The Yellow Balloons Podcast

In this episode, we continue to explore the metaphors of God as father, manager, and husband. What is our part? Using Ezekiel 17 and 18 as a guide, we explore the power and the opportunity of our choices. We examine the oaths of Israel and an invitation for all of us to choose life as opposed to death. No matter what setting we find ourselves in, we have to do our best to remain faithful, to stay...

We continue looking at different examples of God’s provision and care in The Book of Ezekiel. In our previous episode, we explored God as father and God as the head of an enterprise. Now we move to discussing God as husband to the nation of Israel. What is our response to the ways God cares for us? He does not want us to be an adulterous people. He wants us to be conformed to the image of Christ.

In this episode, we continue working through The Book of Ezekiel as it pertains to the theme of exile and return. Chapter 14 leads us into an exploration of some of the roles God plays in our lives and how they serve as metaphors for the way he provides and cares for us. The first two examples in Ezekiel focus on God as a father and God as the head of an enterprise.   

We continue in the first chapter of Ezekiel with the strange creatures seen in the throne room of God. The message within the imagery is a clear allusion to hope, pointing  to the new heavens and new earth. Although we are now in exile, strangers in this world, and must wait eagerly for Christ’s return, there is a promise of redemption. A homecoming. We are called to love and serve faithfully as w...

In this episode, we move into an exploration of the incredible events in The Book of Ezekiel, glimpsing into God’s throne room and uncovering some of the most important characteristics of God Himself. We look at the universal and prophetic truths of the elders, the white robes, and the throne itself. Though there is a lot of imagery in Ezekiel, the central message is God’s sovereignty, power, and...

We continue to explore The Book of Jeremiah. In the last episode, we covered the first of Jeremiah’s three components - the charge - and now we explore the verdict and the restoration. During the challenges of exile, we are faced with an important question: “Who shall we trust?” How we answer is one of the most foundational decisions we will ever make. We are called trust in God in all circumstanc...

In this episode, we continue to explore the theme of Exile and Return by focusing on The Book of Jeremiah. How does Jeremiah fit with the overall historical context of the Old Testament and the minor prophets? What does Jeremiah have to say about the exile Israel is undergoing at the time? The Book of Jeremiah contains three major components: a charge, a verdict, and a restoration. In this episode...

We dive deeper into the theme of Exile and Return by examining the story of Hezekiah, which is found in Second Chronicles. Hezekiah, like all of us, struggles to acknowledge and wrestle with the importance of his choices. Our challenging circumstances make decision-making difficult. Trusting in God’s sovereignty does not negate, but rather informs, our call to steward our choices well. Even in Exi...

In this episode, we begin a new series that explores one of The Bible’s most consistent themes. The pattern of Exile and Return is found in various forms throughout Scripture. The rhythm of Scripture is a constant reinforcement of the Exile and Return framework. Early stories like Joseph, Abraham, Job, and Jonah. Parables like the Prodigal Son and The Good Samaritan. Paul’s teachings on reconcilia...

In this episode, we discuss the different practices for Scripture engagement. We are all different people. The best way to discover the treasures of The Bible is to know yourself and figure out what works best for you. There is no one right way. And every time we engage with Scripture, even if it is done imperfectly, there is value to be gained. We close this series by sharing which practices work...

In this episode, we explore the message of Psalm 8 and use it as an example for the process of studying The Bible. We are all significant characters in the cosmic story, called to steward our choices for the sake of God’s Kingdom. Although we struggle to steward well, the work of Jesus helps free us to make our choices with grace and hope. The story of The Bible invites us to participate in purpos...

In this episode, we examine the elements of a story and how these apply to The Story of all stories contained in the Christian Scriptures. Heroes and villains, major and minor characters, seeming defeat and reversals of victory. We love stories. The structure of a story communicates a message, a sense of adventure, and invites us into a purpose. Every story is a microcosm of the great story of The...

