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No Other gods: Confronting Our Modern Day Idols
Our lives revolve around our deepest needs and greatest treasures. Relationships. Family. Financial security. Private hopes and dreams.
Most of our desires are healthy. Yet these longings can become passions we not only pursue, but worship. And while idol worship may seem like ancient history, we still face the modern-day equivalent [version], as natural needs slowly consume our hearts and minds, competing with God’s rightful place in our lives.
No Other gods offers a revealing look at the heart of a woman. Author Kelly Minter explores what happens when good desires become false gods, robbing us of an intimate relationship with our heavenly father.
So discover the freedom in surrender. The healing in worship. And the joy found in exchanging everyday gods for the one true God.
Most of our desires are healthy. Yet these longings can become passions we not only pursue, but worship. And while idol worship may seem like ancient history, we still face the modern-day equivalent [version], as natural needs slowly consume our hearts and minds, competing with God’s rightful place in our lives.
No Other gods offers a revealing look at the heart of a woman. Author Kelly Minter explores what happens when good desires become false gods, robbing us of an intimate relationship with our heavenly father.
So discover the freedom in surrender. The healing in worship. And the joy found in exchanging everyday gods for the one true God.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
151 people are currently reading
1027 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Minter
56 books429 followersKelly lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and serves the Lord passionately both across the U.S. and internationally in a variety of creative roles. An acclaimed author, musician, Bible study creator and teacher, she is passionate to see women impacted by Jesus and His Word.
Growing up outside of Washington, DC, Kelly was raised in a Christian home, the oldest of four children and daughter of a pastor. Her childhood was seasoned with competitive sports, learning the guitar, singing, and a litany of church activities in the congregation her father founded and still pastors. Like many young women, Kelly dealt with inner struggles – anxiety and depression were a part of her growing-up years. “Those struggles are what drove me to Scripture,” Kelly says, “and the catalyst for me to learn for myself who God is.” Throughout her high school career, Kelly played basketball competitively, expecting that to be her path into college. But after a scholarship fell through, she began playing music. And God began a new thing.
Kelly moved to Nashville in the summer of 2000 and released her first record with WORD, followed by a subsequent release on a different label, leading to her first #1 Single on the Inspirational Charts, This Is My Offering. Shortly after this success and several cross-country tours her record company folded leaving Kelly to rethink her vocation and ministry. In the middle of an ever-changing music industry and on a tour through Colorado, Kelly met a book publisher who would two years later sign her to her first book deal.
Kelly’s first book eventually led to LifeWay approaching her about writing a bible study. Authoring curriculum was a new challenge, but one she quickly fell in love with. Kelly’s first three studies include, No Other Gods: Confronting Our Modern Day Idols, followed by Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy and Nehemiah: A Heart That Can Break. Respected Bible Study teacher and speaker, Beth Moore, chose each of Kelly’s resources for three of her widely-reaching online summer studies. Thousands of women participated and were challenged by Kelly’s writing and her unique perspective on Scripture.
Kelly now writes, teaches, and sings across the United States and also in other countries. Speaking at multiple conferences and events, as well as four Women of Faith events in 2012, Kelly has become a steady and respected teaching voice to women, particularly when it comes to the Scriptures. She also partners closely with Justice and Mercy International (JMI), a ministry that serves in the Amazon jungle; she especially loves working with the jungle pastors who encourage her through their remarkable faith.
When home, Kelly’s days are spent writing, cooking, gardening, enjoying her neighborhood, loving her community, investing in her local church, and walking forward in the things God has for her. She is relevant, palatable, and uncompromising in her teachings from the Bible, and women relate to this.
Growing up outside of Washington, DC, Kelly was raised in a Christian home, the oldest of four children and daughter of a pastor. Her childhood was seasoned with competitive sports, learning the guitar, singing, and a litany of church activities in the congregation her father founded and still pastors. Like many young women, Kelly dealt with inner struggles – anxiety and depression were a part of her growing-up years. “Those struggles are what drove me to Scripture,” Kelly says, “and the catalyst for me to learn for myself who God is.” Throughout her high school career, Kelly played basketball competitively, expecting that to be her path into college. But after a scholarship fell through, she began playing music. And God began a new thing.
