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mystery monday

Believe For It!

This is today’s song-inspired Monday Motivation! From the incredible CeCe Winans!

They say this mountain can’t be moved (refers to Matthew 17:20 and 21:21; Mark 11:23 – ‘faith like a mustard seed’)
They say these chains will never break
But they don’t know You like we do
There is power in Your name (Jeremiah 32:17 – ‘nothing is too hard for you!’)

We’ve heard that there is no way through
We’ve heard the tide will never change
They haven’t seen what You can do
There is power in Your name
So much power in Your name (Hebrews 1:3 – ‘The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word’)

Move the unmovable
Break the unbreakable
God we believe
God we believe for it

From the impossible
We’ll see a miracle (Genesis 18:14 – Sarah will have a son)
God we believe
God we believe for it

We know that hope is never lost…oh…
For there is still an empty grave
God we believe no matter what
There is power in Your name (Matthew 19:26 – “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”)
So much power in Your name

Move the unmovable
Break the unbreakable
God we believe
God we believe for it

From the impossible
We’ll see a miracle
God we believe
God we believe for it (hey)

You are the way
When there seems to be no way
We trust in You
God You have the final say, yeah

What is the best fruit to buy in the summer?
Watermelon (49 votes)
Strawberries (23)
Pineapples (12)
Oranges (3)
Mangos (3)
Cherries (3)
Peaches (2)
Raspberries (2)

Congratulations to Linda from Gambier, who guessed the top two answers correctly and wins the Katy Nichole CD, ‘Jesus Changed My Life.’

Thanks for listening!
– Joe

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Takeaways from Momentum 2023

So you may know that five members of our WNZR team (Marcy, Jonathon Langdon, Mike Basko, Mackenzie Holder and me) spent May 30-June 2 in Orlando, FL at the Christian Music Broadcasters’ Momentum 2023 conference. CMB is an organization that exists to support faith-based radio stations, both digital and terrestrial, plus all of their digital products, including podcasting, social media and video. CMB also helps link artists and broadcasters. WNZR has been a member for many years.

I go to Momentum when my calendar permits for two main reasons – to be spiritually and professionally fueled. I always learn something new that I can apply to my work as a professor and a member of the WNZR on-air team.

So…here are just a couple of my big takeaways from this year that I hope you can also ponder, use or apply…and I will continue to share these over the next few weeks.

Speakers Billy Dunn (leadership coach) and Lisa Harper (link here) challenged us on Wednesday to do some internal accounting – some self-reflection – of both our spiritual and leader selves. And let’s face it – we are all leading or influencing something or someone. Billy talked specifically about leadership being a gift; a service to be given, so we should make sure we are in a regular habit of doing self-assessment and thinking about Ephesians 5:15-16, “15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” If you had a broken GPS system, you’d work to fix it, right? So we need to be aware when our own internal GPS breaks down, and how to fix it.

Our leadership should be reflecting humility – tossing aside things like arrogance, entitlement and any thought of invincibility. Billy reminded us that the people you lead need to know you care and that you can be real and authentic – even when you make mistakes!

Trust is at crisis levels in our country, especially among leaders. We can foster trust when we are self-aware and pray fervently that Christ would guide our way, allowing us to value self-control, empathy, and building strong connections.

Lisa talked specifically about kicking your impostor to the curb – about peeling off everything that is keeping you from a deeper relationship with Jesus. When I heard that, I thought of Hebrews 12:1-2, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith….”

Lisa shared her belief that we need to prioritize being alone and praying transparently with our Lord. Remember, He already knows, but even on our worst days, He still says, “that’s my son…that’s my daughter.” We don’t need to pose for Him, we simply need to accept and respond to His unconditional love!

Psalm 84:11 says, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold, from those whose walk is blameless.”

