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God’s Holding on to You!!

On this week’s Praise Thursday we shared devotionals and talked about events for you. Plus we played Name That Tune in the second hour! Here’s what we talked about:

Daniel’s Devotion: I’ve kinda been feeling the strain of trying to do things on my own lately. It’s not always easy trying to balance 17 credit hours of classes, having a job, having a girlfriend, and all the other responsibilities that go along with all that; there’s just no way I can do it!

You might have heard it said by motivational speakers telling you, “You can do it!” Well, that’s wrong. You cannot do it. Say it with me, “You can’t do it.” That’s the best part, though; you don’t have to do it all alone. 

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

I don’t have to do it alone. Jesus offers strength to help me do it. One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 41:10

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

We don’t have to fear the result; we don’t need to worry about whether we can do it or not. Have no fear, for he is with you. Have no fear, for HE is our God.

You will be overwhelmed; that’s a guarantee. WHEN, not IF, that happens, take a moment to look to God and say, “Father, help me through this moment, the next moment, the moment that has just passed. Help me with your righteous power.” 

Gabriella’s Devotion: He can surely use the pain, if we cooperate, to grow some of the fruit of the spirit in us – love, joy, peace, patience, and self control. I think it begins when we accept trouble with a why not? instead of why me? attitude, and when we submit to His timing, not with a why now but a thy will be done. As we learn to grow through suffering we will begin to know God, ourselves, and others better through it all, and might even develop hidden gifts of mercy and grace that will only flower in the land of our suffering.

It’s easier said than done, of course, but for those of us who seek to serve the Lord, we will discover that at such painful times, like Joseph, we have a choice. We can become fruitful or barren, become overcomers or overcome. We can allow pain to drive us to God, letting the prison show us His face. While Joseph was in the pit, God showed him His mercy – in the prison of His kindness (Genesis 39:21) and in the palace of His grace.

Sometimes we can preach the most effective sermons of our lives from the prison or the pit, simply by responding rightly to people who are responsible for bringing us into the “land of suffering.”

When our turn comes, may He help all of us to be fruitful – for His sake.

Diamonds are turned into sparkling stones only after incredible pressure. How do you show your faith during times of distress? We are all tempted at dark points to cry out “Enough! I give up!” Yet in those crucial moments, it’s important to remember God has not cast us off. He is strengthening us and our faith! If we hold fast to Him, we can be assured our spirits will be transformed and renewed, just like diamonds.

On October 1st, WNZR will celebrate 40 Years of Radio Ministry!

Thursday, October 1 in MVNU’s Gathering Place at 5pm-8pm! Meet WNZR Staff including our current Communication & Media Students, enjoy a Buffet style dinner – hamburgers, hot dogs, mac and cheese, desserts including Round Hill Dairy Ice Cream!

Visit our special 40th Anniversary Rooms

  • WNZR Museum
  • WNZR Through the Years (showcasing 4 decades of ministry)
  • Story Studio
  • Birthday Booth
  • Prayer and Praise Post
  • Fabulous Freebies
  • Coloring Corner
  • WNZR Pop-Up Shop
  • Ice Cream Café
  • WNZR 40th Anniversary Photo Booth
  • Live Broadcast in Big Blue​

​We can’t wait to celebrate 40 years of God’s faithfulness with you!

This week’s Name That was a stumper, but tune in next week for a chance to win TWO $5 gift cards to Watt’s Restaurant in Utica!

Tune in Tomorrow for The NZ Top 10 with Brock and Joe!

Thanks so much for listening!

– Gabriella and Daniel

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See You at The Pole!!

On this week’s Who Knew Wednesday, we talked about event’s you can partake in and pray for. Plus we played our Who Am I trivia! Here’s what we talked about:

Who Knew: See you at the pole! Students gather around their school flagpoles before classes begin and pray. Students initiate, organize, and lead the prayers themselves. They pray for their friends, families, teachers, schools, and nation. It happens every year on the fourth Wednesday of September. This year’s theme was “Come to Me” (based on Matthew 11:28)!

