Next Level Thinking

by Joel Osteen

Set aside the frustrations of your past and step into a new level of victory and favor with this spiritually powerful guide from #1 bestselling author and Lakewood Church pastor Joel Osteen.

Many of us have let our minds become conditioned to thinking we’ve reached our limits, we’ve made too many mistakes, we’ll never do anything great. What’s happened? Instead of moving forward, we’ve adapted to our environment. Instead of pushing beyond our bounds, we’ve allowed a bad break, how we were raised, living with insecurity, or what someone did or didn’t do to hold us back.

The good news is that people don’t determine our destiny-God does. And He has already taken into account every detail of our lives and factored them all into His plan. In Next Level Thinking, Joel Osteen writes that we weren’t created to go through life weighed down by the past. God has destined us to rise higher-to the next level. When we leave behind the negative mind-sets, the scarcity mentality, and the limits others have put on us, we’ll experience the life of victory, favor, and abundance that was meant for us all along.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Christian, Spirituality

224 pages, Hardcover

Published October 2, 2018

About the author

JOEL OSTEEN is the author of seven New York Times bestsellers. He is the senior pastor of America's largest congregation, Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. More than 45,000 people attend services there every week. His televised messages are seen by more than 10 million viewers each week in the United States, and millions more in 100 nations around the world. His 24-hour channel on SiriusXM Satellite Radio and millions of social media followers have prompted numerous publications to name him as one of the most influential Christian leaders in the world. He resides in Houston with his wife, Victoria, and their children.

Reviews

[Christopher Lewis Kozoriz · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When the enemy whispers, "shame on you", answer right back, "no, shame off me, I've been forgiven, I've been redeemed, I am valuable." If you do this, I believe and declare, God is going to pay you back double for that injustice, you’re going to enter into that promised land and reach the fullness of your destiny." (Joel Osteen, Next Level Thinking)

As always a faith-filled and encouraging message from Joel Osteen. You will be encouraged, comforted and edified as you listen to this audio book. You will never be the same. This book was exactly what I needed. Joel will show you how valuable you are to God and how God is going to use those injustices in your life to cause you to come out on top.

No longer a Victim, but a Victor in Jesus' Name. Amen.

[Frank Cat · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m relieved I finished this book, honestly. It’s not that it was bad, it was OK. This novel included a lot of feel good stories as well as examples from the Bible. Other themes included encouraging individuals to rise up, forget the past, being forgiving, acknowledging ones own mistakes, & to always believe in yourself. It dragged at times and sometimes felt repetitive. Joel Osteen you are one unique individual!

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book to encourage you to be the best you can be, to be the person God created you to be, and to break through your self imposed limits, this is the book for you. Osteen encourages you to not settle for less than God has for you. He wants you to quit your excuses and your limited thinking and instead believe what God says is true of you.

Osteen is very positive. He reminds readers that God has provided all we need to accomplish what He has called us to do. (2 Peter 1:3) God has given us talents and we need to use them. We can't pick the talents we want. Instead we trust God's sovereignty. And obstacles? Sometimes God lets them get big so when He moves there is no doubt it was Him. (Think Lazarus.)

I like that Osteen has founded his positive message firmly on Scripture. He uses many biblical passages and stories as the basis for his teachings. He is strong on our knowing who we are in Christ and then living that truth. We are forgiven and loved. We no longer have shame. Our value is not in our achievements but rather in being a child of God. Yes, we'll make mistakes but God is working in us and He is not finished yet.

I recommend this book to Christians who want encouragement to break through wrong thinking and start believing what God says is true of you.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Same material just a different cover. I usually really enjoy Joel's books but found this one to just be mediocre.

[Jenn]

I really enjoy his positivity and the stories he includes

[Marianne Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked it. I usually do enjoy Joel Osteen though. I like to listen to him preach, and his books and articles are always good. This book talks about breaking strongholds, and moving forward into the abundant life God has planned for us. It's a great book, highly recommended.

[Cameron · Rating 1 out of 5]

All of his books sound the same.

[Jon Kidwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subtitle of this volume is: "10 Powerful Thoughts for a Successful and Abundant Life".  

In typical Osteen fashion, Pastor Joel delivers yet another profoundly upbeat, positive, and motivating book focused on rising to the next  level in life.  

