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Asking and Thanking

Hey, Daniel here. Today, I was thinking about a prayer request I gave to God at the beginning of the summer.

“Ask and it will be given, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

That’s been the story of my summer so far. See, God has been doing amazing things in my life, granting me opportunities to not only talk to you, but he’s given me the blessings and gifts to do something very big in my life.

At the start of the summer, I knew that this was what I wanted to do, but it’s not exactly cheap or affordable, so I asked God to help provide a way to afford it. Over these past few weeks, I was house-sitting, and that went so well that I am getting another opportunity. I don’t know if you’ve ever hired a house sitter or been a house sitter, but it’s surprisingly lucrative. So it’s been enough that I am able to afford an important thing for my future, and I have only one person to thank for that, and it’s God

How do we say thank you to God when he’s gracious towards us? In the Bible, he asks us to give a tenth of his blessings back to him. I was talking to my mom the other day about this, and she mentioned how “some people think they can’t afford to give back to God,” but, she says, “you can’t afford not to give back to God.”

See, it’s not about the money, it’s about showing faith with his gifts; “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and give to God what is God’s”, everything is stewarded to us by God, so when he asks us to return to him a portion of his gifts, we ought to do that. Jesus talks about how he cares for the sparrows and feeds them, and we are of much more value than they are. 

My Monday motivation is remembering who is responsible for this life’s blessings, and reminding myself to thank him for his blessings.

Mystery Monday 

Name a phrase that starts with “Carry the…” 

  1. ??? (24) 
  2. ??? (18) 
  3. ??? (8)
  4. Torch + Three others tied for #4 (6)

It’s a Stumper this week.

Thanks for listening!
– Daniel

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NZ Top 10 for 7/3/26

Praise the Lord, it’s Friday! Here’s this week’s countdown:

10. Peter Burton – Where Would I Be (#1 for 3 weeks)
9. MercyMe – Make It Well (#1 for 1 week)
8. We The Kingdom – Rescue Me
7. Elevation Worship – Alleluia
6. Jamie MacDonald – Ain’t No Way
5. Zach Williams – Wait For Me
4. Josiah Queen – demons
3. ELEVATION RHYTHM – WASHED
2. Matthew West – Good (#1 for 5 weeks)
1. CeCe Winans – Worthy Of It All (Worthy) (2nd week at #1)

New Music This Week:

These songs aren’t necessarily “new,” but new versions of familiar favorites from TobyMac!

Nothin’ Sweeter (Extra Sweet Version) (with Jon Reddick):

Heaven On My Mind (with Forrest Frank):

Tune in Monday with Joe and Daniel for Monday Motivation!

Thank you for listening!

– Joe & Brock


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The Treasure of Freedom

Brock’s Devotional:

As we get closer to the Fourth of July, many of us are thinking about freedom, family gatherings, fireworks, and celebrating our nation. But I was reminded this week that one of the greatest freedoms we have as believers is the freedom to bring our hurts, burdens, and brokenness directly to God.

I was reading in my devotional recently, and it focused on Psalm 34:18, which says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

I appreciate that this verse doesn’t pretend life is always easy. Heartbreak comes in many forms. Maybe it’s the loss of someone you love, a strained relationship, church hurt, disappointment, or a dream that didn’t turn out the way you hoped. A broken heart can feel overwhelming and incredibly difficult to carry on your own.

But the beautiful promise in this verse is that God doesn’t run from our pain. He draws near to it. When we’re hurting, He isn’t distant or uninterested. He’s present. He’s comforting. He’s walking with us through every difficult moment.

The enemy would love for us to believe that God has abandoned us in our suffering, but the truth is exactly the opposite. God is closest when we need Him most.

So as we celebrate Independence Day this week, I’m thankful not only for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, but also for the freedom we have in Christ to come honestly before our Heavenly Father. No matter what burden you’re carrying today, God is near, and you’re never walking through it alone.

Joe shared this from Our Daily Bread:

Have you heard of Michael Sparks? He walked into a thrift store and bought a souvenir copy of the US Declaration of Independence for $2.48. Later, as he looked closely at his parchment copy, he felt there was something unusual about it. So, he had it assessed by experts, who told him it was one of the thirty-six remaining copies of two hundred commissioned by John Quincy Adams in 1820. Sparks then sold his rare copy of the Declaration for $477,650!

