Today Gabby and I shared some notes from our trip to the Christian Music Broadcasters University conference this past weekend in Franklin, Tennessee.
One of my takeaways came as a reminder from speaker Phil Cooke, who encouraged us to do great work in pursuit of souls and in support of the gospel, but to let God keep score. He does the final work to bring people to Him. So many times we’re so focused on numbers, ratings, likes, data and results, that we forget that the RESULTS are with him!
From Gabriella: I’ve been having a lot of pain mentally, emotionally, and physically for a very long time, but it just started recently where physical pain was being brought in. It’s only getting worse right now until I get my surgery. So, it’s a waiting game…and that is so stressful, but I always go back to Romans 8:18 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us.” As well as 1 Peter 5:10 “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” Throughout this experience, I’ve had every emotional emotion known to man. But one good thing has come of it. A few days ago, I heard God’s voice, and it helped me tremendously throughout this experience. He said, it’s all temporary, and that’s why I go back to those verses. If I had to go back and do everything the same just to hear God’s voice, I would because it was a spiritual awakening for me.
Name something you eat with your hands! 1- Pizza (30 votes) 2- Sandwiches (22) 3- French Fries (20) 4- Tacos (13) 5- Chicken Nuggets (9)
Congratulations to Jennifer from Centerburg, who got the top two guesses and wins TWO $5 gift cards from Watts Restaurant in Utica.
On this week’s Monday Motivation, we shared motivation about forgiveness and eternity. Plus, we played our Family Feud question for Mystery Monday! Here’s what we talked about:
Joe’s Motivation:Luke 15:1-7 (NIV): Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this parable: “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? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Gabriella’s Motivation: It’s dangerous to think that we always see what’s true—that we possess internal clarity about our lives. However, we suffer from a deadly confusion and repeatedly demonstrate that even our best wisdom—left to itself—eventually yields misery. “There is a way that appears to be right,” Proverbs says, “but in the end it leads to death” (16:25). We think we see what’s real, but too often we’re confused. Even our keenest insight is riddled with misperceptions. Even our clearest vision is still cloudy, imperfect, and often ruinous.
That’s why we need God’s wisdom (vv. 20-21). We need Him to illuminate the truth and guide us into what’s real. We need Him to lead us out of our deadly confusion and into wholeness and life.
October is Clergy Appreciation Month. WNZR helps you honor your pastor!
WNZR is celebrating Clergy Appreciation Month throughout October. This month is a time to honor our local pastors and their commitment to families in our community. Each pastor that is mentioned will receive TWO $25.00 gift certificates to local restaurants to enjoy a dinner out with family. Each pastor will ALSO receive a WNZR goodie bag!
Fill out the form on our website wnzr.fm! This Thursday at 11:59pm is the last day to vote for this year’s Clergy Appreciation!!
Name something that might give you a jolt.
Electricity/wires (53)
Coffee/ caffeine (25)
Lightning (10)
Spicey foods (6)
Taser Gun (6)
Congratulations to Haley 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 with Joe and Brock!
On this week’s Monday Motivation, we shared motivation that resonates with us and we shared a fun event we’re hosting that you need to go to! Plus we also played our Family Fued style question for Mystery Monday! Here’s what we talked about:
Gabriella’s Motivation: THEME OF THE DAY. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? So, what motivates me to live a Christ-centered life? What motivates you? Is it the certainty of our Day of Judgment? That is a good motive. I mean, God has told us about this day and even says He will reward us. He affirms this motivation. Another motivator might be slavish fear and this isn’t good. Too many Christians suffer from a wrong view of God and His judgment of them. Our God is not a cruel taskmaster ready to pounce upon us for every sin we commit and every bad choice we make in the use of our time, talent and treasures. When it comes to following the Lord Jesus and being a Christian who wants to make a difference in this world, motivation matters a lot. In fact, motivation will be one of the things I believe we will see again at our Day of Judgment.
