HealingStrong's Around the Word

We explore King Jehoshaphat's powerful prayer during a national crisis and discover a timeless model for approaching seemingly impossible situations with faith and humility. • Jehoshaphat's prayer begins by acknowledging God's sovereignty and power, much like the Lord's Prayer • When praying, it's powerful to remind God of His past faithfulness and promises • The king open...

We explore the powerful story from 2 Chronicles 20:3-4 where King Jehoshaphat, faced with advancing enemy armies, calls his nation to fast and seek God together. This biblical account demonstrates how fear can be transformed into faithful action when we prioritize seeking God's guidance and unite in prayer. • Jehoshaphat was "badly shaken" by news of advancing armies but chose to se...

We examine the powerful story of Jehoshaphat facing three enemy armies from 2 Chronicles 20, discovering how to maintain spiritual perspective during overwhelming challenges. • Adversity often arrives right after spiritual renewal and commitment to God • Ephesians 6:12 reminds us our battles are spiritual, not just against "flesh and blood" • God doesn't always prevent attacks, but...

We explore the spiritual revival led by King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 19:4-11, examining how he returned to God after straying and took concrete steps to lead his people back to righteousness. • Jehoshaphat learned valuable lessons after his near-death experience and alliance with ungodly King Ahab • He went among his people from Beersheba to the hill country, turning them back to the Lord • Je...

We explore Jehoshaphat's return to Jerusalem after unwisely aligning himself with wicked King Ahab, focusing on how God balances judgment with mercy when we stray from His path. • God sent prophet Jehu to confront Jehoshaphat about his poor alliance • Despite his error, God showed mercy because Jehoshaphat had "set his heart on seeking God" • The importance of having truth-telling f...

The story from 2 Chronicles 18 dramatically unfolds as King Ahab's attempt to escape divine judgment through disguise fails when a "random" arrow finds the gap in his armor, fulfilling the prophecy of his death. • King Ahab convinces Jehoshaphat to wear royal robes while he disguises himself • Jehoshaphat nearly dies due to this foolish arrangement • God rescues Jehoshaphat when he...

The spiritual realm influences our daily lives in tangible ways, as revealed through the story of the prophet Micaiah and his vision of heaven's council. • Taking thoughts captive is an action verb requiring intentional effort • Spiritual warfare happens daily whether we choose to see it or not • God permitted a "lying spirit" to deceive false prophets as judgment • The prophet Mica...

Spiritual discernment requires recognizing false prophets and seeking God's truth beyond the crowd of yes-men that only tell us what we want to hear. We examine the biblical story of Jehoshaphat and King Ahab to understand the importance of testing advice against God's word. • King Ahab consults 400 prophets who unanimously support his desire to go to war • Jehoshaphat wisely asks for a...

We explore the cautionary tale of Jehoshaphat's alliance with evil King Ahab from 2 Chronicles 18, examining how compromise begins when we get comfortable and fail to seek God's guidance first. • King Jehoshaphat of Judah made a marriage alliance with wicked King Ahab of Israel • Comfortable living and popularity can lead to spiritual compromise • The danger of making decisions first and...

The Word of God establishes truth in our lives and creates protective boundaries that guide us through confusing times. Jehoshaphat demonstrated this principle by sending teachers throughout Judah to establish God's law as the foundation of his kingdom. • Jehoshaphat strengthened his kingdom by prioritizing spiritual education before military might • Joshua 1:8 promises success and prosperity...

Jehoshaphat's story from 2 Chronicles 17 demonstrates how prioritizing God transforms not just individuals but entire kingdoms, creating divine protection and prosperity. • Jehoshaphat followed his father's godly example and immediately fortified his kingdom • The surrounding nations feared Judah because of their relationship with God • Parents must model genuine faith for children who a...

We’re learning some backstory into the cause of the kingdom of Israel being split in two, and it happened during King Solomon’s reign, a predecessor to Jehoshaphat.  So to understand the kingdom set up that Jehoshaphat ruled in, you have to hear what caused the split and that’s due to King Solomon’s bad choices. Solomon's story reveals how even the wisest person can be led astray when their h...