Michael acquired something for a small fee that became a huge treasure. Author Dave Branon says he loves sharing that story because it reminds us that there’s a treasure that’s infinitely better. A priceless, matchless, and eternal treasure that costs nothing and isn’t found in a thrift store.

Jesus purchased this gift by giving His life on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. This gift called salvation promises the treasure of an abundant “life . . . to the full” on earth (John 10:10) and an “eternal life . . . in [God’s] Son” with Jesus (1 John 5:11).

It’s amazing to find an earthly treasure at low cost, but that can’t compare with the eternal treasure Christ offers at no cost.

Congratulations to this week’s Name That Tune winner, Evelyn from Mount Vernon! She correctly guessed “Have Your Way” by Katy Nichole!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

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The Perfect Combo… Ice Cream, Wings, and America!

For this Who Knew Wednesday, we talked about National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day, National Chicken Wing Day, and some American Independence Fun Facts! Here is what we talked about…

WHO KNEW FACT CHECK – The history of ice cream begins in ancient Persia around 550 BC; Persian engineering techniques for storing and using ice laid the foundation for cold desserts.

National Chicken Wing Day – Americans consume ~1.25 billion chicken wings on Super Bowl Sunday alone!

National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day – The average American eats roughly 20 pounds of ice cream each year, or about 4 gallons. 

https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/art/travelling-exhibits/the-american-navy-in-the-revolutionary-war/john-paul-jones.html

American History Fun Fact – John Paul Jones: the “Father of the American Navy” sunk over a dozen ships during the Revolutionary War.

WHO AM I?

  1. I was born into British nobility on July 1, 1961, in London. 
  2. I married Charles III in 1981 in a globally watched royal wedding.  
  3. I was known as the “People’s Princess” for my compassion and connection with the public.  
  4. I used my platform to raise awareness about issues like children’s health and landmine victims.  
  5. My life was tragically cut short in a car accident in Paris in 1997, deeply impacting people around the world. 

I am Princess Diana Spencer! Congratulations to Kevin from Bladensburg, who guessed correctly and wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica.

Thanks for listening!
– Daniel and Joe

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Cool Down with Cool New Music

Some of Anne Wilson’s most personal songs yet are on the way, and they’re inspired by a season filled with both joy and heartbreak.

Anne Wilson is giving fans even more music to look forward to this summer with the announcement of Stars (Blue Hour Deluxe), arriving July 10th.

The GRAMMY-nominated and PLATINUM-certified artist is expanding her latest album with five new songs, bringing the project to 17 tracks and continuing its message of faith, hope, healing, and trusting Jesus through every season of life.

Anne says that since releasing Stars, she’s experienced incredible highs, deep heartbreak, and moments that challenged her faith. Through it all, she says God has remained faithful, and these new songs reflect the next chapter of that journey.

The expanded album features her recent collaboration with country artist Cole Swindell, an acoustic version of “Carry Me,” a live recording of “God Story,” and a brand-new song called “Me & Jesus,” inspired by the loss of a close friend. Fans will also hear “Maker’s Mark,” a collaboration with Drew Baldridge that reflects on legacy, purpose, and living a life that leaves a lasting impact.

Anne will spend the summer performing at festivals across the country before heading overseas for appearances in the United Kingdom. She’ll then continue her Stars Tour, including a stop in Tiffin, Ohio, on July 29th at the Seneca County Fairgrounds. Visit wnzr.fm for more information about tickets!

With more than two billion career streams, Anne Wilson continues to impact listeners through her music, her new book, REBEL: Following Jesus When the World Looks the Other Way, and a message centered on faith and hope.

You can hear Stars (Blue Hour Deluxe) when it releases on July 10th.

What happens when some of Christian music’s biggest voices come together for one night of worship? Tauren Wells is giving fans the answer with a brand-new live album coming this fall.

The eleven-time GRAMMY nominee and multi-platinum artist has announced Here Comes The Church, a live worship project set to release on October 2nd.

