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Giving the Little You Have and the Knox County Fair

Today on the Afternoon Drive, we are at the Knox County Fair talking to presenters at the fair, talking about the events, and telling you about all the excitement happening down at the fairgrounds today. Find out more information HERE on our website.

Daniel: One of the things I struggle with is my giving. I’m not consistent with it; I give in larger amounts but not as frequently as I probably should; I should do more.

In Luke 21:1-4, Jesus and his disciples are sitting by the temple collection booth. He sees the Pharisees, Princes, and the Wealthy give large amounts. He saw them smile when others praised their “generosity.” But then he spots a widow slip through the crowd to give a measly two copper coins. She was avoiding notice and didn’t give to be recognized; she gave out of devotion to God. This was probably all she could give. 

Even in the little she has, she still gives to God. Maybe you have a little time, or a little strength, or, as it is commonly thought, a little financially. It’s not about the number, the hours, or how much you can do; it’s about the fact that you do it at all. God asks us to simply do as he asks. Remember, he who is faithful in little is also faithful in much.

Mystery Monday

Give me a phrase containing the word “Hot”

1. Tamale (13)

2. Dog, Some like it hot (8)

    4. Outside, Sauce (5)

    6. That’s Hot (4)

    Congratulations to Charla from Utica, who guessed those top two answers and wins a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica.

    Thanks for listening!
    – Daniel and Joe

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    Prayer and Speaking Jesus

    Daniel: Yesterday in church, the pastor’s message really convicted me. We’ve been studying the Sermon on the Mount, and this week we covered Matthew 5:21–48. I’ve read this passage many times before, but this time it hit differently.

    Jesus teaches that God is concerned not only with our outward actions, but with the condition of our hearts. I may never go out and commit murder, but I still get angry at people. I still struggle with sinful thoughts and attitudes. Even if no one else sees them, God does. That realization reminded me how much I need Him every single day.

    So what do we do when we recognize our sin? The answer is simple: take it to God. Stop and pray.

    One habit I’ve found incredibly helpful is praying first thing every morning. I often begin my day by praying the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:9–13

    ‘Our Father in heaven,
    hallowed be your name,
    your kingdom come,
    your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
    Give us today our daily bread.
    And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
    And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from the evil one’

    When I wake up—and whenever I’m tempted—I ask God to guide my thoughts and help me keep my mind fixed on Him throughout the day.

    Jesus reminds us that if God cares for the sparrows, He certainly cares for us. So don’t carry your struggles alone. Bring them to Him. He listens. He is with you in the darkest hours of the night, and He is faithful to guide you according to His perfect will.

    Joe: I Speak Jesus

    “Your name is power
    Your name is healing
    Your name is life
    Break every stronghold
    Shine through the shadows
    Burn like a fire

    I just wanna speak the name of Jesus
    Over fear and all anxiety
    To every soul held captive by depression
    I speak Jesus

    Shout Jesus from the mountains
    Jesus in the streets
    Jesus in the darkness, over every enemy
    Jesus for my family
    I speak the holy name, Jesus!”

    Why speak Jesus?

    Because he tells us, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness…” (John 8:12)

    When you believe, you believe His claims to be the source of spiritual truth, life, and guidance – to be the light is a bold claim. He’s saying He is the true, ultimate light from God. Jesus is not just a teacher—He is divine illumination itself!

    Because He defines true freedom!

    “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

    He reframes it as not political freedom, but freedom from sin! He’s the liberator of the human soul. The only one who can truly break sin’s power.

    Mystery Monday 

    Name a phrase that starts with “Carry the…” 

    1. Load (24) 
    2. Bags (18) 
    3. Weight (8) 
    4. Baby, Ball, Groceries, Torch (6) 

    After a THREE-WEEK stumper, we want to say congratulations to Lisa from Centerburg, who guessed those top two answers and wins THREE $5 gift cards to Watts Restaurant in Utica.

    Thanks for listening!
    – Daniel and Joe

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    The Rock doesn’t move, but it does cry out!