Who Knew: Innergize Day is all about pressing pause. Not because things are falling apart, but because sometimes we just need a moment. It’s a quiet reminder that we’re more than our to-do lists. You don’t have to do anything fancy.

Just step back, breathe a little deeper, and let yourself enjoy something simple. A cup of tea. A walk without your phone. Even a few minutes with your eyes closed, doing absolutely nothing.

This day isn’t about checking off another box. It’s a chance to feel more like yourself again. Life moves fast, and it’s easy to forget how good stillness can feel. Giving yourself space to rest isn’t lazy—it’s smart. Today goes hand and hand with solitude!! Great time to practice and recenter yourself.

Who am I??

  1. I was born on September 23, 1949, in Long Branch, New Jersey, and I grew up in Freehold, New Jersey. 
  1. I became interested in music at a young age after seeing Elvis Presley perform on television, which inspired me to pursue rock and roll. 
  1. I am known by the nickname “The Boss,” and I became famous for performing with my longtime group, the E Street Band. 
  1. In 1975, I released Born to Run, the album that helped establish me as a major American rock artist. 
  1. Throughout my career, I have written songs about working-class life, relationships, American society, and the struggles and hopes of everyday people. 

I am… Bruce Springsteen! Congratulations to Brian of Mount Vernon for guessing correctly and taking home a $5 gift card to Watt’s restaurant!

Tune in tomorrow for Praise Thursday with Daniel and Gabriella!

Thanks to much for listening!

– Joe and Gabriella 🙂

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New Songs and New Albums!

Josiah Queen has a brand-new song out today called “when I see You.”

The platinum-selling singer and songwriter says the soulful new track is inspired by the hope of one day seeing Jesus face to face in Heaven. Queen says he often wonders what that moment will be like—and how the anticipation of Heaven should change the way we live right now.

“when I see You” is a more stripped-back sound for Queen, featuring acoustic guitar and a laid-back drumbeat, while still bringing the emotion and honesty fans have come to expect from his music.

The song is the latest preview of Josiah Queen’s upcoming album, Damascus Road, which arrives October 23rd. The 14-song project also features his hits “demons,” “judas,” “make heaven crowded,” and “sundays.”

Josiah Queen is currently wrapping up the European leg of his Mt. Zion Tour, before heading back to North America next spring for his biggest headlining tour yet—the Damascus Road Tour.

His new song is out now!

Matthew West is looking back on his story with his brand-new song, “Younger Me.”

The deeply personal track was written entirely by West and is the final preview of his upcoming album, Jesus Is King, which arrives this Friday, September 25.

In “Younger Me,” West reflects on the moments that shaped his life and faith — from discovering his faith as a teenager and experiencing rejection in Nashville, to meeting his wife and building a family. Through it all, he points his younger self back to one message: trust God through every chapter, because Jesus was enough all along.

That message carries throughout Jesus Is King, a 12-song album built around the question, “Jesus Is ___?” Each song reveals another part of who Jesus is — His faithfulness, goodness, strength, redemption and grace — ultimately pointing back to the declaration at the heart of the album: Jesus is King.

Never been so connected

Never been so alone

Broken and misdirected

And now we’re homesick for home

Sing poetry was a STUMPER this week, so tune in next week for your chance to win TWO $5 gift cards to Watt’s Restaurant in Utica!

Thanks for listening!

-Joe & Brock

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Small Things DO Matter !!

On this week’s Monday Motivation we gave motivation through what’s going on in our lives in hopes to help you. Plus we played our Family Feud style question for Mystery Monday! Here’s what we talked about:

Joe’s Motivation: Thank God for everyday heroes!

Maybe it’s not a celebrity, a soldier, or someone you see or her about on the news. Maybe it’s the person who gets up every morning and faithfully takes care of their family and shows up to work. The teacher who stays late. The neighbor who checks in. The friend who knows when you need encouragement.

Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these…you did for me.”

Last night, my hero was the AAA mechanic who came and helped me replace my tire with my spare when I hit a pothole in the pouring rain. I was on my way to pick Marcy up from the airport and it was after midnight when all of this went down.

His attitude was kind  even in a late night, stressful situation!  We worked together to make it happen – he gave me advice on how to store the bad tire in the car. He shook my hand when he left.  That’s an everyday hero with a servant’s heart!

You don’t have to do something spectacular to make a difference. Sometimes being a hero means simply showing up, serving someone, listening, encouraging, or choosing kindness when nobody is watching.

So today, look around. Thank God for the everyday heroes in your life—and ask Him to help you be one for someone else.

Because you never know how much one small act of kindness might mean to somebody.

You don’t have to be famous to make a difference. Just be faithful where God has placed you.

Gabriella’s Motivation: Motivated By Mindset

That second kind of motivation, the internal kind, is usually thought of as hard to come by. But if you think about it, it’s really not. After all, we’re all motivated by something. It’s why we do—or don’t do—anything. When you’re tired, laziness might motivate you to take a nap. When you’re hungry, food can move you to go digging through the kitchen.

So if it’s so easy to be motivated by something, whether you realize it or not, how do we stay motivated for the best reasons?

Motivation is about a mindset, and progress starts with purpose.

The first step is having a goal in mind. Ask God to reveal something He wants you to work on. Think of something you’d like to accomplish. Then, write it out. Keep it simple. Keep it in the front of your mind.

Without a clear idea of where you want to end up, there’s no way to chart a course to reach it. And it doesn’t have to be a huge goal, like “Lose 100 pounds,” or “Buy a new car by the end of the year.” It can be something small, like “Greet everyone with a smile,” or “Read my Bible every day.” Because here’s the key: Motivation is about a mindset, and progress starts with purpose.

No one ever did something amazing without first believing they could do it—or that they were created to do it. If you’re struggling to find daily motivation, you’re not alone. Remind yourself of your goal. Let God’s Word give you the strength and the encouragement you need to push forward toward your goal.

Name someone whose phone calls you screen (avoid). 

  1. Telemarketers- 38 
  1. Bill collectors- 22 
  1. No one- 6 
  1. Everyone- 5 
  1. In laws- 5 
  1. Parents- 5 

Congratulations to Naomi of Gambier for guessing correctly and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Tune in Tomorrow for Artist Newsday and Gametime Tuesday with Brock and Joe

Thanks so much for listening!

– Gabriella and Joe 🙂

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NZ Top 10 for 9/18/26

Here’s this week’s countdown:

10. Jamie MacDonald – Ain’t No Way

9. Tauren Wells – Breathe On It

8. Brandon Lake – How Good God Is

7. Josiah Queen – demons

6. Chandler Moore – God I’m Just Grateful

5. TobyMac – Lord It Feels Good

4. Matt Maher – Gonna Be Alright

3. Jon Reddick – Holding On (Praise God)

2. Micah Tyler ft. Colton Dixon – Perfectly

1. Phil Wickham & Crowder – It Really Is Amazing Grace

Here’s this week’s countdown:

10. Forrest Frank – OKAY

9. Tauren Wells – Breathe On It

8. Chandler Moore – God I’m Just Grateful

7. TobyMac – Lord It Feels Good

6. Jon Reddick – Holding On (Praise God)

5. Matt Maher – Gonna Be Alright

4. Jamie MacDonald – Ain’t No Way

3. Josiah Queen – demons

2. Micah Tyler ft. Colton Dixon – Perfectly

1. Phil Wickham & Crowder – It Really Is Amazing Grace

New Music Friday

CAIN – Living Water

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive and NZ Top 10!

-Joe & Brock

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Count it all Joy on Praise Thursday

Daniel: My church just started going through the book of James. If you’ve ever read James 1, you might know how difficult life can be at times. While that might not be the most enjoyable moment, James tells us to “consider it pure joy” when we face trials. 

