Driving Notes

Matthew part 2: The Keynote

As we keep diving into Matthew, chapter 5 brings us to what many call Jesus’ “keynote address”- the Sermon on the Mount. It all starts with the Beatitudes, where Jesus tells us we are blessed when we are meek, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers. But he also stresses that we are blessed when we are persecuted, insulted and falsely accused.

For some of us, verses 10-12 are tough to get our hearts wrapped around:

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (NIV)

But wait! Doesn’t our culture, and sometimes even modern day American Christianity, tells us to fight back and defend our rights?? Yes, but read the passage again and read this part carefully…”rejoice and be glad, BECAUSE GREAT IS YOUR REWARD IN HEAVEN.” Yea, I bolded the last part. Why? Because sometimes we get caught in the trap of the world’s ways; in other words, we’re too nearsighted to think that this world is not our eternal home. To wait for our reward?? To be patient? To not be able to put those evil-doers in their place? Well, that’s just too much to ask, right? NO. This is where we, as followers of Christ, separate ourselves from the world’s thinking by being OK with letting the reward come in God’s timing, not ours.

Then we get to one of my favorite parts of Matthew: verses 5:13-16, where we are told that we are salt of the earth and the light of the world. What does that mean? Two years ago, in preparation for the 2008-09 school year, our WNZR staff adopted “Shake and Shine” as our theme phrase…you may remember it from Lifeline 2009. I did some reading on this passage and here are some things I discovered…

One function of salt is as an antiseptic, so how can we apply this to what Jesus said? Well, just as salt keeps meat from rotting when it is rubbed into it, we should be engaged with the rotting world we live in. Salt will do no good to meat unless it is rubbed into it. So, we are to be in the world so that the world may benefit by our difference. That also means we must be careful to avoid the mistake of being one with the world and embracing its values and ways.

Salt is white, symbolizing purity. Christians are to be in the world and yet live pure, different lives. Jesus didn’t say you “could be” or “should be” the salt of the earth…he said YOU ARE the salt of the earth! Big difference.

Also, salt causes people to become thirsty. In the same way, we should cause people to thirst for Jesus Christ and his good news. If we live as Christians daily for God’s glory, those around us will hopefully desire to have the joy we do!

But remember…we can lose our salt by all the impurities we fill ourselves with. Jesus said that if salt lost its saltiness, it would become useless and worthless. How do we lose our “salt flavor?” When we conform to the pattern of the world (Romans 12:1-2), when we embrace the selfish values of the world like materialism and pleasure-seeking. We start rotting like the world.

We cannot benefit the world when we are like the world. Christians are to reflect the light of Jesus to the world. And what is this light? It is the light of salvation, eternal life, knowledge of God, and hope. Light should allow us to see people as they are- people who were created in the image of God and who Christ died for! Not just evil people to kick to the curb.

Light also helps us gain perspective…when things are spiraling out of control, we must be the calm in the storm…the light in the darkness!

So…how’s your salt? How’s your light? What can you do this week to “shake and shine??”

-Joe

October 17, 2010 0

Matthew part 1: the other Joseph

We’re starting something new for ‘Praise Thursday’ on the AD. Each week, Jayme and I will be diving a bit deeper into a book of the Bible, and each month, we’ll select a different book. For October, our book is Matthew.

Why are we doing this? First, one of our biggest praises should always be that we have a holy book to guide us through the ups and downs of life. Second, the Barna Group’s summary of its research in 2009 found that of the four main themes of the year, #3 was that “Biblical Literacy is neither a current reality nor a goal in the U.S.” (see link here) So, what we hope to do, honestly, is our part in driving you towards the Word.

In Matthew, we begin to hear the story of Jesus told in a way that fulfills many of the prophecies concerning the Messiah in the Old Testament. We also discover the role of the “other Joseph” in the Bible. Most of us remember or at least are familiar with the Joseph in Genesis 37, who had the coat of many colors, was sold by his brothers into slavery, then found favor with Pharoah. But what about Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus?

His role in the story of Jesus was critical because of his willingness to OBEY. Remember, he could easily have been justified in leaving Mary when he discovered she was pregnant. But in Matthew 1:20, we’re told how an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and he was told not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife. So what did Joseph do? Matthew 1:22- “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.”

It happens again in Chapter 2. King Herod wants to find the baby Jesus and kill him. An angel appears again, tells Joseph to “get up, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt.” So what did he do? 2:13- “…he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod.”

