Waiting for the Train

As Stan and I were enjoying breakfast together at the Twelve Baskets Cafe one morning, he told me he’d been talking with a neighbor about repentance. “That’s a big subject,” I ventured, “what’d you talk about?”

“That it’s not a big subject,” Stan replied with a laugh.

“Not a big subject? How can you say that?”

“I either repent or I don’t. There can be a lot of messy stuff in between as I waffle from one to the other, but there’s basically only one choice: repent or don’t repent. For me to say I’m going to repent about something, but I don’t do anything to show repentance, doesn’t that make what I say just a bunch of empty and hollow words?”

“Well,” I replied, “I guess so.”

“Good guess,” Stan said as he smiled. “If I say I’m going to repent, but there’s nothing to show that I’ve done so, isn’t that just an intent to repent?”

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Bible verses to consider:

“Consequently, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, but kept declaring both to those in Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.”  Acts of the Apostles 26:19-20.

Therefore bring forth fruit in keeping with your repentance. Matthew 3:8.

. . . faith without works is dead. James 2:26.

Prayer:  Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way to life with you through eternal repentance. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence because of my eternal repentance, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity my repentance is just a bunch of hollow words. I say I’m going to repent, but I don’t do anything that shows such repentance. Please forgive that foolish way of living the new life you’ve provided. Help me follow every step of your lead in actually doing what I say. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Think on this: Have you repented for eternal purposes and know you will spend eternity in God’s presence? If no, why do you want to remain separated from Him both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with your day-to-day repentance? Do you actually do what you say you are going to do in repenting? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?

The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need, not only to repent for eternal purposes, but what does He know you need to actually do what you say on this side of eternity? Spend time studying God’s word, praying, reflecting, and journaling to see what God knows you need He will show you!

Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotion? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?

Stan and I had again gathered at the Twelve Baskets Cafe for breakfast and conversation about our faith. As we were enjoying the breakfast Cook had prepared, Stan mentioned he’d focused on Lydia in his journaling earlier that morning.

“You focused on Lydia?” I asked. “Who’s that?”

“She’s a woman mentioned in the Book of Acts,” Stan replied. “She’s known as the first convert to Christianity in Europe.”

“First convert in Europe,” I repeated. “Sounds kind of important.”

“I suppose,” Stan agreed, “but what I was focusing on about how her conversion happened is, it seems to me, more important as it applies to us today.”

“Her conversion would have been a long time ago,” I replied. “How can that have any application for us today?”

“It’s how it happened,” Stan said. “The apostle Paul spoke, she listened to what he had to say, and the Lord opened her heart to respond.”

“Okay,” I replied. “A three-step process. Paul spoke, she listened, and the Lord opened her to respond. What’s that have to do with us today?”

“She could never have listened or responded if Paul hadn’t said anything. There would have been nothing to which she could have listened. And that raises the question for us.”

“What question?”

“Do we say anything that anyone can listen to about God’s provision so they can respond?”

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Bible verses to consider:

And a certain woman named Lydia from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshipper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. Acts of the Apostles 16:14.

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15.

. . . for whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. How then shall they call upon Him in who they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard?” Romans 10:13-14.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Romans 10:17.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way to life with you, the life that begins here and will continue forever. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity I don’t go anywhere and tell anyone anything about you and your provision so they can respond in belief. Please forgive that foolishness and help me follow every step of your lead in going and telling. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Think on this: Have you responded to the truth of the gospel and know you have life with God through the cross of Christ? If no, why do you want to remain separated from God both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with going and telling others about God’s provision so they can respond? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?

The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need, not only to respond to the truth of the gospel, but to go and tell others so they, too, can respond? Spend time studying God’s word, praying, reflecting, and journaling to see what God knows you need. He will show you!

Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?

Stan and I were again at the Twelve Baskets Cafe for breakfast and conversation about our faith. As we were enjoying our time together, Stan mentioned he’d talked to some neighborhood children about something he wanted to pass on to me. “What’s that?” I asked.

“I was in my front yard yesterday cleaning out some of the flower beds,” he replied. “While I was there, a couple of the neighborhood children stopped to talk on their way home from school.”

“That’s nice,” I said. “What’d they have to say?”

“After I asked them how their day at school had been, they excitedly told me that the teacher had given them an assignment of something to think about.”

“What was that?”

“It seems that their teacher had given them the old riddle of the chicken and the egg to think about and to come back with their answer.”

“Oh,” I said, “the one about which came first, the chicken or the egg?”

“That’s it,” Stan agreed.

“Did you tell them what you think about that?”

