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Mini Miracles – Praise Thursday

Daniel: My girlfriend owns this flower necklace. It’s not anything extraordinarily expensive, but it was special to her. She’d worn it one day at work and while shopping. Somewhere during the day, she lost her necklace and couldn’t find it anywhere. We called around town to see if it was lost when she was shopping. I checked around my car and places where it might be, but we just couldn’t find it. We said a quick prayer, asking God to help us find it. Later that same night, she called me to report she found it in a place she never expected to find it, she found it in her bible case. Her bible case has Romans 8:28 on it, which says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” It felt like a mini miracle.

Some say that God doesn’t work the way he used to; that he doesn’t work miracles like you’d find in the time of Jesus and the Old Testament. I highly disagree. Have you ever had a moment where something really bad could have happened, but didn’t?  On the outside of town, there’s a specific street I take to work every day. It’s nothing too crazy; the main thing is that it connects to Route 3, and all the time, I see car after car take that turn from Route 3 onto this street way too sharply; sometimes I worry if they’ll hit me, but they never do. I’d call this a mini miracle.

Maybe for you, it’s that cold your co-worker had that you didn’t end up catching, perhaps it’s the tree you were worried about falling a different direction than you expected during the storm, and didn’t land on your fence, or maybe it’s something as simple as you dropped your phone and it didn’t crack; this is God looking out for you. Remember 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Remember to see God working in the world, even where you don’t expect him to. He will make things work out for your good, so keep an eye out for him and give thanks when you see him.

Congratulations to Rhonda from Mount Vernon! She correctly guessed the song was Petra – Creed, and won the $5 gift cards to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive. Join me tomorrow for the NZ Top 10.

-Daniel

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Fear not the Grape, the Otter, nor the Sith Lord

On this week’s Who Knew Wednesday, we discussed grapes, having no fear, and otters; plus, who am I trivia. Here’s what we talked about.

WHO KNEW FACT CHECK – Sea Otters have the world’s thickest fur of any mammal with 2.6 million hairs per square inch; roughly 10,000 times thicker than human hair! 

National Grape Day – There are more than 8,000 different grape varieties known to scientists.

Nothing to Fear Day – Franklin D. Roosevelt famously said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

National Otter Day – Some Otters will hold hands while sleeping so they don’t drift apart. 

WHO AM I?

  1. I was born May 27, 1922, in London, England, and lived to 93 years of age
  2. I became a movie icon portraying Count Dracula in a series of films.
  3. I also played Saruman in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and Count Dooku in the Star Wars prequel trilogy.
  4. I appeared in over 250 films, making me one of the most prolific actors in cinema history.
  5. During World War II, I served in the Royal Air Force, and later I received knighthood for my contributions to drama and charity.
  6. BONUS: After retiring as an actor, I released a series of operatic heavy metal albums

I am Christopher Lee! Congratulations to Bonnie from Mt. Vernon for guessing correctly and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Join me tomorrow for Praise Thursday!
Thanks so much for listening!
– Daniel

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Matthew West’s ‘Good’ Hits #1′ We The Kingdom Release New Album

Today, we share about Matthew West’s song ‘Good’ hitting #1 on the Christian music charts; we also highlight the release of the new We The Kingdom Album.

Five-time GRAMMY nominee Matthew West celebrates another major milestone this week, as his latest single, Good, has officially reached No. 1 on Christian radio charts. The achievement marks West’s 39th chart-topping song as both an artist and songwriter, continuing a career that has made him one of Christian music’s most recognizable hitmakers. Inspired by the Book of Romans and written alongside AJ Pruis, “Good” delivers a powerful reminder that God’s love isn’t something we have to earn. West shared that the song reflects the struggle many people face when trying to feel “good enough” for God, while ultimately pointing listeners back to the truth of grace and unconditional love. The song has become West’s fastest-rising single since 2013 and adds to an already impressive career that includes hundreds of songwriting credits and multiple industry honors.

We The Kingdom’s upcoming album, Everything I Thought Was Pleasure, releases on June 12, and fans are already getting a taste of what’s to come with the lead single “God’s Way.” The upcoming seven-song project is being described by the band as one of their most honest and reflective releases yet, diving into themes of surrender, temptation, fulfillment, and finding lasting hope in Christ instead of temporary things.  The album will feature tracks like “Glory Glory” with Crowder, “Lake of Fire,” “Pray,” and “Love Is Louder.” The band says the project explores the idea that the things we often chase for satisfaction can never truly fulfill us the way God can. Known for worship favorites like “Holy Water” and “God So Loved,” We The Kingdom continues blending raw honesty with uplifting faith-filled messages, and this new release looks to continue that signature style in a deeply personal way. 

