Welcome to Coffee Stains
What this publication is about
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 with an emphasis in Biblical Counseling from Montana Bible College. My wife and I currently serve at MBC with joy!
What I want to share and why
There are plenty of Christian blogs and substacks on the internet (PTL!) but I do not see a lot of content dedicated to Christian contemplation. This topic is near and dear to my heart and I hope to shed more light on the art of contemplation.
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 is contemplation?
Glad you asked! This is often referred to as “mysticism” however, this term is pregnant with a lot of images and concepts that are misleading. Contemplation is a helpful term because it captures the act of being present before God, in prayer, in His word, and thinking about His nature and goodness (Think Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet…more about that in a later post).
The goal here is to recapture what has been lost in Western evangelicalism: intimacy with Jesus. The goal isn’t to act more monastic (or catholic), but 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?
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 contemplation and how to grow in intimacy “in your inner being,” 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
You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.Psalm 16:11