Joseph obeyed despite the potential of embarassment and public scorn in Chapter 1, and despite imminent danger and hardship in Chapter 2. There was no questioning, no debate, simply faithful obedience.

I think this passage reminds us that Godly character is fueled by obedience. Joseph had it. Can we think about the areas of our life where we need to consider immediate and complete obedience?

Thanks for listening!

-Joe

October 7, 2010 0

In Memory of Dr. Joe

The most emotional moment I’ve experienced in my adult life was the birth of our daughter, Rachel on April 8, 1998. It seemed like one moment I was laughing with joy and the next moment I was crying with joy. I still remember holding Marcy’s hand, holding Rachel for the first time, then hugging Dr. Joe Nussbaum in the delivery room at Knox Community Hospital, clutching onto him and thanking him as the tears flowed openly. By that point, I think everyone else in the delivery room was crying, too!

Today I learned of Dr. Joe’s passing at the age of 70. Friends, this was a man that had an incredible impact on the lives of many Knox County families. I know the Rinehart family is not alone when we say Dr. Joe will always have a special place in our hearts.

I met Joe for the first time when I was calling Mount Vernon High School football and basketball games on the radio. His son John was an assistant coach for the football team, and I had the privilege of watching his youngest children, twins Jim and Anne, compete in football, plus boys and girls basketball. Both Jim and Anne attended MVNU and I was able to continue watching Anne’s career as a member of the Lady Cougars basketball team. I admired Joe because he and his family were always a fixture at games and wildly supportive of their children. I’m sure that wasn’t easy considering Joe’s constant “on-call” status.

My wife will be the first to tell you that she doesn’t like going to the doctor’s office…but she trusted Dr. Joe implicitly and valued his expertise…and so did I. Early in our marriage, Marcy found out she suffered from endometriosis, and it was Dr. Joe who walked us through the uncertainty and helped us through it…a couple years later he did it again when we suffered a miscarriage, then shared our joy when Rachel arrived.

So to his wife Christine and the Nussbaum family, our prayers are with you…we will miss Joe but are so thankful we had the honor of calling him “our doctor.”

-Joe

September 16, 2010 1

To Save a Life: My Two Cents

A few weeks ago, Marcy, Rachel and I sat down and watched the film “To Save a Life,” recently released on DVD. Some of you may know about this movie…it’s getting a good amount of play in youth groups and churches and did pretty well in its limited theatrical release last fall. And since it’s rated PG-13, it’s something you shouldn’t show to small children. But I highly recommend this film for parents and youth leaders, and PLEASE don’t give up on it just because the content makes you uncomfortable.

“To Save a Life” follows the story of Jake Taylor, a high school basketball star in California whose life is turned upside down when a childhood friend takes his own life in a school hallway. Jake struggles with guilt and “what if?” as he considers how he could have potentially kept this tragedy from happening. In the process, he meets a pastor, starts attending a youth group, and finds that making a life change has it’s fair share of challenges, especially within his current circle of friends. As his journey continues, he realizes that following God can be tough, but that he likes the change happening inside of him.

The film’s screenwriter is Jim Britts, a youth worker who told us this week on The Morning Thing that he wrote the story not as a “Christian movie,” but instead to accurately depict the challenges, questions and pressures that young people are facing in American society, and give parents and kids a chance to open up a dialogue about them.

Sex, alcohol, drugs, social cliques, divorce, teen pregnancy, cutting and Christian hypocrisy are all addressed in this film. This film is as real as it gets. Some teens who saw the movie told Jim in emails that they felt like he just set up a camera on their campus and started filming.

The movie attempts to show how no problem, no matter how big or small, is apart from God’s plan and His love. It also challenges us to not just talk the Christian talk but walk the walk…there’s one scene in particular that really hits home, when Jake, brand new in his Christianity, calls out some of the fakers he meets in the youth group and asks them, “what good is this if it doesn’t change you?!!” And you know he’s right! How can we convince others to walk alongside us in Christ when we aren’t following his will ourselves? A very humbling and convicting scene.

So, parents, as your kids watch the film, be ready to have these conversations. Be ready to share your experiences, both your triumphs and your struggles, and how God’s love and God’s plan can comfort and heal us when we are broken or confused.