So I can pick myself back up 

And keep on telling me 

No, my God’s not done 

Making me a masterpiece 

It’s a stumper for this week!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive. Join me tomorrow for Who Knew Wednesday!

– Daniel 🙂

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NZ Top 10 for 5/22/26

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

10. Elevation Worship – Alleluia
9. CeCe Winans – Worthy Of It All (Worthy medley)
8. Andrew Ripp – I’d Do It Again
7. Caleb & John – Finished
6. Blessing Offor – Lift Me Up
5. ELEVATION RHYTHM – WASHED
4. Phil Wickham – Homesick for Heaven
3. Peter Burton – Where Would I Be? (spent 3 weeks at #1)
2. MercyMe – Make It Well (spent one week at #1)
1. Matthew West – Good

NEW MUSIC FRIDAY – new songs added today to our playlist!

Sidewalk Prophets – Father Let It Be

Thanks for listening!
– Joe, Brock and Daniel

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Thursday inspiration!

From Brock: during my personal time of prayer and devotion this week, I came across a devotional from Christian singer-songwriter Ellie Holcomb that really encouraged my heart. It focused on Luke 15:4, where Jesus says, “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?”

That verse immediately made me think about how I feel whenever I lose something important—usually my car keys. It always seems to happen right when I’m about to head out the door, and suddenly I’m searching everywhere in a panic so I won’t be late. Reading this passage reminded me that in a much greater way, that’s how Jesus feels when we wander from Him. Staying lost is never His plan for us.

As someone who struggles with perfectionism, I can sometimes allow my mistakes to define me and make me feel unworthy of love, grace, and the guidance of the Good Shepherd. But I’m thankful that our God doesn’t simply stay with the ninety-nine. He lovingly seeks us out in the middle of our failures, our struggles, and the moments when we feel far from Him. Because no one is too far gone.”

From Joe: I’m bringing back one you may have heard before, ‘The Coffee Bean’ question, inspired by the book by Jon Gordon and Damon West. This is all about what happens to you when the pressures of life, or ‘the heat,’ ramp up. Jon and Damon remind us that you can go three ways:

The Way of the Carrot? It starts hard, but when boiled, weakens.
The Way of the Egg? It starts fragile and with a soft heart (yolk), then hardens on the outside and inside.
The Way of the Coffee Bean? When boiled, it transforms the environment around it!

The spiritual application? Influence and resilience. Instead of letting life’s trials change you, you can use the power of Christ within you to transform your environment.
You are called to be an active presence that brings flavor, warmth, and hope to the world

https://coffeebeanbook.com

Congrats, Rachel from Mount Vernon for correctly guessing this week’s Name That Tune – Still Rolling Stones by Lauren Daigle!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

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Bees, Berries and Best Friends!

On this week’s who knew Wednesday, we learned about Bees, Strawberries, and Dogs; plus who am I trivia. Here’s what we talked about:

WHO KNEW FACT CHECK – Dogs can detect sound frequencies three time higher than humans at 65,000 Hz (Humans can only hear up to 20,000 Hz)

WORLD BEE DAY – Approximately one third of the food we eat is the result of honey bee pollination.

NATIONAL PICK STRAWBERRIES DAY – The average strawberry has 200 seeds

NATIONAL RESCUE DOG DAY – Dogs experience dreams just like humans. Small dogs recieve dreams more frequently than large dogs.

Who Am I?

  1. I was born May 20, 1908, in Indiana, Pennsylvania. I grew up in a small-town setting that influenced my relatable characters.
  2. I won the Academy Award for Best Actor for my role in The Philadelphia Story (1940).
  3. I starred in several beloved films, including the Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life.
  4. During World War II, I served as a bomber pilot in the United States Army Air Forces and rose to the rank of Colonel.
  5. I am known for my distinctive voice and sincere style, I also had a successful career in Westerns andworked frequently with director Alfred Hitchcock.

I am…. James Stewart, AKA Jimmy Stewart

Congratulations to Bob from Howard who guessed correctly and wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Tomorrow, tune into Praise Thursday with Joe and Brock!