Osteen is often chastised for his practically naive view of the world.  However, as one who has read most of his books, I find this particular title to be among his best works.  Next level thinking is a tool we can all stand to use a little more in our lives.  Whether we define it or not in our own experience, next level thinking is indeed a pathway to success and abundance.  Joel just takes said subject and lends ten important points to more readily achieve that much desired success and abundance.  He begins the book by telling us about being "barrier breakers".  Never mind public opinion or perception, it is up to us to decide to break the barriers that hold us back in this life.  He uses the stories of Glenn Cunningham and Roger Bannister and their separate efforts to break the 4 minute mile in track and field.  Joel talks of the 4 minute mile as being a psychological barrier rather than limits to human athletic performance.  The story is fitting and appropriate in the discussion of barriers.

Joel goes on to tell us that we are "fully loaded", in that we are equipped physically and psychologically to pursue our dreams and goals.

In later chapters, he adjures us to "Approve [our]selves" and to "Get the contaminants out" (toxic thinking).

I think this book is best summed up on the back cover, where it's written: "It starts in your THINKING.  Nothing will change until you make up your mind that you are not going to accept mediocrity.  Why don't you take the limitations off yourself?  You have so much potential.  Break out of that box and try something new...  You are not limited by your education, by how you were raised, or by your current situation.  God has destined you to rise higher.  He's destined you to go to the NEXT LEVEL.

This is one of Joel Osteen's better books.  However, I am strictly a reviewer of Christian fiction and non-fiction alike.  For that reason, I'm more familiar with books that are much more scripturally driven.  Osteen has for years been critiqued for his limited use of scriptural elements in both his sermons and his books.  That small point aside, however, doesn't alone preclude me for giving this work a 4-star rating.  It's an enjoyable, feel good book that does contain lots of good information and encouragement.  I don't think you'll go wrong with Next Level Thinking.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a fair and timely review.  I have not other connections with the publisher or author, and have not further expectations beyond this review.  

[Di · Rating 1 out of 5]

He looks like a sheep, but underneath, he is a ravenous wolf! It's all phony. He is deceiving God's people. He starts out with pretending to pursue God, and end with his real goal for you- focus on success. Read KUNDALINI WARNING - Are False Spirits Invading the Church? By Andrew Strom. God showed me that Word of Faith is operated by the Kundalini spirit. Joel is a false prophet. This is a powerful spirit. It's a test. Read your bible. Kundalini twists the Word of God. Word of Faith tells you you need to tithe in order to be blessed. But where should you tithe? Is it definitely Joel? Do you believe in the fruits of their ministry? So he can get even richer while you stay poor. Does he not know what he is telling you is a lie? Or it's always God's will to give you wealth and health. What about Job? His story is our story, that we will lose things in this life. Doesn't mean we don't have enough faith. Read Jesus Goes To McDonald's by Luiz Alexandre Solano Rossi. Having a great life is a lie. When you become a Christian, the devil is after you. Everyday a battle, not a cushion. Or not to question those in positions of spiritual power. Yet Paul called out false teachers! Word of Faith movement is a bunch of garbage. If you accept it, you will, like me, have years of struggle, where you are looking for a "sign" God is with you. The only sign is His Word! They talk about not being "religious," as if an empty undiscerning mind ready to accept false doctrines is the Way to accept God. You must hold on to the true doctrine. Matthew 24:10-13 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Once saved, always saved is a lie. To be saved, you must confess you are a sinner, that you put your trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior and will submit to Him in all things, including every part of your life, and with His help, that you will stop sinning. The deception here is really great! The manipulation is subtle, but with the Holy Spirit's help you can detect it. Truth mixed with lies is LIES. The positivity, the blabbing out promises without faith, the holding God hostage- Sure you can hold God hostage, but will He really find no falsehood among you? Joel Osteen is bewitching you, and lulling you to sleep. Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB4QF.... See if these teachings really stand up to the light of the Word of God.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who has ever read one of Pastor Joel Osteen's books should know that they are in for an inspiring journey with heartfelt stories from his life.

Next Level Thinking touched my heart in so many ways. I like to flag my books with items that touch me and that I want to remember. Well, I probably have close to fifty flags in this book and to be honest, I didn't start flagging until I was halfway through the book. This book is to help the reader to achieve a successful and abundant life. Below is a list of the ten powerful thoughts that serve as the chapter titles.

Be a Barrier Breaker
You Are Fully Loaded
The Odds Are for You
Move Up to the Next Level
Recognize Your Value
Live with the Boldness of a Son
Kow You Are Loved
Approve Yourself
Get the Contaminants Out
Remove the Shame

Pastor Osteen writes in such a way that I feel like I'm sitting across a desk from him and he is talking to me one-on-one. It's phenomenal when an author pulls me into their book as if we were in the same room together. I truly appreciate this as I glean more from books that make me feel this way.

