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Still Waters Ministries
Heart 2 Heart
Devotions from Pastor Tom


The Growing Deception
2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. False teaching rarely begins with open rebellion against God. It often begins with religious language, spiritual confidence, and promises that sound close enough to the truth to feel safe. That is why 2 Timothy 3 matters so deeply. Paul warns Timothy that “perilous times” will come, and he describes people who keep an outward form of religion while their hearts reject the power
Tom Neal
11 hours ago3 min read


Faith: More Than a Feeling
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. This verse gives a clear picture of what faith means. Faith is confidence in God’s promise before the promise is visible. It is trusting His character when circumstances feel uncertain. It is holding to His Word even when feelings, timelines, or outcomes do not yet make sense. Faith is not a side item in the Christian life. It is the lifeline that connects the believer to God, steadi
Tom Neal
3 days ago2 min read


The Transformative Power of the Gospel
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. The gospel of Jesus Christ holds a unique power to change lives. Romans 1:16 captures this truth clearly. This verse highlights two essential truths: the gospel is powerful, and it offers salvation to all who accept it. Understanding how this message works can bring hope and transformation to anyone willing to r
Tom Neal
4 days ago2 min read


Who Is Jesus to You?
“He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” Matthew 16:15-16, NKJV Few questions reach the heart like the one Jesus asked His disciples. It was not a question about public opinion, religious tradition, or popular belief. It was personal. That question still matters. Who is Jesus to you? Peter’s confession was true Peter did not answer with uncertainty. He did not call Jesus only a teacher,
Tom Neal
5 days ago2 min read


The Joy of Repentance
Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Heaven does not measure a soul the way the world often does. One repentant sinner may look small to us, but Jesus says that one turning heart fills heaven with joy. Luke 15:10 comes after Jesus tells the parable of the lost coin. A woman loses one coin, searches carefully, finds it, and calls her friends to rejoice with her. Jesus uses that simple picture to show
Tom Neal
6 days ago2 min read


Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Imagine hearing a gentle knock at your door. You open it, and there stands someone unexpected, offering a gift that changes your life forever. This image captures the heart of Revelation 3:20, where Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and e
Tom Neal
Jul 203 min read


The Righteous Life
Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. The opening verses of Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV) paint a vivid picture of the bl
Tom Neal
Jul 173 min read


Fruit That Never Spoils
John 15:4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. Abiding in Christ is more than a spiritual concept; it is the foundation for a life that produces lasting fruit. In John 15:4 (NKJV), Jesus says, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” This verse reveals a powerful truth: our
Tom Neal
Jul 163 min read


Expect the Unexpectant
Matthew 25:1-13 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. 6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ 7 T
Tom Neal
Jul 153 min read


Between the Altar and the Door
Mark 1:14-15 14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Many people believe that coming to faith in Jesus Christ happens when they say a specific prayer or respond to an altar call during a church service. This tradition has become a common way to mark the moment of salvation. Yet, when we look closely at Ma
Tom Neal
Jul 142 min read


The Lamb and Scapegoat
Leviticus 16:6-10 “Aaron shall offer the bull as a sin offering, which is for himself, and make atonement for himself and for his house. 7 He shall take the two goats and present them before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. 8 Then Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats: one lot for the Lord and the other lot for the scapegoat. 9 And Aaron shall bring the goat on which the Lord’s lot fell, and offer it as a sin offering. 10 But the goat on which the lot fell
Tom Neal
Jul 133 min read


Letting Go Frees the Soul
Matthew 6:15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Forgiveness is often seen as a gift we give to others, but its true power lies in how it frees the one who forgives. Holding on to anger or resentment can weigh heavily on the heart, creating a burden that affects every part of life. The Bible teaches a profound truth about forgiveness, especially in Matthew 6:15: “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Fa
Tom Neal
Jul 102 min read


The Battle Between Good and Evil
3 John 11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. The world today faces a growing challenge: evil often overshadows the good, even within the church. This tension is captured powerfully in 3 John 11 (ESV), which urges believers to imitate what is good and warns against following what is evil. This verse highlights a struggle that is as relevant now as it was in the early church—a struggle between the fo
Tom Neal
Jul 92 min read


Exercising Discernment in the Face of Another Gospel
2John 7-11 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. 9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this t
Tom Neal
Jul 83 min read


The Rise of Knowledge in the End Times
Daniel 12:4 “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” The book of Daniel offers many prophetic insights, and Daniel 12:4 stands out for its intriguing connection to the increase of knowledge in the last days. The verse says, “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” This passage poin
Tom Neal
Jul 72 min read


Overcoming Temptation
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. Temptation is a challenge everyone faces. It can feel overwhelming and difficult to resist, often leading to choices we later regret. The Bible offers guidance on how to handle temptation, especially in 1 Corinthians 10:
Tom Neal
Jul 62 min read


Living in Christian Liberty
Galatians 5:13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. The United States of America celebrates 250 years of independence, a milestone that invites reflection on the foundation of this nation. At its core, America was built on the principles of liberty and freedom—values deeply rooted in the belief that true freedom comes from God. This idea aligns closely with the message foun
Tom Neal
Jul 32 min read


Harnessing Strength in Every Circumstance
Philippians 4:10-13 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengt
Tom Neal
Jul 22 min read
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