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 47 - The Esther Series: Divine Timing in Everyday Lives (Esther 2:19-23 NIV)
Aug 2500:08:06Tap to summarizeWe 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• Though the king records Mordecai's act in the royal annals, he receives no immediate reward for his loyalty• The apparent "coincidence" of Mordecai being in the right place at the right time reveals God's providential hand• Mordecai and Esther were ordinary people who had no idea they were part of a much larger divine plan• God consistently works through regular, obedient people rather than just through extraordinary individuals• The story offers encouragement that God can use anyone—regardless of status or position—for His purposesSuggested 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 46 - The Esther Series: Jewish Orphan Girl to Queen of Persia (Esther 2:15-18 NIV)
Aug 1800:07:59Tap to summarizeWe 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 favor was evident as Esther won approval from everyone who saw her, distinguishing her beyond mere physical beauty• The contrast between the king's self-serving culture and Esther's humble approach highlights God's subversive work through unlikely people• Esther lived through this experience with uncertainty and fear, not knowing the divine purpose behind her elevation• The twelve-month preparation period equipped Esther with royal knowledge she would need for her upcoming mission• Esther's story demonstrates how God positions people strategically for His purposes, even when they cannot see the bigger pictureSuggested 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 45 - The Esther Series: Broken Systems to Accomplish His Perfect Will (Esther 2:1-14 NIV)
Aug 1100:15:56Tap to summarizeGod 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 Esther received from everyone she encountered• Recognition that favor often comes with a calling that requires sacrifice• Examination of the harsh realities facing women in the king's harem• Drawing parallels between ancient practices and modern human trafficking• Reminder that we cannot remain silent in the face of injustice and exploitation• Acknowledgment that God's ways are fundamentally different from the world's waysSuggested 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 44 - The Esther Series: Power Dynamics in Biblical Marriages (Esther 1:13-22 NIV)
Aug 4, 202500:12:12Tap to summarizeWe explore the beginning of Esther's story, where Queen Vashti refuses King Xerxes' command and his advisors suggest removing her from her position to prevent widespread disrespect from women throughout the kingdom.• King Xerxes consults his advisors about how to handle Queen Vashti's disobedience• The advisors fear her actions will cause all women to disrespect their husbands• They create a law that can't be repealed, removing Vashti from her position• The group discusses how you can't legislate respect - it must be earned through behavior• Biblical marriage is compared to Christ's relationship with the church• Men typically need respect while women typically need love• God's Word consistently elevates and honors women• Persian law established that once a decree was made, it could not be repealedSuggested 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 43 - The Esther Series: Royal Pride and Defiance (Esther 1:1-12 NIV)
Jul 28, 202500:11:18Tap to summarizeWe dive into the dramatic opening of Esther, where King Xerxes throws an extravagant 180-day party to display his wealth and power before Queen Vashti's defiant refusal sets the stage for a royal crisis. This colorful introduction reveals the Persian king's pride and pompous character while highlighting the courage of a queen who stood her ground against an unreasonable demand.• King Xerxes (also called Ahasuerus) ruled the Persian Empire over 127 provinces• The king hosts an excessive 6-month banquet to showcase his wealth and power• Queen Vashti refuses to appear before the king and his drunken guests• Vashti's refusal may have been based on cultural norms or personal dignity• The king becomes furious at being publicly embarrassed• This confrontation sets up the circumstances that will eventually bring Esther into the storySuggested 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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