I don't know how many he's written nor how many of those have become best sellers, but it's a lot of books!
I've not read one, but I listen to him on XM while driving and I like his style and humor. His material is actually quite good and time tested.
I know first hand how valuable taking charge of one's thinking can be, especially if one's thoughts are then refocused on God, instead of the often negative and harshly critical thoughts about others, our lives and our selves that so often makes up much of our inner dialog.
His material works and he presents it well. I'm not surprised he's well rewarded for sharing what the Holy Spirit shares with him.
Ultimately, it's his money to do with as he pleases, of course, but I imagine that he also gives much to receive as much he has. "First giving what you want to receive to then receive what you want" is not an uncommon theme with him and I imagine he lives as he preaches.
I've been wrong before, of course, but after listening to so many of his stories while driving, to me he seems too goofy/geeky and wholesome to be anything else but that. He probably was and always has been one of those "good like a good Christian should be" kids.
Lots of gossip and fake news in our times and people love to hate on Joel Osteen and how God made him. And... I hate to admit that I used to frequently sing in that same choir, too.
Tricky fellow, that Satan character, getting me to righteously bear false witness like that, but I was wrong about Osteen and what I did was wrong.
During my trials and tribulations these last many years, his material has been very helpful for me and my thinking. I'm better for having taken it to heart.
I thank the Holy Spirit for using Osteen as He does and Osteen for being so receptive to doing what God placed in front of him to do.
Amen!
You said it well.
I came to Christ thru happening to turn on Christian TV on day. At first it was all I would watch then I started into looking at the bible myself and by God :) it made sense for the first time in my life!
I find Joel a little superficial where I prefer more teaching/studying scripture so I can really understand the word of God and let Jesus change me, but I do at times still click on Christian TV and always get inspired or a good reminder of what God says and it relates to some thing I’m dealing with.
For those on FR so sure “prosperity” preachers are wrong, Jesus spoke of prosperity, saying he came to lift us up and out of all those things he read out of Isaiah passage His first time preaching in the temple. Jesus also said we have the Holy Spirit and He affords us much help in renewing our mind and staying on track to make changes toward prosperity in lots of other ways in our lives.
Sure there are some on TV and in local churches who are pure shysters, God handles them at the appropriate times.
Joel didn’t even want to lead the church when his dad died. It took him a while to answer the call of God.
I think people who watch or read his writings don’t get that God calls people to preach various levels, various portions of His word. Yes it’s best to know all portions, so thats why I learned you can’t just l listen to your weekly pastor or priest or one TV preacher. I got a friend stuck on Joseph Prince for years, I can’t listen to him but at this time in her life she is learning that portion of Grace and whatever else Joe preaches.
The key is we all keep diving into Jesus whatever way we feel lead to and God will redirect us and correct us as we need if we truly want to grow with Him. Or else He just leaves us be stuck only realizing a portion of all His goodness and bounty He had in store for us.
There’s many scriptures that speak about God wanting us to have abundance - one is like: Our God shall supply ALL our needs according to HIS RICHES and glory for those who are in Christ Jesus and are called according to HIS purposes.
Another scripture is about Jabez, I forget what book it’s in, But God blessed him abundantly.
God’s got riches to share for anyone wanting to pursue Him and let Him show and direct you in His plans and purposes.
Thanks for sharing as you did GBA. May God bless you now and always.