This afternoon, Mike and Abby celebrated National Do Something Nice for Someone Else Day!
Abby shared 1 John 3:16-18 which says, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” She shared how doing something nice for someone else can be hard, but is always worth it!
Mike also talked about how his Young Adults Pastor made him feel wanted and appreciated on a missions trip! Mike also shared a verse to help us remember the importance of thanking our pastors for clergy appreciation month! It was 1 Timothy 5:17, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” It’s a great reminder to thank and honor your pastor! If you want a chance to do that, go to wnzr.fm and sign him or her up for our Clergy appreciation month giveaway!
Today’s Name That Tune was The Healing by Blanca! Congrats to Janell from Mount Vernon for correctly guessing! She wins two $5 gift cards to Watts’ restaurant in Utica!
This afternoon, Mike and Abby had a time of praise for both praise Thursday and the week of student prayer! They both shared encouragement about what God has been doing in their lives lately.
Abby shared about how God has made us fearfully and wonderfully, and how special we are to God with Psalm 139:14 which says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” It’s a great reminder of your value to God!
Mike shared Psalm 63:3-4 and talked about the reasons we have to praise God! It says, “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.”
We also had our time of prayer for the schools, teachers, students, and parents in our area, plus our local leaders. You can submit your prayer requests and praises at wnzr.fm!
Today’s Name That Tune was a stumper! Tune in next week for a chance at two $5 gift cards to Watts’ restaurant in Utica!
This afternoon, we talked about ways that we have felt God’s peace or encouraged by him in our everyday lives. It’s the International Day of Peace, so we had a special focus on God’s peace. Mike shared how he felt God’s peace during a difficult exam, and Abby told the story of how God helped her feel at peace in the midst of moving.
Mike also shared about the encouragement he felt from Hebrews 2:18, which says “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” He mentioned how God has been faithful about temptations in his life.
Abby shared a devotional about God remaining the same through seasons of change! She shared James 1:17, which says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
We also talked to Darrel George, Vice President of Development at MVNU, about the results of the school’s Giving Day! It is great to hear updates about the impact of giving on the students! To get involved in the giving day process, you can visit mvnu.edu/givingday.
The name that tune for today was Then Christ Came by MercyMe! Congrats to Janell for getting the correct song! She wins a $5 gift card to Watts’ restaurant in Utica!
This afternoon, we had a chat with Joseph O’Brien! He shares a little bit with Mike about his background and passion for music, as well as some fun memories from past tour experiences as he looks forward to performing on campus this Saturday (9/16). You can find the entire conversation here!
For Praise Thursday, Abby discussed the way Peter and John ran to the tomb of Jesus on the morning of the resurrection, and how we can also run to our Savior! Jeremiah 29:13 encourages, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Mike also shared 1 Corinthians 10:31, which prompts us to glorify God in everything we do. It is such a comfort to know that He is present in even those small daily moments!
KB is cohost of a popular podcast. What is the name of this podcast?
The answer– Southside Rabbi. Shout out to Victoria for calling in and winning two tickets to Sonfest!
And the song is… Yes He Does by Stars Go Dim. Congratulations to Rodney for correctly guessing today’s mystery tune! Listen next week for another chance to win a $5 gift card to Watt’s Restaurant in Utica.
Mike shares a Bible verse that is meaningful to him, Colossians 3:15 (ESV)- “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” In the hectic and hurry of our daily lives, it is important to remember the peace that Christ offers us.
Abby also read a devotional from Our Daily Bread which you can find here. God is a loving father, and will carry us the same way a father would carry his son. Even as their faith faltered, God delivered the Israelites through hardship and guided them in the desert. This is another reminder that we can find peace as we are carried by our father!
We are still looking for a winner to correctly guess the mystery tune! Since this song is officially a double-stumper, it will be worth 3 gift cards to Watt’s Restaurant next week.
Today we shared a devotional from author Katara Patton that encourages us to take on the humble attitude of Jesus – you might even say he is the original ‘Undercover Boss.’ Check out ‘Putting on Humility’ by clicking here!
