7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential - Your Best Life Now

The Greatest Sales Book Ever Written
Most people miss the point. In your face selling of any idea, religion, product, or philosophy never works. That's why so many people selling religion fail and why Joel Osteen has the largest church in the country. He keeps his books and his TV ministries "light" as to light the spark in people; a spark that has always been there but needs fuel. That is why Joel has touched more lives and deepened more peoples commitment than others in the same profession. Most Americans are unaffiliated and "un-religious". Most of the negative commentators take an approach of stating their beliefs and then arguing with people. A great teacher or salesman asks questions and gets people thinking. A great teacher and salesman inspires people to take action. They don't slam people with their ideas, they inspire them. As people are touched by Joel and his positive message of hope, many will decide to start studying the Bible and as they do they will naturally become more spiritual and religious. Most people miss this point and never spark anyone to do anything.

Jesus Christ did not sacrifice himself on the cross so we can be blessed with material things, and be 'happy'. He did it so that we can repent of our sin, and receive God's gift of salvation and eternal life. Our sanctification includes necessary tough times, including times of personal great loss and sadness. These are used by God to grow us in holiness so that we might achieve God's plan for us. Taking scripture out of context to 'prove' a point is dangerous, deceptive and destructive. It was used by Satan at Jesus' temptation. Avoid this book, and all others not grounded in truth.

This work is in the character of Joel Osteen's presentations every Sunday. The author sets forth some simple steps to achieve
self-actualization within a spiritual context. He asks that we
raise expectations and set realistic boundaries. Many problems
in life happen because people don't respect boundaries of all
kinds. In Hebrews 11:1, Faith is defined as evidence of things
we can't see. Non-believers would have faith if they could
verify G-d empirically.

Christ asks that we believe as a condition precedent to receiving Him into our hearts and lives. Anyone can believe after seeing materialistic evidence; however, the blessed are those who do not see yet believe. In Acts 20:35, the gospel states that " It is more blessed to give than receive." The act of giving generates
joy and a general well-being on the part of those receiving
the benefit. At times, the giving may make a difference in
a person's life or in the life of a group.

A person who donates a vital organ gives life and quality of life back to the recipient. A person who donates time may bring comfort and relief to a party in distress . A party or couple who adopt a child may bring a sense of stability and order into the life of the child. A caretaker brings comfort to an elderly person in the sunset of life.

The author demonstrates how the passing of the old heralds the
new. The fall of the Berlin wall brought about freedom for
Eastern Europe. The turn of the new century brought about
a sharper focus on the global goals for this century both
spiritual and temporal. In the Third World, the Christian
churches are growing at a rapid rate.

There are many valuable proverbs and stories contained within
Joel Osteen's presentation. As such, the acquisition would be
very valuable for most students of philosophy and religion.
The general public would benefit from the wisdom contained
in the presentation. In addition, the work would be perfect for
generating comparative religious discussions on the interpretation of the Old Testament and comparative theological
points of view.

The presentation is very much in the character of the ministry
on Sunday mornings. The diction is folksy. There is an emphasis
on belles lettres literature with sporadic true stories of
triumphs and crises in the lives of the local church-goers.
Religion is very much a way of life. It consists of a collection
of beliefs passed down over the centuries by way of the Gospels,
Dead Sea Scrolls and other scholarly interfaith documents
and stories.

I have never believed in God. I personally have never felt that it really spoke to me in my practical every day life, Until I watched Joel speak. His advice reaches everyone, even non-belivers.. Isn't that what religious groups try to achieve? To spread the word and faith in God.. Joel's presentation (the positive aspect) reaches me. I've seen many other preachers threaten me with Hell and damnation, but I've never seen one tell me the good parts. He makes me think I can actually live up to what the bible says I should.. Thanks to Joel I have a real life guide on how to improve myself, my relationships, and how to put God in my everyday life.

I never really write reviews, but here goes.
I'm currently a senior in high school and a follower of Christ. I've never believed the prosperity gospel was biblical, but I started reading this book to be educated about what Joel Osteen believes.

First, this book is so hard to read. I've read nine pages, and I haven't read a single thing about Christ.
I'm just going to share some of the quotes so far because they speak for themselves:
"but if you develop an image of victory, success, health, abundance, joy, peace, and happiness, nothing on earth will be able to hold those things from you." p 5
"God wants to increase you financially, by giving you promotions, fresh ideas, and creativity." p. 5
"I told her all the reasons why I doubted [we could buy a nice 2 story house]. She said, 'No, Joel; I feel it deep inside. It's going to happen'"

Hahhahaha. It is just so humorous... Anyways. Here are my thoughts:
1. Is our prosperity and wealth and happiness about US or about GOD? Prosperity is when we flourishing financially and we're content with our lives as a result. Desering prosperity is inherently self-centered because we want to reap money for ourselves and our happiness. God is merely our genie who answers our plea for more success when we "have faith" and realllyyyy "believe."

2. Our joy should solely come from our relationship with God. If money satisfies me and ultimately makes me happy, money=happiness, right? I thought this theory had been long disproven, even in the world's eyes! Regardless, if money takes up the space and emptiness in my heart designed for God, there is no room for God in my heart.

3. What's interesting is, this striving for wealth is materialistic in the eyes of any average Joe. Would not a Christian also see that THIS IS SO SHALLOW?!?!? Sorry. When we seek wealth and prosperity, we are laying up treasures where moths and dust gather, not treasures in heaven. There is no eternal value in prosperity.

4. Logically speaking, Osteen's ideas should be applicable to every human being on the earth, right? So... If we put this book and these ideas in the hands of every single human being on earth, each one would eventually somehow attain prosperity right? Osteen's making promises and claims in the name of God to every person...whose every circumstance he has no control over. Somehow though, everyone should still end up prosperous, happy, and successful,

5. Can we be realistic? Is some optimism and a sprinkle of god going to get you success? Maybe if you really believe... You can achieve...and you will succeed... As for myself, I choose the path of taking up my cross as we are called to do.

This book touched me strongly because although it certainly originates from a Christian viewpoint, it focuses on the concept of God as I view God, a spiritual being of "good." The principles and encouragement he provides will apply to anyone regardless of their individual religious affiliation. Joel Osteen provides clear, simple steps and philosophies for conducting one's life with integrity and encouraging a belief system of expectancy. My outlook on things improved immediately! I found that after finishing the book I wanted to read it again and plan to use it as a constant source of inspiration and guidance. Don't let any concerns about religious evangalism or Christian preaching prevent you from reading this. I think if more people read this book and followed his advice we would all benefit. Highly recommended!

I purchased this book about a couple of weeks ago. I had seen Joel Osteen's program on Sunday mornings several times and I had been impressed with his upbeat message.

I have also read the negative reviews on this forum. I have to say, that as someone who was raised with a horrific view of God, Joel Osteen has changed my perception of God entirely. Last week it was the best week I've had in years. I've been applying his suggestions and it's changed me and as a result the world around me.

True it did not work all the time and when it doesn't, I know it's simply because I'm not entirely working with God, no biggie. I just look for areas that need to be worked on and move on.

Someone also said that the book must be for intelligent people and that the slower ones will have a harder time. I believe we all have the potential to make things happen in our lives. God gave us all the same things. Let's not forget the mustard seed that Jesus spoke about. If God gave the mustard seed all that potential why would God deny us the same? It's impossible.

Several people have also stated that to aim higher one has to read Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life. I think that to aim higher one must, at least, read this book instead.

But Joel Osteen showed me what I needed to see that God loves me and I am his creation and as such I should behave as such, that is: With love in my heart for all I encounter, with joy to be alive, with gratitude that I am God's child and most of all that Jesus walks with me 24/7.

Of course, being of positive mind, good things have and will continue to happen in my life. And Joel Osteen, contrary to what the naysayers have stated on this forum, has got me started to read the Bible all over again with fervor and conviction and has got me thinking about joining a church and I have prayed for one and when I'm ready, I know God will show it to me. In other words, when you work alonside of God, things aren't as difficult. I'm proof of that being an undeniable fact of life.

God bless you all!

I have never been one to listen to tele-evaneglists, thinking that they are all jokers and scammers who don't live the life they preach to others.

Joel Osteen caught my attention one day and I listened for a little while. I liked his words but flipped on by after a few minutes. Each time I would see him on, I'd pause and listen longer than the last time.

His message is simple, practical and real to me. I like what he says and the way he says it. I've heard from someone who has spent time with him and his family that "What you See is What you Get" with Joel Osteen.

While strolling around the bookstore, I came across this Book with his smiling happy face on the cover and began flipping through the pages. I read through the chapter about his mother being diagnosed with cancer and that story. It made me buy the book. What a miracle!

I feel he is the real thing. After reading some of his stories I got a sense that he had experiences of being tempted to be mean and nasty and then changed it to show blessing. He actually tells you his faults in thinking and how he overcomes them. He speaks of the "enemy" and OSHO says "the Ego is the Enemy." You could call it the Ego, the devil... doesn't matter.

Joel Osteen appears to me to be a messenger for the modern person who feels alone and unloved, downtrodden and weary....as well as for those who are already celebrating life and living in the Now. His positive and uplifting words speak across religions and across cultures right to the heart of the person.

I hope to attend his service in Boston in March or when he comes to NY again.

Great to read before bedtime and as soon as you wake up in the morning... It's helped change my outlook in many ways.

Om

A friend loaned me her audio CD's for for Joel Osteen's "Your Best Life Now." I didn't know much about Joel Osteen, although I had heard of him, and I wasn't really expecting to have been so engaged with this audio book. With the start of a new year, Joel's messages were just what I needed to hear. Listening to his audio book came at the precise right time: I was dealing with emotional issues (a daughter, son-in-law and grandbaby who had moved away), plus health issues. I believe God intervened at my life with these audio CD's at the perfect time. I would highly recommend Joel Osteen's "Your Best Life Now" to anyone. You don't need to be going through a rough time to appreciate his messages of God's Word. His own personal life stories and testimonies are quite interesting, and it is obvious he is a man of great faith, but he is also very real, very down to earth. I think you will feel blessed, as I have, when you hear Joel's messages.

I have been a Christian for 32 years and I have to say that Joels book renewed my joy and outlook on life. He gives such a postive spin on life and how to view it. He has been thru trial and he does not say we will not have it, but he is saying to put our trust in the word of God and his promises for us. He is right I have found it in my own life. He is telling us to look up at God and not down at the problems. When we do we can become mired down in them instead of feeling like we are on top of them. He gives us the encouragment to see things in a postive light with the help of God not just some exortation of new ageism...but with the help of God. I don't think because I read this book I am going to be rich beyond my wildest dreams but he says dream, ask, visualize what you want and then pray and work for it. That is comman sense really. How much of our life is based on negative thinking? How much more could I have done in my life up to this point if I had a postive approach? This book was a great joyful wake up call to me and very healing as I came out of a time of great difficulty in my life. I am so very grateful I read it.

Whose name is glorified? Joel Osteen's or God Our Father's in Jesus Christ? His face is up front and personal. And I mean Joel Osteen's. In his services, it is notable the globe of the world spinning in the center of the stage. The cross and the altar are not noticeable...if they have one. However, they DO have a giant american flag over the sanctuary. One wonders if this is a church, or a success in life positive power of thinking group that meets every Sunday to charge their batteries, like a giant pseudo psychology session for patients with issues in self esteem.

This kind of church and book are now everywhere. It is a formula. The ministry is named after the pastor, and when the man who founded it dies, they pass it on to the children. This is no doubt a marvelous gold mine for Joel and Victoria Osteen. A slogan ministry, with fast one liners and toss offs. He regularly glorifies himself in print and speech reguarding all the good he does for the "little people" out there who are mere Christians. No doubt, he already is planning to lead the services of heaven, along with a release of his new book..."Move Over Jesus, I am HERE!" which he will release when touring heaven in his entourage appearing in all the giant venues and stages, using his choir and orchestra as the hook to draw in the Christian saved on the other side. Hmmm.

Some fellow Christians may have no trouble with this approach and with this book, but I do. This does not sit right. Seems that ever since they built the new sanctuary...or remodeled it... the emphasis has been on programs of promotion, money, tithes (for them), and sales. Makes me want to run. This is not the God centered, Christ centered worship and Christianity that I grew up with. My father was a minister of a large church in the Northeast, and he worked hard, and took no favors and never capitalized on the church for his own selfish interests and benefits. The church was not handed to me or my brothers because we attended my daddy's church and were his blood offspring. Perhaps that is okay to do... as long as JESUS is in the center, and not money, power, success, and self promotion. If he takes his name off the ministry and gives it back to God and the Holy Spirit, I will have a lot less trouble with all of this.

This book was absolutely incredible. Joel Osteen has a way of really connecting with the reader. I felt like the book was geared more towards older adults who have a steady income and family, but even so, I am a 21 year old college student and felt like I could connect with the book really well. This might sound so cliche, but this book really made me a better person. I learned so much from Joel and what he had to say in his book. This is a great read and I definitely recommend it.

I read this book when it first came out.

I thoroughly enjoyed it and it has excellent messages to inspire you to lead a happy, peaceful, purpose driven life.

His writing is as good as his lectures and it encompasses all of his messages.

My favorite message is " as a man thinketh, so shall he be ". This seems to be the key to all of life. You can focus on what is missing and more of what is missing will show up in your life. You can place your thoughts on what you would like to attract or manifest and that is precisely what will show up.

I also bought the CD series so I can get a top up on the way to work. You become what you think about and what you expect out of life. If you are a good person and what you desire does not interfere with others, then "know" that this is what will show up in your life.

Fear and Ego are your biggest enemies. Knowing that you are a creation of God and a part of your creator, you have the ability to manifest in your life but only if you think you can..."even the least among you can do this and greater things..." and " with God, ALL things are possible.

If you doubt, then more uncertainty will show up.

If you believe, then you can and will manifest your desires.

Excellent message for all, Christian and non Christian!

I think the book is best for Christians who already know the stories of the Bible because Pastor Joel Osteen mentions them in relation to what he is writing about.

If you already don't know the basic stories of the Old Testament, it might be good to learn them first.

The book does have great psychology in it too, like on page 145 where Pastor Joel says some people really don't want to get well, they like the attention too much.

In my opinion, some people in psychology don't encourage people to try better each day to overcome their illness.

Pastor Joel Osteen preaches a simple message, one that I learned in Sunday school in the Baptist Church and United Methodist Church as a child, but like most Christians, have forgotten as an adult. Ask God to forgive your sins from yesterday, forgive yourself, don't live an ungodly life, and live your best life now.

I have watched PJO and believe that He is one of the most anointed men of God especially for this time. A lot of people don't understand WOF preachers because they think that we believe that we are exalting ourselves and by speaking alone we can be successful. That is far from the truth. We are only successful through Christ. He gets all the glory. However, there is power to speaking God's Word. We are made in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:26-28) (no, we are not God) and we have His authority in the earth to change our cirumstances when we speak God's Word (not by speaking what we want). Heb 4:12 proves that God's Word is alive. Also, look at how God created the earth? By speaking it. Gen 1 proves that. People don't realize how powerful thoughts are. I know that whatever I think about, I do. I challenge you to pay attention to what your thinking and see if you follow it. That is why God's Word said that we have to not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind (how? with the Word of God) Romans 12:2 I also want to say that if people are improving their lives in the world and the world's way, why can't us Christians improve their lives God's way? Pastor Osteen, if you ever read this, I just want to say thank you for being such a blessing in my life. May God Bless you Richly.

If you're a Christian, you'll be delighted to find a book on how to live your life in constructive ways that's supported by the Bible, telling examples and positive energy. If you happen to enjoy Pastor Osteen's on-line broadcasts of services from Lakewood, you'll recognize many of the stories and examples. I could almost hear his voice as I read the inspirational words.

If you are not a Christian, you may find this faith-based approach to living life to be challenging to your beliefs. Perhaps that challenge will be a rewarding one for you.

To me, the book has tremendous ring of authority as Pastor Osteen recounts examples from his own family where faith and positive thinking made a difference such as his mother's recovery from liver cancer, his sister's regaining her health and overcoming the setback of a failed marriage, and his own doubts has he unexpectedly tried to fill the large shoes his very successful father left for him.

