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Empty Promises:The Truth About You, Your Desires, and the Lies You're Believing
(Taken from Amazon.com)
God has a plan to heal the soul's gnawing inner emptiness that is always longing for just a little more.
Every human experiences an inner emptiness of the soul, that gnawing feeling and unquenchable longing that often drives us to sacrifice everything we have and everything we are so we become more beautiful, more successful, and more powerful. We are by design a worshiping people, giving our lives and our devotion to something to pursue and adore, somebody to idolize. What drives this futile attempt for something more is the heart's true desire for significance, worth, and value-a desire that can be met only in the person and worship of Jesus Christ.
Join Pastor Pete Wilson in his exploration of the empty promises of the "good life" that includes the:
seduction of achievement
addiction to approval
attraction of wealth
perils of power
idolatry of religion
obsession of beauty
chasing of a dream
Learn how to replace and not just relinquish these idols by turning your focus and worship toward God. It is the only thing that will set us absolutely free from the endless pursuit of everything else.
God has a plan to heal the soul's gnawing inner emptiness that is always longing for just a little more.
Every human experiences an inner emptiness of the soul, that gnawing feeling and unquenchable longing that often drives us to sacrifice everything we have and everything we are so we become more beautiful, more successful, and more powerful. We are by design a worshiping people, giving our lives and our devotion to something to pursue and adore, somebody to idolize. What drives this futile attempt for something more is the heart's true desire for significance, worth, and value-a desire that can be met only in the person and worship of Jesus Christ.
Join Pastor Pete Wilson in his exploration of the empty promises of the "good life" that includes the:
seduction of achievement
addiction to approval
attraction of wealth
perils of power
idolatry of religion
obsession of beauty
chasing of a dream
Learn how to replace and not just relinquish these idols by turning your focus and worship toward God. It is the only thing that will set us absolutely free from the endless pursuit of everything else.
224 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2012
16 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 21, 2024
I loved this book from Pete Wilson. It helped me being awareness to the idols in my life and why we use them. The book was encouraging and easy to read. It reminds us that Jesus is all we need
November 27, 2023
I didn’t even know the author has walked away from the faith until I saw another review. I went and looked at his Instagram to see that yes, God appears to be absent. I’m still giving this book the full rating because it just shows none of us are immune to Satan. You can have all the wisdom and insights but if you believe that God isn’t enough that’s what your actions will start to reflect. I’m really sad for him and his family. I know from experience the picture perfect social media life is still empty without Jesus. I won’t be seeking anymore of Pete’s work.
That said, this book was encouraging and corrective. It was just what I needed for where I’m at to check the idols of my heart. It’s been a lift for my faith to read and helped me repent in many areas. Just because the author has appeared to have left the faith doesn’t dilute or change the truth of Scripture.
That said, this book was encouraging and corrective. It was just what I needed for where I’m at to check the idols of my heart. It’s been a lift for my faith to read and helped me repent in many areas. Just because the author has appeared to have left the faith doesn’t dilute or change the truth of Scripture.
August 5, 2022
I found this book very helpful in a low time of my life. Realizing my idols and learning that I need to remove the earthly idols and replace them with Jesus to find more joy in this life. I only gave it three stars because there were times in the book that it felt repetitive and dragged on a bit for some of the topics.
February 8, 2020
2.5 Not bad but repetitive. It's also very strange to read Pete Wilson's books now in the wake of what has transpired the last couple of years.
February 17, 2022
La última parte fue la mejor
August 21, 2023
I liked this book but the latter half was better in my opinion. I agree with other reviews that the content was a bit repetitive at times but it was still good. No complaints, it was a solid read.
December 23, 2024
Tenía este libro hace años y no lo había leído, pero me decidí hacerlo y me pareció genial!
April 17, 2013
Sometimes God talks to me through a book.
Not Bible.
Just a book.
A book that I have looked at for a long time and for some reason it just didn't feel right to read it...
Then the time comes.
"Go read that book."
"But God, I got it over a year ago and it didn't click when I tried to read it..."
