My Book Report (Chapter 10): Every Day A Friday

Chapter 10

How should I open up this chapter of My Book Report? Oh, I know! I'll ask God to bless you and allow you to see those very words of blessing.

Father and God, thank you for all the millions of readers that will take in these words. I thank you Lord for their lives. I thank you my God that they were born. I thank you for what you will do in their lives.  Thank you for their eyes, their ears, their hearts, their minds, their hands and their feet. I thank you for all of this as I ask you to bless all of them. May these words not escape their eyes, and may they not allow these words to escape the eyes of their families, friends, and co-workers. Thank you my God for hearing my words and moving in me to bless them, in Jesus name. Amen

That's a blessed opening, and now I want to share with all your precious hearts what I learned from chapter ten of Joel Osteen's "Every Day A Friday." Chapter ten is titled "You Can Have the Last Laugh." The title is intriguing. Isn't it?! Right off the back, the title makes me think of not so nice things. People getting revenge on others. Witnessing people scheming and plotting to repay back people evil for the evil they have done to them. Even a saying I have heard a few times. "You want to get back at someone, become rich." I don't think money may be an answer of retaliation as it may very well cause others to hate you, and envy you even more. That may seem well and good with others, but not with me. I'm not here to rub anything in any one's face, but I am here to show that a life lived to honor God, will result in God honoring you despite those who look to bring you down, and according to God's Word, God will make it that your critics (those who want you to fail) will see how blessed YOU ARE. Amen.

In reading chapter ten Joel took me on a journey throughout the Bible. I went to the books of Deuteronomy, Romans, 1 Samuel, Psalm, Proverbs, and Genesis. It was amazing. A thrill ride that doesn't leave you dizzy but with the treasury of your heart overflowing and spilling over. Amen. Joel goes on to advise us that although in life we may very well encounter dealings with critics, naysayers, backbiters, backstabbers, those who are jealous and who say we'll never make it, we who believe and receive God through Christ Jesus can be assured that God will give those individuals a clear view of our table of blessing. Joel goes on to say, that God will make sure those individuals will see us promoted, honored, and accomplished. 

The above words are summed up from these Two Verses, and they are evident blessings that are direct results of someone who trusts, believes and lives out these Two Verses. 

As I read chapter ten, it had me reflecting on one key moment in my walk with the Lord. Very early in my walk, the Lord asked me to leave a position I had great comfort and influence in. Three years exactly at a particular company, and in the last year of those three years, things really started to go well for me. I had peace with my bosses, my co-workers and I truly enjoyed my work. 

Although leaving seemed absolutely crazy as I received good pay, had great benefits and seniority, the Lord said this to me repeatedly, "If you don't leave, you'll miss out on the blessing I have for you." Even others in the Lord and those close to me said I was wrong to leave and that wasn't what God said to me. 

Sometimes, it could take years for someone to come up to you and congratulate you, but the Word of God says, "..let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up." (Galatians 6:9 NLT). 

My takeaway: 

For me in my life and the clear and concise way the Lord has spoken to me translates into this: Although it'll probably be some time before others can see the good work God is doing in my life, it may very well be the Lord building me up, and as I grow in the Lord, in due time what He first said to me will finally be made known to everyone else. Amen.

God is a promise keeper. It may not happen the way we want or expect, but be assured and at peace that it WILL happen. Amen.

As always...YOU ARE LOVED.

My Book Report (Chapter 5): Every Day A Friday

Chapter Five

"Enjoy The Journey." These words are synonymous with anything that puts a smile on our faces and contentment in our hearts. But why do so many of us fail to experience a life that would have those words as a banner of accomplishment in all our endeavors? One word- Busy. 


As I read chapter five of Every Day A Friday by Joel Osteen, I was amazed to be reminded of something so simple I shouldn't have to be reminded of it. That's to stop and smell the roses. Joel shares many incidences were he was caught up on the excitement and grandeur that is, to be busy. Yet Joel is quick to inform us of a lesson to be learned in every moment he passed on enjoying his journey for being busy. That although being goal-oriented is a good thing, never allow it to supersede spending time with those of whom matter most as they are here one day and gone the next. Joel further displays that sentiment by these words from the Bible, 'you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:14 NIV). There is one thing I desire more than anything for my life. That is to experience it with enjoyment.


My Takeaway:

I myself am extremely guilty of looking to be so busy to feel as if I accomplished something, that I just blow right past the roses and trample them underfoot. Enjoying life should be easy but our unwillingness to slow down and our stubborn willingness to speed up has made enjoyment something to work hard at. If what we're doing is wrong, let's do the opposite.

Beloved, I am not the worlds smartest man, or the worlds most handsome man. I do not have tremendous influence on many and I make a ton of mistakes. But this one thing I know. Unless you and I desire enjoyment in our lives, we won't experience it. As chapter five is so appropriately titled, as I started with them, I'll leave you with these words...Enjoy The Journey.


As always...YOU ARE LOVED

My Book Report (Chapter 2): Every Day A Friday

Chapter Two

Hello there. How are you doing today?

Quite a different introduction to this post wouldn't you agree? I want you to know that although I write this blog, it's not about me. It's about you and what the words God pours into my heart to share with you, can do for you. With that being said, I truly do hope your day is going well and if it hasn't been good so far, in this quiet time as you read these words, I hope and pray they will make your outlook on your day much better. 