In this episode, we discuss our experience with studying Scripture. Why should we do it and what is the best mindset when approaching The Bible? Most of us start out of a sense of obligation. This is a valuable starting place, but unchecked it can lead to guilt, fear and shame. When studying The Bible becomes an adventure, we start to seek its truth as a treasure-hunter. There are difficulties and...

In this episode, we discuss where to begin when studying The Bible. There are a lot of resources out there to help with this, but the key is to get started. The Bible is a love story and every page is an opportunity to see that story unfold. We are creatures created to reflect the essence of who God is. As we read and study Scripture, we are better equipped to do what we were created to do. The Bi...

In this episode, we explore the value of Scripture and the motivation for studying it. We all do what we perceive to be best for us. Scripture helps unveil what is truly in our best interest. Fear often keeps us away from The Bible because we have been told there is condemnation in it. We have confused acceptance and approval. Clarifying that distinction is a key to unlocking the value of Scriptur...

In this episode, we finish our series on The Book of Daniel by exploring the themes of resurrection and condemnation and how they compare with the message of Revelation. The beautiful and unique value of The Book of Daniel is the mix between a narrative hero and a prophetic vision. Daniel provides us with an example of how to live out the messages of both the book of Daniel and Revelation: to be a...

In this episode, we begin to conclude our series on The Book of Daniel by wrapping up chapter eleven and exploring chapter twelve. Daniel carries many prophetic parallels to The Book of Revelation. In these last chapters, we examine what Daniel has to say about the character of the antichrist and what will happen to the antichrist when the cosmic story has played all the way through. This episode...

Picking up where we left off in Daniel 11, we continue to discuss the historical and prophetic lessons of Daniel’s life and visions. We look at the contribution of The Maccabees and Daniel himself to the larger story of God and His Kingdom. Those who have gone before us help show us how to be a faithful witness, which is the essential call of The Book of Daniel.

We begin this episode in Daniel 11. Surrounded by historical context and the mystery of prophecy,  these verses have a lot to say to each of us and the decisions we make in our daily life. God’s hand and providence are essential and ever-present throughout the story of this world. Exploring Daniel helps us to see the role we are called to play in regards to truth and humility. 

In this episode, we continue looking at Daniel’s vision in Chapters 10 and 11. The messenger tells Daniel of three more kings that will arise in Persia. Who are those kings and why does it matter? Exploring the historical context and the narrative presented in Daniel, we take a look at what our role is in the Kingdom of God and the trajectory of God’s eternal story.

In this episode, we move out of Daniel’s prayer and into a vision he receives from God. Daniel is told what will happen to Israel in the future and we are given insight into the angelic realm. A central message in Chapter 10 is that our choices matter and have consequences. We are to be overcomers, follow Jesus, and be participants in that heavenly Kingdom Daniel envisions.

We continue to look at the ninth chapter in the book of Daniel. On the heels of Daniel’s prayer, we see the angel Gabriel address him. Gabriel’s role in Daniel and his role in the New Testament when he appears to Mary bear similarities that are worth looking at. We also see that Daniel’s prayer is answered in a way that significantly exceeds his expectations.

In this episode we focus on Daniel’s prayer as an example of his character and a crucial tool for understanding the prophecies we have looked at previously. In Chapter Nine, Daniel looks at the prophecies of Jeremiah and we see how his prayer also connects to the prophecies in The Book of Revelation. Daniel’s prayer is powerful and revealing. It is both convicting and encouraging for God’s people....

In this episode, we continue walking through the prophetic text in Daniel 8 and look at the abomination of desolation. We talk about Antiochus Epiphanes and the great tribulation. We explore the interpretation of Daniel’s vision and an application of it for our own lives.

In this episode we look at the prophetic vision of Chapter Eight. There is a pattern that is beginning to emerge in Daniel’s visions, and this one follows suit. History and myth, past and future, kingdoms and civilizations, swirl in Daniel’s vision. It invites us to see the patterns of sin, human effort, and God’s Sovereign intervention - inviting us to trust and obey Him as the events of world hi...