Pennies In Your Path

Sometimes we need to be sifted to reveal heart issues that hinder prayers. In this episode, Jodi challenges you to be vulnerable before the Lord allowing Him to see if there is any hint of racism hidden within the crevasses of your heart. To be effective in your prayers, spiritual walk, and making positive changes in this world you must first deal with your own heart issues at hand.

Scripture References within this episode:

Psalms 66:18, Jeremiah 33:3, James 5:16b, Romans 2:11, John 13:34, Jeremiah 17:10, Psalms 139:23-24, Psalms 51:10

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Obedience of faith takes dying to ourselves. Sometimes that's easy and other times it's a wrestling match. In today's episode, Jodi shares that trusting God for the unknown is a wise choice. She will also share what the "Y" in the word "Prayer" means to her. You will be challenged to consider the weight of your choices and what kind of legacy you desire to leave.

Below are a few scriptures referenced in this episode:

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:15-17)

"For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (Romans 8:13)

"He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)

LINKS: Click below to learn more about Jodi and places to hear her podcast "Pennies In Your Path":

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Do you ever feel like God is silent? Have you felt as though your prayers are going nowhere? We often mistake God's silence as a sign of His absence. In today's episode, Jodi will share a personal story of when she experienced God's silence and what He revealed to her during this time. She challenges us to recognize even when God is silent He is still actively working in our lives.

Consider reading the following verses and write them on sticky notes or 3x5 cards. Then place them around your home, car, or workplace to remind yourself of God's truth in this matter.

Ephesians 2:22, 3:12, 3:20 Romans 8:26-27 Psalms 31:21-24, 34:15, 40:3, 149:1

Read Psalms 34 and see that trust causes our hearts to rejoice in Him.

P.S. I would love to hear from you! ;)

LINKS: Click below to learn more about Jodi and places to hear her podcast "Pennies In Your Path":

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Do you ever feel like God is silent? Have you felt as though your prayers are going nowhere? We often mistake God's silence as a sign of His absence. In today's episode, Jodi will share a personal story of when she experienced God's silence and what He revealed to her during this time. She challenges us to recognize even when God is silent He is still actively working in our lives.

Consider reading the following verses and write them on sticky notes or 3x5 cards. Then place them around your home, car, or workplace to remind yourself of God's truth in this matter.

Ephesians 2:22, 3:12, 3:20 Romans 8:26-27 Psalms 31:21-24, 34:15, 40:3, 149:1

Read Psalms 34 and see that trust causes our hearts to rejoice in Him.

P.S. I would love to hear from you! ;)

LINKS: Click below to learn more about Jodi and places to hear her podcast "Pennies In Your Path":

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Is there room to grow in your abiding in Christ? Are you longing for more of Him? In today's episode, Jodi encourages and challenges us to answer a few questions. She looks at the manor Jesus walked, his prayer life, and the need for the dependence of the Father. Listen in to hear how she answers her own question and invites us to join a private group she has on Facebook.

Below are a few scriptures Jodi references:

"You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you." (John 15:3)

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me." (John 15:4)

"… and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him." (Colossians 3:10)

"By this, we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked." (1 John 2:5b-6)

"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." (Colossians 3:12)

I'd love to hear how you answer the questions asked in this episode!

If you need a community of women prayer warriors I invite you to join me in a private prayer group on Facebook. Look up Trusting God Through Prayer or contact me through my website at JodiAiken.com.

LINKS: Click below to learn more about Jodi and places to hear her podcast "Pennies In Your Path":

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The "R" in P.R.A.Y.E.R. represents Release. It's about taking all of our anxiety, burdens, and concerns and releasing them into the hands of God. In today's episode, Jodi shares some thoughts on releasing what holds us down to the One who cares most. She conveys how the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is causing some to react in fear rather than respond with a peace that surpasses our understanding.

Below are a few scriptures referenced in this episode:

"Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." (Psalm 55:22)

"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act." (Psalm 37:5)

"Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the Lord holds his hand." (Psalm 37:24)

"This is why I tell you: Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25)

"Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

LINKS: Click below to learn more about Jodi and places to hear her podcast "Pennies In Your Path":

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The "P" in P.R.A.Y.E.R. represents Perspective. It's about having the right focus and filter in which we pray. Whatever our perspective is it guides, drives, and changes us. It affects our attitudes and the way we pray. In this episode, Jodi shares a fresh prayer perspective. In addition, she shares how God brought her to a verse He used nearly 20 years ago to confirm a calling. Listen in as she shares from God's word and her heart.

Below are a few scriptures referenced in this episode:

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

"The Lord upholds all who fall and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him He also will hear their cry and save them. The Lord preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy. My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh shall bless His holy name, forever and ever." (Psalm 145:14-21, NKJV)

I would love to hear your thoughts on this Prayer Perspective episode. Leave a comment and share your perspective.

