Waiting for the Train

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, October 19,  2026 —Having faith is one thing, demonstrating that faith by what we do is another. If we tell other people (or ourselves) about our faith, but there is no demonstration of that faith, isn’t that something about which we should talk with God? Link — October 19, 2026 — Don’t just tell them about your faith

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 — In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus said that God the Father knows what we need before we ask Him. In Paul’s letter to the Philippines, he wrote that God will supply all our needs. If we combine those two things, doesn’t that mean we should ask God for what He knows we need? Link — October 20, 2026 — God not only knows what we need, He will supply it

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 —Jesus was hated and persecuted. Satan and the world don’t care much for Christians. In this devotional, Stan talks about how to avoid being persecuted. Link — October 21, 2026 — How to avoid persecution

Thursday, October 22, 2026 — Jesus told the disciples to go and spread the truth of the gospel, beginning in Jerusalem. Why did He say to begin there? Because that’s where they were. Isn’t it the same thing for us? Link — October 22, 2026 — Where to begin

Friday, October 23, 2026 — At one point, Jesus sent out the disciples to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healings. When they finished and came back, they gave an accounting  to Jesus of what they had done. When we’re done here, we, too, will give an accounting of what we’ve done. Something to think about. Link — October 23, 2026 — The accounting

Stan and I were together again for breakfast and conversation about our faith. Ricky had taken our breakfast order and re-filled our coffee cups. As we waited, Stan mentioned that in his journaling time earlier that morning he’d focused on something the disciples did that’s going to be the same for him and for the rest of us.  “What’s that?” I asked.

“Give an accounting,” he responded.

“An accounting of what?”

“What’s been done,” he replied. “With the disciples, Jesus had sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healings. When they came back they gave an account to Jesus of all they had done. It’s going to be the same for us.”

“How so?”

“We are going to appear before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of what we’ve done.”

“Oh,” I replied. “If I’m going to give an account of what I’ve done here when I get there, maybe I should be more careful with what I do here.”

“Maybe?” Stan asked with raised eyebrows.

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Bible verses to consider:

And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God, and to perform healing. Luke 9:2.

And when the apostles returned, they gave an account to Him of all that they had done. Luke 9:10.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10.

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 in eternity where I will appear before the judgment seat of Christ. 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 pay much attention to what I will be called on to give an accounting. Please forgive that foolishness and help me be more aware of the accounting I will be called upon to give concerning how I’ve lived my life on this side of eternity. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Think on this: When you stand before the judgment seat of Christ will your sins be covered by His blood shed on the cross that gives you life with God, the life that begins here and will continue forever? If no, why is that your choice? If you are a Christian with the assumption of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with paying attention to the accounting you will give before the judgment seat of Christ? 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 be redeemed by the blood of Christ when you stand before His judgment seat, but what you need to live your life here knowing you will give an accounting there? 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 again at our favorite place for breakfast and conversation about growing in our faith. Between bites of the delicious blueberry pancakes Stan was enjoying, he asked, “Do you remember what Jesus said about where we’re to go and proclaim the gospel?”

“I think so,” I replied. “Didn’t He say we’re to go into all the world which means we’re to go everywhere with the truth of the gospel?”

“That’s about it,” Stan agreed, and then added, “earlier this morning in my journaling time I was focusing on what Jesus said about where we are to begin.”

“Where we’re to begin proclaiming the gospel? Where’s that?”

“Wherever we are” Stan replied with a smile, “and that may mean close to home.”

“Close to home? How so?”

“Luke’s gospel records Jesus as telling the disciples about proclaiming the gospel, beginning in Jerusalem. That’s where they were, and that’s where they were to begin. Isn’t that to be the same with us, that we’re to begin wherever we are?”

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Bible verses to consider:

. . . repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Luke 24:47.

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, . . . . Matthew 28:19-20.

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. Thank you for those who proclaimed your provision so I could repent and claim it. 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 to tell anyone anything about your provision of life with you through Jesus. Please forgive that foolish approach to living the abundant life you’ve provided. Help me follow every step of your lead in going and proclaiming just as you intend. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Think on this: Have you repented so you have forgiveness and life with God? 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, how are you doing with going and proclaiming the truth of the gospel so others will repent, be forgiven, and have life with God through Christ? 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 (Mathew 6:8), what does He know you need, not only to repent, but to go and tell others about His provision for them? Spend time praying, studying God’s word, 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 were waiting for Ricky to bring our breakfast orders one morning, Stan asked, “Do you ever think much about Christian persecution?”