I would like to thank Faith Words for my copy of Next Level Thinking. I received my copy for free but I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

[Paige Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book felt a little like a collection of essays that was thrown together which were all really good, but weren’t necessarily unified into a standard book format. That being said, although the format wasn’t the best, the content was great! Joel can get a little repetitive across all of his books but since his message is always so life giving and inspiring, it’s hard to get too upset about reading the same good message multiple times. Overall I’d definitely recommend it, regardless of it you’ve read some of his books before to not. It will challenge, inspire, and encourage you to align your thinking more with who God says you are.

Favorite Quote: “But don’t be surprised when you find yourself in situations where it feels as thought the odds are against you. You don’t see a way out. There aren’t any logical solutions. God puts you there on purpose so that when He turns it around, nobody will get the credit except Him. Every will know it is the hand of the Lord. When your circumstances seem impossible, instead of being discouraged and thinking, God why me?, get read. You’re in the perfect position for God to show out in your life and take you to the net level. He is setting you p to show His favor in amazing ways.”

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Next Level Thinking" is a powerful book that encourages every reader to be the exact person that God has created them to be. Want to break free from the limits you've placed on your life? Grab this book and start to listen to the encouragement from Joel as he challenges you to not settle for anything but God's best for your life! Stop the excuses, the limits you've placed and even your limited thinking on situations and start dreaming big. Start pursuing what God says about you!
Joel takes a very positive, encouraging approach that encourages every reader to go the next level through 10 different chapters. I learned the most in the chapter about removing the shame, especially when he talks about shaking off the shame. He says before we reach our highest potential, we must get rid of any shame and this statement is something I have had to unpack since reading this book. We cannot allow our past become our identity and so many of us allow it to shape our future. This chapter meant a lot to me.
Overall, this was an encouraging book, with a positive message.

[Mark]

Hi, friend. Are you shocked that I read this book? Well. I did.

Good stuff, as I suspected it would be, based on the level of screeching I've heard about it. I had never read an Osteen, nor ever watched a whole speech. Now that I have, and am not taking his work out of context, I would like to say something.

First, for the most part, what he taught in this book is true.

Second, I read NOTHING here of "prosperity gospel."

Finally, I wouldn't teach much of this the same way. There are times when he bends texts (like most evangelicals do, if we're being honest) to suit his teaching. But even when he did, I cannot think of a single time when what he was teaching wasn't true, though it could not he drawn from the Bible story he used exegetical.

So, in essence, good teacher, but poor exegete.

[KATHERINE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uno de los mejores libres que he leído

He conocido de Dios los últimos 33 años y nunca nadie me había explicado y me había mostrado los pensamientos de misericordia de Dios como él Pastor Joel. Es un abrir de ojos, para avanzar al próximo nivel. De verdad que escuchar una nueva forma de pensar con respecto al amor de Dios hacia uno como persona es gratificante, también el hecho de dejar fingir quien soy por el abundante amor que Dios tiene para mí fue libertador... lo recomiendo infinito % una sola leída no basta para impregnar tal sabiduría del amor de Dios. Ruego a Dios, le inunde de mayor sabiduría y bendiciones alma familia Osteen porque son Agentes de Cambio para el mundo

[W. Whalin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Engaging Book

Pastor Joel Osteen has an engaging speaking style but also a page-turning style of writing. I loved his work in NEXT LEVEL THINKING. As he writes, “Next level thinking says you have the right looks, the right talent, and the right personality. It might not be what somebody else has, but you’r not running their race. ..The whole key is to be you, because when you’re you, you activate your anointing. There’s a favor, a blessing, a grace that is unique to your life.” (pages 25-27)

As you read NEXT LEVEL THINKING, I recommend you keep a yellow highlighter. You will find great encouragement and inspiration in the pages of this book. I loved reading this book.

[Shannon Maddox · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was hard to rate. Like the previous volume I read from Osteen, the text was very encouraging. However, it was excessively repetitive, and some of the advice a bit shallow. Some of the issues Osteen covers require deeper healing than, "Just don't feel that way."

The book is too much candy for those wanting a meaty Bible-based volume. I wouldn't recommend this book to someone far along in their walk with Christ, but I would recommend it to someone new to faith who needs the basics.

While I didn't hate the book, I didn't particularly like it either.

