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Author's Journal Transcripts for Karen Harlow |
Nashvillian Wesley Paine is heard regularly on the New Life Station reading from the writings of Author's Journal contributor, Karen Harlow. Karen provides insight into God's Holy Word through the experiences of daily life. Wesley's warm and friendly voice makes those experiences and Bible passages come alive.
I’ll never forget the time my friend, Althea, borrowed my Father’s car. When she returned I could tell right away that something was wrong. Handing the keys back to my father she said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Harlow, but I put a dent in your car." I turned to see my dad's reaction, expecting anger, or frustration, or at least shock. But I was the one who got the shock when he said, "Don't worry about it, Althea, it still gets me where I'm going." Looking back, I shouldn’t have been so surprised. My father’s reaction that day reflected the attitude my parents always had about their things. Our family was never wealthy, but we always seemed to have what we needed. Still, my parents were ever willing to share whatever they had. They were hospitable, providing food and shelter when needed. They didn't judge people based on how much money they had or how many things they owned. And they were content with what we did have. Possessions were there to be used, nothing more. The Bible book called Luke says, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Whether we have many belongings or just a few, our things have a way of wrapping themselves around us so that we cannot see beyond them. What does your life consist of? Do you own your possessions, or do your possessions own you? I was fortunate to have had a godly father to teach me this valuable lesson. But perhaps you haven’t been so blessed. No matter, draw close to your heavenly Father and let him teach you how to guard against greed.
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What is the most fearsome animal you’ve ever seen; an elephant, a lion? What about a crocodile? God made his wild creatures strong for a purpose - to protect their young, and catch their prey. But the wild animal’s strength can be a danger to man. A woman was killed by a bear near my home just a few weeks back. But do you know what God says is just as strong and dangerous as a wild animal? It's a tiny part of your body that can do terrible damage. It's your tongue! In the Bible book called James the writer says, "All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue." Isn't that interesting? God says we can often tame wild animals, but we can't tame our own tongues! The words that come out of our mouths can wound other people just as a wild animal can. When we lie about someone, we can damage a person's image. When we make fun of another, we can ruin their confidence. When we gossip, we can ravage a person's reputation. Of course, there are positive uses for the tongue. We can speak words of love to those we care for most. We can encourage those beaten down by a difficult life. We can defend the truth no matter what the cost. But good as these uses of the tongue can be, God says there’s an even more important way to use your voice. The Bible says that we were CREATED to praise God. When we pray, when we sing praises, when we tell others about God’s mercy, our tongues find their most perfect use. So what about you? Are your ill-considered words doing damage to you and everyone you meet? With God’s help you CAN tame your wild, wild tongue.
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My friend, Stan, was born three months premature. Because he was so tiny, doctors weren't sure he would survive…but Stan’s a fighter. He went home two months later, still fragile, but ready to face the world. His problems weren't over, though. Because of his premature birth, Stan developed cerebral palsy, a condition that withered his muscles and warped his bones. He didn't learn to walk until he was four years old, and even then, he moved with only the greatest difficulty. He fell down often, and keeping up with the other children was a chore. But none of this stopped Stan from enjoying life. He played football. He walked a mile to school. He joined the local gymnastics team. He went to college, and even earned an advanced degree. Best of all, Stan is a man of faith who relies on God to provide the strength his body lacks. I think of Stan when I read from the Bible book called James, where it says, 'Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.' God does not promise us a life free of problems. Just look around you. Do you know ANYONE that isn't dealing with a problem of one kind or another; an illness, loneliness, a wayward child, financial worries? What God does promise is that he will stand beside those who believe in him as they deal with life’s darkest moments. What’s Stan doing now? He's a doctor. He helps people deal with the hurts in their lives. He tries to send them on their way just a little bit stronger than when they came in. So when you look at the problems in your life, the trials that you deal with on a daily basis, look to God for the strength you need to face each new day.
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I once knew a lady suffering from emphysema. Her breathing was labored, and any kind of physical activity was out of the question. Staying tethered to an oxygen tank was all that kept her from suffocating. But my friend Dottie had a gift. She wrote the most beautiful notes of encouragement! She would watch those around her, learn something about their problems, and write a note to anyone she felt needed a kind word. I think of Dottie when I read from the Bible book called James. It says there, "What good is it my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead." God wants us to have faith in Him, to love Him, and to glorify Him in everything we do. And because of that faith, we can't help but share God’s love with those around us. Because of her own problems, Dottie couldn’t feed the hungry, or house the homeless. But what she could do, she did. Was Dottie well known in the community? No. Did the local newspaper write an article about her wonderful deeds? Never. Will thousands of people be affected by what she did? Probably not. But Dottie’s simple notes did reach farther than you might think. You see, Dottie wrote an encouraging note to me one time. It made me feel better. It helped me to deal with what I was facing at the time. In turn, I was kinder to those I met, maybe just a little more patient. And so Dottie’s encouragement was passed from person to person in an ever-widening circle. Only God knows how many her simple gift will touch.
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The New Life Station is pleased to provide transcripts online for a number of KNLS programs. Please note that all scripts are the property of World Christian Broadcasting and/or SeedSower Productions. They are provided here for your personal enjoyment only and may not be disseminated in any fashion without prior written permission.