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I Declare

I Declare

31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life
by Joel Osteen 2012 192 pages
4.42
4k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Declare God's Blessings and Favor Over Your Life

"I DECLARE God's incredible blessings over my life. I will see an explosion of God's goodness, a sudden widespread increase."

Speak blessings into existence. Your words have creative power. What you declare about yourself and your future can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Instead of focusing on negative circumstances, actively speak positivity and blessings over your life. This aligns your thoughts and actions with a mindset of abundance and success.

Expect supernatural favor. Believe that God wants to bless you beyond your natural abilities or circumstances. Look for opportunities where divine intervention can create "explosive blessings" – sudden, widespread increases in various areas of your life. This expectant attitude positions you to recognize and receive unexpected blessings.

Areas to declare blessings over:

  • Finances and career
  • Health and well-being
  • Relationships and family
  • Personal growth and purpose

2. Speak Faith and Victory into Your Future

"I DECLARE I will not talk to God about how big my problems are. I will talk to my problems about how big my God is."

Reframe your perspective. Instead of dwelling on the magnitude of your challenges, focus on the unlimited power of God to overcome them. This shift in mindset empowers you to face difficulties with confidence and hope.

Use positive affirmations. Regularly speak words of faith and victory over your life, even when circumstances seem bleak. This practice reinforces your belief in positive outcomes and can influence your actions and attitudes. Create a list of personal declarations that align with your faith and goals, and recite them daily.

Examples of faith-filled declarations:

  • "I am blessed and highly favored."
  • "God's plan for me is good, and I will succeed."
  • "I have the strength to overcome any obstacle."
  • "My future is bright and full of promise."

3. Embrace Change as a Path to Growth

"I DECLARE that God is bringing about new seasons of growth. I will not get stagnant and hold on to the old."

Welcome new opportunities. Recognize that change, even when uncomfortable, can be a catalyst for personal and spiritual growth. Instead of resisting change, approach it with curiosity and openness, trusting that it may lead to unexpected blessings.

Let go of the past. Holding onto old patterns, relationships, or circumstances that no longer serve you can hinder your progress. Be willing to release what's familiar to make room for new experiences and opportunities that align with your goals and values.

Strategies for embracing change:

  • Practice flexibility in your thinking and routines
  • Seek out new experiences and challenges
  • Reflect on past changes that led to positive outcomes
  • Trust in God's guidance through transitions

4. Choose Faith Over Fear in All Circumstances

"I DECLARE I will choose faith over fear! I will meditate on what is positive and what is good about my situation."

Redirect your focus. When faced with challenging situations, consciously shift your attention from potential negative outcomes to positive possibilities. This practice helps cultivate a mindset of faith and optimism, even in difficult times.

Actively combat fear. Recognize that fear and faith both require belief in something unseen. Choose to invest your energy in faith-building activities rather than worry. This might include prayer, meditation on scripture, or seeking support from a faith community.

Practical steps to choose faith over fear:

  • Identify and challenge fearful thoughts
  • Surround yourself with positive, faith-filled people
  • Engage in regular prayer or meditation
  • Keep a gratitude journal to maintain perspective

5. Become a People Builder and Encourager

"I DECLARE I am a people builder. I will look for opportunities to encourage others to bring out the best in them and to help them accomplish their dreams."

Cultivate a spirit of encouragement. Make a conscious effort to uplift and support those around you. Your words and actions can have a profound impact on others' self-esteem and motivation. Look for opportunities to offer sincere compliments and express belief in others' potential.

Invest in others' success. Take an active interest in the dreams and goals of those in your sphere of influence. Offer guidance, support, and resources when possible to help others achieve their aspirations. By becoming a catalyst for others' success, you contribute to a more positive and supportive community.

Ways to be a people builder:

  • Offer specific, genuine praise
  • Listen attentively and show empathy
  • Share knowledge and resources
  • Celebrate others' achievements
  • Provide constructive feedback when appropriate

6. Live as a Victor, Not a Victim

"I DECLARE I will live victoriously. I was created in the image of God. I have the DNA of a winner."

Embrace your divine identity. Recognize that as a child of God, you are inherently valuable and capable. This understanding forms the foundation for a victorious mindset, regardless of external circumstances.

Take responsibility for your life. Instead of blaming others or circumstances for your situation, focus on what you can control. Approach challenges as opportunities for growth and triumph, rather than insurmountable obstacles.

Characteristics of victorious living:

  • Resilience in the face of setbacks
  • Proactive problem-solving
  • Gratitude for both successes and lessons learned
  • Confidence in your God-given abilities
  • Willingness to take calculated risks

7. Ask God for Big Things with Bold Prayers

"I DECLARE that I will ask God for big things in my life. I will pray bold prayers and expect big and believe big."

