Just a Minute
Just a Minute is a collection of brief but meaningful meditations on Scripture. BJU Press has published a book by the same name with 96 of these devotional articles. Each chapter focuses on a Scripture verse or two, blending key facts about context with meditations on the truth of the passage. Find out how taking just a minute each day can change your life!
If you are interested, you can purchase Just A Minute, containing the first 96 printed articles.
The Hidden, Risen Lord (Just A Minute #144)
And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. (Luke 24:15-16)
The two men were thoroughly confused.
A week ago they had been part of a growing crowd whose hope was that Jesus of Nazareth was the long awaited Messiah. But that was before the Passover celebrations had begun. Since then everything had taken a horrible turn.
War of Words - Just A Minute #143
They speak vanity every one with his neighbor: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaketh proud things: (Psalm 12:2-3)
This twelfth psalm presents a real war of words. The opening statement is a cry for help from the author, describing a desperate situation. As he looked at the culture around him it appeared that true believers were rapidly becoming extinct. Godly people were harder and harder to find, and the company of faithful men was simply disappearing.
David chose to describe the conflict in the colorful arena of speech.
Serve and Lead - Just A Minute #142
After that He poureth water in a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded. . . . For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. (John 13:5, 15)
There is a certain concept of leadership that is faulty, or at least, incomplete.
It is the idea that leaders are mainly the visible and popular individuals, who are behind the podium, on the platform, speaking into the microphone. Often we see these people interviewed by the media, followed by crowds, and living in opulence. Unconsciously we can adopt the common opinion that they are the image of leadership and generally define what it is.
True Diagnosis - Just A Minute #141
And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. (Luke 8:52-53)
As Jesus walked into the house, the mourning party exploded in ridicule. What He had told them concerning the little girl inside sounded preposterous, and they responded in a chorus of irreverent laughter.
Secret Conversations (Just A Minute #140)
Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. . . .
And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. (Luke 5:39, 50)
There is more in this scene than meets the eye, or ear. For there were two secret conversations going on at this meal in the Pharisee's home.
Neither conversation could be heard by the others around the table because they were unspoken. One person definitely thought his ideas were private, while the other dearly hoped hers were fully known by God. Nobody else had a clue as to the intense emotions stirring in the minds of these two.