Joel Osteen book "Your Best Life Now"

[joaniemarie]

Job lived to be 210. His trial lasted about a year, according to the Jewish Encyclopedia. That means that 209 of his 210 years he enjoyed health and prosperity. In fact, Satan's whole point of contention was that Job only served God because God blessed him, so there's no denying that God did in fact bless His servant Job for 99.5% of his life.

The horrible things that happen here on earth are devastating. What happened to Job was devastating. Whether the horrible things are brought on by the world or the devil or our own flesh or even with our own foolish choices made on how to live. All are equally devastating. I was a saved wife and mother for many years and made many many wrong choices.

The Holy Spirit won't force us to follow Jesus. So I dealt with life based on my interpretations of who God was., I tried to protect myself and live by my own wits or leaned on other fallible people in my life. And eventually was always always disappointed and let down. I believed as I was taught that God helps those who help themselves. So I continued to help myself never giving God the opportunity to help me most. I leaned on myself and my human personality.

But when the days of self dependence finally ran their course., I lost it all., family., my position in the community., and eventually almost my sanity., I finally agreed with God that Jesus is the only way there was help for me. Then and only then did the Holy Spirit work in me... and opened my eyes to the love and grace of God in Christ. He never forces us to allow Him to work in our lives.

When you see life on earth as secondary to the love of God in Christ., it's true., the losses we sustain., although very great including family and many loved ones lost., you see that God can make all things new. He can fill in the empty places and give us more than we had before helping us forget the overwhelming sad memories of loss, regret and even horror of life. We remember but we are no longer slaves to our memories. The sting is gone.

And He begins showing us we are certainly not alone. Our perspective totally changes and Jesus becomes the focus and the answer for all the issues in your life. 2 Pet.1:3

[SUP]3 [/SUP]For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [[SUP][a][/SUP]full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).


In Him is the power to get through it all as the Holy Spirit works in us those flowing living waters and we are filled to overflowing. And the JOY of the Lord does become our strength. We start learning not to depend on our wits or to go by our feelings. We begin learning not to walk in the flesh. And start seeing how to walk in the spirit. And the victory that comes is much better than any we could ever get on our own even if we were the smartest person on the planet or the richest.

 

[eternally-gratefull]

Two users in particular for quite some time have mocked Joaniemarie in her threads, and other believers like their posts, perpetuating that ungodly behavior. They are passive aggressive, and often use sarcasm. They put up a facade of righteousness and being well informed of the Bible, but talk is cheap. Where is the love? All Joanie is asking is for people to listen to a review that may clarify one's perspective of a preacher that previously they may have had a disdain for out of bias, and ignorance (and false information).

This thread practically confirmed the OP's point.

I defended her for over a year. Especially with the hyper grace wars. I defended all of you as far as it came to the gospel of grace (not the WOF) I explained to Grace777 he should stop trying to use JP as his example. Just use the word. We see how that worked out. I think I also warned JM along time ago when this first started.

There comes a time when things go beyond defense. As I have said earlier. I can no longer stand up when she is puffing up People as bad as the last two people she has tried to defend (i did not say a word last thread hoping she would get the idea she is standing up for some pretty bad people) but evidently that was not the4 case.

 

[eternally-gratefull]

You're free to reach such conclusions, but others, just as freely, disagree. I echo the words of the Apostle Paul.

Philippians 1:18 King James Version (KJV)

18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

That would be true, except for this to be true, Christ (not a pseudo Christ) needs to be preached.

 

[BenFTW]

I defended her for over a year. Especially with the hyper grace wars. I defended all of you as far as it came to the gospel of grace (not the WOF) I explained to Grace777 he should stop trying to use JP as his example. Just use the word. We see how that worked out. I think I also warned JM along time ago when this first started.

There comes a time when things go beyond defense. As I have said earlier. I can no longer stand up when she is puffing up People as bad as the last two people she has tried to defend (i did not say a word last thread hoping she would get the idea she is standing up for some pretty bad people) but evidently that was not the4 case.

While I understand and appreciate your consideration in all of these things, you didn't even have the decency (no offense intended) to check out the review before making your comments on Joel Osteen and this thread. Granted you may have previously done your research and dislike the man, what he preaches, and his stance on things, you at the very least could've listened to a couple minutes to see if it actually does address some possible misrepresentations of Joel Osteen that you had/have.

That is all Joaniemarie was asking people to do; get a different perspective on a preacher that some believers have been dogmatically opposed to for no other reason than misinformation.

