Osteen - Fresh start: the new you begins today

Copyright 2015 by Joel Osteen

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version of the Bible. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations noted NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations noted AMP are from The Amplified Bible. Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

Scripture quotations noted KJV are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

Scripture quotations noted NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

All Scriptures marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scriptures noted TLB are taken from The Living Bible, copyright 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Literary development and interior design: Koechel Peterson & Associates, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota

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First ebook edition: December 2015.

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ISBN 978-1-4555-9154-1

E3-20170824-JV-PC

M y first thanks, as always, goes to God for guiding me through the writing process. Next up, among those Im grateful for are my friends at Hachette Book Group for their help. Also, I am thankful for the creative insight from our Lakewood Church pastoral staff member Steve Austin.

I am grateful also to my literary agents, Shannon Marven and Jan Miller Rich, at Dupree Miller & Associates, who are once again proved invaluable throughout the entire process. Special thanks to my sister Lisa Comes, Dr. Paul Osteen, and the literary services of Lance Wubbels.

Once again, this book includes many stories shared with me by friends, members of our congregation, and people Ive met around the world. I appreciate and acknowledge their contributions and support. Some of those mentioned in the book are people I have not met personally, and, in a few cases, weve changed the names to protect the privacy of individuals. I give honor to all of those to whom honor is due.

As the son of a church leader and a pastor myself, Ive listened to countless sermons and presentations, so in some cases I cant remember the exact source of a story. Thanks to all who have touched my life with theirs. My intention in writing this book is to pass on the blessings, and to God be the glory.

He shall be like a tree

Planted by the rivers of water,

That brings forth its fruit in its season,

Whose leaf also shall not wither;

And whatever he does shall prosper.

P SALM 1:3

Introduction

T he best decision of your life was to live your life with God at the center. That was the essential first step to living at your full potential. Now the key to experiencing an extraordinary life every day is to grow in your relationship with God. Scripture talks about how life with God is like a tree and its branches. When a branch is connected to the tree, it receives nourishment and life. Its able to produce fruit. In the same way, we have to stay connected to God so we can receive His strength and be empowered to accomplish all that He has for us.

In any relationship, growth happens over time. God doesnt expect you to be perfect. He doesnt expect you to know everything. He just wants you to keep moving forward with Him one step at a time. He wants to show you His goodness and be a part of your everyday life. It may feel a little strange at first, but just like any new relationship, the more time you spend with Him, the more comfortable it becomes. Thats why I wrote this bookto help you connect with God and learn about His ways!

Today, know that God is bigger than your past, your disappointments, and your problems. You may have made a lot of mistakes, but God can turn those things around. People may have hurt you, but if youll trust God, Hell restore you. Just stay focused on the new life you have with Him. Think of it like a change in seasons. When winter turns to spring, the old is gone and the new begins. The past may have been cold and dreary. Maybe your dreams have been dormant and covered. But now its Springtime! Spring symbolizes a fresh start. Its a time for new growth and multiplication!