“The children didn’t ask, and I didn’t volunteer my opinion,” Stan said with a smile. “But as they went on their way, I was thinking about the question and how it applies to our belief and obedience.”

“Chickens and eggs applying to our belief and obedience? How so?”

“Well,” Stan replied, “the chicken and egg riddle may leave the question up in the air, but Jesus and the apostle Paul took a more direct approach with belief and obedience.”

“What kind of more direct approach?”

“First of all,” Stan replied, “Jesus asked why we don’t do what He says even though we call Him ‘Lord’. And Paul pointed out that we can’t work our way to heaven by our obedience, but we are saved through faith and not as a result of what we do.”

“So,” I said, “while we can’t work our way to heaven by good works, good works are to follow because we believe. Right?”

“You’re right, my friend,” Stan agreed. “And it’s important to keep them in the right order!”

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Bible verses to consider:

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9.

And why do you call Me, “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say? Luke 6:46.

For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. James 2:26.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way to life with you by faith. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence because I believe, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity I don’t do what you say. Please forgive that foolish approach to living the new life you’ve provided. Help me follow every step of your lead in being and doing what you intend. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Think on this: Have you by faith accepted God’s provision of life with Him through the cross of Christ? If no, why do you choose to remain separated from God both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with your obedience? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?

The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need, not only to have faith in Him, but to obey Him? Spend time studying God’s word, praying, reflecting, and journaling to see what God knows you need. He will show you!

Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?

For those who may have missed it for some reason (or want to focus on it again), each Sunday we re-post the prior week’s WFTT devotional that got the most attention from readers. The “winner” for this week is the one that was posted on Wednesday. It deals with what commonly confronts us in our daily lives — disruption, confusion, and similar things that can cause upset — and what we’re to do. Link — November 4, 2026 — The choice to rejoice

Stan’s main takeaway for each posting this past week. Each posting can be accessed by clicking the link for that day.

Please forward this to friends, family, colleagues, etc. as a way to introduce them to Stan,  S. Tory Teller, and the conversations about faith, discipleship, and what it means to be a Christian who is pursuing discipleship.

Also, don’t forget that S. Tory Teller’s book, the 100-day devotional, Waiting for the Train — Biblical Food for Growing Before Going, is available from amazon.com, other on-line book sellers, and directly from the publisher at www.s-toryteller.com

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Monday, November 2,  2026 —Even though “patience” is part of the fruit of the Spirit, we don’t always display it. Stan talks, not about our patience, but God’s patience for which we should all be thankful. Link — November 2, 2026 — Thankful for patience

Tuesday, November 3, 2026 — Are you ever afraid to do what God has told you to do? Stan talks about this as it relates to Ananias and what he did when he was afraid to actually do what God told Him. Link — November 3, 2026 — When God tells you to do something you’re afraid to do

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 —Often it’s not easy to rejoice over what’s going on in our lives or around us. Stan talks about choosing to rejoice like Habakkuk. Link — November 4, 2026 — The choice to rejoice

Thursday, November 5, 2026 —Before Jesus performed His first miracle at the wedding feast in Cana, His mother told the servants something that definitely should apply to us. Link — November 5, 2026 — A mother’s wisdom: Do whatever He says

Friday, November 6, 2026 —When Paul was in Athens, what he saw was cause for the Spirit to provoke him into action. What he did is a lesson for us when we’re provoked by what we see around us. Link — November 6, 2026 — Provoked?

Stan and I were again at the Twelve Baskets Cafe for breakfast and conversation about our faith. At one point while Stan was enjoying what Cook had prepared, he stopped and said, “Do you ever get provoked by how the world rejects God and why He sent Jesus into the world?”

“Provoked? Sure, I get provoked by what the world does in rejecting God. Why do you ask?”

“That’s what I was focusing on in my journaling time earlier this morning,” Stan replied. “How the apostle Paul was provoked by what he saw in Athens and how what he did is an example for us.”

“How so?”

“When Paul was in Athens, he was provoked by all the idols he saw.”

“Idols? We don’t have idols, do we?”

“We sure do,” Stan replied. “An idol is anything that takes the place of God, and the world is full of things that take the place of God.”

“Okay,” I said, “so what’d Paul do about being provoked?”

“He went into the synagogue and the marketplace and reasoned with people about the truth of God and His provision of life through Jesus.”

“So,” I replied, “Paul was provoked and he did something about it.”

“Exactly,” Stan agreed, “and it’s the same for us. If we’re provoked by how the world disregards God and His provision of Jesus, we shouldn’t just sit around being provoked, we should do something about it!”

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Bible verses to consider:

Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him as he was beholding the city full of idols. So he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and in the market place every day with those who happened to be present. Acts of the Apostles 17:16-17.

