There are likely only a small number of North Americans who wouldn’t find Joel Osteen’s face familiar if shown a photograph of him. Seen beaming at book buyers from the covers of a number of best-selling inspirational/motivational hybrids, Osteen is perhaps best known for his #1 New York Times bestseller, Your Best Life Now.

Your Best Life Begins Each Morning: Devotions to Start Every Day of the Year is a collection of daily micro-devotions — each two to three paragraphs in length — which are based upon Osteen’s previous work. Not having read the titles which this derivative devotional draws some of its content from, namely Your Best Life Now and Daily Readings from Your Best Life Now, I read through this chubby, padded hardcover (with handy ribbon) as a stand-alone title.

After reading through the year’s worth of short readings — each consisting of a date, title, scripture, and Osteen’s text — I feel ready to make some comments concerning the work. Each reading, rather than resulting in a desire to dig deeper into the word of God, seems to consist of a simple, Christian-flavoured pep-talk. Osteen does motivation well, the “pull up your socks and do better, have more faith, and make yourself shine” sort of pep talk. However, he’s internally inconsistent. One moment he claims that God will do the work, the next it’s all back on you. Wait for God; God won’t move until you do. A seesaw found throughout this title.

Many of Osteen’s critics have planted him firmly in the “Name It and Claim It” camp. There are certainly hints of that throughout, but nothing blatant. What I did notice however is the one-sidedness of Osteen’s perspective of God’s blessings. While he acknowledges that believers can go through times of testing and trial, he says that these are always temporary and that God will bless us richly if we are faithful and trusting during these periods of testing.

What Osteen fails to share is that sometimes these blessings may not arrive during this life, but the next. Indeed, we’re told in the Bible to store up treasures in heaven and not here on the earth. Believers living their best lives will be living it in submission to the will of their Father in heaven, even when trials,suffering — and yes even poverty — come their way as a result. God is trustworthy, He is faithful, but His purposes do not always look like those that Osteen presents – such aspromotions, wealth, church growth, and such.

Another interesting point is that Osteen never mentions the word sin. He couches the desired behaviour of a Christian in terms of living with integrity, living an excellent life, and so on. He describes clear-cut sins such as thievery and deception as living without integrity – something that God won’t bless. Well, God certainly doesn’t bless sin, but He does bless us despite our sins – loving us even before we loved Him. This avoidance of biblical language and classifications struck me as very lukewarm on Osteen’s part, as though he’s hard at work trying to avoid confrontation and offense.

Apart from my doctrinal concerns, I found Your Best Life Begins Each Morning rather unfulfilling. There wasn’t enough meat to sink my teeth into and contemplate throughout the day. The readings I completed were soon forgotten and I was disappointed to find that behind the charming, coffee-themed packaging lay little substance. Hard-core Osteen fans will no doubt be pleased; readers like myself will be better served by an alternate selection of devotional readings or, better yet, the Bible.

Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com ( )

What a wonderful way to kickstart your morning! I have never read a Joel Osteen book, but I had read an interview with him a while back and this book immediately called to me. I love a devotion, but sometimes I just do not have the time to dig in like I should. Figuring out when to read can be the challenge for me. Your Best Life Begins Each Morning is the perfect size for a morning meet with your Lord. The verses are appropriate to moving you into a positive walk every morning. I found myself focusing on each verse and message throughout the day. The devotional days are mapped out for the whole year, and it looks like it is going to be one excellent year! I definitely recommend Joel Osteen's Your Best Life Begins Each Morning. It is a brief read that goes right to the heart. ( )

Have you ever decided to begin daily devotions only to fall behind because you just cannot seem to find the time? Here's your guide! This tiny 4" x 6" palm-sized book contains devotions in a workable size. It will easily fit into a purse, a briefcase, or an office desk. The softly padded cover is a touch of luxury, and the book ribbon permanently attached will easily keep the reader's place.

An entire year is included in this 365-page volume. Each page is dated and begins with a Bible verse, followed by the author's thoughts. The entire devotion is confined in one page. For the person who wants to have daily devotions, but who does not have a big block of time to do them, this is ideal. ( )

Perfect for : Personal Use, Great gift

In a nutshell: This is a wonderful book for daily use, that helps to start the day on a positive/inspiring note with biblical inspiration. It is small, about 6 inches tall, 4 inches wide and about 1 inch thick - it will fit great in a purse, glove box, desk drawer, etc, just put it somewhere so you can read it every morning. There is an inspirational thought and bible verse for each day of the year, and each one takes only a minute or two to read, but will help you stay inspired all day! This would be a great gift for any religious friend or relative you want to provide encouragement to.

Extended Review:
Content: I've taken the time to read ahead in the book so I could do a better review. I love the different ways I am encouraged each morning, revisiting my hopes and dreams (Jan. 1), looking at where you want to be in the future (Jan. 26th), "Dare to be Happy" with who you are (April 17th), etc. I've provided a few themes that are supported by scripture and examples, along with a great thought for the day.

Format: The book is very easy to follow - there is a short introduction, then a page for each day that includes: the date, a title theme, a scripture supporting the theme, and a story or example that ends with a type of thoughtful reflection for the day. The book has a section for notes at the end, and a built-in ribbon bookmark to help you easily find the next day.

Readability: Wonderfully easy to read, with a consistent format.

Overall: A great way to start the day! And it only requires a few minutes to read (maybe less?), and you will gain insight into yourself and great thoughts to take you through the day. ( )