The Word of the Week
This is a Weekly podcast, inspired by THE WORD of GOD. This 5-minute podcast, will acquaint you with the WORD of GOD by focusing your bible study on how everyday words are used in scripture.
The personal thoughts I share are based on my spiritual journey and life lessons. Subscribe to become a member of the "Word of the Week-Newton" Group which will make you eligible to receive the Word of the Week by email each week, and give you access to our study journal and other subscriber benefits.
Please feel free to email me personally at candonewton@gmail.com
God Bless You!!
ORINE OUT!
The Word of the Week
WORD OF THE WEEK - ZEAL - 7-6-25
Definition: a person having great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective; a mix of eagerness, energy and devotion.
Scriptures:
Isaiah 59:17
For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.
Proverbs 23:17
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day.
Romans 10:2
For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
Website: www.wow-newton.com
Website: www.wow-newton.com
Email: osnewton@wow-newton.com
Definition: a person having great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective; a mix of eagerness, energy and devotion.
Scriptures:
Isaiah 59:17
For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.
Proverbs 23:17
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day.
Romans 10:2
For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
THOUGHT
While reflecting on an image that best captures the word “zeal”, the picture of the roadrunner from my “Looney Tune” days came vividly to mind. Suddenly the endless chase scenes with Wile E. Coyote as the antagonist trying to capture the elusive Roadrunner brought a smile to my face.
(Click on this link to catch the “ROADRUNNER SHOW” as a reminder for those older than 60 and as an introduction to others who may not know these characters.)
As a child, many Saturday mornings were filled with cartoons that taught us in their way about the forces of evil that sought to steal joy, freedom and innocence. Beneath the hijinks and humor, the heroes were not only clever but radiated zeal, a spirited force marked by enthusiasm, confidence, purpose and righteousness.
I realized that I knew little about the actual bird behind the smiling, confident, cartoon bird, whose only language was “meep-meep”. So, I decided to do a little research on the actual roadrunner.[1]
What I discovered was surprising and inspiring; the actual roadrunner shares many traits with a person who lives with zeal. Please note the comparison below:
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The Characteristics of a Roadrunner
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Characteristics of a Person with Zeal
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This bird is agile but not the fastest – (20mph vs Coyote at 40mph)
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This person is not the fastest, but they are adaptable, skilled and persistent in their pursuit of purpose.
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They defend their territory against predators and other roadrunners.
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Defend and protect their beliefs and family against physical, mental or spiritual threats.
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They refuse domestication and are not good pets.
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They resist the temptation of comfort, conformity or complacency, as they are driven by a divine purpose rather than public approval.
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They stay grounded, despite their ability to fly.
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They are grounded in truth and walk with intentionality. They can soar when needed but do so with purpose, not emotion.
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These birds are not social, yet they mate for life
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They are loyal and faithful to God, to relationships and to their calling.
Among Indigenous cultures, the roadrunner symbolizes strength, endurance, agility, speed, and courage. Much like a person of zeal, who represents resilience through trials, courage in the face of adversity, and compassion no matter the test.
In Proverbs 23:17, we are encouraged not to envy sinners, but to always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. The roadrunner, both the bird and the cartoon character can serve as a quirky yet meaningful reminder of that principle—living with unwavering purpose, grounded strength, and a refusal to be tamed by the world.
So, may we all strive to be like the roadrunner—undaunted, purposeful, and full of zeal.
And may the Wile E. Coyotes in our lives never catch the roadrunner or us. “Meep-meep”!!
God Bless You!!
ORINE OUT!!
[1]I have learned that there is no coincidence when the Holy Spirit guides me during my time of meditation as I prepare the Word of the Week.