Kelly moved to Nashville in the summer of 2000 and released her first record with WORD, followed by a subsequent release on a different label, leading to her first #1 Single on the Inspirational Charts, This Is My Offering. Shortly after this success and several cross-country tours her record company folded leaving Kelly to rethink her vocation and ministry. In the middle of an ever-changing music industry and on a tour through Colorado, Kelly met a book publisher who would two years later sign her to her first book deal.
Kelly’s first book eventually led to LifeWay approaching her about writing a bible study. Authoring curriculum was a new challenge, but one she quickly fell in love with. Kelly’s first three studies include, No Other Gods: Confronting Our Modern Day Idols, followed by Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy and Nehemiah: A Heart That Can Break. Respected Bible Study teacher and speaker, Beth Moore, chose each of Kelly’s resources for three of her widely-reaching online summer studies. Thousands of women participated and were challenged by Kelly’s writing and her unique perspective on Scripture.
Kelly now writes, teaches, and sings across the United States and also in other countries. Speaking at multiple conferences and events, as well as four Women of Faith events in 2012, Kelly has become a steady and respected teaching voice to women, particularly when it comes to the Scriptures. She also partners closely with Justice and Mercy International (JMI), a ministry that serves in the Amazon jungle; she especially loves working with the jungle pastors who encourage her through their remarkable faith.
When home, Kelly’s days are spent writing, cooking, gardening, enjoying her neighborhood, loving her community, investing in her local church, and walking forward in the things God has for her. She is relevant, palatable, and uncompromising in her teachings from the Bible, and women relate to this.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 15, 2013
I feel like I need to explain why I gave it a 2/5. The first few chapters were amazing and I highlighted a lot. But about a third of the way through I realized that this book was shifting more towards being for women. In fact, I had no idea the writer was a woman up to this point. With most of the stories coving the women of the Bible, I had a hard time resonating with them. At about halfway through it fully lost my attention as a guy, which is a shame because the first third of the book was exceptionally good for both men and women. Would I recommend it for women? Yes. I just wished I had known from the start that it would more geared for women instead of men.
June 22, 2015
Absolutely no clue what she's trying to tell me. Felt like the book was mostly stories of people the author knows
April 13, 2017
There are times when you read a book that was just the right book for you in that moment. This was that book for me. Every chapter spoke to me, challenged me, and encouraged me. I loved how she pointed out that often our 'idols' are good things that we've made the "ultimate thing".
January 1, 2016
SUMMARY: Our lives revolve around our deepest needs and greatest treasures. Relationships. Family. Financial security. Private hopes and dreams.
Most of our desires are healthy. Yet these longings can become passions we not only pursue, but worship. And while idol worship may seem like ancient history, we still face the modern-day equivalent, as natural needs slowly consume our hearts and minds, competing with God’s rightful place in our lives.
No Other Gods offers a revealing look at the heart of a woman. Author Kelly Minter explores what happens when good desires become false gods, robbing us of an intimate relationship with our heavenly father.
So discover the freedom in surrender. The healing in worship. And the joy found in exchanging everyday gods for the one true God.
REVIEW: I liked the overall premise of this book, and it started out well. I felt though that some chapters were rather repetitive and generalized. I would have liked to have seen more specific focus on "modern day idols" as I feel this is a trap we all fall into with cell phones, TVs, Movies, and Social Media etc. It was interspersed with some nuggets but still would have like to see more detail.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "The knowledge of the "there-ness" of God, regardless of how it sometimes feels, is essential as we turn from the lesser things that deceptively seem there, and turn to the One who is there."
"He (God) had shown me that divinely inspired good-byes-no matter how excruciating-are always for the sake of supernatural hellos."
"God blesses obedience, but obedience in turning from our false gods is not a guarantee that God will do exactly what we want, nor is it a vehicle by which we can manipulate him."
Most of our desires are healthy. Yet these longings can become passions we not only pursue, but worship. And while idol worship may seem like ancient history, we still face the modern-day equivalent, as natural needs slowly consume our hearts and minds, competing with God’s rightful place in our lives.
