Coffee Stains

A bit about me

My name is Justin Sheely. God has blessed me with a beautiful wife and daughter (girl dad!). I was a photojournalist in a former life, then God called me to pursue Christian higher education. I have a BA in Biblical Studies and I am pursuing graduate studies in Adventure Theology at Yellowstone Theological Institute in Montana.

What I want to share and why

I believe the life that Christ calls us to involves transformation, renewal, and cruciform love. This topic is near and dear to my heart and I hope to bring more attention to spiritual formation and the disciplines.

I am also passionate about photography. God is beauty (Ps. 27:4) and he created a beautiful world. I take inspiration from art and want to contribute on this space for God’s glory.

Why coffee stains?

I love coffee. I also make it a ritual to spend my early mornings with Jesus and a fresh single-origin light roast brewed from my AeroPress (to the glory of God). Therefore, Coffee rings on my chair table are a good sign.

What does the author hope to accomplish?

I hope to capture what Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus:

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

Eph. 3:16-17, NIV

For decades, American pastors and para-church leaders have pushed for us to have “quiet time” or “devotions” with God, yet these are often packaged as mini bible studies or some other lesson that we must work through and check off.

But this falls short of the “fullness of life” the New Testament describes we have in Christ. If we are called to a “relationship, not religion” then what does that relationship look like?

How do we pray?

How do we respond to what we read in God’s word?

What is God like?

How do I worship Him?

These are topics that I explore in this publication.

Who I hope to connect

If what I have written thus far has resonated with you, I’m glad you are here! Even if you are curious about spiritual formation and how to grow in intimacy “in your inner being,” and enjoy some good photography, then this blog is for you!

I desire to build a community of Christ followers—regardless of denomination or tradition—who desire to learn contemplation and share their experiences and insights with others for mutual encouragement.

Let’s Go!

Please subscribe to Coffee Stains for more reflections and meditations (no pledge necessary). I may also write about my love for coffee and photography too!

— Justin