The seven lessons won't surprise too many people, but the positive way that they are expressed can uplift you. One of the reasons that I enjoy watching Pastor Osteen's services is that God's grace just seems to glow from his body as he tells you that God wants you to be a victor, not a victim.

Here are the seven lessons:

1. Enlarge your vision (what you focus on is what you get)

2. Develop a healthy self image (believe you can do it!)

3. Discover the power of your thoughts and words (your thoughts and words can pave the way to real changes around you)

4. Let go of the past (focus on what you want)

5. Find strength through adversity (trust God to get you there in His own good time)

6. Give! (giving opens up the doors of receiving)

7. Choose to be happy (enthusiasm for opportunity helps create fine results)

Many people feel that Christians need to be focused on avoiding sin and repenting. Yes, those are good things to do. But they can tie you too much to your past. Once God has forgiven you, He wants you to move forward. It's important to remember that point.

Will reading this book change your life? Yes and no. If you follow the book's precepts for a year, yes it will. If you read the book, put it down and do nothing different . . . no.

Read this book, apply it, pray for God's guidance to help you, and be the person God wants you to be!

May God bless you.

I always have loved watching Joel Osteen whenever he is on TV. His messages are all about hope and how, if we just believe, we can receive. That our lives are in God's hands but at the same time, we do have a say in our lives as well.

His book is very much the same thing as his preachings but they go into further detail that he cannot cover in a half-hour time span. I want to let everyone know that this book is more of a faith-based self-help book and not some of those Dr. Phil-like books. Not saying there's anything wrong with the latter, just trying to point out the differences.

Anyone who is religious will definitely find this book to be worthwhile! It was hard for me to put it down because Joel has a way with words and making us feel happy and wonderful. I suggest everyone give it a try.

I have read my share of Motivational and Spiritual books. Joel Osteen's style and approach leaks of true sincerness. I felt as if he were in my home talking directly to me. This book came in a time during my life when I truly needed some encouragement. Things in my life such as my divorce, and my business doing poorly resulted to me second guessing my capability. I understand now that despite of things not looking so great that they can change. I just need to stay encouraged. Thank you Mr Osteen for your positive contribution to the literary world.

Adra Young/ Ardannyl

Author of: The Everday Living of Children & Teens Monologues

What is it with self-help and numbers? We have 10 Committments, 7 Habits, 4 Agreements, 5 Love Languages, 6 Essential Steps, 12 Weeks, 21 Productivity Principles, 52 Great Ways...Lord, help us! Here comes televangelist Joel Osteen, smiling with eyes rolling like slot machines in Vegas, giving us seven (more or less) steps that we Earthlings can do to live to our full potential. Since they all center around "getting right with God" (so he can get right with us and bestow his blessings) there is an awful lot of overlap, redundancy and sheer fluff.

Here's the problem with this approach: For every Sally who wins the Publishing Clearing House Sweetstakes because she started reading her Bible there is a church-going Laura whose husband was killed in an automobile wreck. And yes, I know the Lord works in mysterious ways...although how having your husband die is for the better somehow escapes me at the moment. Adopting the Osteen philosophy means building and fortifying a religion based on one's experiences rather than study, theology or faith. It means continually interpreting the actions of everyday life in order to determine if God's hand was behind Johnny's A+ in English or the Devil sneaked in for Billy's F in Chemistry. It means that the individual decides when (or if) God is speaking and worse, what he's trying to say. It means that those who are happy are "right with God" while those who are sad are not using the 7 steps to full potential (translated: material happiness).

To live to your full potential requires nothing more than a searching mind, a loving spirit, an open heart and a refusal to substitute divine intervention for luck (good or bad). One must look at the big picture - yes, God may have saved a poor baby in the Tsunami...but he allowed 200,000 to die in the process. For every Aunt Martha miraculously healed from her fatal illness there are 50 other patients who die. I believe that many who read books like this are sincere; they are searching for answers and what better way than to believe that God is present in all things (except when the pesky Devil intervenes with bad people) and if we only believe, we will be happier (and perhaps richer). As a philosophy, it requires no study, no contemplation and is subject to endless interpretation to fit individual neees - in other words, the perfect religion for the 21st century.

I can not understand those of us who have written such negative things about Joel's book. If you read the Old Testament, yes God was very harsh. However, wasn't that the whole purpose of God giving us His only begotten Son? If you read the New Testament, Jesus, just like Joel, related stories of encouragement, hope, and love. Of course, Joel is not Jesus, but at the very foundation of this entire book, Joel preaches about the love of our Lord and Savior. In the Book of James, it says that "Faith without works is dead." Joel's book is one that simply says if one has faith and serves the Lord (works) then he will be blessed. Joel never says that there will not be hard times, but what he does say is that if we just hold on and keep the faith, God will give us the desires of our hearts. Please note that "desires of [our] hearts" is found within the pages of the Bible. Maybe the person who is blessed with that parking space has that in his / her heart. Maybe Joel had a desire to have such an expensive home in his heart. Futhermore, why put some one else's blessing down simply because it happens to be manifested in the form of something material. I am a college student and my heart's desire is to get good grades. Guess what, I have held down a 4.0 GPA and have been further blessed, for I have been offered a fellowship / scholarship to pay for post graduate studies. And guess what?? This was one of the desires of my heart. However, if I didn't first and foremost love God and does as His word requires about treating each other right and living with a spirt of joy (it's in the Bible too), then I would not have been blessed.

Blessings are manifested in different ways for different people. Some blessings come to fruition in the form of material things and others are found in school, work, good health; etc.

I encourage anyone who needs to be uplifted and motivated to first of all pray. Then pick up your Bible and read it, but also read Joel's book. It brings about a sense of happiness and joy which is what the Bible is founded on--- LOVE!!! Know God for yourself and know your desires. What God has for me is for me. If you seek Him, you will get whatever it is that He has for you. Maybe it is a million dollar home or maybe it is a 4.0 average, or perhaps good health or just peace but regardless, it will be yours.

Stop hating Joel. He is one of the good guys.

Whenever I turn on the television and happen to stumble upon Joel Osteen, my wife usually leaves the room. She says he reminds her of a used car salesman.... always quick with a smile and gives you what you want to hear! Myself, I am an unbelievable skeptic with a passionate hatred for those who use the name of god and religion to better their own coiffers. But you know what...? For some reason, on some levels this book works! I hate people who "sell god" like a used car, but Osteen seems somewhat sincere in what he does. Can I guarantee that he has not built an empire on "selling ##########?" Unless I enter into his mind, I do not know. But you know what... In the downright scary world that we all live in, it is refreshing to hear that we, as the human race, may have hope after all. Although I am a huge skeptic, this book actually made me feel good, if only for a little while. Does Osteen seem like a used car salesman to me? Sure! But if he gives me the hope I so desire, maybe it's o.k. for me to listen to his sales pitch for a little while.....

I believe that God and Jesus want us, every one of us, to be successful, joyful, happy, loved, and all good things to come to each of us. That is why I love to listen to Joel Osteen TV ministry. This book reminds me daily that all good things can be achieved by anyone, and Joel points the way.

Some people want life and God"s teachings to be difficult and not achievable for them, so they are off the hook and not be responsible for their lives. Well, Joel is telling us that God"s message and methods are simple, for all universal laws and truths HAVE TO BE simple, or it won"t work.

Most people wonder why life didn"t come with a manual? It did, it"s called the Bible. Yet as we read it, we don"t know or understand how that can be a manual. Aren"t manuals supposed to be full of step 1, step 2, step 3, etc.? Joel shows us HOW to use the tools that the Bible gave us, so that each one of us can use them to better our lives.

I for one, do NOT believe that God wants us to be down, discouraged, and defeated. I BELIEVE that God wants us to be uplifting, happy, successful, joyful and victorious.

Joel, thank you and I am sending love and gratitude to you and your ministry, for bringing such a wonderful, uplifting message into our lives.

For those of us who are READY TO RECEIVE, we thank you and God bless you and your ministry.

And for those who really want simple, buy "The Secret" book or DVD on the store.

I have enjoyed watching Joel Osteen on TV for the past couple of years and I would love it if there was a Church near me like the Lakewood Church.

This book is full of positive encouraging messages to help you rise above your circumstances and find joy in each day and from there you can begin to grow and develop your life into something that is not only a beneift to your life but it's a benefit to life in general,to the people close to you and to those you meet and interact with daily. The reason why its a win win is because you improve your own life by helping others improve their lives. Thats the message. I saw it as a an elaboration on the Golden Rule, the do unto others rule. Jesus taught that there are two commandments that encompass the life he exemplified for us , (and in my own opinion it is regardless if we are Christian, Jewish, Muslim or just plain old spritual and believe in a higher power of somekind), First Love the Lord your God with all your might and Second Love one another. That in nutshell is what this book is about to me. Put God first in your life and the rest falls into place and you won't be disappointed, its as simple and as difficult as surrendering your life to God and letting him guide you in line with his purpose for you whatever that may mean for you. This book is tied directly to the Bible and it is written just as Joel preaches on TV.

Obviously matters of faith and spirituality are and always have been points of conntention througout history, you will always find differing views. Read some of the samples from the book and watch Joel on TV if it moves you them obviously it was meant for you because it will speak to you on some level. There are many paths to become nearer to God and this book spoke to me, just check it out and see if it might be for you. Highly Recommended!!

The best thing about this book is that it's readable - although references God and Him and Jesus are on every line, it speaks to the 'common man.' Actually, if you delete all of the religious references, you'd be left with a fairly decent self-help book. The seven areas of your life that could use improvement include: enlarging your vision, giving, working on self-esteem, watching what you do and think, letting go of the past, finding strength in adversity, and choosing to be happy. I started with the last chapter first, and worked my way through the book according to what seemed of interest. The book does not need to be read cover-to-cover, and you can dive in wherever is most appropriate for you. Although I'm not technically 'religious' and don't attend church, I could still appreciate the greater message in this book; the book is about self-improvement and is valuable for everyone, despite the religious overtones. The only problem I have with this book (and preachers in general) is that they are imperfect too.. how are we supposed to take advice from imperfect people? I don't understand that part, and it was made worse for me each time Joel Osteen referenced himself and pointed out that he also makes mistakes. There were 2 points of annoyance with the book: one, he tells the story of Carla, a woman who was having troubles with her co-workers. Throughout the book he mentions having positive thoughts and thinking well of yourself and others, yet Carla called her co-workers 'emotionally immature.' How is that ok? Carla is supposed to be 'above' her coworkers and elevate her thinking, but how Godly is she if she's thinking ill of them? The second thing that gave me pause was the story of a man who froze to death in a freezer; apparently he always thought negatively at work, and when he got stuck in a freezer one night his negative thoughts led to his death. However, the freezer was actually not even on and the temperature was 61 degrees inside; the whole story seems extremely unrealistic.

I am shocked to see so many peoply criticizing this wonderful inspiring book.

Pastor Osteen is the only Pastor on TBN who does not shout and bray like a donkey!

Yes,thats right.He manintains his composure throughout his service and tells the truth.God has truly inspired him to become the VICTOR and not the VICTIM.

A common Phrase used by this pastor is the above.And he is alos inspiring us to become Victors and not the victims.His book is just like his services,great and calming

This book contains all the information you would need to live a good life.It is like summarizing all his services and putting it into a book.

God has a lot of things in store for us.We just need to keep faith,especially when things get tough.

And god would never give us a test that we cannot pass.Even when things tough,we know that god would make us come out better in the end than when we started.

Things may not always be the way we want them to,but God has a plan for us all.And he always wants what is best for us.

To show how much God loves us,he has given us his only begotten son.

This book is like a simplified bible...he takes the things that are difficult and explains them using everyday examples.(because the bible is not easy to understand,unfortunately).

He makes this book readable and not boring.It will make you live life the way god would want us to.This book is good for people of all religions(although it is christian based).Because god wants us all to live right.Not only us christians...Nigel

I have looked at some of the reviews and I'm very sadden by what has been said. Christians are the first to wound their own army. We are supposed to be the strong army of the Lord our Heavenly Father. We are to be the light in the world, in our work place, our home so that individuals who are not Christians will see Christ through us. There is no need to fight over the words of the bible because the bible defends itself. By me reading this book my Mr. Joel Osteen, it has been very positive and uplifting. What he talks about in his book has truth to it and is also being preached in several churches that I have attended due to me moving around from being in the military. God does want us to prosper and does not want us to have a poor man's spirit. He wants us to prosper in all areas of our life. If its making money, that is a beautiful thing because then there is more money for me to give to someone who is in need, or one who isn't able to pay their bills. By me showing that act of kindness, yes I'm blessed and so is the other person, because then maybe they will pass on the act of kindness that was given to them. King Solomon was a wealthy man in the Old Testament. The Lord also blessed King David, Job, Joseph and I could go on. So we should not limit the Lord in what he can do for us. We receive what we believe as long as it lines up with the will of God and have faith. We have not because we ask not, believing that the Lord is not able to bless us beyond measure. I don't believe Mr. Joel Osteen is saying this is a name it claim it philosophy. He is saying that one must have a positive attitude in all areas of their life with God's help. He's saying the same thing that Dr. Charles Stanley talks about every time he preaches the Word on TBN. He too, is an AWESOME preacher as well as teacher. If anyone thinks that Mr. Joel Osteen's book is to realistic for them to read, they ought to try listening to Dr. Charles Stanley 10 tape series called LAND MINES IN THE PATHWAY OF THE BELIEVER because he doesn't cover coat anything. Dr. Stanley tells you like it is. That's the problem in the world today and that is people can't handle the truth. But even the bible tells us the truth will set you free. So folks stop bashing the man of God if you weren't called by God to preach the gospel yourself. And same goes for the pastor's out there who cover coat the scriptures just to appease their congregation so they can have their ears tickled and have a good feeling. No wonder I hear non-believers say they don't want to have anything to do with God because they hear Christians daily fighting amongst their own. Trying to prove who is right and who is wrong about their own religious man-made opinions that do not line up with the WORD. If you feel that you don't have to give your first fruits to the Lord (10%) so the he can open the windows of heaven for you and pour out a blessing so great that you won't have enough room to take it in, then you are missing out on your blessing. Because the Lord could ask for 90% and leave us with 10% In reality all 100% is the Lords to begin with. He's just asking for the first 10%. Its amazing how so many individuals interpret Mr. Osteen's book differently. I believe Mr. Osteen is no different than the disciples that followed Jesus Christ. Then after his resurrection the apostles went out to preach the Word. Some individuals didn't want to listen to what Paul and the others had to say back in the day and now in present day, they still don't have a desire to listen to what many God fearing pastors have to say. All's I say is that I know my Heavenly Father wants his best for us all. So, if the Lord is able to speak the Word through Pastor Joel Osteen, I say AMEN!

I have seen Joel Osteen a few times surfing the TV on a Sunday Morning. One day I stopped and listened. Well, I'm hooked as well as my family. I recently saw him in Dallas live. Once again, I was inspired. Well worth the time and cost to read. He writes about everyday funny stories that will touch your heart. The "Good News" is that Joel Osteen is a preacher for the young, old and in between. Buy it or borrow it, it well worth the effort.

I am not a practicing christian nor do I attend any church. I've seen Joel Osteen on TV before and thought he was the most positive and plain speaking of all the preachers I've seen on TV. When I saw he had this book coming out I figured I'd check it out at the library to see if it was any good. This book was very good, very uplifting, motivating and all that good stuff. The main recurring message seems to be "change your thoughts, change you life". It reminds me a lot of Norman Vincent Peale's "the power of positive thinking" I highly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with everyday life or anyone who just needs understanding in plain english.

Very enjoyable to read.

Joel Osteen is one of the most personable and charming young preachers on TV. At first glance his book looks good and if you randomly pick diffrent chapters to peep at it "sounds" good BUT unless you see God as a sugar daddy or an ATM this aint the book for you.

The book is sweet, funny and when he talks about his love for his family it's really touching but the basic idea--that by simply speaking the belief that God is going to give you a goodie such as a big house, a better job, more money or a better parking space --- you can coax God into giving you what you want. What if what you want is wrong? The book doesn't delve into that.

The book rejects sickness and suffering as being natural parts of life and seems to be saying that if you just say the right words and beleive them all your problems will go away. It also seems to say that if you die of an illness it's because your faith wasn't strong enough.

Whoah!

