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Driving Notes

The Official Blog of WNZR's Afternoon Drive

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Devotionals

God Is There In The Unseen!

Today on The Afternoon Drive, we shared some devotionals for Praise Thursday! Here were Ethan and Gabriella’s devotions:

Today, Gabriella shared how as followers of Jesus, we don’t walk alone! In Romans 12, Paul is adamant as believers that we shouldn’t even try to face our life alone. We need Jesus and each other! Instead of thinking that we are self-sufficient and “more highly than [they] ought” (v.3). When we live in harmony with one another as followers, we see that God didn’t create us to live alone, but walk together as an independent body!

Click here to read the full devotional and the story along with it, found on Our Daily Bread Ministries!

Ethan talked about what he has been reading in God’s Word recently: The book of Job!

While the book of Job may be a sadder book to start the new year, Ethan has been trying to see God’s character on every page, even the sad parts!

When reading in chapter 19 of Job today, Ethan notices in the midst of Job’s lamenting, he says this in verse 25:

“I know that my redeemer lives,
    and that in the end he will stand on the earth.
26 And after my skin has been destroyed,
    yet in my flesh I will see God;
27 I myself will see him
    with my own eyes— I, and not another.
    How my heart yearns within me!”

Through all of Job’s pain and grieving, he still recognized that God is sovereign over all, no matter the circumstance. And He lives! Keep looking for God in whatever situation you’re going through!

To read the full chapter of Job 19, click here!

This week, we listened to a song clip from a song we listened to today, on The Afternoon Drive!

Today’s Name That Tune song was Black Sheep, from Ben Fuller!

Congratulations to Trevor from Saint Louisville for calling in and correctly guessing the song title and artist, taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Tune in on Friday for a special NZ Top 10, featuring four new songs being added to WNZR to start off the new year!

Thanks for listening!
– Gabriella and Ethan

Be Humble in Difficult Times!!

I’m not proud of this story. As Scripture says, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of”(Luke 6:45b, NIV). My outburst revealed what was in my heart – overload, frustration and anger. Consider this: The circumstances of the first Christmas were very stressful, too. There was an unmarried, pregnant teenager. There was a scared but faithful fianc?. There was no room in the inn. There were smelly animals and scratchy straw. There was an unidentified star in the sky. They implemented the truth in today’s key verse. Their trust in God made them steadfast.

Proverbs 4:25 (NIV)- “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you”. (This verse encourages focus on a righteous path, away from distractions, as detailed in the surrounding verses.) During these busy times we should not fear instead we should think and redirect our mind to focus on the lord. He is the reason for this season!

What about Joseph? Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV) talks about Josephs emotions during this time. He’s told Mary is pregnant even though she’s a virgin. Joseph was planing to divorce her quietly until an angel explained everything to him. Joseph was obedient and we learned a lot about his character. Obedience and loyalty was a way of life for Joseph!

Congratulations to Krista and Tim of San Louisville for being caller #9! The winners will be announced tomorrow during The Morning Thing!

Our Name That Tune was Toby Mac and Tasha Layton with Christmas Hits Different! Congratulations to Jim of Mount Vernon for guessing the artist and song name and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Tune in Tomorrow for The All Request Drive with Ethan and Joe!

Thanks for listening!!

– Gabriella, Ethan, and Daniel 🙂

Devotionals Out Of God’s Word!!

Refuse to seek revenge! In Matthew 5:38, Jesus tells us, “You have heard that itw as said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.”

As believers and followers of Jesus, revenge should never be our response when we are wronged or hurt.

To read the full chapter of Matthew 5, click here!

Do you feel stuck in a mistake you made in the past, and maybe you even knew it was wrong in the moment? Whether it was 2 minutes ago, or 2 decades ago there is still redemption!

If you know the story of King David, you’ll remember a scandal he had with a woman named Bathsheba. King David took Bathsheba, committed adultery with her, and eventually murdered her husband by putting him in the front lines of a battle.

After all this took place, a prophet named Nathan came to David and made David realize the sins he committed. Once David realized his mistakes, he repented, apologized to God, and also wrote Psalm 51.

The beginning of this psalm says:

1 Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
    blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity
    and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
    and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
    and justified when you judge.
5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
    sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
    you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
    let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins
    and blot out all my iniquity.

Read the full psalm here!

We learn from this psalm that God is a God of compassion and grace, with arms forgiveness waiting for us to repent from our sins– no matter what we have done! When we confess and repent from our sins, there is grace waiting there for us every time.

Whatever you have, bring it to God and leave it as His feet!

Today we played a 20-second clip of a Christmas song on The Afternoon Drive!

