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

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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 

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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

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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

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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

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In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland interviews Karen Stiller, author of the book: Holiness Here. They discuss the art of writing, the relationship between holiness and love, and the experience of grief. Stiller emphasizes the importance of writing with love for the reader and being transparent and welcoming in one's writing. She also challenges the notion that holiness is rigid and legalistic, instead framing it as rooted in the love of God. The conversation explores the balance between being and doing in the pursuit of holiness and the role of community in the journey. Stiller shares her personal experience of grief and the lessons she learned about the complexity of faith and the presence of God in the midst of sorrow.

Books mentioned in this episode:

Holiness Here by Karen Stiller

Charitable Writing by Richard Gibson

Scripture verses mentioned in this episode:

Isaiah 2:2-4

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In this episode, Derek Vreeland discusses the importance of prayer in cultivating a peaceable and kind life. We cannot become kind people as followers of Jesus without prayer. We don’t just learn principles of kindness and peacemaking. We need to become kind and peaceable people and that process of formation comes through prayer. One prayer we can rely on is the Serenity Prayer. In it we find the wisdom of accepting what we cannot change and the truth that accepting hardship is the pathway to peace. 

The Serenity of Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.

The courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;

Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is; Not as I would have it;

Trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will;

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.

Book mentioned in this episode:

Water From a Deep Well by Gary Sittser

You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit by James K.A. Smith

Scripture verses mentioned in this episode:

Philippians 4:6-7

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The horrific attempted assassination of former President Trump on July 13 captured the attention of a nation and the world. Christians have wondered how we can respond in a way that is consistent with the ways of Jesus. In this episode, Peaceable and Kind host Derek Vreeland describes what Christians believe moral evil is and the pathogens in our culture that made watching the assassination attempt sickening but not shocking. He also reflects on the helpful words from Melania Trump the day after the attack. Her call for the necessity of love, compassion, kindness and empathy is the encouragement we need as we think about how we talk about politics. 

Read Melanie Trump’s full statement here: https://x.com/MELANIATRUMP/status/1812492817068945437

Books mentioned in this episode:

Centering Jesus by Derek Vreeland

Scripture verses mentioned in this episode:

Matthew 5:21-22

Proverbs 18:21

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In this episode, Derek Vreeland discusses the importance of using the Bible kindly and not as a weapon. The Bible is sacred. It contains God’s written words for us. The Bible is an inspired, orderly and diverse collection of ancient books that faithfully leads us to Jesus. And the Bible is too sacred to be used as bullets in our theological guns. The purpose of the Bible is not to win arguments or put people down, but to guide us in the ways of Jesus. Derek encourages listeners to filter all of scripture through Jesus and to use the Bible in a way that promotes kindness and peace.

Scripture verses mentioned in this episode:

Psalm 119:9

Psalm 119:11

Psalm 119:25

Psalm 119:28

Psalm 119:89

Psalm 119:103

Psalm 119:105

Psalm 119:169

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In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland interviews Dieula Previllon, author of the book Does God See Me? How God Meets Us in the Center of Our Trauma Healing Journey. Dieula shares her personal story of trauma and healing, and discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing trauma in our lives. God sees and cares for us in our pain, and that healing is possible through God's love and grace. This conversation also touches on the challenges of assimilation for immigrants, the power of storytelling, and the need for men to engage with their own pain and seek healing. The conversation explores the impact of trauma on individuals and the need for self-care and inner peace in order to be peacemakers in the world. 

Book mentioned in this episode:

Does God See Me? How God Meets Us in the Center of Our Trauma Healing Journey by Dieula Previlon

Scripture verses mentioned in this episode:

Genesis 16:7-14

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