And don’t be afraid to tell your kids that the journey is a LIFELONG journey. One thing I did like about “To Save a Life” is that the ending simply takes Jake on to the next phase of his life…showing that a walk with Christ doesn’t end in an hour and 45 minute film. It is a continuing journey. Jim’s sequel book, “Jake’s Choice,” will be released next month and follows Jake to college as a scholarship player at Louisville, and the continuing journey as he faces new pressures.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer 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.” Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

-Joe

September 10, 2010 0

Best Friends Forever

How often do you talk to your best friend? Everyday? Twice a day? Or do you constantly text back and forth? Human beings have the need for social interaction with other human beings. It’s part of life. But how much time do we spend talking to our God? He is suppose to be our best friend, but I certainly don’t find myself praying as often as I text my friends. God longs for us to talk to him just like we look for chances to visit with our friends.

How would you feel if you had a friend who only talked to you when he wanted something? I know that I wouldn’t consider that person to be a very good friend. I was thinking about how much of a “friend” I truly am to God. I am trying to remember to actually talk with Him during daily devotions and not just thank Him for the day and then pile on my burdens. I want to be best friends with Jesus and that means giving Him my time. It’s the least I could do after the whole dying for my sins thing.

Just a friendly reminder that in our busy lives we can still make time for our BFF…….God.

-Jayme

August 25, 2010 0

Blessed beyond measure

Here I sit, on a Sunday night, reflecting on another festival-filled week, and the one thought that keeps running through my head is…I’m a blessed man.

Why? It’s pretty simple. I get to do what I love for a living, do it with my family, do it for God’s glory, and in turn get to meet and work with some amazing, fun and talented people.

This week, not only did we do live radio broadcasts from the Hartford Fair and the Dan Emmett Festival, but Derek Tupper (WNZR Music Director and MVNU student) and I got to work with the gang from I-CONN Video Production to help provide video support to this year’s festival. Talk about a team effort…you had I-CONN, MVNU, Wayne Bower and Jordan Sound all bringing their time, equipment and energy to provide video for the screens at the main stage, plus gather footage for future promotional videos.

For me, it was a flashback to my college TV days when we were out every Friday night doing High School sports and other days and nights doing parades, school board meetings, etc…etc…the thrill of doing live video and doing it well is a neat feeling. Why? Because it takes a team of people, putting their own interests aside and working together…and we all know life is so much richer when we work together. So…my thanks to Matt Starr and Scott Swingle of I-CONN for inviting us to help, and to the whole crew for your work. We had a BLAST.

My thanks also go to two of the finest people I’ve known while living and working in Mount Vernon- Pat and Sandy Crow. Their passion for promoting Knox County, keeping the Dan Emmett Festival alive and well, and their excellence in event planning and execution is incredible. I’ve seen first-hand the work and hours they put in. I had to give Sandy a hard time Saturday because as we stood in front of their office around 4pm , watching a torrential downpour, she was still telling people “hey, the Colonial Kids are singing at the Place at the Woodward!” Always the promoter! The next time you see them, just do me a favor…say thank you.

And then, there’s our extended family…the MVNU students who keep us hopping every day but bring Marcy and I so much joy as we watch them develop their skills. Our “Big Blue Crew” was awesome this weekend! I have to give a special mention to Kaylee Nicks, who spent Wednesday at the Hartford Fair with me and also two days at Dan Emmett while battling a kidney stone…she should have been at home resting, but she didn’t want to miss what was happening. Kaylee, you defined “gutting it out.” We also had Kaylee’s boyfriend, Dan along for today as part of our crew. So to all of you- Kaylee, Dan, Jayme, Sam, Derek, Drew, Heather, Sarah…thanks for everything.

And to Marcy and Rachel, thank you for being alongside me on these adventures. I know I don’t say it enough, but thank you…and I love you! Getting to work with your family, being involved and invested together in God’s work is something I don’t ever want to take for granted. Marcy’s energy and passion for this radio ministry impacts everyone she comes into contact with…including her husband! This Friday, we will celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary and begin our 6th year of working together at WNZR. Rachel’s willingness to jump right in and help is something I know all parents can appreciate.

We all have blessings in our lives…sometimes, it just takes some quiet time to help us remember. Oh, and did I mention I tried deep-fried Buckeyes at the Hartford Fair?? Check out the video and pics at the WNZR page on Facebook. Have a great week! May God continue to bless you.

-Joe

August 15, 2010 0

It’s been a fair week

The last week or so has been a whirlwind for Jayme and me…a full week at the Knox County Fair, then spending Monday at the Ohio State Fair, and Tuesday’s Veggie Tales event with ‘Sweet Pea Beauty.’ So, it seems like today I’m finally sitting down to reflect…and share some of those stories with you.