"Just do it. Go ahead, take that book, make yourself a cup of Earl Grey tea, and I'll speak."
"But..."
"Go."
"Um... okay."
And He speaks.
And I smile because... because He knows me. He knows how to get to me.
The foreword by Rick Warren, the author of Purpose-Driven Life, hit the ground running:
God wired each one of us with a spiritual hunger that can only be satisfied by him. We use phrases like "There's got to be more to life than this," or "I'm bored... restless... empty... unfulfilled." Or even "I feel like something is missing in my life." Even when things are going well, there's always that little gnawing feeling on the inside. It is our hunger for God.
Rick Warren, Foreword to Empty Promises
In the beginning, Pete clearly states the premise: All people worship something. It's not a question whether we worship but rather what do we worship. In this book, he focuses on the dreams we have and promises we believe that might take away our attention from God's quiet voice and His path for our lives.
There are so many baits all around us. So alluring, so enticing. And it's not as if they are bad per se. It is wonderful when you have a family that you love and kids you are proud of. It is great when you have a job where you feel like you fulfill your potential. It is good if you prefer a healthy lifestyle. Those are great desires and blessings. The problem starts when we try to find the meaning for our life in them.
Families, no matter how wonderful, are never perfect. If we try to find our meaning in them, we run a risk of falling apart completely if something happens between us and our loved ones. We might lose our jobs due to economic downtime or any other factor. And good health might be elusive even despite all our efforts.
However, that does not mean we are doomed. Instead, Pete focuses on eternal promises, the ones God, who does not change, provided.
This was my second Pete Wilson's book and I have enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed the previous book, Plan B, - even though most of the time, it felt like a spiritual 2-by-4 to the head.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Not Bible.
Just a book.
A book that I have looked at for a long time and for some reason it just didn't feel right to read it...
Then the time comes.
"Go read that book."
"But God, I got it over a year ago and it didn't click when I tried to read it..."
"Just do it. Go ahead, take that book, make yourself a cup of Earl Grey tea, and I'll speak."
"But..."
"Go."
"Um... okay."
And He speaks.
And I smile because... because He knows me. He knows how to get to me.
The foreword by Rick Warren, the author of Purpose-Driven Life, hit the ground running:
God wired each one of us with a spiritual hunger that can only be satisfied by him. We use phrases like "There's got to be more to life than this," or "I'm bored... restless... empty... unfulfilled." Or even "I feel like something is missing in my life." Even when things are going well, there's always that little gnawing feeling on the inside. It is our hunger for God.
Rick Warren, Foreword to Empty Promises
In the beginning, Pete clearly states the premise: All people worship something. It's not a question whether we worship but rather what do we worship. In this book, he focuses on the dreams we have and promises we believe that might take away our attention from God's quiet voice and His path for our lives.
There are so many baits all around us. So alluring, so enticing. And it's not as if they are bad per se. It is wonderful when you have a family that you love and kids you are proud of. It is great when you have a job where you feel like you fulfill your potential. It is good if you prefer a healthy lifestyle. Those are great desires and blessings. The problem starts when we try to find the meaning for our life in them.
Families, no matter how wonderful, are never perfect. If we try to find our meaning in them, we run a risk of falling apart completely if something happens between us and our loved ones. We might lose our jobs due to economic downtime or any other factor. And good health might be elusive even despite all our efforts.
However, that does not mean we are doomed. Instead, Pete focuses on eternal promises, the ones God, who does not change, provided.
