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Your Best Life Begins Each Morning: Devotions to Start Every New Day of the Year

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Approach each day with joy, build positive expectations, and begin living your best life with this year of devotions designed to strengthen your faith and resolve.Bestselling author Joel Osteen writes, "When you get up in the morning, the first things you should do is set your mind in the right direction . . . and then go out anticipating good things."Now, for the first time, Pastor Osteen presents a tool to accomplish that goal. Based on his book, Your Best Life Now, he offers prescriptions for positive living in 365 daily messages. Each message is accompanied by a relevant scripture.

392 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

345 people are currently reading
1343 people want to read

About the author

Joel Osteen

541 books1,694 followers
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.

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5 stars
547 (66%)
4 stars
184 (22%)
3 stars
61 (7%)
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10 (1%)
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16 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Karina.
1,027 reviews
November 11, 2019
I love books like this. I'm going to continue reading until the end of the year. I'm basically done with it as it is a small book and easy to get through. I enjoy my safe space with God. I need this when I'm anxious or out of sorts. It's like He's talking to me. Joel Osteen is a fantastic speaker. I hope he's as authentic as he seems.

I loved the Bible quotes on Moses, Abraham, Noah etc. It's just a feel good, I'm here for you, God makes no mistakes book of LOVE. Peace be with you.
Profile Image for Wendi.
91 reviews12 followers
December 16, 2008
Perfect for : Personal Use, Great gift

In a nutshell: This is a wonderful book for daily use, that helps to start the day on a positive/inspiring note with biblical inspiration. It is small, about 6 inches tall, 4 inches wide and about 1 inch thick - it will fit great in a purse, glove box, desk drawer, etc, just put it somewhere so you can read it every morning. There is an inspirational thought and bible verse for each day of the year, and each one takes only a minute or two to read, but will help you stay inspired all day! This would be a great gift for any religious friend or relative you want to provide encouragement to.

Extended Review:
Content: I've taken the time to read ahead in the book so I could do a better review. I love the different ways I am encouraged each morning, revisiting my hopes and dreams (Jan. 1), looking at where you want to be in the future (Jan. 26th), "Dare to be Happy" with who you are (April 17th), etc. I've provided a few themes that are supported by scripture and examples, along with a great thought for the day.

Format: The book is very easy to follow - there is a short introduction, then a page for each day that includes: the date, a title theme, a scripture supporting the theme, and a story or example that ends with a type of thoughtful reflection for the day. The book has a section for notes at the end, and a built-in ribbon bookmark to help you easily find the next day.

Readability: Wonderfully easy to read, with a consistent format.

Overall: A great way to start the day! And it only requires a few minutes to read (maybe less?), and you will gain insight into yourself and great thoughts to take you through the day.
Profile Image for Esse.
14 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2012
A great easy way to start each day. No matter what religion his message of positive thinking is always relevant and true.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
674 reviews
December 20, 2016
I bought this little book a few years ago and enjoyed the thoughts for the day each page contained. I started reading it again this year. It was just a nice way to start each day.
Profile Image for Angela R. Hennen.
22 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2018
Inspirational and Motivational

Self help to inspire and motivate.! Increase your faith and keep a positive attitude with a daily calender reading. This devotional offers wisdom in the Constantinople the daily scripture to start your day off on a positive note! I felt filled with encouragement and the holy spirit with each day this past year. I just bought two hard copies to gift them to my sons. I think I just might read it again for 2019.
Profile Image for Alissa Cook.
43 reviews4 followers
January 12, 2012
I have several books just like this one, and I love them all!! It's so nice to read these each day. There's one page dedicated to each day of the year. I have plenty of time to do my thing in the mornings but I know some of you are on a tight schedule each day and don't have time to spare. This book is perfectly suited for you, in that if need be, the day's excerpt can be read very quickly and you can move on if you don't have the time to sit and ponder what you've just read, sort through your thoughts, and pray like I do. Sometimes it gets really exciting and I wake up to find out that the reading for that day totally hits the spot and is aimed specifically towards something I'm struggling with at the moment or something major that is currently happening in my life. It doesn't happen every day, but it's definitely exciting when it does! If it doesn't though, either way, I still enjoy starting/ending my days with these devotionals. They are most certainly helping to improve and strengthen my once long lost relationship with God.
Profile Image for Linda Appelbaum.
519 reviews6 followers
January 25, 2013
I have read a page a day just as the book is laid out and I have found it to be a fine way to begin the day. Each several pages have a theme - forgiveness, visualizing something better for your life, gratefulness, etc. I find myself thinking about something I read earlier and I like that the book has made me focus on different aspects of my life and hopefully be a better, more thoughtful person. The book has helped me put certain things in perspective and made me think about things and has made me aware that my thinking can shape my life. I love his positive attitude and hope my attitude is more positive because of reading a page a day! I will continue to read it...again!(less)
Profile Image for Holly (2 Kids and Tired).
1,060 reviews9 followers
January 12, 2009
A beautiful little book. Each day starts with a scripture and short essay or thought to reflect upon. The emphasis is positive thinking, not dwelling on the mistakes of yesterday, and allowing God to touch and inspire your life.

