Joel Osteen Podcast

Episode: Over And Above Blessings

Host: Joel Osteen
Date: December 7, 2025

Episode Overview

In this inspiring episode, Joel Osteen explores the concept of "over and above blessings"—the idea that cultivating a generous spirit and going beyond what is simply required positions us to receive greater blessings from God. Through biblical examples, personal stories, and practical encouragement, Joel challenges listeners to live generously, not out of obligation, but as a way to unlock new levels of favor, opportunity, and abundance.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Over and Above Mentality

• Definition: Going beyond minimum expectations, being generous with time, resources, and kindness, even when it's not required.
• Core Principle: "When you have a generous spirit, you’re always doing more than what’s required ... You are positioning yourself for God to do over and above in your life." (03:25)
• Scriptural Foundation: Referenced 2 Corinthians 9:6 (“If you sow sparingly, you’ll reap sparingly; if you sow generously, you’ll reap generously.”) (04:15)
• Warning: Living with a “get by” or “what’s the minimum?” mentality limits blessings and opportunities.

2. Examples from Scripture

Barnabas (Acts 4)

• Narrative: An ordinary man who gave above and beyond—selling his property to support the disciples.
• Result: His act of generosity opened doors, led to mentorship of Paul, and led him into leadership and lasting influence.
• Joel’s Reflection: “That one act of generosity opened the door to all this opportunity.” (07:20)
• Application: When you step up for others, God steps in for you.

Rebekah (Genesis 24)

• Story: She volunteered not only to give water to a stranger, but to his ten camels as well (a huge, unrequired task).
• Outcome: Her generosity led her to become the wife of Isaac, part of the family line of Jesus.
• Joel’s Commentary: “Look at her generosity ... She wasn’t doing this to get anything. She simply wanted to be a blessing.” (18:40)

3. Personal Stories from Joel and Victoria

• Buying Stranger’s Furniture: Joel recounts purchasing furniture for a couple without seeking credit, illustrating that over and above gestures are not always about big sums but about the heart behind giving. (16:30)
• Lakewood’s Million Dollar Gift: In a season of Lakewood’s own financial pressure, God prompted Joel to gift $1 million to a fellow pastor. Despite logic arguing against it, the seed resulted in unexpected provision, including the timely, above-market-value sale of their television station. (21:00)
  • Quote: “Sometimes to go over and above, it doesn’t make sense. All the facts, the figures, the logic say to hold on to what you have ... But God is not always logical. This is what faith is all about.” (22:25)
• Victoria’s Story: As a young woman, Victoria regularly drove an elderly lady to church and lunch, going above and beyond amidst her busy life. Joel links this to God’s eventual blessing in bringing Victoria her answered prayer—a husband who loves God. (24:40 to 26:19)

4. Theological Reflection: Don’t Rob God

• Malachi Reference: By not giving, we “rob God”—not of money, but of the opportunity to bless us. (12:10)
  • Quote: “If you don’t live generously, you’re robbing God of the opportunity to bless you.” (12:55)
• Jesus’ Words: Reminds listeners “it’s the Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.” (13:15)

5. Practical Encouragement & Calls to Action

• Look for Simple Opportunities: Generosity isn’t just about money; it’s about time, energy, care—a cup of coffee, mowing a lawn, a ride to church, mentoring a youth.
  • “Maybe you can’t buy furniture for a stranger ... but can you bring your coworker a cup of coffee?” (16:51)
• Stretch Beyond Comfort: Growth and new blessings come from stretching, taking steps of faith, and breaking away from the status quo.
  • “If you keep doing the same thing, you’re going to get the same results.” (26:34)
• Challenge to Listener:
  “Don’t rob God of this opportunity. Look for ways you can be good to people. ... Let’s stretch our faith. Let’s get out of our comfort zones.” (26:37)

6. Assurance and Promise

• God Keeps Track: Acts of over and above generosity will be returned in “pressed down, shaken together, running over” blessings. (10:05, 17:40, 27:00)
• Encouragement to Those Waiting: Even if you haven’t seen the blessing yet, God sees your sacrifices and your “time is coming.” (14:40; 27:15)
  • Quote: “God is about to thank you. He’s about to show out in your life.” (15:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If you’ll turn loose of what’s in your hands, God will turn loose of what’s in his hands.” (05:55)
• “You cannot give God something without him giving you more back in return. It’s not just what he does, it’s who he is.” (23:12)
• “What you give may leave your hand, but it doesn’t leave your life. It’s a seed you’re sowing. It’s coming back.” (21:18; echoed throughout)
• On Faith and Generosity:
  “God works by principles. When you live over and above, that’s a seed you’re sowing. Then you will reap over and above.” (13:25)
• Joel’s humorous aside:
  “Sometimes to go over and above doesn’t make sense ... I thought, get behind me, Satan! We don’t have enough for our own building.” (21:55)
• Of Victoria:
  “She didn’t come looking for me. I found her.” (26:00)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:25 – Introduction of the “over and above” theme
• 07:20 – Story of Barnabas and his act of generosity
• 12:10–13:30 – Teaching from Malachi and principle of “robbing God”
• 16:30 – Joel’s personal giving story at the furniture store
• 18:40–21:00 – Story of Rebekah in Genesis and over and above servanthood
• 21:00–23:20 – Lakewood’s $1 million gift and miraculous provision
• 24:40–26:19 – Victoria’s story and blessing that followed her generosity
• 26:34–27:30 – Final challenge and declaration of blessing

Conclusion

Joel wraps up with a passionate challenge for listeners to adopt an “over and above” mentality, assuring them of God’s faithfulness to reward generosity with unexpected blessings that exceed what one could envision. He encourages stepping beyond what is comfortable—not for recognition, but to live out the heart of God.

“If you’ll do this, I believe and declare you’re about to see the heavens open. God is going to bring people you’ve never imagined, open doors you couldn’t open, give you resources, influence, creativity, blessings that you cannot contain. I believe it and declare it in Jesus’ name. And if you receive it, can you say Amen?” (27:17)

Action Steps for Listeners

• Look for opportunities to be a blessing—big or small—each day
• Don’t settle for minimums; stretch your generosity in faith
• Trust God for the “over and above” blessing as you sow over and above seeds