This was my second Pete Wilson's book and I have enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed the previous book, Plan B, - even though most of the time, it felt like a spiritual 2-by-4 to the head.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 20, 2012
Empty Promises, a book by Pete Wilson is subtitled: “The Truth about You, Your Desires and the Lies You’re Believing”. The subtitle ably describes the purpose of the book. The book is written from the perspective of a follower of Jesus, who believes the Bible is the word of God, and that Jesus is who He says He is as recorded in the Bible. Those of us, who claim to be followers of Jesus, too often live lives that do not fit with this claim, and instead follow many, many other things that have little or nothing to do with Jesus. The “Empty Promises” that Wilson talks about are those (often good) things that we end up pursuing too strongly, and end up supplanting God in our lives. Some of these empty promises are power, approval, success and beauty. The book is written in a very approachable style which should appeal to a broad audience. Wilson did an excellent job in describing the areas of empty promises (or false gods) and how we deceive ourselves by believing we are doing something good or important while pursuing them. But, ultimately, we will always be deceiving ourselves whenever we following anything more than our pursuit of God. I really liked the book, but was a bit troubled by two main points. First, the book was extremely similar (though less comprehensive) to an existing book: “Counterfeit Gods” by Timothy Keller. To be fair Wilson referenced Keller a number of times, so at least he did not pretend Keller’s book did not exist. I still wonder what this book covered that was missing from the Keller book, unless it was simply that this book was designed for a wider audience. Second, Wilson’s book seems to me to be incomplete. The area that I have always struggled with the most can be described as hedonism, which could include outdoor pursuits, video games, internet addiction, sex, and sports. Wilson’s book just about ignored these distractions, which are also empty promises. As a result, I believe the book was very good (for what was covered) but sadly incomplete.
Read
April 4, 2012Pete Wilson in Empty Promises: The Truth About You, Your Desires, and the Lies You're Believing addresses head on the issue of idols in our lives. Wilson notes that "idolatry is when I look to something that does not have God's power to give me what only God has the power and authority to give (Wilson, Empty Promises, 5). He then goes on to explain that we, including those in the church, are practicing idolatry on a daily basis not allowing us to achieve our purposes. Wilson then chronicles the common idols of our day, including the warning signs that we are worshiping at a false idol. These idols include; power, success, money, beauty and religion. Wilson notes that humans are inclined to worship and that only by worshiping God can we achieve our true purpose of reflecting Him. Wilson finishes with practical tips for connecting with God and throwing off false ones.
I have to be honest, I went into this read expecting generic Christian book and a continuation on the themes in Wilson's first book Plan B. Instead, I found all new content that was challenging and to be honest things we need to be saying to each other. Wilson is honest and calling us out in the church on our issues. Chapters on pleasing others for their approval and religion for the glorification of self will make many uncomfortable. There was plenty in this book that I found challenging! Wilson identifies the sin of idolatry in the midst of God's people and then gives us the prescription for overcoming it. The text itself is very well written, easy to read, and has a nice balance of personal stories, Biblical references and secondary supporting sources. Overall Empty Promises is a very challenging book attacking issues that are often blind spots in the church.
Review Copy Provided by Thomas Nelson
I have to be honest, I went into this read expecting generic Christian book and a continuation on the themes in Wilson's first book Plan B. Instead, I found all new content that was challenging and to be honest things we need to be saying to each other. Wilson is honest and calling us out in the church on our issues. Chapters on pleasing others for their approval and religion for the glorification of self will make many uncomfortable. There was plenty in this book that I found challenging! Wilson identifies the sin of idolatry in the midst of God's people and then gives us the prescription for overcoming it. The text itself is very well written, easy to read, and has a nice balance of personal stories, Biblical references and secondary supporting sources. Overall Empty Promises is a very challenging book attacking issues that are often blind spots in the church.
Review Copy Provided by Thomas Nelson
July 11, 2012
Book Review - Empty Promises by Pete Wilson
A few months ago, I picked up a copy of Timothy Keller's book, Counterfeit Gods, and read it. Revealing the hidden and accepted idols in our lives, I was overwhelmed, and it impacted me deeply.
Last week, I started Pete Wilson's new book, Empty Promises. Dealing with the same subject of idolatry, this book served to reinforce what I'd just read recently in Keller's book.
When I started the book, I expected another feel-good type of book, like Wilson's first book, Plan B. While challenging, it didn't leave me with a lot of lasting change. That's what I expected to receive from Empty Promises. But that's not what I got.
