10. Carly Ann Taylor – Why Should I Worry 9. Chandler Moore – God I’m Just Grateful 8. Matthew West – Good (#1 for 5 weeks) 7. We The Kingdom – Rescue Me 6. Phil Wickham & Crowder – It Really Is Amazing Grace 5. Jamie MacDonald – Ain’t No Way 4. ELEVATION RHYTHM – WASHED (#1 for 1 week) 3. Zach Williams – Wait For Me 2. Josiah Queen – demons 1. CeCe Winans – Worthy Of It All (Worthy) (4th week at #1)
New Music This Week:
for KING & COUNTRY – what if i told you?
Congrats to Maude from Mount Vernon for correctly guessing “Trust In You” by Lauren Daigle during today’s special edition of Name That Tune!
As we get closer to the Fourth of July, many of us are thinking about freedom, family gatherings, fireworks, and celebrating our nation. But I was reminded this week that one of the greatest freedoms we have as believers is the freedom to bring our hurts, burdens, and brokenness directly to God.
I was reading in my devotional recently, and it focused on Psalm 34:18, which says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
I appreciate that this verse doesn’t pretend life is always easy. Heartbreak comes in many forms. Maybe it’s the loss of someone you love, a strained relationship, church hurt, disappointment, or a dream that didn’t turn out the way you hoped. A broken heart can feel overwhelming and incredibly difficult to carry on your own.
But the beautiful promise in this verse is that God doesn’t run from our pain. He draws near to it. When we’re hurting, He isn’t distant or uninterested. He’s present. He’s comforting. He’s walking with us through every difficult moment.
The enemy would love for us to believe that God has abandoned us in our suffering, but the truth is exactly the opposite. God is closest when we need Him most.
So as we celebrate Independence Day this week, I’m thankful not only for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, but also for the freedom we have in Christ to come honestly before our Heavenly Father. No matter what burden you’re carrying today, God is near, and you’re never walking through it alone.
Joeshared this from Our Daily Bread:
Have you heard of Michael Sparks? He walked into a thrift store and bought a souvenir copy of the US Declaration of Independence for $2.48. Later, as he looked closely at his parchment copy, he felt there was something unusual about it. So, he had it assessed by experts, who told him it was one of the thirty-six remaining copies of two hundred commissioned by John Quincy Adams in 1820. Sparks then sold his rare copy of the Declaration for $477,650!
Michael acquired something for a small fee that became a huge treasure. Author Dave Branon says he loves sharing that story because it reminds us that there’s a treasure that’s infinitely better. A priceless, matchless, and eternal treasure that costs nothing and isn’t found in a thrift store.
Jesus purchased this gift by giving His life on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. This gift called salvation promises the treasure of an abundant “life . . . to the full” on earth (John 10:10) and an “eternal life . . . in [God’s] Son” with Jesus (1 John 5:11).
It’s amazing to find an earthly treasure at low cost, but that can’t compare with the eternal treasure Christ offers at no cost.
Congratulations to this week’s Name That Tune winner, Evelyn from Mount Vernon! She correctly guessed “Have Your Way” by Katy Nichole!
Today we looked at two incredible devotions from Our Daily Bread! Our first devotional pulls from Matthew 18, and reminds us that we are to forgive others no matter how many times they may wrong us. If they ask forgiveness with pure intention and remorse, you are to forgive them, just as God has done so many times for you. Forgiveness, to infinity and beyond! Read the full devotional here.
Our second devotional reminds us that God has given us far more than we need. He has given us an abundance in His creation. From the many trees that bear fruit, to the stars in the sky, it’s evident our God is a creative, loving, and abundant God. But creation is not all that feels his abundance, Paul assures us in 1 Timothy that God’s grace is far more than enough, and offered knowing that we need it every day. Read the full devotional here.
We also played Name That Tune! We played a 15 second clip to see if you could tell us the artist and title of the song and win two $5 gift cards to Watts Restaurant in Utica! Unfortunately, our clip was a stumper for the second week! We’ll have a new clip for next week!
We start today with a simple praise – God, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to live in a nation where I can cast my vote and where I have a choice! We are blessed!
Then a prayer – Lord, help me to view this week from YOUR perspective. You’re on the throne, and your word still commands us to show proper respect to everyone, to love the family of believers, to fear you, and honor our leaders. Help me to rise above how someone voted, and love them because they are my brother or sister in Christ. To love them like you love us.
Here’s a song we played today that I absolutely love – and is PERFECT for this week! ‘Made Me Glad’ from Darlene Zschech and Hillsong.
This week, Bonnie from Mount Vernon guessed our stumper – ‘Heart of God’ from Zach Williams – she wins two $5 gift cards to Watts Restaurant in Utica.
Today we heard Alyssa’s conversation with Julia Rine, advisor for the Teen Advisory Council, part of New Directions of Knox County. Saturday is the Color for a Cause race at Ariel-Foundation Park. Hear more about it by linking to our Soundcloud page here!
We’re also sharing this year’s theme verse at MVNU: I Thessalonians 5:24
“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”
This reminds us that our God is a God who calls, a faithful God, and a God of action!
Our song was ‘Word of God Speak,’ by Mercy Me. Congratulations to Janelle from Howard, who guessed correctly and wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica.
Today on the show we shared some devotionals from Our Daily Bread. We also had our Name That Tune trivia question where one person has a chance to win TWO $5 gift cards to Watts Restaurant.
Here is my devotional titled, “Place It On God’s Plate.” Click the link HERE to read it.
Glorious One by FEE
Congratulations to Chris of Gambier for guessing the correct answer! He wins TWO $5 gift cards to Watts Restaurant.
Yesterday was one of the toughest days of my life. After 16 years, our family said goodbye to our precious dog, our teacup Yorkshire Terrier, Belle. I literally held on to the 23rd Psalm, because I walked through the valley of the shadow of death with Belle in her last moments. I was thankful to be there, but even in my deep sorrow and sadness, I knew the Holy Spirit was there, comforting our family.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
today’s song – Matt Redman’s ‘You Never Let Go’ (see video above) – congratulations to Betsy from Mount Vernon who guessed correctly and wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica.
Congratulations to Linda from Utica! Keep listening for more chances to win tickets for the Monday, July 29th concert.
Today we shared the significance and the power of the color red, the color of the blood of Jesus. Kenneth Petersen shares an amazing passage with us in Our Daily Bread, called ‘Jesus Blood.’ Read it here!
We also played a song that reminds that when Jesus shed His blood for us, the cross WAS enough! Enjoy this song, “Jesus, Son of God,” from Chris Tomlin and Christy Nockels.
Today’s song? “Made to Love,” from TobyMac.
Congratulations to John from Mount Vernon, who guessed correctly and wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!
Our two-week stumper was ‘Remedy’ by David Crowder Band. Congratulations to Alan from Mount Vernon, who wins two $5 gift cards to Watts Restaurant in Utica.
Driving Notes 