I guess all the early martyrs and suffering Christians around the world today didn't say the right words. Is the theme of this book Christianity or magic?

I'm going to tread lightly here because hey; I'm no theologian but I don't recall Jesus saying to his apostles "Dudes, say the magic words and my Dad is going to give y'all chariots and palaces."

As delightful as the book is and although it does have some worthy nuggets of wisdom on the subject of self esteem the overall idea of God as an ATM was just too much for me. There were several times when while reading the book I had to put it down becuase it was just that distrubing. Unless you are already mature in your faith you might be better off reading Dale Carnegie or Norman Vincnet Peale.

If you've been trying to figure out how to move the next level in your life, this book is a must-read. While some may criticize Pastor Osteen for being too focused on material things, I believe he, like many of his contemporaries (e.g., Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, etc.) use material examples to help people to gain a very concrete understanding principles that will propel a Christian to receiving "exceedingly, abundantly beyond all you can ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20).

Before reading this book, I became overly sensitized to the number of negative comments I make/made about myself and my life and about how others seem to be exceedingly negative these days. We have become a society entrenched in fear, living with negative expectations about our lives, and wondering why we're not receiving the blessings of God. This book is helping to change my mind and the attitudes of those around me with regard to holding high expectations for how God will care for us.

If you are looking for a breakthrough in your spiritual life, your marriage, your parenting, your business, or any other area of your life, this book is a PHENOMENAL vehicle to assist you in making BIG CHANGES!

The fact that Joel Osteen's book is producing a mixture of feelings, I personally believe, is a good thing.

Hopefully, some of these feelings will move people to improve their condition in life. As one reviewer said, " ...he cuts across faiths", and while the book is mainly Christian faith based, the principles can work with people who don't believe in God but believe in themselves as well

It's common knowledge that "you can't be everything to everybody" and I don't think he is trying to be. He is offering hope to those who need it and encouraging even the strong.

I've also listened to some of his TV broadcasts. What do I think? He leaves YOU feeling that YOU can make a difference in YOUR life - I struggle to understand how that can't be a good thing ... maybe I'm missing something !?!?!?

Many thanks to Reagle Beagle's review in 4/05. Just reading some of the negative reviews has truly opened my eyes to some so-called Christians. We are taught as true Christians not to judge others (including Joel Osteen) and show love for God and caring for all people. Joel gets that message across. If there are non-believers brought to Jesus Christ by watching Joel's message and/or reading this book, then 'AMEN' and 'Thanks Be To God'!!! I am taking the good advice of those who truly know love and compassion for God and others and getting this book.

I started reading the negative reviews and the positive reviews. And what came to my mind is-We all judge too much. Yes reviews are for reviewing. But everyone has an opinion. And you know what they say about that. My opinion is, he is extremly inspiring. If you read the book, you don't need others reviews. Enjoy all the positive he has to say. And maybe it will make you feel like you can change your life for the better too. We can analyze the world. I'm sick of judging. I'm wanting to live, grow, learn, and enjoy. And most of life is about common sense.

I purchased this book in hopes that it would help me revitalize my focus on my spiritual life. Occasionally I ran across the author on television and found his messages to be very good. The book, however, was a very big disappointment, and I must admit that I could only hang in there for the first half before becoming too frustrated to continue.

I am not a religious fanatic, but I generally believe that God provides people with what they pray for as long as it serves his higher purpose. For the part of the book I read, the author tells the reader that people can have anything just by envisioning and praying it will come true. In itself, this is fine, but the examples he uses are what I was most troubled by, such as receiving a very large house, getting promoted at work, and even getting a good parking spot at the mall--things that are very superficial and not really what I have in mind when I think of higher purpose. Ultimately, the tone comes across that a minister, who I'm sure has good intentions, lives a very wealthy and prestigious life (and continually refers to his wife's expectation of this as well) and has never spent time in the "trenches" such that his perspective is in sync with what is really holy.

I don't even know where to begin on this book. There was a time I understood the principles Osteen shares. I believed them, held to them firmly, until life happened, until exhaustion and opportunities denied or lost sapped away that faith. Until I read this book, I hadn't realized how far I'd drifted from basics I knew were true and that made a positive difference. I hadn't realized how negative some of my attitudes had become, attitudes I began to see reflected in my adult children.

Osteen brought me back to center, to my foundation: God is good; He loves me and wants the very best for me. He also wants me to trust Him, even in when bad things happen. God desires to bless, but my negative choices and attitudes can block that blessing. No longer.

Osteen makes clear ... (...)

I bought and promptly trashed this book when it first came out. In response to J. Vaughn - the more abundant life that God gives those who repent and turn to Christ as the only way of salvation is one that transcends the circumstances of life. Our American concept of "abundance" is one of wealth. This is in sharp and opposing contrast to the idea of abundance presented in the Bible.

I guess the early church - in particular, John the Baptist and the apostle Paul, should have read this book so they could have lived a better, more "prosperous" life instead of the lives they lead. God uses our lives to refine us, not puff us up with the cares of this world.

Want to live your best life? Pour it into the work of the gospel - telling others of the salvation from sin that comes only through Jesus Christ. Lay up for yourself treasures in HEAVEN... where nothing can corrupt them. I once heard a preacher say we are to live our lives now so we may have the best life LATER.

Osteen is a joke. Read the epistles for direction on how to live a victorious life in Christ.

Brother Osteen is a motivator and encourager. He is called to uplift the hurting, the depressed, the low self-esteem. He motivates you to do better with your life -- to move forward in a positive manner. He's not a "hell fire and brimstone" preacher. Neither is he a "love thy brother" preacher. His oracle is called to that of Motivator/Encourager. Every man is given a calling according to his oracles and Brother Osteen's is that of a motivator/encourager. If you want "hell, fire and brimstone" preaching, then listen to John Hagee. If you want "miracle" preaching, then listen to Benny Hinn. If you want "comedy" preaching, then listen to Jesse Duplantis.

I would like to recommend a wonderful book recommended to me called WOMAN TAKE YOUR POSITION by Beverly Rolyat. This book will help thousands, perhaps millions of women understand their position in the kingdom of God. It is especially good for those of you who are looking to getting married and definitely a great book for those of you who are in a marriage.

I've heard the sermons from this guy and it's unbelievable. He's a major breath of fresh air. He's definitely one of a kind -- could be a young Billy Graham, but just better. The minute he starts to speak, I stop whatever I'm doing and I sit and I listen. His words always makes me feel like I'm under God's protection and love every day. I'm in the process of looking for his cds too...don't miss out!

This book came into my life at just the right time. I really enjoyed reading Mr. Osteen's book because it gave me the messages that I needed to hear. It's very uplifting and inspirational. It's full of hope for a better life if you're willing to change your attitude and let go of past behaviors. I also completed the study guide while reading the book and found it to be very beneficial. Definitely recommend for those who are going through a difficult time and need hope while they are waiting for it to pass.

This book was such an inspiration to me and definitely rekindled my passion for life and God. I've read alot of positive thinking books as well as other spiritual enhancement books, but this one was so well written. It's easy to understand and the principles can be applied to your life right now. Joel gives great reminders about how much God loves you, how His favor can be upon you and how His blessing is far better than anything you can do to prosper yourself...without Him.

I gave this book to my husband's adult children as a gift. Even if they don't read the book in its entirety, I'm sure that they will gain value by browsing the pages and taking in a few chapters at a time. The upbeat, positive words/anedotes seem to grab you and encourage you in this not so positive and hectic world.

I'm so thankful that I read the book.

Expect a blessing!

Lisa Owens

This book will take you through all the negative attitudes that people have. All the questions that one might find themselves saying. Im nothing , I'll never amount to anything. I'll never get this job. I'll always be the same. In this book Joel tells us to STOP THAT. and move on expecting great things from God. Expect to get that job that you been wanting, or that promotion. Expect to rise above the situation you are in. GET THIS BOOK < It's WORTH reading.

I watched Mr. Osteen deliver his inspirational speeches to his lucky followers (including his message to the non believers that he still loves them and prays for their survival) with the slimy loquaciousness and dubitable credibility of a traveling medicine man. Watching the clueless masses listen to and follow his B.S, only reinforced my view that humans are hopeless species.
You can reach God without the intervention of Joel Osteen and his narcissistic wife, Victoria. Even if we are not smart enough to know that, I think God is kinder than us, and wouldn't use our stupidity to enhance the Osteens' wealth.

I bought this book out of cynical curiosity to see if Joel Osteen had become more creative in his money making schemes, but no, this book is just another round of Joel and Victoria, God's self-appointed messengers to humanity, twisting the bible's words and working their own way.

If you are a Christian, reading the bible is a much better way to reach God or find your way. If you are not Christian and can't relate to the quotes that Osteen is using to make his case, trust me, God is every where for you to communicate with, and you don't need Osteen's words to find your purpose.

At the end of the book, Joel and Victoria said to the readers that they love them. Touching, but Joel and Victoria please refund my money.

Talk about following the Bible, I read over some of tbe reviews and all I could say was " They missed the section in the Bible, where it states "Judge not for you will be Judged with the same measure"

This young man is truly anointed and on a mission for God. The world is just too much. All we do is complain about people sharing their gifts with the world. This book has helped many people understand the true nature of the Love of God.

I'm not saying the book is perfect, but the book will lead you to see God as a loving caring God and give people hope. Everyone reads the Bible and most don't understand, but they are quick to critize anyone that tries to give hope to those who need a way to find Jesus.

I was saved many years ago and studied the Bible for years and Joel came along without using one scripture from the Bible, by simply saying the Bible Says: Now if we would spend more time trying to find out what it says, rather then finding reason to Judge this preacher perhaps we could get the true meaning of what Joel is trying to share.

It showed me a few things, if I must suffer and that is my destiny, it nice to know I can do it with a positive attitude, however it is also nice to know that as a child of destiny, that until I get to the pearly gates where my mansion awaits, I can have some hope down here. I would leave my riches in a heart beat to get to what God has prepared for me in Heaven.

We are heirs to the throne of Christ Jesus and He is rich, so as long as you don't beleive in your riches, and you know Jesus is your source and this it all temporary, Why not accept your inheritance.

The reason people don't enjoy their walk with God is they are only taught to suffer and I read in the Bible that isn't the only walk for Christ Jesus heirs. God did say that some would suffer and the rich ones should help the less fortunate ones. Read your Bibles please: There were many rich prophets, thank you Joel for reminding me. Don't get me wrong, we are here to serve God purpose and we know we are strangers, but it isn't anything wrong with have hope and a good atttitude.

Tell me what are you doing so much, are you merely reach out to help someone next door find salvation? How many people are you sharing all your loving knowledge with others. How dare you critize this man, His book may help someone find faith in a Loving God. Don't just talk about it, Be about it.

Joel you keep spreading the word. Everyone has gifts and Joel you are simply sharing yours , Joel you are part the body of Christ. I intend to help you spread this message of faith to everyone I can, I have sent this book to many and they all love your message and now watch your program. Keep smiling

Kids are coming to Christ because they can relate to Gospel rap, it isn't for me, but so what, if it brings a child to salvation, so be it. I remember reading in the Book of Matthew, that one of the apostles came to Jesus and told Him that a man was preaching the gospel and he wasn't one of them, Jesus told the apostle as long as He is preaching Jesus Christ saves, leave Him be.

My grandmother taught us two important things, she said when you get saved you recieve the gifts of the spirit, each one of us were part of the body, but would have different gifts to share with others.

She also said learn to take the meat and leave the potatoes. If there is something you don't agree with then do as the Apostle Paul taught, stop following it,but obey the whole Bible and stop judging one another, it is the Law. Don't go picking out what suits your right to judge.

First find out how many people found Christ through this book, did you even bother to search, did you test the spirit by the spirit to see if this was of God.

Don't You see God is the Potter and we are the Clay and no matter what Joel wrote, God will shape everyone of us in His own way and He doesn't need any of us to do anything except plant a seed and that is what Joel did in His book. How many seeds did you plant and grow on your own with out God's guidance?

Joel keep writing they didn't believe Jesus's teachings either and He is King of King and Lord of Lord.

Last but least,What makes you think God wants people to just walk around broke, suffering, unhappy, and depressed, without any hope. If this man can encourage one teenager, mother, sister, father, brother and stop them from using drugs, committing crimes, or killing them selves, and find theri way to Jesus, REJOICE.

Judge Not - God is the only Judge.

Thank you Joel your book gave me a better attitude in my walk with Christ, I know He will work out all things for my good, I understood your book, obviously many missed the boat, you know like in the days of Noah, the only smart ones were the animals, they heard God's call and got on the boat,

You are a true servant of God, people just want to be doomed, IT MAKES THEM FEEL LIKE THEIR SUFFERING WILL GET THEM INTO HEAVEN

I haven't seen a man with such a humble happy spirit like yours Joel, keep smiling I know you will wear a crown and your Father is proud of you Both of them@

Joel Osteen has the best of intentions. I believe he is trying to break the cloud of bondage, heaviness, and depression that hangs over many people today. But his positive, encouraging spirit seems to be borrowed from an author of another era--Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. Peale wrote about positive thinking in the 1950s and influenced many people (including Dr. Robert Schuller's "possibility thinking"). Like Peale and Schuller, Osteen never fully explains the reason Christ died on the cross for our sins--that we are law-breakers under the wrath of God unless we repent and have faith in Jesus Christ.

Osteen's book will lift your spirits and give you a big pat on the back (as well as a hug and a kiss), but he misses the mark on that which is the most important.

From another author, who can whisk you into the very throne-room of God or make you feel as though you were standing on that wind-swept hill named Golgotha through his incredible writing, comes a high recommendation for this book. Anyone who has ever been touched by the hand and heart of God can relate to what Joel has put into print. Jesus spoke of faith, hope and love. Joel simply puts forth what Jesus taught and put it into a format that is uplifting and gives hope to hearts that are hurting and may be struggling. "Come unto Me" said Jesus.....to me that means bring it all to Me..hurts, worries, concerns and even joys.
If we cannot turn to our Heavenly Father for help in times of trouble and desperation and IN FAITH believe He has our answer...no matter what our trouble is...then we have no hope...for He is our hope. God wants to bless us in the little things like a "parking space"...as well as larger trials. The Bible tells us God loves us with an unfathomable love...that He is our everlasting loving Father...why shouldn't we expect Him to want us to live in the abundant blessings He has for us. If we are His child...and there is the key...we need to be His and belong to Him and follow His will for our lives...then we can ask what we want and it will be given us....Thank You Lord for using just one of your servents like Joel who loves You to get your message of pure love across. Happy and blessed reading!!! Good job Joel!

This is a great book and you can learn so much from it. Mr. Osteen talks about being focused on the future and not staying and dwelling in the past. You can't look ahead if you continue to look behind you.

Many people talk about how he is too positive but what's wrong with that. That's what's wrong with this world right now people are taking things too serious and not enjoying life.

I would recommend you read this book and seeing for yourself.

I am thankful a family member purchased this book as a gift to my husband. He did not seem interest in the book, so I picked it up and started reading it and could not put it down. It was just what I needed to get my new year started out right, and to get my focus back on God. It is not a prosperity book, but it does encourage you to live your life with a positive attitude and to its fullest; and most importantly to have a giving mindset. God want to bless his children, not so they can hoard their blessings, but so they can be a blessing to others. If you are serious about God doing something new in you, I would highly recommend this book! God Bless, and enjoy...

Sounds like the publisher's weekly folks seem to be a bit grouchy. Their mindset is one of the reasons why church attendance has been declining for years. A legalistic view of god that does not relate well to today's environment. I really don't see him as being competition for your local church but rather a nice supplement (kind of like a spiritual dose of vitamin C).

Now I don't know Joel to well, I -- like most -- just watch the man on TV (which my wife prodded me to watch with her one day). In the grand scheme of things, he's a very positive force and spending ½ hour with him is a much better investment of your time than watching some dimwitted network reality show. We've been Tivoing him for the past few months and it's nice to listen to his messages while you cook dinner or do some dishes.

If you watch his show, you will find some of the themes in the book familiar but that's OK. Like with many messages, you pick up additional things the second time around. It's a nice way to spend a few minutes and will give you some new ideas to improve your thinking, life and family.