In Empty Promises, Wilson delivers a hard hitting punch to the fact that we worship at the altar of many things that are not God. With chapters covering such topics as the idolatry of achievement, approval, power, appearance, success, and even religion, Wilson brings many hidden things to light, things that most of us, if we're honest, would rather not deal with, because we are comfortable in the way things are.
Pete Wilson challenges that comfort.
The only negative with Empty Promises is this: Wilson has some theological hang-ups that he can't seem to get over, and these rear their ugly heads occasionally throughout the book. They take on the form of petty ranting, and do nothing to add to the impact the book has; in fact, they detract from it somewhat.
However, in spite of that, Empty Promises is anything but that; it delivers.
This is a book that I know I will refer to again and again. I'd recommend that you pick up a copy and read it. You won't be sorry.
Have you ever faced the reality of idolatry in your life? What resources have you found helpful? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
A few months ago, I picked up a copy of Timothy Keller's book, Counterfeit Gods, and read it. Revealing the hidden and accepted idols in our lives, I was overwhelmed, and it impacted me deeply.
Last week, I started Pete Wilson's new book, Empty Promises. Dealing with the same subject of idolatry, this book served to reinforce what I'd just read recently in Keller's book.
When I started the book, I expected another feel-good type of book, like Wilson's first book, Plan B. While challenging, it didn't leave me with a lot of lasting change. That's what I expected to receive from Empty Promises. But that's not what I got.
In Empty Promises, Wilson delivers a hard hitting punch to the fact that we worship at the altar of many things that are not God. With chapters covering such topics as the idolatry of achievement, approval, power, appearance, success, and even religion, Wilson brings many hidden things to light, things that most of us, if we're honest, would rather not deal with, because we are comfortable in the way things are.
Pete Wilson challenges that comfort.
The only negative with Empty Promises is this: Wilson has some theological hang-ups that he can't seem to get over, and these rear their ugly heads occasionally throughout the book. They take on the form of petty ranting, and do nothing to add to the impact the book has; in fact, they detract from it somewhat.
However, in spite of that, Empty Promises is anything but that; it delivers.
This is a book that I know I will refer to again and again. I'd recommend that you pick up a copy and read it. You won't be sorry.
Have you ever faced the reality of idolatry in your life? What resources have you found helpful? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
April 15, 2012
Book reviews are written to tell the reader the general idea within the pages of a book coupled with the reviewers opinions of how the idea was presented. This book has a self explanatory title and cover picture. I chose to review “Empty Promises” by Pete Wilson because of its’ subtitle: “”The Truth About You, Your Desires and the Lies You’re Believing”. I am very much interested in books that help me evaluate the decisions I have made in life, I do not like books that allow an individual to not assume responsibility for his or her life. For me reviewing this book, barring any biblical misrepresentations, would be easy.
We all should take the time to consider how we got to where we are today. Rather you agree with all of the authors’ premises or not, I cannot see why you would disagree with him, this is an excellent book for introspection. There are twelve chapters which look at various personal beliefs; “Religion Lies” happens to be one of my favorites.
While reading this book an individual will be compelled to pause and evaluate how certain values, such as the need to achieve, affected his or her life. Upon completion of this book the reader will have a better idea of what he or she believes at the least and why. “Empty Promises” is therefore a great tool for anyone wanting to make life adjustments.
I recommend “Empty Promises” to those who can handle the truth about themselves. Though I enjoyed reading the book it is not always easy to read "The Truth" about oneself but it is always good to admit your shortcomings.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me by Book Sneeze in exchange for an honest review.
We all should take the time to consider how we got to where we are today. Rather you agree with all of the authors’ premises or not, I cannot see why you would disagree with him, this is an excellent book for introspection. There are twelve chapters which look at various personal beliefs; “Religion Lies” happens to be one of my favorites.
While reading this book an individual will be compelled to pause and evaluate how certain values, such as the need to achieve, affected his or her life. Upon completion of this book the reader will have a better idea of what he or she believes at the least and why. “Empty Promises” is therefore a great tool for anyone wanting to make life adjustments.
