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© 2026 HealingStrong's Around the Word
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Join us around the table with friends who love the Lord and want to dig deeper into God's Word. Hosted by Cheryl Collins and joined by friends of HealingStrong, this podcast is sure to peak your interest in learning more about God's Word, as discussions on each podcast are short, bite-sized morsels that help to go deeper and enjoy God's Word. Cheryl and the podcast team will discuss stories that build trust in God through the history of Joseph, Esther, Jehoshaphat, Daniel, Nehemiah, the Disciples, and of course, Jesus! These episodes encourage our faith in overcoming our fear, and who doesn't need strengthened faith?
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In this episode, we explore Daniel 1:9–21, where a teenager’s small, courageous request for ten days of vegetables and water—trusting obedience over argument—sets a revolutionary example of wisdom, integrity, and health amid pressures from both the king and the Lord. We discuss how Daniel’s measured, faith-filled plan leads to visible strength, clear minds, and divine insight, modeling a holistic approach to resilience that integrates body, soul, and spirit. Reflecting on nutrition and courag...
In this episode, we explore Daniel 1 and the quiet strength behind his choice to refuse the royal menu, using it to examine how conviction, health, and integrity intersect amid modern pressures. We discuss the importance of setting clear standards before temptation arises, viewing God’s guidelines as gifts that protect body and soul, and emphasize leaning on the Holy Spirit and Scripture to stand firm when shortcuts tempt us. Cheryl shares a personal story of choosing resolve over immediate r...
In this episode, we reflect on Daniel 1:3–7, where Daniel and his friends are renamed by Babylon, illustrating how labels—though promising clarity—often steal identity, a pattern still seen today as culture assigns us names tied to our seasons or struggles. We explore how empires and cultures reshape people through new language, diets, and identities, contrasting this with the Hebrew names God gives that ground us in His grace and help amid hardship. Through candid reflections on labels like ...
In this episode, we explore how the heart drifts toward compromise by examining Exodus 20 alongside Daniel 1, revealing how a people called to exclusive allegiance slowly replace the living God with “little g” gods—good things like work, family, or comfort—that take first place and lead to exile. Viewing the first commandment through the lens of rescue reframes obedience as a grateful response rather than duty, illustrated by Babylon’s siege and the desecration of temple treasures. Dani...
In launching a new series on Daniel, we focus our time in Isaiah 43:1–2, where God affirms our identity as created, redeemed, and called by name—promises that transform how we face trials, offering His presence amid flames and floods that don’t consume us. We dive into the deeper meaning of “fear not,” grounded in redemption and intimacy, inviting us to lean on Scripture as a lifeline. Through the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s unwavering trust while in the furnace, we learn to ...
We are taking a brief holiday pause, then come back to listen in January for a new series on Daniel. Listen in as we share some updates across HealingStrong and what resources we have for you over this break season. Listeners get resources for the break, an encouragement from Luke 1 for those waiting, and a chance to double their impact through a donation match. • January launch of a Daniel study focused on chapters 1–4 • new HealingStrong website to simplify groups and resources • ret...
The story of Esther demonstrates God's sovereignty as He works behind the scenes, using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes to fulfill His redemptive plan. • Mordecai is elevated to second in command under King Xerxes, paralleling Joseph's position in Egypt • The book highlights how God elevates women in a culture where they were marginalized • Esther's courage, strength, and wisdom were instrumental in saving God's people • God's divine providence turns evil plans into protection for...
The tables turn dramatically for the Jewish people as what was meant to be their day of destruction becomes their day of victory and deliverance through Queen Esther and Mordecai's influence in the Persian court. • God turned what enemies meant for evil into good as Jews were allowed to defend themselves • Officials throughout the Persian Empire began helping the Jews out of fear of Mordecai • The Jews defeated 500 enemies in Susa, including Haman's ten sons who were later impaled • Througho...
We explore Esther chapter 8, where divine providence unfolds as Mordecai rises to power and the Jewish people gain the right to defend themselves against annihilation. • Haman's estate is given to Esther, who then appoints Mordecai to manage it • King Xerxes gives his signet ring to Mordecai, symbolizing a transfer of royal authority • Esther risks her life again by approaching the king unbidden to plead for her people • The original death decree cannot be revoked, but a new edict allows Jew...