Joe’s Motivation: In Luke 15, Jesus told three parables of people who refused to stop looking for something or someone precious. In the parable of the lost sheep, He said to the Pharisees who were challenging Him, if a shepherd lost one sheep of his hundred, wouldn’t he “leave the ninety-nine . . . and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” (v. 4). His point? The Pharisees—the “ninety-nine”—thought they were right with God, but they weren’t. And Christ told them, there’s “more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents”—who turns from sin to God’s forgiveness—than for those who don’t think they need to (v. 7).
Our Great Shepherd never stops looking for us, and He’ll never stop seeking others as well. When we repent and receive salvation in Christ, there’s great joy in heaven—in God’s heart—because what “was lost . . . is found” (v. 32). And what joy we experience in being found by the one who sought us! Click HERE to read the story.
You can see a screening of The Chosen’s Season 6, Episode 1!
WNZR is partnering with MVNU’s Office of Spiritual Life to host a screening of the first episode of The Chosen Season 6.
This season will take the world to the foot of the cross to see the love of the Father through the selflessness of the Son. Fear and confusion reign as the disciples struggle to make sense of Jesus’ arrest—and Judas’ betrayal. While they fight to stay together, Nicodemus stands alone against the High Priest in a heated showdown that throws the council into disorder.
Join us for a special early access event to watch The Chosen Season 6 Episode 1. See you on Thursday, 10/29 at 7pm in MVNU’s Chapel Auditorium, 800 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon. See it first! This is a FREE event presented by Come and See.
Name a color of the rainbow.
1. Red (35)
2. Orange (25)
3. Yellow (20)
4. Green (12)
5. Blue (8)
Congratulations to Linda of Mount Vernon for guessing the first 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 Joe and Gabriella!
Friday on the NZ Top 10, Brock and I played ‘Redeemer’ by Nicole C. Mullen. A ‘rewind’ song from 2000. That song always gets to me!
Remember the hands of our Jesus – the hands that hold me when I’m broken are the SAME hands that defeated death to bring you and me victory! My redeemer lives!
Name something parents tell their kids not to waste!
1. Food (53 votes)
2. Money (17)
3. Water (14)
4. Electricity (4)
5. Time (3)
6. Life (3)
Congratulations to Isabella from Mount Vernon, who got the top two answers and wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica.
On this week’s Monday Motivation, we shared motivation tied to what good news really means and how to overcome tiredness. Plus, we played our Family Feud for Mystery Monday! Here’s what we talked about:
Gabriella’s Motivation:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28. There will be seasons in your life when your body feels drained and your spirit feels distant from God. Days are long. Expectations are high. And even though you’re doing all the right things—reading your Bible, showing up, trying to pray—it still feels hard to stay motivated. If that’s you, you’re not alone. What you need is soul-deep strength—a renewal that only Christ can offer.
God Cares About Your Exhaustion
The world often applauds hustle and grind, but God values rest and trust. Isaiah 40:29 promises, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Your tiredness isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a signal to draw closer to the One who restores.
Whether you’re emotionally overwhelmed, spiritually dry, or just plain worn out, know this: Jesus sees you. He doesn’t ask you to push through alone—He invites you to come to Him.
Rest is Not Laziness—It’s Worship
Our culture glorifies constant productivity, but Scripture teaches a different rhythm. After creating the world, God rested—not because He was tired, but to set a holy example (Genesis 2:2-3).
You don’t have to earn the right to rest. As an athlete, it’s okay to pause. In fact, it’s necessary:
Rest renews your body for the next challenge.
Rest renews your mind, calming the pressure and noise.
Rest renews your spirit, giving you time to hear God more clearly.
Psalm 23:2-3 says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures… He refreshes my soul.” Let rest become part of your worship.
Joe’s Motivation:
Good News by Mandisa
What is the ‘good news?’ What is the gospel? The good tidings of great joy the angels talked about to the shepherds. What are the good tidings? Here are three important parts from Pastor Rick Warren:
1 – The good news that God LOVES us
God is telling us through the arrival of Jesus that He loves us…and that His love is not based on what we do, but who he is.
