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Believing for a better life is not self-serving Your Best Life Now needs no defense. Joel's book is not intended to be a theological treatise, but a message of inspiration for ordinary folk. Remember that Jesus also directed his message to the people, not to theocratic leaders of his day, and His message is simple, yet profound. The world has enough doctrine and dogma. Let the theologians debate over technicalities. Let the intellectuals analyze the presentation. That does not get us one bit closer in relationship to our Heavenly Father. We who are blessed to sit under the ministry of Pastor Joel leave each week emotionally and spiritually renewed. We get it. What a comfort to know that God is in control, and He is really interested in our personal welfare! I am free to believe and accept God's best for me, then charitably pass those blessings on to others. There is plenty of persecution and suffering to go around. We all have our share, but our attitude and faith do affect the ultimate outcome of our lives. Those who believe are precious in God's sight. As far as the debate about God providing material blessings, answer this. How are we to minister to the orphans, widows, and the poor if we, too, are poor and deprived? How are we to encourage and share as God's word commands if we are emotionally and spiritually bankrupt? Those of us who listen to the heart of the message know what we are to do with those blessings that we receive from the Almighty. Pastor Joel preaches and practices being a giver, and Lakewood Church is one of Houston's greatest resources for loving and helping those in need.