King Jehoshaphat's powerful story of facing three armies teaches us practical tools for handling our own battles with faith and confidence. His example demonstrates how to respond when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges by turning to God first. • Confronting the reality that everyone faces battles—we're either coming out of one, in the middle of one, or headed toward one • Learni...

We conclude our study of Joseph's life by examining his final request to have his bones carried to the Promised Land—a powerful testament of faith that waited 400 years for fulfillment. This quick episode covers: • Joseph died at 110 years old but never lost sight of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob • His request to carry his bones to Canaan demonstrated faith that transcended...

Joseph's profound forgiveness of his brothers demonstrates God's ability to transform evil intentions into good outcomes. We explore how Joseph's statement "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good" reveals the heart of grace and reflects Romans 8:28. This quick episode covers: • Joseph's brothers feared retribution after their father's death despite...

Jacob's final days teach us that God's perspective differs from ours—no one is "less than" in His divine economy. Faith principles emerge as Jacob blesses Joseph's sons, preferring the younger Ephraim over firstborn Manasseh, illustrating how God can elevate anyone to fulfill His purposes. This quick episode covers: • Jacob recounts God's faithfulness across generatio...

God provides peace and provision even amidst the worst calamities when we seek Him as our provider. The story of Joseph securing the land of Goshen for his family demonstrates God's faithfulness during times of widespread famine and desperation. This quick episode covers: • Joseph strategically identifies his family as shepherds to secure the best land in Goshen • Pharaoh honors Joseph by giv...

Jacob and Joseph's emotional reunion in Genesis 46 mirrors our own longing to be reconciled with our Heavenly Father. God meets Jacob at a familiar place to reassure him about his journey to Egypt, promising to make his family into a great nation and confirming he will see his long-lost son again. This quick episode covers: • God calls Jacob by name twice, meeting him in a place of previous e...

Genesis 45 reveals the heart of God's redemption story as Joseph finally discloses his identity to his brothers who once betrayed him. This powerful narrative parallels Christ's forgiveness and redemption, showing how God transforms human betrayal into divine purpose to restore His people. This quick episode covers: • Joseph's emotional revelation to his brothers demonstrates vulner...

We explore Genesis 44, where Joseph tests his brothers by planting his silver cup in Benjamin's sack, revealing profound lessons about soul wounds, transformation, and Christ-like sacrifice. When we hold onto past hurts, thinking we're punishing others, we're actually just hurting ourselves. This quick episode covers: • Soul wounds cause us to hurt ourselves while thinking we'r...

Trauma triggers our alarm bells easily, yet God works healing through unexpected encounters. In Genesis 43, Jacob must send Benjamin to Egypt despite his fears, demonstrating wisdom by combining prayer with practical action during crisis. This quick episode covers: • Jacob sends his sons back to Egypt with gifts, double money, and his precious son Benjamin • The brothers are terrified when invited...

Joseph's brothers stand before him in Egypt without recognizing him, while Joseph tests their character by accusing them of being spies and demanding they bring their youngest brother Benjamin as proof of their honesty. The brothers interpret their troubles as divine punishment for selling Joseph years ago, unaware that Joseph himself—now a ruler who understands their every word—is listening...

God orchestrates a pivotal reunion between Joseph and his brothers during a severe famine, forcing Joseph to confront his buried past and emotional wounds. This encounter marks the turning point in Joseph's story, setting the stage for reconciliation that would ultimately save his family and fulfill God's greater purposes. This quick episode covers: • Joseph has become governor of Egypt...

Joseph's naming of his sons reveals how we often try to forget painful pasts while inadvertently keeping them alive. God invites us to live in the present moment, seeing the blessings placed in our lives now rather than dwelling on past hurts. This quick episode covers: • Genesis 41:50-52 tells how Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh ("forget") and his second son Ephraim ("frui...

Joseph's journey from pit to palace took 13 years, culminating at age 30 when he entered Pharaoh's service and managed Egypt's resources during seven years of abundance. God's blessings became so overwhelming that Joseph stopped counting the grain because it was beyond measure—a perfect illustration of Ephesians 3:20, where God promises to do "immeasurably more than all we...