I heard from one father who told me Tenth Avenue North’s music has really “gotten to him.” He says he’s been a casual listener of the station because his kids like to listen, but now the lyrics are really starting to get through. For guys, sometimes it’s hard to admit that something has stirred us emotionally, but I think songs like “Healing Begins” and “Hold My Heart” convey the peace that comes when we finally allow God in…to help us as we confess our failings or disappointments, and help us heal and repair.

We also heard from a woman at the Ohio State Fair who told us she moved back to Ohio last summer, moved in with sister and heard her listening to Christian radio online. Her initial reaction was “what in the world are you listening to?” In the beginning, she wanted no part of it, because her alcohol and drug habits took priority in her life. One day, she sat down and really listened to a Jeremy Camp song. Again, as she told us, the lyrics started sinking in…she started attending church with her sister, and she told us she was celebrating her victory over substance abuse by coming to see the artist whose music made the initial breakthrough. Very inspiring…and I told her that her story would be a great motivator for our staff.

Then, Tuesday, as I watched a couple hundred small children enjoy Veggie Tales, I was reminded of something I heard recently…”whoever wants the next generation will get them.” It’s a scary thought…but I was thankful that God has provided the resources for creative minds like the folks at Big Idea to reach children at an early age with a message that God loves them JUST THE WAY THEY ARE. I’m also thankful that our station can be a vehicle to bring those messages to kids. Parents, I assure you that God wants this next generation. So, please…do what you can to help them get to Him.

Please keep praying for WNZR as we seek to do God’s will and glorify Him…and thank you for the stories of how Christian radio is helping you in your daily walk. Keep them coming!

-Joe

August 5, 2010 0

Fair time, people!

It’s Knox County Fair time…and depending on who you are, that phrase may bring different reactions or emotions…but make no mistake about it, the fair is a BIG DEAL in this county. We have nearly 1,300 local kids in 4-H and Junior Fair…so think about the number of families influenced by those kids.

I’ve been asked many times over my almost 20 years in radio why stations make such a big deal of going to the fair. To me, it’s a no-brainer. It’s the people.

That’s where your listeners are. People who listen to your station come to the fair, bring their families, significant others, whatever. It’s an event for all ages and all walks of life. Listeners get a chance to put a face with the name, but more importantly, so do we. You build relationships, personally and professionally.

That’s where potential listeners are. I guarantee you that there are Knox Countians who still don’t know WNZR exists, and we may find them this next week. There are new people in this community…we meet them every year. We want to connect with those people!

Why? Because our station is built on glorifying God, and a big part of that is letting people know there’s a place they can go and get a message of hope, love and forgiveness. A place where they can get good, solid programs to deepen their Bible reading and the relationships in their families. A place where they can be inspired, blessed, challenged and even sometimes convicted.

Still, some people don’t get it. Honestly, some only see the fair as hot, dirty, noisy and stinky. Some folks have even developed what I would call “fair snobbery.” It’s like they’re lowering themselves to go. It cramps their style. My advice to those people…lighten up…and pack some hand sanitizer! You’re missing out!

We’ll see YOU at the fair!

-Joe

July 23, 2010 0

One of Those Days

Have you ever had “one of those days”? I’m sure you have. It’s a day that is out to get you and you can’t escape it. My particular “one of those days” took place last Tuesday. I was on my way in to work when I realized I needed to get some gas if I was going to make it all the way to Mt. Vernon. I stopped at the only gas station remotely close to me and walked inside to prepay. Upon reaching the cash register I saw a sign that read “Cash only, no checks, credit cards, or debit.” Of course, foolish me had no cash and was “up a creek” so to speak. With no gas stations close enough on the way to work, I was forced to back track 20 minutes and get gas. After researching the subject I discovered that credit cards have been out for 64 years and this place still doesn’t take them…………..

So my day was off to a rough start and it only got worse……..

I was heading home from work now and my car has no air conditioning, so I drive with my windows down. When I go home I started rolling up the windows as usual only to discover that my driver’s side, front window was no longer functioning. Of course it couldn’t get stuck in the “up” position because that would make the impending thunderstorm a lot less concerning. I urgently drove to my uncle’s house (the only person close to my house that knows alot about cars) and he was able to help me get the window up, but now I will have to purchase a new motor to go into the driver’s door.

Needless to say it was a rough day. I’m sure there was a life lesson to learn, but I haven’t discovered it yet. What I’ve learned so far is to always carry a couple bucks in your wallet, (or purse ladies) just in case. The other lesson is to bring a cold water bottle with you to work because it’s going to be a hot drive when your window won’t roll down.

-Jayme

July 19, 2010 1

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