Expand your vision. Don't limit your prayers to what seems easily attainable. Allow yourself to dream big and align those dreams with God's will for your life. This opens the door to experiencing God's power in extraordinary ways.

Cultivate expectant faith. When you pray, do so with the confidence that God is not only able but willing to answer. This attitude of expectancy creates an atmosphere of faith that can attract divine intervention and favor.

Elements of bold prayer:

  • Specificity in requests
  • Persistence in asking
  • Gratitude in advance for answers
  • Alignment with God's character and promises
  • Willingness to act on divine guidance

8. Trust in God's Master Plan for Your Life

"I DECLARE God is working all things together for my good. He has a master plan for my life."

Maintain perspective in difficulties. When facing challenges or setbacks, remember that these experiences may be part of a larger plan. Trust that God can use even negative situations to ultimately benefit you and fulfill His purposes.

Practice patience and perseverance. Understand that God's timeline may differ from your own. Continue to work towards your goals and remain faithful, knowing that the full picture of your life's purpose may not be immediately apparent.

Ways to trust God's plan:

  • Reflect on past instances of divine guidance
  • Study biblical examples of God's faithfulness
  • Seek wisdom from mature believers
  • Journal your journey to track God's work in your life
  • Regularly express gratitude for both blessings and challenges

9. Use Your Words to Change Your Situation

"I DECLARE I will not use my words to describe the situation. I will use my words to change my situation."

Harness the power of positive speech. Your words can shape your reality. Instead of merely describing your current circumstances, use your speech to articulate the reality you want to see. This practice aligns your mind and actions with your desired outcomes.

Create a culture of faith. By consistently speaking words of faith and victory, you not only influence your own mindset but also impact those around you. Your positive declarations can inspire and encourage others, creating a ripple effect of faith and optimism.

Strategies for using words effectively:

  • Replace complaining with declarations of faith
  • Speak blessings over your family and loved ones
  • Use affirmations to reinforce positive self-image
  • Practice gratitude through verbal expressions
  • Encourage others with uplifting words

10. Walk in Your God-Given Authority

"I DECLARE everything that doesn't line up with God's vision for my life is subject to change."

Recognize your spiritual position. As a child of God, you have been given authority to overcome obstacles and effect change in your life. Understand and embrace this God-given power to confront challenges with confidence.

Exercise your authority through faith. Actively confront negative circumstances, destructive habits, or limiting beliefs by declaring God's truth over them. This practice of "speaking to your mountains" aligns your actions with your faith and can lead to transformative outcomes.

Areas to exercise spiritual authority:

  • Personal health and well-being
  • Destructive thought patterns
  • Relational conflicts
  • Financial challenges
  • Career obstacles
  • Spiritual warfare

Last updated:

FAQ

What's "I Declare: 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life" about?

  • Empowerment through Words: The book emphasizes the power of words and how speaking positive declarations can shape one's future.
  • 31 Declarations: It provides 31 daily declarations designed to inspire and encourage readers to speak blessings over their lives.
  • Faith and Positivity: Joel Osteen focuses on using faith and positive affirmations to overcome challenges and achieve personal growth.
  • Scriptural Foundation: The book is rooted in biblical teachings, encouraging readers to align their words with God's promises.

Why should I read "I Declare: 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life"?

  • Transformative Approach: The book offers a practical approach to transforming your life through the power of positive speech.
  • Daily Guidance: With 31 declarations, it provides a structured way to incorporate positivity into your daily routine.
  • Faith-Based Motivation: It is ideal for those seeking to strengthen their faith and find motivation through spiritual teachings.
  • Personal Growth: Readers can expect to gain insights into how their words can influence their mindset and future.

What are the key takeaways of "I Declare: 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life"?

  • Words Have Power: The book stresses that words can create reality, and speaking positively can lead to blessings.
  • Daily Declarations: Consistently declaring positive affirmations can lead to personal and spiritual growth.
  • Faith in Action: It encourages readers to actively use their faith to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.
  • God's Promises: Aligning one's words with God's promises can lead to a life filled with favor and abundance.

How does Joel Osteen suggest using declarations in daily life?

  • Daily Practice: Osteen suggests reading one declaration each day to set a positive tone for the day.
  • Speak with Intention: He advises speaking declarations with intention and belief to manifest desired outcomes.
  • Focus on Positivity: The declarations are designed to focus on positive aspects of life, such as health, success, and happiness.
  • Align with Faith: Readers are encouraged to align their declarations with their faith and trust in God's plan.

