Joel Osteen

What’s a bucket filler? It’s a person who is making positive deposits of kindness and compassion in other people’s lives, someone who is adding value to their lives. Your words can be the glue that holds your relationships together when you speak positive, faith-filled words to others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Psalmist said in Psalm 56:9, “The moment you pray, the tide of the battle turns.” In the unseen realm, God begins to change things in your favor the moment you pray. But many times, when we’ve been praying for a long time for something, and don’t see anything happening in the natural, it can seem like God went on vacation and our prayers aren’t doing any good. Joel wants to show you that even when you can’t see behind the scenes, God is at work. He not only heard you when you prayed, but He took it one step further; He put the miracle in motion.Just because you don’t see anything happening doesn’t mean the answer is not on the way. The people that see breakthroughs and promises fulfilled are the people that keep praying, keep believing and keep standing in faith. This message will inspire and equip you to be one of those people!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A faultfinder is defined as “a person given to harsh judgments and to finding faults.” None of us want to wear that label, and none of us want to be around a faultfinder. But it’s so easy to see what’s wrong in a situation and what could be done better. It’s so easy to see what’s wrong with another person and how they could change for the better. Our natural minds tend to always gravitate to the negative, and it causes us to find fault.You can’t stop all the negative thoughts you have about people and situations, but you can stop giving those thoughts life by speaking them out. Don’t give it life! Don’t ruin relationships and situations! You’re never going to see the change you want by finding fault.So what should you do? God says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 NIV). Let’s not be faultfinders. Let’s be those who pray and petition God for change with thanksgiving in our heart.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all have opportunities to give up on what we’re believing for and walk away from uncomfortable situations. But Joel wants to show you why it’s important to not give up on the promises God put in your heart or on the people placed in your life. Learn the importance of loyalty and faithfulness and how they tie into your destiny. Elisha received a double portion of Elijah’s anointing when he stayed committed until the end of Elijah’s life. In the same way, if you want to walk in the fullness of God’s blessing and receive everything God has for you, you have to stay committed to what God has in your life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All of us in some way have been wounded from the wrong doing of others. Many carry scars and deep wounds from childhood or from those closest to us. But Joel wants to show you how lingering pain and disappointment doesn’t have to hold you back anymore. The Good Father wants to pay you back for every injustice. Instead of staying stuck wondering why this happened, learn to call out to God. The Good Father will not only hear your call, but He’ll make more out of your life than you ever imagined. Luke 12:32 says, “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Find out how the Good Father takes good pleasure in making your wrongs right. He takes good pleasure in giving you what people couldn’t give you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just as people grow and their lives change, we have to adapt our love to those changes, and our love has to mature and grow. This is so important that the apostle Paul prayed for the Philippian church: “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight” (Philippians 1:9 NIV). It wasn’t that the church was deficient in love, but Paul was saying, “Your love has so much potential to go so much further and build a greater foundation in your lives. Agree with me every day as I pray for you that your love will reach its fullest.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life is too short to hold on to pain and past hurts. Have you been holding on to an offense that you need to let go of today? Let Joel show you how to turn your hurt over to God, and let Him and be your vindicator. It’s human nature to want to make your wrongs right, but God wants you to bless your enemies. Blessing your enemy is a test of your character. The sooner you learn to bless your enemies and be good to people that have not been good to you, the more room you give God to work in your life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you worried today or living frustrated because something isn’t happening as quickly as you want it to? We all have things we’re waiting on—a dream to come to pass, our health to improve, maybe we are waiting to meet the right person. It’s easy to grow impatient but Joel wants to show you how your times are in God’s Hands. Let this message teach you how to relax and live at rest knowing that God is unfolding His plan in your life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God calls us more than conquerors! We are not slaves to circumstances. We are not captive to our thoughts, but we can choose our thoughts and choose to think the thoughts of heaven.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you living a life of peace? To live in peace is to live a life of rest. Hebrews 4:11 tells us to make every effort to enter into the rest of God. What this means is that we have to actively guard our peace. You see, life is full of peace stealers. Every day there are people and circumstances that can pull you out of rest. But Joel will show you in this message how to put up boundaries and not allow everything in. You’ll identify the peace stealers in your life and learn how to take care of your emotional energy. Even in the midst of difficulties and trials, learn how God wants to fight your battles for you! All you need to do is rest in Him!