The Abundance Mind-Set

1. Cultivate an Abundant Mind-Set for a Prosperous Life

"God's dream for your life is that you would be blessed in such a way that you could be a blessing to others."

Embrace abundance. Osteen argues that God wants His children to prosper, not just survive. He encourages readers to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance, believing that God desires to bless them beyond their basic needs.

Overcome limiting beliefs. The author challenges readers to let go of negative thoughts about lack and struggle. Instead, he advocates for adopting an abundant mentality, constantly affirming God's desire to prosper His children. This shift in thinking, Osteen believes, can attract more blessings and opportunities into one's life.

Key concepts:

• God as "El Shaddai" - the God of More Than Enough
• Moving from "Barely Enough" to "More Than Enough"
• Developing a "fatted-calf mentality" instead of a "skinny-goat mentality"

2. Expect and Attract Good Things Through Positive Thinking

"Your expectations set the limits for your lives. If you expect little, you're going to receive little."

Power of expectations. Osteen emphasizes the crucial role of expectations in shaping one's reality. He argues that positive expectations act as a form of faith, attracting good things into one's life.

Active expectancy. The author encourages readers to cultivate an attitude of active expectancy, looking forward to good things happening each day. This positive outlook, he believes, can draw in blessings and favorable circumstances.

Practical steps:

• Start each day declaring "Something good is going to happen to me today"
• Expect the best in various situations (e.g., exams, job interviews, relationships)
• Consciously shift from negative to positive expectations

3. Remember Your Victories, Not Your Failures

"What you remember will have a great impact on what kind of life you live."

Focus on successes. Osteen stresses the importance of deliberately focusing on past victories rather than dwelling on failures. He argues that this positive recall can boost confidence and faith for future challenges.

Selective memory. The author acknowledges the brain's tendency to remember negative events more vividly, but encourages readers to consciously "change the channel" to positive memories. He suggests creating personal "memorial stones" to commemorate God's faithfulness and one's own achievements.

Strategies for positive recall:

• Create personal "memorial stones" or reminders of past victories
• Consciously "change the channel" when negative memories surface
• Share stories of God's goodness with others, especially younger generations

4. Become a Magnet for God's Blessings Through Faith

"When you honor God with your life, keeping Him in first place, He puts something on you called a commanded blessing."

Magnetic faith. Osteen introduces the concept of a "commanded blessing," describing it as a magnetic force that attracts favorable circumstances, opportunities, and resources to those who honor God.

Divine attraction. The author encourages readers to view themselves as magnets for God's goodness, believing that by keeping God first, they will naturally draw in blessings without having to chase after them.

Manifestations of the "commanded blessing":

• Attracting the right people and opportunities
• Experiencing unexpected favor and good breaks
• Drawing in resources and influence

5. Upgrade Your Expectations to Achieve Greater Success

"If you expect to be overcome, expect to be the overcomer."

Raise the bar. Osteen challenges readers to elevate their expectations, arguing that low expectations limit one's potential for success and fulfillment.

Active faith. The author emphasizes that higher expectations are a form of active faith, which he believes is crucial for seeing positive changes in one's life. He encourages readers to expect breakthroughs, turnarounds, and new levels of achievement.

Areas to upgrade expectations:

• Personal growth and achievements
• Career advancement and opportunities
• Relationships and social connections
• Financial prosperity and abundance

6. Seek God First and Trust His Timing for Your "Eventually"s

"Seek first the Kingdom and all these things will be added unto you."

Divine priorities. Osteen emphasizes the importance of prioritizing one's relationship with God above all else. He argues that by seeking God first, everything else one needs will naturally fall into place.

Trust in divine timing. The author introduces the concept of "eventually"s - blessings and opportunities that are destined for an individual but may not manifest immediately. He encourages patience and trust in God's timing, believing that what is meant for you will find its way to you at the right moment.

Characteristics of "eventually"s:

• Often exceed one's imagination or expectations
• May come unexpectedly or through unusual means
• Require faith and patience while waiting

7. Be Someone's Miracle to Receive Your Own Miracles

"When you refresh others, you will be refreshed."

Reciprocal blessings. Osteen teaches that by becoming the answer to someone else's prayers, we position ourselves to receive miracles in our own lives. He emphasizes the importance of being aware of opportunities to help others.

Active compassion. The author encourages readers to move beyond sympathy to active compassion, taking practical steps to assist those in need. He argues that this approach not only helps others but also aligns us with God's heart and opens doors for our own blessings.

Ways to be someone's miracle:

• Offer practical help (e.g., giving blood, providing transportation)
• Use your skills to mentor or teach others
• Provide emotional support and encouragement
• Be attentive to the needs of those around you

Last updated: October 3, 2024