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In this conversation, Jon explores the significance of Sabbath practices in spiritual formation, emphasizing the importance of rest and ceasing work as acts of resistance against a commodified society. He discusses the historical context of Sabbath, its implications for modern Christians, and practical steps to embrace this practice in daily life. If you find this teaching helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with your friends! #PracticingTheWay   # Scripture   #Sermon #BibleStudy

Silence can be unsettling. But it can also be incredibly inviting. And yes, like Depeche Mode told us, we should enjoy the silence . When the usual noise of daily life fades away, what remains is raw and revealing. I recently spent five days on silent retreat, an annual rhythm I am blessed to partake in. It is a time set apart from the world to listen deeply — to God, to myself, and the world around me. These retreats continue to sculpt my understanding of faith, presence, and peace. a prayer labyrinth at the Franciscan prayer center The Power of Silence to Reveal Silence is not just the absence of sound. It is a space where distractions fall away and deeper truths can surface. During the retreat, I realized how rarely I allow myself to be truly silent. My mind often fills the quiet with worries, plans, noise, and distractions from screens and devices. But often, the silence is a mirror. Silence exposes what we usually avoid. Without distractions, I am brought into a position to better face my fears, doubts, and hopes more clearly. It creates space for God’s voice. The quiet allowed me to hear Scripture and prayer in a new way, not just as words but as living guidance. It fosters presence. Being silent can help me stay more present and fully in the moment, appreciating the sacredness of time itself. These lessons can encourage anyone feeling overwhelmed to try moments of silence daily. Even five minutes can open a window to clarity and calm. “Be still, and know that I am God. Ps 46:10 Deepening Prayer Through Stillness Prayer during the retreat shifted from routine to relationship. Without speaking, I found prayer becoming more about listening than asking. This change deepened my connection with God. Listening prayer became central. Instead of reciting prayers, I sat quietly, inviting God’s presence, and waiting. Scripture took on new life. Reading passages slowly and silently, I noticed details and emotions I had missed before. Prayer became less about words and more about being. The silence helped me experience prayer as a shared moment rather than a task. This approach to prayer can transform daily spiritual practice. It invites us to slow down and trust that God speaks in silence as much as in words. The Gift of Solitude and Reflection The retreat’s solitude was not loneliness but a gift. Being alone without distractions allowed me to reflect deeply on my life and faith. I confronted my true feelings. Without the usual noise, I could honestly assess my struggles and joys. I found space to forgive and let go. The quiet helped me release grudges and regrets that weighed me down. I gained perspective on my spiritual journey. Time alone revealed patterns and areas where I needed growth. Solitude like this can be hard to find in everyday life. Yet carving out time for reflection can renew energy and purpose. Practical Lessons for Everyday Life The retreat’s lessons are not confined to special times. They offer practical ways to live more intentionally. Incorporate silence daily. Start with short periods of quiet to reset your mind and spirit. Practice listening prayer. Focus on being present with God rather than rushing through prayers. Make time for solitude. Even brief moments alone can help you process emotions and thoughts. Value nonverbal connection. Pay attention to presence and body language in relationships. Simplify your routine. Reduce distractions to create space for reflection and peace. These steps can help anyone cultivate a deeper spiritual life and greater peace. Many people may not have the circumstances to engage in a several day silent retreat, but even a 24 hour session of not speaking can open up new vistas for one's relationship with God. Many of us live in a world where we never shut up. We are never quiet. We are never still. We are constantly inundating our senses with input — screens, music, games, work, work, work — but there is an invitation for us to be still and enjoy the silence.

