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Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential
In this remarkable New York Times bestseller, Joel Osteen offers unique insights and encouragement that will help readers overcome every obstacle in their lives.
310 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2004
753 people are currently reading
9229 people want to read
About the author
Joel Osteen
542 books1,695 followersJOEL 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 662 reviews
July 31, 2007
I read this book because it is central to my dissertation research of the Prosperity Gospel. Had it not been, I never would have picked it up, and I cannot recommend it, either. Most of the views put forth by Pastor Osteen are at best heterodox to what most would consider the core of traditional, orthodox Christianity; at worst—and probably more correctly—they are heretical. The self-centered focus of the “steps,” not to mention the title, of this book place it outside the teachings of the historical Jesus and his apostles. While it is well-written and a quick read, it is deceptively perilous in its content.
June 8, 2010
People come down hard on Joel Osteen. By the religious he's accused of preaching a prosperity gospel (he doesn't). By the secular he's accused of having too much money (though he *shares* that wealth, and encourages others to do the same). Joel Osteen just can't stay out of trouble, but he is the head of the largest church congregation in America (http://www.sermoncentral.com/articleb...), with books on best-seller lists, so not everyone is critical of him. I'm not.
"Your Best Life Now" simply tells the truth: God wants to bless you- not just with financial success, but also happiness and companionship- but you have to be positive enough to accept those blessings. If you're going to keep turning down opportunities or refusing to look up when good things come your way, then you won't be blessed in those areas. God won't force on you that which you refuse to accept.
Pastor Osteen also outlines an individual's responsibilities to others- when you are blessed, give of your blessings. If you are lonely, so is someone else- help them out. Look for ways to be good to others. Let go of past pains. Choose to be happy. In this book, it isn't just about what you can get out of God. It's about being a *part* of things.
It's not a prosperity gospel. It really is about living *your best life now*.
Good for both Christians and non-Christians. I'm not Christian anymore, and I still found Pastor Osteen's words encouraging, inspiring, and at times convicting. The book has changed my outlook, and motivated me to think better of myself and try harder for good things rather than only worrying that nothing will ever change. I suggest this book for everyone, regardless of belief system, age, or place in life.
"Your Best Life Now" simply tells the truth: God wants to bless you- not just with financial success, but also happiness and companionship- but you have to be positive enough to accept those blessings. If you're going to keep turning down opportunities or refusing to look up when good things come your way, then you won't be blessed in those areas. God won't force on you that which you refuse to accept.
Pastor Osteen also outlines an individual's responsibilities to others- when you are blessed, give of your blessings. If you are lonely, so is someone else- help them out. Look for ways to be good to others. Let go of past pains. Choose to be happy. In this book, it isn't just about what you can get out of God. It's about being a *part* of things.
It's not a prosperity gospel. It really is about living *your best life now*.
Good for both Christians and non-Christians. I'm not Christian anymore, and I still found Pastor Osteen's words encouraging, inspiring, and at times convicting. The book has changed my outlook, and motivated me to think better of myself and try harder for good things rather than only worrying that nothing will ever change. I suggest this book for everyone, regardless of belief system, age, or place in life.
January 22, 2008
I tink that Jole Osteen is more of a motivational speaker. I belive he has a love for GOd, please don't get me wrong, however I do think that he is to focused on positive thinking. He says over and over again that if you think it, and believe it enough, than God will provide it. I don't necessarily belive that to be true. There are many bad things that happen to good people, and I belive there is a purpose and a plan for everything under HEaven, just like the Bible says.... you have to take the good with the bad in life... I guess this book just depends on your own religious views!
October 25, 2015
The book is heretical,
non-biblical,
satanic,
and repugnant.
It's teachings pathetically attempt to do away with God's word by using verses out of context and by arrogantly neglecting the attributes of the living God seen in scripture.
Mark my words, this man blatantly deceives.
Jesus is merely a footnote that satisfies his critiques.
Indeed, Joel Osteen denies the holy God of the bible by portraying a god he made up that flocks to "satisfy" all his fleshly desires, namely, temptations.
I would not recommend this book to anyone.
