A Cup to Captivate

Please Welcome Shannon Jacobyansky to the Internet Cafe!

It is unfortunate when some misjudge another person.

I have found myself in quite a quandary these past couple of months. I have been on the receiving end of the misjudgment. I try to forget about the situation which rest so heavily upon heart and give it to the Lord’s most capable hands, but the venom of the snake’s bite haunts me still.

I just want to confront those who have been so vicious with lies and self righteousness and other times I just sit, cry, and wonder why people would care to destroy the character of a person they hardly know. All the while, I struggle with loving these self seeking souls and live the standard I know God desires to see in my faith walk.

As I sit waiting for my breakfast to arrive, I ponder my current situation in hope to clarify the puzzlement it has brought to my mind- to have peace and joy amidst the sorrow and anguish.

It is a troubling contemplation for many Christians in achieving this sought after state of mind in which Paul talks about in James. If Paul were around, I would state rather plainly with a sarcastic voice,

“Hey brother… that joy thing… is easier said than done! What’s your plan because it’s not happening here…in my life right now!”

“My brethren, count is all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:3

Steam billows from my cup as I wait for the arrival of my blueberry waffle and the aromatic smell of fresh coffee urges me to take a sip. I envelope my fingers around the mug and it warms my hands and comforts my taste buds.

I sit starring at the cup…carefree… without a worry…just enjoying the moment. It was a daydream state of tranquility. I saw nothing around me and I heard none of the small chatter at other tables. It was just me and my cup of coffee. How quickly the earlier conflict dissipated.

Is this the life God truly intended?

Now, not the warm cup of coffee and the comforting sip, but the worry free moment. Did God intend for my senses to be trained to follow even the slightest aroma of His spirit…to turn toward Christ and the cross?

Does the Master of All make me thirst until I pant and then quench me through the refreshing springs of living water found only in the Word of God?

Does He draw me near with the warmth of His unending love and in turn cause me to indulge myself in this great love and realize I am never alone?

The answer is a resounding yes! He wants me to taste and see that He is good amidst every moment- even in times of trial and heartache.

What if…just what if I could discipline my thoughts to be captivated with Christ…indulge in Him…sip the comforting peace He always gives freely…relish what He did for me and the grace He bestows abundantly. What if I refocused my pattern of thought when uneasiness and conflict arose deep within and change those anxious moments through the power of the one who calms the sea, walked on water, and raised Lazarus from the dead to live again?

Yes indeed it would take great discipline and a conscience effort to withstand the flaming arrows of the evil one who would like nothing better than to see me collapse and crumble. This I know…nothing is impossible through Christ who strengthens me! I will try with the help of my Immanuel, “Take every thought captive” and give it back to Him.

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

II Corinthians 10:5

He is the great I AM…

Satan can never have the victory.

When I do crumble into a heap of nothingness, I fall not to the dust of the Earth from which I came. I fall into the everlasting arms of my Abba. He wipes my tears, extinguishes the fiery arrows, and lifts me up again. He doesn’t just push me off to attempt to stand and walk, but holds my hand in the palm of His own scars. The scars that remind me the victory has already been won!

If Paul was able to answer my earlier sarcasm he would reply,

“Hmmm….how about I tell you where to find a nice cup of coffee”

Ahhh…by Jove I think I’ve got it!

“Sense”sational Thought for the Day

I find it amazing God can work through a simple cup of coffee. The warmth of the mug on my hands, the sensation of the steam reaching to touch my face, and the aromatic smell of the coffee bean; He took it all and made me feel, touch, and smell his essence to teach me about a moment spent with Him.

A Prayer for the Day

O Lord, give me the desire to indulge myself in you this day. Help me take captive anxious thoughts of worry or anguish and give them to you. Remind me always the victory has already been won whatever the battle I may face. Amen

In Him,

Shannon

Shannon has enjoyed writing most of my life, but has been seriously writing for about 3 years. In this brief period she has had several of her stories published (4) and look forward to my fifth story to be published in the book, "Christmas Traditions" in 2009.

She currently lives in Blandon, PA with my husband of 17 years and my three children. She claims that she is just a girl who loves her Lord and has fallen deeply in love with a man who gave his life for me. She writes for her one true friend...Jesus...so others would also come to know and love this wonderful man as Savior and Lord!

You can visit Shannon daily at her personal blogspot.

www.hewonmyheart.blogspot.com