Episodios

  • Episode 84: Entering Into the Epiphany

    Episode 84: Entering Into the Epiphany
    Jan 8 2026
    In this episode, Derek reflects on the Christian season of Epiphany, a season centered on revelation, light, and clarity. Epiphany always falls on January 6, twelve days after Christmas, and reveals that Jesus is not only the Messiah of Israel, but the King of the nations, the Savior of the world. Derek also acknowledges the painful weight January 6 carries in the United States, recalling the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. He contrasts two kinds of “epiphanies” —one that reveals a kingdom of love, truth, and self-giving sacrifice, and another that revealed how rhetorical violence can turn into real violence. Epiphany, he reminds us, is clarifying. It reveals things as they are. The episode then turns to the baptism of Jesus, the central Epiphany moment where God’s revolutionary kingdom is revealed. Drawing on Israel’s story, the Exodus, and the crossing of the Jordan, Derek shows how Jesus reenacts and fulfills Israel’s calling—not through conquest, but through love. In Jesus’ baptism, the Trinity is revealed, and we hear the words that define our identity before God: “You are my beloved.” Epiphany, Derek says, prepares us for repentance by first grounding us in revelation by helping us see who Jesus truly is and who we are becoming in His light. Key Insights Epiphany celebrates the revelation of Jesus as Light of the World and King of the nations January 6, 2021 was an epiphany revealing the danger of violent rhetoric Epiphany shows that revelation is never neutral; light clarifies and exposes Jesus’ baptism fulfills Israel’s story and reimagines power through love The Jordan River connects Jesus to ancient Israel and God’s rescue plan In Jesus, we receive our identity before we perform: beloved sons and daughters Scripture Verses Mentioned in this Episode Psalm 99:1–2 John 3:16 Matthew 3:13–17 Genesis 12 Has Peaceable and Kind been meaningful to you? Support the show by: Leaving a review Giving us a 5-star rating on your podcast app Sharing this episode with a friend Order Derek's new book, Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us, here: https://amzn.to/42jSZAs 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 Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: https://derekvreeland.com Interact with Derek on Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky, or Facebook
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    32 m
  • Episode 83: Praying the Psalms

    Episode 83: Praying the Psalms
    Jan 1 2026
    In this New Year’s Day episode, Derek kicks off 2026 by reflecting on the power of habits over resolutions. He describes a spiritual habit that has shaped his life for years: praying one psalm a day. This ancient practice formed Israel, Jesus, and the early church, and continues to form Christians today. Derek shares how he first learned to pray the Psalms during a season of frustration as a young youth pastor, discovering that David’s battles with enemies gave him language to fight the interior enemies of his soul. Praying the Psalms taught him emotional honesty, resilience, and trust. He then walks through five reasons to adopt this practice in 2026, emphasizing how the Psalms root us in an ancient community, embrace every human emotion, provide a language of prayer, and use powerful metaphors to connect the seen and unseen. Highlights Habits shape us more than resolutions. Praying one psalm a day is a simple and transformative spiritual practice. The Psalms root us in the ancient prayers of Israel—and of Jesus Himself. They give voice to every human emotion, including anger, lament, and hope. The Psalms teach us how to pray when we don’t know what to say. Their metaphors help us encounter God in ordinary life. Derek shares how praying Psalm 71 reshaped his early ministry by helping him confront inner enemies. Resources Psalm of the Day Chart: https://derekvreeland.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Psalm-for-the-day.pdf Book mentioned in this episode: Answering God by Eugene Peterson Scriptures mentioned in this episode Psalm 71, Psalm 23 Has Peaceable and Kind been meaningful to you? Support the show by: Leaving a review Giving us a 5-star rating on your podcast app Sharing this episode with a friend Order Derek's new book, Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us, here: https://amzn.to/42jSZAs 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 Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: https://derekvreeland.com Interact with Derek on Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky, or Facebook
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    36 m
  • Episode 82: Daily Scripture Guidebook: A Conversation with Tim Wildsmith