Please, seek the truth of God's word.
Here is link that shows of the truth of God's word, the gospel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zafCd...
non-biblical,
satanic,
and repugnant.
It's teachings pathetically attempt to do away with God's word by using verses out of context and by arrogantly neglecting the attributes of the living God seen in scripture.
Mark my words, this man blatantly deceives.
Jesus is merely a footnote that satisfies his critiques.
Indeed, Joel Osteen denies the holy God of the bible by portraying a god he made up that flocks to "satisfy" all his fleshly desires, namely, temptations.
I would not recommend this book to anyone.
Please, seek the truth of God's word.
Here is link that shows of the truth of God's word, the gospel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zafCd...
May 20, 2011
Osteen presents a Christian lifestyle very different from that lived by Jesus. In a time and culture where greed reigns supreme, it doesn't surprise me that his prosperity gospel and belief that being Christian grants one privileges, including a favored position in the checkout lane at the grocery store. He delivers a message that people want to hear, not that which Jesus preaches.
August 1, 2020
One needs to have mastered the Dark Tongue of Mordor to curse this book properly. There simply are not words in the English language to describe how awful, heretical, and ridiculous this book is.
Alas, there are not enough stars to rate this book—negative stars that is. I give it one star because when I hover over the first star GoodReads tells me this means "I did not like it." Indeed, I didn't like it—but that is an extreme understatement. May this book and its heresies be plunged like the ring that was altogether evil into flames, flames of the eternal hell hotter than Mount Doom.
The gospel is never presented.
Joel assumes all his readers are God’s children, and never tells them otherwise.
Wealth and health are worshipped, not God.
God is small and limited.
We are autonomous by our words and thoughts.
Faith is grounded in whatever I want to dream, not what God has revealed.
No Scripture passage is ever interpreted in light of its context.
Being negative or positive replaces sin and holiness as the primary categories of the “abundant life” and “old/new man.”
A simple change of mind for being positive replaces the mortification of sin unto holiness.
Alas, there are not enough stars to rate this book—negative stars that is. I give it one star because when I hover over the first star GoodReads tells me this means "I did not like it." Indeed, I didn't like it—but that is an extreme understatement. May this book and its heresies be plunged like the ring that was altogether evil into flames, flames of the eternal hell hotter than Mount Doom.
March 10, 2013
I was a college student going through one of the worst years of my life when a friend gifted this book to me with an inscription. It was EXACTLY what I needed at that time, and since then I have been a loyal Osteen supporter. I disagree with people who down this book and Joel by saying that he doesn't speak about the negative or not getting your way. They are missing the message. This book advocates that you can't use the bad stuff that happens as an EXCUSE to stay on a negative course or stop fighting the battle of overcoming bad circumstances, like so many people do. This book gives great examples of scripture and true stories to demonstrate how doing your part to act on your faith can lead to great things, even if they aren't the things you planned or it takes a long time to happen. Even his own dad died due to illness, so of course Joel knows that bad things happen to good people! This is a great book to read or reread when you need a strong push in faith or in taking action!
January 21, 2014
Joel Osteen is leading people to hell. The gospel that he is a preaching is a self-centered, God is my genie who grants wishes gospel. With that being said...
I read one review of this book that said something along the lines of "This entire book could be summed up in a pamphlet." I completely agree with that comment. I'll be honest, I started speed reading about halfway through the book because he was repeating himself over and over. The first few chapters explain what he is trying to say.
A lot of the things that Osteen says are very true! This book is not filled with blatant lies. Rather, the lies are more subtle. The underlying theme of each chapter is that if we have enough faith, God will bless us with lots of things on earth. He claims that the reason why we are going through difficult times is because WE ARE LIMITING GOD. Think about that statement. WE are the ones who control what God does. According to Osteen, God wants to give us lots of things but is prevented from doing that by our lack of faith.
This is just not true. The gifts that we receive on Earth has little to do with the amount of faith we have. We see in the book of Ecclesiastes that life is not fair. There are going to be unrighteous people who gain many rewards in this life and there will be many righteous people who suffer greatly.