Recorded before a sold-out crowd at the Austin City Limits Moody Theater in Austin, Texas, the album captures an unforgettable night of worship featuring artists from across the Christian music landscape, including Naomi Raine, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Israel Houghton, Hulvey, Tiffany Hudson, Pastor Mike Jr., Paul and Hannah McClure, and members of Red Rocks Worship.

The live project draws heavily from Tauren’s latest album, Breathe On It, while highlighting a message that has become central to his ministry: unity within the Church.

Tauren says the album isn’t about representing one style of worship, culture, or community. Instead, he hopes it reflects the beauty of believers from different backgrounds coming together to worship the same Savior.

The 17-track collection includes songs like “Serve the Lord,” “Making Room,” “What a Miracle Feels Like,” “Let the Church Sing,” and the title track, “Here Comes The Church.”

You can listen to Here Comes The Church when it releases on October 2nd.

You’re the Lord of all creation

And still You know my heart

The author of salvation

You’ve loved us from the start

Congratulations to Jonathan from Johnstown for correctly guessing this week’s song: “Waiting Here For You” by Christy Nockels! Tune in next time for your chance to win a $5 gift card to Watt’s Restaurant in Utica!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

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Salt and Waiting

Daniel: What does it mean to be the salt of the earth? 

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” Matthew 5:13

If you’re like me, you’ve read that verse a million times and wondered, what does that mean?

What do you do with salt? You put it on food, but what else? Modernly, we normally only think of that, but in biblical times, its used for everything food. Preserving food, improving taste, purifying food, and generally just making everything better to eat. When Jesus asks us to be the salt of the earth, he’s asking us to make everything better. 

But how can we do that? Simple: be the light in the room; we go around showing people the love we have from Jesus. He tells us this in John 13…

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

Jesus asks us to make everything just a little bit better and show love to others. When you go to work, spend time at home, or just talk to someone on the street, bring the smile, be encouraging, and be a little bit brighter because of the hope that is within you in Jesus Christ. Let everyone know that you follow Jesus, not only from your words, but from your works.

Joe: I was thinking about the song Waiting Here for You by Passion/Christy Nockels, and it reminded me of this verse

Psalm 27:14 (NIV) –“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.”

This is one of the many verses that drive this song.

If faith can move the mountains
Let the mountains move
We come with expectation
Waiting here for You, waiting here for You

You’re the Lord of all creation
And still You know my heart
The author of salvation
You’ve loved us from the start

A couple themes of this song are:

  1. Faith over fear: “If faith can move the mountains, let the mountains move.” This reminds us to surrender our heavy burdens and expectantly wait for a breakthrough. Waiting, believe it or not, is a form of worship! Difficult? Yes. Building our character? Definitely.
  2. How he knows us intimately: “You’re the Lord of all creation, and still You know my heart.” It acknowledges that the Creator of the universe is deeply intimate and present with you right now.

I think we know that waiting is not common practice for most humans.  It’s hard to wait when you want to see something happen.  It’s hard to wait when you are expecting something.  

But if we don’t wait on His Holy Spirit to lead us, we will miss the blessings He has for us.  We try to figure things out on how something is going to go, but we can pray for His Guidance and then wait on the direction given to us.

Mystery Monday

Name a food that you hope you ‘got milk’ to go with. 

  1. Cereal (60) 
  2. Cookies (21)
  3. Brownies (3)
  4. Mac & Cheese (2) 
  5. Cake (2) 
  6. Pancakes (2) 
  7. Peanut Butter (2) 

Congratulations to James from Mount Vernon, who guessed those top two answers and wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica.

Thanks for listening!
– Daniel and Joe

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NZ Top 10 for 6/26/26

Praise the Lord, it’s Friday! Here’s this week’s countdown:

10. Peter Burton – Where Would I Be (#1 for 3 weeks)
9. Jamie MacDonald – Ain’t No Way
8. We The Kingdom – Rescue Me
7. Josiah Queen – demons
6. Elevation Worship – Alleluia
5. MercyMe – Make It Well (#1 for 1 week)
4. Zach Williams – Wait For Me
3. ELEVATION RHYTHM – WASHED
2. Matthew West – Good (#1 for 5 weeks)
1. CeCe Winans – Worthy Of It All (Worthy)

New Music This Week

Jon Reddick – Holding On (Praise God)

New Music This Week

Steven Curtis Chapman & Chris Janson – America The Beautiful

Tune in Monday with Joe and Daniel for Monday Motivation!