    Episode 82: Daily Scripture Guidebook: A Conversation with Tim Wildsmith
    Dec 25 2025
    In this special Christmas episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland celebrates the joy of the season and welcomes back the very first return guest in the podcast’s history: author, pastor, and Bible teacher Tim Wildsmith. Tim joins the podcast to talk about his brand-new book, Daily Scripture Guidebook: A 52-Week Journey Through the Bible. Derek begins by reminding listeners that Christmas is a season—not just a single day. The twelve days of Christmas stretch all the way to Epiphany on January 6, and this is a time for feasting, joy, and gratitude. So grab your Christmas cookies and keep celebrating! From there, Derek introduces Tim Wildsmith, well known for his popular YouTube Bible-review channel (now with over 266,000 subscribers), but also a gifted pastor, professor, musician, and thoughtful communicator. Tim currently serves as the Interim Pastor at Crievewood Baptist Church in Nashville, where he lives with his wife, Becca. Tim first appeared back in Episode 45 to discuss his debut book Bible Translations for Everyone. Today he returns to share the heart, structure, and vision behind his new year-long guidebook for reading Scripture with depth, clarity, and joy. Throughout the conversation, Derek and Tim explore how the Daily Scripture Guidebook helps readers move through the Bible at a sustainable pace, with weekly overviews, word studies, and space for journaling. They also talk about the emotional and spiritual challenges many people face when attempting to read the Bible consistently—and how Tim’s book (and companion podcast) aims to make daily Scripture engagement more meaningful and accessible. Key Topics in This Episode How a yearlong rhythm fosters consistency, formation, and daily time with Jesus Helping readers overcome common Bible-reading struggles Navigating both Old and New Testaments Building a habit of reflection and journaling Introducing the companion podcast: “Daily Scripture with Tim Wildsmith” Books Mentioned in This Episode Daily Scripture Guidebook: A 52-Week Journey Through the Bible by Tim Wildsmith Bible Translations for Everyone by Tim Wildsmith The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language by Eugene Peterson Has Peaceable and Kind been meaningful to you? Support the show by: Leaving a review Giving us a 5-star rating on your podcast app Sharing this episode with a friend Order Derek's new book, Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us, here: https://amzn.to/42jSZAs 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 Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: https://derekvreeland.com Interact with Derek on Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky, or Facebook
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    37 m
  • Episode 81: Entering Into Narnia — The Awe and Wonder of Christmas

    Episode 81: Entering Into Narnia — The Awe and Wonder of Christmas
    Dec 19 2025
    In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland invites listeners to recover the awe, imagination, and wonder of Christmas by stepping through the wardrobe into the world of Narnia. As we approach the fourth Sunday of Advent and draw near to Christmas, Derek reflects on how C. S. Lewis helps us see the Christmas story with fresh eyes, through imagination, metaphor, and childlike faith. Drawing from Lewis’s works, Derek explains why imagination is essential for understanding the deeper meaning of Christmas. “Reason is the organ of truth,” Lewis wrote, “but imagination is the organ of meaning.” Before truth can be grasped, it must mean something and meaning is carried through images, metaphors, and stories. Through Lucy’s first steps into Narnia, Derek explores our shared longing for another world, one marked by beauty and mystery. This longing, Lewis argues, is a signpost pointing us toward God. And in Jesus’ incarnation, God has given us a doorway, a “wardrobe,” into that greater world. Jesus is the gate, the portal through which we enter the life of God. Advent is the season where wonder can be reborn in us. Aslan is on the move. Winter will not last forever. And Christmas is the invitation to step inside. Key Takeaways Imagination is essential for meaning. Lewis teaches that before truth can be recognized, it must be imagined. Christmas awakens our longing for another world. Our desire for is itself a clue that we were made for more. Jesus is our wardrobe. In his incarnation, Jesus becomes the doorway into God’s life: “I am the gate… whoever enters by me will be saved” (John 10:7–9). Narnia mirrors our world under winter’s spell. Seasons of spiritual coldness, absence, and longing echo Narnia’s “always winter and never Christmas.” But Aslan’s arrival (like the arrival of Jesus on Christmas Day) signals restoration and joy. Childlike faith opens us to the kingdom. Curiosity, wonder, and openness are not childish. They are the way Jesus teaches us to enter God’s world. Four Simple Ways to Step Through the Wardrobe This Advent Slow down enough to notice beauty. Wonder needs space; beauty is everywhere if we have eyes to see. Read aloud. Hearing awakens imagination in a way silent reading doesn’t. Welcome small acts of delight. Do little things during Advent and Christmas that bring you joy. Sit with mystery. Resist the urge to explain everything. Let some things remain holy and hidden. Scriptures Mentioned in This Episode: John 10:7–9 Books and Essays Mentioned in This Episode C. S. Lewis, “Bluspels and Flalansferes: A Semantic Nightmare” Selected Literary Essays (1969) Read this essay online here: https://ourendgame.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BluspelsAndFlalansferes.pdf The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis Has Peaceable and Kind been meaningful to you? Support the show by: Leaving a review Giving us a 5-star rating on your podcast app Sharing this episode with a friend Order Derek's new book, Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us, here: https://amzn.to/42jSZAs 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 Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: https://derekvreeland.com Interact with Derek on Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky, or Facebook
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    33 m
  • Episode 80: My Favorite Books of 2025

