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| Volume 21 Number 10 October 2019 | Page 14 |
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| Volume 21 Number 10 October 2019 | Page 14 |
Editor's NoteTam Raynor
I absolutely adore buttered toast, at any time of the day. It has a satisfying, mouthwatering flavor and aroma. I did some research and found out about the Maillard Reaction. A French chemist named Maillard first explained this delicious, toasted flavor back in 1912. My fabulous toast is a reaction between amino acids (main elements of proteins) and sugars seared together in quick, hot temperatures. This brought a spiritual parallel to mind.
God explains to us many times that He puts all souls through hot temperatures to destroy dross, which is scum, impurity or something that is inferior (Isaiah 1:24-25; Ezekiel 22:18), to burn out weaknesses (1 Corinthians 3:11-15) and to make us sweet smelling aromas (Ephesians 5:2; Philippians 4:18; James 1:2-4).
Everyone on earth goes through quick, hot temperatures in this life (problems, trials, tragedies). If we have been gathering spiritual proteins and spiritual sweetness, then when we endure quick, hot temperatures, we’ll pop up as marvelously delicious saints each time, behaving as souls that are desirable to be around (Luke 2:51-52; Acts 2:37-47). If we have not collected spiritual proteins and sugars, then the hot temperatures will just burn us out, reduce us to sludge or ashes. What’s great is that we can change. If we have been “burned,” and we didn’t come through it successfully—and we’re still breathing—then, we can determine to start over, gathering spiritual proteins and sugars, latching onto them, ingesting them and making them a part of our living. Then, when the hot fires of troubles flame up around us again, we will become desirable to both God and mankind.
Zeal Brainstorm
Beth Johnson
We want to be peculiar people zealous of good works (Titus 2:14). We are to be like our Master, of Whom it was said, “The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up” (John 2:17).
Things that Dampen Our Zeal
Things that Increase Zeal
Zeal must be according to knowledge (Romans 10:2), not of our own hearts and imagination about what we think we should be doing or our own motivation (such as hypocrisy for the praise of men, money, power, etc.).
Examples of Zeal
“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity. I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth” (1 Corinthians 16:13-16).