I Declare: 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life (2024)

I think it's fair to say that I was a little shocked by this book - I was not prepared for the outlandish extravagance of Joel Osteen's rejection of biblical Christianity! Error, layered on top of error, layered on top of error. I don't particularly object to Osteen's 'positive thinking' approach, and some of his "be positive" encouragements are fine. I do object to the way he coopts and distorts the Christian message to make it a vehicle for these motivational messages.

Here are my notes:
- More than half of the biblical passages quoted were quite clearly misinterpreted or wrongly applied. This was apparent with only a moment's reflection, or a brief check on the verse in context.
- Many of the 31 declarations are phrased almost in a horoscope style, with a magical/mystical flavour.
- The entire book is "I-centred". "I" dominates the 31 declarations. A summary statement from the conclusion: "There is nothing more powerful than you declaring victory over your life" (169).
- Osteen's underlying theological approach seems to be to take the biblical promises of the blessings which Christians will experience after Christ's return and apply them to life now. Multiple verses were blithely misapplied in this manner, taken from passages which explicitly describe promises of blessing after death or Christ's return. The Christian's experience of blessing after death is not mentioned at all in the book, replaced by the view that life now can and should be like heaven.
- Some obvious & basic errors - incorrect verses quoted, translations wrongly attributed or perhaps altered, errors in basic definitions etc.
- My favourite outlandishly ridiculous interpretation: God anointing David's head with oil (Psalm 23) means that our lives are meant to smooth and easy, because oil is a lubricant that makes things flow. Seriously! Page 105.
- Osteen universally assumes that our dreams equal God's plan for us. Whatever we desire, God will give us, as we speak it into existence. It's not hard to see why Osteen's message is so alluring - all that you dream of can be yours!!
- The other-focused chapters were ok, focused encouraging and building others up.
- The book's basic message: "You must do all this (persevere in speaking blessing into existence, etc etc) in order for God to bless you." God's blessing is thus dependent on human performance, rather than on God's sovereign grace. Behaviour leads to blessing. The gospel, in its declaration that God has decisively and completely done everything necessary in Christ to ensure our eternal blessing, is quite absent. (My reflection: The bitter end of this path must be that if anyone is not experiencing God's blessing, the fault is within themselves. This is the horribly damaging aspect of this kind of teaching - in their most vulnerable moments, people will be stripped of the comfort of the gospel and instead told that if only they had more faith, they would be healed or restored.)

I follow many of the positive thinkers, i.e. Esther Hicks, Wayne Dyer, Gregg Braden, Byron Katie... all of whom---that I am aware of--- do not preach to be a member of any organized religion. And while in the very beginning of my spiritual journey when I began seeking speakers and authors who preach creative manifestation, I used to listen to Joel Osteen, I stopped when I learned that he was against hom*osexuality. My break-up with Joel happened about two years ago.

Fast forward to my visit with my son and his family in Maryland this past Thanksgiving and my daughter-in-law played a program she had recorded in which Oprah interviewed Pastor Osteen. I had forgotten how well he spoke and how inspiring he was to listen to. So when he talked about his new book, I DECLARE, I downloaded it onto my cell phone and am now on my third time through.

For anyone who likes to be reminded of how powerful our thoughts are..buy the book. One caveat..for those of you who are not Christian, don't bother. All of his 31 Declarations reference God. I do not belong to any organized religion but I do believe in a greater Power.

This book is a very simple book with some simple saying to say when you are having a bad day. It is divided into 31 sections.

Overall this book was good. I did like the uplifting feel of the book. If you are feeling discouraged or sluggish in your day to day life, this book will be a great help to you. I have read most of Joel Osteen’s books and this book is just as good as the others. If you have not read any of his others this a great book to start with. He is a preacher that likes to stay positive and this book reflects his style.