    Episode 80: My Favorite Books of 2025
    Dec 11 2025
    In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland steps away from his usual deep dives into Scripture, theology, and cultural reflection to share something a little different and very close to his heart: books. Derek counts reading and writing among his deepest joys, and today he offers his top five favorite books he read in 2025. Some are newly published, some are older classics, but all have shaped him this year. Before jumping in, Derek reflects on his lifelong journey as a reader and writer, how his calling as a pastor, teacher, and ultimately a writer grew slowly through mentors, quiet spiritual practices, early encouragement, and the rediscovery of a love for reading after meeting Jesus. Writing, Derek notes, is simply an extension of his pastoral work, much like the life and ministry of Eugene Peterson. Drawing from Winn Collier’s biography A Burning in My Bones, he shares how Peterson modeled a life of faithful pastoral presence shaped through reading, prayer, and writing. Along with his top reads from this year, Derek also shares what he’s currently reading: The Heart of Philosophy by Jacob Needleman—a book recommended to him years ago by his high school track coach. Needleman’s search for meaning across philosophy and religion echoes the very kind of reading life that formed Derek: a life shaped by curiosity, openness, truth-seeking, and wonder. Finally, Derek reveals his Top Five Books of 2025, a list filled with theology, philosophy, classic fiction, and spiritual reflection—books that expanded his imagination, nourished his faith, and reminded him why reading still matters. Key Takeaways • Writing grows out of vocation. Derek’s passion for writing is inseparable from his calling as a pastor and teacher. • Reading forms the soul. From quiet morning Bible readings as a teenager to deep philosophical works today, reading has been one of Derek’s primary pathways of spiritual growth. • Mentors matter. Encouragement from his high school coach and the example of Eugene Peterson helped shape Derek’s identity as a writer. • Books connect us across time and tradition. Whether classic works or recent releases, good books invite us into deeper wisdom, beauty, and truth. • Your reading life will ebb and flow. The joy of reading returns when we let curiosity lead the way. Derek’s Top Five Books of 2025 1. A Strange and Gracious Light by Andrew Arndt 2. The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis 3. Answering God by Eugene Peterson 4. From Aristotle to Christ by Louis Markos 5. Jesus Changes Everything by Stanley Hauerwas & Charles Moore Other Books Mentioned in This Episode • A Burning in My Bones by Winn Collier • Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry • The Heart of Philosophy by Jacob Needleman Has Peaceable and Kind been meaningful to you? Support the show by: • Leaving a review • Giving us a 5-star rating on your podcast app • Sharing this episode with a friend Order Derek's new book, Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us, here: https://amzn.to/42jSZAs 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 Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: https://derekvreeland.com Interact with Derek on Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky, or Facebook
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    43 m
  • Episode 79: The Transformative Power of the Christian Calendar

    Episode 79: The Transformative Power of the Christian Calendar
    Dec 4 2025
    Episode 79: The Transformative Power of the Christian Calendar In this rich and reflective episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland explores how the Christian calendar offers a sacred rhythm that forms our lives around Jesus. As we enter the first week of Advent, Derek invites listeners to recover ancient practices that slow us down, reorient our attention, and root us in the ongoing story of Christ. Rather than fighting culture wars over “Merry Christmas” vs. “Happy Holidays,” Derek reminds us that followers of Jesus are called not to win culture but to make disciples, to become peacemaking servants in a world obsessed with power and control. From Advent to Pentecost to Ordinary Time, the Christian calendar tells and retells the story of Jesus, helping us live our own stories with purpose, hope, and joy. Derek also shares how practicing the Christian year has transformed his own spiritual life, teaching him humility through tradition, attentiveness through rhythm, and joy through remembrance. Conversation Themes Living by a Different StoryHow the Christian calendar offers an alternative to the frantic pace of modern life and invites us into the life of Jesus. Advent and AnticipationWhy waiting, longing, and hope are essential practices for following Jesus in a distracted world. Tradition and TransformationUnderstanding tradition not as lifeless ritual but as the “democracy of the dead,” a way to learn from the wisdom of those who’ve gone before us. Seasons of FormationWalking through the seasons of the Christian year—from Advent to Christ the King—and how each one shapes our hearts around the gospel. Practices for Everyday LifeSimple, meaningful ways to begin observing the Christian year, especially during Advent. Key Takeaways The Christian calendar invites us to live by the story of Jesus rather than the story of consumerism or productivity. Advent is a time of hopeful waiting. A four-week season of looking at the brokenness of our world and longing for Jesus to come. Tradition is not the enemy of faith but a means of wisdom, a way to learn from the saints who came before us. The Christian calendar has transformative power because it: Forms us through rhythm Redirects our attention Roots us in ancient community Makes the ordinary holy Keeps Jesus at the center Books Mentioned in This Episode Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton Living the Christian Year by Bobby Gross Scriptures Mentioned in This Episode John 18:36 Proverbs 15:1 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Mark 7:8 John 1:14 Hebrews 12:2 John 3:17 Has Peaceable and Kind been meaningful to you? Support the show by: Leaving a review Giving us a 5-star rating on your podcast app Sharing this episode with a friend Order Derek's new book, Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us, here: https://amzn.to/42jSZAs 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 Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: https://derekvreeland.com Interact with Derek on Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky, or Facebook
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    31 m
  • Episode 78: Waiting for Jesus: A Conversation with Rich Villodas