This week’s Name That Tune was Frank Sinatra’s rendition of Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Congratulations to Brenda from Mount Vernon for calling in and correctly guessing the song title and artist, taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Tune in on Friday for a special Afternoon Drive show where we go over all the new Christmas songs we added this year on WNZR!

Thank you for listening!
– Gabriella and Ethan

It Takes TWO!!

For this Praise Thursday, we shared inspiring worship music, gave devotions, shared updates, and played a fun game of NTT! Check out our website wnzr.fm!

James 4:8 (NIV): “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” It takes two people to have a relationship with God. You have to put in effort in that relationship to get an income. The best thing you can do is talk to God.

Psalm 46:10 (NIV): Be still, and know that I am God.” One of the most basic laws of physics tells us that “objects in motion tend to stay in motion.” So shifting from constant motion, activity, and obligation isn’t easy because it involves letting the momentum of our activity come to rest. Our activities and overall pace are like that “object in motion.” So give yourself plenty of space and grace as you sit before God and rest in Him. It may take some time for the waves of your spiritual “wake” to wash past you, to settle into being quiet before Him. Click HERE to read more!

Don’t miss our Contest – Ring for Rend Collective. Listen to The last chance to win this GIVEAWAY is TOMORROW!! Listen for the short clip of the song Hallelujah Anyway and be Caller #3. You can win a pair of General Admission Tickets to The Rend Collective Folk! Fall Tour at MVNU on 11/14!  Tickets are valued at $26 each! Congratulations to Arlesa of Mount Vernon for being caller #3!!

Our Name That Tune was For King & Country “Love Me Like I am”! Congratulations to Bob of Howard for guessing our Name That Tune correctly and taking home TWO $5 gift cards to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Tune in tomorrow for the NZ top 10 with Joe!

Thanks so much for listening!

– Gabriella 🙂

Live with Full Faith!?!

On this beautiful Praise Thursday, we shared inspiring worship music, gave devotions, shared updates, and played a fun game of NTT! Check out our website wnzr.fm!

It’s important for your relationship with Christ to understand yourself. You can’t have any type of long lasting relationship when you don’t put effort in to make it work. It’s important to know that go one can be Christ but we can do our best to be Christ-like. Some people may hold a Christ-like character than others, but that’s why we are Christians, to help and accept others as Christ did for us. Put your full faith in God in his ability to help.

You never know what someone is going through and even the little things matter. Complimenting someone on the sidewalk or in the hallways go a long way. Joel Smallbone, a member of For King & Country, gave a lady a bus ticket and he found out that she only had $30 to her name. Do what you can for people. We all are creations in Christ no matter our separate opinions we are not called to judge. We are called to serve.

This week’s Name That Tune was a stumper, BUT come back next week for a chance to win TWO $5 gift cards to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Tune in tomorrow for the NZ top 10 with Ethan and Joe!

Thanks so much for listening!

– Ethan and Gabriella 🙂

Truly Trust in God’s Path!!

On this beautiful Praise Thursday, we shared inspiring worship music, gave devotions, shared updates, and played a fun game of NTT! Check out our website wnzr.fm!

Many people have been in a difficult position. You can’t control what people say or do, but you can control how you react. As followers of Christ, it’s our duty to not fight fire with fire. Kindness triumphs when those who’ve received it from God share it generously with others as the Spirit helps them. 1 Peter 3:8-12 (NIV): “When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us.”

Most of us have heard “don’t bite the hand that feeds you,” the same is true in your relationship with God. God has a plan for us, but most of us try to go on our own path. God’s path’s are trustworthy, for He loves us and has our best interests at heart. Psalm 32:6-11 (NIV): “I will instruct… you in the way you should go… with my loving eye on you.”

To read more click HERE!

This month is a time to honor our local pastors and their commitment to families in our community. Tell us why you love your pastor. Go online to wnzr.fm and click on the “Clergy Appreciation Month” banner. Nominate your pastor at www.wnzr.fm TODAY!

This week’s Name That Tune was “The Love I Have For You” by Colton Dixon. Congratulations to Jennifer of Centerburg for taking home TWO $5 gift cards to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Tune in tomorrow for The NZ Top 10 with Joe and Ethan!

Thanks so much for listening!

– Ethan and Gabriella 🙂

Your Heart Belongs to God!!

On this beautiful Praise Thursday, we shared inspiring worship music, gave devotions, shared updates, and played a fun game of NTT! Check out our website wnzr.fm!

Gabriella’s devotion: A God-fearing woman is a good thing to be called especially by your children. On Rosie’s birthday her family wanted to go around and talk about the life she has lived. Her children said something that will never leave her soul. They called her “a God-fearing woman” and she felt a sense of accomplishment after. It should be everyone’s goal to be a God-fearing follower of Christ. Parents are a role model to their kids and it’s their responsibility to show them who God is. Proverbs 31:24-31 (NIV).