I gave this book 5/5 stars. I thought the words were all uplifting. I will be keeping this book on my shelf for those days when I need an extra boost of encouragement from the Lord! This would make a great book for anyone going through a difficult time.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

This is a great daily devotional. It will help you change your life- one day at a time. If you can be positive in your thoughts and words, it will bring about positive changes in your life. The book is a great self-esteem builder. I really liked all of the stories that Joel added to get his point across. When you read the stories about what happens to other people it builds your faith. Every idea is backed up by scripture. I like reading the promises in the Bible. If things in your life are not going the way you think they should, buy this book and read it. If you put it into practice- things will get better. I loved this book. I actually have the audible version. I have listened to it at least three times. I am buying the print book to use as a daily devotional.

So far, I feel as though I was meant to read this. I initially checked it out to see if I wanted to get this for my mother. She's a huge fan, so I thought I'd read it and see if it was anything I would like to give and maybe enjoy myself. Little did I find, it's right up my alley. I've been in this mindset to fix the negatives that find their way into my mind, and turn them into positives. It's one of the subjects he touches on. In a very hectic, busy world, it's easy and common to look at your day and see all the wrong, and negative that happened. Reverse it. Look at the accomplishments, the laughs shared, a great text from a good friend. Make a list and watch the negatives go away. If you are looking for something uplifting, I would recommend it. I haven't read any of his other books, but maybe, just maybe, I might. Enjoy!

I have now read this one three times over the last three months. Great way to jump start great changes in your life. Fast read and great stories to back up motivational messages. This is the kind of book you can hand off to someone who needs a good pick me up read.

Good spiritual advice. A cross between Tony Robbins and Billy Graham. I jest of course. Solid inspirational advice like that from Norman Vincent Peale. I listened to this in the evening as an audio book when I went to sleep.

Too much of the book was repetitive. Some of the ideas presented were unrealistic, such as "it will not take years to overcome an obstacle, to get out of debt, or to meet the right person." What about teaching faith in God's timing? We endure some challenges for a lifetime, just as Paul did with the thorn in his flesh or his physical infirmity.

An avid fan of Joel Osteen books, this literary read was given to me this past November for my birthday. I had no idea the following January that I'd be referred by my physician to have surgery. There were several challenges I edured during the procedure. From losing blood-to being operated on for over eight hours,the outcome of it all was not what I nor my doctor anticipated. Enduring a lot of pain, I somehow managed enough will and determination to start reading this book. There were some nights where I was just in too much agony to do anything except take my pain medication and go back to sleep. My body was so sore that I had to turn myself in multiple positions just to maybe get three to four hours of rest only to awaken when the pain was once again all too much. Fear as well as frustration did begin to set in because I had never been operated on before. My body in my opinion was not healing fast enough to my expectations. Day 26 in the book states the following, "It takes the same amount of energy to believe as it does to worry. Use your energy to believe." These five little words help me both to see and realize that a positive disposition is the best one to have at all times. Even during your most difficult times. This Wednesday makes the sixth week of my recovery process. I am speaking over my mountains because I know and believe that I am getting better every day.

Adra Young
Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues Series

*won through a Goodreads Giveaway*

When I received the notification that I'd won this book I was so excited. I am a huge fan of
Joel Osteen but not because I am an uber-Christian. I'm a fan of his because he is positive and that's what the world needs more of. Growing up in a very religious family has helped me to understand that no matter the religion or the pastor, the message is always the same: BE GOOD AND POSITIVE. I know that may seem trivial or not scholarly enough but it's my truth. Work on being a good person, sister, daughter, or friend and the rest will fall into place. Be positive instead of a downer and believe that the best is yet to come. Although this is a Christian self-help book, I can see my self using some of the declarations to have a more positive outlook on my day to day life or future goals.

This book contains thirty-one declarations, for each day of the month, proclaiming promises, blessings, or favor over your life. My favorite declaration: I declare that I am calm and peaceful. I know I may need to repeat that to myself every time I am in traffic and the cars around me aren't moving as I think they should. Instead of flipping them the bird, I can remain calm and rise above that difficulty.

Another thing that made this book so fun for me is that it felt as though I was reading his sermon. I could hear his Texan dialect as I breezed through the pages. This book is written in a conversational manner which is appealing to the audience for this type of read. Being conversational also causes it to seem repetitive. That is my only real negative with this book. Overall I really enjoyed this book and am so happy I had the oppurtunity to read it.