Queen Esther displays remarkable courage as she reveals Haman's genocidal plot against the Jews during a second banquet with King Xerxes. The king's furious reaction and Haman's desperate attempts to save his life lead to a dramatic conclusion where justice is served in the most poetic way possible. • Esther strategically waits for the right moment to reveal her Jewish identity and Haman's evil plot • The king is shocked that his trusted advisor has planned to destroy his queen and her peopl...
God orchestrates a remarkable reversal of fortunes as King Xerxes' insomnia leads to Haman being forced to honor his enemy Mordecai through the streets of the city. • The king's sleepless night leads him to read chronicles recording Mordecai's loyalty in exposing an assassination plot • Haman arrives to request Mordecai's execution but instead must lead his honor parade • God works behind the scenes, orchestrating events that no one could have planned • Even Haman's advisors recognize the di...
The story of Haman and Mordecai in Esther 5:9-14 reveals how pride destroys joy while faith builds strength in difficult circumstances. We explore how Haman's obsession with one small slight poisoned his perspective despite his many blessings. • Haman leaves Queen Esther's banquet joyful but quickly becomes enraged when Mordecai refuses to bow • Mordecai shows growing faith as he moves from mourning in sackcloth to standing firm at the king's gate • The toxic influence of surrounding yoursel...
Queen Esther demonstrates remarkable courage and wisdom as she approaches King Xerxes after three days of fasting, risking her life to save her people. Her strategic approach reveals how God works behind the scenes, orchestrating divine timing even when His name isn't mentioned in the story. • Esther prepares physically and spiritually before approaching the king, fasting for three days and wearing her royal robes • The king immediately shows favor to Esther by extending his golden scepter, ...
We explore the inspiring story of Queen Esther as she faces a life-or-death decision that will determine the fate of the Jewish people in Persia. • Reading from Esther chapter 4:12-17, where Mordecai challenges Esther to approach the king uninvited • Discussion of the divine purpose in Esther's position as queen "for such a time as this" • How Esther moved from hesitation to courage through spiritual preparation • The power of Esther's decision to fast with her attendants for three days befo...
We delve into a crucial turning point in the Book of Esther where Mordecai discovers Haman's plot to annihilate the Jewish people and urgently communicates with Queen Esther through palace intermediaries to intervene. • Mordecai publicly mourns in sackcloth and ashes when he learns about the edict to destroy all Jews • Jewish people throughout all 127 Persian provinces join in mourning, fasting and weeping • Esther initially doesn't understand what's happening, showing her isolation within t...
We explore Esther 3:7-15, where Haman convinces King Xerxes to issue an edict for the destruction of all Jews in the Persian Empire, setting the stage for one of the Bible's greatest rescue stories. • Haman's manipulation of King Xerxes through vague generalizations about "a certain people" • The king's disturbing readiness to authorize genocide without asking questions • Historical connections between Haman (an Agagite) and the longstanding enemies of God's people • The enemy's repeated tac...
We explore Esther 3:1-6, examining the ancient conflict between Mordecai and Haman that threatens to escalate into genocide against the Jews throughout the Persian Empire. • Mordecai refuses to bow to Haman despite the king's command, openly identifying himself as a Jew • Haman is identified as an Agagite, revealing the historical enmity between Jews and Amalekites • Ancient conflict dates back to when the Amalekites first attacked Israel after crossing the Red Sea • God had pronounced judgm...
We explore the extraordinary ways God uses ordinary people within the story of Mordecai discovering a plot to assassinate King Xerxes in Esther 2:19-23. This remarkable biblical account reveals how regular people become part of God's extraordinary plans without even realizing it. • Mordecai, sitting at the king's gate, overhears two royal officials plotting to kill King Xerxes • Mordecai reports the assassination plot through Esther, demonstrating his commitment to doing what's right • Thoug...
We explore Esther's journey from orphan to queen through her encounter with King Xerxes, highlighting how her humility and God's favor positioned her for a greater purpose. The passage reveals how Esther's wise decision to seek counsel from those who knew the king best demonstrated a humble spirit that would later enable her to fulfill her divine mission. • Esther displayed remarkable wisdom by seeking counsel from Hegai, the king's eunuch, rather than relying on her own judgment • God's fav...
God works through flawed cultural contexts to bring about His perfect will, as evidenced in the story of Esther where a young orphaned Jewish girl finds unexpected favor in a Persian king's court. • Discussion of how God uses worldly systems for His divine purposes despite their flawed nature • Analysis of the troubling "beauty contest" that brought Esther to the king's attention • Exploration of Mordecai's protective role as Esther's adoptive father • Observation of the supernatural favor ...
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