I recommend “Empty Promises” to those who can handle the truth about themselves. Though I enjoyed reading the book it is not always easy to read "The Truth" about oneself but it is always good to admit your shortcomings.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me by Book Sneeze in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2012
This is Pete's second book and both have a disarming conversational-style of writing that makes them easy to read.
But don't take that to mean they lack depth. "Empty Promises" works through some of the major "idols" that draw us away from God and what influences us to chase after them. These weren't too revelationary for me, as I have a pretty good hold on what my struggles are. However, I expect many people will find these chapters confronting and open their eyes to what is inhibiting their walks with Christ.
It's the final 3 chapters that held the most grunt for me and I certainly benefited greatly from their content. Pete brings us back to the core essence of beating down our idols from strangling our desire for the Lord. And it comes back to spending time with Him, and lots of it, allowing His Spirit to transform us.
There are many quotable quotes in this marvellous book and Pete also shares many tremendous "sound bites" from his own extensive reading. But it's this one from Pete in the final chapter that has stayed with me:
"I don' think being mature Christians means getting to a place where we never deal with idolatry. Rather, maturity comes when we become aware that this is going to be a lifelong battle ... and we make up our minds to engage in it on a daily basis. It's this realisation, I believe, that puts us on the road to freedom from the empty promises that attempt to control us." (p196)
That statement reminds me of Martin Luther's great quote that "we need to read the Bible every day because we forget it every day."
This is well written and easy to read with lots of anecdotes and solid food to digest.
Highly recommended.
But don't take that to mean they lack depth. "Empty Promises" works through some of the major "idols" that draw us away from God and what influences us to chase after them. These weren't too revelationary for me, as I have a pretty good hold on what my struggles are. However, I expect many people will find these chapters confronting and open their eyes to what is inhibiting their walks with Christ.
It's the final 3 chapters that held the most grunt for me and I certainly benefited greatly from their content. Pete brings us back to the core essence of beating down our idols from strangling our desire for the Lord. And it comes back to spending time with Him, and lots of it, allowing His Spirit to transform us.
There are many quotable quotes in this marvellous book and Pete also shares many tremendous "sound bites" from his own extensive reading. But it's this one from Pete in the final chapter that has stayed with me:
"I don' think being mature Christians means getting to a place where we never deal with idolatry. Rather, maturity comes when we become aware that this is going to be a lifelong battle ... and we make up our minds to engage in it on a daily basis. It's this realisation, I believe, that puts us on the road to freedom from the empty promises that attempt to control us." (p196)
That statement reminds me of Martin Luther's great quote that "we need to read the Bible every day because we forget it every day."
This is well written and easy to read with lots of anecdotes and solid food to digest.
Highly recommended.
April 2, 2014
In our need for worth - value, significance, acceptance - we find ourselves sacrificing everything for the promise to be a little more beautiful, a little richer, a little more powerful, a little more successful, a little more loved...
With what are we trying to satisfy these needs? empty promises offered by everything and anything around us ...
Wilson challenges us to learn how to replace life's empty promises by turning our focus toward the One Who has already set True and unconditional approval upon us. Turning is the only thing that will break us absolutely free from the endless pursuit of anything lesser. The wheel that has us running faster, harder, yet accomplishing nothing, going nowhere.
The 'Good Life' is to be found, but not in one more idol demanding devotion yet offering Empty Promises...
Personal Interview on EMPTY PROMISES with author, Pete Wilson :
http://youtu.be/QZilR7StUWk
Book trailer:
http://youtu.be/EwB2-3_Gw44
*Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a complimentary ecopy through BookLook Bloggers for reading and review without compensation.
With what are we trying to satisfy these needs? empty promises offered by everything and anything around us ...
Wilson challenges us to learn how to replace life's empty promises by turning our focus toward the One Who has already set True and unconditional approval upon us. Turning is the only thing that will break us absolutely free from the endless pursuit of anything lesser. The wheel that has us running faster, harder, yet accomplishing nothing, going nowhere.
The 'Good Life' is to be found, but not in one more idol demanding devotion yet offering Empty Promises...