This seems like one of those books at the back of the Hallmark store where they put all those inspirational books that are quick reads. This book has the 31 declarations for self improvement. Then there's a non-spcific story that relates to the declaration.
It wasn't educational or intense. There were no big Bible lessons to be learned. The book was a short feel good book. It didn't strike me as much.

POWERFUL!! What a great way to start the new year!! Osteen shows us in 31 days how "our words have power." That whenever we speak either good or bad, we give life to what we are saying. Forget the negative and focus on the positive! Send your words into the direction you want your life to go. Each day, take a moment to bless your future with positive, inspiring and encouraging declarations.

If you follow Osteen's sermons, podcasts and books and are in need of a faith refresher this is the book for you.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. What's not to LOVE? It is filled with passages to reaffirm your faith and remind you of God's promise to take care of his children.

I only have two teensy complaints. I saw that Osteen had written a new book and immediately reserved it without reading the description, so I had no idea that you are supposed to read a passage a day for 31 days. I had to return the book to the library, so I finished it in two days. That's not much time to ponder each passage. I am still glad that I did not buy it because my second teensy complaint is that it is very redundant. I don't watch Osteen's sermons weekly. Maybe once or twice a month, but I've heard the stories mentioned in the book before.

I think he should explore new creative ways to get his message across. Again, if you need a refresher it may not be a bad thing.

One thing that Osteen said in this book has me thinking. He states that we should not be afraid to ask God for what we want and we should not ask for small things. We should dream big, ask and expect God to deliver. He says that it is not enough to assume that God knows what we want and need. We must ask.

My pastor teaches us that we should not go to God with a grocery list of things that we want and expect God to be some sort of Genie that grants all of our wishes. I am struggling to find some middle ground. Any comments about this are welcomed! Thanks.

This is definitely a read-again. I've never read any of Joel Osteen's books, but each daily reading was so uplifting. I believe it makes a real difference to not only think positive things, and trust God to do good things in your life, but to Speak these blessings out loud. God wants to bless us, because He loves us; we love Him by keeping His commandments, but a lot of people take that to mean God's just a "rule-keeper". Rather, God is trying to help us live a life that is powerful and peaceful. And certainly God doesn't want us to suffer through this life and never believe that He wants more for us in THIS life, too! God has dreams for us, great plans for us. But part of reaching those great things is Believing - and there is a lot of power in spoken word. Sometimes you have to say things out loud to begin to believe - as Joyce Meyer says, sometimes you have to choose to do what is good, before it feels good. Living a positive and powerful faith in God is attainable for anyone, and this book will help you look up to Heaven when your problems seem so huge you feel you can hardly overcome them, rather than staring at the "mountains" themselves. Go conquer that mountain! (And, er, bring this book with you!) = )

It's satisfying to know that we can do all things through Christ. I have been brought up in a Christian family and I thought I knew the word, but when I heard Joel preaching I was amazed, he cut the scriptures into bite size pieces. My brain easly absorbed and I got a new perception.
I'd recommend this book to any Christian, finally I get to learn more about God and I realize that He's always there for me.
What blew me away was the fact that my words create my future. When you speak defeat you lose but if you speak hope even in the midst of a wreckage, you build your future....
I declare, teaches us to speak over our life. And draw closer to the tender arms of God. indeed God really cares contrary to what I'd been pumped up with before. now I'm more wiser.
"I DECLARE, unexpected blessings are coming my way. I will move forward from barely making it to having more than enough. God will open up supernatural doors for me.He will speak to the right people about me. I will see Ephesians 3:20, exceedingly, abundantly, above~and~beyond favour and Increase in my life". 《This is my declaration!

My Thoughts

I have always enjoyed listening to Joel Osteen preach. This book is very similar to the message he sends in his sermons - have faith! The book talks about the power of what we say out loud and that we need to project positive words out to the universe. It is written as 31 separate devotionals, one to be read each day of the month. I did read the book over a few days, but now I plan to use it as intended - to start each new day with a positive message and move forward from there.

Thank you to Hachette Book Group/FaithWords and Netgalley for allwoing me to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.