No Other Gods offers a revealing look at the heart of a woman. Author Kelly Minter explores what happens when good desires become false gods, robbing us of an intimate relationship with our heavenly father.
So discover the freedom in surrender. The healing in worship. And the joy found in exchanging everyday gods for the one true God.
REVIEW: I liked the overall premise of this book, and it started out well. I felt though that some chapters were rather repetitive and generalized. I would have liked to have seen more specific focus on "modern day idols" as I feel this is a trap we all fall into with cell phones, TVs, Movies, and Social Media etc. It was interspersed with some nuggets but still would have like to see more detail.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "The knowledge of the "there-ness" of God, regardless of how it sometimes feels, is essential as we turn from the lesser things that deceptively seem there, and turn to the One who is there."
"He (God) had shown me that divinely inspired good-byes-no matter how excruciating-are always for the sake of supernatural hellos."
"God blesses obedience, but obedience in turning from our false gods is not a guarantee that God will do exactly what we want, nor is it a vehicle by which we can manipulate him."
February 19, 2012
Kelly Minter's studies are meaty and thought provoking. God has used her studies in my life to bring me closer to hHim in both knowledge and intimacy. One of the things I most appreciate about her bible studies is the fact that I can do them on my own without pressure of weekly homework before the next meeting time. It is much more enjoyable for me. Minter takes her bible studies behind the scenes of the Word and gives you more background information. I have treasured my time in each one of her studies.
April 29, 2013
Maybe it was because I've been reading this at 3am, but it started very strongly and then... trailed off. The last few chapters did not lead me to any specific conclusions, nor did she help suggest other false gods to which we might fall prey. I was hoping for a bit more direction, or at least a strong push. But it was easy to read, and did provoke some self-reflection. I suspect it'll at least keep the issue in the front of my mind for a while.
February 16, 2009
Kelly is an accomplished songwriter, but I had my doubts about her writing skills. Boy was I wrong. She is honest and provides personal experiences to describe how everyone looks to other gods and how to conqure it. Very funny, yet very deep.
June 2, 2009
Wow! This book really made me think about all of the seemingly little things that I was placing before God. If you're looking for a fresh way to refocus your life, this is the book for you!
January 29, 2013
Too many stories. A bit long and wordy, but the actual Bible study portions and discussion questions were great.
February 12, 2020
Kelly does a phenomenal job challenging the reader to clean out the idols in their life. Here is my summary of the book:
The Israelites worshiped God in 2 Kings 17, but they served their own gods. "The were living the split life of worshiping the ONE while serving the others...[we may] claim and worship God, but we've come to accept a lifestyle that depends upon most everything else. And whatever we depend upon we will most definitely serve...we leave God no place to show himself strong on our behalf."
"An idol is something other than God that we set our hearts on (Lk 12:29; I Cor 10:6), that motivates us (I Cor 4:5), that masters or rules us (Ps 119:133), or that we serve (Mt 6:24)...[we] can profess Christ as Savior and even serve the coffee at Sunday school, but who or what functions as [our] God in the moments of tragedy, celebration, or walking the aisles of the grocery store can be an entirely different matter...[idolatry is] taking a good thing and making it an ultimate thing." Idolatry is a snare, "a situation that is both alluring and dangerous."
God starts off the 10 Commandments by saying that He is the "Lord YOUR God." "If someone else is God, then whatever further commands he has are irrelevant...if he is not the only God in our lives, then his commands and principles and truths become matters of suggestion that we're free to savor or toss at our whims."
"Much of what draws us to our personal gods has to do with where our needs are, where we hurt, why we hurt, and how we desire that pain to be satiated. It also has to do with our culture and what is promoted to us...the greater our pain and the deeper our wounds, the more vulnerable we are to them...it's not enough to merely walk away from our functional gods...it's important to understand what got us there in the first place, so we can halt repeating visits. And the one things that seems consistent across the board is that our pain will make us cross the street for whatever idols promise relief...our pain will always lead us somewhere...Perhaps this is why Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, 'Come to me, all you whoa re weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' He knows that the weary and burdened are going to go somewhere for relief."