Moments ago I finished reading the second chapter of Joel Osteen's "Every Day A Friday" and it is an amazing read. Joel's simple approach to all things bring quite a powerful impact into a person's life. Chapter two is titled "Don't Give Away Your Power." As I read through this chapter so much came to mind. I laughed, reflected a lot, and was lead to pray for the team I am a part of at Potential Church- The Connect Ministry. What is that prayer you may be asking yourself (or at least I hope you're asking yourself that question.) Here's the prayer: God, I ask that You give us the strength to go through the challenges we might face with a good attitude this Easter with all the services we will be a part of. In Jesus name. Amen

That prayer was triggered by these words I read in Chapter 2. "I think it's interesting that the apostle Paul never prayed for people to be delivered from their problems. He prayed that God would give them the strength to go through challenges with a good attitude." 

As I read what giving your power away meant. It made sense but I knew I had done just that almost all my life. Giving your power away, in short, is losing your cool in any situation or circumstance and going down to the level of the other person who you simply think is being an idiot because they're messing with you.  

Giving away your power seems melodramatic, right? It's like, come on seriously! You're telling me because I get mad or frustrated or want to give the finger to someone who cuts me off I've given them my power? The answer to that would be, Yes! Seems silly but truly you are giving your power away. How so? The moment you lose your cool and are no longer calm headed, the power you had is gone and now that person, that situation, that circumstance has your power. Joel mentions a great verse in scripture that speaks to such a thing. These are Jesus' words, “Whenever you enter someone’s home, first say, ‘May God’s peace be on this house.’ ⁶ If those who live there are peaceful, the blessing will stand; if they are not, the blessing will return to you.” (Luke 10:5-6).

The verse above is an absolute principle to live by. It just so happens to also be a very blessing to anyone who is in Christ (Click HERE to see that blessing). But just as it's a principle and a blessing to believers in Jesus everywhere, you and I have to learn to live it, believe it and exercise it all the time. That's the hard part about keeping your power. You need to first believe you have it in the first place. I'm learning and trusting this more and more. Just as it takes time to break bad habits, it also takes time to embrace and enforce good habits. 

My Takeaway:

Keeping my peace no matter what happens is real power. Developing my character takes work but a consistent and committed heart will have me keeping my peace; my cool every where I go, and walking in joy all the days of my life.

Beloved, I do pray that we will all be blessed by asking God to give us strength to go through our daily challenges with a good attitude. Sadly, something I have painfully learned and am still learning, in order for change to occur it needs to start with me. To that, I say. Amen.

As always...YOU ARE LOVED.

My Book Report (Chapter 1): Every Day A Friday

Chapter One

My brother and friend Jeff Zelaya (Enter The Official Website of Jeff Zelaya) suggested I blog about this new book I began reading yesterday. The title is "Every Day A Friday" by Joel Osteen. I received this book from my sister and friend Francesca Vittoria as a birthday gift a few days ago. She is reading it, and wanted me to read it as well as she believes it's a good book. She also wants to discuss it with me. I look forward to that.

Today I finished the first chapter and yes, I'm not a fast reader. I tend to digest the words I'm reading, reflect on them, and at times I'm reminded to pray for others or myself based on the words I read that spoke to me. A great blessing and practice I recommend highly.

Anyone who has read a Joel Osteen book, or heard a message Joel Osteen delivered from Lakewood Church out of Houston, Texas knows he is a charasmatic man in the sense he is very upbeat and always speaking about the importance of a joyful attitude despite any situation and/or circumstance. This book speaks to such a thing. Happiness as if it were Friday evening but bringing that perspective in everyday you are given. This is a sobering truth at least to me. I know for myself if I am honest with myself, I do not do so well with having a Friday perspective every other day of the week. In reading the first chapter alone, you will ask yourself that question- Why am I not happy everyday of the week as if it were Friday? The first chapter will deliver some realities to you about your life. Matter of fact just as I read a few words into a sentence something came up that I allowed to rob me of my joy and after tending to the situation poorly I might add, I returned to the sentence I was reading and the reality of my perspective not being positive although I should have been saying, "I'm so blessed...thank you God" was quite evident. Here's that sentence that deliver the reality check to me: It's not what happens to you or what you have or don't have that is important; it's how your mind is arranged and the choices you make. Moments later as I stood upset with myself, I just gave it to God in prayer asking him to forgive me and thanking Him for what I do have based on these words by Joel. Keep your life in the right perspective. Every one of us has something even right now to be happy about: our health, our jobs, our families, or an opportunity.


Matter of fact I texted my girlfriend about the poorly handled incident and how I wished I could just leave from where I was at. After praying to God for forgiveness and thanking Him for what I do have, based on that gut check of a reminder above, I texted her back sharing what I was reminded of and learned. That's victory and glory to God! Amen.


My Takeaway: (Chapter 1)

Happiness is something I choose. My mind is a battlefield that I can control and not be defeated by. I need to be intentional about my thoughts from the beginning of my day then my perspective is not focused on the negatives but the positives. It's not about what went wrong but what went right. Praising God through all situations and circumstances covers sorrows and takes my focus away from the negative and makes a way for His blessings for my life.


I'm very grateful for Joel Osteen's life and the many people God helps and comforts through his ministry. I'm also thankful to God for Jeff for suggesting I write about what I think of this book and I'm honored that Francesca saw worth in me to give me this book on my birthday. Truly God is good to me, and if we are mindful of our lives we will have an endless means to thank God for all He has done, all He is doing and all He will do. Amen.


Beloved, I hope you will enjoy this journey through "Every Day A Friday" with me as we go through it.

As always...YOU ARE LOVED.