Contents and Introduction

 

This book is dedicated to my father, John Osteen (1921-1999). My dad’s integrity, humility, love, and compassion for all people left an indelible impression on my life. I will be eternally grateful for his example.

 To my wife, Victoria, the woman of my dreams and my best friend, I dedicate this book, and my life, to you. You amaze me more every day When God gave you to me, He gave me the very best. Your un-conditional love and enthusiastic spirit have made me into the man that I am today I love you.
 

To Jonathan and Alexandra, my two precious treasures. You bring me more joy than I could have ever hoped for! Being your dad is my greatest reward.
 

And to the people of Lakewood Church, your love, loyalty, support, and enthusiasm are second to none. I am committed to you——commit¬ted to helping you to live your best life now. Our greatest days are ahead!

 

Contents

INTRODUCTION 

PART 1: ENLARGE YOUR VISION
Chapter 1 Enlarging Your Vision 3
Chapter 2 Raising Your Level of Expectancy 13
Chapter 3 God Has More in Store! 21
Chapter 4 Breaking the Barriers of the Past 29
Chapter 5 Increasing in Favor 37
Chapter 6 Living Favor-Minded 44

 

PART 2: DEVELOP A HEALTHY SELF-IMAGE
Chapter 7 Who Do You Think You Are? 55
Chapter 8 Understanding Your Value 65
Chapter 9 Become What You Believe 72
Chapter 10 Developing a Prosperous Mind-Set 82
Chapter 11 Be Happy with Who You Are 91

 

PART 3: DISCOVER THE POWER OF YOUR THOUGHTS AND WORDS
Chapter 12 Choosing the Right Thoughts 101
Chapter 13 Reprogramming Your Mental Computer 113
Chapter 14 The Power in Your Words 121
Chapter 15 Speaking Life-Changing Words 126
Chapter 16 Speaking a Blessing 133 

 

PART 4: LET GO OF THE PAST

Chapter 17 Letting Go of Emotional Wounds 143
Chapter 18 Don5t Let Bitterness Take Root 153
Chapter 19 Let God Bring Justice into Your Life 164
Chapter 20 Defeating Disappointments 174

 

PART 5: FIND STRENGTH THROUGH ADVERSITY
Chapter 21 Getting Up on the Inside 187
Chapter 22 Trusting God’s Timing 195
Chapter 23 The Purpose of Trials 205
Chapter 24 Trusting God When Life Doesn't Make Sense 213

 

PART 6: LIVE TO GIVE!
Chapter 25 The Joy of Giving 221
Chapter 26 Showing God’s Kindness and Mercy 231
Chapter 27 Keep Your Heart of Compassion Open 239
Chapter 28 The Seed Must Lead 250
Chapter 29 Sowing and Growing 258

 

PART 7: CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY
Chapter 30 Happiness Is a Choice 269
Chapter 31 Being a Person of Excellence and Integrity 282
Chapter 32 Living with Enthusiasm 296

 

NOTES
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

 

Introduction
 The future is yours for the taking!” is an often quoted expression of hope passed on to graduating seniors, new employees, and wide-eyed couples on their wedding days. Yet we all know that while some peo-ple grab life with enthusiasm and take control of their futures, such a grandiose promise doesn't always pan out for everybody Why is that? What makes the difference?

 Happy, successful, fulfilled individuals have learned how to live their best lives now. They make the most of the present moment and thereby enhance their future. You can, too. No matter where you are or what challenges you are facing, you can enjoy your life right now!
 Many people go through life with low self-esteem, focusing on the negative, feeling inferior or inadequate, always dwelling on some rea-son why they can't be happy Others put off their happiness till some future date:

• Someday, things will be better in my life.
• Someday, I will be caught up with my work long enough to enjoy making memories with my family.
• Someday, 1’ll earn more money, and I won’t have to worry about how I will pay the bills.
• Someday, I’m going to get in better physical condition.
• Someday, I’ll have a better relationship with God and enjoy more of His goodness.

 Unfortunately, “someday” never comes. Today is the only day we have. We can’t do anything about the past, and we don’t know what the future holds. But we can live at our full potential right now!

 In this book, you will discover just how to do that! Within these pages, you will find seven simple, yet profound, steps to improve your life, regardless of your current level of success or lack of it. I know these steps work, because they have worked in the lives of my family members, friends, and associates, as well as in my own life. I5m confi¬dent that if you will take these steps along with me, you ultimately will be happier than ever before, living with jo^ peace, and enthusiasm— not just for a day, or a week, but for the rest of your life!

In Your Best Life Now, we’ll explore how to:

• Enlarge your vision；
• Develop a healthy self-image;
• Discover the power of your thoughts and words;
• Let go of the past；
• Find strength through adversity;
• Live to give; and
• Choose to be happy.

 In each o£ these areas, you will find practical suggestions and sim-ple choices that will help you to stay positive in your lifestyle and be-lieve for a brighter future.
 You may have experienced adversity or trials in your past Perhaps you’ve had more than your share of setbacks and heartaches. But today is a new day! By following the principles I’m going to share with you in Your Best Life Now, you can be happy and fulfilled, starting today.

 I will challenge you in this book to break out of a “barely-get-by” mentality, to become the best you can be, not merely average or ordi-nary Io do that, you may have to rid yourself of some negative mind-sets that are holding you back, and start enlarging your vision, seeing yourself as doing more, enjoying more, being more. That, my friend, is what it means to live your best life now.
 Are you ready to develop your full potential? Let’s get started! It’s time to begin living your best life now!