"Under Fire"

^{It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.}

^{Philippians 1:29}

^{New International Version}

^{THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE...}

^{When we read the book of Acts, we find the disciples overjoyed at suffering "for the sake of the name." Jesus' followers consider it a privilege and not just a hardship. The truth of our commitment is often best shown to the skeptical when we are "under fire."}

^{MY PRAYER...}

^{What a precious name you have given to your son, O Lord. May it be exalted in all the earth and throughout all the heavens, until all existence knows that he is truly Lord. Through him I pray. Amen.}

^{SPEAK FAVOR TO YOUR MOUNTAINS}

^{TODAY’S SCRIPTURE}

^{“And Jesus answered them, Truly I say to you, if you have faith (a firm relying trust) and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, Be taken up and cast into the sea, it will be done”}

^{(Matthew 21:21, AMP)}

^{TODAY’S WORD}

^{Everyone goes through seasons when the challenges of life feel overwhelming. During these times, it’s easy to be tempted to talk about how bad things are. Maybe you are facing a situation right now that looks impossible. Don’t get discouraged and give up because God wants to do something awesome in your life. Instead of talking to God about how big your problems are, talk to your problems about how big your God is. Be bold and start speaking favor to that situation. Every day say, “Father, thank You that Your favor is turning this around. Thank You that Your favor is making a way even though I don’t see a way. Lord, thank You that Your favor is doing remarkable, astounding, overwhelming things.” When you release your faith like that, you’ll see God show up and do amazing things that you’ve never seen happen before!}

^{Remember, even if you don’t see how things could ever work out, God does. Just do your part and keep speaking to those mountains in your life. Declare favor over those situations and get ready to move forward in the victory and blessing God has prepared for you!}

^{A PRAYER FOR TODAY}

^{Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word which is life to my spirit. I receive Your strength today and choose to speak favor to the mountains. Thank You for preparing a path of victory as I keep my heart and mind stayed on You in Jesus’ name. Amen!}

^{— Joel & Victoria Osteen}

^sources:

http://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/Index.aspx

http://readingacts.wordpress.com/2011/10/19/the-social-status-of-the-thessalonians/

http://johnshore.com/2010/10/12/the-comfort-of-the-cross-2/