"If pain is a push toward our idols, deceit is a pull from them."
"The lies that [we] are prone to embrace" many times begin as questions.
"If satan can lure us into disputing the wrong question, in a sense we have already lost."
"Eve silence [satan's] question with the simple truth, in essence saying that God had told her she could eat from any tree in the garden, just not [the tree of knowledge]."
Many times, our idols appeal to our physical, emotional, and mental self.
Satan may tell us something that is true, just not the truth.
"We do not turn from our false gods to become God's children. We turn from them because we are."
"A flawless performance is not what matter[s], but the complete obedience of filling the jars to the brim, holding nothing back."
"Before we can ever lay down our Isaacs, we must first lay down our Ishmaels...before Abraham could ever offer up the child born of the miraculous, he first had to offer up the child born of his flesh...[Ismaels] were the things that you know in Scripture, know in your heart, and know by the Spirit living inside you cannot exist in your life; and yet they can live and breathe by the oxygen of excuses and justifications for quite a long time...They are the things we all have that sometimes we are blinded to, while other times we are downright convicted by."
"Sometimes the Lord calls us to something new, and in order to live in the new we must lay down the old."
The Israelites worshiped God in 2 Kings 17, but they served their own gods. "The were living the split life of worshiping the ONE while serving the others...[we may] claim and worship God, but we've come to accept a lifestyle that depends upon most everything else. And whatever we depend upon we will most definitely serve...we leave God no place to show himself strong on our behalf."
"An idol is something other than God that we set our hearts on (Lk 12:29; I Cor 10:6), that motivates us (I Cor 4:5), that masters or rules us (Ps 119:133), or that we serve (Mt 6:24)...[we] can profess Christ as Savior and even serve the coffee at Sunday school, but who or what functions as [our] God in the moments of tragedy, celebration, or walking the aisles of the grocery store can be an entirely different matter...[idolatry is] taking a good thing and making it an ultimate thing." Idolatry is a snare, "a situation that is both alluring and dangerous."
God starts off the 10 Commandments by saying that He is the "Lord YOUR God." "If someone else is God, then whatever further commands he has are irrelevant...if he is not the only God in our lives, then his commands and principles and truths become matters of suggestion that we're free to savor or toss at our whims."
"Much of what draws us to our personal gods has to do with where our needs are, where we hurt, why we hurt, and how we desire that pain to be satiated. It also has to do with our culture and what is promoted to us...the greater our pain and the deeper our wounds, the more vulnerable we are to them...it's not enough to merely walk away from our functional gods...it's important to understand what got us there in the first place, so we can halt repeating visits. And the one things that seems consistent across the board is that our pain will make us cross the street for whatever idols promise relief...our pain will always lead us somewhere...Perhaps this is why Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, 'Come to me, all you whoa re weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' He knows that the weary and burdened are going to go somewhere for relief."
"If pain is a push toward our idols, deceit is a pull from them."
"The lies that [we] are prone to embrace" many times begin as questions.
"If satan can lure us into disputing the wrong question, in a sense we have already lost."
"Eve silence [satan's] question with the simple truth, in essence saying that God had told her she could eat from any tree in the garden, just not [the tree of knowledge]."
Many times, our idols appeal to our physical, emotional, and mental self.
Satan may tell us something that is true, just not the truth.
"We do not turn from our false gods to become God's children. We turn from them because we are."
"A flawless performance is not what matter[s], but the complete obedience of filling the jars to the brim, holding nothing back."
"Before we can ever lay down our Isaacs, we must first lay down our Ishmaels...before Abraham could ever offer up the child born of the miraculous, he first had to offer up the child born of his flesh...[Ismaels] were the things that you know in Scripture, know in your heart, and know by the Spirit living inside you cannot exist in your life; and yet they can live and breathe by the oxygen of excuses and justifications for quite a long time...They are the things we all have that sometimes we are blinded to, while other times we are downright convicted by."
"Sometimes the Lord calls us to something new, and in order to live in the new we must lay down the old."
