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Monday Motivation

The Accident and The Woman at the Well

Daniel: So I am house-sitting right now, helping take care of a house. To me, it sounded like an easy task. They have 3 cute cats, and I expected this to be simple. For the most part, it is, but one of the cats causes problems; he’s this old black-and-white cat named Gizmo, because he is literally a little stinker.

The other day, I came in from being out nearly all day, and I didn’t notice the present he had left on the floor, and I ended up stepping on it. Now I was still wearing my shoes, so I didn’t notice this until I had already tracked it all around the house. I remember spending nearly an hour trying to clean up from that and just being upset about it as I went around into each room, smelling as I went, trying to figure out where all needed to be cleaned. 

Later that same evening, I was on the phone with my girlfriend, and it helped me recenter myself because this was already the 4th time there had been an accident on the floor since I got there the night before. I slowed down, took a deep breath, and remembered this…

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” – Philippians 4:6

We are also asked to give thanks in everything, but sometimes that’s challenging, so I tried to remember what was really important and find something to be thankful for.

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

It reminded me to remain calm and make my problems known to God, and strangely, he hasn’t had an issue since, which is just another everyday miracle to give thanks for.

Joe: In John 4, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well. He ignores the so-called cultural taboos of the Jews and Samaritans to ask her for a drink of water.

He offers her “living water”, the kind that permanently satisfies her. He also reveals her past without judgment and declares Himself the Messiah. She then becomes a bold evangelist when she leaves her water jar behind and rushes back to her town to tell everyone about Jesus. 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

Her testimony results in many villagers coming to meet Jesus themselves, leading many Samaritans to believe He is the Savior of the world.

What can we take away from John 4?

We learn that God sees us and hears us; we also learn we can have a fresh start with Him, and we can find our voice in telling others about Him.

Mystery Monday

Name a movie that took place on water. 

  1. Titanic (38) 
  2. Jaws (20) 
  3. Waterworld (6) 
  4. Open Water (3) 
  5. Red October (3) 

Congratulations to Jeanell from Danville, 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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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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            You’ve got the power to be patient!

            Good afternoon!

            James 1:2–4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

            Did you have joy in your trials this weekend? I really struggled to find it! The storm and resulting power outages Saturday and Sunday were certainly a trial for many, including me.

            James tells us to consider trials “pure joy”—not because they’re easy, but because they produce perseverance. Patience isn’t natural; it’s developed under pressure. Trials are not interruptions to your growth—they are the pathway to it.

            I know not having power for 27 hours, trying to get back the house Saturday night, and having to throw out almost everything in the fridge seems like a trial.  And it’s not the first time we’ve had to do it. But big picture? It was a chance to reset, slow down and think, despite an initial measure of impatience.

            Our prayer?
            God, help me not to resist the process. Grow perseverance in me so I may become mature and complete.

            Name a food or drink that you smell outside a restaurant in the morning. 

            1. Bacon (35) 
            1. Coffee (35) 
            1. Eggs (16) 
            1. Bread (5) 
            1. Donut (5) 

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

            Thanks for listening!
            – Joe

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            Did the Browns ruin your Monday?

            (Daniel) – Overcoming despair? I found myself in a bout of despair today; the reason might sound silly, but the Browns traded Myles Garrett to the Rams for less than I wanted. That just kinda ruined my day; it’s not the end of the world, but it kinda feels like it is. At the end of the day, football is just a game, so I am trying to remember what really matters, and it’s not football. 

            The results of the day doesn’t really matter, especially sports. The wind blows, the sun shines, and Jesus is still Lord. So I looked to remember these verses. John 16:33: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

            Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

            So if you have something that has you down, look on the bright side and remember that Jesus is Lord and that is what really matters.

            —

            (Joe) – Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” How many times have you pondered that verse? That verse hit home Friday night as I heard Matthew West share a story about God opening the door for him to share and pray with his Uber driver at the Phoenix airport recently. He said it was a powerful reminder that his time on this Earth is a limited gift, and he wants to live with purpose every day.

            The reality is that we don’t walk this planet forever, so are we treating each day like it could be our last? If God opens a door for us to share His truth, are we taking it? Matthew said he doesn’t want to lose any chance to let people know that they are loved by the one, true king. James 4 reminds us that our life is a mist that appears for a little while…so let’s not waste it.

            Mystery Monday –

            Name your FAVORITE Muppet:
            1- Kermit the Frog (56 votes)
            2- Miss Piggy (26)
            3- Animal (7)
            4- Fozzy Bear (6)
            5- Swedish Chef (5)

            Congratulations to Trevor from St. Louisville, who guessed correctly and wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

            Thanks for listening!
            – Joe and Daniel

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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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