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Praise Thursday

Praise God for ‘God with Us!’

Today Abby and I shared praises about one of the greatest themes of Christmas, Immanuel, “God with Us.”

The word Immanuel means, as we learn in Matthew 1:23, “God with us.”  The coming of the Christ child fulfilled what Isaiah wrote in chapter 7, verse 14: “the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

In his book Hidden Christmas, Pastor Timothy Keller shares that for centuries, the Jewish religious leaders and scholars had known that prophecy, but did not think that it should be taken literally. They thought it was simply predicting the coming or arrival of some great leader through whose work, God would be present with his people.

However, Matthew writes that this promise is greater than anyone imagined!  It did not come true figuratively, but literally. Jesus Christ is “God with us” because the human life in Mary’s womb was a miracle performed by God himself.  Then Jesus, with his life, his claims and his resurrection, convinced his closest followers that he was not just a prophet telling them how to find God, but God himself coming to find us.

Keller writes that this claim, that Jesus is God, gives us the greatest possible hope.  Why?  Because it means this world is not all that there is…it means that there is life and love after death and it means that evil and suffering will one day end.

And it is not just hope for the world, but hope for you and me personally. A God who was only holy would have not come to us in Jesus.  He would have just demanded that we pull ourselves together and be moral and holy enough to be worthy of relationship with him. But our God is fully holy and fully human – so he doesn’t send someone else – he comes himself!  Jesus is one of us – and that should give us all hope!

Today’s winners:

Brad from Bellville – Hillsong United Limited Edition White Album (yes, it’s vinyl)
David from Mount Vernon – Who Knew? book bundle pack

We played “One More Sleep ‘Til Christmas” from the Muppets. Congratulations to Asher from Fredericktown, who guessed correctly and wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

More Christmas Fun Facts, too!

  • ‘Jingle Bells’ was originally a Thanksgiving song. 
    • “Jingle Bells” was written by James Lord Piermont in 1857 for his church’s Thanksgiving concert. However, over the years, it became more closely associated with Christmas and is now one of the most popular holiday songs! 
  • ‘The Grinch’ is the highest-grossing Christmas film of all time. 
    • The 2018 computer-animated film brought in $512,858,819 worldwide. The runner-up? Home Alone, the Christmas classic from 1990. 
  • ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ was a box-office flop. 
    • Believe it or not, the enduring Christmas classic initially bombed at the box office. It wasn’t until 1974, when its copyright expired and television networks could air it for free, that it cemented its place as one of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time. 

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Abby

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Appetite For Distraction

Hi!

Today on the show I shared a devotional from Our Daily Bread. We also mentioned how tomorrow is Food For The Hungry Drive Day! We are so excited to be able to broadcast this event! You can find the event on https://portal.stretchinternet.com/mvnuadmin/. This link will take you right to the page where the broadcast will be streamed. Also, don’t forget to listen on 90.9 FM, WNZR as we will be having special interviews with different people involved with Food For The Hungry. We hope that you will listen in!

Here is my devotional from Our Daily Bread titled, “Appetite For Distraction.” You can find the link here.

Congratulations to Bonnie of Mount Vernon for guessing the correct answer which was Ryan Ellis’ song Heart of the Father. She wins TWO $5 gift cards to Watts Restaurant!

Thanks for listening!

-Dylan

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Food for the Hungry with Shawn Dugan on Praise Thursday

For Praise Thursday, Mike and Abby shared encouragement and talked about the upcoming Fredericktown Christmas Walk! They also talked to Shawn Dugan, the Collections Coordinator who focuses on collecting donations from high schools in the county.

Mike shared Hebrews 12:3, which says, “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” He talked about how even when it can be hard to stay motivated in our daily lives, we can look to God as our source of motivation!

Abby shared a similar message from Isaiah 40:28-29– “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.” It’s so comforting to know that we have a mighty God on our side, who will strengthen us when we feel weak or weary.

Today’s Name That Tune was a stumper! So… next week’s will be worth TWO gift cards to Watt’s Restaurant.

The annual high school collection for Food For The Hungry is underway. WNZR’s Alyssa Sidle talked with Collection Coordinator, Shawn Dugan. He shared the collection dates for all the Knox County high schools. He also shared some of the special challenges that are helping to motivate our local students to get involved. Shawn told us how the outstanding students and classes will be recognized on the annual broadcast on 12/8. He also shared the exciting news about a new partnership with the Mount Vernon Rotary Club. Check out our conversation with Shawn on Soundcloud below!

For more information on how to get involved go to – https://www.foodforthehungrycares.org/about-6-1

Thanks for listening!

-Mike and Abby

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One Week Until Thanksgiving Special!

Today, Mike and Abby celebrated Thanksgiving early with encouraging verses and fun Thanksgiving facts for the Holiday! They talked about what they like to do on Thanksgiving, as Mike is a big football fan and Abby loves the Dog Show!