Name a color associated with summer.
Yellow (58 votes)
Blue (12)
Pink (10)
Orange (7)
Green (6)
Red (6)

Congratulations to Zeke from Johnstown, who guessed the top two and wins the Katy Nichole CD, ‘Jesus Changed My Life.’

He and his family came to the studio today and also got some bonus frisbees!

Thanks for listening!
-Joe

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Embracing Creation

Today’s Monday Motivation focused on the beauty of creation, from Our Daily Bread author Lisa Samra:

In the 1901 hymn “This Is My Father’s World,” pastor and poet Maltbie Babcock wrote of the delight he felt on his frequent outdoor walks, where he was captivated by breathtaking panoramic vistas. Writing of his fascination with the skies, seas, and creatures, he described sensing God’s presence and concluded, “He speaks to me everywhere.”

Although creation doesn’t have an audible voice, as His handiwork it’s one important way we learn about the One who “made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them” (ACTS 14:15). In creation we see evidence of God’s glory (PSALM 19:1), as well as aspects of who God is, such as His eternal nature (ROMANS 1:20).

When we observe the strength of the wind or the roar of rushing water, creation showcases God’s power. Described in the poetry of Job 38, His power is evident in ordering the seasons (VV. 12-13), directing the weather (VV. 22-30), overseeing the cosmos (VV. 31-33), and sustaining living creatures (VV. 39-41).

Creation is also the means by which we experience many of God’s blessings. Through creation, He blesses us with food and drink (GENESIS 1:29-30), as well as many other necessities that sustain us (MATTHEW 6:25-33). More than simply a physical blessing, creation is a way that God restores our souls as we experience the peace of gentle pastures and quiet streams (PSALM 23:1-3).

In all these ways and more, creation is visible and tangible evidence of who our Creator God is, revealing His character, love, and constant care of us.

—

Here’s the Amy Grant version of the song we played on the show today!

Give me a three letter word that starts with the letter Z:
1- Zoo (40 votes)
2- Zip (18)
3- Zap (15)
4- Zen (13)
5- Zit (13)

Congratulations to Lisa from Howard who guessed the top two and wins the Chris Tomlin CD, ‘Always.’

Thanks for listening!
– Joe

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Operating with prayer!

It may only be May 8th, but summer (what?) is here at WNZR.

The MVNU academic year finished last week for students, while professors are finishing their grading this week. We are so grateful for your prayers and support as we make another transition this summer!

I will be hosting the Monday shows solo this month, while Zoe Bricker joins me on Tuesdays-Fridays.

Personally, I am grateful for Jonathon, Emma and Dylan, who all helped us finish last week strong, balancing finals and graduation with the Crossroads League Softball Tournament. Our entire WNZR team was in overdrive last week to wrap up the 22-23 year.

Today’s Monday Motivation comes from Jennifer Benson Schuldt, reminding us of an Old Testament leader who sought to operate with prayer – read the devotional from Our Daily Bread by clicking here.

Would you please join us in praying that we, as a summer team, can operate each day, like Jennifer suggests, IN PRAYER? Thank you!

Name hot-temperatured things.

Fire (26)

Coffee (24)

Tea (21)

Stove (16)

Fireplace (13)

Congratulations to Asher from Mount Vernon, who, with his brother David, guessed correctly and win the TobyMac CD, Life After Death.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe

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Shining your light

Monday Motivation today starts with Alyson Kieda and her reflection on Matthew 5:16, where we are encouraged to let our light shine. Read “Opportunities to Shine” by clicking here.

Dylan shared Karen Huang’s reflections on Psalm 145, “Always Trustworthy.” Find out more by clicking here.

Name an item you might order at brunch:

Eggs/Omelette/Eggs Benedict – 29 votes
Waffles – 25
Pancakes – 23
Mimosa or Bloody Mary – 11
Bagels – 7
Hash browns – 5

Congratulations to Monica from Mount Vernon, who got the top two answers and wins the Chris Tomlin CD, “Always.”

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Dylan

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Finding your way when you’re lost…or asleep.

