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What’s Lost WILL Be Found!!

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!

Thanks so much for listening!

– Joe and Gabriella 🙂

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Good News!!

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

Thanks so much for listening!

– Gabriella and Joe 🙂

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Motivated by Your Mindset!!

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. 

  1. Toothpaste (96) 
  2. 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!

Thanks so much for listening!

– Joe and Gabriella 🙂

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Small Things DO Matter !!

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). 

  1. Telemarketers- 38 
  1. Bill collectors- 22 
  1. No one- 6 
  1. Everyone- 5 
  1. In laws- 5 
  1. 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

Thanks so much for listening!

– Gabriella and Joe 🙂

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Fall is Here!!

On this week’s Monday Motivation we shared encouragement through scripture and played our Family Feud for Mystery Monday! Here’s what we talked about:

Gabriella’s Motivation: Motivated by Mission

If we view life through a lens that is only concerned with ourselves, we’ll get tired of our circumstances and disappointed by our hard work. But if we view life through a lens of worshipping God, then nothing in this life will give us more joy than serving Jesus Christ!

The best kind of motivation is always fueled by a desire to lead yourself and others closer to Christ. If everything becomes about Him, then everything is worth doing well. If we’re Christians, then our lives belong to Jesus.

Our whole world becomes about honoring God. When we do everything with Him in mind, He never fails to bless us with His peace, hope, and love.

So as you think about the work God has put in front of you, consider what it would mean to do everything for the Lord. And then ask yourself: “in what ways will I honor God and inspire others today?” 

Joe’s Motivation: Junk files

Does your phone or your computer ever remind you that you need to delete some junk files? None of us like getting nagged by our devices, but we also know that if we clean out those files, we’ve got more space for the things that really matter. Author Adam Holz reminds us, that yes, junk files on our phones or computers are easy to delete, but what about the junk files in our souls? Like our phones, our souls can be clogged with the stuff that keeps us from being able to flourish in our relationship with Jesus. The author of Hebrews understood this reality, encouraging us to pay close attention to anything that trips us up in our walk with God. Hebrews 12: 1-2 says, “let us throw off everything that hinders, and the sin that so easily entangles, and run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

If we fix our eyes on Jesus, He alone can help us identify and delete those junk files hindering our life in him. Our prayer today is, “father, please give us the wisdom and courage to throw off the sin that so easily entangles.”

Name a word or phrase that starts with the word “BREAK”.

  1. Break A Leg (32)
  2. Breakfast (11)
  3. Breakup (10)
  4. Breakdance (9)
  5. Break It Up (8)
  6. Breakdown (5)

Congratulations to Satarah of Mount Vernon for guessing the top two answers correctly and taking home TWO $5 gift cards to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

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

Thanks so much for listening!

– Joe and Gabriella 🙂

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First Day For The Cougars!!

Today on Monday Motivation we wished our assistant station manager, Eric Brown, safety during his relocation. (We’ll miss you Eric) We gave motivation through devotions, plus we played Family Feud for Mystery Monday! Here’s what we talked about:

Gabriella’s Devotion: Motivation and guide during prayer-

Anywhere you feel close to God is safe space. Invite God to hear your prayer and praises whenever you do it. Always think of not only things you or someone else needs, but praises too because there’s so many things to be thankful for!

James 1:5 (NIV) “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”. Talk to God about what you need emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically. Add those things to your prayer. Spend some time thanking him for his faithfulness in your life! Always give yourself grace when times are hard!!

Joe’s Devotional:

Romans 12:2 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Paul first talks about presenting our bodies to God, then being transformed through the renewing of our minds, which results in our ability to discern God’s will.

That makes this verse incredibly useful if you’re thinking about “whole-person” self-regulation: Scripture doesn’t divide physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual life into isolated compartments. God cares about the regulation and transformation of the whole person.

Emotional self-regulation — learning to respond rather than react

The Bible doesn’t tell us to suppress emotions. Instead, it teaches us to acknowledge emotions, bring them to God, and allow wisdom and the Spirit to govern our responses.

  • James 1:19–20 — “Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” This is almost a biblical description of emotional regulation. 
  • Proverbs 14:29 — Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding. 
  • Proverbs 15:1 — “A soft answer turns away wrath.” 
  • Ephesians 4:26–27 — “Be angry and do not sin.” Anger itself isn’t necessarily sinful; what we do with it matters. 
  • Psalm 42:5 — The psalmist speaks honestly to his own troubled soul: “Why are you cast down, O my soul?” He doesn’t deny the emotion; he redirects himself toward hope in God. 
  • Philippians 4:6–7 — Anxiety is brought to God through prayer, thanksgiving, and petition, with God’s peace guarding the heart and mind. 

Emotional maturity isn’t the absence of strong emotions. It is the ability to feel deeply without allowing feelings to become our unquestioned master.

This week’s Mystery Monday was a stumper, but call during the show next Monday for a chance to take home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

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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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