Driving Notes

After a weekend of tragedy in Israel, we’re reminded that conflict, violence and death are parts of life that we wish weren’t present; yet, here we are again. So how do we pray? How do we pray? Here’s a thought from ‘The Right Prayers for Every Need’:

I’m not ready for this, Lord. I wasn’t prepared for how much this would hurt. I don’t even know any of the victims, but knowing they are your children, their parting from this earth is painful. We wait for the day that you’ll turn all of our mourning into laughter. Until then, we seek your comfort. We pray for peace. The end to conflict.

Name two foods that children do not like to eat!

1- Fish (35 votes)
2- Brussel sprouts (22)
3- Broccoli (21)
4- Eggs (17)
5- Avocado (5)

Congratulations to Pam of Fredericktown, who guessed correctly and wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us give thanks, by which we offer to God an acceptable worship with reverence and awe.”
– Hebrews 12:28

Father, I know you’re used to the sounds of angel choirs, so my little song my not mean that much, but Lord, it comes from my heart.

You have done so much for me, I must erupt in a song of gratitude. Thank you for saving me, for strengthening me, and for guiding me. Thank you for the relationships you have provided. Thank you most of all for the relationship I have with you. And it’s in the tender spirit of that relationship that I humbly ask you: enjoy my song of praise and gratitude.

• from the book “The Right Prayers for Every Need” c2013

Name a food many people dislike:

Anchovies‎  – 22 votes
Cilantro‎  – 21
Mushrooms‎  – 19
Olives‎  – 15
Tuna‎  – 14
Candy corn‎  – 9

Congratulations to April from Mt. Gilead, who guessed correctly and wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe

Today let me remind you, and maybe even reinforce, who you are! So many of us struggle with feeling valued and wrestle with our identity, but remember, you are:

1. Created in the image of God. We have literally transformed into his image and are reflections of His glory.

2. A sinner. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. We are sinners in need of help being rescued from ourselves, but…remember…

3. …you are worth redeeming! Christ died for us.

4. You are forgiven. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.

5. You are invited to live for so much more. Truth sets us free. You have a story that Christ wants to use.

Name an animal sound you might see in a kid’s book.

“Moo”‎  – 30 votes
“Oink”‎  – 28
“Bow-wow/bark”‎  – 15
“Meow”‎  – 15
“Roar‎”  – 12

Congratulations to Lisa from Mount Vernon, who guessed the top two answers and wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica.

Join us all week at 5:25pm for our prayer time as we join the Global Week of Student Prayer.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe

On this day of remembering September 11, 2001, I’m sharing a prayer from the book ‘The Right Prayers for Every Need,’ from Christine Dallman and Randy Petersen.

Even as my heart is full of sorrow, Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessing of your comfort.

I admit, sometimes I don’t even realize you’ve come with your gentle touch until the moment passes. But I’m grateful for each bit of comfort that you bring. Those blessed distractions – the hummingbird at the feeder, my pet’s needs and affections, and a visit or phone call from a friend – these things give us a break from the ever-encroaching sadness.

And the reasons to keep going – people you’ve given me to love, skills and abilities I have to contribute to help others, and the sense of a future – all remind me that grief is not all there is to life.

Help me NOT reject these kindnesses from your hand but allow them to become a part of my healing.

Tell Me a Ball That’s Smaller Than a Baseball 

Golf Ball (63 votes)
Ping-Pong Ball (18)
Tennis Ball (17)
Gumball (2)

Congratulations to Bob from Howard, who wins the $5 gift card to Watt’s Restaurant in Utica!

Today’s winner – Bridgette of Mount Vernon!

Thanks for listening!
– Joe

A little Monday Motivation today from our friends, Kutless…

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard, Impossible is not a word…
It’s just a reason for someone not to try.
Everybody’s scared to death, when they decide to take that step
out on the water, but it’ll be alright

Life is so much more, than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way, if you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end, even when the sky is falling
I’ve seen miracles just happen, silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new…
That’s what faith can do!

Congratulations to David from Mount Vernon! He guessed correctly that Blessing Offor came to the USA for medical treatment when he was 6 years old.

Name the most useful body part that begins with the letter ‘L’
1- Legs (77 votes)
2- Lips (12)
3- Lungs (6)
4- Liver (4)

Congratulations to Molly from Mount Vernon, who wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe

Have you ever been approached someone asking, “what is that smell?” Then, you realize it’s you? Well, that was the experience of Adam Holz with one of his kids. He shares a reference to Ephesians 4 in the devotional, ‘Coffee Breath.” You can find it by clicking here.

Name an animal that would be very quiet if you kept it as a pet.
1- snake (28 votes)
2- fish (26)
3- cat (17)
4- lizard (12)
5- worm (5)
6- spider/tarantula 3
– bat (3)

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

Thanks for listening!
– Joe