 

[PennEd]

And here I thought there were a bunch of sheep in this thread, only to find what appears to be gnarling wolves. I'm sorry Joaniemarie for the harshness and crudeness that our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ are directing towards you. Keep your chin up, and stay strong. They will mock, but God gets the last laugh, as do you. Remain faithful because He is.

I wish you'd knock it off Ben. Your MO seems to be to continuously engage in the EXACT behavior that you accuse others of, scolding others because of their views, couched in a kinda phony humility!

If people were on your side of the debate you would care a less if they were a little harsh.

As mere humans it is very difficult to disagree without APPEARING to be disagreeable. Many here have told Joanie that we love her. Many honestly believe that this wealth and health doctrine, with what can easily be viewed as extreme twisting of the Book of Job, to be hurtful and cruel. Because no matter how you slice and dice it, boils down to saying that people aren't healed because of a lack of faith.

You really don't seem to understand just how hurtful that doctrine is to the people that are suffering. And to say that the Holy Spirit just hasn't yet revealed this truth to somebody makes the matter worse.

So let's ALL, myself included, take Jesus advice, and take the plank out of our own eye.

 

[Speak2Me]

Job lived to be 210. His trial lasted about a year, according to the Jewish Encyclopedia. That means that 209 of his 210 years he enjoyed health and prosperity. In fact, Satan's whole point of contention was that Job only served God because God blessed him, so there's no denying that God did in fact bless His servant Job for 99.5% of his life.

So, where did you find out Job's parents were both rich & righteous?

How did you know his parents weren't sinners or penniless?

Also, How did you know that Job was righteous all of his life?

In what book does it say that Job was blessed from his birth, to & thru his marriage to a woman who wasn't a good help meet when she was needed most?

Didn't the Bible say that Job sacrificed for his children every day? Wasn't that because they partied every day at each other's house?

And BTW, when did Satan's word become completely credible?

When Satan accuses the brethren, is every accusation honest & pure as the driven snow?

I must confess......... I don't know if I'm reading eisegesis, or fabricated lies.

Oh, wait, both are lies, aren't they?

I guess it makes no difference then.

 

[Nehemiah6]

That is all Joaniemarie was asking people to do; get a different perspective on a preacher that some believers have been dogmatically opposed to for no other reason than misinformation.

There's no need to defend Joel Osteen or JM and any of her false teachers. There is no misinformation here:

When asked directly by Oprah Winfrey if people who are openly practicing homosexuals are accepted into the Kingdom, Joel Osteen responded with “Absolutely, anybody is.”

When asked about people who live in open sin, Joel smilingly said, “I’m not going to bash those people. I’m not going to be against those people. They’re good people.”

Joel Osteen Rebukes Apostles Paul, Peter, and John | United For Awakening!

Are these the words of a false teacher or are they the words of a true preacher? Also check out his interview with Larry King posted above. If you support false teachers, you become a partaker of their evil deeds. And let's not forget that this man is getting obscenely rich on the back of gullible Christians (just like Prince and many others). Reportedly he has a net worth of 40 million and lives in a home worth 10.5 million. Where did the cash come from?

8 Richest Pastors in America | Net Worth Joel Osteen, Pat Robertson, Kenneth Copeland | Pastor's Salaries - Joel Osteen: Net Worth $40 Million - Beliefnet

 

[eternally-gratefull]

While I understand and appreciate your consideration in all of these things, you didn't even have the decency (no offense intended) to check out the review before making your comments on Joel Osteen and this thread. Granted you may have previously done your research and dislike the man, what he preaches, and his stance on things, you at the very least could've listened to a couple minutes to see if it actually does address some possible misrepresentations of Joel Osteen that you had/have.

That is all Joaniemarie was asking people to do; get a different perspective on a preacher that some believers have been dogmatically opposed to for no other reason than misinformation.

I asked her the same question, why would I want to read a review of a person I would never read. Or have no respect for. That seems kind of foolish. And why would youy post a review unless you were promoting a bood?

 

[Billyd]

JM, I really appreciate your enthusiasm and desire to share things that you have learned and/or read with others. I pray that your joy in Christ will continue.

Your OP bothers me a little. You want me to listen to a book review and comment on it. I have two questions for you.

Have you read the book?

If you have, do you believe that the review accurately describes what you read?

If you have not read the book, why not?

I enjoyed Joel Osteen's book "A Purpose Driven Life". I recommend that others read it. I do not recommend it as doctrine nor a real study in scripture.

 

[BenFTW]

I wish you'd knock it off Ben. Your MO seems to be to continuously engage in the EXACT behavior that you accuse others of, scolding others because of their views, couched in a kinda phony humility!

If people were on your side of the debate you would care a less if they were a little harsh.