Also what we all should take note about Joel is how diverse his audience is...not some forced, corporate or governmental diversity...but rather a free flowing diversity of people who are united by a common, positive message coming together under free will. I recently attended his talk in New York and was astounded by how so many different people came together to hear him speak. There were African Americans, Asians, White Folks, Hispanics, etc...all in cold, secular, NYC. It was something I've never experienced before and found it very comforting. There's something different going on here and perhaps we should take note.

In the end -- give him a shot -- 13 bucks is not much to invest in your outlook on life.

From reading other reviews of this book, I can tell that this book is read by Christians and non-Christians alike. I think this is a decent book, but sometimes "Christian" books scare me when non-Christians read them. While there are many good points to this book, there are still other points that can be deceiving to a non-Christian who is not familiar with Scripture, and then in turn gets the wrong idea about Christianity.

When I read sentences from this book like, "God wants this to be the best time of your life," that is not 100% true. Yes, God wants you to be happy and lead a good life here on Earth, but the Bible says in many places that the Earth is not our home. Our true citizenship is in Heaven. When Joel Osteen says "God wants THIS..." he is referring to our time on earth. But in truth, the best time of our life is going to be in Heaven.

It's a good book, but when in doubt, go to God's Word for the answer.

Pastor Joel has had a profound influence on my life and is my inspiration. His sermons reflect every day life and overcoming problems and struggles we encounter. Having been raised a Catholic I only learned to fear the Lord. Joel has educated me and inspired me to be a follower of Christ. I keep his book by my bedside so I can refer to it when I go to bed troubled by something. Joel teaches to trust in the Lord. He was the first to clue me in that I was allowing the enemy to dominate my thoughts. I was always a very negative person. I thought I was just being realistic. I have worked very hard in the past year to overcome that and I have Joel to thank. I look forward to his sermon every week, and the book covers all the important topics. I also am offended by the negative reviews. Why shouldn't we want the favor of God? Having a positive attitude and trusting in the Lord is the way to live an abundant life. The book isn't a bestseller by mistake. Those who criticize him are just envious that he has accomplished so much at a young age (you don't need training if you have a gift) and that Lakewood is the fastest growing church in America.

This is an amazing book written by a true man of God. This book isn't a very technical Bible livign book that has very in depth hard to understand concenpts, but rather it is a literary work that you can relate to your everyday life. Throughout this book Joel uses many stories and situations from his life and the lives of people he has known to demonstrate his principles for living your best life now. I have had the pleasure of seeing Joel Osteen live at the Boston Garden and hope to be able to travel to Texas one day and see him at Lakewood. I recommend this book to all Christians. Your life will truly be changed if you learn to implement his 7 steps into your life. I was blessed by this book and I hope you will be too.

Generally, I hate preachers. I cannot tolerate them, as they are agents of intolerance, obsessing about liberals, homosexual, lesbians, Hollywood types, NYC dwellers (of which I am one), etc., etc.. If you look at Joel Osteen, he looks like one of those intolerant preachers. He looks slick, he has a blonde wife, and he's from the South. But I've watched many of his shows, and read this book, and I have never heard once from this man about me or anyone else that they're "going to hell", that I was condemned, that I was a sinner, that I'm no good, that I need to hate someone or something to get right in the eyes of the Lord. I heard positive thoughts and prayers, and the novel thought that they're might actually be good in people, and that we all deserve to be treated well, and that we shouldn't dwell on their past, that I am not evil, not a sinner. Sure, it's sounds simplistic, but Joel isn't going for complex, philosophical arguments of Hegel and Sartre (for starters). He is probably the most overly positive preacher/religious leader I've ever heard/seen, and being raised a Catholic, this is a nice change of pace. Joel is not racially intolerant either. Anyone who has ever watched his TV show sees there are whites, blacks, Hispanics, etc., etc. sitting together and feelin' the spirit. I don't normally pitch for preachers, but I rather like this man a lot. Some may be surprised by my reviewing a "Christian" book like this, but to me Joel is more humanistic than anything, and it's nice to hear a religious figure say things that are not horrific and cruel to his followers and to the "unbelievers".

I've loved to read all my life. A few months ago I bought "Your Best Life Now" and it has been one of the most helpful books I've ever read. It is such a positive and encouraging book. I'm reading it over and over and getting a lot from it every time.

Some Christians who think they are traditional and conservative have a tendency of being very negative on preachers who teach positive attitude on life.

Even though Bible does not mention the word "positive", Bible is actually full of positive ideas and thoughts from Genesis to Revelation. For example, commandments such as "Do not murder", "Do not adultery", "Do not covet", "Do not hate", and "Do not worry" prohibit any negative activities of humans. Commandments such as "Love others", "Be generous", "Be thankful", "Be joyful", "Be prayful" are encouraging positive attitude.

So if somebody think that Jesus didn't die on the cross to make us have a positive attitude, he is missing an essential point of the Bible.

Positive attitude is not about "being greedy on material achievement on the earth". It is "Looking forward into the future, including eternity, with a mind set of faith and hope toward God and expecting good things from God" whether present situation is good or bad.

Let's think over 1Th 5:16-18;
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Who can say "Rejoicing, Praying, and Giving thanks" is not about having positive attitude? Also this verse says "This is the will of God". That's right. Having postive attitude is the will of God.

If your theology does not believe God wants us blessed and happy, this isn't the book for you. The book will do nothing to change your theology on this point, because it makes no effort to do so. It is not intended to be a theological dissertation to convince you that God wants you blessed, rather it assumes you understand that. If you don't agree with this point of view, reading this book will probably only tempt you to write a nasty book review that judges the motives of a man you have never met.

If your theology believes that God wants us blessed and happy, this book will encourage your faith and give you practical ways to see more of that blessing in your life and enable you to become more of a blessing in the process.

For anyone that has read some of the nasty book reviews and are wary of reading the book because of those comments, I want you to know that there are millions of Christians that agree with Joel's point of view and not just because we want to, but because it is scriptural and we believe with all of our heart that it is true. I would suggest that those reviewers have put themselves on very thin ice to have judged not only Joel's motives, but the motives of the millions of Christians that believe like him. Let the Lord be our judge.

I want you to know that there are many of us that whole-heartedly believe this book to be the way that God wants us to live -- and indeed He is not pleased with us if we are not living this sort of blessed life -- as He was not pleased with the children of Israel when they would not enter into their promised land of "milk and honey". This truth is from cover to cover in the Bible, and please don't be dissuaded by a few of these mean spirited book reviews that you read.

There's obviously not enough space here to give a full dissertation, but here's a few scriptures to chew on if you are open to seeing things the way I believe God wants us to.

The first comes from the mouth of Jesus himself when He explains the very reason that He came to planet earth -- John 10:10 "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

The second describes why Jesus paid the terrible price that He did on the cross -- Gal 3:13-14 "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ"

As sacrilegious as it sounds -- it's right there in black and white -- He died so that we would be blessed. So please don't listen to those that would stoop to crying "blasphemy" against those of us who choose to take the Lord at His Word -- and make every effort to honor Him in doing so.

Change Is Coming: StarFlightI read this book a long time ago. If you need encouragement, I recommend this book to you. Forget your bitter past and trust God for a better today and an even more glorious tomorrow!!!!

I read the comments others were making about Joel's book. It's amazing how there are so many different views, from one book, which is what the devil wants. Joel does a fantastic job of opening the eyes of those who need to know that God loves them when they read the book, and that he wants them to realize that without knowing how precious we are in God eyes, we will not know how precious we are in our own eyes, less the term in his title "Living to your FULL POTENTIAL". I found the book inspiring and fullfilling. Many realizations came into my life and will continue because of people like Joel Osteen that has a Godly calling to help others. The book is a wonderful way to better your relationship with the Lord and is great for new Christians or those just finding God. Either way, this book is a must for those who want to Live to Their Full Potential with God and for God.

When my daughter died 3 months ago, I read "A Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. Since my daughter's life was rich and purposeful, if brief, I initially felt comforted by Warren's words. Then slowly, a disquieting awareness set in as I realized Warren reveals a punishing God who sets trials, sometimes painful, horrible trials to test our faith...and I began to wonder...Then I was given Joel Osteen's "Your Best Life Now." I went from despair to hope. My mother has said what is absent from the world is plain old fashioned commonsense. While rooted in scripture, Osteen gives us a simple guide to old truisms. Expect good things, have positive self-esteem, have enthusiasm for your life, let go of old hurts and bitterness, and help others. This is a negative world...filled with angry, bitter and self-defeated people. Olsteens simple lessons for tapping into our own potential resonate with hope, and joy. In a world where too many people are into the blame game, Joel tells us clearly we are responsible for our own success and happiness. We can choose self fullfilling, and destructive negative thoughts or positive uplifting ones. I choose to believe in a God of hope and love, and to spread seeds of kindness instead of focusing on my own needs. I choose to live my best life now.

It really saddens me when people think that living a God-centered life is supposed to be about suffering and strife. Didn't Jesus say, "I am come so that you might have life abundantly"? I take that statement literally. I really do believe that when we live a life that is Spirit centered everything that we could possibly want, need, or desire is ours to express, extend, and experience.

I love Joel Osteen's uplifting new book. I am not a "traditional" Christian. I don't believe in a God that blesses some and damns others. I don't believe that some people will go to Heaven and some people will burn in hell. I believe with Jesus that God is Love and it is through this Love that anything is possible.

A lot of people will scoff at this, but those will be the people who miss the true meaning of why Jesus came to the Earth plane. I don't think he came merely to be crucified. I think he came here to show us how to live everyday of our lives; to live with compassion, grace, acceptance, and forgiveness. Didn't Jesus say, "The Kingdom of Heaven is here and now"?

Heaven, in my opinion, is not an actual physical place, it is a consciousness, an awareness that God already knows of what I have need of before I even ask and so all I need to do is allign my consciousness with God's consciousness and I will see that everything I need to live a great and wondrous life is already in my heart, in my mind, in my soul.

So why buy this book? This book is a book of reminders. It's a great way to start the day. It's a great way to end the day. It's a great way to uplift the heart, mend the spirit, and feed the mind.

We get stuck in these dogmas and creeds that we become superstitious about life and we think that somehow we need to become good people instead of remembering we ALREADY ARE! I don't believe that we were born in original sin as much as I believe we were born in original innocence and the people who believe more in error and sin and hell and damnation are people who are really "missing the boat" to a better life. These people are truly poor in mind, in heart, in soul. They are people who have truly forgot that God is Love and that it is through this Love that God is that each and every one of us have come forth from.

I am glad that Joel Osteen's book is shaking up people and rattling their beliefs a bit. We all need a fresh new concept of God, of Jesus, of Life and this book could be a springboard to those new revelations as well as to an abundant life.

Peace and Blessings.

Glad to see the message of Love, Hope and prosperity being spoken by a well meaning minister. Joel Osteen is a refreshing voice in the crowd of fear, hate and shame that too many christian preachers need to express. What he says is not new but it is being delivered in such a positive and understandable manner. If your looking for ways to change your life for the better, Pastor Osteen delivers. You should also checkout the books written by Neale Donald Walsch, "Conversations With God" series and his others for more of this uplifting message.

That's what the negative reviews of this book keep reminding us that we are. Never mind that we were made in the IMAGE and LIKENESS of God. Never mind that Christ pubicly associated with the vile and filthy refuse that we are supposed to believe humanity is. Never mind that Christ called us the "light of the world" and "the salt of the earth." Never mind that he forgave everyone, including an apostle after His death.

Mercy, gentleness, caring, and love are NOT the attributes of God according to these reviews. You see, you have to do it THEIR way-you must understand scripture THEIR way. You must think THEIR way. There is no room for individual thought. You are a cog in a great cosmic wheel perilously close to falling into the pit of a fiery hell if you don't say the right words. A hell that never ends. A hell where God can watch people suffer and writhe and plead for mercy. All this supposedly while God and the "elect" sit and watch with never-ending glee.

These people carry so much darkness around inside them that it is no wonder that is all they have to give. They aren't in relationship with God, they are in "fear of Him." Sort of like the people who walked behind Saddam Hussein and nervously smiled, wondering if they would be the next to be tortured.

The fact that you want to or have read "Your Best Life Now" by Joel Osteen means that you are at least open to understanding that God may be more than you have ever thought. That He may be for you. That he may actually love you and be concerned about every part of your life.

That's a great place to start.

I have just finished "Your Best Life Now" and all I can say is wow! Written in an easy-to-follow format, this book gives people the good news of the gospel in an understandable format.

Joel Osteen has simply presented what the bible says and applies it in a practical way to everyday life. I highly recommend this to everyone, but especially those people who are at a tough place in their life.

This book was life changing for me. I have given it to friends and family and to me it was a little seed of the wonders heavenly father has written in his word for us.Even for my non christian friends it helps you deal with lifes trials. if we are christians or not we face them so why not face them with hope and a positive attitude:) It still is our choice we can choose to be miserable about it or choose to believe for the best like pastor Osteen has mentioned in this book. I would reccommend this to anyone.

This book is fine if taken with a good measure of humbling, abasing and the realization that even Abraham had to wait 25 years for the promise to come to pass. There is nothing terribly new here, many similar books have been written, but it is worth reading for a pick-up.If you consistently practice these principles, your life is likely to improve(likely,not guaranteed).I wonder if some of the vitriolic 1 star grumblers are jealous of Osteen's 2 million dollar house.I have seen him on Sunday morning and find his overall message and preaching acceptable, but it lacks the force and convicting power of a Joyce Meyer,who has written similar books. It would appear that Mr Osteen has not encountered significant adversity in his life, and it would be a shame for the novice Christian to get the impression that God is going to spare us from trouble or make us wealthy. On the other hand, many of our troubles are self created or due to plain ol' sin, and the Bible clearly says we should have enough resources to be able to help others out in time of need. In summary, I prefer TD Jakes and Joyce Meyers, however part of me is afraid that the sin of judging Mr Osteen is greater than any of his purported sin. Read this book and pass it along, there are better in this crowded genre.

This book has inspired me to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ and to know without doubt God wants the best for His children. Appreciate Joel taking the time to write this encouraging book which has ministered to my heart in a positive way.

I am fortunate enough to live in Houston, so I attend and am very involved with Lakewood Church, where Joel preaches. I am a living witness that his intention is NOT to spread false information that God grants wishes like a fairy Godfather, but that God has a good plan for you. Moreover, Joel wants people to align their thoughts with God's thoughts, and open themselves for the possibilities of life. Yes, BELIEVE me, life is very tough. But, I think it is less difficult to deal with if you KNOW that God is on your side and that He wants the best for you and He is interested in every aspect of your life. So, I would encourage those who think that Joel is materialistic or unbiblical to think again. Joel LOVES the Lord and he loves people. He wants everyone to experience a life of victory and to leave behind the defeated lives that the enemy wants us to lead! And irregardless, why not be happy that someone is attempting to bring some positivity to our depressing world? There is definitely nothing wrong with that in my book!

What an amazing book from Joel Osteen. If you want to be blessed in life, read this book and you will remember me.
If you want to be a VICTOR and not a VICTIM, READ THIS BOOK ASAP!

I always have been using Joel Osteen principles in my life and it works all the time for me.
He transformed lives of many people around the world. Once you have made a conscious contact with the God, you will now that Joel Osteen is the man with the fitness plan to transform your life NOW.

Without going into too much detail, Joel Osteen explains in "Your Best Life Now..." that God brings material goods (multi-million dollar homes, etc.) to "Christians" that ask for them and that we should be basically be discontent and even borderline envious (of wealthy, successful "Christians") until we receive these riches. The Gospel teaches quite a different story. Osteen also twists the true meaning and context of some of the Scripture he quotes to conveniently fit his own message.

I do agree with Osteen's section about giving and that overall "Your Best Life Now..: offers some positive motivational tools for every day life.

To sum it up, I feel that Osteen is following an ever increasing trend in Christianity which involves a feel good message weak of Biblical discernment in order to attract a secular audience (seeker friendly movement) or a "post-modern Christian" crowd. Tell em' what they want to hear and you can literally sell millions of books. Of course considering Osteen's vague remarks on Larry King Live, one not should be surprised by the lack of Gospel discernment contained in "7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential".

I would recommend that you read "Your Best Life Now..." with Biblical discretion.