Mike shared 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which says,” Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” He talked about how this verse reminds him to be thankful in all circumstances and that being thankful brings more joy!

Abby shared Psalm 4:7-8 which says, “Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” She shared how encouraging it is to have joy and safety in the Lord. These are certainly things to be thankful for!

Today’s Name That Tune was Hold You Tight by Dan Bremnes! Congrats to Janell from for getting it right! She wins two $5 gift cards to Watts’ restaurant in Utica!

Our final Totally Tasty Tom Turkey Hunt winners were Kristi and Grace they are now registered for a shot at winning a 14-16 pound turkey from Smithisler meats.

Thanks for listening!

-Mike and Abby

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Veterans’ Day and Homecoming!

For this Praise Thursday, Mike and Abby talked about the upcoming MVNU Homecoming, highlighting the school play and some of the other events coming up. They also gave a preview of what WNZR is doing for veterans day, sitting down with Kevin Henthorn from Knox County Veterans Services and John Van Kan, a retired major for the U. S. Army. This will air at 10 AM on Saturday. Abby also shared about her dad, who is a Navy vet!

Abby shared about John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” She talked about how this song relates to the sacrifices to be given by veterans. She also shared today’s devotional from Our Daily Bread about Jesus’ ultimate victory! You can find it here https://odb.org/2023/11/09/sing-for-victory

Mike shared about what God has been teaching him this week about community, and how he and his friends were able to share together in their struggles and encourage one another in their faith!

Today’s Name that Tune was a stumper! Tune in next week for a shot at winning TWO gift cards to Watts’ restaurant in Utica!

Today was another great day of the Totally Tasty Tom Turkey Hunt! Congrats to Rodney and Klanci! They are now registered for a chance at winning a turkey from Smithhisler meats in Mount Vernon!

Thanks for listening!

-Mike and Abby

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Praising with Encouragement and WinterJam!

Today, Mike and Abby shared verses that are important to them and that have made an impact on their lives! Mike shared Philippians 3:8 which says, “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” He said that it reminds him how titles and glory of the world is not important, but what you do for God and others with them is what matters!

Abby shared Colossians 3:16, which says, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” It’s a great reminder to let God dwell among you and encourage you to be thankful in all circumstances!

Abby also shared a devotional from Our Daily Bread about worship and the culture! If you missed it, you can check it out here at https://odb.org/2023/11/02/everybody-worships

The Winter Jam lineup was also announced! It will include artists like Crowder, Lecrae, Cain, Katy Nichole, and more! For tickets and the full lineup, visit www.2024.jamtour.com!

Today’s Name that Tune was God so loved from We the Kingdom! Congrats to Jack from Mount Vernon for correctly guessing and winning a $5 gift card to Watts’ restaurant in Utica!

Thanks for listening!

-Mike & Abby

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God Making Things New!

Today was another great praise Thursday sharing encouragement from devotionals and keeping you updated on the awesome events going on!

Abby shared today’s devotional from Our Daily Bread about how God makes beauty from ashes. If you missed it, you can find it here! https://odb.org/2023/10/26/beauty-for-ashes

Mike shared from 2 Corinthians 5:17, which says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” He talked about how God is always making us more like him so we can be new creations!

Today’s Name That Tune was Best News Ever by MercyMe! Congrats to Jacob from Fredericktown for correctly guessing! He wins two $5 gift cards to Watts’ restaurant in Utica!

Thanks for listening!

-Mike and Abby

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Praising God for Rest!

In the first show back from Fall Break, Mike and Abby shared updates and highlights from the break, as well as talking about how they were able to rest, which was much needed!

Mike shared Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” He shared that no matter how heavy your life is right now, God is already bearing that burden with you.

Abby shared a devotional about facing daily tasks and buisiness, and how God will always be with you in the midst of them. You can find the devotional here! https://odb.org/2023/10/19/first-on-the-list

Name That Tune was a stumper today! Make sure to tune in next week for a chance to win two $5 gift cards to Watts’ restaurant in Utica!

Thanks for listening!
-Mike & Abby

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Pastor Memories to Celebrate Clergy Appreciation Month!

Today, Mike and Abby talked about some of their favorite memories of the impact Pastors in their lives have had on them! Mike shared the story of how his youth pastor changed his life during his senior year of high school. Abby talked about the impact her dad has had on her as a pastor and also as a counselor.

Mike shared 1 Samuel 16:7 “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'” He talked about how God has been teaching him the importance of that verse.

Abby shared how you should never be afraid to come to God with your struggles, even with your mental health, because he knows what you are going through. She talked about Psalm 139:13, which says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” This verse shows that God knows our inmost thoughts, and we should always know that he cares for us.

Today’s Name That Tune was Hey Girl by Anne Wilson! Congrats to Nathan from Mount Vernon for guessing correctly! He wins a $5 gift card to Watts’ restaurant in Utica!

Thanks for listening!

-Mike & Abby

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