“Christian persecution? Not really. Why do you ask?”

“A couple of reasons,” Stan replied. “Earlier this morning in my journaling time, I was focusing on what Jesus said and what Paul wrote about it, as well as how we can avoid it.”

“What’d Jesus say?”

“That if the world hated Him, it will also hate us. And if they persecuted Him, they will persecute us.”

“What about Paul?”

“All who desire to live godly lives in Christ will be persecuted.”

“Wow,” I replied, “hate and persecution. That sounds tough. How can we avoid that?”

“It’s pretty simple,” Stan replied with a smile. “Don’t be a Christian who desires to live a godly life in Christ.”

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Bible verses to be considered:

If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. John 15:18

Remember the word that I said to you, “A slave is not greater than his master.” If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; . . . . John 15:20.

And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12.

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, my life looks like I’m seeking to avoid persecution in that I don’t desire to live a godly life in Christ. Please forgive that foolish approach to living the new life you’ve provided. Help me follow every step of your lead in not only desiring to live a godly life in Christ, but in actually doing it. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Think on this: Can you seek to live a godly life in Christ because you’ve accepted His finished work on the cross and have life with God? 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 desiring to live a godly life in Christ? 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 the life Jesus came to give, but what does He know you need to live a godly life in Christ? 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 were enjoying breakfast together one morning, he mentioned he’d been talking with a neighbor about what Jesus said concerning God’s knowing what we need before we ask.

“Does your neighbor,” I asked, “agree that the focus of prayer should be on asking what God knows we need?”

“He not only agrees,” Stan said with a smile, “but he pointed out that it looks like the apostle Paul agreed also.”

“The apostle Paul? What’d he say?”

“He wrote that God supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory in Jesus.”

“So,” I responded, “God not only knows what we need, He will supply it.”

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Bible verses to consider:

. . . your Father knows what you need, before you ask Him. Matthew 6:8.

And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19.

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. Thank you also that you know what I need before I ask and that you will supply all those needs. 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 ask what you know I need and, as a result, I can’t receive it. Please forgive that foolish approach to living the new live you’ve given. Help me follow every step of your lead in not only asking what you know I need for the life you intend, but in actually receiving it.Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Think on this: Can you approach God in prayer through Christ because you’ve accepted what Jesus accomplished by His finished work on the cross? 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 seeking and receiving what God knows you need for the life with Him Jesus came to give? 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 does know what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need, not only to have the relationship with Him He intends for you, but to regularly seek and receive what He knows you need for the life He’s provided. 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?

As Stan and I were waiting for Ricky to bring our breakfast orders one morning at the Twelve Baskets Cafe, Stan mentioned he’d been focusing on what James wrote about faith and works.  “You mean,” I responded, “the part about faith without works being dead?”

“Well,” Stan replied, “not so much that specifically, but more about what I say is to be reflected by what I do.”

“How so?”

“If I tell someone I have faith and I say that my faith is important to me, which it is,” Stan replied, “there should be evidence to back up what I say.”

“By what you do?”

“Exactly,” Stan said. “If I tell you I have faith, but I don’t do anything to demonstrate that faith, what’s the point of telling you I have faith?”

“So,” I replied, “we’re not only to have a personal testimony to tell others about our faith, what it means to us, and what having faith can mean to them, we’re to demonstrate that faith by what we do. Right?”

“Right you are, my friend,” Stan said. “Don’t just tell them about your faith!”

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Bible verses to consider:

. . . I will show you my faith by my works. James 2:18.

. . . and that believing you may have life in His name. John 20:31.