    Episode 78: Waiting for Jesus: A Conversation with Rich Villodas
    Nov 27 2025
    Episode 78: Waiting for Jesus: A Conversation with Rich Villodas In this special Advent episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland welcomes pastor and author Rich Villodas for a conversation about his new devotional book, Waiting for Jesus. As we enter the season of Advent, Derek and Rich reflect on the countercultural practice of waiting, learning to slow down, be still, and become more attentive to the presence of God. Together they explore how spiritual practices like silence, reflection, and wonder shape our formation and deepen our life with Christ. Conversation Highlights The Practice of Silence: Why silence remains central to spiritual formation and how to begin when the quiet feels uncomfortable. Four Movements of Advent: Waiting, peacemaking, rejoicing, and beholding. These themes help us slow down and prepare for Christmas. Guides Along the Way: Wisdom from Henri Nouwen, Barbara Brown Taylor, Bonhoeffer, Hauerwas, Willard, and Eugene Peterson on the joy that comes through obedience. The Tyranny of the Urgent: How individuals and congregations can recover rhythms of waiting in a culture of hurry and distraction. Hope in Jesus: Rich hopes readers will walk away from reading Waiting for Jesus with a renewed hope in Jesus to come and set right a world gone wrong. Key Takeaways Advent is not about frantic preparation but faithful waiting. Silence and stillness are not empty—they make space for God’s presence. Joy is not a requirement for discipleship; it’s the fruit of obedience. Practicing attentiveness helps us resist distraction and rediscover wonder. Books mentioned in this episode: Waiting for Jesus by Rich Villodas A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas Has Peaceable and Kind been meaningful to you? Support the show by: Leaving a review Giving us a 5-star rating on your podcast app Sharing this episode with a friend Order Derek's new book, Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us, here: https://amzn.to/42jSZAs 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 Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: https://derekvreeland.com Interact with Derek on Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky, or Facebook
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    31 m
  • Episode 77: The Attitude of Gratitude

    Episode 77: The Attitude of Gratitude
    Nov 20 2025
    In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland explores gratitude not as a fleeting emotion or polite social gesture, but as a way of being in the world that opens us to the presence and goodness of God. As Thanksgiving approaches, Derek invites listeners to move beyond a once-a-year holiday mindset and cultivate an ongoing “attitude of gratitude.” Drawing from Scripture, church history, and his own life, including a story about running his first half marathon, he shows how gratitude changes not our circumstances, but changes how we see God in the midst of our circumstances. Derek reflects on the wisdom of writers like Ann Voskamp, Henri Nouwen, and Brother Lawrence, alongside the biblical stories of the ten lepers in Luke 17 and Paul’s exhortation to “give thanks in all circumstances.” Through these voices, he reveals how gratitude shifts our focus from scarcity to abundance, from anxiety to trust, and from performance to presence. At the heart of Christian worship is thanksgiving, the rhythm of receiving grace, giving thanks, and sharing the gift. We see this in the practice of holy communion. Key Takeaways Gratitude is more than good manners. It’s a spiritual posture that shapes how we see the world. We give thanks in all circumstances, not for all circumstances. Gratitude is the surest way to spiritual life, grounding us in the present moment where God is always at work. Holy Communion (or Eucharist) reminds us that thanksgiving stands at the center of Christian worship. Practicing gratitude transforms complaint into wonder and scarcity into abundance. Four Simple Ways to Practice Gratitude Look for small gifts: Notice the simple, daily graces: breath, light, presence. Begin your prayers with thanksgiving: Gratitude opens your heart before you ask for anything. Express gratitude aloud: Tell someone, “I’m thankful for you.” Spoken gratitude multiplies joy. End your day with reflection: Ask, “Where did I experience God’s grace today?” Let thanksgiving close your day. Scriptures mentioned in this episode:Luke 17:11–19Colossians 4:2 (MSG)1 Thessalonians 5:18 Books mentioned in this episode:One Thousand Gifts by Ann VoskampThe Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence Has Peaceable and Kind been meaningful to you? Support the show by: Leaving a review Giving us a 5-star rating on your podcast app Sharing this episode with a friend Order Derek's new book, Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us, here: https://amzn.to/42jSZAs 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 Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: https://derekvreeland.com Interact with Derek on Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky, or Facebook
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    33 m
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