Driving Notes

Abby shared a simple encouragement, from Matthew 6:26–“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow or reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” God provides for all of His Creation, down to the smallest creatures. We are not only His Creation, but His children– there is no need to worry because He WILL take care of us!

Mike talked about 1 Corinthians 10:13— “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” This is a message of hope that whatever situation we are in, God will help us out of it. We might not be able to handle some things on our own, but He will be present with us through all obstacles!

The Our Daily Bread devotional for today emphasized that God is our helper, and through our lives He will accomplish incredible things if only we ask for His help. Read it HERE.

Shout out to Lisa from Mount Vernon for calling in with the answer– See Me Through It by Brandon Heath. She wins a $5 gift card to Watt’s Restaurant in Utica!

Thanks for listening!

-Mike and Abby

Abby talked about Jesus as the “good shepherd.” He says in John 10:27-28, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Shepherds have a full time job to protect these animals and make sure they do not wander– ultimately, the sheeps’ lives are in the hands of the shepherd. If anyone is going to be the best at His job, though, it’s Jesus! He makes it clear that NO ONE will snatch us out of His protection and care.

The Our Daily Bread devotional for today also talks about God’s tender and protective love. He is like a father holding His children to comfort them! Read it here.

Mike shared Jeremiah 17:7-8: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” This is a beautiful analogy for what a healthy relationship with God looks like. He is always supporting us and holding us up– and He will provide us with the water we need to grow in Him!

Shout out to Bethany from Mount Vernon for guessing today’s song– This Is Our God by Phil Wickham! She wins a $5 gift card to Watt’s Restaurant.

Thanks for listening!

-Mike and Abby

Abby shared the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 in John 6. Isn’t it incredible what He can do with what we give him, even if we don’t seem to have much to offer? The young boy who offered his meager lunch witnessed Jesus multiply his food beyond what he could have imagined possible. When we are hungry and lacking, Jesus fills us with “food that endures to eternal life” (verse 27). Let us come to him with what we have and trust that he will provide all we need and more!

The Our Daily Bread for today focused on how all of creation worships its Maker, like in Psalm 65:13— “The meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with rain, they shout and sing together for joy.” Read it HERE!

Mike talked about 1 Peter 5:6, which says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” If we practice humility and instead from buying into superficial standards appearance, possessions, or success, we will be exalted in more fulfilling ways!

Shout out to Dawn from Mount Vernon for guessing Lifesong by Casting Crowns! She wins a $5 gift card to Watt’s Restaurant in Utica.

Make sure you celebrate with a slice of your favorite pie!

For today’s Praise Thursday, Abby shared Genesis 1:12— “The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” It can be easy to think of cloudy skies and rainy weather as an inconvenience, but the Bible is clear that all aspects of nature are good in God’s perfect creative eyes, ESPECIALLY the rain. From it, things are nourished and growing!

Mike talked about 1 Timothy 4:10— “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” This verse outlines how our belief should serve as the foundation for what we do, work and strive towards glorifying God’s kingdom. We have an incredible hope because we believe, and the way we live should reflect that.

Shout-out to Janell for calling in with the right answer– Unashamed by Building 429! She wins a $5 gift card to Watt’s Restaurant.

Thanks for listening!

-Mike and Abby

For today’s Praise Thursday, Joe shared a devotional centering around Jeremy Camp’s new song– These Days. God has you where you are, when you are, for a purpose. Check out the video below to hear Jeremy himself talk about the meaning behind the track!

We read the Our Daily Bread devotional for today, which paints a picture of God as a “fortified tower” and a place of refuge for us. Read it here!

Abby also shared Psalm 119:41-42—“Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise; then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word.” We are guaranteed to face opposition and even taunting in this world because of what we believe. Jesus had his critics, and we should prepare to face our own! We can do this by trusting our beliefs and handling those who oppose us with grace and love.

Rhonda from Mount Vernon wins two passes to the concert!

Thanks for listening!

-Joe and Abby