    Mystery Monday and Monday Motivations here on The Afternoon Drive…

    Daniel: Things have been moving a lot for me lately, a lot of changes around my life. My sister bought a house, my younger siblings are growing up and getting ready for adulthood, my brother is trying to get a job, and I have big expenses coming up, like an upcoming college payment; I need to find a new car plus a few other big expenses. Can life just stay still? It can kinda feel like quicksand sometimes.

    Today is International Rock Day, and it had me thinking about rocks a bit. What is a rock? It’s solid, it’s immovable, sturdy, unshakeable, and most importantly, it’s what God tells us he is. David and Jesus both talked about it.

    Psalm 18:2 (ESV): “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

    Psalm 62:6 (KJV): “He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.”

    “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24

    Life can be a bit shaky, but God never is. He is always going to be there; he’s always going to make sure that we stay steady during life’s challenges.

    Joe: CeCe Winans’ song “That’s My King” was inspired by the famous sermon called “That’s My King. Do You Know Him?” by S.M. Lockridge, the Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, San Diego, in 1976.

    Here are some excerpts:

    “The Bible says my King is a seven-way king..
    He’s the King of the Jews; that’s a racial king..
    He’s the King of Israel; that’s a national King.. He’s the King of Righteousness.
    He’s the King of the Ages..
    He’s the King of Heaven.
    He’s the King of Glory.
    He’s the King of Kings, and He’s the Lord of Lords.
    That’s my King. Well. I wonder, do you know Him?”

    David said, (Psalm 19) “The Heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork. My King is a sovereign King. No means of measure can define His limitless love. No far-seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply. No barrier can hinder Him from pouring out His blessings.

    He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful.

    Do you know Him?

    He’s the greatest phenomenon that ever crossed the horizon of this world. He’s God’s Son.”

    That’s just some of the sermon. Check it out sometime. It will definitely help you embrace the greatness of our King!

    Mystery Monday 

    Name a phrase that starts with “Carry the…” 

    1. ??? (24) 
    2. ??? (18) 
    3. ??? (8)
    4. Four different answers tied for #4 (6)

    It’s a Stumper for the second week in a row. We had someone guess #1, #3, and a couple other very good guesses, but we need #1 and #2… Join us next week for a chance to win THREE $5 gift cards to Watt’s Restaurant in Utica!

    Thanks for listening!
    – Daniel and Joe

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    Dealing with a case of the Mondays

    I (Daniel) Felt kinda tired today, after a bit of research and a quick diagnosis, I’ve got a case of the Mondays…

    The highs of this past weekend, watching movies, spending most of yesterday with live butterflies at a conservatory, and spending a lot of time with my Girlfriend, but then coming to work today has been a bit of a challenge, but that’s okay.

    You see, Jesus highlights the perfect cure for the Mondays and any other days of weariness

    Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

    Later on in Matthew, while Jesus was carrying the cross, Simon came in to help carry the burden.

    Matthew 27:32 “As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross.”

    If you’re feeling a rough case of the Mondays or whatever day, then look to God, look to others to help carry the burden of the day.

    Find rest with Jesus and kneel down to pray.

    My (Joe) Monday motivation today comes from John 3, which is a very familiar passage to most people because it’s where we find John 3:16, but there’s also verse 17…

    “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17

    The most important issue that we face in our lives is whether we will accept or reject Jesus and His identity as truth. Nicodemus, in this passage, was a member of the Jewish ruling class. And so their conversation is so significant to our faith because Jesus talks about the concept of being born again. And so what are some lessons we can pull from John 3? 

    1. That God loves us infinitely and unconditionally, regardless of what we may have done in the past, no matter how much we’ve rebelled against him, God still seeks us in love. 

    2. God demonstrated his love by giving His Son for us. That’s a profound truth. God did this for us while we were still in rebellion against him. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8b

    3. That we must believe in Jesus in order to receive God’s forgiveness and enter his kingdom. Believing in Jesus means trusting in him for forgiveness and eternal life, and accepting that through his death, he paid in full the debt of your sins and my sins. And by that resurrection, he assures us of eternal life.

