Overview of Balanced Books | Joel Osteen
Joel Osteen delivers a sermon called "Balanced Books" on his SiriusXM program, teaching that God is a just God who keeps record of injustices, losses and deficits in our lives and will one day "balance the books" — compensating, vindicating, promoting, and blessing people who have been treated unfairly. The message blends biblical examples, personal testimony, and practical encouragement to stop living from a place of deficit and instead expect restoration and favor from God.
Key points / Main takeaways
- "Balanced books" is an accounting metaphor: determine the deficit, add what’s needed so no loss is apparent. God will do the same for the injustices in your life.
- God notices every tear, injustice and unfair situation—even those no one else sees—and promises to repay or compensate in His timing (Hebrews/Isaiah themes).
- Don’t live with a chip on your shoulder or in continual self-pity. Staying in faith and honoring God positions you to receive God’s compensation.
- Compensation may come as direct blessings to you, generational blessings, open doors, vindication from critics, healing, promotion, or unexpected provision.
- Be the bigger person: bless those who persecuted you. When you honor God, He can turn the hearts of your enemies and cause them to ask for your blessing.
- Setbacks and injustices can be setups for greater blessing (Isaiah’s double portion idea).
Examples, illustrations & biblical references
- Personal: Joel’s family met in a former feed store; years later God moved them into a prominent facility—an example of "books balanced."
- Contemporary testimonies:
- Woman with six miscarriages encouraged that God will compensate.
- Stay-at-home mom blindsided by divorce later contacted by a high-school friend who invited her into a business that flourished.
- A former critic pastor became a supporter after a personal crisis led him to Joel’s program.
- Biblical examples:
- Israelites leaving Egypt: after 430 years of forced labor, they left with wealth (Exodus example of repayment).
- Leah and Rachel: Leah, initially unloved, was given children before Rachel—a form of God balancing injustice (Genesis example).
- Moses and Pharaoh: Pharaoh who once dismissed Moses later asked for his blessing (Exodus illustration of honor reversed).
- Saul to Paul (Acts): Saul persecuted Christians, then was converted and later became a leading apostle; Ananias ministered to him—example of blessing your Saul.
- Scriptural themes cited: Hebrews (God will repay), Isaiah (double portion), Proverbs (honor God and your enemies will be at peace).
Practical applications / Recommendations
- Stop dwelling on past losses or playing the victim. Walk in faith that God will restore and compensate.
- Keep honoring God and doing what's right even when you’re mistreated—your integrity positions you for God’s reversal.
- When those who hurt you need help, be willing to extend grace (Ananias/Paul model). Doing so confirms your character and invites God’s favor.
- Maintain expectancy: pray, declare faith-filled confessions, and thank God in advance for payback (healing, promotion, vindication).
- Plug into spiritual community: attend a Bible-based church, engage daily devotions, and cultivate gratitude.
Notable quotes / Memorable lines
- "This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. I have what it says I have. I can do what it says I can do."
- "God is keeping the records of who's trying to push you down... He's adding up all the deficits and at the right time, he's going to balance your books."
- "You're not going to live in a deficit mode."
- "Because you got a double dose of trouble, your inheritance will be double and your joy will go on forever." (summary of the Isaiah promise Joel cites)
- "When you honor God, he'll make even your enemies be at peace with you."
Resources, offers & calls to action mentioned
- Invitation to make Jesus Lord: short sinner’s prayer; guidance to join a Bible-based church.
- Offer: Joel Osteen 2026 365-day devotional calendar (daily scripture, declarations, journaling lines).
- Guideline journal series: "God's Word for Every Season" — a guided-journal resource.
- How to request resources: visit joelostein.com or call 888-567-JOEL (as stated in the program).
- Ways to access services: watch live Sunday services, daily podcast, Joel Osteen Network, YouTube, SiriusXM.
Sponsors and advertisements (brief)
- Riverton Chevy (vehicle promotion)
- Starbucks (caramel protein lattes)
- Angie / Angi (home services)
- Mitsubishi dealerships (vehicle offers)
- AAA (auto insurance)
- Greenlight (debit card and money app for families)
Bottom line
Joel’s message encourages listeners to stop living in loss and expect that God—who notices every injustice—will restore, compensate, and elevate them in His timing. The practical takeaway is to remain faithful, bless others (even enemies), and position yourself spiritually and practically (daily devotion, church community) to receive the turnaround God promises.