is it not true that I, Jehovah God, dispatched and assigned you, Gideon”? The writer shared how Jehovah God told “Gideon” that he would rescue and save “Israel” from the power and might belonging to the people of “Midian”, and He asked whether “Gideon” knew that Jehovah God dispatched him.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how Jehovah God told Gideon to proceed forward with his power and authority and rescue “Israel” from the people of “Midian”. He questioned “Gideon” as to whether he understood that God assigned him to this task. God called upon “Gideon” not for who he saw himself to be, but for who Jehovah God saw him to be. God knows us best, and when He 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, He made the way for us to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and given His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us abilities that are well beyond our own expectations. (See John 3:16; Ephesians 3:20)

Next time we learn how Gideon, “said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Why Has This Befallen Us? - Judges 6:13

And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD has forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.

The verse reads, “And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us?” The writer began with the words, “and Gideon” whose name means “‘hewer’ and was the youngest son of Joash of the Abiezites and the fifth judge of Israel who led the Israelites against the Midianites” “said unto him” or “uttered, declared, proclaimed and asked him, Jehovah God’s messenger”, “Oh my Lord” which means “O my, Gideon’s, master” “if the LORD be with us” or “whether and in case Jehovah who is the existing One and is the proper name for the One True God accompanies and is alongside us, the people of Israel”, “why then is all this befallen us” which means “for what reason and cause exists each, the whole and everything that has happened and come upon us, the people of Israel”? The writer shared how “Gideon” asked Jehovah God’s messenger if God was accompanying them for the reason all their difficulties came upon them.

The verse continues, “and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD has forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites” The writer added the words, “and where be all his miracles” which means “and in what place exists each, the whole and everyone of his, Jehovah God’s, surpassing, extraordinary and marvelous works and acts” “which our fathers told us of” or “that our, the people of Israel’s, male progenitors and ancestors recounted, reckoned and related to us, Israel” “saying” which means “uttering, declaring, proclaiming and asking”, “did not the LORD bring us up” or “was it not so that Jehovah who is the existing One and is the name of the One True God deliver and rescue us, Israel” “from Egypt” which means “separate and apart from Egypt whose name means ‘land of the Copts’ and is a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows”? “But now the LORD” or “however, notwithstanding, nevertheless and moreover at this time Jehovah who is the existing One” “has forsaken us” which means “has left and abandoned us, Israel”, “and delivered us” or “and set, put, granted and assigned us, the people of Israel” “into the hands of the Midianites” which means “to be under the power, might and authority belonging to the Midianites or Midian whose name means ‘strife’ and was a son of Abraham by Keturah and progenitor of the tribe of Midianites or Arabians”. The writer shared how “Gideon” questioned where all the extraordinary works were that Jehovah God performed like when He rescued the people of Israel from “Egypt”, yet at this time had turned them over to the people of Midian.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how Gideon wanted to know from Jehovah God’s messenger the reason that the difficulties were happening to Israel. He recalled the stories about Jehovah God rescuing Israel from Egypt, however, at this point he felt like Jehovah God abandoned them and turned them over to the power and might of the “Midianite” people. We can imagine how these things concerned Gideon, Regardless of the concerns of “Gideon”, God was going to save the people of Israel. We shall see how in our next few verses. God is concerned for everyone, and because He wants a personal relationship with through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins and was raised from the dead after three days, when we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and help us know that “all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose”. (See Romans 8:28)

Next time we learn how, “the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this your might”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Gideon You Mighty Man of Valor - Judges 6:12

In the book of Judges we learned how Jehovah God told Israel, “I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage. And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and drove them out from before you, and gave you their land. And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but you have not obeyed my voice. And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites”, and in chapter six and verse twelve of Judges, we learn how, “the angel of the LORD appeared unto him” and called him a “mighty man of valor”, where we read,

And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him,

and said unto him, The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor.

The verse reads, “And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, …” The writer began with the words, “and the angel” which means “and the messenger or envoy” “of the LORD” or “belonging to Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God”, “appeared unto him” which means “revealed, gave attention to and was made known to him, Gideon”. The writer shared how Jehovah God’s messenger made himself known to “Gideon”.

The verse goes on to say, “… and said unto him, The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor.” The writer continued with the words, “and said unto him” which means “and uttered, declared and proclaimed to him, Gideon”, “the LORD” or “Jehovah who is the existing One” “is with you” which means “exists alongside and accompanying you, Gideon”, “you mighty man of valor” or “you, Gideon, strong, powerful and valiant male human being of efficiency, wealth and ability”. The writer shared how Jehovah God’s messenger told “Gideon” that Jehovah God was accompanying him, and the messenger told him that he was a powerful and valiant man of wealth and ability.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how the messenger from Jehovah God revealed himself to “Gideon” and told him that God was alongside him. He declared “Gideon” to be a strong and valiant man with efficiency and ability. This declaration is interesting because we remember that “Gideon” was hiding his “threshing” of the grain. God saw something in “Gideon” that he did not see in himself, and because God knows us as well, He desires to have a personal relationship with us 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 put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and help us discover what He has put within us that may be unknown to us at this time. (See John 3:16: 16:13; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:20)

Next time we learn how Gideon says, “Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…