31 Days — P is for Potential

I have a word list that I’d brainstormed some weeks back, when I was inspired to break down praise.  I have a few different words for ‘p’.  Yet, as I prayed over the right word for today, one came to mind that wasn’t on the list:

Potential.

Hallelujah for potential!  It means that there’s something better ahead.  The story doesn’t have an abrupt ending here.  Even if it feels like it’s over and done with, stay tuned for the sequel.

This verse, from Philippians 1:6 came to mind.

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. ~ The Message

God has a ‘come as you are’ policy.  In all my Bible reading, I have yet to find a place where He lists hoops to be jumped through or extensive prerequisites for His love.  He says to come.

And He will take you, clean you up and transform you.  Isaiah 1:18 says

“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.” ~New Living Translation.  (emphasis added)

God sees potential.  This is why He’s willing to invest the time and effort needed to transform us.  And get this–there is no guaranteed return on His investment.  We still have the freedom to turn away from Him and do our own thing.

Though my life may be short term, God’s plan for me affects the long term.

I don’t have to understand it now; I just need to trust it now.

How has potential affected your praise?

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(Join me this month as I look at 31 days of reasons to praise.)
(This is part of the 31 day challenge hosted by the Nester.)

31 Days–P is for Praise

I’m praising today.

My favourite remedy and cure-all for all things that ail my soul and trouble me is praise.  While listening to one song on YouTube, I saw a link for a second song, equally fitting

The first is Praise Is What I Do by Shekinah Glory Ministry.  The lyrics say:

Praise is what I do
When I want to be close to you
I lift my hands in praise
Praise is who I am
I will praise him while I can
I’ll bless, him at, all times

[Chorus]
And I vow to praise you
Through the good and the bad
I’ll praise you
Whether happy or sad
I’ll praise you
In all that I go through
Because praise is what I do
Cause I owe it all to you

[2nd Verse]
Praise is what I do
Even when I’m going through
I’ve learned to worship you
No my circumstance
Doesn’t even stand a chance!
My praise outweighs the bad

(Repeat chorus)

Praise is what I do
Is what I do

The second song is Praise Him in Advance by Marvin Sapp.  The lyrics say:

I’ve had my share of ups and downs,
Times when there was no one around,
God came and spoke these words to me,
Praise will confuse the enemy.

I started singing,
I started clapping,
I started dancing,
People were laughing,
They knew my problems,
They knew my pain,
But I knew God would take them away.

(repeat verse)

That’s why I praise Him with my hands,
That’s why I praise Him with a dance,
He’s given me a second chance,
Come on let’s praise Him in advance.

That’s why I praise Him with a song,
When things are right and when they’re wrong,
He’s given me a second chance,
Come on let’s praise Him in advance

Praise Him
Praise Him in advance

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(Join me this month as I look at 31 days of words to praise.)
(It’s part of the 31 day challenge hosted by The Nester.)

31 Days of Words to Praise

I’m doing something new this October: posting everyday!!! 

The Nester is hosting a challenge for 31 days.  Simply pick any topic and blog about it each day.  There is an option to link up on her blog. 

Weeks ago, I was brainstorming about my writing and post ideas.  One idea that stuck was to take the word “p-r-a-i-s-e” and break it down, by letter.  Six letters, five words each = thirty words.  Then I tucked it on the back burner, saving it for a special occasion.

I guess today is special, because I’m pulling it out and charging ahead.  There’s a lot of pleading in my life and countless thankful moments.  Yet, I don’t spend time praising God as much as I need to and should be doing.

A few weeks ago, during my devotional time, I was hit with a startling lesson from the Bible.  Many of the request-type prayers (asking for help, healing, answers) in the Word, are quiet brief.  One or two lines.

However, the prayers of praise?  They are much longer.  Sometimes a paragraph, sometimes even an entire chapter. 

Since the God described in the Word is the same God of today and tomorrow, then He’s more than deserving of my words of praise.

In honour of the 31 Days, I’ve created a blog button.  Click below to grab the code.

And Then Some