Now, why is James telling us to do this? You might have heard it said that Jesus won’t give us any challenge too hard for us to take; that’s not entirely true. There will be times that you can’t handle, at least not alone. 

Say there’s a tough decision coming up, and you don’t know what to do; James gives us a simple answer: ask God for wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all.” – James 1:5

See, we are to count it all joy when we run into trouble because Jesus will help us every step of the way. We are to count it all joy because trials give us a chance to put faith in God. It’s an opportunity to put trust in Him and allow ourselves to take a backseat in life.

If you’re going through something, stop, right now. Pray for guidance, strength, help, a solution, anything; for God gives wisdom generously. Take a step back, hand over the wheel, and let Jesus take control. Count it all joy instead.

Gabriella: There’s always something to be grateful for even when you think there’s not. All things come to an end, and sometimes we forget that includes negative things happening around us. 

Think about it: The truth is that we’ve never been in control when it comes to life’s most crucial elements. The only thing that holds us up—and the thing we can be most grateful for—is the grace of God, our Father, and that won’t change. God is never out of His depth, and therefore, we’re safe when we’re in life’s “deep end” because we can trust that He will always carry us in His arms.

You have chances to win THIS WEEK!

Sonfest Trivia – THIS WEEK on The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive will have trivia about this year’s event and past Sonfests. If you are the first person to answer correctly, you win two tickets to Sonfest 2026!
Tune into The Morning Thing at 7:30am or The Afternoon Drive at 4:50pm. Congratulations, Amanda of Mount Vernon, for guessing our trivia correctly and taking home tickets for Sonfest!!

Name That Tune!

This week’s Name That Tune winner was Jan from Howard, who won TWO $5 gift cards to Watts Restaurant in Utica for correctly guessing… Brandon Lake and Nick Jonas – The Author!

Tune in Tomorrow for the NZ Top 10 with Joe and Brock

Thanks so much for listening!

– Daniel & Gabriella

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Do You Love Guacamole?

On this week’s Who Knew Wednesday we talked about our national holidays and gave updates on where we’ll be over the weekend! Plus we played our Who Am I trivia in the second hour! Here’s what we talked about:

National Play-Doh Day: Did you know play doh was orginally wallpaper cleaner? Yes!- It was invented in the 1930s by Kutol Products in Cincinnati, Ohio, to clean coal soot off wallpaper. It was saved by a teacher when homes switched to clean gas and oil heat, sales dropped. A nursery school teacher named Kay Zufall used the cleaner for art projects and suggested marketing it as a toy!

National Guacamole Day: Did you know avocados from Mexico was illegal to transport in the USA? It was! From 1914 to 1997, importing Mexican avocados into the U.S. was illegal due to fears of agricultural pests, severely limiting authentic guac stateside until the ban lifted in the 1990s. It was also known as The “Alligator Pear” in the early 20th century- avocados were marketed under this unappealing name because of their bumpy, green skin!

You have chances to win THIS WEEK!

Sonfest Trivia – THIS WEEK on The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive will have trivia about this year’s event and past Sonfests. If you are the first person to answer correctly, you win two tickets to Sonfest 2026!
Tune into The Morning Thing at 7:30am or The Afternoon Drive at 4:50pm. Congratulations Polyene of Mount Vernon for guessing our trivia correctly and taking home tickets for Sonfest!!

Who am I?

  1. I was born on September 16, 1992, in Dallas Texas.
  2. I am a singer, songwriter, actor, and musician.
  3. I am one of three members of the Jonas Brothers, along with my brother Kevin and Joe.
  4. I began preforming on Broadway as a child before becoming famous as a musician.
  5. I married actress Priyanka Chopra in 2018, and we have a daughter together.

I am… Nick Jonas! Congratulations Tracy of Howard for guessing correctly and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Resturant in Utica!

Tune in Tomorrow for Praise Thursday with Daniel and Gabriella!

Thanks so much for listening!

