It's Your Time and Become a Better You Boxed Set

by Joel Osteen

It's Your Timeoffers a potent and inspiring message about the power that God has to help you change your life. Bestselling author Joel Osteen issues a call to readers to rise up and seize the opportunities that are available to them every day. He uses compelling examples drawn from the Bible and popular culture to show how everyone has the God given ability to achieve great things. Filled with strong Christian principles, the book is structured around four main concepts-Favor (Faith), Restoration, Belief in Yourself and Lifting Others. Pastor Osteen offers a bigger, bolder message than any of his previous God has given you everything you need to change your life, and you must use that power to strive beyond your limits. In Become a Better 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day, Joel Osteen inspires and motivates readers to live with more joy, hope, and peace. Osteen reveals seven simple yet profound principles that when taken to heart will help everyone become all that God has created them to be. In a straightforward, easy-to-understand style, Osteen explains key biblical values; the text is laced with personal testimonies to enlighten and uplift. Become a Better Youwill encourage each reader to reach his or her unique God-given potential, and will help him enjoy every day of your life, even in the face of challenging circumstances.

Genres: Self Help, Christian, Nonfiction, Inspirational, Spirituality, Religion, Christianity

670 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

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

Reviews

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

With this much positive energy pulsing through his veins, Joel must be on top of the world!

VERY inspiring and spiritual all at the same time. Beautifully written, while incorporating humor and down to earth, relatable stories.

"Joel Osteen is A MARVEL!"

[Tori]

Matthew 23. That is all.

[Armand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring book as usual from Joel Osteen. I could have rated it a full 5 stars but I can't seem to fully ride on the author's overly praise to high heavens Gods goodness which includes thanking someone even for a bad service. I wouldn't go that far but would no longer create hell whenever a person gives bad service but would instead call his attention in a proactive and civil way. Still, the book succeed in steering your thoughts to live in faith and trust for becoming a better person through the 7 stages which includes developing good habits and staying passionate about life. One good habit I picked up is joining Goodreads which has successfully rekindled my passion for books which has long been overtaken by mindless leisurely pursuits. Joel says to become better you is to be thankful for the blessings we have and that we should live with songs in our heart and keep moving forward. I know I will continue growing, learning and improving to become a better me through the illuminating insights shared by my goodread members and friends.

[Christina Jussaume · Rating 5 out of 5]

Become a Better You
By Joel Osteen

This book is great for mind power
With God’s approval we’ll tower
We must encourage all others
Honor and praise all our Mothers

Helping another is the way
God will help us throughout the day
Do give Almighty God your trust
Replenishing faith is a must

Live with positive attitude
Each day do show your gratitude
Plan for dreams to become achieved
In God’s time your dream is received

Stay clear of negativity
Release your creativity
Pray to God and keep smile on face
Let joy be seen as offer grace

Forgive and forget hurts in past
Let love fill your heart to now last
Expect good as God created!
In His image now be elated!

By Christina R Jussaume copyright 2009

www.Poetesscrjussaume.com

[Caleb Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many people hate on Joel because he speaks the, "feel good gospel." But! The gospel is very good! And it makes your heart warm!

Also, many people claim that Pastor Joel is a part of these self-help books, but while we cannot help self, but we should not just accept where we are; we are always growing (we aren't perfect). We could use some Jesus-help! When you truly listen to his message, it is all about getting your eyes off your mistakes and looking higher (to Christ). We need to stay positive and keep our eyes on Christ. Let the teachers teach and let the encouragers encourage! Joel is an encourager! and that is his gift! Without people like Joel, the body of Christ would be lacking!

Side note:
I gave 4 stars because I disagree with the idea that, "God Is In Control." I'm not sure what is meant when it is written in here, but God is not in control of everything. The things that people point to and say look God closed the door but he opened a window have no real scripture, but if we look at the fact that God works all things out for our good then we can understand how the devil closed the door (or ourselves) and God was the one that gives us all good things.

[Sharlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have already recommended this book to a friend. I enjoyed listening to the author. Although I wouldn't take everything he says as gospel, he provides many practical and inspiring ideas for self improvement. I love the section of this book that talks about habits. I am trying to incorporate many of his ideas in my life. The stories he shares are interesting and illustrate his points well. I will probably read or listen to this book again, so that I can remember the suggestions and feel inspired to improve myself on a regular basis. I listened to this book on CD in my kitchen, and it was like going to a good Sunday School Lesson without any of the hassle. There is nothing like listening to a good old-fashioned sermon.

I liked one part of the book so well, I played it in the car in hopes that my children would be motivated by some of the things he said. The idea backfired on me. As I was reprimanding my daughter on a matter the next day, she broke down in tears. In between sobs, she said, "But Mom, but Mom, you're supposed to compliment us first."

So, as I listened, I found things that my children could improve upon, and as they listened, they discovered things that I should be doing better. Touche.

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. The peace and joy that comes after reading is addictive. I would recommend this to anyone believes in the power of positive thinking and wants to learn why God wants you to be great. That even in hard times God is preparing and making sure you are ready for the better times. Everything in life is a lesson God is teaching us...

[Jami · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book really and truly disappointed me. I am not one for organized religion, but I have always enjoyed watching Joel Osteen's sermons on television. I wanted to read this book because I think he has a good message and I felt I would get something valuable out of the book.

Although I find Mr. Osteen a brilliant preacher, his writing skills are not. The whole book seemed very repeative to me, with short and choppy sentences. The material did not flow nicely and I had a hard time staying focused.

I think the book would have been better if he had put more in-depth stories and life experiences that helped explain certain points he was trying to get across. He did to this to a point, but only a few sentences would be written and then he would be back on the train of choppy sentences.

I definitely don't feel like I am a "better" me after reading this book. Actually, I feel worse because I felt I was supposed to get something out of this.

[Manuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think it was a very inspirational book. it taught me to keep pressing forward when life knocks you two steps back. it had a lot of stories of Joel's life. from the becoming of his congregation, to everyday lessons you learn in life.
it really makes you think of where you are in life. it makes you think about your everyday occurances. it makes you think if you are going in the right path as a christian. and if you are putting all you trust in God. once you put all your trust in him , you can live a long and full filling life.
the books says that when things do not go your way, that means god has something better in store for you. i totally agree with him. because when one door closes another door opens. that is one saying joel implies through the entire book.
the fact is that Become a Better You is a great book and i recomend it to all!!!

[Karen Jackson]

I originally purchased this book for myself and have been reading it over a period of time. I sent it to a relative for a gift hoping that he would read it as well. I have other family members who also find positive hope and peace in their lives by following the messages from Joel. There are a lot of good points in this book on working on yourself rather than being negative and taking it out on others. The Daily Readings that go with this book are also inspirational, thoughtful and promote a daily interaction with God through reading the Bible.

I recommend this book highly for bringing out the best in yourself and bringing some peace to your daily existence. I recommend the companion the Daily Readings as well.

Thanks again, Joel for a great book that shines a light on how we can all become better people.

[Lucy Bilik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this a second time, the most positive book after Norman Vincent Peale, who wrote a powerful book "The power of positive thinking". In today's world we constantly need to be reminded that life is not all about the money, power and prestige as all the advertisement and shows on the TV portray but about the little things in life that really matter. We Americans have grown accustomed to the most luxuries life in the world, and when things do not go according to our desires we complain, grumble and become dissatisfied and dissapointed. We want to have what our Jones's have and would give anything to have it while ruining our own lives. No wonder that people in the third world countries are rated happiest in the world since they do not have much yet value and happy with what they DO have and who they have in their lives.

This book truly fulfills it's purpose: To change our attitudes about our circumstances and the way we see things and people; appreciate what you have in your life; strive for the best in your life and believe that life is precious and worth living. To stay positive is much better happiness then any money in the world can buy.

We need more writers like Joel Osteen who base their books on Bible teaching!

[Rex Libris · Rating 3 out of 5]

As is known, Joel Osteen is somewhat of a phenomenon. Much has been said about him, both positive and negative. Curious as to what his message really is, I decided to go to the horse's mouth. Osteen's message is not so bad as I thought it would be, but his message still has many flaws not supported by Christian Scripture.