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, . . . . Mathew 28:19-20.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way to life with you. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence, and even though I get provoked by the world’s disregard of you, I confess that too often I don’t go anywhere to tell anyone anything about you and your provision of abundant life through Jesus. Please forgive that foolish approach to living the new life you’ve provided. Help me follow every step of your lead in being provoked by what the world does, and in actually doing something to bring the truth to the provoking world. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Think on this: Have you accepted the provoking truth of God’s provision of life with Him through the cross of Christ? If no, why do you choose to remain separated from Him both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, are you provoked by how the world disregards God and His provision through Jesus? If so, are you doing any thing about that? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?

The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need to not only accept the provoking truth of His provision of life with Him, but what He knows you need to be provoked by the world’s rejection of Him and to do something about your provocation? Spend time studying God’s word, praying, reflecting, and journaling to see what God knows you need. He will show you!

Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?

As Stan and I waited for Ricky to bring our breakfast one morning at the Twelve Baskets Cafe, Stan said, “Earlier this morning in my journaling time, I was focusing on a verse from John’s gospel that reminded me of how a neighbor once told me a wonderful thing about his mom.”

“What’d he have to say about his mom?” I asked.

“That she was a great influence on his faith and encouraged him in the same way Jesus’ mother wisely told some people at a wedding.”

“Like Jesus’ mother told some people at a wedding? How so?”

“As you may remember,” Stan replied, “there’s a story about a wedding at Cana where Jesus performed His first miracle.”

“I kind of remember that,” I said. “Didn’t that have something to do with water being turned into wine?”

“You’re right,” Stan agreed. “Jesus, some of His disciples, and His mother were at a wedding feast. At one point the wine for the wedding was gone or just about gone and they needed some more.”

“That’s when Jesus did the miracle, right?”

“Right,” Stan replied, “but it was before the miracle that Jesus’ mother told the servants the same thing that my neighbor said his mom told him that was such an encouragement for his faith.”

“What same thing?”

“Do whatever Jesus says!”

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Bible verses to consider:

And on the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there; and Jesus also was invited, and His disciples, to the wedding. And when the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what do I have to do with you? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” John 2:1-5.

And why do you call Me, “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say? Luke 6:46.

If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. John 14:15.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way to have life with you, the life that begins here and will continue forever. Thank you for His obedience in going to the cross. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity I’m disobedient rather than obedient in what I’m to do for you and your kingdom. Please forgive that foolishness and help me follow every step of your lead in being obedient. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name the Jesus. Amen.

Think on this: Have you accepted God’s provision of life with Him through what Jesus accomplished on the cross by His obedience? If no, why do you choose to remain separated from God both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with actually obeying what you are to do while you remain here? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?

The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need, not only to have life with Him through Jesus, but to be obedient in living the new life Jesus came to give? Spend time studying God’s word, praying, reflecting, and journaling to see what God knows you need. He will show you!

Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?

Stan and I were again together at the Twelve Baskets Cafe for breakfast and conversation about growing in our faith. As we waited for Ricky to bring what we wanted for breakfast, Stan asked, “Are you familiar with Habakkuk?”

“Habakkuk?” I replied. “I’m not sure. Is that the name of that new Japanese restaurant over on Middlefield Road?”

“No,” Stan responded, “it’s an Old Testament book in the Bible.”

“Oh,” I said a bit embarrassed. “No, I don’t remember much about that. Why do you ask?”

“I was looking at it the other day,” Stan replied, “and I saw something that makes me want to be just like Habakkuk.”

“Just like him? In what way?”

“To choose to rejoice in God regardless of what’s going on in my life.”

“Rejoice in God regardless of what’s going on? That’s not easy.”

“Who said it’s supposed to be easy?” Stan asked. “Easy doesn’t have anything to do with it. Regardless of what was going on, Habakkuk chose to rejoice. I’m to make the same choice!”

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Bible verses to consider:

Though the fig tree should not blossom, and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail, and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold, and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:17-18.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4.

But the fruit of the Spirit is . . . joy, . . . . Galatians 5:22-23.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, that you chose to give Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way to life with you so I can rejoice over that life that begins here and will continue forever. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity I tend to grumble over what’s going on rather than rejoice.Please forgive that foolishness and help me follow every step of your lead in choosing to rejoice in you and your provision regardless of what is going on in my life. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Think on this: Do you rejoice in God’s salvation because you have accepted His free and gracious provision of life with Him, the life that begins here and will continue forever? If no, why do you choose to remain separated from God both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with rejoicing in God and His provision regardless of what may be going on in your life? If you sense the desire  for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?