LINKS: Click below to learn more about Jodi and places to hear her podcast "Pennies In Your Path":

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Over the last several years the Lord has confirmed a word for me to cling to. The word encourages me to stay the course and keep me grounded. I have had words such as Forward, S.T.E.P., R.E.S.T., and Grow.

I admit I was a little surprised when the Lord gave me the word "Prayer" for this year. Why? Because I am one that fully believes in prayer and prays on a regular basis. Philippians 4:6 is my go-to verse: "Do not be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplications with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." I'm not sharing that in a boastful way but to explain why His direction surprised me. I soon realized it was for me to be more strategic in my prayers.

I love that the Lord confirmed my word for 2020 over and over. It was no coincidence that every other devotion, article, scripture, and conversation I had revolved around prayer.

For example, I had been reading in John and as I came across one of Jesus' prayers in chapter 17 God stirred in my spirit. To be concise it was in verse 20 when I read He prayed for me all those years ago. And if you are a Christ-follower He prayed for you too!

For context take time to read John 17 and then linger a while on verse 20.

"I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word."

WOW!

As I think about Jesus interceding for us it motivates me to not only be more intentional to pray this year but be more strategic in my prayers.

For instance, I took the word prayer and put meaning with each letter to help me focus and be purposeful as I go before the Lord. I hope this will encourage you as well.

Perspective

Release

Abide

Yield

Effective

Resist

Below is a more descriptive understanding of what each word means to me and how God's word applies to it.

Perspective- See things through God's eyes.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Release-Let go of my cares and concerns to God.

"Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

Abide-Cling to Him and His word because I can do nothing apart from Him.

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me." (John 15:4)

Yield-Trust God's wisdom versus men.

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:15-17)

Effective-Ensure my prayers are effective by staying close and clean with the Lord.

"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." (James 5:16b, NIV)

Resist- The temptations of the flesh and from turning to something or someone else before praying to God.

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)

I'm grateful each year for the word God has given me. It has proven to grow my trust in Him and strengthen my spiritual walk. Only He knows how my word P.R.A.Y.E.R. for 2020 will impact my life. But this I know, I can trust Him with all things!

What is your word for 2020?

If you have never used a word to help you grow in your walk test it out this year. I'd love to hear how God uses it in your life.

Be blessed, my friend!

LINKS: Click below to learn more about Jodi and places to hear her podcast "Pennies In Your Path":

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December is here and it's the time of year when we get caught up in traditions, shopping, making and checking off our list, and become focused on loved ones no longer here. While none of that is bad we need to also remember why December is significant and the WHY and WHO we celebrate. In today's episode, Jodi challenges us to change the channel of our minds and tune into seven ways we can prepare our hearts for Christmas day.

Below is the list along with some scripture references:

1.) Sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to His word.

"She (Martha) had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word." (Luke 10:39, NASB)

2.) Praise God for His Son's Birth!

Consider when the multitude of angels appeared before the shepherds praising God and proclaiming:

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." (Luke 2:14, NASB)

This hymn of praise is also known as the "Gloria in Excelsis Deo".

3.) Be open and honest with God allowing Him to search your heart so there are no hindrances of Him hearing your prayers.

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV)

4.) Pray for those that do not know about God's only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10, CSB)

"First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-4, CSB)

5.) Ask God to reveal to you how to be a blessing to others.

Speak a blessing over someone such as Numbers 6:24-25, NASB:

"The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace."

6.) Read Luke Chapter 2 in its entirety to embrace the beautiful truths of why Christ Jesus was born.

7.) Read a chapter of Luke each day leading up to Christmas day.

A Pastor had posted this on Facebook and I thought it was a terrific way of wrapping up the 7 ways to prepare your heart for Christmas.

There are 24 chapters in Luke. I know this episode is published 5 days into December but it's simple to catch up and oh so worth it!

Why? Because the book of Luke gives you an entire account of Jesus' life and you'll wake up on Christmas morning knowing WHO and WHY you celebrate Christmas!

I pray that your heart will be prepared for Christmas Day to celebrate the true reason for this season.

Be intentional!

Are you in need of wisdom? There is a difference between earthly and heavenly wisdom, and the challenge is knowing the difference. Whichever type of wisdom you choose to live by today guides you on a path of righteousness or disorder leading to evil. Where do you want to end up? In today's episode, Jodi points out the seven virtues of heavenly wisdom found in James 3:17 and challenges us to plant seeds of peace. Listen in to be reminded of the good fruit that comes from following heavenly wisdom as opposed to earthly wisdom.

Here are the links to the two different translations used in today's episode:

James 3:13-18 New American Standard Bible

James 3:13-18 New Living Translation

7 Virtues of Godly Wisdom:

Pure

Peaceable-Peace Loving

Gentle-Considerate

Reasonable-Willingness to Yield

Full of Mercy and Good Fruits

Unwavering-Impartial

Without Hypocrisy-Sincere with Pure Heart Motives

LINKS: Click below to learn more about Jodi and places to hear her podcast "Pennies In Your Path":

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