Fight The Good FightJoel Osteen is often critized for not preaching the Bible. This man writes a very encouraging book and preaches an encouraging message. Certainly not an expository preacher he is a great encourager and motivator. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

I am about half way through the book and I have been greatly encouraged by it. When I am feeling down and read it it gives me some renewed strength. I am personally a realist and reality can get you down. I am from Katrina Ville which has been mentally challenging. It was hard loosing our home, business location and a lot of friends. Although I was fully insured and we are doing well the realization that you can loose it all so fast is depressing. So many that have gone through it are not even as fortunate as I am. So many around the world would love to trade places with me.

I am reading this one slowly and trying to absorb as much as I can. Joel Osteen has been able to reach me with his positive message when others just couldn't. I want to read it again when I am finished.

Joel Osteen book has been on the Ny times best seller list with good cause. This is the kind of "self help" that I believe we all need. On the subject of attitude, I think sometimes we all get so used to our own negative ways that we don't even realize that we are being negative. No wonder we struggle to move towards our goals. Our thinking and attitudes are often off base. Joel's book covers this topic and so much more. I think that it would be hard to do anything except feel better and happier as a result of reading this it. I will add that it's so wonderful that this along with Rick Warren's book have been selling for so long as bestsellers. This is the shot of Christianity that the world needs during these times of sin and temptation everywhere we look.

I noticed another book mentioned on an older review by the name of Passenger's Side: Putting Jesus Christ in charge of your life. Author - John Michael Forosisky. Because I just finished it, I thought I'd give it a little plug here and mention it. This book contained some very useful insight. Like Joel's book, I felt the principles can be applied to assist the reader in improving their life in the here and now. The author emphasizes that this is made possible through what he states can be an amazing, even miraculous relationship with Jesus Christ. (I do agree.) I say read both, make a serious commitment to change your life for the better, and watch what happens!

I think this is an excellent book with a foot in self-help/inspiration and one in biblically supported reference to God's plan for your life. I really enjoyed reading it on the train to work and back home. It is a perfect way to set your mind in a loving, supportive, Godly persepctive prior to beginning a hectic work day and is a nice way to de-pressurize before heading home to loved ones. It is light, supportive, enjoyable, often entertaining, endearing and very easy read. Also, you have to take it for what it offers and glean it's value as it relates to you, your life and your spiritual path. It is a Max Lucado meets Norman Vincent Peale meets Dr. Phil meets Bible oriented book. Definately one I will read again and again.

I have read all the reviews left here and am surprised by some of them accusing the author of selling snake oil. I myself have found great inspiration from this book.

I, like a lot of women I know, struggle daily with those inner voices that tell me I am not good enough or that I can't do something so why try. This book helped me to be able to stand up and say "God thinks I am good enough." Now when those negative thoughts start up I can stop them right away. Each morning I get up and proclaim God's blessings and that with his favor (and his will)that things I have been praying on will turn around.

While I personally have never prayed over getting a good parking space, I found Joel's story about the parking space to be a gentle lesson to let God into all aspects of your life. God want's you to consult him, pray to him, ask him for help on big and small things. Joel also reminds us that while we may ask, it's God's will and to put it in his hands.

And for all those who think they need to flagellate themselves daily over what sinners they are, I say this: Jesus already died on the cross for us, you don't need to. Ask for forgiveness and it's yours.

I lived a life of a loser. I was below average in studies, sports, art, extra curriculur activities, career and every time I fell in love I never received it back. Every one who knew me well said that I was a useless, Good for nothing kid who would never become anything in life. That was once upon a time in my life but things have changed. I have learnt to believe in myself. I have a job and I love it. I have hope and dreams. I have learnt to have a vision for my self and I have learnt to have faith in myself. That is what Joel Osteen's book is all about. He talks about enlarging our vision for our lives, letting go of the past, choosing to be happy, live to give and so on. This book is for people who are down in the dumps, for people who have been beaten in life. Yes there is no mention of God's love and redemption except for the last page. THis book will surely teach you how to look up in life no matter what comes against you. This is a truly a book of hope.

I first saw Joel Osteen on BET giving his sermon and i paid it no attention. Then i really started to listen to his words and their meaning and i was blown away. So i had to get his book and wow, it really opened my mind and my heart. Read this book was an enlightening experience and if you need a little guidance, if you're a little lost then you should do two things One: You should get this book and Two: you should click "Yes" this review was helpful. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!! To the bad reviews, I'm sorry you didn't get anything out of this...Possibly you should look deeper within yourself. If you have negitive thoughts your never going to get anywhere! But if you learn to think positively you will be blessed! This book isn't about praying for things that you want, Its about having a positive outlook on life and everything around you to inspire you to reach your goals. It's about Thanking God for everything good he has given to you in your life, and to Thank him for all the things to come. It about not focusing on the negatives. If you can't ever imagine yourself reaching your goals, then you will have no ambition to do so.

I'm 24 years old, 3 months ago I wouldn't have ever thought I'd be writing this. I wasn't involved in a church & had never read The Bible... This book has changed my life, It has inspired me to succeed and has enlighted my whole outlook on life & God.

most influential book I have ever read! my walk with God has become more clearer than ever. pastor osteen preaches like no other in terms and stories anyone can understand. no thees and thous. thank you pastor for helping to change my life!

Joel Osteen's book is a remarkable message of light and hope. Many people live discouraged, without faith. Even without love. Joel shows God is loving, forgiving, and forever-patient. He shows God restores life, and gives in abundance, once a person's heart is committed to Jesus. One only has to believe for a bright future, and God will provide. Moreover, Joel quotes the Bible, saying every single person is "a man of valor, of great honor." That is the intrinsic value of every man and woman. This value, Joel says, is put into us by God. Through Jesus, we can tap into God's strength and forgiveness, and boldly live a life filled with victory and abundance.
I strongly recommend this book to any person who is looking for a way to lead a fulfilling life, filled with love, strength, and hope.

Matthew 7:15-20 (NKJV)
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them."

These people DO NOT worship the God of the Bible. Victoria Osteen stated "When we worship God, we're not doing it for God, we're doing it for ourselves... cause God takes pleasure when we are happy...Do good for your own self." Worship of self is pride. Nothing good comes from pride.

The goal of this life is not to have all of it's riches. Being a Christian will not make life easier for you. Life will be filled with suffering.

2 Timothy 3: 12 (NKJV)
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Even Jesus didn't have it all.

Matthew 8:18-22
And when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side. 19 Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.”
And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”
Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”
But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6:24 (NKJV)

1 John 2:15-17 (KJV)
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

I did not find that this book was at all shallow, or ascribed to the "name it and claim it" teaching. The theme that echoes throughout is to maintain a good attitude, through life's ups and downs, and keep trusting God. While I do not see God as some "sugar daddy in the sky", I do believe that He wants to bless people, and does bless people. This book is great at taking the focus off of yourself, and to get out of the 'poor me' mentality that is common. Oh yeah, and take God OUT of the box that we all too often put Him in.

For those of you who have been wondering about the obvious gaps in the new book, The Secret (example: all bad things you brought on yourself or wished for in some way), look no further. Osteen does a fantastic job of explaining that, sometimes, bad things happen for a reason. You don't imagine them, envision them or bring them about simply because you have been dwelling on them not happening, which is what "The Secret" suggests. Instead, they are all a part of God's big plan. Bad things take you to better places, provided you can roll with the punches and keep the faith.

So for those of you who have not been impressed with The Secret and have been wondering how religion and God/Jesus fit into it all, this book has the answer. What a relief!

Joel might err on the side of an exceeding positive attitude and preach prosperity but he certainly knows that God does not give hand outs. We are expected to be dilligent for it leads to prosperity and laziness leads to poverty (Proverbs)...always praying on all occassions and in line with the Holy Spirit's leading. Even those who pray must believe, perservere, walk by faith, and expect an abundant life -- one of God's promises to His children. With obedience you will be blessed not always materially but with exceeding peace. We are also expected to bless others in return...for God says when you are faithful with the small things He will entrust you with the larger things and that's where Joel sits. Too many Christians spend time being timid and fearful of asking of God. God says you do not receive because you ask not and when you ask, you ask amiss. It is important to pray for those like Joel and Joyce Meyers who prosper because God has granted them favor. I pray that they remain humble and true to the Gospel because it isn't easy to be in their shoes with such a great responsiblity to His sheep. This one book focuses on positive thinking and can't be taken out of context. Try being in their shoes. Job and David prospered and were not expected to be without...but we always have to hold loosely to the things of this world for God giveth and God taketh. Rejoice and give thanks in all things! Be careful of being an accuser and a judge of men's motives, for God can only see the inner man and judge a man's heart(Samuel).

Joel and Joyce are both about living life abundantly and giving back. Too many Christians live life lukewarm and in the end limit God's possibilities for their lives.

Be fruitful!

in His favor after much refining by fire,

Jackie

(be sober minded and vigilent for the enemy prowls around like a roaring lion ready to kill, steal and destroy)

I'm easily distracted from boring or pointless books, so when I found this book, I was surprised when I read it quickly cover to cover. Then I had to recommend it to all my friends and family. I'm going to buy several copies to give out now as it's such a good book.

I don't really want to give any details away, because I think that I had the best experience not knowing anything about it before I read it. I saw Joel interview on the morning show and he was extremely humble and charasmatic. After hearing him interview and the morning show's reaction after reading it, I bought it the same day when I saw it in the airport.

Buy it, read it and give it to someone you love.

A+ overall. I highly recommend it.

Joel Olsteen is the most positive minded speaker I've heard in quite some time. The content sometimes reminded me of the Prayer of Jabez where Wilkinson was criticized for encouraging people to reach for their potential & "expand their boundaries". Both Joel & Bruce just encourage us to use the talents & gifts God has given us. If we do not do that, I feel we're saying to God that we are not grateful for those blessings. They both encourage us to use what we have to first help others, and glorify God. Great listening & reading!

The kind of victory God has promised is an eschatological victory; that is, we will be victorious over the powers of hell as we find the completion of God's work in us on the renewed earth.

God does not promise us victory during this life, at least not the kind that Osteen preaches. There is no promise of good relationships. No promise of being well-liked. No promise of financial certainty. But there is the privilege of service Christ and

This is a man who never finished college, never attended seminary and has no other formal training in Scripture, theology, exegesis, hermeneutics, Church history or anything else that a pastor needs to have this kind of authority. His preaching is as shallow as a kiddie pool and about as theological. He is, quite simply, a fraud. He doesn't know it, but that's what he is.

I would suggest reading Bonhoeffer's "The Cost of Discipleship" where he discusses cheap grace as opposed to costly grace. Osteen pales in comparison.

Joel Osteen is the worst kind of example from the contemporary church. He preaches a shallow faith with no substantial connection to historical orthodoxy.

This book is, pure and simple, not a Christian book, even in the self-help category. It is vapid, devoid of sound exegesis. Essentially, Osteen doesn't end up affirming anything distinctive about Christianity.

Osteen is dangerous; a sort of CEO for a diluted ministry. He embodies the worst parts of American faith culture: narcissism, lukewarmness, consumerism, and the like.

Joel riles some Christians and inspires others because he focuses on the teachings OF Jesus, not the teachings ABOUT Jesus. Jesus taught that the Kingdom of Heaven is "at hand" (right here, right now.)

Joel is simply sharing Jesus' teachings about abundant living, and even though the Bible says "It is the Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom," a lot of people insist they have to earn it -- either by "being saved," through works or by sacrificing in this life to get whatever rewards there may be in the next.

Jesus taught that the power in him is the power in all of us and that we can do what he did. The reasons none of us can walk on water is because we don't beieve we can -- Jesus could because he believed he could.

Does God want us to be successful, abundant, healthy and prosperous? You bet!

Personally, I find Joel's teachings to be watered down metaphysics. He's on the right path philosophically and he's helped a lot of people turn their lives around through the God-given power of their minds (Yes, people, your thoughts DO become your reality, like it or not.)

For anyone looking for more "meat" in terms of prosperity thinking, I highly recommend Catherine Ponder's "The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity," or Eric Butterworth's "Discover the Power Within You" to get a full understanding of what Joel is only barely touching on.

This book has inspired me to reexamine my life in so many areas. After reading this book I feel that I can accomplish anything if I keep a positive attitude and live by god's word. I live in Houston the home town of his church and I have never attended. I will definite visit Lakewood church now!

Joel Osteen is a little one dimentional with the message he's trying to get across, but he's really, really good at getting that message across. He can't carry an entire religion on his back, but he can certainly help you see that you're valuable to God. He doesn't talk about condemnation or sin or any of the heavey stuff. He focusses mainly on the love God has for us, the value of each of us to God and the Joy that is available to each of us. It's a great message for anyone who's heard a thousand times that they're a sinner and can't earn God's love. That gets too depressing and defeating after a few decades. I appreciate Joel Osteen's message because I feel that so many priests and preachers are all to eager to point out our shortcomings while neglecting to point out our worth to the God who created us. For me, this was a timely reading. I needed to be reminded that God thinks I was worth creating.

If you are a True Christian, and want to adhere to the teachings of Scripture, and of Christ as your "all and all". Then don't even touch this, or any book by Joel Osteen. He is a false teacher of the worst kind, and not a Christian in the remote sense of the word.

He will actually tell you that "God" wants you to be rich, and have no disease! That we actually deserve something from God. God in all His Grace, and Mercy gave us Christ to die a horrible death on the Cross, to Forgive us for our sins. What an awesome gift of Love!

Is Osteen saying that Christ didn't have to suffer and die? This is heretical. The whole basis for our Christian faith is Christ's Crucifiction and ressurection.(to free us from our sins).

Paul said: "In the letters to the Churches" That we are utter fools for following Christ if He was not Ressurected, our preaching would be in vein, and we would still be Dead in our sins. That's pretty compelling testimony from a guy that used to kill Christians before Christ revealed Himself to Paul.

What a guilt trip on those that truly suffer from poverty, and illness. Guilt is from the enemy, not from God.

He leads people astray with his smooth words, and deceit for the sole reason of getting rich. If you want to listen to what your itching ears want to hear, and don't care about Truth of Christ. Then by all means buy it.

The Holy Scriptures say: "For the Cross of Christ is foolishness for those that are perishing".

This book doesn't amaze me. Jesus said: "For the path to destruction is wide, but the path to eternal Glory is narrow (Heaven)".

He preaches a health and wealth gospel, which is far from scripture, and far from the One True God. I expect to be called "closed minded", and "ignorant" for my comments. I welcome that. Since I grow deeper in my relationship with Christ in all kinds of attacks, sufferings, and tribulations.

Granted, there are many great Christian authors, but this isn't one of them. I was forced by the store to give it one-star. But it deserves negative stars.

This is a wonderful book that minister to your soul and heart in more than one way. This book have so many scriptures in it to back up what he is trying to explain to you about the situation of which he is referring to.

I just happened to hear about this preacher from my sister so i decided to check out the audiobook version to see what he is about. At times he is reminscent of Dr Schuller's "positive thinking" sermons but i did find Biblical based teaching throughout the audio book. I listened to it twice and i would recommend it to anyone of any religion or even atheist. There is something for everyone in this book. Most of all, it reassures us that God loves us and has the best for us if we believe.

If it were only that easy...

Taking Bible verses out of context, and using them to further self-centered wants, instead of serving others.

I, personally, have had faith since becoming a Christian 14 years ago...I wonder where my mansion is? It should have arrived by now...

Maybe the author should consider this...

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."-1 John 2:15

...but we allways forget and that is why we have teachers like Joel to show us the way home. Wonderful, amazing book about you and your "god within", and how you can release and allow abundance, love (real love) and happiness into your life. I am not a "religious" person, but Joel speaks to your heart and if you sincerly want to listen and give yourself a better life the message and all its ingredients are there for you to savor.

Is very well written, easy for anybody to understand and apply. I have bought several of them and sent them as a gift to people I love, all of them "non" religious too.

When you are ready to listen messages will come to your life, this is one of them and a very important one. Don't miss it.

This book itself is pretty good. The advice is on target and the 7 steps are ones that anyone could benefit from. My problem with it has to do with Osteen's appearance on Larry King. King asked some questions that I thought Osteen answered very well. Osteen said he doesn't presume to judge who goes to hell and who doesn't, and that God would judge a person's heart. He then talked about working with his dad in India and said, he just didn't believe that all those persons would be damned.