The foundations of a lot of what of Osteen says is perfectly acceptable beliefs for a Christian, and pretty much anyone else. Among the keys to living a better life are things such as self-improvement, being positive, developing better relationships, and the like.

Where things go south is when Osteen claims that these will guarantee you a better life. Claims include positively thinking yourself out of illness and obeying God will always bring you rewards. While a Christian life can bring reward and fulfillment, there are no guarantees.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, uplifting, and encouraging book. I especially loved the last chapter because Joel is very clear on the message of salvation and also includes the sinner's prayer and suggests that we surround ourselves with positive people by getting in a good Bible-based church, that we read the Bible, pray, and develop a close relationship with the Lord. My only slight criticism would be that this book and some of the others repeat a couple of the same stories, but I probably do need to hear them more than just once.

[Terry Dicken · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are times when a read like this is just what life needed. Joel is uplifting and sometimes we need that. It was a perfect time for me to read this. I felt better about myself and about my future. He is cheesy, but I would not have it any other way! Really made me examine my thought patterns and the way I was viewing the actions of those around me. This book really brought a new perspective into how I perceived what was going on around me. I will re-read this book again in the future. Thanks Joel.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joel Osteen is one of the most positive people you could encounter - I saw him on 20/20 one night and decided to see what he was all about. This book is inspirational in terms of suggesting looking at the good things in life and allowing them to overcome the negative. Overall very good, but there are some passages which I think he is a little too positive like saying that if you think positively you can overcome diabetes - that is a little overboard for me.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the first I read of Joel's. He is a great motivational writer/speaker. He brings his real life stories into the book showing the goodnes of God. He works hard to teach people to find the good and eliminate the negative. Changing your way of thinking with this book is a wonderful tool. If you want to be inspired and find ways to improve your life, this is a great book to start with!

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so love Joel Osteen and if you love him and watching his services or listening to his podcast- you will love this book too. I went through and highlighted so many things he said in this book and put them in a little notebook for myself because his words and stories are so inspiring to my everyday life.

[Runningfox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutley great book for anyone,any age to read..This is one of the most outstanding positive books I have ever read and is now one of my, if not my favorite books..I recommend this book to anyone and if it does not inspire you and move you,THEN YOU ARE DEAD!

[Laura Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very positive uplifting message. A good reminder of what we need to be doing everyday.

[Carol Moks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will recommend anyone to get a copy, such an amazing book.

[Michał Hołda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well known pastor writes practical action points and chapters to become better you. It’s relaxing and truthful piece of gospel.

[Sam Gor · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good well-being book. Definitely not a Christian book.

[Matin Payervan(Pyron) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost perfect 👌 😍 ❤
Keep up the great work Mr. Osteen
کتاب های آقای اوستین واقعا شاهکار هستن ، افسردگی که سهله هر مشکلی که داشته باشید با خوندن کتاباش حالتون قشنگ خوب میشه
Oct 2021

[Avaladez1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a whol lot from this amazing book. Let me tell you that this man is a genious for his words. This book tells you how to make the best out of life and to love who you are and outhers around you. It also tells his own sense of humor between him and his wife. By far this man here, Joel, is the wisest man I have ever read from. His book inspired me over this past summer to enjoy what the lord has to offer and to appreciate what he has given us.
The reason I was reading this book was because the day I went through the old house library I saw a familiar face on the cover of a book. Ounce I read the authors name I knew it was the man from the sunday morning show. Instead of going to church every sunday I watch this mans religious talk show every sunday morning. That is the reason I picked up this book.

[J-T]

I read a chapter today in a Wal-Mart. It seems to me that this guy is not building Christian community. He's not even talking about it. And, he's not talking about how to become a saint. Or a missionary. Or about how to change the world. Or be radical.

He may, however, be getting the Word of the Lord to people. "Don't listen to the accusing voice in your head. That's not the Lord. It's the Enemy." "You're lovable." "God wants you to succeed in the things you are trying to do." "God is rooting for you."

God really does love us, and that means he wants us to succeed; he does want us to get what we want; he's not trying to control us; he's not accusing us.

When I get time I am looking forward to reading more of what this guy has to say.

[Shaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was written by Joel Osteen and despite this being read by a narrator and not the author, I could hear Joel's evangelical preacher style come through during the reading. The book had lots of good advice and it didn't come through as being too preachy, but some of the advice was a little too general or generic.

The 7 Keys to become a better you are as follows:
1. Keep pressing forward
2. Be positive toward yourself
3. Develop better relationships
4. Form better habits
5. Embrace the place where you are
6. Develop your inner life
7. Stay passionate about life

Overall I enjoyed this book better that I thought I would. Joel had some solid nuggets of good advice and stories peppered throughout the book.

[Justice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really inspired me. There are a ton of gems, and I've both read and listened to the audiobook version and prefer the physical book for the insight and extra anecdotes that are missing in the audio version.

There are ton of takeways that help with every day living and being grateful...cultivating better relationships, not just with yourself, but with God, family and friends. Identifying the areas of your life that could use improvement and what steps no matter how great or small will help you achieve the greatness you hope for your life.

I look forward to each time I reread my journal and notes acquired from reading this book. Definitely recommend it to others.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting, positive, and inspirational. This book is good for my soul!

[Iona Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I was somewhat put off by this book, since I found it to be overly religious and always referring to God.

But I got used to the author’s style of writing or, rather, disregarded it, since I found the content of the book to be encouraging and what I believed to be correct.

I’ve heard most, perhaps all, of what he writes before, but it’s good to be reminded of lots of positive things to think and do.

I found the book repetitive, but that didn’t matter since repetition helps us to integrate the information.

The object of the book is to help the reader to become a better person, and in my view the author succeeds in giving us valuable pointers to achieve this goal.

Joel’s father was the pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, and at least when writing the book Joel himself was pastor there. It was apparently America’s largest church and millions of people throughout the world saw his weekly television broadcasts, though I personally have never seen any of them.

My computer now tells me that Joel and his wife Victoria have left the church for some reason, but I can see nothing about this on Joel’s website.

He tells us that God has given us everything we need to have a “victorious life” - we just need to do something with what he has given us.

“Becoming a better you is all about growing, learning, and improving.”

The more we learn to trust God, the better we will be.

We need to press forward. We are valuable, we have a gift.

Dwelling on negative thoughts about ourselves will keep us from becoming all God has created us to be.

When one door closes, another will open.

We shouldn’t put up with being just “good enough”.

Joel continually substantiates his advice by referring to stories from the Bible. He also gives us examples of people, perhaps from his congregation, who have been helped by him; he also provides stories from his and Victoria’s life. He is not afraid to recount incidents where he was in the wrong.

He (God) wants us to have a little heaven on earth, right where we are.

Don’t talk about the way you are, talk about the way you want to be.

If negative patterns exist in our family line, we should recognize this and do something about them, and not just keep passing them down.

At the end of each section, Joel provides us with “action points”, summarizing what he has been advising.

We need to love ourselves, otherwise we’re not going to be able to love others.

Feel good about who you are. Whatever you send out always comes back to you.

He repeats what New-Agers have been telling us for years. Words are like seeds. They tend to produce what we’re saying.

Therefore, we should say things such as “I am blessed”, “I am prosperous”, “I am healthy”, and so on.

These words will eventually permeate our subconscious mind, and will thus change the way we see ourselves.

With our words, we can either bless our life or curse our life.

None of this is new, of course, though it may be for some.

As regards our inner dialogue, we should be telling ourselves things like “Something good is going to happen to me. I have a bright future. The best is yet to come.”

Replace the negative recordings with new, positive, uplifting messages.

Our children need our love, encouragement, and approval. We should never put our children down.

We have something to offer that nobody else can give.

Compliment people freely. Every day try to find somebody you can compliment.

Find the good in every suggestion. Treat people with respect.

One little bit of kindness can brighten somebody’s day.

“I am a peacemaker, not a troublemaker.”

“I will overlook minor matters and I will forgive quickly.”

We should seek to make every person we meet feel important.

Identify any bad habits and make a decision to do something about them.

Joel explains how he’s changed his behaviour in relation to his wife. He used to argue about things to show how he thought they should be done. Now he doesn’t fight.