Thank you for listening!
– Joe & Brock

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God Sees You!

Brock’s Devotional:

I was reading my devotional this week, and it focused on Hebrews 6:10, which says, “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.”

If we’re honest, it can be frustrating when our hard work goes unnoticed or unappreciated. I know I’ve felt that way more times than I’d like to admit.

I work at a coffee shop, and I often find myself doing the cleaning tasks that nobody else wants to do. I wish I could say I always have a joyful attitude about it, but that isn’t always the case. Sometimes it feels like I’m doing extra work without anyone noticing or saying thank you.

It’s easy to become discouraged in moments like that. But this devotional reminded me of something important: God never overlooks our labor. Even when nobody else sees it, He does.

What may be hidden from others is fully visible to Him. I’m so thankful that we serve a God who notices both the big and small ways we serve Him and serve others. That truth encouraged me to keep giving my best, not for recognition from people, but because ultimately we’re working to honor the Lord.

So if you’ve been faithfully serving behind the scenes and wondering if anyone notices, I hope you’re encouraged because God sees you, and He will not forget your work, and that’s what I’m praising Him for today!

Joe’s Devotional:

“We wave until they’re out of sight. It’s a way of showing that we love them.” Those words from my mother when I was a boy explained a habit she and my father had when a family member left our home after a visit. Mom and Dad stood outside and waved to the ones leaving until they disappeared in the distance. Sometimes they stood there for a long time, but that didn’t matter. When I left home myself, I understood why.

Seeing them waving in the rearview mirror touched my heart, and I felt loved and cared for. I still say goodbye to our family visitors that way to show love for them. It’s a habit I hope my children will continue.

Another way we can express love for our families is to communicate God’s love shared in Scripture. As the Israelites prepared to cross the Jordan into the promised land, God taught them with these instructions for life: “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds. . . . Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 11:18-19).

These are words that would one day find fulfillment in the perfect love of Jesus, who promised, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). As we share His truth and kindness, we can trust that His love is able to overcome every distance.

Read more at: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/love-that-goes-the-distance?ts=1777766400000

Congratulations to Jill from Apple Valley for correctly guessing this week’s Name That Tune! It was “The Author” by Brandon Lake and Nick Jonas!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Brock & Joe

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Nuts, laps and cats!

It’s another mix of fun facts for today’s Who Knew:

SWIM A LAP DAY? You bet! Swimming is frequently recommended as a low-impact form of aerobic activity because the water’s buoyancy reduces stress on joints. That can make it appealing for people managing arthritis, recovering from injuries, or dealing with chronic pain. The resistance of the water still provides muscular work, but without the pounding that comes with many land-based workouts. 

PRALINES DAY – is it a PRAY-leen or a PRAH-leen? Depends on who you ask, I guess. In New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast, where there are many communities settled by the French, the pronunciation is prah-leen, with the long aaah sound, which is closer to that of the candy’s namesake du Plessis-Praslin. Other regions of the country, including parts of Texas, Georgia, and New England pronounce it pray-leen.

What is it? Pralines are popular confections made primarily from nuts and sugar. The traditional American version features pecans, butter, and cream, offering a soft, fudgy texture.   

  1. I was born in Redruth, Cornwall, England on June 24, 1947  
  1. I took up drums after my parents, bought me a drum when I was thirteen  
  1. My first real gig was in August 1967 at the seventh annual Windsor Jazz and Blues Festival.  
  1. My band’s biggest hits were “Dreams” in 1977 and “Don’t Stop,” which were top 3 hits from the album Rumours
  1. My band is named partly after me and I am the only member of the band to have remained throughout its entire history

I am Mick Fleetwood! From the band Fleetwood Mac. Congratulations to Bob from Howard, who guessed correctly and wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica.

FINALLY, check out this cute link about June 24th as ‘World Cat Domination Day.’ Yep, it’s a thing!

https://petsitters.org/page/CatWorldDominationDay

Thanks for listening!
– Joe

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