The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need, not only to rejoice in your salvation, but to rejoice in Him regardless of what is going on in your life? Spend time studying God’s word, praying, reflecting, and journaling about what God knows you need. He will show you!

Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?

Stan and I were at the Twelve Baskets Cafe for breakfast and conversation about growing in our faith. As we waited for Ricky to bring our breakfast orders, Stan asked, “Do you ever think about what you’re supposed to do if God says to do something you’re afraid to do?”

“I can’t say I’ve ever thought about that, but I bet you have!”

“Safe bet!” Stan replied with a smile. “In fact, that’s what I was focusing on earlier this morning during my journaling time.”

“Did God say something that scared you?”

“No, but He did to Ananias.”

“Ananias? Who’s that?”

“He was a disciple who lived in Damascus a long time ago.”

“What’d God say that scared him?”

“God told him to go see Saul who had encountered Jesus on the Road to Damascus.”

“Why’d He want him to go see Saul?”

“To lay his hands on Saul so he would regain his sight that had been lost by the blinding light of Jesus’ appearance.”

“Did Ananias want to do that?”

“He did not,” Stan replied, “and that’s the whole point of my initial question to you.”

“About what to do when something God says scares you?”

“That’s it,” Stan agreed. “When God told Ananias to go, he told God he was afraid because he’d heard Saul was on a mission to get rid of Christians.”

“What’d God say to that?”

“He explained that Saul was His chosen instrument to spread the truth of the gospel.”

“So did that make Ananias less afraid?”

“It did. He went to Saul and did what God said to do.”

“So,” I said, “the point is that if something God says to us causes us to be afraid, it’s okay to tell God we’re afraid?”

“It is,” Stan replied. “Even though God already knows we’re afraid, it’s okay to tell Him about it and ask Him for what He knows we need to not be afraid.”

“What He knows we need to not be afraid?”

“Yeah,” Stan said. “In this instance, God told Ananias to do something, Ananias told God about his fears, and God explained why he wanted Ananias to go and do what God said. When Ananias heard God’s explanation, he departed and did what God told him to do. It’s okay to ask for a further explanation when God says to do something you’re afraid to do!”

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Bible verses to consider:

But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to the saints at Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon Thy name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; . . . .” Acts of the Apostles 9:13-15.

And why do you call Me, “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say? Luke 6:46.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way to life with you, the life that begins here and will continue forever. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity I’m afraid to do what you tell me to do, and I’m reluctant to tell you about my fears. Please forgive that foolishness and help me follow every step of your lead so I do what you know I need to do to accomplish what you have for me to do. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Think on this: Can you respond to God in obedience because you are His, having accepted life with Him through the cross of Christ? If no, why do you choose to remain separated from God both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with fulfilling what God has for you to do even though you are afraid? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?

The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need to actually fulfill what He has for you to do even though you may be afraid? Spend time studying God’s word, praying, reflecting, and journaling to see what God knows you need. He will show you!

Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?

Stan and I were again at the Twelve Baskets Cade for breakfast and conversation about growing in our faith. While we were enjoying our first cup of coffee and waiting for Ricky to bring breakfast, Stan mentioned he’d been talking with a neighbor who told him he’s very thankful for patience.”

“Thankful for patience,” I replied. “Patience is not easy and it’s a good think to be thankful for when we have it.”

“While my neighbor may or may not be thankful for his own patience, that’s not what we were talking about.”

“What’d you talk about?”

“How thankful he is for God’s patience.”

“God’s patience? In what way?”

“In the way of a personal application of what Peter wrote about in his second letter concerning how God is patient in not wanting any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.”

“A personal application? You mean like your neighbor is thankful for not perishing before he came to repentance?”

“Exactly,” Stan replied. “He’s thankful for God’s patience that allowed the time for him to come to repentance before perishing apart from God.”

“That seems like a really good thing to be thankful about. Maybe we should all do that.”

“Maybe?” Stan asked with raised eyebrows. “We should all be thankful for such patience!”

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Bible verses to consider:

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9.

This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-4.

. . . whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way to come to repentance and not perish so I have  life with you, the life that begins here and will continue forever. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity I’m not involved in helping others come to repentance and not perish as you patiently desire. Please forgive that foolishness and help me follow every step of your lead in helping others just as you want. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Think on this: Have you come to eternal repentance so you know you will not perish? If no, why do you choose to perish rather than have life with God, the life that begins here and will continue forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with helping others come to repentance and not perish? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?

The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need, not only to personally come to repentance so you won’t perish apart from God, but what does He know you need to be involved with helping others not perish by coming to repentance? Spend time studying God’s word, praying, reflecting, and journaling to see what God knows you need. He will show you!

Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?