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The good news is that God doesn't need you to put a filter on your life. He doesn't need you to download an app that makes you look better. He doesn't just call us when we are perfect or when we have ourselves looking just right. His acceptance isn't based on our performance. He calls us and loves us just the way we are.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has someone judged you, spread rumors or hurt you? Our human nature naturally wants to set the record straight and prove that those who’ve wronged us are wrong. But all this does is take up valuable energy and can keep us from being everything God has created us to be. Instead, God wants to be your defender. In Jeremiah 51:36, God says to us, “I will defend you. I will be your lawyer. I will plead your case.” Let Joel teach you how to let things bounce off of you. You don’t have to defend yourself. You have a defender. The Most High God said He will settle your cases. Live with more freedom, joy and peace as you let God fight your battles and trust Him to protect your reputation against every unfair word.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finding contentment is a goal we should strive for every day. A lot of people get confused about the concept of contentment because they think it means they have to settle for where they are. However, there's a huge difference between being content and being complacent. When you are content, you are satisfied; you're full. It's not that you aren't pursuing your goals or striving to reach new levels, you are just able to enjoy where you are on the way to where you are going.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you discouraged today because you’re facing a difficult battle? We all have things that come against us in life and encounter unfair people and situations. But just because you have opposition doesn’t mean you’re not in God’s will. God is in control, and He’s directing your steps. What’s meant for your harm, God is going to use to your advantage.Joel will show you how to stay encouraged and gain a fresh perspective of trials. Setbacks are setups in our lives for God to do something greater. With God on your side, you can rest assured that when adversity arises, a new level is on the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God has a great purpose for your life! He has marked you as a person of influence on this earth. Just by you being the best you can be, you are making an eternal difference. You are part of God’s plan and you are helping to move the kingdom of God forward.At times, we can’t necessarily see our gifts and talents. We don’t understand how we can be used to influence others. I think about Moses in the wilderness for 40 years. He was raised as Egyptian but as a young man he made some mistakes and acted out of anger. He ended up fleeing to the wilderness where God appeared to him as a burning bush and said, “I have an assignment for you.” Moses was afraid and felt unworthy but God knew exactly who Moses was. He said, “I’m doing a work and I want you to lead it. I choose you to lead my people.” Moses literally pleaded with God. He didn’t think he could carry out the assignment. He was thinking about his past. He focused on the fact that he stuttered. He didn’t feel equipped at all. But God said, “I’ve been shaping you from the beginning.” Moses ultimately surrendered to God and God used Moses in a powerful way.Even though Moses couldn’t see what God had placed in His life, Hundreds of years later after Moses died they said, “Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action” (Acts 7:22, NIV). That was a far cry from the way he saw himself!This is an excellent reminder to us that it’s up to us to mix our ability with faith and let God have His way even when we don’t understand how He can use us. We have to put one foot in front of the other and let Him lead us into His plans and purposes. You may not see what’s in you right now, but just like Moses, God does. He is at work in you! Remember, you are a person of purpose and influence and God is using you in powerful ways in the earth!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where we are in life is a direct result of someone’s unseen prayers. Behind the scenes, these intercessions have strengthened us in our times of need and lifted our faith when discouraged.Just as others have paved the way spiritually for us, God has placed people in our lives that need our prayers. Learn about the principle of standing in the gap for others found in Ezekiel 22:30. Your prayer can be the difference maker in someone’s life! As you pray for others, God will always make sure someone is praying for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know God has a commanded blessing for your life? When we honor God with our lives and do our best to keep Him first place, Deuteronomy 28:8 says, “The Lord will command the blessing on you.” God’s commanded blessing on your life will make things happen that you cannot make happen on your own and break barriers holding you back.Many people feel limited today by their environment, how they were raised, who they know, and what others have said about them. But Joel wants to show you that no person or thing has the power to change God’s commanded blessing on your life. With God’s commanded blessing, you’re going to go further than you’ve dreamed, accomplish more than you thought possible, and become all God created you to