Publish date: Sept. 18, 2012.

So powerful - probably just about every promise resonated with me. More than a few brought me to tears - obviously touching on something I could relate to. I'm not an overly religious person, in fact to be honest, I'd say I shy away from religion. "Spirituality" feels more inclusive, but I LOVE Joel. Every time I see him on television, I'm so enthralled with him, the message he delivers. Joel speaks to everyone, no matter what denomination or religion. This could be a quick easy read, although it's supposed to be read daily; each chapter is only a page or two which a declaration preceding it.

VERY inspirational, RIGHT to the point and HIGHLY recommended.

You are highly favoured. You are blessed. You have the favour of God! ~ Joel Osteen

The above are some of the declarations you will find in this book. I highly recommend that you obtain the book on audio, as you will have Joel Osteen speak these declarations over your life! I immediately felt the presence of God as I started listening to this audio book in my car and started making these declarations over my life. Listen to this audiobook while driving and your driving will be blessed! haha :)

As always Joel Osteen's books are uplifting. One can never get too much of positive inspiration.

Leí una afirmación por día, si bien no cambió mi vida, me hizo sentir mejor y ver las cosas desde otra perspectiva.

31 declarations to speak victory over your life and increase your faith .I loved it Alot ,although I'm Muslim but i believe spirituality has no religion.speaking to your obstacles or "Mountains" and commanding them to be removed is something anyone can do ,if we used our inner power of faith and Just believe :)
It all starts in the mind and the words you use can change your life dramatically ,so speak positively and know that you are truly blessed.
Very uplifting and inspirational book,highly recommend.

I've read several of Pastor Osteen's previous books, and this is one of my favorites! Easy to read and an encourager to apply to one's life. As a Christ-follower, I still find I struggle with many things in life, and Joel's easy-going demeanor and encouraging attitude, as well as practical advice and Scriptural application, make this book appealing. Words can be life or death -- they permeate the soul. It's best to feed on life-affirming words, for those are words that Christ used.

I have seen a number of reviews saying that this book was not good, because it preaches favor, sunshine, and roses. Granted, I do agree that there are things that are not exactly biblically sound in this book. For example, God never promises that believers will have it easy or that all roads will be smooth; however this book does teach a lot about how you can lean on God to change your attitude about your circ*mstances. Who doesn't need a good dose of that once in awhile?

I confess- I love Joel. In my defense to those of you who are mentally making fun of me I love anyone who smiles and laughs all the time regardless of faith. The anecdotes got a little tiresome. I would have been fine if he skipped them altogether but that would have made this slim little guide even slimmer... I have someone in mind who could really use some nudging with the power of positive thinking. I will pass this on to her!

I enjoy Joel Osteen’s outlook on life and his reinforcement on positive thinking as well as others. I watched him on OWN network on Super Soul Sunday with Oprah. Nice daily devotions to stay positive and expect the best in your life. We are what we think and it is always good to be reminded of this with uplifting daily messages or mantras.

I really enjoy reading books by Joel Osteen. Joel inspires and motivates me, while making me smile.

I only have one issue with them: all his books are very similar, he doesn't change any of his stories or examples.

My memory isn't even that great anymore. But, I can still recall all of his stories.

I Declare is a little different than Joel Osteen's other books. This is more a true prayer book with short prayer a day for 31 days. Along with the prayer are just a few pages to declare and acknowledge God's blessings in your life. I enjoy Joel Osteen's books, I find a comfort in them.

I was SO surprised with this devo. I am NOT a prosperity doctrine follower nor a "law of attraction" believer. So I am skeptical typically of anything by Osteen. my dear frend recommended this to me and I LOVE it! Every day I read I am fed by this word. love!

It was a great little book to get a pick me up... I actually read it over the 31 days maybe more like 40 because I missed a few day. But each day was a positive message and something to make you like about your life and faith

This is an awesome book. I got it for Christmas and it was the perfect way to start my new year, however it is perfect for reading anytime, especially if you need guidance or encouragement during a difficult time. Like all of Joel's teachings, it's not preachy in anyway and I just love it!