Quotes from Joel Osteen

Being offended, upset, and frustrated over what didn't work out will only keep you in mediocrity. It's time to drop it and move forward. You may be a product of your past, but you don't have to be a prisoner of your past.

something like this: "Father, I thank You that I have Your favor. Your favor is opening doors of opportunity. Your favor is bringing success into my life. Your favor is causing people to want to help me." Then go out with confidence, expecting good things to happen, expecting doors to open for you that may not open for somebody else, knowing that you have an advantage. There's something special about you. You have the favor of God.

But for the grace of God, that could be me.

Sometimes your family will not be your biggest cheerleader. They may not encourage you. You've got to listen to what God's telling you and not to what other people may tell you. People will try to talk you out of the dream in your heart.

In the tough dark times, you have to realize that you're not alone. The Most High God is fighting for you. He's got your back. He's brought you through in the past, and He's going to bring you through in the future.

This is what Paul told Timothy in the Bible: "Stir up the gift, fan the flame." When you stir up the passion, your faith will allow God to do amazing things.

If you were on your own, you would have a good reason to live worried. But the Scripture says in 1 Peter, "You have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your soul." You're not in this by yourself. You have a protector, a defender, a deliverer.

When you are tempted to get discouraged, remind yourself that according to God's Word, your future is getting brighter;

It may take a little time to see it come to pass, but it's on the way. Don't get talked out of it. Don't let what's not happening discourage you. Keep believing, keep thanking God, and you're going to see what He has spoken over your life.

Don't use your energy to worry; use your energy to believe.

Be wary of people who play up to your weaknesses as a way to convince you that you need them in your life. They'll try to make you think you're not smart enough on your own. You're not talented enough, and you need them to make up for what you're lacking. Don't believe those lies.

Does your vision increase around your friends or does it decrease? Do you leave motivated, challenged, or are you discouraged, drained? Not every friend will inspire you, but you should have one or two that light a fire on the inside, that push you forward.