2006-09-23 09:10:16 · 5 answers · asked by The Apostle 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
He deserve it,HE IS AWSOME!!!!
2006-09-23 09:16:10 · update #1
Hi Proud American, I really enjoy hearing Joel Osteen. We love in Texas and drove down one weekend to go to the church. It was great to hear his message in person. Also...
I typed out a lot of information to your other question which you removed about feeling distant from God. I'll add it here for you.
There are times when unknowingly we become busy with life and the stresses of work, family, and relationships ... or we are in conflict with others; or are disobedient to the things God wants us to be doing .. and any of these things "will grieve God's spirit". At the same time, it can be that the feeling we have that He isn't there has nothing to do with sin. It is a test of faith that all of us as Christians face from time to time. What we have to do is learn to continue loving and trusting Him, obey, worship Him, and read His word even when we don't have a sense of His presence in our lives. I've been through this and it is hard to go through, and even painful sometimes, but it is so important in order for our faith to be developed. When I went through it, it was after I decided to make some changes in my own life, to give up watching so much television, and spend more time reading God's word and reading Christian books. That's when I began to feel what seemed like God's absence. At the time I had no idea it was normal for a Christian to experience this, to test my faith so that I would learn to trust Him more. God hid his face at times even with his disciples. Isaiah 45:15
I'm going to type out a portion of a chapter of a book I read which I'm hoping will be helpful to you.
{{"The most common mistake Christians make today is seeking an 'experience' rather than seeking God. They look for a feeling, and if it happens, they conclude that they have worshiped. Wrong! In fact, God often removes our feelings so we won't depend on them. Seeking a 'feeling', evening the feeling of closeness to Christ, is not worship. When you are a baby Christian, God gives you a lot of confirming emotions and often answers the most immature, self-centered prayers - so you'll know He exists. But as you grow in faith, He will wean you of these dependencies. Yes, He wants you to sense His presence, but He's more concerned that you 'trust' Him than that you 'feel' Him. Faith, not 'feelings' pleases God. How do you praise God when you don't understand what's happening in your life and God is silent? How do you stay connected in a crisis without communication? How do you keep your eyes on Jesus when they're full of tears? You do what Job did -- "Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised'. So, tell God exactly how you feel. Pour out your heart to God. Unload every emotion that you're feeling. Job did this when he said, "I can't be quiet! I am angry and bitter. I have to speak'. He cried out when God seemed distant: "Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house.' God can handle your doubts, anger, fear, grief, confusion and questions. Trust God to keep His promises. During times of spiritual dryness you must patiently rely on the promises of God, not your emotions, and realize that He is taking you to a deeper level of maturity. Also, remember what God has already done for you. If God never did anything else for you, He would still deserve your continual praise for the rest of your life because of what Jesus did for you on the cross. God's Son died for you! This is the greatest reason for worship. Jesus gave up everything so you could have everything. He died so you could live forever. That alone is worthy of your continual thanks and praise."}}
[Purpose Driven Life, Chapter 14]
I hope this helps you and you realize from what 'most' everyone has said here today that "God loves you". He is still there for you, He hears all your prayers, and sees your tears. Keep your joy! I'm glad you asked this question, but wish you had not removed it as it would help many Christians who experience this same feeling as you.{{{Hugs 4 you}}}
The Lord has hidden himself from His people, but I trust Him and place my hope in Him. Isaiah 8:17 [TEV]
P.S. May I suggest a book to you: "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren? My husband and I made a commitment to read it one chapter each day, as the book suggests. What we have learned has really helped us in many areas. It would be great if you found it at the library and there were two available. If you are married, I would suggest you and your husband both read it at the same time. If not married, possibly you have a Christian friend that would agree to reading a chapter a day when you do. I hope this helps too. :-)
2006-09-23 09:40:04 · answer #1 · answered by son-shine 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I admit to watching Joel Osteen. He is an entertaining feel good preacher.
Yes, most definitely he is a millionaire probably many times over. Amazing, huh?
2006-09-23 09:14:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure he is, and he deserves to be. He's smart and has brought a lot of good to a lot of people.
2006-09-23 09:26:47 · answer #3 · answered by cj_justme 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
He has a tiny mullet.
2006-09-23 09:15:56 · answer #4 · answered by BABY 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
That should not be in religion.
2006-09-23 11:20:29 · answer #5 · answered by Mari§§a 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