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Daniel

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TobyMac Co-Headlining Tour & New Single

This fall, three of the biggest names in Christian music are coming together for a tour that honestly feels like a dream lineup! For the first time ever, TobyMac, Chris Tomlin, and Third Day will share the stage for a night full of worship, encouragement, and fun. What makes this tour even cooler, in my opinion, is that every single night will be a little different, as the artists rotate closing sets in each city. So no two shows will be the same! Whether you’ve been blasting TobyMac in the car for years, worshipping to Chris Tomlin on Sunday mornings, or if you love Third Day’s classic southern rock sound, this tour really has something for everyone. Concerts have become such an experience lately; people plan trips around them, count down the days, and even get all dressed up, and this definitely feels like one of those shows that people will be talking about for a long time. The tour is stopping at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland on November 7th, and tickets go on sale tomorrow through ticketmaster.com. If you’re thinking about going, I’d definitely recommend grabbing tickets early!

Story behind TobyMac’s new single – Lord It Feels Good:

TobyMac says, ‘“Lord it Feels Good” was written about the sweet love of God. The only footing I’ve found walking the valley of devastation. We all have our valleys, every one of us, but there is something about simply remembering that God really loves us and is intimately aware of the road we walk. It lifts our eyes to where our help comes from… the unwavering love of God can renew us and can take us from crawling, to walking, to standing up right. When I stop and stare at Him, out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks… “Lord, it feels good to be loved by you.”’

Congrats to our song poetry winner, Lisa from Mount Vernon! She correctly guessed “Jesus Is Why” by Hannah Kerr!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

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New week, new motivations

Today’s Monday Motivations focused on spontaneous prayer (Joe) and the importance of fellowship (Daniel).

Many of us commit to scheduled prayer on a daily basis. We plan times every day to respond to life with prayer, mostly before a meal or in a morning posture of gratitude.

But what about those spontaneous prayers? Do you ever have those moments where unplanned events give you an opportunity to respond to life with prayer? I’ve (Joe) been re-reading the Kendrick brothers book, ‘Battle Plan for Prayer,’ and started thinking about this again. Here are some suggestions to encourage you about when it’s time for spontaneous prayer.

The first is newness. Maybe you experience something new. It could be at the start of every day. He could also be when you meet a new friend or have a new opportunity or find something new in your life. Make sure that you dedicate it to the Lord.

Another prompt for spontaneous prayer is an unexpected need. Remember that we serve a God who meets needs. Whenever you discover a sudden physical, emotional or spiritual need, allow that need to prompt you to pray. Remember Matthew 6: 8-11 reminds us that God knows what we need even before we ask him. But we can still pray in faith asking him to meet our needs.

Another way to have spontaneous prayer comes from blessings as God provides, protects, forgives, and guides you. Thank him. Don’t let the routine blessings you receive each day be taken for granted!
I Thessalonians 5:18 simply says, “in everything, give thanks.”

—

Recently, I’ve (Daniel) been thinking about fellowship; how we need to surround ourselves with positive relationships to build our faith in God. 

For years, I’ve told myself that I am going to, “Study the bible more,” and sometimes, I do, but that normally didn’t last long. Something would come up to prevent myself from studying that day and then another. Before long, I would find myself back to my old ways as if nothing had happened. That’s surprisingly common in fact on average, only 30-40% of habits are kept when you do it alone; with someone else, that number spikes up to 65-95% (from the Dutch Mentor podcast).

Since I started bringing other people along with my journey of faithbuilding, I found that it became significantly easier and it reminds me of 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. 

Proverbs 27:17

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

So, when you are trying to become who God wants you to be, bring a friend, find fellowship, and become unbreakable.

Name someone from the Bible whose name begins with the letter ‘M’:

1 – Moses (25 votes)
2 – Matthew (18)
3 – Mark (16)
4 – Mary (9)
5 – Malachi (6)

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

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Daniel

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NZ Top 10 for 5/15/26

Praise the Lord it’s Friday and it’s Mom’s Night Out!! Here’s this week’s countdown:

10. CeCe Winans – Worthy Of It All (Worthy medley)
9. Elevation Worship – Alleluia
8. Andrew Ripp – I’d Do It Again
7. Caleb & John – Finished
6. ELEVATION RHYTHM – WASHED
5. Blessing Offor – Lift Me Up
4. Phil Wickham – Homesick for Heaven
3. Mathew West – Good
2. Peter Burton – Where Would I Be? (spent 3 weeks at #1)
1. MercyMe – Make It Well

NEW MUSIC FRIDAY – new songs added today to our playlist!

TobyMac – Lord, It Feels Good

Thanks for listening!
– Joe

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