Rule Your Day by Joel Osteen

Osteen gives readers another good book full of encouragement. His first topic is our thoughts. “You don't have control over what other people do, but you do have control over your thoughts, your attitudes, and how you respond.” (92/1368) That means we need to guard our thoughts. We are to dwell on the positive, the hopeful, not the negative.

I really like that Osteen emphasizes we must stay in contact with God. We are to get our direction from Him every morning. We need to be open to God's plan and to changes He directs. We might wonder why God would do things in a new way. So we will not act out of routine or habit. “God changes the method on purpose so we have to come to Him for daily bread.” (387/1368) Also, God sees things we do not. “Everything is not what it seems.” (489/1368) He sees beyond the surface and will direct us accordingly.

Osteen goes on to teach about the tongue and how we speak steers our life. He encourages us to help others solve their problems, essential to solving our own. He wonders what we miss when we focus on ourselves. We cannot allow ourselves to be distracted from our purpose. Osteen reveals the disaster of valuing what others think more than what God has told us to do. And we are to be like the palm tree, bouncing back after a storm.

I like how Osteen uses stories from the Bible to illustrate his teaching. He also has plenty of examples from his own life and the lives of others. His writing is clear, easy to understand, and so very encouraging. This is a good book for any Christian needing positive encouragement to follow through the dream God has given.

Food for thought: “Go be a blessing.” (904/1368)

You can watch the book trailer here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Joel Osteen is a New York Times bestselling author and the senior pastor of America's largest church, Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. Millions watch his weekly inspirational messages on television and connect with him through his digital platforms worldwide. He can be heard 24/7 on SiriusXM 128 – Joel Osteen Radio. You can find out more at www.joelosteen.com.

FaithWords, 144 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)