Episodes

  • Episode 18 - Being Kind Isn’t Always Being Nice

    Episode 18 - Being Kind Isn’t Always Being Nice
    Oct 3 2024
    In this episode, Derek Vreeland discusses the difference between kindness and niceness. He emphasizes that while niceness is about being polite and agreeable, kindness is about mercy in action. Derek shares personal stories and examples from the life of Jesus to illustrate the distinction between the two. He also highlights how Jesus confronted religious hypocrisy and advocated for the protection of children, showing that kindness sometimes requires confronting evil and injustice. Derek concludes by reminding listeners that while we may not always appear nice, we should always strive to be kind. Scriptures mentioned in this episode: Luke 17:1-2 Matthew 23:23-28 Mark 7:5-8 Mark 11:15-18 Ephesians 4:15 Did you find this episode helpful on your spiritual journey? Consider helping us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcast app of choice Get to know your host: https://derekvreeland.com Interact with your host on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • Episode 17 - The Jesus Prayer

    Episode 17 - The Jesus Prayer
    Sep 26 2024
    In this episode, Derek Vreeland discusses the importance of prayer in maintaining an active relationship with God. He introduces the Jesus prayer, a simple 10-word prayer that has been used in the Eastern Orthodox tradition for centuries. Vreeland explains the four strands of the Jesus prayer: the cry for mercy, the discipline of repetition, the quest for stillness, and the veneration of the Holy Name. He emphasizes the power of this prayer in bringing calm, peace, and a focus on Jesus in our daily lives. Books mentioned in this episode: The Jesus Prayer by Kallistos Ware The Jesus Prayer: The Ancient Desert Prayer that Tunes the Heart to God by Frederica Mathewes-Green Scriptures mentioned in this episode: Matthew 6:7 Mark 10:46-48 Did you find this episode helpful on your spiritual journey? Consider helping us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcast app of choice Get to know your host: https://derekvreeland.com Interact with your host on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
    Show more Show less
    30 mins
  • Episode 16 - How to Heal Our Racial Divide: A Conversation with Derwin Gray

    Episode 16 - How to Heal Our Racial Divide: A Conversation with Derwin Gray
    Sep 19 2024
    In this conversation, Pastor and Author Derwin Gray and Derek Vreeland discuss football and conversations about race in Bible study and church life. They emphasize that the gospel is not just about individual salvation, but also about creating a diverse and unified family in Christ. They challenge the idea of colorblindness because it diminishes the beauty and diversity of God's creation. They also address the issue of systemic injustice and the need for open conversations and understanding. This conversation encourages Christians to be unoffendable and to embrace our unity within diversity. Books mentioned in this episode: How to Heal Our Racial Divide by Derwin Gray Did you find this episode helpful on your spiritual journey? Consider helping us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcast app of choice Get to know your host: https://derekvreeland.com Interact with your host on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
    Show more Show less
    31 mins
  • Episode 15 - God’s Neighboring Presence

    Episode 15 - God’s Neighboring Presence
    Sep 12 2024
    In this episode, Derek Vreeland discusses the theme of God's neighboring presence. He explores how the Bible tells the story of God's desire to be with humanity, from God walking with Adam and Eve in the garden to the New Jerusalem coming to earth. Derekalso introduces his Bible study series, 'God's Neighboring Presence,' which focuses on the three movements of God: incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection. He emphasizes the importance of awakening to God's presence, believing in Jesus' sacrifice, and participating in the transformation of new life. Books mentioned in this episode: The Message Devotional Bible by Eugene Peterson Scripture verses mentioned in this episode: John 1:1-14 Did you find this episode helpful on your spiritual journey? Consider helping us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcast app of choice Get to know your host: https://derekvreeland.com Interact with your host on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
    Show more Show less
    30 mins
  • Episode 14 - Mountains & Valleys: A Conversation with Kat Armstrong

    Episode 14 - Mountains & Valleys: A Conversation with Kat Armstrong
    Sep 5 2024
    In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland has a conversation with Kat Armstrong, a Bible teacher and author. They discuss their love for the Bible and how they discerned their calling to be Bible teachers. They also talk about Kat's newest Bible study series, the Storyline Bible Studies, which focus on the themes of mountains and valleys, sticks and stones, and saints and sinners. They explore the importance of seeing Jesus as the hero of every story and avoiding the trap of becoming a Bible thumper. Kat shares her insights on how to use the Bible kindly and avoid being overly harsh or judgmental. Books mentioned in this episode: The Storyline Bible Studies by Kat Armstrong The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing: A Theological Commentary by Jonathan Pennington Tell It Slant: A Conversation on the Language of Jesus in His Stories and Prayers by Eugene Peterson Did you find this episode helpful on your spiritual journey? Consider helping us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcast app of choice Get to know your host: https://derekvreeland.com Interact with your host on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
    Show more Show less
    31 mins
  • Episode 13 - Becoming More Like Jesus: A Trinitarian Vision

    Episode 13 - Becoming More Like Jesus: A Trinitarian Vision
    Aug 29 2024
    In this episode, Derek Vreeland discusses the process of becoming more like Jesus through spiritual transformation. He explores the idea that the Holy Spirit is at work within us, forming us into the image of Jesus for the joy of God the Father. This transformation takes place in the context of Christian community and is facilitated by walking down spiritual pathways, or practicing spiritual disciplines. The goal is to slowly and incrementally become more like Jesus, leading to a peaceable and kind life. Books mentioned in this episode: By the Way by Derek Vreeland Scripture verses mentioned in this episode: Hebrews 12:18-24 2 Corinthaians 3:1-18 Did you find this episode helpful on your spiritual journey? Consider helping us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcast app of choice Get to know your host: https://derekvreeland.com Interact with your host on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
    Show more Show less
    26 mins
  • Episode 12 - Centering Jesus: How the Lamb of God Transforms Our Communities, Ethics, and Spiritual Lives

    Episode 12 - Centering Jesus: How the Lamb of God Transforms Our Communities, Ethics, and Spiritual Lives
    Aug 22 2024
    In this episode, Derek Vreeland celebrates the one-year anniversary of his book, Centering Jesus. He shares his journey of discovering his calling as a pastor and writer, starting from his high school days to his time in college and seminary. Derek emphasizes the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of our spiritual formation, moral lives, and common life together. He describes the day the seed for the book was planted and why it is such an important message for the church today. Books mentioned in this episode: Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Centering Jesus by Derek Vreeland Scripture verses mentioned in this episode: Revelation 7:16-17 Did you find this episode helpful on your spiritual journey? Consider helping us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcast app of choice Get to know your host: https://derekvreeland.com Interact with your host on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
    Show more Show less
    28 mins
  • Episode 11 - An Approach to Conflict Resolution

    Episode 11 - An Approach to Conflict Resolution
    Aug 15 2024
    In this episode, Peaceable and Kind host Derek Vreeland describes a way of conflict resolution using a script of healthy communication through negative emotions. This script comes with a number of ground rules that promote understanding, empathy, and active listening. A peaceable life is not found in avoiding conflict but working through conflict in a way that leads to forgiveness and shared solutions. You can download the script here: https://derekvreeland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/An-Approach-to-Conflict-Resolution.pdf Scripture verses mentioned in this episode: Romans 12:17-18 Matthew 18:15 Did you find this episode helpful on your spiritual journey? Consider helping us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcast app of choice Get to know your host: https://derekvreeland.com Interact with your host on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
    Show more Show less
    37 mins