If you worry, you must replace the negative thoughts with positive faith-filled thoughts.

Even the Bible tells us

“Dwell on things that are pure, things that are wholesome, things that are of a good report.”

We should always keep new goals in front of us.

Our habits today will determine our future.

We’ve been focusing on what’s wrong instead of what’s right, and these negative patterns will keep us from enjoying our lives.

“Happiness does not depend on your cirumstances. It’s a choice that you make.”

“Be grateful for what you have, rather than complaining about what you don’t have.”

You can’t control people or change them. “Only God can do that.”

Train your mind to see the good.

“Don’t magnify your problems, magnify your goal.”

Joel quotes the apostle Paul as saying “I have learned how to be content no matter what state I’m in.”

When something doesn’t turn out right remind yourself “I know God has something better in store for me.”

He tells us about a young woman who had experienced a hurricane in New Orleans. Everybody else had been complaining about what they had lost.

She said “I thank God that I’m still alive and I have my health. I thank God that my children are okay.”

A reporter asks whether she had any power or air-conditioning.

She replies that she has no power and doesn’t even have her home. It was swept away in the flood. She said “I have my hope, I have my joy. I have my peace. I know God is on my side.”

Your first priority is to take care of yourself. You’re not responsible for other people’s happiness. And some people don’t want to be helped. They don’t want to change.

Be kind to everyone around you but refuse to be manipulated.

“God, not my will, but your will be done.”

Joel’s grandmother was told by her doctor that she was in the beginning stages of Parkinson’s disease. But she told him that she refused to have that. She went home and never did come down with Parkinson’s disease.

Prepare to have a blessed, prosperous, healthy, joy-filled, abundant, long life.

Don’t just believe, expect.

“When you do the right thing with the right motives, there’s no limit to what God will do in your life.”

We attract what we continually think about.

In Proverbs, the Bible says ”Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

So don’t give up on your dreams. God has something important for you to do.

Live with enthusiasm. Get up each morning and think of all the things you can be grateful for. If you need to, make a list.

Most of this may seem quite trite because we already know these things. But though there is not much new in the book, still I found it inspiring and encouraging. We need to be reminded of everything he tells us. I recommend that you read it, if you wish to become a better you and improve your life.

[Jason · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think there are a handful of people who would benefit from reading this book - truly broken people, not just people who suffer from anxiety, depression, or other problems in life.

But I think Osteen is offering a message that could hurt a lot of people, seriously, in the long run. Notwithstanding the fact that making the connection between someone who spent 40 days in the desert, was homeless and itinerant, and seemed to loathe wealth and religious people who made money in the name of God - anyone that’s lived and known people has probably seen, first hand, someone who is religiously devout and loving die of a disease. I have a hard time accepting the notion that if they prayed harder they would have gotten better, which is essentially what Osteen offers here. Well, sorta, because he plays both sides, saying that a God either has a plan or that it’s The Enemy. Except when he says that buying flu medicine isn’t trusting in God enough. Except when he says buuuut he personally keeps medicine for preparation so that’s okay. When he’s not talking about how much he showed all the naysayers when he built his megachurch, which he does every couple of pages or so.

This just isn’t a very cogent or compelling philosophy. Osteen talks - a lot - about how negative thinking hurts people a lot. Okay. He spends far less time explaining good ways to get beyond this in any meaningful sense. Anyone that tells someone with depression that they need to change their mindset, and thinks that’s useful information, is theologically and psychologically iatrogenic.

I’m not convinced personal happiness and success were things that Jesus was concerned about much. Osteen peppers his books with far more Chicken Soup for the Soul anecdotes than Biblical references or even meaningful stories. He knows about marital strife because ... this one time ... his wife said he should turn left AND HE TURNED RIGHT and boy oh boy.

I should have stopped reading when he suggested that praying hard could stop someone from getting diabetes. Jesus prayed as hard as He could in Gethsemane for his life to be saved, for the cup to pass from him. It did not. That should be enough of a warning for anyone who believes in the Prosperity Gospel there - it didn’t even work for Christ. And if you believe Christ died so you could be rich, well, then, that’s a wrap.