be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the Bible, God instructed his people to put up memorial stones so that they and their descendants would be reminded of the good things He had done. What are you remembering today? I want to encourage you to put out memorial stones in your own life. Allow those remembrances of the good things God has done to shape your thoughts, strengthen your faith, and make a difference for future generations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you feel weighed down today in condemnation and shame from past mistakes? It’s time to make an exchange. Because of what Christ has done, you can walk in God’s mercy every day. Instead of living in regret, you can live in peace. You don’t have to sit on the sidelines of life and pay penance for your past mistakes. God has a gift of righteousness to cover you. Nothing you’ve done in the past is too much for the mercy of God.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have to “count it all joy” in trials and make the decision to find the good in everything that happens to us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you going through a difficulty today and wondering if God is there? Life is full of things we don’t like or understand. But God won’t allow a difficulty unless He’s going to somehow use it for our good. In this encouraging message, Joel is going to show you how to trust God in all things!You see, God can see the big picture for our lives. He promises in Romans 8:28, “All things work together for good to those who love the Lord.” Not some things, but all things. That means the pain, the loss, when a dream doesn’t work out, when a loved one betrays us, even in in our darkest hour, God has a plan. You’ll learn how to pray bold prayers and stay focused. No man controls your destiny; God does!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They crucified Jesus on Friday. Sunday morning, Mary went to the tomb to check on His body. When she arrived, the stone had been rolled away. An angel appeared and said, “Mary, don’t be afraid. Jesus has risen. Now go tell His disciples and Peter that He is alive.” (See Mark 16)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you feel stuck or restricted today because of a past mistake, an addiction, a health matter you’re desperate to see change or a situation you can’t control? We all face limiting situations, but the good news is that God can overturn areas where we feel blocked from moving forward and living our fullest lives. The Psalmist said in Psalm 9:3-4, “My enemies turn in retreat, they are defeated before you. For you have judged in my favor.” Let Joel show you in this powerful message how God desires to deliver you from powerful enemies. Whether you’re battling an enemy of sickness, depression, fear, lack or struggle— get ready, God is about to judge in your favor. What has stopped you in the past is going to stop you no more. Let this message help you step into a new level of destiny and wholeness as you break past barriers with God’s help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot of people live with a—I think He loves me—mentality when it comes to God's love for them, thinking His love is based on their performance.But God is not like people. People may love you conditionally, but God's love for you is unconditional. You don't have to earn God's love; He loves you just the way you are. There is no mistake great enough to cancel out God’s amazing love and His plans for your life.Let this message teach you about God’s amazing love for you. When you know God loves you, you’ll live life with more confidence and security, and you’ll become everything God created you to be!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a scripture I love that says, “Those who hope in the Lord shall renew their strength.” Think about that for a moment. We all need strength. Have you ever thought about how strength is tied to hope? When you hope in the Lord, that means you have confident expectation that God is bigger than your problems. When you trust Him, that’s how your strength is renewed!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Too often, we base our value on how somebody is treating us, how successful we are, or how perfectly we have lived our life. The problem is that all of those things can change. Joel wants to show you how your value doesn’t come from people or things; it comes from your Creator.You may feel average today, but 1 John 4:4 says, “You belong to God.” You are extremely valuable! Learn to recognize your value in who God made you to be and how He sees you. You are a child of the Most High God! This message will give you a fresh, new confidence in who God made you to be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s easy to go through life holding on to things that are weighing us down—guilt, resentment, worry and doubt. These things naturally come. The problem is that when we allow them in, they take up space for the good things that should be there.In this message, Joel will show you how your life is like a container that God created to be filled with joy, peace, confidence, creativity and much more! But if you allow worry in, it pushes out peace and all the good things God longs to deposit in you. Learn how to apply David’s prayer in Psalm 103:5 in your life—“God fills my life with good things. So that I stay young and strong.” Discover the condemnation and guilt tactics the enemy tries to launch at us and how to stay on the offense.As you empty out the negative in your life, God can fill your life with good things. He’ll give you beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and you will have peace in the midst of any storm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is always going to be reasons to