Personal Interview on EMPTY PROMISES with author, Pete Wilson :
http://youtu.be/QZilR7StUWk
Book trailer:
http://youtu.be/EwB2-3_Gw44
*Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a complimentary ecopy through BookLook Bloggers for reading and review without compensation.
January 19, 2013
Empty Promises by Pete Wilson tackles the tough subject of modern day idolatry in the lives of Christians today. From money to power to religion, there are numerous idols that sit on the throne of our hearts. But these idols are oh-so-deceptive. At times, they come to us as wolves clothes in sheep's clothing. Idols are deceptively good. Thus, idolatry in our own lives is easily overlooked, unseen, or shrugged off as we fool ourselves into thinking that nothing is more important to us than God.
Pete takes the traditional definition of an idol and replaces it with his own, "idolatry is when I look to something that does not have God's power to give me what only God has the power and authority to do." With this definition, when we take good things - marriage, career, dreams - and pursue them with the hope that they'll make us happy, content, or even fulfilled - things only God can truly do - then we have fallen into the trap of idolatry.
Throughout Empty Promises, Pete takes a systematic look at several common modern idols Christians struggle with today. He uses stories from his own life and of others to show the pitfalls of each idol. He also uses biblical examples to share how this constant struggle with idolatry has been with us since the beginning of time. But he doesn't stop there. Not only does he reveal what idols Christians struggling with, but he helps us identify specific idols in our own heart. Then he offers specific spiritual disciplines to aid us in removing the idol from our heart and replacing it with the One who belongs there.
Pete takes the traditional definition of an idol and replaces it with his own, "idolatry is when I look to something that does not have God's power to give me what only God has the power and authority to do." With this definition, when we take good things - marriage, career, dreams - and pursue them with the hope that they'll make us happy, content, or even fulfilled - things only God can truly do - then we have fallen into the trap of idolatry.
Throughout Empty Promises, Pete takes a systematic look at several common modern idols Christians struggle with today. He uses stories from his own life and of others to show the pitfalls of each idol. He also uses biblical examples to share how this constant struggle with idolatry has been with us since the beginning of time. But he doesn't stop there. Not only does he reveal what idols Christians struggling with, but he helps us identify specific idols in our own heart. Then he offers specific spiritual disciplines to aid us in removing the idol from our heart and replacing it with the One who belongs there.
May 28, 2012
Empty Promises
By Pete Wilson
Published by Thomas Nelson
In his latest book, Pete Wilson, founding and senior pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville, Tennessee and author of Plan B, reveals “the truth about you, your desires, and the lies you’re believing.”
With no-nonsense straight talk, Wilson uncovers the Empty Promises we all fall prey to in our lives. Whether it’s achievement, approval, power, money or beauty, these false idols only pull us farther from our creator and our true purpose. Luckily--even if painfully--“God loves you enough to strip you of anything that keeps you from Him--even if it’s your most cherished dream.”
Highly recommended, Empty Promises will help unveil the hidden idols in your life, the defeat these idols can cause and the path to refocusing your attention on what matters most.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
By Pete Wilson
Published by Thomas Nelson
In his latest book, Pete Wilson, founding and senior pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville, Tennessee and author of Plan B, reveals “the truth about you, your desires, and the lies you’re believing.”
With no-nonsense straight talk, Wilson uncovers the Empty Promises we all fall prey to in our lives. Whether it’s achievement, approval, power, money or beauty, these false idols only pull us farther from our creator and our true purpose. Luckily--even if painfully--“God loves you enough to strip you of anything that keeps you from Him--even if it’s your most cherished dream.”
Highly recommended, Empty Promises will help unveil the hidden idols in your life, the defeat these idols can cause and the path to refocusing your attention on what matters most.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 13, 2012
One of the most annoying things in life is when someone or something doesn’t live up to expectations. Too many times, I’ve purchased some new technology that promises to make life easier, but ends up costing endless hours in configuration or troubleshooting. Such is life in reality. Pete Wilson offers this poignant reminder that regardless of what we look to for acceptance and love – whether accolades, looks, religion, or even other people – anything this world has to offer won’t fill that proverbial God-shaped hole that aches to be filled.
