The Yellow Balloons Podcast

In the previous episode, we talked about believing the word and speaking the word. In this episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities of doing the word, which is a focal point in The Book of James. These four questions help us examine how we are acting out our belief system: What are our words doing? What are our actions doing? Where are our resources going? Are we enjoying all things ri...

The choices we make dramatically impact our experience on this earth. When we commit to believing, speaking, and doing, we are choosing a worldview, a perspective, and a way of life. In this episode, we explore this recurring theme in James and in the Bible as a whole. The best path for each of us is to walk in faith. To listen, obey, and mimic the wisdom of God. When we believe, speak, and act th...

In this episode, we focus on one of the most important messages, not only in The Book of James but in all of Scripture. The call to listening. James shares God’s command to listen to other people. We are also implored to listen to the Bible. And, directly, to the source of truth, God Himself. Circumstances are just the environment in which we exercise our faith. If we are listening for God’s direc...

James lets us know that his audience is the brethren, fellow believers in The Lord. In this episode, we explore how this target audience affects the message of James and what it means to win in life. We are meant for community, commanded to listen to others and to lay aside wickedness. Not only receive the word of the Lord with meekness, but follow with action. The word in us is what enables us to...

In this episode, we look at the drastic progression of sin and the increasing effect it has on our lives. Our flesh often believes the enticing promises of the world, but their end is death. Goodness comes from God; he is the steward of all good gifts. Life is about a choice between two Kingdoms: will we follow God and his offerings or the way of the world?

In this episode, we continue studying the wisdom of The Book of James. We start in James 1, verse 12 and also explore other sections of Scripture that bring the words of James into a fuller picture. This episode is about how temptation differs from trials and explores the appropriate responses to both. We conclude with three metaphors for seeking God’s approval - a soldier, an athlete, and a farme...

In this episode, The Book of James encourages us to lean into wisdom, walk by faith, and pursue God’s version of success. We win at life by walking in faith. In the midst of our up and down circumstances, we are called to make choices. Life is a mystery and is over in the blink of an eye. To make the most of it, we must navigate our circumstances with the wisdom that only comes through faith.

The Book of James is unique, interesting, and essential within the Biblical narrative. James  reflects on the nature of success, the importance of wisdom, and the challenge of practically living a faith that is more than just talk. In the opening verses, we see who James is, who he is writing to, and are introduced to James’ focus on a faith that lives, breathes, and acts.

In this bonus episode, we interview author and speaker Brandon Shuman and talk about his new Advent devotional series, Beneath Bethlehem Skies. 

The book of Lamentations serves as a stern warning that God means what He says. The difficult truth is that disobedience to God often leads to unnecessary suffering. The wages of sin is death. Lamentations is a horrific picture of what choosing death looks like for God's people. Yet, even in the despair, there is hope and there is opportunity.

The book of Lamentations serves as a stern warning that God means what He says. The difficult truth is that disobedience to God often leads to unnecessary suffering. The wages of sin is death. Lamentations is a horrific picture of what choosing death looks like for God's people. Yet, even in the despair, there is hope and there is opportunity.

The book of Lamentations serves as a stern warning that God means what He says. In this episode, we explore the historical background of the people of Israel. The difficult truth is that disobedience to God often leads to unnecessary suffering. The wages of sin is death. Lamentations is a horrific picture of what choosing death looks like for God's people. Yet, even in the despair, there is hope a...

In this episode, we continue our discussion on The Book of Esther, focusing on how to apply the lessons learned from the narrative. We look at God’s providence, His promises, and His judgments. And examine the paradoxes of living this out. We are not God. God is God. We must always ask how we are to manage the role God has given us, not seeking control for ourselves, But trusting in him.

The story of Esther is one of the most beautiful and profound narratives in all of Scripture. In this episode, we explore how the characters in Esther are an important illustration of truth for our everyday lives. We will begin working through some historical context that can add layers to how we perceive this story.

In this episode, We continue exploring the teachings of the prophet Zechariah. We then move to explore the story of Nehemiah. These narratives continue our discussion on cause and effect, trust, obedience, and God’s providence. How do these things work together? What is our proper response? The things God asks us to do are not trivial. The courage he calls us to is an important part of the cosmic...

In this episode, we look at the principle of cause and effect and how it relates to the theme of exile and return. How are we supposed to reconcile the providence of God with the people’s choice to trust and obey? We explore stories from 1 Chronicles, revisit the character of King Cyrus, and look at three minor prophets—Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah.

We continue looking at the prophecies that make up the last section of The Book of Ezekiel. Through the prophecy of the temple, we see the beautiful truth that we can freely enter the presence of the creator of the universe. This dismantles legalism and makes living with God a great adventure. It also gives us a sense of hope and a source of courage.

In this episode, we return to The Book of Ezekiel for a look at two of the book’s most controversial passages. The last part of Ezekiel wraps up with a prophecy and a blueprint. We examine these passages, as well as the continued history of the exile, exploring what this prophecy means for the people of Israel and for us.

In this episode, we continue looking at Daniel in the time of the Babylonian Exile. We discuss the story of Daniel in the lion’s den. We also look at a significant prophecy of Isaiah and the story of King Cyrus. There is a spiritual battle throughout history. These characters were involved and so are we. It is our time to fight for God’s kingdom and we can learn a lot from those who went before us...

In this episode, we explore the theme Exile and Return within The Book of Daniel. The events of Daniel unfold during the great Babylonian Exile when the Israelites were relocated to a foreign land. Looking through the historical context and the story of this famous character, we see the challenges of faithfulness during a particularly difficult phase of Israel’s history. We explore the relationshi...

In this episode, we return to The book of Habakkuk, and find connections between Habakkuk and another minor prophet, Obadiah, as well as one of Paul’s most important letters, The Book of Romans. We wrap up Habakkuk with a look at Christ’s death as the final sacrifice and the call for us to respond by choosing a life of righteousness.       

In this episode we begin to explore the theme of Exile and Return in a new book of the Bible. Habakkuk is a minor prophet who makes a plea to God for justice, and he gets a confusing response. There is a lot for us to learn in the conversation between God and Habakkuk, a crucial distinction between destruction and refinement, and a vital connection to the message of The New Testament.

In this special episode, we are joined by West Point graduate and army veteran Seth Cuneen. Seth shares with us his experience with the military and how it relates to The Book of Ezekiel and the theme, Exile and Return. During his time in the service, Seth encounters several examples of rules, authority, and unreasonable expectations. He is asked to trust the process. And although he may not see o...

In this episode, we talk about the seemingly unreasonable things God asks of Ezekiel. We often feel the same way - what God is suggesting seems unfair or beyond our capacity. Do all of the requests of God have a point and a purpose? How does Ezekiel respond to God’s call and how should we? God doesn’t exist to make people comfortable. In fact, following Him often adds a unique set of difficulties...

In this episode we look at Ezekiel 20 and evaluate the natural consequences of the choices of Israel. God will discipline the nation but he will never abandon his chosen people. As a loving Father, his correction is not about coercion or strictly a punishment. It is a guide, a tool to teach us how to learn, improve, and repair the consequences of our poor decisions. Through Ezekiel, we see a recou...