There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity. –Ecclesiastes 8:14
God has given common grace to all people. That means that some wicked people will have many blessings. Is this a reward for their works? No! On the flip side, Jesus promised us that those who follow Him will suffer greatly while on earth! (John 15:20, Matt. 16:24) Our best life is NOT now. Our best life will be in heaven with Jesus Christ.
Another thing that stuck out to me was a story that Osteen told about his father. His father was also a pastor. One day a man in his (Joel's father) congregation came up to him and gave him a check for $10,000. What a gift! What did Joel's father do with that? He put that check right back in the offering so that it would bless the poor. This was an extreme act of generosity. One that should be commended and repeated! But how does Joel Osteen view it? As his father's "biggest mistake." He said that his father should have kept the money and that he was "rejecting God's blessing."
For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. -1 Timothy 4:4-5
Those verses clearly say that it is okay to receive gifts as long as we are receiving it with a spirit of thankfulness to God. However, there are many passages that also talk about being generous by sharing the gifts that God has given to us (1 Timothy 6:17-19, Proverbs 19:17, Acts 20:35) . If God has given you wealth or skills, those are not for you to keep to yourself. Those things are to be used to glorify God. What we recieve we give right back to God. There are also many passages that warn us to not make possessions our idols.
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. - 1 Timothy 6:9-10
We must be careful to be focused on material possessions. The gospel that Joel Osteen is preaching sounds like a “worship money/possessions gospel.”
Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” (Matt. 7:15). Joel Osteen is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
I read one review of this book that said something along the lines of "This entire book could be summed up in a pamphlet." I completely agree with that comment. I'll be honest, I started speed reading about halfway through the book because he was repeating himself over and over. The first few chapters explain what he is trying to say.
A lot of the things that Osteen says are very true! This book is not filled with blatant lies. Rather, the lies are more subtle. The underlying theme of each chapter is that if we have enough faith, God will bless us with lots of things on earth. He claims that the reason why we are going through difficult times is because WE ARE LIMITING GOD. Think about that statement. WE are the ones who control what God does. According to Osteen, God wants to give us lots of things but is prevented from doing that by our lack of faith.
This is just not true. The gifts that we receive on Earth has little to do with the amount of faith we have. We see in the book of Ecclesiastes that life is not fair. There are going to be unrighteous people who gain many rewards in this life and there will be many righteous people who suffer greatly.
There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity. –Ecclesiastes 8:14
God has given common grace to all people. That means that some wicked people will have many blessings. Is this a reward for their works? No! On the flip side, Jesus promised us that those who follow Him will suffer greatly while on earth! (John 15:20, Matt. 16:24) Our best life is NOT now. Our best life will be in heaven with Jesus Christ.
Another thing that stuck out to me was a story that Osteen told about his father. His father was also a pastor. One day a man in his (Joel's father) congregation came up to him and gave him a check for $10,000. What a gift! What did Joel's father do with that? He put that check right back in the offering so that it would bless the poor. This was an extreme act of generosity. One that should be commended and repeated! But how does Joel Osteen view it? As his father's "biggest mistake." He said that his father should have kept the money and that he was "rejecting God's blessing."
For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. -1 Timothy 4:4-5
Those verses clearly say that it is okay to receive gifts as long as we are receiving it with a spirit of thankfulness to God. However, there are many passages that also talk about being generous by sharing the gifts that God has given to us (1 Timothy 6:17-19, Proverbs 19:17, Acts 20:35) . If God has given you wealth or skills, those are not for you to keep to yourself. Those things are to be used to glorify God. What we recieve we give right back to God. There are also many passages that warn us to not make possessions our idols.
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. - 1 Timothy 6:9-10
We must be careful to be focused on material possessions. The gospel that Joel Osteen is preaching sounds like a “worship money/possessions gospel.”
Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” (Matt. 7:15). Joel Osteen is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
May 23, 2015
-Not- Okay
I was tempted to give two stars to this book because of some biblical wisdom principles and some moving illustrations. But two stars translates to, "It's okay." And it's just -not- okay for someone who claims to be a Christian to tell others how to live up to their created potential without telling them the gospel. That is, for people to reach their potential they must be restored to a right relationship with their Creator, and that can't happen without rudimentary knowledge of the answers to two questions a child could ask: "Why did Jesus have to die?" And "What does it mean to follow him?" Obviously that's not the book the author intended to write, but, given his Christianity and his topic, it should have been.