As mere humans it is very difficult to disagree without APPEARING to be disagreeable. Many here have told Joanie that we love her. Many honestly believe that this wealth and health doctrine, with what can easily be viewed as extreme twisting of the Book of Job, to be hurtful and cruel. Because no matter how you slice and dice it, boils down to saying that people aren't healed because of a lack of faith.

You really don't seem to understand just how hurtful that doctrine is to the people that are suffering. And to say that the Holy Spirit just hasn't yet revealed this truth to somebody makes the matter worse.

So let's ALL, myself included, take Jesus advice, and take the plank out of our own eye.

Hey man, if you catch me acting that way please call me out on it. I will let my posts stand for themselves, if I have acted in this way I do apologize. I know sometimes I can be straight to the point but I do intend on sharing the truth. I never claimed I didn't act in the manner that I am criticizing, but just because I do something doesn't mean others should do it. When someone is being harassed by other forum users, and other users are applauding such harassment, I think everyone, including you, should step in and maybe ask, "Is this Christ-like?"

Have I mocked? Yes, mostly in good fun. Either way, this by no means should validate such behavior on these forums. This isn't a plank out of the eye issue, its a witness issue as people see us tearing down and misrepresenting each other. Use your ears people, listen to what people are saying. Dare to ask instead of assume. Come to an understanding.

If I have any humility I will let the Lord be witness to it, I have no need to fake humility in your eyes or those on these forums. If we see each other in sin, should we not address it? Repent? My intention is not to scold, but to make aware. Passions sometimes rise on these forums, but to harass? To intentionally tear down and defame? To mock? You can call me on my hypocrisy, but at the same time I hope you call out those you're finding to currently be in the act.

 

[BenFTW]

I asked her the same question, why would I want to read a review of a person I would never read. Or have no respect for. That seems kind of foolish. And why would youy post a review unless you were promoting a bood?

The review in question is to address misconceptions you may have of that person. Almost like a mediator. You may have negative feelings towards someone who cut you off on the high way, and they may message you and you ignore it because your only perception of them is the jerk who cut you off but in reality they were an under cover cop going to save a family in a hostage scenario. Its a stretch, but you get the point.

You say you have no respect for Joel Osteen, would never read his books. Based on what? Informative videos of his heresies? This is what this review is for, to address false notions. To clear the air. Yet, and instead, many would rather go off of assumptions and preconceived ideas to the defamation of a person than to actually see them properly represented.

 

[Magenta]

I enjoyed Joel Osteen's book "A Purpose Driven Life". I recommend that others read it. I do not recommend it as doctrine nor a real study in scripture.

Hello Billy I thought the purpose driven life was by Rick Warren?

 

[Nehemiah6]

Hello Billy I thought the purpose driven life was by Rick Warren?

Correct. And Rick Warren is another false teacher. They are certainly coming out of the woodwork in droves.

 

[joaniemarie]

JM, I really appreciate your enthusiasm and desire to share things that you have learned and/or read with others. I pray that your joy in Christ will continue.

Your OP bothers me a little. You want me to listen to a book review and comment on it. I have two questions for you.

Have you read the book?

If you have, do you believe that the review accurately describes what you read?

If you have not read the book, why not?

I enjoyed Joel Osteen's book "A Purpose Driven Life". I recommend that others read it. I do not recommend it as doctrine nor a real study in scripture.

Hi Billy.,,,There is only ONE way to know what someone is saying or writing and that is to read their words or listen to their words today. Many of us are not of the same belief as we were 10 yrs ago or even 5 yrs ago or even 1 yr ago. BTW I know Joel O. didn't write the Purpose Driven Life book... I think that was another guy named Rick Warren who many here don't like any more than Joel O. or even Billy Graham.

Your question as to WHY this thread is up has been asked AND answered. You can read the posts Billy. Start with #1 My posts are clear., so read my posts without the rabbit trails of other people's accusations of what my intentions are. My intentions are clear for anyone who reads.

And btw.,,, look at the thread on Billy Graham. The guy was 99 when he died.... he lived a life trying to please the Lord and many of us Christians even here on CC have given testimony as to what a blessing Billy G. was to us or our loved ones. And even lead them to Christ.. Yet., even Billy can't catch a break here.

People will and have posted some bad stuff about him here on CC just yesterday and today.... but those same people have no time to read something that is not bad or negative about someone. This I've observed is something that comes from our old manner of life.

If I'm not willing to learn to walk in the spirit according to the new man... who is born of God in Christ I'm going to miss a ton of truth clearly in the Bible. And so will anyone here. It's tooooo easy to see the faults in others and that is why we are told to look at no man according to the flesh. Even ourselves. We are to walk in a new and living way.