Empty Promises examines many of the most common substitutes that can quickly become idols in our lives, distracting us from our natural inclination to worship God and find our purpose in Him. Wilson writes with a casual tone that makes reading enjoyable and conversational. The book is full of practical advice for identifying some of the issues we struggle with as well as some steps to take in addressing them. As someone who’s inclined to miss the point from time to time, it’s nice to have things spelled out clearly and honestly.
-from trudatmusic[dot]com[slash]raw
Empty Promises examines many of the most common substitutes that can quickly become idols in our lives, distracting us from our natural inclination to worship God and find our purpose in Him. Wilson writes with a casual tone that makes reading enjoyable and conversational. The book is full of practical advice for identifying some of the issues we struggle with as well as some steps to take in addressing them. As someone who’s inclined to miss the point from time to time, it’s nice to have things spelled out clearly and honestly.
-from trudatmusic[dot]com[slash]raw
November 2, 2012
I LOVED this book! The book is all about the things we chase and try to use to fulfill our lives. The things we put our trust, faith, and hope in. And how all of those things will only leave you empty. Only God can fulfill those deepest desires and give you purpose.
There are chapters on Achievement, Approval of Others, Power (or really control), Money, Religion, Beauty, and Chasing The Dream (you know car, house, husband, 2.5 kids and a dog). I could identify with every chapter. I have made all of these things idols at some point in time and struggle with keeping them all from taking over control of my heart and mind.
But he doesn't leave it at identifying these idols, he gives you practical tips for keeping them at bay. He has a chapter on "You are What You Worship" and "Living Close to the Truth". He talks about you have to be disciplined and keep yourself in God's word and reminding yourself of the truth always.
I seriously can see myself re-reading this book for years to come!
There are chapters on Achievement, Approval of Others, Power (or really control), Money, Religion, Beauty, and Chasing The Dream (you know car, house, husband, 2.5 kids and a dog). I could identify with every chapter. I have made all of these things idols at some point in time and struggle with keeping them all from taking over control of my heart and mind.
But he doesn't leave it at identifying these idols, he gives you practical tips for keeping them at bay. He has a chapter on "You are What You Worship" and "Living Close to the Truth". He talks about you have to be disciplined and keep yourself in God's word and reminding yourself of the truth always.
I seriously can see myself re-reading this book for years to come!
May 21, 2012
A lot of times I find myself making silent promises saying that I will start something new. Maybe it's eating healthier, or exercising more, or maybe just trying to go to bed early, and then I break them. I feel such a let down, and a disappointment in myself for being so dumb and not being able to stick with the program. After these things I feel empty, and without an identity. Almost like I need to go to something else to find contentment in my life. So when I was Empty Promises I thought, hey, why not. The book was pretty good. It pointed out that the reason I feel this emptiness after my failures was that I was hinging my self-worth and identity on my success. It helped spark a paradigm shift in my head to where I based my self-esteem and self-worth on God's value in me, and not what I can do. With that in mind, I can do much more with Christ working through me. I'd give this book a four star.
June 7, 2014
It took me awhile to get into EMPTY PROMISES, and honestly, I skimmed probably the first quarter of the book. The beginning didn't seem to be anything I haven't read before, and so I almost put it down. However, I felt the Lord urging me to continue, and so I did. Wilson does a great job exposing every day idols that have become so normalized in our culture that they're overlooked for exactly what they are. A few sections really resonated with me and definitely challenged me to press into them further. I was torn between three stars and four, but opted for three since the beginning wasn't engaging enough to pull me in beyond skimming. Depending where you are in your faith walk and how much intentional soul work you've already done will most likely determine the level of insight gleaned from this book. Overall, I recommend it. It's an easy, conversational read with lots of Truth we need to hear.
April 25, 2012
You can read my full review at Quieted Waters.