We want to praise God for you! Your partnership in prayer and support just moved our Lifeline 2023 total up AGAIN! We are at a pledge total of $86,508. Thank you!
CASTING CROWNS TICKET WINNER: Joshua from Mansfield GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET WINNER: stumper! We’ll bring it back tomorrow.
Today I was encouraged by a note I saw posted on Instagram – a literal note posted by a coffee shop at their counter. It refers to the two voices you might be listening to…
Today Josiah shared this devotional from Our Daily Bread, If you would like to read more please click here
Have you ever done something in anger you later regretted? When my son was wrestling with drug addiction, I said some harsh things in reaction to his choices. My anger only discouraged him more. But eventually he encountered believers who spoke life and hope to him, and in time he was set free.
Even someone as exemplary in faith as Moses did something he later regretted. When the people of Israel were in the desert and water was scarce, they complained bitterly. So God gave Moses and Aaron specific instructions: “Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water” (Numbers 20:8). But Moses reacted in anger, giving himself and Aaron credit for the miracle instead of God: “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” (v. 10). Then he disobeyed God directly and “raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff” (v. 11).
Even though water flowed, there were tragic consequences. Neither Moses nor Aaron was allowed to enter the land God promised His people. But He was still merciful, allowing Moses to see it from afar (27:12–13).
As with Moses, God still mercifully meets us in the desert of our disobedience to Him. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, He kindly offers us forgiveness and hope. No matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done, if we turn to Him, He’ll lead us into life.
Zoe shared a devotional from Our Daily Bread as well called Purple Shawl, if you would like to read more you can read it here
While serving as my mom’s live-in caregiver at a cancer center hundreds of miles away from my home, I asked people to pray for us. As the months passed, isolation and loneliness sapped my strength. How could I care for my mom if I gave in to my physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion?
One day, a friend sent me an unexpected care package. Jodi had crocheted a purple prayer shawl, a warm reminder that we had people praying for us daily. Whenever I wrapped the soft yarn around my shoulders, I felt God hugging me with the prayers of His people. Years later, He still uses that purple shawl to comfort me and strengthen my resolve.
The apostle Paul affirmed the importance and spirit-refreshing power of praying for others. Through his passionate request for prayerful support and encouragement during his travels, Paul demonstrated how those who pray for others become partners in ministry (Romans 15:30). Offering specific requests, the apostle not only showed his dependence on the support of fellow believers but his trust that God powerfully answers prayer (vv. 31–33).
We’ll all experience days when we feel alone. But Paul shows us how to ask for prayer as we pray for others. When we’re wrapped in the intercessory prayers of God’s people, we can experience God’s strength and comfort no matter where life takes us.
Who has God used to encourage you through intercessory prayer? Who can you pray for today?
Congrats to our winner of Name That Tune, Joanna of Pickerington!
Today I shared one of my favorite devotionals from Mart Dehaan. It speaks to Heroes, Tyrants and Jesus:
Beethoven was angry. He’d intended to name his Third Symphony “The Bonaparte.” In an age of religious and political tyranny, he saw Napoleon as a hero of the people and champion of freedom. But when the French general declared himself emperor, the celebrated composer changed his mind. Denouncing his former hero as a rascal and tyrant, he rubbed so hard to erase Bonaparte’s name that he left a hole in the original score.
Early believers in Jesus must have been disappointed when their hopes of political reform were dashed. He’d stirred hopes of life without the tyranny of Caesar’s heavy-handed taxes and military presence. Yet, decades later, Rome still ruled the world. Jesus’ messengers were left with fears and weakness. His disciples were marked by immaturity and infighting (1 Corinthians 1:11–12; 3:1–3).
But there was a difference. Paul saw beyond what remained unchanged. His letters began, ended, and overflowed with the name of Christ. Christ resurrected. Christ with a promise to return in power. Christ in judgment of everything and everyone. First and foremost, however, Paul wanted believers in Jesus to be grounded in the meaning and implications of Him crucified (2:2; 13:1–13).
The love expressed in Jesus’ sacrifice made Him a different kind of leader. As Lord and Savior of the world, His cross changes everything. The name of Jesus will forever be known and praised above every name.
Driving Notes 