Word Radio

Illness is a part of life. Whether it’s a passing cold or a serious diagnosis, we all face health challenges. But in those moments, God’s Word offers real hope and help. On this episode of Know The Truth, Philip De Courcy presents a practical theology of sickness and healing.

When we live in a way that pleases God, our prayers align with His heart—and He loves to answer them.

We’ve all heard the expression, “Actions speak louder than words.” But when it comes to our faith, many Christians seem content to be professional listeners without ever putting God’s Word into practice. Dr. Robert Jeffress explains that faith requires more than just hearing God’s Word.

To support Pathway to Victory, go to ptv.org/donate.

Amber Lia and Wendy Speake offer parents practical suggestions for responding with patience and wisdom to their children's misbehavior. The discussion is based on our guests' recent book, Parenting Scripts: When What You're Saying Isn't Working, Say Something New. 

Receive a copy of Parenting Scripts and an audio download of "Say This, Not That: Smart Parenting Tips for Misbehavior" for your donation of any amount!

Get More Episode Resources 

If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Advertisers know that nothing gets our attention more than the word “free.” If we can get something for nothing, we’re listening. Well, God’s offer of eternal life means we trade in our sins and shortcomings . . . our nothingness . . . and He gives us eternal life. What’s more, His grace is literally something for nothing. We’ll learn about that today on A NEW BEGINNING as Pastor Greg Laurie continues our studies in the Psalms. We’ll get a good lesson on forgiveness, mercy and grace.

Join us on August 16 for the annual Jesus Revolution Baptism, a celebration of new life in Christ at Pirate’s Cove with Pastor Greg Laurie!

---

Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org

A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.

Support the show: https://harvest.org/support

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As much as we’d like to, none of us can see the future. But that hasn’t stopped us from trying. Financial advisors attempt to forecast markets, meteorologists predict the weather, and sports fans try to call the final score.

But when it comes to our finances—and our faith—there’s an important distinction between wise planning and prideful presumption. So how do we tell the difference?

The late civil rights leader Ralph Abernathy once said, “I don’t know what the future may hold, but I know Who holds the future.” That’s a comforting truth. God is sovereign—and that brings peace. But His sovereignty doesn’t remove our responsibility to act wisely.

Scripture doesn’t discourage planning—it commands it. In fact, wise planning is an essential part of faithful stewardship. God has entrusted us with time, money, relationships, and opportunities. Even though we can’t predict tomorrow, we’re still called to be faithful with today.

Proverbs 6 paints a vivid picture of this wisdom:

“Go to the ant… consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”

The ant doesn’t know what’s ahead, but it prepares. Likewise, Jesus tells us in Matthew 25 to live in a state of readiness. “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” Though He’s referring to His return, the principle holds: life is short, time is precious, and we are not in control.

Planning becomes presumption when we assume control over outcomes that belong to God alone.

To presume means “to assume something before you know the facts.” Biblically, presumption is often associated with pride—living as if we control the future and no longer need God’s input. This attitude is precisely what Jesus warns against in the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12).

After a man harvests a bumper crop, he says to himself:

“I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones…You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”

But God replies: “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you.”

The man’s mistake wasn’t in planning or saving—it was planning without God. He assumed he had time, control, and security apart from his Creator.

James 4 echoes this same warning:

“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city...’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

James doesn’t say “don’t make plans.” Instead, he offers this wise alternative:

“Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”

This kind of planning begins with God and continues with Him. It’s rooted in trust, not control. We may set goals, but we do so with open hands, inviting God to direct our steps (Proverbs 16:9).

This happens in the context of a relationship. As we grow in intimacy with the Lord—through prayer, Scripture, community, and obedience—our plans begin to reflect His heart and mission.

If you’re married, begin planning through prayer with your spouse. If you have kids, model this dependence on God in your family conversations. Let them see you trusting God not just for salvation, but also for your finances, schedule, and future.

Wise counsel is key. Don’t plan in isolation. Talk to a pastor, mentor, or a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) who can help you apply biblical wisdom to your financial decisions.

So yes, make plans. Just don’t leave God out of them. Hold your goals loosely. And remember: success isn’t defined by y

Ask Joni a question here!

--------

Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.

Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.

Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.