Romans 8:38-39″And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 – The good news that God is WITH us
God isn’t absent or distant – he’s with us through the Holy Spirit. We may not feel His presence, but He’s here whether we feel it or not.
Psalm 139: 7-10 “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence. If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
Hebrews 13:5 “Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,I will never fail you.“
Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, I will never abandon you.”[a]
God doesn’t like loneliness. You don’t have to face anything by yourself. You can, but you don’t have to! You don’t have to be anxious about tomorrow, because Christ’s presence gives us hope.
3 – and also…The good news that God is FOR us
Guilt is what separates us from God. But the Bible reminds us that God didn’t come to condemn the world, but to save it.
John 3:17 “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.“
God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
WNZR’s Dove Awards Prediction Prize Giveaway!! Cast your predictions for the Dove Awards and get registered to win a special Dove Award Nominee Prize Package featuring special gifts from 2026 Dove Award nominees!! Tell us who you think will win “Song of the year” and “Artist of the year” at the 57th annual Dove Awards. Fill out the form below. You’ll see the nominees and a place to click with your votes. Or email your choices to wnzr@mvnu.edu. Please write “Dove Awards” in the subject. Or mail your choices to WNZR at 800 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 – make sure to write “Dove Awards” on the envelope! Go to wnzr.fm For more information!!
October is Clergy Appreciation Month and WNZR helps you honor your pastor! WNZR is celebrating Clergy Appreciation Month throughout October. This month is a time to honor our local pastors and their commitment to families in our community. Each Friday, 5 local pastors will be honored on The Morning Thing. Our morning show hosts will share their names and churches along with comments from their church family. Each pastor that is mentioned will receive TWO $25.00 gift certificates to local restaurants to enjoy a dinner out with family. Each pastor will ALSO receive a WNZR goodie bag! Tell us why you love your pastor. Fill out the form below! Your Church should be within 25 miles of Mount Vernon. Go to our website wnzr.fm!
Name Something That Goes Around the World.
1. Plane (45)
2. Sun (30)
3. Moon (16)
4. Satellite (3)
5. Ship (3)
Congratulations to Charla of Utica for guessing the top two answers correctly and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!
Tune in Tomorrow with Brock and Joe for Artist Newsday and Game Time Tuesday
On this week’s Monday Motivation Gabriella continued her Motivated Mission plus we played our Family Feud style question for Mystery Monday! Here’s what we talked about:
Gabriella’s Motivation: As you become motivated by mission and mindset you’ll turn into a freight-train of others-focused action. And when you do, don’t let off the gas. Stay consistent in the little things that lead you to stay motivated so you can continue making a long-term impact. What’s Competing for Your Attention?
We live in a world filled with distractions. Social media, work, and school compete for our limited time and attention. If we’re not careful, distractions can break down good habits, erode trust, and disrupt our closest relationships. A distracted life is an inconsistent life, and it’s hard to follow Jesus when we’re plagued by inconsistency.
Joe’s Motivation: Psalm 40:1-4 (NIV) I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.
I remember when I was a kid growing up in church, one of the hymns we sang frequently was ‘He Brought Me Out,’ written by Henry Zelley in 1898. The chorus says, “He brought me out of the miry clay, / He set my feet on the Rock to stay; / He puts a song in my soul today, / A song of praise, hallelujah!”
Little did I know how many times in my life I would step into that slimy pit or miry clay; meaning, the deep trouble, despair or the burden of sin. And how much I would call on God to lift me out and put my feet on solid ground. The reality is that only with Jesus can we have safety, stability and salvation.
So today, if you feel stuck or as if you’re falling into the slimy pit, call on Jesus; call on God, and ask him to lift you out! Then sing that song of praise!
Name Something you squeeze out of a tube.
Toothpaste (96)
Ketchup (4)
Congratulations to Rosetta of Mount Vernon for guessing the 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 Joe and Brock!
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).
Telemarketers- 38
Bill collectors- 22
No one- 6
Everyone- 5
In laws- 5
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
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!