Ethan’s devotion: Tom was fighting a chronic illness and wanted to spend time with God, but he couldn’t find a way to position his body where it wasn’t painful for him. He fell to his knees in pain and that prayerful posture proved to lessen the agonizing ache. He felt comfort in the next mornings on his knees praying out to God. In painful and challenging times He helps us submit to His will and live out a prayer posture in our hearts, we can find comfort and peace in Him. 2 Chronicles 20:5-12 (NIV).

Read more about

This month is a time to honor our local pastors and their commitment to families in our community. Tell us why you love your pastor. Go online to wnzr.fm and click on the “Clergy Appreciation Month” banner. Nominate your pastor at www.wnzr.fm TODAY!

This week’s Name That Tune was a stumper, but come back next week to win TWO $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Tune in tomorrow for The NZ Top 10 with Joe and Ethan!

Thanks so much for listening!

– Ethan and Gabriella 🙂

Just Pray!

On this beautiful Praise Thursday, we shared inspiring worship music, gave devotions, shared updates, and played a fun game of NTT! Check out our website wnzr.fm!

In the animated movie Toy Story, one character, a space ranger named Buzz Lightyear, shouts his signature catchphrase while flying about the bedroom: “To infinity and beyond! It’s a phrase that has confused many. Isn’t infinity as far as you can go? How can there be anything “beyond” infinity? Jesus seems to employ such exponential effort in the realm of forgiveness. When Peter asked Jesus about forgiving another person, “How many times must I forgive him . . . seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, you must forgive him more than seven times. You must forgive him even if he wrongs you seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22 ncv). Jesus goes on to tell a parable comparing a merciful king and an unmerciful servant, making the point that when someone truly regrets their error, there is no limit to the number of times we’re to forgive. That’s why we constantly need to ask God for His help. Only in His strength can we do this. Forgiven people forgive people. To infinity and beyond!

If you want to read more click HERE!

I realized I neglected to ask god for help in this stressful time of working on a work project with an impossible deadline. So i prayed… and immediately felt better. nothing changed- the project was still challenging, but peace washed over me. Perhaps David felt the same way submitting his fears and worries to God. In Psalm 6, he starts off describing his anguish at being hounded by his enemies. He continued to turning to God for help, he felt reassured: “The Lord has heard my cry… the Lord accepts my prayer.” Prayer isn’t a feel-good technique, but it’s a direct connection with the all-seeing, all-powerful One who will help is in His time and way. Feeling discouraged or down? Just pray- God hears.

If you want to read more click HERE!

Congratulations to Dwight of Mount Vernon for guessing our Name That Tune correctly and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica. This week’s Name That Tune was Seph Schlueter’s Running Back To You. Come back next week to win a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

This month is a time to honor our local pastors and their commitment to families in our community. Tell us why you love your pastor. Go online to wnzr.fm and click on the “Clergy Appreciation Month” banner. Nominate your pastor at www.wnzr.fm TODAY!

Cast your predictions for the Dove Awards and get registered to win a special Dove Award Nominee Prize Package featuring special gifts from 2025 Dove Award nominees!! Tell us who you think will win “Song of the year” and “Artist of the year” at the 56th annual Dove Awards. Go online to www.wnzr.fm and click on the Dove Awards Prediction Prize Giveaway banner. Tonight at 11:59 is the deadline!!

Tune in tomorrow for The NZ Top 10!

– Ethan and Gabriella 🙂

Walk in the Light!!

Today on Praise Thursday, we gave wonderful devotions, had fun contests, and shared upcoming events at WNZR! Go to our website wnzr.fm!

Many of us as kids loved playing in the dark and Karen’s nieces were no different. They loved turning off the lights and makin scary faces when they turned the lights off. In his letter to the early believers in Jesus, the apostle John talked about choosing to walk in a different kind of darkness. First John 1:6 refers to sin as “darkness.” Walking in darkness isn’t a momentary lapse but a choice to keep engaging in wrong doing. John reminds us that our holy God “is light” and “in him there is no darkness” (V.5). If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. Only when we live in full obedience to God can we enjoy the full blessing of relationship with Him and to with other believers.

If you want to read more of our devotionals click HERE!

We did another Mark Schultz giveaway! Win tickets for “an evening with Mark Schultz”, this Saturday October 4th! Be caller #3 when you hear the Mark Shultz music montage. Tomorrow during Congratulations to Ebony of Mount Vernon, Kari of Newark, and Nina of Mount Vernon for winning tickets to “an evening with Mark Schultz” this Saturday in the chapel!

Tune in next Thursday for a chance to win a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica! Guess the song title and the artist correctly for Name That Tune and you will win!

Tune in tomorrow for The NZ Top 10!

– Ethan and Gabriella 🙂

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