take up on offense. The people that are around us are one thing but how about the people that you have never met. Think twice about taking any offense, we have to recognize whats happening when we are frustrated and when we are going in the circle of offense. We have to learn to drop it and let it go, the quicker we let go of offense the more free we are going to be. We cannot take debate of offense and live in victory, joy and peace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One test we all have to pass is being faithful in the ordinary days. Like clay spinning on the wheel, sometimes our lives can feel like we are spinning and not getting anywhere, like we’re just doing the same thing every day. It’s easy to feel like giving up and lose momentum when nothing is happening. But like that clay on a potter’s wheel, when it feels like you’re going in circles, something is happening that you can’t see. You’re growing. Behind the scenes, God is making and molding you, preparing you for where He wants to take you. But, you have to stay on His Potter’s Wheel and stay faithful! Even the great Bible heroes faced ordinary days and routine. Joel will show you that when you’re faithful in average days, then you will see exceptional days. You will learn to enjoy where God has you right now so you’ll never miss out on the new things God has in store!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the Old Testament, the only way to have forgiveness for sins was to sacrifice an animal. Without the shedding of blood, there was no remission for sin. But Jesus came and shed His blood as a final covering for our sins. Second Corinthians 5:19 says, “God restored the world to Himself, no longer counting your sins against you. He has blotted them out.”Because of Jesus, we have freedom and forgiveness today! Yet many people are living with guilt and condemnation because of past mistakes even after they’ve asked for forgiveness. Do you need to let go of past mistakes and guilt today? Let this message remind you of God’s great grace for your life so that you can rise to a new level!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of us want to move forward into the new things that God has for us, but the more time goes by, the easier it is to feel like we’re just waiting on God. The waiting period can be a time of preparation and transformation so when those new opportunities come we have the right mindset. The best way to transform and renew our mind is to study God’s Word.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we’ve been believing for dreams to come to pass for a long time or situations to turn around and don’t see anything happening, it’s easy to lose our passion and not expect things to change.But Joel wants to show you how a new season is coming! Let this message teach you how to live life with a fresh, new expectancy as you discover the importance of living life with an anticipation of the new things God wants to do in your life. Now is the time to stir up your faith! You are closer to seeing things happen than you realize.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all go through difficulties and things in life that we don’t understand. It’s easy to get discouraged and think, “Why is this happening to me?” But God uses difficulties to move us toward our destiny. Let Joel show you how nothing happens in life by accident. You may not understand it, but God wouldn’t have allowed it if it wasn’t going to work to your advantage. God is not going to stop every difficulty if there is purpose for it. But Psalm 89 promises us that He will steady us and make us strong. Discover that strength in this empowering message.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God has given all of us so much to be thankful for. It’s very easy to take things for granted but we can learn to honor God by appreciating the blessings he gives us. When we learn the language of appreciation we’ll see the true value of what we have in our lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s easy to trust God when things are going our way, but what about when things aren’t going our way? Are you frustrated or unhappy because something is not working out like you think it should? That’s conditional trust.Let Joel teach you how to have unconditional trust in what God is doing in your life. Psalm 138:8 promises us that “God will work out His plan for your life.” You don’t have to work it out. You don’t have to make it all happen in your own strength and fight all of your battles. God knows what’s best for you. Instead of living life frustrated, you can live contented and restful, trusting in God’s timing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all go through times that we don’t understand. But Matthew 5:45 tells us, “Rain falls on the just and the unjust.” This means we are all going to go through night seasons and face difficult times. Joel wants to show you how to face these night seasons with hope and the right attitude. Our night seasons always lead us to the amazing things God has in store for our future. The Psalmist said in Psalm 112:4, “When darkness overtakes the righteous, light will come bursting in.” You can have hope during your darkest hours. Don’t let the night seasons convince you that you’ve seen your best days. You wouldn’t be alive if God didn’t have something amazing in front of you. Without the night seasons, we wouldn’t become everything we were created to be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you are a mother or not, you can encourage, inspire, and invest in the lives of the people around you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you relying on what others say or don’t say for your value? Are you frustrated today because you don’t have the support from others around you?One of the greatest lessons in life is to learn that your true value does not come from people; it comes from Almighty God. Yet many people today rely on the complements, encouragement and approval of others to feel good about themselves and stay motivated. Paul said in Philippians 4:13, “I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency.” Let Joel show you who you are in Christ and how to go to Him for your value and self-worth. As you apply these biblical principles, not only will you live a more peaceful life, but your relationships will improve, too!