On March 12, 2025, a group of believers gathered in the cozy meeting room of a local café in St. Cloud, Minnesota. This was no ordinary evening—it was the monthly meeting of the St. Cloud Christian Book Club, where faith and fellowship intertwined. The group, led by Ashley, a dedicated and passionate woman of God, had chosen a book by Joel Osteen for their discussion: Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential.
As the members settled into their seats, sipping on warm cups of coffee and tea, Ashley opened the meeting with a heartfelt prayer, asking God to bless their discussion and guide their hearts in wisdom. St. Cloud, known for its vibrant hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, provided a fitting backdrop for this gathering. Just as the city thrived on creativity and collaboration, so did the members of this book club, eager to deepen their faith and support one another.
Ashley began by summarizing the book’s core message: trusting in God’s plan, embracing positivity, and stepping into the blessings He has prepared. The discussion quickly turned personal, as members shared how faith had helped them overcome struggles. One member, Jennifer, spoke of her past battle with addiction and how finding Christ had given her freedom. Like the youth in their town who had been bound by destructive habits, she had found healing through Christ’s love and the support of a Christian community. She likened her transformation to the renewal of Munsinger Gardens, one of St. Cloud’s most beloved attractions, where careful tending brought forth vibrant life from the soil.
The conversation then shifted toward the importance of responsibility and character. Ashley pointed out that Joel Osteen’s book emphasized moral restraint and self-control—values that resonated deeply with the group. They discussed how making responsible decisions, much like entrepreneurs do in their businesses, was essential for spiritual and personal growth. They reflected on how individuals in their church had rebuilt their lives, much like how businesses in St. Cloud thrived with support from organizations like the St. Cloud State University Business Development Center. Just as the local chamber of commerce helped businesses succeed, their church community played a crucial role in guiding them toward spiritual success.
The Power of Love and Service
The discussion then shifted to the topic of servanthood. Ashley read from Your Best Life Now, emphasizing that ministry should be about serving others rather than seeking personal gain. The group reflected on how Jesus demonstrated ultimate servanthood, and they discussed how they could apply this principle in their daily lives. A retired schoolteacher, Mark, shared how he had started mentoring young entrepreneurs in St. Cloud, combining business knowledge with faith-based encouragement. Just as the city fostered innovation and growth, he wanted to foster hope and wisdom in the next generation.
Ashley then guided the conversation toward love—the agape love that Jesus taught. She read from Matthew 5:44: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This sparked a deep discussion on what it meant to truly love others unconditionally. Another member, Sarah, shared how she had struggled with forgiveness but found peace when she chose to love as Christ did. She compared this love to the beauty of Munsinger Gardens, explaining that love, like a garden, required constant care and patience.
As the meeting neared its end, Ashley brought up an important point from Joel Osteen’s book—preparing for Christ’s return. She reminded the group that believers should always be aware of the times, staying vigilant and ready for the Lord’s coming. She quoted 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5: “But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day.” This sparked a lively conversation about biblical prophecy and the hope believers have in Christ.
To close the evening, Ashley encouraged the group to apply what they had discussed. She challenged them to find ways to serve their community, whether through mentoring, volunteering, or simply sharing Christ’s love with those around them. They ended the night with a prayer, thanking God for His wisdom and asking for strength to live out their faith boldly.
As the members stepped out into the cool St. Cloud night, they carried with them renewed faith and determination. The city, with its thriving businesses and growing opportunities, mirrored their own spiritual journeys—filled with challenges, but also with immense potential for growth. They left knowing that through Christ, they could truly live their best lives now.
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