Driving Notes

This week I was reading an email newsletter I get twice a week…in this particular post, the author was sharing a story of the intersection of our faith with current world events. He shared that the headlines coming out of the Russian war against Ukraine have led him to think about Romans 12:12.

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, be persistent in prayer.”

Recently, the Ukrainian leader, President Zelenskyy has been visiting allies in Europe, trying to gain support for an assumed counter-offensive against the Russian invaders. The concern is that if those attacks go into Russian territories, the war will spread. Pope Francis has offered to be an intermediary in peace negotiations. This is clearly a pivotal moment of decision-making for the Ukranian leader. So what can we do? I resolved almost 15 months ago, when this war started, to pray specifically for disruption of Russia’s (specifcally Putin’s) plan. I believe that prayer has been answered…but…now, I’m turning my prayers to another specific request – peace. The end of the war. That Russia ends hostilities. That the world steps in and helps Ukraine rebuild.

Author Jeff Poor asks us to pay attention to the progression in this verse, from hope to patience, to persistence to prayer. Prayer is our great resource whenever we are facing the trials of this life. 

Poor writes, “Prayer should be of the highest priority for each follower of Jesus. This is what Jesus modeled for us; he frequently withdrew from the crowds to pray. And we would be better off if we simply persevered in prayer.”

Through devoted and yes, persistent prayer, we connect with Jesus and find hope and joy. Even in the shadow of what may seem to be unsurmountable odds.

Danny Gokey – The Comeback

Congratulations to Bonnie from Mount Vernon, who guessed correctly and wins the TobyMac CD. ‘Life After Death.’

Thanks for listening!
– Joe

Today I shared Mike Wittmer’s devotional ‘Little Foxes,’ based in Song of Solomon 2. It reminds us to be wary of the small comments here and there that can weaken strong relationships.

Read it by clicking here!

TobyMac – Everything

Congratulations to Tisha from Mount Vernon – she picked Katy Nichole’s CD, “Jesus Changed My Life.”

Thanks for listening!
– Joe

Today, September 22nd, is the Autumnal Equinox, meaning it is officially fall season! Emma and I celebrated by sharing our favorite fall memories, along with some devotionals for Praise Thursday.

For my devotional today, I was inspired by the chance to attend a small group meeting with my closest friends this morning, so I shared Mike Wittmer’s piece entitled “People Who Need People” from Our Daily Bread.

Emma continued her “While We Wait” devotional series from the Bible App with Week 3 today! You can find the entire series HERE.

This week’s Name That Tune was Truth Be Told by Matthew West! Congratulations to Cassie of Butler for winning a $5 gift card to Round Hill Dairy!

We also had the chance to give away two pairs of Shrek Jr tickets thanks to MTVarts for this Saturday’s show at 7:30pm! Congratulations to Linda and Cassandra, both of Gambier, for winning those tickets!

Thanks for listening!

Jonathon & Emma

Today, Jonathon and Emma shared about the excitement of last nights opening of the CH4 soccer and lacrosse stadium on the campus of MVNU. After the ribbon cutting ceremony, women’s soccer team took on Siena Heights (MI) and won 3-2. Later they shared about Frist Friday, which is happening tomorrow in downtown Mount Vernon. The theme this month is Back to School. Don’t forget to see Big Blue Crew to win our clean up, drink up, stay up basket.

Emma then shared a devotional from “The Well-Watered Woman” by: Gretchen Saffles. That we as Christians we sometimes compare our lives to the lives of others who are in a growing season. She then shared that you don’t have to be in a “blooming” season to be growing in your faith walk. That if you are stilled God can do amazing things in that growth. That if we find our hope in Christ, we can bloom where we are planted.

Jonathon later shared a devotional from “Our Daily Bread” When We Gather Together . He shared the verse Hebrews 10:25 NLT. He went on to talk about that as Christians we are encouraged to gather together as a community.

Jonathon and Emma

Today we shared inspiration based on the story of a famous book character and a promise from Psalms. Read ‘Longing For a Home,” from author Anne Cetas by clicking here.

Also, another story about finding home, “The Wizard of Oz,” celebrates the anniversary of its theatrical release, August 25, 1939.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe

Today Brogan shared inspiration from In Touch Ministries about the importance of what it means to believe in Jesus. Read more by clicking here.

Joe shared about retaining joy in this devotional by Sheridan Voysey called ‘Sing Again.’ Read more by clicking this link from Our Daily Bread.

Thanks for listening!
– Brogan and Joe