I was tempted to give two stars to this book because of some biblical wisdom principles and some moving illustrations. But two stars translates to, "It's okay." And it's just -not- okay for someone who claims to be a Christian to tell others how to live up to their created potential without telling them the gospel. That is, for people to reach their potential they must be restored to a right relationship with their Creator, and that can't happen without rudimentary knowledge of the answers to two questions a child could ask: "Why did Jesus have to die?" And "What does it mean to follow him?" Obviously that's not the book the author intended to write, but, given his Christianity and his topic, it should have been.
December 4, 2007
Joel is the pastor of Lakewood Church here in Houston. My father was a big fan of his father's - John Osteen, and our whole family would pile up on Sunday and drive out to hear him preach. Now Joel has taken over (John Osteen passed away) and his following is about 45,000 strong every Sunday, and he broadcasts around the world. This book is very uplifting and Joel tells us how God wants more for us than our minds are allowing, and how we can change that.
August 22, 2008
Two things: 1. Anyone who tells you there are 7 steps to blah, blah, blah is selling something. 2. The overarching word-of-faith theology that informs this book is biblically flawed and ignores a good bit of truth.
May 29, 2012
Blah blah blah more of the same from Osteen. A friend dragged me to one of his services in Houston years ago and it was very disquieting -- had a modern Jim Baker (sans tears) feeling. I think he's laughing all the way to the bank. I don't trust this individual in the slightest.
May 14, 2012
I hope one day Joel Osteen realizes that praying to God and reading the Bible doesn't always translate into material possessions. That's not what Jesus preached.
June 8, 2014
A book about how to treat Jesus like he's a personal genie and not your Lord and savior. Whoever doesn't preach the WHOLE gospel, doesn't preach the true gospel.
October 28, 2011
Before reading this book, I had a hard time with my family. I also had many discontent in my life. Especially, I have studied in order to go to school in USA for getting a master degree. Whole procedures were not easy for me to move forward with positive attitude. I'm allways nervious about my future and my result of test. I had no confidense and I'm crying all day with negative image. I almost thought a bad action. Whenever I face a barrier, I just try to avoid this circumstance. That was my life before meet with Joel Osteen.
Even though some people are saying about negative message about him, for me, his ward, ward from god make me happy and give me new energy to think about my life in a running mode. I hardly focus on my life for a long time. Every moment and every time, I'm afraid about my challenge and I hate many people who don't listen to my opinion. Sometimes, God is not existed for me because I couldn't read any message from him. However, this book stand me up and give me confidence how to live and how to love.
I'm happy now. I received a message from god and finally understand his plan. I don't afraid about my future and I don't concern about my family any more. God definitely understand and know my status and has seen my tears and weekeness. I try to move forward with his message and everymoment I take a consideraton his ward in deeply. I love my life and I love my God. Without any effeorts from me, there is no change and no bless.
1. Enlarge your vision
2. Develop a healthy self-image
3. Discover the power of your thoughts and words
4. Let go of the past
5. Stand strong against opposition and adversity
6. Live to give
7. And choose to be happy
Even though some people are saying about negative message about him, for me, his ward, ward from god make me happy and give me new energy to think about my life in a running mode. I hardly focus on my life for a long time. Every moment and every time, I'm afraid about my challenge and I hate many people who don't listen to my opinion. Sometimes, God is not existed for me because I couldn't read any message from him. However, this book stand me up and give me confidence how to live and how to love.
I'm happy now. I received a message from god and finally understand his plan. I don't afraid about my future and I don't concern about my family any more. God definitely understand and know my status and has seen my tears and weekeness. I try to move forward with his message and everymoment I take a consideraton his ward in deeply. I love my life and I love my God. Without any effeorts from me, there is no change and no bless.