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you allowed the pressures of life to weigh you down to where you’re not laughing as much as you used to? Have you stopped enjoying life? While every person deals with stress and challenges, if we’re not careful, it’s very easy to one day look up and find that we don’t smile as much, we’re not as friendly, and the joy of life has disappeared. Joel wants to show you how you can live without heaviness no matter your circumstances.Jesus said in John 16:33, “In life you will have difficulties, but be of good cheer.” Let this message show you how to get your joy back. As you make this important shift, you’ll feel stronger, younger and fresher, and you’ll have the strength to finish your course with joy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes in life, we have to wait. We have to be careful to not allow the waiting to open the door to doubt and discouragement. We have to trust that God will get us to the right place at the right time.Today, I want to encourage you, no matter what you are waiting for, learn to wait well. Instead of worrying, turn your focus to the Father. Let patience have it’s perfect work. Trust that He is ordering your steps.Think about a butterfly coming out its cocoon. It takes time, it takes effort, it takes difficulty to get out of that cocoon but once it breaks out, it comes forth in such beauty. It’s ready, it’s poised to be able to fly. That’s what happens to us when we wait well. We become strong and beautiful, ready to embrace all God has for us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you facing a mountain today? Whatever is trying to stop you, a mountain of debt, sickness, depression or addiction may look insurmountable, but it’s no match for our God.God told the Israelites in Isaiah 45:2 “I will go before you and level the mountains.” Joel will show you how the Most High God is going before you today and fighting your battles.Are you living worried, stressed out, trying to figure out how your situation is going to work out? The good news is that you’re not on your own. God is saying, “Trust Me. I have you covered. I know where you are and where you’re going.” One touch of His favor will turn that mountain into level ground.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all come to places in life where we reach our limits. You may feel like that today, or maybe there are obstacles you can’t overcome. The good news is that you’re not on your own. God is with you, and He is not limited by anything or anyone.You don't have to live life in fear or worried anymore because you don’t see how it’s going to work out. God’s ways are better than our ways. Under the open windows of heaven, God will cause you to accomplish things you couldn’t on your own. All you need to do is keep the faith. You will learn from Pastor Joel how being negative, complaining and living worried can limit God’s favor in our lives, but our praise causes the heavens to open and pour down like a flood.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our lives follow the direction of our thoughts. Not every thought that comes to mind is positive. Some thoughts are destructive if we dwell on them long enough. We need to recognize which thoughts are dragging us down and guard our hearts against them. One way to guard our hearts is to push out thoughts of negativity, fear, and doubt. Then we can begin to dwell on good things that lift our spirits. As we take control of our thoughts and turn them in the right direction then we’ll see our lives begin to change for the better.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s easy to do life on our own and think we don’t need any help from others. But Joel wants to show you how you won’t reach your highest potential by yourself. God has ordained people to be in your life that will strengthen you, encourage you and push you toward your purpose.Hebrews 10:25 says, “Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together.” Together we’re better, stronger, smarter, and more powerful! Don’t waste another year doing life solo. The scripture says, when we come together in unity there is a commanded blessing. You will become everything God has created you to be when you connect with others in an atmosphere of faith.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you ready to give up on what you’re believing for because all you’ve heard is no? Well, it’s time to get ready because yes is coming! No matter who has said no or how many times a door has closed, God has already set a date to bring His promises to pass in your life. But there is one thing God needs from you, and that is your yes. Second Corinthians 1 says, “God’s yes and our yes together make a sure thing.”Let Joel teach you how to be determined in your faith like never before. Your faith will grow as you hear amazing stories from the Bible of men and women who dared to believe God for a yes and saw amazing breakthroughs. You, too, will receive your own breakthrough as you say yes with God!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God is not ashamed of you; He knows everything about you, and He's reaching out to you with love.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.