Dynamic Texas preacher Joel Osteen proved to be as successful an author as he is a pastor: his congregation at Lakewood Church in Houston is 28,000 strong and one of the fastest-growing in America, according to Forbes.com and his faith-based self-help book, Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps for Living at Your Full Potential, shot straight up the bestseller list when it was published late last year. The inspirational guide, which shared insights from Osteen’s sermons and lessons, struck a chord with readers, and this month, Warner Faith is releasing an accompanying journal, Your Best Life Now Journal: A Guide to Reaching Your Full Potential. The charismatic young pastor took over his father’s congregation after the older Osteen’s sudden death in 1999. His honest and practical advice urges readers to take time for reflection and devote one week to master each of the seven principles, which include letting go of the past, enlarging one’s vision, living to give, developing a healthy self-image and choosing to be happy. Scripture quotes that support each principle are included, and extra space is provided to record thoughts, ideas and emotions that will be sure to surface along the way.
Though his sermons are aired on television and radio each week, Osteen and his wife Victoria are currently on a 15-city stadium tour across the U.S. to spread their motivational message in person. Despite his popularity, Osteen feels his ideas are simple. I just have a message of hope and victory, he says.