1. Enlarge your vision
2. Develop a healthy self-image
3. Discover the power of your thoughts and words
4. Let go of the past
5. Stand strong against opposition and adversity
6. Live to give
7. And choose to be happy
February 28, 2014
In beginning this review, I will acknowledge that I followed the messages of Joel Osteen's father, John Osteen for many years. He was part of the first wave of word-based preachers (sometimes referred to as prosperity preachers) who gave a new generation of Christians a different outlook on God, the Bible, and the possibilities for their lives.
It is obvious to see the great impact and love that Joel has for his father and the things he accomplished. When the senior Osteen passed, the son took the mantle. Lakewood Church has grown leaps and bounds, now occupies the old Staples Center, and Joel Osteen has become a household name in Christian circles as well as secular.
This is his first book entitled Your Best Life Now – Seven Steps to Living at Your Full Potential and is a direct reflection of how he teaches each Sunday. I understand that he is considered more of an exhorter and inspirational speaker, and that some consider him "lite" on exegetic teaching.
But just as there is Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John there is a place for his approach. Based on his popularity, the size of his congregation, and his worldwide popularity, this message is one that is needed.
As a student of the success classics, and more contemporary works in the genre, Osteen has actually combined his core elements of spirituality and Christianity with the scientific elements of success.
He begins in chapter 1 by encouraging you to Enlarge Your Vision. Subsequent chapters include Choosing the Right Thoughts, The Power In Your Words and Reprogramming Your Mental Computer. These are the types of chapters you would expect to find in most secular success books. Of course, they are universal truths that don't require you to suspend your belief system - in fact, they support them!
Of course he addresses many of the aspects of specific Christian living with chapters such as God Has More In Store, The Purpose of Trials, Showing God's Kindness and Mercy and The Seed Must Lead.
Osteen does a great job of putting these elements together and making them seamlessly applicable to your life. It feels like an extension of his Sunday messages, which by his own admission in the beginning of his ministry, he wrote them out word for word and memorized them for delivery. Thus, the book reads very conversationally and it is easy to relate to how he is trying to transfer the information.
Because of my history following his father, I can see that Joel is living the life that was planted in him by his father. The genuine smile, compassion for people, and a passion for service cuts through very clearly in this book. And while many believe he is living a Pollyanna life, there is no doubt that what he has learned and what he is trying to convey to the reader through hard-fought challenges test and trials.
Myself, as a writer of sales, success and life mastery books, know that being branded an "eternal optimist" means people believe you are out of touch with hardships. The reality for me, and I believe Osteen, is that we are so in touch we have figured out how to rise above it in every circumstance and situation.
If you are someone looking for a more fulfilled life, and want to find answers for how to live joyfully and completely, I would highly recommend this book!
It is obvious to see the great impact and love that Joel has for his father and the things he accomplished. When the senior Osteen passed, the son took the mantle. Lakewood Church has grown leaps and bounds, now occupies the old Staples Center, and Joel Osteen has become a household name in Christian circles as well as secular.
This is his first book entitled Your Best Life Now – Seven Steps to Living at Your Full Potential and is a direct reflection of how he teaches each Sunday. I understand that he is considered more of an exhorter and inspirational speaker, and that some consider him "lite" on exegetic teaching.
But just as there is Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John there is a place for his approach. Based on his popularity, the size of his congregation, and his worldwide popularity, this message is one that is needed.
As a student of the success classics, and more contemporary works in the genre, Osteen has actually combined his core elements of spirituality and Christianity with the scientific elements of success.
He begins in chapter 1 by encouraging you to Enlarge Your Vision. Subsequent chapters include Choosing the Right Thoughts, The Power In Your Words and Reprogramming Your Mental Computer. These are the types of chapters you would expect to find in most secular success books. Of course, they are universal truths that don't require you to suspend your belief system - in fact, they support them!
Of course he addresses many of the aspects of specific Christian living with chapters such as God Has More In Store, The Purpose of Trials, Showing God's Kindness and Mercy and The Seed Must Lead.
Osteen does a great job of putting these elements together and making them seamlessly applicable to your life. It feels like an extension of his Sunday messages, which by his own admission in the beginning of his ministry, he wrote them out word for word and memorized them for delivery. Thus, the book reads very conversationally and it is easy to relate to how he is trying to transfer the information.