    Mystery Monday 

    Name something that little kids eat that leaves telltale evidence on their faces. 

    1. Chocolate/Candy (55) 
    2. Ice Cream (18) 
    3. Tomato Sauce (7) 
    4. Cookies (6) 
    5. Hot Cocoa (4) 
    6. Milk (3) 

              Congratulations to Kirsten 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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              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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              Choose humility!!

              On this week’s Monday Motivation we gave inspiration tied into scripture and did a fun a giveaway! Plus, we did our family feud style question for Mystery Monday! Here’s what we talked about:

              Gabriella’s Motivation: It’s easy to get anxious and fearful when we hear about the news. I use the “Pour Over” app to get my news because it gives the news in a general format and then gives you a prayer you can say at the end. In Philippians 2:3-8 calls Christians to adopt the humble, selfless mindset of Jesus Christ by valuing others above themselves, avoiding selfish ambition, and serving others even at personal cost. It presents Jesus’ incarnation and crucifixion as the ultimate example of humility—giving up divine privilege to serve

              Joe’s Motivation: Marcy and I lost our brother in law over the weekend. This year has been filled with so much lost and it’s just getting harder to grieve. We are human and we are supposed to love and care about others. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NIV) instructs believers not to grieve over deceased Christians like those without hope, as death is temporary “sleep”. It promises that because Jesus died and rose again, God will bring with Jesus those who have died when He returns. So, do not worry you will see them again.

              MTVarts are presenting To Kill A Mockingbird Friday May 8th 7:30pm – 9:30pm at the Woodward Opera House, 107 S Main St, Mt Vernon, OH 43050. It is a school performance, but it does contain language, violence, and racism. It is important and relevant, but it can be emotionally intense and may not be suitable for younger viewers. Tune in during The Morning Thing and Afternoon Drive to win tickets! Congratulations to Laura of Mount Vernon for taking home a pair of tickets!

              Name a bird that would make a disgusting meal. 

              1 – Crow (15) 

              2 – Vulture (14) 

              T3 – Buzzard (13)/Pigeon (13) 

              5 – Seagull (7) 

              T6 – Penguin/Parrot/Parakeet (5) 

              Congratulations to Eric of Fredericktown for guessing the top two answers correctly and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

              Tune in tomorrow for Artist Newsday and Game Time Tuesday with Ethan and Xander!

              Thanks so much for listening!

              – Joe and Gabriella 🙂

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              God is our Armor!!

              Today on Monday Motivation we gave motivation tied into scripture and we also did a fun giveaway! Plus, we did Family Feud for Mystery Monday! Here’s what we talked about:

              Gabriella’s Motivation: Anxiety is an inconvenience many people deal with on regular basis, but while I was getting ready for a formal I was anxious. I was frozen with anxiety and I didn’t know what to so I called my mom. After the call I knew my mom would tell me to pray about it and that’s exactly what I did. I sat down and prayed about it and just like that the weight was lifted off my shoulders. Instead of thinking about anxiety as a negative emotion think of it as a “check engine light” signal. Put your trust in the lord and let that motivate you to break the fear. Pray about everything good and bad. Let God replace your worries with gratitude.

              Joe’s Motivation: Anxiety ties into fear, but we don’t really think about how being protected by armor can get you in trouble. Psalm 23 has gotten me into trouble in the past and sometimes we need to pray that God will guide our mouth. With different songs like “No Fear” and “Still Waters” we don’t really think about being overconfident. It’s important to know God your spiritual armer, but it’s also important to be humble and have humility. If you think you’re overconfident I strongly advise you to pray about it and remember to be calm.

              Crowder is coming to Akron, Ohio!

