Overview of Rebooting | Joel Osteen
Joel Osteen delivers an encouraging sermon framed around the metaphor of a "reboot"—using the idea of software updates to describe the spiritual, emotional, and practical reset God is doing in people’s lives during times of pause (e.g., the coronavirus shutdown). He urges listeners not to return to old habits or "business as usual," but to accept God's new "software": fresh thinking, new opportunities, changed attitudes, and increased productivity that lead to higher levels of blessing and purpose.
Core message and structure
- Central metaphor: Life is getting a reboot—like a computer or phone update—clearing out “viruses” (bad habits, unforgiveness, limited thinking) and installing new software (fresh vision, creativity, new opportunities).
- Main exhortation: Don’t go back to the old ways once the pause ends. Embrace change, be willing to try new approaches, and accept God’s upgrades.
- Tone: Pastoral, motivational, anecdotal; mixes scripture, personal stories, cultural analogies, and practical application.
Key points & takeaways
- The present pause (pandemic or other setbacks) is a divine reboot—God is preparing you for greater levels of influence and effectiveness.
- New season = new software: what worked before may not work now; be open to new methods, perspectives, and obedience.
- Beware of complacency and tradition: habits passed down (the ham-end anecdote) or ritualized practices (sewing up the temple veil) can hold you back.
- Biblical examples:
- Moses: God changed the instruction from striking the rock to speaking to it; Moses’ reliance on the old method cost him entry to the Promised Land (Numbers 20).
- The torn temple veil at Christ’s crucifixion: signifying God’s presence moving into people—don’t re-sew the veil (i.e., revert to old limitations).
- Manna stopping: signals a shift to a new kind of provision as the Israelites entered the Promised Land.
- Historical anecdote (boll weevil): crisis forced farmers to pivot from cotton to peanuts—resulted in unexpected abundance. Parallel: setbacks can force better innovation and opportunity.
- Spiritual and relational reboot: clear out unforgiveness, bad attitudes, disrespect, complacency; treat people better; invest in relationships.
- Practical exhortations: evaluate what’s working, walk away from unfruitful things, step out in faith, try new things, and be receptive to God’s new instructions.
Notable quotes & lines
- "Don't let good keep you from the best."
- "If you don't innovate, you will evaporate."
- "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty—not where the Spirit of the Lord was."
- "Press yes to that new attitude... Yes to the new way you see yourself."
- "Those boll weevils may have stopped you. Don't worry — peanuts are coming."
Practical action items (What to do now)
- Reevaluate your life: identify what’s bearing fruit and what’s stagnant.
- Accept the "update": intentionally change one old habit (attitude, routine, relationship) that’s limiting you.
- Try at least one new thing: a business idea, role, ministry, or creative pursuit you’ve avoided.
- Clear out “viruses”: forgive, let go of bitterness, and remove toxic influences.
- Increase spiritual disciplines: more time with God, prayer throughout the day, be part of a Bible-based church.
- Invest in relationships: be kinder, more respectful, and present with family and friends.
Resources, offers & contact details mentioned
- Christian resources from Joel Osteen ministry:
- Double For Your Trouble (31-day guide) — offered as a thank-you for donations
- God’s Got You Restoration Duo and Double Portion Restoration Bible Collection (CSB Thinline Bible, soft leather touch)
- Request/order: joelostein.com or call 888-567-JOEL
- Lakewood Church invitation: Homecoming Weekend (visit services in person)
- Promotional/sponsor mentions in transcript:
- Mitsubishi (vehicle ad)
- R.C. Willey (home furnishings)
- Angie.com (find home pros)
- Skills First / Opportunity at Work & Ad Council (hire skills-first message; tearthepaperceiling.org)
Sermon application checklist (concise)
- Decide one habit or attitude to stop (e.g., unforgiveness, sarcasm, complacency).
- Identify one new thing to try within 30 days (project, skill, business idea, or spiritual practice).
- Reach out to community/church for accountability and spiritual growth.
- If needed, request ministry resources via joelostein.com or 888-567-JOEL for encouragement.
Final summary
Joel’s message encourages seeing disruption not as defeat but as God’s reset—an opportunity to be upgraded for a greater season. The call is clear: don’t return to old software; accept God’s new instructions, clear out the spiritual “viruses,” and step into fresh vision and opportunities with faith and obedience.