But the fundamentalist, right-wing Christians inundated him with letters, faxes, phone calls upbraiding him for not saying that God WILL SEND EVERYONE TO HELL WHO DOESN"T AGREE WITH US!!!! At that point, Osteen could (and should) have stood his ground. But what did he do? He caved in to the fundamentalists and issued a statement on his website basically contradicting everything he said on Larry King. Why are people so afraid of these Bible-thumpers? Why can't the literalists be content to have their narrow minded god, and leave the rest of us alone? They didn't need Osteen to back them up. There is Falwell/Dobson/Robertson/Swaggart/ and SO many others who back them up daily.

Look at the reviews of this book. They call Osteen a heretic, apostate, unscriptural, backslidden and worse! Who needs or wants the good opinion of those people? I would be scared if they ever started agreeing with me!

Also, the incident with Osteen's wife on the airplane in Houston wasn't too cool. Seems to me that on Christmas Eve a pastor should be celebrating the Lord's birthday with his congregants rather than jetting off to Vail, Colorado to ski with the rich and famous. But Victoria Osteen causing an incident that caused people to wait over two hours to take off and then get the FBI involved is just plain dumb.

But again, they took to their website basically saying that the "incident" on the airplane was a non-incident. Seems that they keep doing one thing and saying another. I guess what really bothers me is that they seemed more interested in publicity and shining up their image than being who they really are.

As far as the book, its good. It will help you. Osteen's no Norman Vincent Peale, but you could do worse.

This book is a powerful tool for helping everyone who loves America and our special way of life. For the first time in a long time I'm learning that God wants above all else to make me happy, just like Pastor Joel is so happy. Pastor Joel helps us see that bad days are only bad if we let them get to us, that no matter what happens if we only look at the bright side of things it will all work together for the good and that everything happens for a reason.

I now can envision myself succeeding, winning, gaining, consuming more and more material possessions all for the glory of God. I hope all those soldiers in Iraq get this book because I think they will see that if we only think positive that we can win this war on terror.

If I could, I'd also buy copies of this book for all the Tsunami victims because probably more than anything right now, those people need to experience the "abundant life that God promised"! They need to have a positive self-image, they need to envision a different tomorrow, they need to know that God wants us constantly increasing, to always rise to new heights, and to know that thoughts determine destiny.

May God Bless all who read this!

The book is wonderful, postive and uplifting. It reminded me very much of the books that Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, a minister, wrote in the 1950's. Rev. Peale was considered the most influential spiritual writer of his generation. Today, Joel's books are just what Jesus would have ordered. Too bad you Christian folks don't follow Christ's teachings.

Joel Osteen washes down Christianity, making it into a happy-go-lucky religion, in this book. He overlooks genuine faith in order to bring about a surface faith that ignores the spiritual world, and uplifts the material. Where it becomes particularly evident that Joel's Christianity is not the Christianity of the Bible is in the idea that material blessings are the name of the game, and suffering is the example of a person without faith. Has he never heard of a martyr? Is it not spoken of numerous times in Scripture that those who suffer for their faith will be blessed? Furthermore, are we to say that the poor, who often exhibit more faith than the rich, are not good Christians? Doesn't it say in the Bible, on numerous occasions, that the poor are more blessed than the rich? So why is a preacher talking about material goods being the example of people who have faith? Why is suffering not about being Christian? The Bible specifically speaks against Joel's kind of preaching!!!

But this is not where the book ends its relative foolishness. Joel misses opportunities to encourage true humility in the hearts of believers. As a matter of fact, he expresses how our desires should dictate how God acts, giving credence to the idea that Joel is far from humble and discourages any form of humility in others (humility being an essential part of our faith and full obedience to God). What he fails to see is that not all things that we desire are the desires of God. On the contrary, often our desires for material wealth and power is the exact opposite of God's desire for us. I choose not to imagine myself having a church of 20,000 people, or to have a nice car, or to gain that promotion. I choose to be a servant of God (even to the point of death). This is what Joel fails to see.

Joel Osteen clearly preaches like a man without guidance or pastoral training. In his book he never appears humble. He rarely (if ever) exegetes Scripture. He disregards the truth, and he ignores the suffering around him, claiming that a lack of faith is the reason for it. One day he will awaken to a day of martyrdom of the Christian faith. Where will his prosperity message be then? I can only pray that this man reviews his life and awakens to the truth. God is always there for us, but as Christians we are repeatedly warned that for our faith we will suffer greatly. The seeking to increase our material "blessing" is not a sign of our depth of faith, but a sign of the depth of our fallen nature. Do not be fooled by the words written in this book.

Read the book --> Loved it. Hard to put it in practice though, but if we focus, we can get there. I know if we follow his steps it can help us to find true peace within.

The only thing I found is that he repeats a lot and in the end I felt he was trying to brainwash me: "Forget the pass, Forgive people, Don't let the root of bitterness attach too deep.. etc". Hey, it that brainwashing helps me to get rid of my demons that don't let me live at peace, then I want to be brainwashed! Don't ya think?!

:-)

If you need a bounce in your step, a smile on your face and a gleem in your eye buy this book. However, it falls short of Gods greater plan for humanity. I can't imagine anyone believing this concept and then joining the military. Perhaps a reading of Courage And Cowardice by Delbert Abbott or One Soldiers Story by Bob Dole should be read to bring the reader down from the clouds after reading this book. A nice effort with a lot of good material that somehow falls short.

It is obvious that those who criticize Joel's book and preaching do not have faith in God's love. And that is what I see Joel is emphasizing...FAITH.

I could counter each point every person had in their negative comments, but I know that it would do no good, and would not help them "see", as they are blind in faith.

I pray that one day, you too, will see what God's love truly is. From personal experience I know that my life has seen more abundance and God's favor due to my faith and actions. If you do your part (and that includes having faith that God wants good things for you) God will do his part.

It is just that simple. No one said it was easy...but it is that simple.

FAITH!

This is such an inspirational text to read, it touches everything about your life without solely biased about the whole christianity religion. After reading the book you get to appreciate God's wonderful work in your life, that you will be so marvelled you want to see the Christ, the Christianity they are talking about. Its a God's given inspirational book that couldnt be belittled, because its a great must-read.

Talking about "Prefential Treatment", I had my absolute prefential treatment, while reading the book. Helping with psychological stress, this is a book that was sent by God to human to be able to find rest in God. It teaches on how to live your daily life and follow in God's pace. Its so marvelous that at the end of the day you just want to worship God and see His mighty works in your life. I sure do have my testimonies for the book.

This book makes a definite statement of what is going on in such a large part of the body of Christ. Instead of teaching us to desire to know our God in a greater way and seeking His face and His glory alone, this book teaches us that we have a God Who wants us to be "happy" by promoting us and giving us all of the things we want. I have been saved for nearly 19-years and I still can't believe that God loves me and has given to me the greatest gift of all: Himself! He has chosen me to be a part of His family! What more could I ever ask for?

Of course, I need to financially support my family and I need to pay the bills but I am told in Matthew 6:33 that I should "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all of these things will be added unto me." GOD IS ENOUGH! I do not have to search for methods to obtain all of the things I want. I can trust the Lord to meet all of my needs in life without reading a self-help book that promotes some of the very things that the secular self-help books also promote. Once again, GOD IS ENOUGH!

Those who are saved are sojourners here and we need not live like those who do not have a future hope. We have a relationship with God and a future with Him that will be far greater than anything we could ever imagine. Books like this can only harm true believers because they are not taught about intimacy with God and desiring Him above all things. They are taught to only desire what is on the Master's table, rather than taught to desire the Master Himself.

On November 30 J. Li "litaichi" wrote a review. What he stated made things perfectly clear to me. He said that this is a book for Christians and non-Christians alike. Christians should throw up a red flag when they read something like this. This is not a book that will bring anyone to an understanding of Who the real Jesus is but rather a book that can be used by the saved and unsaved to lead a "better life." The only "better life" is the abundant life Jesus promises to those who place their trust in Him ALONE. That kind of life does not depend on things and circumstances. That kind of life is content with Jesus Himself and does not concern itself with all of the externals, but rather concerns itself with the internal relationship it has with God above all else. Now that is the true "best life."

When I first opened this book I prayed and asked the Lord to help me not to prejudge Mr. Osteen's writings before I started even though I had read so many negative things about him. It only took the first page of Chapter 1 before I realized where he was headed. Mr. Osteen's God is too small for me. The God of the Bible is the great God and Savior Who wants to reveal Himself to His people. What more can anyone desire other than God and God alone?

I am truly grieved over how many positive reviews this book has received. What has happened to discernment? Isn't God enough for these people? Have they truly entered into real intimacy with the God Who has saved them? If so, then how can they not discern how ungodly these teachings are? As for me, just give me my God and a deserted island and I would be content. Unfortunately these people do not find God to be enough for them. They need God and things. Anytime the word "and" follows the name of God in our vocabulary as the children of God then we are truly dishonoring our God. Once again, GOD IS ENOUGH!

Hebrews 13:5 (in the ESV) states, "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."" If we have a true and intimate relationship with God then we can truly be content in life with whatever God has given to us because in Him we have everything. We need to seek after more of Him and not after more things.

Matthew 6:19-21 (in the ESV) states, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Those are the words of Jesus Himself. Sadly books like this only teach people to lay up for themselves treasure on earth.

If you are looking for a true understanding of how God wants us to live as pilgrims on earth then I would suggest that you read Dietrich Bonhoeffer's The Cost Of Discipleship and especially Chapter 17 which is titled "The Simplicity of the Carefree Life," or A.W. Tozer's The Pursuit Of God and especially Chapter 2 which is titled, "The Blessedness Of Possessing Nothing."

I have read the book twice. In my humble opinion the book is very uplifting. This is a keeper, god willing I will hand it down to my children. Through out the book there are biblical references that relate very nicely to Mr. Osteen's message of standing in faith. Mr. Osteen is a blessed and gifted communicator. Upon my completion of my second reading I was left with two reverberating principle. God is always in control. And that Hope is shadowed by faith and faith is doorway to the blessing.
Enlightening and Inspirational

I have recommended this book to every one who reads books and seeks or is in a relationship with God. I used to get annoyed when I complimented someone on his or her success and they told me it was all God's doing. Since reading this book, taking it to heart and practicing what it teaches, things have changed for me. And it is all God's doing.

At first I thought why would God do all this for me? Here's the deal -- once you start thanking God for his favor, you act differently. You think twice before doing all those minor corrupt things that you used to do. You can't thank God for his favor and then (for example) buy a dress, wear it and take it back. You can't thank God for his favor and then listen to vicious gossip, or worse, spread it. You even take stuff you don't want and put it back on the correct shelf at the grocery store. You truly become what God wants you to be and as a result you receive God's favor. If you want a better life, read the book and practice what it preaches. For those that don't get it, too bad for you.

This book is simply a "feel good" pop psychology, positive mental attitude book wrapped in a message of Christianity. Osteen's book is full of hypothetical stories that begin with phrases such as "I once knew a man that.......," "I heard a story about a man that..........," or "There was this man that......." It could be the offspring of Paul Harvey and Dr. Phil, a collection of "feel good" stories. If you are seeking feel good stories with a Christian theme, this book is for you.

However, most of these "stories" are not about real people, but rather either jokes that have circulated on the internet for years or "pollyanna" stories passed down from generation to generation.

Some of the stories strains the realm of credibility. In the book, Ostenn tell his readers to pray for a parking spot when going to the mall. He then tells a story of he and his family going to a mall and every parking space was taken. He then stopped his car, prayed for a parking space, and lo and behold, someone pulled out of the best parking space in the lot.

I believe God has better things to do than provide a good parking space for me at the mall, and I do not believe Jesus was sacrificed on the cross so his believers can obtain the best parking space. This is demeaning to Christians and ridicules Christ.

If you want a PMA book that will pump you up, perhaps you may find some value here. However, if you are looking for a Bible based book on the scriptures, this book could not be any farther from the scriptures of the Bible.

Osteen's brand of Christianity cannot be found in the Bible. His preaching is not Biblical. He tells a story about himself or a friend (or someone he knew or someone that someone else knew) and something good happened to them, so it must be God that provided the good fortune.

Nor does Osteen's personal life resemble the life Jesus said for his followers to seek. Jesus said we should not store up treasures on earth, but seek treasure in Heaven. Osteen has sought after wealth on Earth, look at his expensive suits, jewelry, and the way his wife dresses. They live in a 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom house that is over 6,000 square feet, valued at $2,356,729.00. Go to [...] and check it out for yourself, it is public record.

Members of his "church" and TV audience are pressured to give money to his ministry to "spread the Gospel," meanwhile Osteen lives in a two-million dollar home. How many of us live in a two-million dollar home?

Osteen is not of the Lord. He just tells a bunch of "feel-good" fairy tales so people will laugh and feel good about themselves, then at the end he has a brief alter call and passes the collection plate.

"Depart from me, I never knew you," will be the Lord's words to people like Osteen.

If you must read this collection of fables, check it out at the libray, Osteen has enough money already.

I had been wanting to read this book since it came out and after three years finally got it done. I have watched Joel Osteen on TV for years and enjoy it every time I see it. He is inspriational, up lifting and enlightening on many aspects. He is just trying to get people to keep a postive attitude about life in general and not dwell on negative things, it will only bring your spirit and you health down. His stories keep you reading and its an easy read. I enjoyed the book, its non-denominational and all you have to do to read it is have a heart and sense of humor. I am looking forward to the next book of his that is coming out in October of this year 07'.

I felt that this book was very encouraging and inspirational for someone that has lost faith, is in despair for whatever reason or feel that their blessings are blocked. The book overflows with numerous stories of people that the pastor/author is acquainted with, gives their individual stories of how faith was restored, prayers answered (in God's time, not their time), healing and forgiveness. I must admit that I felt the book could have been shorter in length and still made the same points as intended. The end of the book is outlined with a quick reference to all bible scriptures used.

Would I recommend this book? YES. Was it a worthy purchase? YES.

I am a lifelong Christian and have read and studied the Word from many angles and sources over the years.

I don't know if it was just timing, or what, but I couldn't help but notice this 'happy preacher' on TV. For years, I passed him by while scanning the channels, but I DID slowly begin to stop and listen- a little more each time. I was taken by Mr. Osteen's simple messages, delivered with a humility and genuiness that I just don't think can be faked. Anyway, I began to enjoy the half hour I spent with him on TV, but still couldn't force myself to buy the book or even take his theology seriously for that matter - it was just 'soul candy' as far as I was concerned.

Finally, I gave in a little over a year ago and bought the book. I coincidentally began a new job that included a company paid daily bus pass. I began to read a chapter a day during my commute. I have now read this book at least a dozen times. Yes, it still has that candy-like comfort, but beyond that I have learned to respect the man and his theology. To those who cast it off as 'name it and claim drivel', I can only say that I receive a much deeper message from his words. Maybe it's because I've never been a part of anything remotely like the 'name and claim' theology, or perhaps it's because I'd like to believe that my own theology is deeper and therefore believe that his is too. What I'll say is that while I have learned to appreciate how much God DOES love me and how much he wants for me, I realize that monetary wealth is just one of many types of wealth that's being referred to in the book. And I hear the distinction loud and clear in his words. But I don't think that's necessarily his point. I don't hear him PROMISING good things in this book. What I hear (and what makes the difference for me personally) is simply, - what kind of attitude are you going to have as you go through life (regardless of outcomes)? Personally, while I can't say that his theology is totally supported in every detail by scripture, I can't say that it contradicts it either, and it helps me immensely. Call it "Positve Thinking". Call it what you want. It's working for me and I can see its (positive) effect on me, my life and those I love and live with each day.

I think many people missed the point Joel Osteen is making. Your Best Life Now is about living everyday with joy. If you live life thinking only of Heaven and nothing else, then you've missed the joy of living life. Sure, a personal relationship with Christ is required. Still, God didn't say, "Sit around solemnly and think of how unworthy of joy you should be." No, Christ said, "Though you live in this world, do not be like others, be better." Let's remove our defeatist attitudes and imagine happiness. Beth Moore also makes this point in Breaking Free.