Because of my history following his father, I can see that Joel is living the life that was planted in him by his father. The genuine smile, compassion for people, and a passion for service cuts through very clearly in this book. And while many believe he is living a Pollyanna life, there is no doubt that what he has learned and what he is trying to convey to the reader through hard-fought challenges test and trials.
Myself, as a writer of sales, success and life mastery books, know that being branded an "eternal optimist" means people believe you are out of touch with hardships. The reality for me, and I believe Osteen, is that we are so in touch we have figured out how to rise above it in every circumstance and situation.
If you are someone looking for a more fulfilled life, and want to find answers for how to live joyfully and completely, I would highly recommend this book!
August 7, 2013
Joel Osteen really writes from the heart!
I really like that he does not sugar coat in the novels, he admits even though as a Pastor, he's not free from imperfections. I like that raw honesty. His patience was tested on a few times when he's car got scratched after the wash and when a pizza operator was impolite to him. Yes he knew then he could act then to ruin someone else day, but, he knew God was giving him a lesson he could learn. Perhaps is patience or perhaps being kind to the pizza operator because someone else was rude to her. I learned that is possible to turn every situation to a learning experience.
The beauty of his words are written in simple and easy to follow format. I really like his thoughts on acquiring abundance in life. To have abundance, in let's say in wealth or happiness, is to help others first, perhaps is to volunteer to help others improve their English to be a writer. Or if you want to be wealthy help out someone in need. There's a law of return and God wants to give you back in abundance for the action you did.
Other points I learned:
God keeps tab of how have you been doing. And is helping you to arrange to reach your best life. Continue to be a person of integrity and accountability.
Also be committed to excellence, as you would never know when one day, that one day you work for others could be hand delivered back to you. I like it how does a story of a wealthy businessman gave a project to a contractor to build a beautiful house, And the contractor decided to cut corners so that he can pocket the money. But in the end, the business man gave him the house! And he regretted it! Because his house wore out quickly and the money that he pocketed has been in the end used as maintenance! So it's very important to do any task right for the first time.
So give your best! Because every extra effort that you exude out would pay off!
Finally is definitely excitement and enthusiasm that would inspire people. Be a beacon of enthusiasm, as you may just change and alter someone's future! Since your infectious enthusiasm impact others.
As your attitude, would guide your thoughts, your thoughts would lead into your action and your action to your destiny.
Finally to hang out, because from what he quoted from the scriptures. Proverbs 13:20.
"Walk with the wise and become wise!"
What's more, this book inspired me to be the wise walker who ca bring joy, friendliness and enthusiasm to people's life!
I really like that he does not sugar coat in the novels, he admits even though as a Pastor, he's not free from imperfections. I like that raw honesty. His patience was tested on a few times when he's car got scratched after the wash and when a pizza operator was impolite to him. Yes he knew then he could act then to ruin someone else day, but, he knew God was giving him a lesson he could learn. Perhaps is patience or perhaps being kind to the pizza operator because someone else was rude to her. I learned that is possible to turn every situation to a learning experience.
The beauty of his words are written in simple and easy to follow format. I really like his thoughts on acquiring abundance in life. To have abundance, in let's say in wealth or happiness, is to help others first, perhaps is to volunteer to help others improve their English to be a writer. Or if you want to be wealthy help out someone in need. There's a law of return and God wants to give you back in abundance for the action you did.
Other points I learned:
God keeps tab of how have you been doing. And is helping you to arrange to reach your best life. Continue to be a person of integrity and accountability.
Also be committed to excellence, as you would never know when one day, that one day you work for others could be hand delivered back to you. I like it how does a story of a wealthy businessman gave a project to a contractor to build a beautiful house, And the contractor decided to cut corners so that he can pocket the money. But in the end, the business man gave him the house! And he regretted it! Because his house wore out quickly and the money that he pocketed has been in the end used as maintenance! So it's very important to do any task right for the first time.
So give your best! Because every extra effort that you exude out would pay off!