Advent is a season of anticipation, reflection, and hope as Christians await the coming of Christ. But hope that is seen … is no hope at all. If we are honest, it can be very difficult to hope at times. Times when we see death and destruction all around us. Times when we experience backbiting, manipulation, greed, and the distortion of truth. Times when we feel another year slipping through our fingers. Times when we look … and see no progress. But during Advent – both in remembrance of Jesus’ birth and the expectation of his return – we join with centuries of Christians down through history who have hoped in his good news. Central to this hope is the belief that Jesus is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners." When Jesus begins his public ministry in Luke 4, he reads directly from Isaiah 61 in the synagogue in Nazareth. After finishing, he declares,  “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”  Luke indicates that Jesus deliberately chooses this passage to read, emphasizing his messianic consciousness at the start of his ministry, and foreshadowing his conflict, and cross, with the powers that be. This day in Nazareth was not only a declaration of Jesus’ identity, but also his mission. Isaiah speaks of liberation, comfort, restoration, and joy – exactly what Jesus offered, and continues to offer, our broken world. While we reflect on this mission in a world that still groans under the weight of suffering, we are reminded that Jesus entered our poverty, our captivity, and our mourning – not as a distant Savior, but as Emmanuel  – the God who is with us. Jesus, the embodied proclamation of the Lord’s favor, did not come with political power or worldly wealth however, but with spiritual authority aimed at the margins. Whether we light candles this Advent season or not, we can be reminded that the light – and heat – of Spirit of the Lord, is not only on Jesus – but continues aflame in us. The Spirit invites and empowers us to continue in his mission – to be his hands and feet – as we proclaim good news to the poor, comfort the hurting, and are agents of God’s justice and mercy in the world.  This Advent season, we are beckoned to align our hopes with what Jesus said was fulfilled that day in Nazareth. This need not be a distant dream – but a present reality that began with Christ’s first coming, continues through us today, and will be completed at his return. In this season of remembrance and waiting, may we hear his words anew and respond with hearts that are open, hopeful, and ready.   Reflection Questions: ·      How does remembering Jesus as the proclaimer of good news to the poor, the binder of the brokenhearted, and the releasor of captives, make you feel right now? ·      In what ways might Jesus be inviting you to join him in his mission of the Lord’s favor during this season?

Jon Sherwood is a pastor of a micro church network in Asheville, NC and while in the midst of various world-views and the challenge to truth from relativism, is dedicated to providing fresh and relevant Christian discipleship resources such as bible studies, bible courses, podcasts, and sermons to help ignite and fuel faith in Jesus in the 21st century. UNpolished church podcast UNpolished church podcast UNpolished church podcast UNpolished church podcast Honest conversations about the complexity , frustration , and beauty of church life in the 21st century. Topics range from theology , ecclesiology , discipleship , practical ministry , missions , spiritual formation , and other things related to following Jesus in community. Jon Sherwood Jon Sherwood is a pastor theologian providing resources to help ignite and fuel Christian faith in the 21st century. Jon loves spending time with his family and the beauty of the blue ridge mountains where he lives. He holds degrees from the University of Florida, Columbia International University, and a doctorate from Mercer University. Learn More Latest Article Like About Contact Fueling Faith in the 21st Century News & Updates Christian Nonviolence Book Coming Fall 2026 I have a book with Herald Press on Christian nonviolence coming this fall! Sign up to receive updates, or be part of the launch team and receive a free copy! Sign Up Articles Interviews Books Sermons

Jon Sherwood is a pastor in Asheville, NC and while in the midst of various world-views and the challenge to truth from relativism, is dedicated to providing fresh and relevant Christian discipleship resources such as bible studies, bible courses, podcasts, and sermons to help ignite and fuel faith in Jesus in the 21st century. UNpolished updates Sign up for news and future opportunities. Email* Submit Like About Contact Fueling Faith in the 21st Century

Jon Sherwood is a pastor in Asheville, NC and while in the midst of various world-views and the challenge to truth from relativism, is dedicated to providing fresh and relevant Christian discipleship resources such as bible studies, bible courses, podcasts, and sermons to help ignite and fuel faith in Jesus in the 21st century. Sexuality Latest Sexuality Posts 1 2 3 4 5 Like About Contact Fueling Faith in the 21st Century