– Gabriella and Joe 🙂

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Sonfest & Something Good

Sonfest 2026 is QUICKLY approaching! In case you’re unfamiliar with Sonfest, it’s an annual Christian music festival that takes place right here on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University! 

New this year, attendees will be able to select their seats at the time of purchase! The indoor main stage will feature reserved seating with tiered pricing based on location within the R. R. Hodges Chapel Auditorium! There is also an outdoor second stage for guests to maximize their concert experience! 

This year’s headliners include Jordan Houghton, Chris Renzema, Rock City Worship, Gio, and many more! In addition to live music, Sonfest also features food trucks, inflatables, yard games, and a vendor tent!

Also, you have multiple chances to WIN this week on the Morning Thing and Afternoon Drive! We will have trivia about this year’s event and years past! If you’re the first person to answer correctly, you will win two tickets to Sonfest 2026! So, definitely tune in to the Morning Thing at 7:30 and the Afternoon Drive at 4:50 for the chance to win! 

On Sonfest Saturday, we will also be broadcasting LIVE from Big Blue from 1- 8 PM! Stop by Big Blue and register to win a WNZR duffle bag stuffed full of goodies, including: T-shirts, an MVNU portable charger, MVNU socks, a WNZR Journal, NIV Bible, and much more! The winner will be announced at 7:30 PM on Saturday, so definitely stop by, say “hi,” and enter for a chance to win! 

Sonfest is this Saturday, September 19th! Don’t miss this great event for the whole family! Tickets are available right now at mvnu.edu/sonfest if you’re interested!

Carly Ann Taylor has a new song out today called “Something Good Is Coming.”

She’s been teasing the song’s message for months, and she says it was inspired by a season when she felt stuck and hopeless—but ultimately found hope in trusting God’s plan.

“Something Good Is Coming” follows Taylor’s recent song “Lifeline,” featuring KB, which was named a Spotify Editors’ Pick as one of the best songs released across all genres in August.

Taylor has also released “Heavenly Father” and “Why Should I Worry,” which debuted in the Top 10 at Christian radio.

And this fall, Taylor will hit the road with Big Daddy Weave for the My Hope Is Jesus Tour, alongside Caleb & John. Luckily for Ohio residents, Carly will be in Wadsworth, Ohio, on November 20th, and in Circleville, Ohio, on November 21st!

I had the privilege of meeting Carly at Momentum back in May, and she is the kindest, sweetest soul with the biggest voice! One of my favorite memories with Carly is when she taught me about one of her favorite snacks! She’s from Hawaii, and she grew up eating Flaming Hot Cheetos coated in Fruit Punch Kool-Aid powder! So, if you need a snack recommendation, there you go! 

Without further ado, here’s Carly Ann Taylor with her song ‘Why Should I Worry.’

I’ve been stacking up the years I spent

trading punches with the enemy

Built myself a double-thick, stone tower of lies, 

higher than the eye could see

Congrats to Brenda from Fredericktown for correctly guessing “Jericho” by Andrew Ripp! Also, congratulations to Esther from Mount Vernon for correctly guessing our Sonfest trivia question, winning two tickets to Sonfest 2026!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

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Reflecting thoughts at reflecting waters

Friday was the 25th anniversary of the September 11th tragedy. I still remember that day vividly, but what I remember most is when we visited the 9/11 Memorial in 2015. I stood at the reflecting pools and was overcome with emotion; with grief, with sadness, at the loss that happened at that very place.

I can’t tell you that I could embody Psalm 30:5, because I can’t tell you that joy came in the morning after that visit. In fact, I remember the drive home being heavy as I remembered those families and their loss. However, I did feel comforted. I felt Psalm 23, where I would not fear evil, because HE was with me.

Where might a school bus take students besides school?
1. Field trip
2. Sporting event
3. Home
4. Museum
5. Zoo
6. Picnic

Congratulations to Phyllis from Danville, who guessed correctly and wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Thanks for listening!
-Joe

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