Podcast
HealingStrong's Around the Word
Hosted by HealingStrong · EN
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?
35episodes
Episodes
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Episode 64 - The Daniel Series: Ten Days To Ten Times Better
Feb 200:10:04Tap to summarizeIn 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 courage, we highlight how small faithful steps yield outsized results, supported by a listener story from the HealingStrong community. This conversation offers practical guidance for anyone seeking wisdom and habits that hold under pressure—encouraging listeners to ask for a test, trust God’s outcome, and let the fruit of their faith shine.Please take advantage of our FREE resources below to help you along your health and healing journey: The Bible App HealingStrong Bible Plans Support Group Directory Listen to Previous Episodes Holistic Curriculum - Participant Guide Refresh Your Spirit Support Our Mission - Donate Please visit our website at healingstrong.org to learn more about our mission and visit our groups tab to learn more about our community groups. HELP US GROW: Your donation enables us to continue offering this podcast and other resources for free supporting those facing cancer and chronic illness, caregivers and others. Every donation makes a big difference. Please donate here.
Transcribe →Episode 63 - The Daniel Series: Resolved Faith In A Pressured World
Jan 2600:10:13Tap to summarizeIn 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 relief, illustrating how obedience brings unexpected peace and protection. This conversation offers practical guidance for seeking God’s voice, setting wise boundaries, and holding to your convictions with courage, encouraging listeners to stand firm in their own challenging choices. If this resonates, subscribe, share, and leave a review to support the community.Please take advantage of our FREE resources below to help you along your health and healing journey: The Bible App HealingStrong Bible Plans Support Group Directory Listen to Previous Episodes Holistic Curriculum - Participant Guide Refresh Your Spirit Support Our Mission - Donate Please visit our website at healingstrong.org to learn more about our mission and visit our groups tab to learn more about our community groups. HELP US GROW: Your donation enables us to continue offering this podcast and other resources for free supporting those facing cancer and chronic illness, caregivers and others. Every donation makes a big difference. Please donate here.
Transcribe →Episode 62 - The Daniel Series: Names That Stick And Names That Save
Jan 1900:08:04Tap to summarizeIn 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 single, divorced, or lonely, we offer practical steps to reclaim our true identity: discovering the meaning of our names, recognizing “king’s tables” that pull us from trust, and replacing those influences with Scripture, prayer, and life-giving community.This conversation brings hope and strength for those navigating illness, grief, or change, encouraging us to embrace the names God gives over limiting labels and find steady identity amid pressure.Please take advantage of our FREE resources below to help you along your health and healing journey: The Bible App HealingStrong Bible Plans Support Group Directory Listen to Previous Episodes Holistic Curriculum - Participant Guide Refresh Your Spirit Support Our Mission - Donate Please visit our website at healingstrong.org to learn more about our mission and visit our groups tab to learn more about our community groups. HELP US GROW: Your donation enables us to continue offering this podcast and other resources for free supporting those facing cancer and chronic illness, caregivers and others. Every donation makes a big difference. Please donate here.
Transcribe →Episode 61 - The Daniel Series: Guarding Your Heart From Idols
Jan 1200:09:26Tap to summarizeIn 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. Daniel and his friends model quiet resolve and firm boundaries amid pressure, challenging us to confront our own misplaced loves. We offer practical steps for a heart audit to identify idols, uncover fears, and reorder love through fasting, Scripture, Sabbath rhythms, and supportive friendships. This journey isn’t about shame but freedom—putting God first steadies life, fostering courage and lasting joy.If this message resonates, we would really appreciate it if you shared it, subscribed, and even leave a review to help others find hope.Please take advantage of our FREE resources below to help you along your health and healing journey: The Bible App HealingStrong Bible Plans Support Group Directory Listen to Previous Episodes Holistic Curriculum - Participant Guide Refresh Your Spirit Support Our Mission - Donate Please visit our website at healingstrong.org to learn more about our mission and visit our groups tab to learn more about our community groups. HELP US GROW: Your donation enables us to continue offering this podcast and other resources for free supporting those facing cancer and chronic illness, caregivers and others. Every donation makes a big difference. Please donate here.
Transcribe →Episode 60 - The Daniel Series: When You Walk Through The Fire, You Are Not Alone
Jan 500:07:28Tap to summarizeIn 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 stand firm in pressure, letting our identity shape our response whether deliverance is immediate or delayed. This episode offers a hopeful, faith-filled path through every trial—listen, share, and join us in spreading courage and hope.Please take advantage of our FREE resources below to help you along your health and healing journey: The Bible App HealingStrong Bible Plans Support Group Directory Listen to Previous Episodes Holistic Curriculum - Participant Guide Refresh Your Spirit Support Our Mission - Donate Please visit our website at healingstrong.org to learn more about our mission and visit our groups tab to learn more about our community groups. HELP US GROW: Your donation enables us to continue offering this podcast and other resources for free supporting those facing cancer and chronic illness, caregivers and others. Every donation makes a big difference. Please donate here.