Terrific as a stand-alone devotional book, or as an addition to your daily scripture reading. It's the perfect size to stash in your purse if you want something uplifting to read while you're waiting in line somewhere.
Profile Image for Sonia Steinbach.
31 reviews3 followers
November 24, 2019
This is a good book don't get me wrong...there is nothing wrong with positive words, but there are days when you are going through a rough time and you want to hear more than the simple words, "Don't give up faith, "Be happy", etc. These devotionals were super short, and I like a little more to read where it gets me thinking afterwards, and lifts you up more spiritually.
Profile Image for Mary.
19 reviews
July 12, 2016
What a great read to start your day. Very inspiring and will get your day going in the right direction. This is a great book for those who "don't have time to read." All you need is a few minutes everyday.
45 reviews
January 1, 2018
Positive words to start each day

You can hear Joel’s resounding words as you read through each day’s message. Many times those words spoke to me. If you like Joel’s sermons on TV or radio, you will enjoy this day to day read.
2 reviews
January 1, 2020
On point

These messages always seem to be speaking directly to me. Reading each morning helps me stay focused and calm. This book makes you strive harder to be a better person, and brings you closer to God. Thank you Joel. God bless.
162 reviews2 followers
December 9, 2020
This is an excellent reference to fall back on. We all need these little prayers in our lives.

You should always be happy for what you have. But you should make the everyday beautiful.. Be the best in your life.
2 reviews30 followers
July 21, 2011
Great book! Has inspirational daily reading for everyday living. Love it!
Author 9 books4 followers
September 18, 2011
I love this little book! It has a permanent spot on my nightstand.
Profile Image for Candace  C.
387 reviews6 followers
December 31, 2017
These devotionals gave me some motivation to start my day, every day. I needed each one especially going to the workplace, being in the presence of non-believers & overall negative people.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
358 reviews3 followers
November 5, 2019
My morning devotional for 2018. Loved it!!!
1 review
December 20, 2020
Motivating

I found this book to be very motivating. Reading this every morning helped me improve my attitude at work and at home.
Profile Image for Andy Febrico Bintoro.
3,658 reviews31 followers
May 14, 2022
The content in this devotional was more diverse than other by the same author. The devotion covers many aspect and not just focused on the blessing positivity. The content was short on each devotion.
51 reviews
April 1, 2022
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.
Profile Image for Warpedmind.
579 reviews
June 6, 2018
A very positive uplifting daily reading. Joel will find the most positive daily scriptures from the bible and have a story to fit that scripture or just explain what is going on during that time period and how it relates back to you now. It seems to understand my burdens and talks to me daily for a boost of courage and understanding.
Profile Image for Anne Marie.
857 reviews13 followers
December 31, 2019
This book of daily inspirations introduced me to Joel Osteen. I’m hooked by his faithfulness and positivity. Most of the daily readings were just what I needed to start off the day on a positive note. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get their year off in a positive direction and learn about how God wants each of us to live our best life!
Profile Image for Whit.
3,639 reviews51 followers
August 31, 2025

Absolutely beautiful and uplifting! Christian Inspiration at its best!

Every Sunday morning I would read between 5-10 pages.

The beautiful and encouraging words would lift my spirit and make me smile!

Highly recommended!
26 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2023
Give this book as a gift to someone and change their life for good.
Profile Image for L.C. Tang.
Author 2 books204 followers
August 3, 2022
Great daily devotional bite sized nuggets of wisdom to start each day!
768 reviews24 followers
December 5, 2008
This is an attractive devotional book but it seems as dedicated to the power of positive thinking as to God.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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