Finally is definitely excitement and enthusiasm that would inspire people. Be a beacon of enthusiasm, as you may just change and alter someone's future! Since your infectious enthusiasm impact others.
As your attitude, would guide your thoughts, your thoughts would lead into your action and your action to your destiny.
Finally to hang out, because from what he quoted from the scriptures. Proverbs 13:20.
"Walk with the wise and become wise!"
What's more, this book inspired me to be the wise walker who ca bring joy, friendliness and enthusiasm to people's life!
August 5, 2014
I picked this book up out of curiosity; I've grown up hearing all kinds of bad things about Joel Osteen. So I braced myself, and began with a very skeptical attitude. Which meant that I was not prepared for the blessing that I received in reading this book. Taking just this book, out of the context of Mr. Osteen's life and how he preaches and leads his church - not that I know anything about it, so I'm not suggesting anything - I found it to be not only very uplifting, but also surprisingly very convicting. With the same rigor that he pushes positivity and smiling, he also pushes high standards for Christian living. There was one story in particular in the chapter on living with integrity that convicted me to the point of changing my actions -- his father forgets to pay for his dry cleaning and it sits unpaid and forgotten until about 20 years later! His father remembers, is convicted, and tries to find the company to pay them back, but they don't exist anymore. He tries to contact the owner, only to find out that he died some years back. But instead of giving up, he searches until he finds one of the owner's children, and not only pays them back the price of what he owed in current value of the dollar, but with interest! There's a real purity of heart in many of the stories that I suppose are what grabs people and makes this a popular book. So after having a positive interaction with the book, I had to ask myself where did all the criticism come from? And upon further reflection, I do find one glaring fault hidden beneath the warm-fuzzies. It's subtle, but the aim is always your happiness and your prosperity, not God's glory. I can see where people who are not mature in their faith, and built their faith on this book, or the philosophy of this book would end up with a very warped faith. It also isn't able to reach into the most complex and disturbing aspects of life like pain and suffering and death, but I suppose I can't blame it for that since it doesn't seem to be made for that. I think it has a very particular place in Christian thought and a good one, but not to be mixed up with more foundational truths.
April 9, 2018
I listened to this audiobook at night- a little bit every night before bed. I found it a cross between a self-improvement, motivational book and a religious one. This is the first time I've ever read/listened to this author before. I had only seen hum 1 or 2 times while flipping through the TV channels on a Sunday.
He's a smooth talking preacher who gives you advice on how to improve your life through prayer and self motivation techniques. He sounds a lot like Tony Robbins in that respect. I guess what I'm saying is that I wasn't really impressed or unimpressed with the message- more like I am wary of the intentions of the messenger. I recall how during hurricane Harvey that he wouldn't open the doors to his church to help the people of Houston and that action disconnected me from him and the words of the book. I don't want to say he was hypocritical with his actions but... it sure seemed that way.
He's a smooth talking preacher who gives you advice on how to improve your life through prayer and self motivation techniques. He sounds a lot like Tony Robbins in that respect. I guess what I'm saying is that I wasn't really impressed or unimpressed with the message- more like I am wary of the intentions of the messenger. I recall how during hurricane Harvey that he wouldn't open the doors to his church to help the people of Houston and that action disconnected me from him and the words of the book. I don't want to say he was hypocritical with his actions but... it sure seemed that way.
November 2, 2011
My only negative comment to this is that everything in this book is from his sermons. If you've heard his sermons than you wont fin anything ne win this book, but its great stuff. His sermons are about living a better life with Jesus. Finding happiness with Jesus, how to include Jesus in your life and how to enjoy life Jesus' way. This book actually inspired me to start writing. My first manuscript was a preachy type book like this one, but somehow it fell into the paper shredder while I was sleeping.
It's amazing how God uses someone. Here we have a guy who did not want to preach at all ever. God called him one day, he answered and look at what has become of him and what he has done. Makes you wonder what God can do with you, once you answer his call.
It's amazing how God uses someone. Here we have a guy who did not want to preach at all ever. God called him one day, he answered and look at what has become of him and what he has done. Makes you wonder what God can do with you, once you answer his call.