Transcribe →Episode 52 - The Esther Series: Prayer, Preparation, and Providence (Esther 5:1-8 NIV)
Sep 2900:14:00Tap to summarizeQueen 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, granting her audience• Rather than making her request immediately, Esther strategically invites the king and Haman to a banquet• Esther's selfless petition focuses on saving her people rather than securing personal gain• The timing of Esther's banquets allows for crucial background events that will help her cause• God orchestrates circumstances perfectly even when we can't see what He's doing behind the scenes• Our prayers reveal our priorities—do we pray for personal comfort or world-changing outcomes?What is God doing in your life right now behind the scenes that you don't yet know about? Join us for our next episode where we'll see how God uses King Xerxes' sleepless night to further His divine plan.Suggested Resources:BIBLE PLAN - Trusting God's Plan When You Don't See Him: Lessons From the Book of EstherPODCAST - Genesis to Revelation Bible ReadingTOOLS - Refresh Your Spirit through God's WordPlease visit our website at healingstrong.org to learn more about our mission and community groups. HELP US GROW: Your donation enables us to continue offering this podcast and other resources for free supporting those facing cancer and chronic illness, caregivers and others. Every donation makes a big difference. Please donate here.
Transcribe →Episode 51 - The Esther Series: Faith in the Face of Danger (Esther 4:12-17 NIV )
Sep 2200:11:33Tap to summarizeWe 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 before approaching the king• Examination of her powerful declaration "if I perish, I perish" showing complete surrender• Parallels between Esther's courage and that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego• The importance of community in faith challenges rather than facing them alone• Why remaining silent or doing nothing is not an option when injustice threatens• Evidence of God's providence working throughout the story even when not explicitly mentionedSuggested Resources:BIBLE PLAN - Trusting God's Plan When You Don't See Him: Lessons From the Book of EstherPODCAST - Genesis to Revelation Bible ReadingTOOLS - Refresh Your Spirit through God's WordPlease visit our website at healingstrong.org to learn more about our mission and community groups. HELP US GROW: Your donation enables us to continue offering this podcast and other resources for free supporting those facing cancer and chronic illness, caregivers and others. Every donation makes a big difference. Please donate here.
Transcribe →Episode 50 - The Esther Series: Between Duty and Death (Esther 4:1-11 NIV)
Sep 1500:10:19Tap to summarizeWe 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 the palace• Communication challenges exist as Mordecai can't enter the palace in mourning clothes and Esther can't leave• Mordecai urges Esther to approach the king and reveal her Jewish identity to save her people• Esther faces a dangerous dilemma – approaching the king unsummoned could result in her death• Palace protocol requires the king to extend his golden scepter to spare anyone who approaches uninvited• Esther hasn't been called to the king's presence in thirty days, adding to her predicament• The narrative shows ordinary people facing extraordinary pressure in critical moments• Esther must choose between personal safety and responsibility to save her peopleSuggested Resources:BIBLE PLAN - Trusting God's Plan When You Don't See Him: Lessons From the Book of EstherPODCAST - Genesis to Revelation Bible ReadingTOOLS - Refresh Your Spirit through God's WordPlease visit our website at healingstrong.org to learn more about our mission and community groups. HELP US GROW: Your donation enables us to continue offering this podcast and other resources for free supporting those facing cancer and chronic illness, caregivers and others. Every donation makes a big difference. Please donate here.
Transcribe →Episode 49 - The Esther Series: Haman's Plot - Genocide and God's Providence (Esther 3:7-15 NIV)
Sep 800:10:57Tap to summarizeWe 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 tactics throughout history to destroy the Jewish people and God's plan of salvation• The origins of Purim in this story and its connection to other Jewish festivals like Passover• Why understanding the Old Testament is essential to grasping God's complete redemptive story• Modern parallels to ancient persecution patterns seen in events like the HolocaustIf you have a minute and you like our podcast, please consider giving us a five-star rating. Leave a comment, like us, tell your friends about us too.Suggested Resources:BIBLE PLAN - Trusting God's Plan When You Don't See Him: Lessons From the Book of EstherPODCAST - Genesis to Revelation Bible ReadingTOOLS - Refresh Your Spirit through God's WordPlease visit our website at healingstrong.org to learn more about our mission and community groups. HELP US GROW: Your donation enables us to continue offering this podcast and other resources for free supporting those facing cancer and chronic illness, caregivers and others. Every donation makes a big difference. Please donate here.
Transcribe →Episode 48 - The Esther Series: The Feud Between Mordecai and Haman (Esther 3:1-6 NIV)
Sep 100:12:20Tap to summarizeWe 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 judgment on the Amalekites in Exodus 17, declaring their memory would be blotted out• King Saul's failure to fully destroy the Amalekites and King Agag created lasting consequences• Mordecai and Haman represent a continuation of the Benjamite versus Agagite conflict• Haman's rage at Mordecai's defiance leads him to plot genocide against all Jews• Mordecai's open declaration of his Jewish identity challenges believers to be more forthright about their faithSuggested Resources:BIBLE PLAN - Trusting God's Plan When You Don't See Him: Lessons From the Book of EstherPODCAST - Genesis to Revelation Bible ReadingTOOLS - Refresh Your Spirit through God's WordPlease visit our website at healingstrong.org to learn more about our mission and community groups. HELP US GROW: Your donation enables us to continue offering this podcast and other resources for free supporting those facing cancer and chronic illness, caregivers and others. Every donation makes a big difference. Please donate here.
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