2 Cor. 5:15-18

[SUP]15 [/SUP]And He died for all, so that all those who live might live no longer to and for themselves, but to and for Him Who died and was raised again for their sake.
[SUP]
16 [/SUP]Consequently, from now on we estimate and regard no one from a [purely] human point of view [in terms of natural standards of value]. [No] even though we once did estimate Christ from a human viewpoint and as a man, yet now [we have such knowledge of Him that] we know Him no longer [in terms of the flesh].
[SUP]
17 [/SUP]Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!
[SUP]
18 [/SUP]But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself [received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself] and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him].




We are supposed to be learning to see ourselves and each other as God sees us in Christ. And yes.,, this takes practice for all of us. But it certainly can begin with one another here in the family of Christ...born again new creations that we are. And especially with Billy Graham IMO we can all AT LEAST give Billy Graham a break.

 

[Magenta]

Correct. And Rick Warren is another false teacher. They are certainly coming out of the woodwork in droves.

I think it was his church (I should say "church" I suppose ) that openly acknowledges that it is not for the dyed-in-the-wool-believer. "Seeker-friendly" they call themselves. I could be wrong about him admitting that about his church. But he did study under Robert Schuller. Here is a page on/about them:

The Seeker-Friendly, Purpose-Driven Cornucopia of False Doctrine — Pirate Christian Media

 

[joaniemarie]

The review in question is to address misconceptions you may have of that person. Almost like a mediator. You may have negative feelings towards someone who cut you off on the high way, and they may message you and you ignore it because your only perception of them is the jerk who cut you off but in reality they were an under cover cop going to save a family in a hostage scenario. Its a stretch, but you get the point.

You say you have no respect for Joel Osteen, would never read his books. Based on what? Informative videos of his heresies? This is what this review is for, to address false notions. To clear the air. Yet, and instead, many would rather go off of assumptions and preconceived ideas to the defamation of a person than to actually see them properly represented.

Exactly Ben. Thank you for taking the time to listen. Blessings brother Ben!

 

[Bladerunner]

While I understand and appreciate your consideration in all of these things, you didn't even have the decency (no offense intended) to check out the review before making your comments on Joel Osteen and this thread. Granted you may have previously done your research and dislike the man, what he preaches, and his stance on things, you at the very least could've listened to a couple minutes to see if it actually does address some possible misrepresentations of Joel Osteen that you had/have.

That is all Joaniemarie was asking people to do; get a different perspective on a preacher that some believers have been dogmatically opposed to for no other reason than misinformation.

I try to listen to different pastor especially the ones that have been labeled as teaching a different Gospel...Joel happen to be one of them..... He is teaching a different Gospel which is all I need to know.... Regardless of how good he is or how well liked he is,


Gal 1:8 tells us "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed."

 

[UnderGrace]

I agree, that was the idea.

We all need to do our research, especially when the internet is filled with so many personal biased agendas.

The man in the video was discussing his misconceptions, the topic was never really Joel Olsteen.

The review in question is to address misconceptions you may have of that person. Almost like a mediator. You may have negative feelings towards someone who cut you off on the high way, and they may message you and you ignore it because your only perception of them is the jerk who cut you off but in reality they were an under cover cop going to save a family in a hostage scenario. Its a stretch, but you get the point.

You say you have no respect for Joel Osteen, would never read his books. Based on what? Informative videos of his heresies? This is what this review is for, to address false notions. To clear the air. Yet, and instead, many would rather go off of assumptions and preconceived ideas to the defamation of a person than to actually see them properly represented.

 

[Speak2Me]

And here I thought there were a bunch of sheep in this thread, only to find what appears to be gnarling wolves. I'm sorry Joaniemarie for the harshness and crudeness that our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ are directing towards you. Keep your chin up, and stay strong. They will mock, but God gets the last laugh, as do you. Remain faithful because He is.

Annnd here we are again, JM is the innocent victim, & we are wolves.

More projection from freegrace followers.

Well, I have a question:Since JM is doing this on purpose, what are her cohorts doing?

Connect the dots, and the picture emerges.

 

[UnderGrace]

Speak2Me,

do you ever go to the Gods Sabbath Thread...surely that thread is equal in its errancy as Freegrace...yet you keeping gunning for Freegrace is there something you want to share, some bad experience in your past with a Freegracer as you like to call them.

Annnd here we are again, JM is the innocent victim, & we are wolves.

More projection from freegrace followers.

Well, I have a question:Since JM is doing this on purpose, what are her cohorts doing?

Connect the dots, and the picture emerges.