              There’s something special about hearing great songs in a room that was practically made for them, and that’s exactly what Crowder’s spring tour delivers. And he’s bringing along special guests Seph Schlueter and Patrick Mayberry! This Sunday, May 3rd at E.J. Thomas Performance Hall at the University of Akron, 198 Hill St, Akron, OH 44325. The doors open at 6pm and the concert starts at 7pm. Listen to The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive the week of April 27th for your chance to WIN tickets to this concert! Congratulations to Karen of Mount Vernon for taking home a pair of tickets!

              Mystery Monday – Name something you start wearing again in spring. 

              1 – shorts (42) 

              2 – sunglasses (26) 

              3 – light jacket/windbreaker (14) 

              4 – rain boots (11) 

              5 – sandals (7) 

              Congratulations to Karen of Mount Vernon for guessing the top two answers and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Resturant in Utica!

              Tune in Tomorrow for Artist Newsday and Gametime Tuesday with Xander and Ethan!

              Thanks so much for listening!

              – Joe and Gabriella 🙂

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              Blessed to be a Blessing!!

              On this weeks Monday Motivation we gave motivation through scripture and played our Family Feud style question for Mystery Monday! Here’s what we talked about:

              Joe’s Motivation:

              We are all blessed and it’s important to make sure other people know how blessed they are. Share positivity to others!

              1. Compliment the first three people you talk to today
              2. Smile at everyone you come across today
              3. Purchase extra dog or cat food and take it to an animal shelter
              4. Encounter someone in costumer service who is kind and write a good review about them
              5. Leave a box of goodies to your mail carrier
              6. Email or write a former teacher who made a difference in your life
              7. Write a positive review to a local business

              Gabriella’s Motivation:

              It’s important to take a day and relax. Being burned out is a commonly known phrased and it means to take on too much and you hit a wall mentally. It’s important to understand it’s not a sin tired. It’s a good sign that you are working. We are supposed to work 6 days a week, but we need to take a day and relax and go into God’s word. It doesn’t have to be on Sunday, but we all need a break. If you can’t do it all by yourself (which you can’t) ask someone for help. It can be a close friend or God because He will won’t let you down. It’s also important if we can’t take anything more on we say NO.

              Name something you can catch.

              1. A cold/ Illness (42)
              2. A ball (26)
              3. A fish (26)

              Congratulations to Doug of Mount Vernon for guessing the top two answers correctly and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

              Tune in Tomorrow for Artist Newsday and Game Time Tuesday with Ethan and Xander!

              Thanks so much for listening!

              – Joe and Gabriella 🙂

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              Because He Lives – All Fear is Gone

              Joe’s Motivation: As we approach Lifeline 2026, we look back on Easter with gratitude and joy at what GOD DID through the sacrifice of Jesus! It reminds me of the song ‘Because He Lives,’ originally by Bill and Gloria Gaither, but covered in 2014 by Matt Maher.

              “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone! Because I know who holds the future, and life is worth the living, just because He lives!!”

              Remember that fear is one of the greatest barriers to living a Christlike life. Fear is something our enemy uses to keep us from fulfilling our purpose. But because He lives, what or whom should we fear? Jesus defeated our greatest enemy, death. ‘Fear not’ appears 365 times in the King James version of the Bible. That means it’s important!!

              Gabriella’s Motivation: In order to have a purposeful life we need to live every step of the way with hope. Going through life with intent, making proactive decisions based on core values rather than reacting to circumstances. Self-Awareness, Understanding your own strengths, talents, and passions to guide your path. Contribution, focusing on making a positive difference in the world and serving others. Remember God is is almighty and will help YOU if you let him.

              Name someone who gets paid to wear a mask.

              1. Surgeon (32)
              2. Hockey goalie (9)
              3. Clown (8)
              4. Batman (7)
              5. Disney Mascot (5)
              6. Welder (4)
              7. Fireman (4)
              8. Spiderman (4)

              Congratulations to Rosetta of Mount Vernon for guessing the top two answers correctly and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

              Tune in Tomorrow for Artist Newsday and Gametime Tuesday with Xander and Ethan!

              Thanks so much for listening!

              – Joe and Gabriella 🙂

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