Still in One Peace – April 29, 2026 – Blog

Weekly Conversations with Pastor Jeff

I have several things for you this week. As referenced in my VLOG “Still in One Peace,” I am sharing the link to the Memorial Service held at Missouri UMC in Columbia, Missouri for our beloved Trevor Davis. Natalie, Trevor’s sister, sang a beautiful song with her more beautiful voice, as a tribute to her brother and as we way of demonstrating the depth of her faith. Natalie’s eulogy for Trevor was incredibly moving for a number of reasons. Please take a listen.

https://www.youtube.com/live/68OaV-spcUA?si=VpDkBrWlTuZqYyVl

Also, as promised, I want to share some practical ways of living into the sermon I gave yesterday. As is typical for me, I simply ran out of time. I hope you will give these soul training exercises a try.

  1. Faith (Active Trust)

Practical Exercise: The “Lack” Audit

  • Action: Throughout the week, carry a small notebook or use your phone to record every time you feel a sense of “lack” (e.g., “I don’t have enough time,” “I’m lacking recognition,” “I don’t have enough energy”).
  • Integration: For each entry, stop and pray: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want for [time/energy/money] right now.” Observe how this consciously shifts your focus from the deficit to the Shepherd.

 Questions:

  • Dallas describes a progression from the “Faith of Propriety” (following rules) to the “Faith of Sufficiency” (relying on God’s presence). Where do you currently see yourself in that journey?
  • What is one specific area of your life where you struggle to believe that you are “perfectly safe” in God’s care?

  1. Death to Self (Relinquishing Control)

Practical Exercise: The “Secrecy” Discipline

  • Action: Choose one good deed or accomplishment this week and intentionally keep it a secret. Do not mention it on social media or to friends.
  • Integration: Use this to “die” to the need for human approval or reputation management. Reflect on the freedom of being seen by God alone.

 Questions:

  • What “reputation” or “title” are you most afraid to lose? How does holding onto that hinder your peace?
  • Dallas says “Death to Self” makes us a “willing receptacle” for God. What “clutter” of self-interest needs to be cleared out of your life this week to make room for Him?

  1. Agape Love (The Outward Flow)

Practical Exercise: The “Enemy” Intercession

  • Action: Identify someone who causes you stress or whom you consider an “enemy” (even a minor one).
  • Integration: Pray specifically for their well-being and success every day for one week. As you do, notice if your sense of “sufficiency” in God makes it easier to want good for them without feeling like it takes anything away from you.

Questions:

  • In what ways do you see your love for others tied to how “full” or “empty” you feel personally?
  • Who is one person you could serve this week with zero expectation of anything in return? How does knowing God is your Shepherd make that possible?