Your Chance to Hear The Last Panther Speak

My mother gave this book to me a few years ago. Due to the fact that I was in the military and dealing with so many situations at the time and also the thickness of it... I put off reading it till when I thought my life would slow down some. War and all that goes with it sucks up some time. I now realize in hind sight, that was a mistake. I should have read pieces here and there way back then! I am also shocked, but not completely shocked... By the negative reviews this book has received. I am not a frequent church attendee... The negative reviews I took the time to read clearly tell me that there are people that study the bible so intently that they feel they can use that knowledge to prove people wrong, but that isn't what disturbs me the most about that... What disturbs me the most is that they would publicly do so without even conferring with the man to see if perhaps there was legitimate reason he wrote what he wrote and if so, if they could beef about that off line and perhaps reach a conclusion whether he was right or wrong, before it was splashed into the publics eyes!

I, in my limited knowledge and I am willing to say so, do know a few things about the bible. But I also know a few things about life. As a two time war veteran and someone that has lived in various countries through out my life, I feel I have the right to say that. Joel Osteen has written a book here that deals with changing peoples negative perspectives and also is showing them that according to the bible, that they do, if they choose to change the thought patterns they currently have, have a chance to live a full and productive and fulfilling life! I know rabbits don't chew cud. I know the Catholic Religion did what the bible said not to do. Add to, because the bible clearly says nothing should be added to or taken away... Because they added the Apocryphal... Nothing against Catholics mind you, just stating facts. I know that there are so many "Christian" dominations it's no wonder they can't get along, nor that Christians and Muslims can't get along...

Not verbatim but from memory...

Lift a branch, and you will find me...
Move a rock, and I am there...

This book rekindles hope...

And that I commend because the WORLD DAMN SURE NEEDS IT!

All the biblical scholars that think they know or have figured out the bible need to realize one thing...

NO ONE KNOWS THE MIND OF GOD!

For decades the bible was printed in Latin and only those that knew Latin were allowed to say to others what it said...

Or more precisely, what they Thought it said! And let's get real, was it what they thought it said? Or what would benefit them if the people believed what they said they thought it said?

People were executed for trying to translate the bible...

They wanted to keep...

THIER INTERPRETATION!!!

I won't even mention the Crusades!
Which a Pope Publicly apologized for!!!

All you experts on the bible have probably never even read the Teachings of Emanuel and if so, aren't questioning why it was excluded from the bible and if you are, aren't questioning why the DEAD SEA SCROLLS were excluded from the bible...

To me...

Yes...

No doubt the greatest book ever written...

But, I also think that it was altered to fit the political agendas of different times...

What happens when you give something to man and it has power?

Power corrupts...

Not just now...

And if someone shows up on my door spouting things that they think are not refutable they certainly don't have my ear!

I'm digging his message...

And for those of you that prefer to feel... It isn't what you see in the bible...

Remember...

You have your eyes

And others have their eyes...

More wars have been fought in the name of religion which I DON'T believe in anyway for any other reason through out the history of the world...
And perhaps because of people...

That think the words in a book, no matter how Holy they think it might be...

Rate killing in the name of...

I love this book and it is something I will continue to return to, to improve my mind set in the area of positive thinking, supported by biblical doctrine...

For all you scholars... Who would prefer a book that doesn't teach encouragement and empowerment and actually living a life worthy of living...

And also allowing a person the possibility of being in a position of perhaps giving to those less fortunate because of it...

Maintain your beliefs...

But I will always wonder...

Why there are those with so many riches aligning the inner walls of their churches...
That one artifact if sold...
Could feed a country for a few weeks..

Chase von
tlp
The Last Panther

PS

When I say that perhaps parts were changed to fit political agendas, there are those of you that might want to argue with that... Very well...
Explain the Apocryphal...

And here's another one to chew on...

Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone...

With all the negative reviews I've seen here on a positive book....

I truly didn't know there were that many living Saints...

If you are looking for a book to give you hope and inspiration to start a new life now this is it! If you impliment the seven steps Joel teaches in this book, your life and circumstances WILL be changed forever! It is truly inspired. I loved it!

I love this book because so many times in my growing up in church, I have never heard the Word of the Lord taught this way. It gives a whole new POSITIVE way of thinking of how the Lord sees life and how He wants blessings for your life. Also, Joel is so right about the way we think. Our mindset means alot for our outcomes. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, let God do it his way. He does know whats best and wants the best for your life ! I love this book, its very encouraging!

Pastor Joel Osteen has really captured the essence of a life-fulfilled. I have listened to Tony Robbins' tapes over and over again trying to memorize what the key ingredients are to living my life to its full potential. However, Joel Osteen has gone one step farther in relating how God wants us to live our lives, and Osteen gives us the optimism to want to go out and truly experience the life that the Lord has in mind for us. It is a "no excuse" mission that we are given. I have listened to Osteen's tapes of the book, but they certainly didn't capture the essence of his philosophy like the book does. I have devoured every word. Thank you, Osteen!

Jeanne Ramage

Educational Therapist

Northridge, California

Folks who have been reviewing this book in a critical, and sometimes downright nasty way, always say that God doesn't want us to be happy-positive-fulfilled-contented, or just fill in a happy adjective. They want us to know that God is PLENTY sore at us. They want us to know that the "Good News" has lots of asterisks beside it. They want you to know that God is quite plain in saying, "Well, yeah, I took you back, but NEVER forget your sinfulness, your wickedness, and your general "worm-ness."

These are the same people who many times wave their hands in orgiastic hysterics, fall on the floor, roll in the aisles, contort their bodies and scream loudly. Why? They say they do it in response to God's love. Yet let a person like Joel Osteen respond to this love by writing this book on living happily because God loves you, and what do these folks say? "YOU ARE A VILE BLASPHEMER, JOEL OSTEEN. You are trying to make people realize that they were made in the image and likeness of God, and WE DON'T LIKE IT!" And they have armloads full of scripture to throw at you if you dare disagree with them.

Joel Osteen has stepped out and dared to declare boldly God's love-His desire to bless His children. So while the fundamentalists wait for their "blood and thunder" god who is going to hurl lightning bolts and turn the earth into a fireball, others like myself, would rather get up every day and say "Thank you, God, for another day you have blessed me with and I confidently expect your blessings and love. Your love fills my heart and makes me overflow with joy."

And if you say I am scripturally inaccurate, my I ask you: What part of 'If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth' do you not understand?

P.S. He is the savior of ALL men, especially those who believe. That scripture really drives the fundy's crazy.

Once again modern evangelicalism is faced with a book which exalts man and demotes God. Mr Osteen, like most preachers today, turns Christianity into a "get" and not a "give". It is a watered down feel-good Gospel which is really no gospel at all. Mr Osteen's scripture twisting and proof texting is enough to make any Expository Bible teacher cringe. What about sin? What about daily denial of self? What about exalting Christ and slaying yourself? Jesus did not come to save us from our unfulfilled lives and help us make more money or own a bigger house; He came to save us from our sin. Mr Osteen should heed the call of Paul in Colossians 2:8 "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." A feel-good, self-help message does not save but rather damns the hearer because it is based on the principles of this world and not on Christ. I pray that Mr Osteen would see his error and turn to the true source of life, the Lord and Master Jesus Christ.

21st Century Woman of Virtue
Excellent book of encouragement and practical ways in improve our lives. The Word of God wants us to live victorious and Joel sets out the seven steps to help us reach our full potential. I highly recommend this book to everyone who wants to improve their lives and reach for their own potentials.

I highly recommend this book!!
Dianne Pedersen, Author of: 21st Century Woman of Virtue

Well I was shocked to read the other 2 negative comments on this book. This book has totally changed my life on how I look at things. I used to look at things in a negative way but this book taught me how to think more positive and to let go of all the negative things in my life. I totally recommend this book for people who want to learn how to have a better life w/ God's help. I am a Loving Christian mother and now I feel like I'm a happier and more positive Christian. Please don't let those other negative comments fool you. I'm so shocked that they would even say those things. It's seriously the best book I have ever read!!!

I purchased this book for my Mother.She has been through a long, hard recovery period from surgery,and this writer has lifted her spirits,both emotional and spiritually.Her husband bought her tickets for them to go see him at a seminar.She said it was great. She has really gotten into this book.I would recommend this Author to anyone who may need a lift in life.

I have been reading alIl the different reviews and all i can say is that God is the true Judge of Pastor Osteen...He knows his heart and people should not dare say what he isn't. Jesus does say that he has come to bring us life more abundantly...satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy. That means that God wants us to live every part of our life more abundantly..yes things don't always seen that way and bad things happen but God's word still stands...he is still faithful..he still wants the best for us! How could we possibly say that God wants us to live here on earth miserably! We shouldn't be just trying to make it here on earth until we get home to heaven..God has plans not to harm us ..but give us a future and hope! I think this book is good news and causes us to take a good look at the level of faith in our life. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God...This is my testimony..God was showing me that he had the best for me if i repented and came to him and gave him full control..he certainly did just that..i am living life more abundantly and when Satan comes in to try and steal,kill and destroy in my life i remind him of what Gods word says.. The enemy has already been defeated..we have the victory in Jesus...in every area in our lives..that mean even Financially!

In fact all of the so called preachers on TBN are hacks. They all profess a love of Christ and his teachings when they are basically selling you a well honed self-help program. Things like 'positive thinking' and having a greater 'self image' are are the language of modern psycho babble which have no foundations in the teachings of Christ.

If you don't believe me, then look at the way they are selling the way, the truth and the life for huge profits. Look at the way they look down on poverty as a sign of wickedness in one's life. All of the greatest men of the Bible had nothing and never sold their ideas for money.

People are looking for answers in life by what makes them feel better, instead of accepting a certain amount of suffering and misery. There are no guarantees in life and there is no such thing as a program that will get you out of pain.

There is, however, such a thing as a charlatan. Do not let the charming Southern accent fool you. He is making big bucks at your expense, and self helping himself all the way to the bank.

This book can change your life. Even if you are not "Christian," the philosophical message is undeniably worthy of following.

Joel is the 21st century's Norman Vincent Peale, with such a positive perspective on life, one can't help but be changed. His anecdotes illustrate his points, and inspire belief in what he calls the "supernatural" acts of God.

He writes in a manner easy to read and follow. I recommend this book to anyone looking for reminders on how to live life well and be happy in whatever life you find yourself in.

Joel Osteen is a great preacher and the message in his book is very encouraging. He very simply underscores the fact that we have an active role in affecting the outcomes we receive in life. We tend to sit back and say "God will provide," but Osteen helps us see that active decisions and behaviors on our part increase our ability to receive these provisions from God. The message of Your Best Life Now has some similarities to another great book called The Abundance Principle: Five Keys ot Extraordinary Living ([...]

I read this book within 4 hours on a flight. It really changed my perspective on life and how to put a painful past behind me. I have bought at least 10 books for my friends whom are going through some very trying times. I can't speak for them but I know it's altered their lives and thinking.

It's an easy read book you won't want to put down.

This is sharing the GOOD NEWS. Christ came so that we may have life and have it more abundently and I am not talking about money here although that could be if God wills. I am talking about being blessed, being grateful each morning for this beautiful life that was given us. This book is wonderful and I really admire Joel for stepping up and spreading this message.

Pastor Joel Osteen will open your eyes to what is already in front of you. Your life now! This is a great book. Even if you are a positive person like I am, you will realize that you could and should be more positive. After reading this book no one should have any excuses to live below standards in any fashion, form, or way.

This is a must read book!

I love everybody and Joel is no exception. This book is a testimony of his life, though it's not for everybody. It's good to be optimistic, and sure God wants us happy and have our best life, however, this is just part of the big picture of what God has for us. Perhaps a good start to some who would have never approached God in the first place, thiniking He's a mean, punishing God. A few good seeds are planted here, but not too much...

I THINK THE PREVIOUS NEGATIVE REVIEWS ARE A TESTAMENT TO WHATS WRONG IN AMERICA TODAY. WHO COULD ARGUE WITH SOMEONE WHO SAYS THAT GOD WANTS YOU TO PROSPER. OF COURSE HE WANTS CHRISTIANS TO PROSPER. TRUE CHRISTIANS SHARE THEIR WEALTH AND TIME WITH THOSE LESS FORTUNATE. AS JOEL SAYS, GOD WANTS YOU TO PROSPER JUST LIKE YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN TO PROSPER. DOES ANYONE WISH FOR THEIR CHILDREN TO BE POOR AND DOWNTRODDEN? I WOULD IMAGINE THAT MOST OF THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS CAME FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE ALIGNED WITH THE RICHEST OF POLITICAL LEADERS. AMERICA HAS AN EYE FOR EYE MENTALITY TODAY WHICH IS COMPLETELY OPPOSITE OF THE CHRIST TEACHINGS IN NEW TESTAMENT. WE HAVE A RELIGOUS PRESIDENT WHO BELIEVES IT IS OK TO KILL IN ORDER TO PUSH AN AGENDA. TRUE CHRISTIANS (FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST), EMBRACE ALL PEOPLE. REMEMBER JESUS LOOKED MORE LIKE OSAMA THAN BRAD PITT. YOU COULD TAKE ANY SCRIPTURE FROM THE BIBLE AND CONTORT IT TO MEET ANY AGENDA. GOD BLESSED AMERICANS SO THAT WE COULD SPREAD HIS WORD, HELP THE SICK & POOR, AND FEED THE CHILDREN. JOEL HAS CHANGED MY LIFE AS WELL AS MANY OF MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY. THOSE PEOPLE WHO WISH TO SAY NEGATIVE THINGS ABOUT JOEL REALLY SHOULD LISTEN TO WHAT HE SAYS NOT WHAT THEY WANT TO HEAR. WHY WOULD YOU CONDEMN A MAN WHO HAS BROUGHT SO MANY PEOPLE TO KNOW CHRIST. OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!

I purchased "Your Best Life Now" on CD, and listened to it while driving this summer to our holiday destinations - an awesome way to fill in those empty driving hours! Joel Osteen is so easy to listen to, and his messages are applicable to everyone no matter what situation you are in. Though it is spiritual in content, it's not "preachy", so I would highly recommend it to even those who are not so "biblical". The messages are simple and apply to every day life - words to live your life by! I would highly recommend this to anyone!

21st Century Woman of Virtue
Excellent book of encouragement and practical ways in improve our lives. The Word of God wants us to live victorious and Joel sets out the seven steps to help us reach our full potential. I highly recommend this book to everyone who wants to improve their lives and reach for their own potentials.

I highly recommend this book!!
Dianne Pedersen, Author of: 21st Century Woman of Virtue

Well I was shocked to read the other 2 negative comments on this book. This book has totally changed my life on how I look at things. I used to look at things in a negative way but this book taught me how to think more positive and to let go of all the negative things in my life. I totally recommend this book for people who want to learn how to have a better life w/ God's help. I am a Loving Christian mother and now I feel like I'm a happier and more positive Christian. Please don't let those other negative comments fool you. I'm so shocked that they would even say those things. It's seriously the best book I have ever read!!!

I purchased this book for my Mother.She has been through a long, hard recovery period from surgery,and this writer has lifted her spirits,both emotional and spiritually.Her husband bought her tickets for them to go see him at a seminar.She said it was great. She has really gotten into this book.I would recommend this Author to anyone who may need a lift in life.

I have been reading alIl the different reviews and all i can say is that God is the true Judge of Pastor Osteen...He knows his heart and people should not dare say what he isn't. Jesus does say that he has come to bring us life more abundantly...satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy. That means that God wants us to live every part of our life more abundantly..yes things don't always seen that way and bad things happen but God's word still stands...he is still faithful..he still wants the best for us! How could we possibly say that God wants us to live here on earth miserably! We shouldn't be just trying to make it here on earth until we get home to heaven..God has plans not to harm us ..but give us a future and hope! I think this book is good news and causes us to take a good look at the level of faith in our life. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God...This is my testimony..God was showing me that he had the best for me if i repented and came to him and gave him full control..he certainly did just that..i am living life more abundantly and when Satan comes in to try and steal,kill and destroy in my life i remind him of what Gods word says.. The enemy has already been defeated..we have the victory in Jesus...in every area in our lives..that mean even Financially!

In fact all of the so called preachers on TBN are hacks. They all profess a love of Christ and his teachings when they are basically selling you a well honed self-help program. Things like 'positive thinking' and having a greater 'self image' are are the language of modern psycho babble which have no foundations in the teachings of Christ.