[BlueO_128 · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was it. One of the best books I have ever read, written by a Christian pastor - Joel Osteen. In this book, the author has tried to look at the problems from a different point of view; showing that every good and bad event in our lives has a meaning. We should not look at the troubles we are facing as misery but as opportunities instead. Our problems challenge us in new manners and that challenge helps us nurture and grow. I suggest this book to anyone having hard times in their life and looking for a way to get out of the darkness they have created in their mind.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Your true friends are the ones who show up when you succeed. They celebrate when you're promoted. They're happy when God blesses you. They're high-fiving you when you move into that new house."
Joel is the master at leading people to think at a higher, spiritual level. He explains business, personal, and family examples. An individual's spiritual value always remains at the highest, spiritual level. I highly recommend reading Next Level Thinking.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with all books written but Joel Osteen, Next Level Thinking has a positive and uplifting message. This book stresses the power for personal success is within ourselves. It does not matter what has happened in the past, those hurtful events only have significance if you allow it to control your actions. Instead be in the present and look to the future with an affirming attitude. Have faith, pray and believe in yourself.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feelings of guilt and shame have followed me through my whole life. This book has helped me see it from God’s perspective and rise above that. It’s comforting to know that the mistakes that I’ve made in the past don’t decrease my value as a person. Learning to forgive myself may be one of the hardest things for me to do, but though His grace and love, I know one day I’ll overcome it and move on towards my destiny.

[Betty · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited to dive into this book but found I actually did not care or align with his way of thinking about certain aspects of parenting and how God sees/treats us. Towards the end, he redeemed the book a little bit by emphasizing grace and simply "being there" for people in times of need rather than giving advice or judgement which resonated with me. Overall, I just wasn't a big fan, more for personal reasons but I still found good parts throughout the book to keep me reading.

[Yulia · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, nothing to lift one out of a funk like Joel's uplifting words. After reading/listening to quite a few of his books I do find some repetitive messages. It doesn't bother me to hear these more than once. Like children, adults benefit from repetition too. I look forward to hearing something new from Joel in the near future. Curious to see if his collaboration with Kanye brings freshness to his services.

[Leslie Yong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praise for the book, Next Level Thinking
This is a very fascinating and motivational book. As like the title, the book bring the reader to the Next Level thinking with simple clarity and expounding on the true from the Scriptures to correct the many confused and perverted beliefs - such that can brings a total change to live a meaningful godly life. To really apply and live a successful victorious life as a child of the Most High God.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in awhile you come across a book that just jumps out at you. I loved this book because it is about a real relationship with a real God who loves us right where we are, period. Everyone needs encouragement on their journey through this life. One of Joel Olsen many gifts are being an encourager. Just read it you will be glad you did!!

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joel’s books are always so uplifting, and contain vital pieces in the puzzle of living a truly blessed life. I call my time reading or listening to Joel my “positive time” - and I highly recommend this whether you’re a new Christian or a very old one. It has something for everyone, and it is a blessing to whomever listens and heeds. 🙏🏻✝️

[Tim Blackburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

People don't determine our worth, God does. I have read or listened to many Joel Osteen books and this is my favorite. The author does a very nice job of stressing the importance and worth of each of God's children. He backs up his points with scriptural references. Important book for everyone but especially those who struggle with self esteem.

[Farshid Houshmand · Rating 3 out of 5]

eh, and meh...
I don't like mixing everything with religious beliefs...
no disrespect but, dude! you believe in good and the holy bible and all that stuff... we get that, Keep it to yourself...
wouldn't say this book is not worth your time though... you will be able to pass through the jargon and get the bigger picture; there is a message here, definitely!

[Dustin Henson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all of Osteen’s books, and this book was nothing short of another great Osteen book. Inspiring & uplifting, refreshing. It is not my favorite book by Joel, but if you like his books, you will like this one as well.

[Mitesh Patel · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you drop the religious teaching, the book makes sense:

1. Break barriers
2. Lose shame
3. Move up the next level
4. Odds are for you
5. Know your value
6. Know you are being loved
7. You are fully loaded
8. Live like a highest son/Sun
9.
10.

[Angie Dent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is powerful and will definitely get you fired up about your future!

I’ve read quite a few of Pastor Joel’s books and this one has helped me the most. Although the subtitle is “10 powerful thoughts for a successful and abundant life”, this book is so much more than “thoughts”. It’s about changing your thinking, attitude and actions to empower you to get to the next level.

I love how much this book demonstrates the amazing love God has for us. The way Pastor Joel explains the importance of recognizing God’s love helps increase trust in God for your future. It helps you see a better future, the way God planned it.

This book is extremely encouraging and is a wonderful guide for spiritual, economic and personal development. It will surely help you to get to your next level of success! It was so good, I read it twice and in record time!