What is the significance of the 31-day structure in "I Declare"?

  • Habit Formation: The 31-day structure helps readers form a habit of positive thinking and speaking.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Each day covers a different aspect of life, providing a holistic approach to personal growth.
  • Monthly Cycle: It allows readers to repeat the cycle each month, reinforcing the positive impact of the declarations.
  • Progressive Growth: The structure is designed to build upon each day's declaration, leading to cumulative growth over time.

What are some of the best quotes from "I Declare" and what do they mean?

  • "Our words have creative power." This quote emphasizes the idea that what we speak can shape our reality and future.
  • "I am blessed. I am strong. I am healthy." These affirmations are examples of how speaking positively can influence one's mindset and life.
  • "Life and death are in the power of our tongue." This biblical reference highlights the importance of choosing words that bring life and positivity.
  • "God is supplying all of our needs." This declaration encourages trust in divine provision and abundance.

How does Joel Osteen incorporate biblical teachings in "I Declare"?

  • Scriptural References: The book frequently cites scripture to support the power of declarations and positive speech.
  • Faith-Based Principles: Osteen uses biblical principles to guide readers in aligning their words with God's promises.
  • Encouragement through Faith: The declarations are designed to strengthen faith and encourage reliance on God's plan.
  • Biblical Stories: Osteen shares stories from the Bible to illustrate the impact of faith and positive declarations.

What is the role of faith in "I Declare"?

  • Foundation of Declarations: Faith is the foundation upon which the declarations are built, emphasizing trust in God's promises.
  • Overcoming Challenges: Faith is presented as a tool to overcome life's challenges and achieve personal growth.
  • Connection to God: The book encourages readers to use declarations as a way to connect with God and align with His will.
  • Faith in Action: Osteen emphasizes the importance of putting faith into action through spoken words and positive affirmations.

How can "I Declare" help with personal growth and overcoming challenges?

  • Positive Mindset: The book encourages a positive mindset, which can lead to personal growth and resilience.
  • Empowerment: By speaking positive declarations, readers can feel empowered to face and overcome challenges.
  • Focus on Solutions: It shifts focus from problems to solutions, encouraging proactive and faith-based approaches to difficulties.
  • Building Confidence: Regularly declaring positive affirmations can build confidence and a sense of self-worth.

What are some specific methods or advice given in "I Declare"?

  • Speak Daily Declarations: Osteen advises readers to speak one declaration each day to reinforce positive thinking.
  • Align Words with Desires: He suggests aligning spoken words with personal desires and God's promises for effective manifestation.
  • Avoid Negative Speech: The book warns against speaking negatively, as it can hinder personal growth and blessings.
  • Trust in God's Timing: Osteen encourages patience and trust in God's timing for the fulfillment of declarations.

How does Joel Osteen address setbacks and disappointments in "I Declare"?

  • Temporary Challenges: Osteen emphasizes that setbacks are temporary and should not deter one from their goals.
  • Faith and Resilience: He encourages using faith to remain resilient and continue speaking positive declarations despite challenges.
  • Learning Opportunities: Setbacks are presented as opportunities for growth and learning, leading to eventual success.
  • Focus on Future: The book advises focusing on the future and God's promises rather than dwelling on past disappointments.

What impact can "I Declare" have on a reader's life?

  • Increased Positivity: Readers may experience increased positivity and a more optimistic outlook on life.
  • Strengthened Faith: The book can strengthen one's faith and trust in God's plan and timing.
  • Empowerment and Confidence: Regular use of declarations can lead to a sense of empowerment and increased self-confidence.
  • Life Transformation: By consistently applying the principles, readers may see transformative changes in various aspects of their lives.

Review Summary

4.42 out of 5
Average of 4k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

I Declare receives mixed reviews, with an overall positive reception. Many readers find it uplifting and inspirational, praising Osteen's positive message and the daily declarations. Some appreciate its simplicity and motivational content, while others criticize it for being repetitive or theologically unsound. Critics argue that Osteen misinterprets Bible passages and promotes a prosperity gospel. Despite concerns, many readers report feeling encouraged and motivated after reading the book, finding it helpful for maintaining a positive outlook.

Your rating:

About the Author

Joel Osteen is a prominent American pastor and bestselling author. He leads Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, one of the largest congregations in the United States, with over 45,000 weekly attendees. Osteen's televised messages reach millions of viewers worldwide, and he has a significant presence on social media and satellite radio. Known for his positive, uplifting messages, Osteen has written several New York Times bestsellers. His influence extends globally, with many publications recognizing him as one of the most influential Christian leaders. Osteen lives in Houston with his wife Victoria and their children.

Other books by Joel Osteen

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