Today’s Monday Motivation starts with a devotional from Leslie Koh on finding our way back when we lose our way. Read “Pressing On in Jesus” by clicking here.

We also shared encouragement from Revelation 3 about ‘waking up’ when we get lazy or fall asleep. Joe’s pastor recently talked about a ‘revival’ of the heart where we wake up spiritually. The keys to this include:

  • breaking complacency
  • killing laziness
  • feeding what you want to grow – focusing on getting fed by the things of God
  • obeying, repenting, and repeating as needed: “God, help me to be obedient and approach you with a humble and repentant heart…”
  • guarding your heart – if the heart is our wellspring and where we hold everything, then allow God His rightful place on the throne of your heart

Verses that help with this process include: Matthew 8:35 and 23:37, Ephesians 5:14, Isaiah 26:19 and 52:1, Psalms 3:5 and 57:8, Proverbs 4:23 and Philippians 4:7.

Name a word that rhymes with horse:

Force – 24
Source – 19
Course -16
Divorce – 15
Endorse – 12
Remorse – 10

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Dylan

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The Olive Tree

(from The Action Bible: Easter)

Come on in. You’re welcome to join us here in the garden of Gethsemane. Believe it or not, I’m one of the oldest trees in the grove. I’m 750 years old, give or take a decade. But I’m still going…and growing…even though my trunk is all twisted and knobby.

I come from a long line of olive trees. In fact, I’m sure some of my ancestors even grew in the garden of Eden. God made us not only beautiful, but useful too. Our silvery leaves provide shade. Our wood can be used to build chairs or cook meals. Did you know the trees like me even help create the air you breathe? God created us trees for all kinds of amazing purposes. Another unique feature we treat possess is we’re quiet…which makes us really good listeners.

Tonight, a young man was here asking God for help. Of course I listened, not because I’m nosy, but because the man was crying and praying with such urgency. I wanted to help. His friends called him Jesus. He was praying right beneath my branches. Do you know what his friends did? They fell asleep. Even after he’d ask them to pray with him. This must have made him feel completely alone.

Later in the night, another man arrived and greeted Jesus with a kiss on the cheek. Immediately, a noisy group of soldiers showed up and roughly took Jesus away. Those friends who came with Jesus were fully awake then! They scattered like the little creatures that run around the grove at night. I wanted to do something, but the roots that keep me growing also keep me in one place.

I’m sure his friends are praying now wherever they went. You know, 700 years ago when I was just a sapling, I heard another man named Isaiah talk to God in this garden. I think he was praying about Jesus – the very same man here tonight.

God has a plan. And having known God for as long as I have I bet it’s a good one.

Today’s book winner – Jackie from Mount Vernon – congratulations!

Lifeline 2023 UPDATE: $76,685! Thank you!

Thanks for listening,
Joe

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Adventures and encouragement

Welcome to the new week! 2 Corinthians drives this first devotional from Kimya Loder, ‘Finding Strength in God.’ You can read it by clicking here.

Running from turkeys? That’s what gave Mike Wittmer a new sense of the story of David and Goliath. Read it by clicking here.

This week we are giving away copies of the NIV Adventure Bible.

Today’s winner – Kelly from Mount Vernon. Congratulations!

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Dylan

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Presidential Trivia

Today’s Monday Motivation includes “Cleansed Completely” from Adam Holz – inspired by Isaiah 64. Read more here.

James 2 is the inspiration for “Faith in Action” from Anne Cetas. Read more at Our Daily Bread by clicking here.

Name a U.S. President whose name ends in “son”.

Answer                              Points

Thomas Jefferson              31

Andrew Jackson                30

Lyndon B. Johnson           19

Woodrow Wilson              9

James Madison                 5

W. Henry Harrison           5

Congratulations to Paul from Mount Vernon, who guessed correctly and wins the Anne Wilson CD, “My Jesus.”

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Dylan

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