October 16, 2014
"God helps those who help themselves." If the irony of this statement is lost on you, you'll love this book. I read it as prep and interpretation of my visit to Lakewood Church, which I very much enjoyed. A pleasant visit notwithstanding, the book is the verbal embodiment of the Feeding of the Five Thousand. Osteen takes a small amount of nourishment and stretches it, repetitively across a vast number of pages. Of course, he doesn't care what I or anyone else think, because he's basking in the proof that God wants him to be a champion, giving him the largest church in America, publishing deals, and a 24-hour channel on SiriusXM radio. Great work, America. You get what you deserve from your God and your #1 preacher.
April 21, 2012
Everyone needs a little bit of Joel's enthusiasm! This book reminded me to be encouraged, live with passion, not set limits on my faith and to live to give and bloom where you are planted! Great reminders of God's love and
blessings which should not be taken for granted. Enjoyed it!
blessings which should not be taken for granted. Enjoyed it!
August 19, 2009
i can't stand joel osteen.
September 11, 2010
Puke, gag, weep, evil, tragic, stunning. Longer lament forthcoming.
January 19, 2014
What a load of crap
March 5, 2020
Es el primer libro que leo de este pastor y tengo entendido que también es el primer libro que escribió, donde nos explica cómo quitarnos la manera de ser negativos, tanto en el hablar como en el pensar y ser más positivos con nosotros mismos, a través de 7 pasos, no es mal libro, pero en mi opinión siento que fue muy repetitivo, le pongo 3.5 estrellas!
Read
May 31, 2017I read this to laugh.
I laughed.
I laughed.
July 11, 2010
Though I read this book second after Osteen's "This Is Your Time" woke me up to the fact that I needed to stop being so hard on myself, this book still had some practical steps to walking in the Christian faith. It's somewhat of a retread of the aforementioned book, and the book fails to stress that bad things will still happen and offer advice with how to deal with those situations, but the basic truth that faith and love in Christ will lead to great things is still here. I don't believe your life will the perfect life this book sometimes makes it sound like you'll have once you start following the steps, but the steps are very basic, common sense steps you must make everyday in your walk with Christ. Overtly optimistic but with a lot of truth to it.
July 29, 2011
Pastor Osteen's book caught me at just the right time. A guest in our home accidentally left it behind and I picked it up on an impulse. Joel's words have given me a bit of the old spring in my step.
If you are "spiritually-oriented" like I am, don't take this book literally. Substitute "God" with "The Universe" or "Buddha" and all of a sudden the positive metaphors about synchronicity and faith fly. It's a good, easy read, taken in small doses. Search out the passages that resonate...and then re-read and reinvest in their messages. There are good, golden affirmations to mine.
I'm always searching for life lessons and learning to gain new perspectives (or renew old ones) for a more fulfilling, vital and balanced life. Joel Osteen's words are helping me.
If you are "spiritually-oriented" like I am, don't take this book literally. Substitute "God" with "The Universe" or "Buddha" and all of a sudden the positive metaphors about synchronicity and faith fly. It's a good, easy read, taken in small doses. Search out the passages that resonate...and then re-read and reinvest in their messages. There are good, golden affirmations to mine.
I'm always searching for life lessons and learning to gain new perspectives (or renew old ones) for a more fulfilling, vital and balanced life. Joel Osteen's words are helping me.
January 5, 2015
Firstly, I'm not Christian by anyone's reckoning and secondly, I wasn't looking to be when I read this book. I read it because I was at work and had literally nothing else to do at the time and it was on hand. I was a bit surprised to find that I agree with some of what Osteen had to say, but I really just cannot get on board with the whole surrendering to a higher power thing; it sounds lazy and like you're denying your own abilities. Osteen doesn't seem to be one of those Christians that is so absorbed in their faith that they've become completely out-of-touch, but I also think most of his advice comes down to common sense.
So, I don't think this book will lead most people the wrong way, but unless you're very, very lost, (or maybe spiritual) I doubt you'd get much use out of it.
So, I don't think this book will lead most people the wrong way, but unless you're very, very lost, (or maybe spiritual) I doubt you'd get much use out of it.
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