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

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 because of my faith, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity I don’t demonstrate my faith to others by what I do. Please forgive that foolish way of living the new life you’ve provided. Help me follow every step of your lead in not only having faith, but in demonstrating it. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Think on this: Do you have faith in God? 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 because of your faith, how are you doing in demonstrating that faith? 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, but to demonstrate that faith by what you do? 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 readers who may have missed it (or want to spend more time with it), each Sunday we re-post the prior week’s WFTT devotional that got the most attention. This week’s “winner” is the one from Thursday were Stan talked about the resurrection of faith from being dead to coming and being alive. Link — October 15, 2026 — From being dead to being alive

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, October 12,  2026 —When we repent and turn to God for life eternally with Him, we also gain a new life for here and now. What’s that new life supposed to look like? Link — October 12, 2026 — That’s not the end of the story, it’s only the beginning

Tuesday, October 13, 2026 —It’s likely that all of us know people who have come close to becoming Christians, but they don’t take that step. Link — October 13, 2026 — Close is not close enough

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 —Being a bond-servant of Jesus is what the Christian life should look like, but too often it doesn’t. Link — October 14, 2026 — Paul, James, and Peter could say it; how about me?

Thursday, October 15, 2026 — James wrote about what dead faith looks like: doing nothing for God and His kingdom, but it doesn’t need to stay dead. It can be resurrected! Link — October 15, 2026 — From being dead to being alive

Friday, October 16, 2026 —Paul wrote about knowing that God causes all things to work together for good, but is knowing that truth the end of the story? Link — October 16, 2026 — Knowing and living what we know

As Stan and I were enjoying our first cup of coffee and waiting for Rick to bring our breakfast orders, Stan asked, “Do you remember what the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:28?”

“Romans 8:28,” I said. “Isn’t that the one that says something about God causing all things to work together for good?”

“It is,” Stan agreed, “with the added part that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.”

“Yeah,” I said, “I remember that part. What about it?”

“The other day,” Stan replied, “I was talking with a neighbor about what Paul wrote and he mentioned Paul’s preface and how important he thinks that is.”

“Paul’s preface? What preface?”

“In the first three words of Romans 8:28, Paul wrote, ‘And we know’.”

“So?”

“What my neighbor focused on,”Stan replied, “is that while he may know the truth of what Paul wrote about all things, it’s a whole different story for him to actually live that knowledge.”

“Live that knowledge?”

“Yeah,” Stan replied. “When things get tough and aren’t going the way we think they should, it’s easy to think maybe God isn’t working all things together for good.”

“Oh,” I said, “while we may know that God works all things together for good, we may not actually live that knowledge. Right?”

“Right you are, my friend,” Stan replied. “There’s a huge difference between knowing and living what we know!”

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Bible verses to consider:

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.

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6.

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 and I know the truth of Romans 8:28, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity, I don’t live that truth. I may say I know you cause all things to work together for good, but I get anxious and doubtful when things don’t seem to be working together for good. Please forgive that foolishness and help me follow every step of your lead in living the truth. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Think on this: Can you live the truth of Romans 8:28 because you love God, are called according to His purpose, and have accepted His 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 living the truth of Romans 8:28? 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 love Him and be called according to His purpose, but to live the truth of Romans 8:28? 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 had again gathered at the Twelve Baskets Cafe for breakfast and conversation about growing in our faith. As we were enjoying what Cook had fixed for us, Stan mentioned he’d been talking with one of his neighbors about the resurrection. “That’s a wonderful thing,” I responded, “that Jesus rose from the grave to give us new life.”

“That is a wonderful thing,” Stan agreed, “but that’s not what we were talking about.”

“Sorry,” I replied, “I thought you said you and your neighbor were talking about the resurrection of Christ. What were you talking about?”

“The resurrection of faith.”

“The resurrection of faith? How so?”

“As you may remember,” Stan replied, “James wrote about faith without works being dead.”

“What about it?”

“My neighbor told me that he’d come to the point of realizing his faith was dead because he wasn’t doing anything with it. He wasn’t doing anything for God and His kingdom.”

“Then what?”

“He asked to be shown by God what God knew he needed for his faith to be resurrected from the dead.”

“So,” I said, “that’s the resurrection you were talking about, the resurrection of your neighbor’s faith.”

“Exactly,” Stan replied, “from being dead to being alive!”

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Bible verses to consider:

What use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. James 2:14-17.

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, the life that begins here and will continue forever. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence because of my faith, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity it looks like my faith is dead because I don’t do anything for you and your kingdom. Please forgive that foolishness and help me follow every step of your lead in having faith that is alive for you. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Think on this: Do you know that by faith you will spend eternity in God’s presence? 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 having faith that’s alive through what you do for God and His kingdom? 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 saving faith, but for that faith to be alive, not dead? 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?