If you don't believe me, then look at the way they are selling the way, the truth and the life for huge profits. Look at the way they look down on poverty as a sign of wickedness in one's life. All of the greatest men of the Bible had nothing and never sold their ideas for money.

People are looking for answers in life by what makes them feel better, instead of accepting a certain amount of suffering and misery. There are no guarantees in life and there is no such thing as a program that will get you out of pain.

There is, however, such a thing as a charlatan. Do not let the charming Southern accent fool you. He is making big bucks at your expense, and self helping himself all the way to the bank.

This book can change your life. Even if you are not "Christian," the philosophical message is undeniably worthy of following.

Joel is the 21st century's Norman Vincent Peale, with such a positive perspective on life, one can't help but be changed. His anecdotes illustrate his points, and inspire belief in what he calls the "supernatural" acts of God.

He writes in a manner easy to read and follow. I recommend this book to anyone looking for reminders on how to live life well and be happy in whatever life you find yourself in.

Joel Osteen is a great preacher and the message in his book is very encouraging. He very simply underscores the fact that we have an active role in affecting the outcomes we receive in life. We tend to sit back and say "God will provide," but Osteen helps us see that active decisions and behaviors on our part increase our ability to receive these provisions from God. The message of Your Best Life Now has some similarities to another great book called The Abundance Principle: Five Keys ot Extraordinary Living ([...]

I read this book within 4 hours on a flight. It really changed my perspective on life and how to put a painful past behind me. I have bought at least 10 books for my friends whom are going through some very trying times. I can't speak for them but I know it's altered their lives and thinking.

It's an easy read book you won't want to put down.

This is sharing the GOOD NEWS. Christ came so that we may have life and have it more abundently and I am not talking about money here although that could be if God wills. I am talking about being blessed, being grateful each morning for this beautiful life that was given us. This book is wonderful and I really admire Joel for stepping up and spreading this message.

Pastor Joel Osteen will open your eyes to what is already in front of you. Your life now! This is a great book. Even if you are a positive person like I am, you will realize that you could and should be more positive. After reading this book no one should have any excuses to live below standards in any fashion, form, or way.

This is a must read book!

I love everybody and Joel is no exception. This book is a testimony of his life, though it's not for everybody. It's good to be optimistic, and sure God wants us happy and have our best life, however, this is just part of the big picture of what God has for us. Perhaps a good start to some who would have never approached God in the first place, thiniking He's a mean, punishing God. A few good seeds are planted here, but not too much...

I THINK THE PREVIOUS NEGATIVE REVIEWS ARE A TESTAMENT TO WHATS WRONG IN AMERICA TODAY. WHO COULD ARGUE WITH SOMEONE WHO SAYS THAT GOD WANTS YOU TO PROSPER. OF COURSE HE WANTS CHRISTIANS TO PROSPER. TRUE CHRISTIANS SHARE THEIR WEALTH AND TIME WITH THOSE LESS FORTUNATE. AS JOEL SAYS, GOD WANTS YOU TO PROSPER JUST LIKE YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN TO PROSPER. DOES ANYONE WISH FOR THEIR CHILDREN TO BE POOR AND DOWNTRODDEN? I WOULD IMAGINE THAT MOST OF THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS CAME FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE ALIGNED WITH THE RICHEST OF POLITICAL LEADERS. AMERICA HAS AN EYE FOR EYE MENTALITY TODAY WHICH IS COMPLETELY OPPOSITE OF THE CHRIST TEACHINGS IN NEW TESTAMENT. WE HAVE A RELIGOUS PRESIDENT WHO BELIEVES IT IS OK TO KILL IN ORDER TO PUSH AN AGENDA. TRUE CHRISTIANS (FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST), EMBRACE ALL PEOPLE. REMEMBER JESUS LOOKED MORE LIKE OSAMA THAN BRAD PITT. YOU COULD TAKE ANY SCRIPTURE FROM THE BIBLE AND CONTORT IT TO MEET ANY AGENDA. GOD BLESSED AMERICANS SO THAT WE COULD SPREAD HIS WORD, HELP THE SICK & POOR, AND FEED THE CHILDREN. JOEL HAS CHANGED MY LIFE AS WELL AS MANY OF MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY. THOSE PEOPLE WHO WISH TO SAY NEGATIVE THINGS ABOUT JOEL REALLY SHOULD LISTEN TO WHAT HE SAYS NOT WHAT THEY WANT TO HEAR. WHY WOULD YOU CONDEMN A MAN WHO HAS BROUGHT SO MANY PEOPLE TO KNOW CHRIST. OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!

I purchased "Your Best Life Now" on CD, and listened to it while driving this summer to our holiday destinations - an awesome way to fill in those empty driving hours! Joel Osteen is so easy to listen to, and his messages are applicable to everyone no matter what situation you are in. Though it is spiritual in content, it's not "preachy", so I would highly recommend it to even those who are not so "biblical". The messages are simple and apply to every day life - words to live your life by! I would highly recommend this to anyone!

This is a good book for what it is - a very solid message that God wants us all to lead the best possible life that we can given the potential, talents, and opportunities that we are presented with. I agree with and respect the criticism of some of the materialistic comments and examples that Osteen speaks of, but overall this book is uplifiting and encouraging with a Christian foundation. What blows my mind are the negative reviews in here from people who have admittedly not even read the book! How can you review a book you haven't read?? It is worth the read in my humble opinion.

This is one of the most spiritually dangerous books out there disguising itself as orthodox evangelical Christianity. The message promulgated in this book is not the Gospel--that Christ was crucified for our sins, was buried, and rose again from the dead for our glorification (1 Cor 15:3-4). Instead, what this book promotes is another of those feel good, self-esteem promoting, health-wealth nonsense.

Osteen wants professing Christians to feel good about themselves, to materially and emotionally succeed in life, and to "grab the best" that life has to offer. Unfortunately, for Osteen, this is not what Scripture teaches. Neither Jesus, Paul, and the other Apostles promoted this kind of junk in their teachings and letters. Let's look at what Scripture really says:

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Luke 9:23).

"If you belong to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world" (John 15:19).

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2).

"But godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Tim 6:6).

"You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God" (James 4:4).

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15).

There are a host of other Scriptural passages that can be used to refute the world-loving gospel of self-esteem and health/wealth. I'm not saying that God does not bless His people. But it is up to God how He wills to bless His people. Also, when God blesses His people He expects fruit back for His glory, His Kingdom, and for the sake of one's neighbour. God does not bless His people so that they can selfishly indulge themselves.

The most important thing in the Christian life is whether we are glorifying God and loving our neighbours. It is not about how we can "succeed" (in the worldly and fleshly way) in life. The people who gave this book five or four stars need to go to a seminary or pick up a book on proper exegesis. They obviously have no clue what the Bible teaches and are clearly lacking in adequate theological inquiry.

This book will allow you to explore the deepest parts of your heart and will help you to really live at your best and full potential. I have personally been able to benefit, not only spiritually, but also personally from this book. My self-esteem has gone from 30% to 100% in the time it took to read this book. I hope God continues to inspire authors to write more books like this one.

This is a 'life improving' book with real life experiences that will equip the reader with methods on how to deal with day to day real life issues.

The subject of Attitude is scattered throughout the book, enabling the readers with the will power to make right decisions when faced with whatever negative situation life may throw at them.

If you want to improve your life using the God given grace that you possess - This book is exactly what the doctor ordered.

I watch Joel Osteen every Sunday morning and consider this my "church" time. I don't need to be in a room with others to hear and be uplifted by Joel's message. His message is often simple and filled with common sense- but isn't all religious doctrine the same? We all know what we should do to live life well- however, it helps to hear the message over and over again to remind us of what is right and good for us.I enjoy reading Joel's book in the evening before I go to sleep. His words are positive and help to focus my mind on the good I have within and the good that I can bring into my life if I choose to do the right thing for myself and others. If you want a simple text on how to stay focused and positive in your life- Joel Osteen's book does the job!

This book has helped me so much! And anyone who dosn't believe this book can help,

or that there are no

"7 easy steps" to help you live your life better, has a very closed mind.

Of corse it isn't all going to be "easy" it is as easy as you make it.

As much as work as your willing to do.

You have to be willing to get your life together.

If you arn't open to the truth, then this book will be too much for you to handel,

and you won't want to receive the message in this book.

Just like some of the people who has writtn a review here.

"Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."

1 Tim 6:5-12

3 years ago I saw a sermon from Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church, Houston, Texas and I have not missed even one of his lectures, or sermons, since. I bought his book as soon as it was available and I gave it to all of my friends.

Why? Because Joel takes the Bible, and God, and faith, and puts them right where they belong: in the center of our life and heart. With clarity and enthusiasm he shows how basically the answer to everything you have ever wanted or needed to know in life is right there in the Bible. How you, or things, can change when you never thought you, or they, could. How real life miracles happen when you believe. How God wants us to live wonderful lives, and how He is always there to help us and forgive us when we mess things up. Really, this book will help to you live your best life now!!

A friend gave this book to me telling me it changed his life. I thought, "Oh sure," but after having read it, listening to Osteen's tapes and watching him on Sunday morning, he has changed my life also. Intellectually, we all know what's in the book, but it reinforces that. Joel's book is uplifting, encouraging...and truly lifechanging. I've been telling everyone about it and just bought one for my sister. Enjoy!

This book is simialarimation of other book I read in first place, also very good. Recommend for everyone to read this help directly life basic itself more physic for yourself and you could see for yourself for what you are and possible feeling find yourself be blessful achievements from this life,more spiritual directional.Excerise your thinking very careful to choose what's best for you.

A reviewer wrote: "I haven't seen a man with such a humble happy spirit like yours Joel, keep smiling I know you will wear a crown and your Father is proud of you Both of them."

Many of the folks who have written positive reviews of this book have obviously been seduced by this smooth talking, multi-millionaire who has no clue about the common man and his suffering. Mr. Olsteen and his super-church are indeed one of many snake-oil selling, so-called preachers who, through their own admission, find nothing wrong with being rich and preaching the gospel to people who can barely afford to pay their bills. Yet, they continue their programs to dupe and con their way into the pockets of millions of people.

Sad to say that the congregations that attend these meetings do so at their own peril and without a second thought to this "pastor" living the life he says they can live if they are "faithful." Since when did faithfulness lead to raking in millions of dollars? Maybe during Job's time, some 5,000 years ago, but not today.

REAL people pay money for tapes, prayer scarves, "annointed" oils, computer generated replica-signatured Bibles, advertising time, "blessed" faux jewelery and the scam goes on.

Maybe one day we'll all awaken and we can go back to the days when these "preachers" were indeed humble and true about what the TRUTH is regarding their mission:

To SERVE, not be served.

Joel Osteen is a quality preacher and a pretty good author as well. Most of the reviews here are favoable. A few are not. It's so funny that all the people that don't want minsters of the Gospel to have money, are always striving to make as much for themselves as they can. We are to be "Blessed to be a Blessing." If you don't have, how can you give?

Lost people are so stupid. I know, I used to be one of them.

Jesus is LORD and all will bow. It can be either voluntarily, now and in this lifetime. Or before the White Throne. Where all the unbelievers are tossed into the Abyss. Like it or not, it's the TRUTH.

Joel Olstein is one of the best orators you can hear -- fluent, inspirtional and engaging. However his book, although good, did not make a strong impact on me because there were few new ideas for me. I did enjoy his anecdotes.

The apostle Paul began his epistle to the Galatians by warning the church that anyone who preached another gospel would be condemned to destruction. This book, like Paul's opponents, proclaims another gospel, one that is as pernicious as it is false.

Our "full potential" was ruined in Genesis 3 when Eve partook of the fruit and gave it to her husband and he partook. Our "potential" is found only in a grace-driven union with the risen Christ, who is the seed of the woman who has once and for all crushed the head of the seed of the serpent, who is the one who sovereignly redeems by his marvelous grace. Christ must be our ultimate treasure, our pearl of great price. We must set neither our affecions nor our hope on temporal health, self-potential (a teaching found at the core of much eastern mysticism) or earthly possessions. This is contrary to the authentic Gospel, which demands that believers be willing to lay down their lives if necessary to go hard after Christ. At the heart of the authentic Gospel is "give," not "get." After all, Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, "For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." If you are in Christ, your best life is later.

Thus, if you are looking for Scripture-soaked, Gospel-centered, Christ-focused, God-glorifying theology, you will not find it in the teaching of Osteen or those of his ilk. Sadly, this book illustrates what our Lord described as "the broad path that leads to destruction." It is deceptive and deadly. Weigh it upon the scales of Scripture, and you will find it egregiously wanting.

For those who want nourishment for your souls, look to Scripture first, then to authors whose worldview centers on a massive, sovereign God whose grace abounds to the chief of sinners, which, according to Scripture, includes us all. Contra Osteen, our potential is found in His mercy alone. "Your Best Life Now" is nothing more than a Westernized gospel of the American Dream, a uniquely Western and anti-Christian form of works righteousness. Tell Christian missionaries in the Sudan who are being boiled alive and torched at the stake for the sake of the Gospel that God has a "big dream" for them that is rooted in material wealth; I doubt they'd be very compelled by it. Are they failing to live at their full potential? Or perhaps they merely just lack faith? No. They, unlike that which is set forth within the pages of "Your Best Life Now," understand the genuine Gospel and its self-denying demands (See Mark 10:32-45; Luke 14:25-33).

If you want solid food for your soul, read John Bunyan, John Owen, Thomas Watson, Jonathan Edwards, C.H. Spurgeon, J.C. Ryle or contemporary evangelical pastor/theologians such as John Piper, J.I. Packer, C.J. Mananey, Jerry Bridges and R.C. Sproul. The works of these men exalt the sovereign grace of God, seek to humble the sinful pride of man, and promote genuine, grace-driven holiness of life and heart. Their solidly biblical writings will point you to firm ground upon which to stand.

As for '"Your Best Life Now," dear Christian, don't let that "winning smile" that adorns its cover fool you; both this book and its author are blind guides. There is nothing here to smile about.

"Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits." (Matt. 7:15-16a).

Great, Practical book. It makes you stop and think about where your priorities are. Life is short, so we should make the best of what time whe do have. Everyone has room for improvements, this book helps you see how to make those little changes!!

Billy Wannyn

I'm so glad I made this book purchase! I'm thinking of purchasing this book for my entire family and friends, to pass out during Christmas! Now that's how much I love this book! I am also going to re-read it, to make sure it's instilled in my heart! It's very inspirational!

Joel Osteen is an excellent messenger from God. He has a gift to communicate the goodness that God has for us. We need more people like him to express words of hope and love. Listening to his book has been and still continues to be pleasurable. It's realistic, positive and it has change my perspective in life.

His is truly genuine, humble and a uplifting human being. His service has been a blessing in my life.

Joel Osteen captured my attention immediately upon beginning this book. A dear friend loaned it to me when our family was going through a tragic loss. She marked a chapter to read which I did. It helped me then and I decided weeks later to read the entire book. I loved it! I gave it to my sister when she was waiting for me during an appointment. She loved it! So far, I have returned the loaned copy, bought myself, my sister and my daughter each a copy. I'm about to buy my 4th copy for another sister. His message is simple, full of common sense and yet life changing. The power is amazing. Anyone would greatly benefit from this great read.

Definitely a reading that nurtures the spirit. I've recommended it to lots of friends and family, I believe this is a must read book to anyone really interested in living his/her life to its full potential. I do believe Joel to be a very optimistic and enthusiastic person, his life is a reflection of his faith and he definitely shows us how faith can really move mountains!

Wow...to know that as a Christian, God could never love you any more or less than He already does and that you have His favor and blessing if you choose to believe it and receive it, is beyond awesome! Joel is an inspirational preacher and his deepest desire is for God's people to live their best lives now, not just get by day to day. Seven practical, hope filled steps give you the challenge and confidence to move in the direction that God wants for you and your life. Get encouraged, get peaceful and move forward in your life as God's child!

I love watching/listening to Joel Osteen on TV and when I learned of this book, I purchased it immediately. I carry this book with me in my briefcase DAILY while commuting often to and from work riding on the subway. I read a bit almost every day to get a quick "uplift". I've read the entire book already, but keep it with me to read again and again for the positive energy. I recommend that you get this book to reinforce peace and happiness in your daily life. Thanks Joel Osteen. :-)