Pete Wilson is a pastor at Cross Point Church in Nashville, author of Plan B, and blogger at WithoutWax.tv. Empty Promises is Wilson’s second book, and it dwells on the longings of our hearts, on what we crave.
This book has strong echoes of two other authors, C. S. Lewis and Tim Keller. The closest comparison is Keller’s Counterfeit Gods, which deals with nearly the same subject. Keller’s book is more deeply analytical and focused on theology, while Wilson writes with a goal of speaking to the reader’s daily life. Empty Promises focuses on applicability. Each chapter includes questions the reader should ask for self-analysis, to identify possible idols in your own heart.
September 6, 2013
Pete Wilson provides another great book with Empty Promises. The basic truth taught in this book is the idea that there are many promises that the world makes that prove to be empty. Success, money, beauty, etc. All off these things and many more are just futile attempts at happiness and joy that can only be found in Jesus.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone. I will say that his first book Plan B is one of my favorite books of all time. I think for the valley I was facing at the time and how God placed that book in my life. Empty Promises is good, just not as personally good as Plan B. That being said, I really enjoy Pete Wilson and how God has used him. Read it.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone. I will say that his first book Plan B is one of my favorite books of all time. I think for the valley I was facing at the time and how God placed that book in my life. Empty Promises is good, just not as personally good as Plan B. That being said, I really enjoy Pete Wilson and how God has used him. Read it.
July 8, 2012
Something as simple as going to the gym regularly can turn into the false idol of beauty and can ultimately turn your focus from God. What Pete Wilson does is point out the things that are chased everyday but also does not hit you over the head making you feel terrible for having chased those things. It's an incredible balance that he's laid out in pointing out how our these empty promises enter our lives while revealing how they have entered his. Great read for anyone actively pursing any dream (fitness, job, wealth..)!
March 1, 2013
I do love Pete Wilson! He is a talented pastor and writer, and he truly makes everything simple to understand. I feel like this book contained a lot of stuff I already knew, but these are things I always need to be reminded of again and again. My pastor always tells us our hearts are idol factories, and this book definitely points that out. An excellent read and a call to draw close to our Heavenly Father.
January 12, 2022
Empty Promises is a good book that helped me to focus on discerning what modern day idols are clouding my view of Jesus. Wilson walks through some common empty promises that we believe in a way that both convicts you of that promises' control of you life without feeling condemned. He ends the book offering practical tips and practices to replace these idols with the Lord. It was not earth shattering, but a great read to spur on growth in faith.
September 8, 2014
This is a straight forward approach to identifying the idols in your life. The point Pete Wilson makes clear is that it's not a matter of whether you have them, but that they need to be identified and destroyed.
I enjoyed it for the most part, but it lacked the spark or energy of his previous book, so that was disappointing. However, I would recommend it as a helpful guide to approaching the areas in your life where you try shove God out.
I enjoyed it for the most part, but it lacked the spark or energy of his previous book, so that was disappointing. However, I would recommend it as a helpful guide to approaching the areas in your life where you try shove God out.
January 25, 2013
Empty Promises is primarily a book about idols: how to pinpoint them, how to process them, and how God delivers us from them by putting our trust in Him. For spiritual living books, it's a quick read. I enjoyed reading it, but I didn't find it very thought-provoking compared to other sermons and literature I have read on idols.
Annie Downs recommends, Incourage recommends June 2012.
Annie Downs recommends, Incourage recommends June 2012.
February 14, 2016
A thorough exploration of idolatry amply supported by practical examples, bible verses and quotations. Gives fresh insight. Helps lead one to a deeper awareness on the way we are all subjected to worshipping "idols." Importantly, it focuses on providing potent solutions on how to counter idolatry in our lives.
May 16, 2014
Pete Wilson writes with a straightforward, in-your-face kind of style that inspires you to look at yourself and your life. You will come away a better person with a deeper understanding of your faith after reading Wilson's book!
March 31, 2014
There were parts of this book that I had to deem "pop spirituality". Not incredibly helpful in the theology standpoint. It did have some helpful tips for living. Overall, there are more helpful books on the same topic.
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