Joel Osteen on New Book 'I Declare': God Wants Us to Feel Right About Ourselves
NEW YORK – Megachurch pastor and best-selling author Joel Osteen spoke with The Christian Post Wednesday about his new book, I Declare: 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life, which offers a series of affirmations to help individuals be successful in their everyday lives.
In an exclusive interview with CP at his Barnes and Noble book signing event Wednesday, Osteen confirmed that the purpose of the book is to equip the reader with a good sense of self-image.
"I think it's all based on the Bible, but I think it's principles that help you to have a good self-image and feel right about yourself, and I think God wants us to feel right about ourselves," Osteen told CP.
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"He wants us to feel valuable. Every person is a masterpiece, so I think when you get up in the morning and declare His goodness, His favor, His faithfulness, it makes a difference in how you feel and how your day is going to go," he added.
Osteen went on to say that the 31 affirmations found in the book serve as "statements of faith," meant to inspire the reader.
"One of the declarations is 'I declare I have the grace I need for today. I am strong, I am equipped, I am empowered, [and] nothing today will overcome me. You start talking like that, it's going to lift your spirits, [and] you're going to have a different attitude, so I think it can help us in all walks of life,'" Osteen said.
The famed pastor has been traveling around New York City this week to promote his new book, visiting "CBS This Morning" and "Piers Morgan Tonight."
On "CBS This Morning," Osteen spoke on the upcoming presidential elections, saying that he hopes the candidates will keep their debate and differences civil, to the best of their abilities.
"I always like – doesn't always happen – but to take the high road. Let's treat each other with respect and the honor that every person deserves. It gets heated. People are passionate about politics," he said.
Osteen, who lives in Houston, Texas with his wife, Victoria, and their two children, is the senior pastor at Lakewood Church in Houston, which boasts a weekly attendance of 43,000 people.
He has written several books throughout his pastoral career, the most recent being Your Best Life Now and Become A Better You.