August 17, 2019
I have completed this study twice. The original study (couch on cover) that was released 10 years ago I believe, and the recent revision (dresser, lamp and bag on cover). I completed the study the 2nd round solely because Lifeway was offering the videos that now accompany the study for free in an online study. I enjoyed it, so thought why not. If you've also done this study before, do it again! Seriously. I got so much more out of it being able to look at the old study and my notes then, and then the new study (which does differ enough on its own for a re-read). I was able to see what gods have been removed or are slowly clearing out, and what work God has done in the past several years. The author shares similar stories. It really personalized the study for me. I will note I didn't get as much from the videos - at least it doesn't seem that way. The study could probably be done on its own.
November 28, 2018
I read this book as part of a Women's Bible Study group at church. This is my first exposure to Kelly Minter. She is entirely relatable and "keeps it real". What a treat it was to get to hear her video message each week also. If you're being honest with yourself, this is a hard subject to address because we all have little "gods" in our lives that may be taking up too much space and distracting us from the Almighty God who loves us and deserves the #1 spot in our hearts. I loved doing this study as part of a group of women who were willing to share transparently about their own lives and experiences.
March 18, 2024
I picked up this book while I was still reading “When People are Big and God is Small”. It was nice to have alongside that one, because it is easily digestible and they both kind of tackle two sides of the same coin. I remember liking and taking to heart the image of Egyptians literally bowing down to a stone rendering of a sphinx, expecting life in return. In the same way, we bow down to idols, or false gods, expecting life in return. I think the best chapters are chapters 7,8, and 12. Nice book.
May 16, 2017
Good points, some which (I hope) I will remember. I think I would have preferred to buy the study version, instead of the "book" form. It was a very personal-memoir type of book, and I appreciated the author sharing her own journey, but it wasn't exactly what I was looking for. Still, a good book that deals with recognizing our own modern-day idols, which are just as dangerous as the ones from the Old Testament!
September 10, 2018
Fantastic book, but I appreciated the study much more. It was revised and updated, so some of what was in the study wasn’t in the book. She should update the book as well for people who won’t bother with the study. The subject was challenging and really helped me to shift my priorities and what I spend my time on so that God is the focus of my life and decisions. I had no idea how many other gods I had in my life before I went in depth into this study. Highly recommend to fellow believers!
March 26, 2021
This was a really great bible study. Kelly hit a lot of points about idols that I was really unaware of
that made examine my idols in this current culture.. Very surprising..
Kelly has very good examples that are relatable. Kelly has a very contagious personality in her videos.
She is a great story teller and bible study teacher.
The homework in the book doesn't feel like drudgery. It is very aligned with scripture and her focus
is always about Christ.
that made examine my idols in this current culture.. Very surprising..
Kelly has very good examples that are relatable. Kelly has a very contagious personality in her videos.
She is a great story teller and bible study teacher.
The homework in the book doesn't feel like drudgery. It is very aligned with scripture and her focus
is always about Christ.
December 6, 2018
Very Worthwhile Read
This book helps you see past the little false gods we "accidentally" serve in this life. Kelly gets a hold of your interest right at the beginning, and doesn't let go, even once the book is read. Made me search my heart and say some good good-byes, and wait for some sweet hellos. I highly recommend.
This book helps you see past the little false gods we "accidentally" serve in this life. Kelly gets a hold of your interest right at the beginning, and doesn't let go, even once the book is read. Made me search my heart and say some good good-byes, and wait for some sweet hellos. I highly recommend.
May 24, 2018
This was recommended to me as a bible study book but I didn’t have an active bible study to read it with so I read it by itself. I really enjoyed the perspective and I’m sure it will be a book I will read again.
July 29, 2019
I found this book to be a wake up call of the things and people we allow to function as God’s in our life. Kelly shares with ya the reader her journey with God in walking about from idols to walk in freedom.
May 30, 2020
Laying down our idols, to give God everything. Idols aren't just golden statues, they are anything that takes our worship away from God. This book is a must read for everyone who is ready to live a life fully devoted to God.
September 23, 2021
Great Bible Study.
Idolatry just might be the thing behind most all of our sins.
This Bible Study is a great tool to help identify idols in our lives & then to get rid of them.
This is my spiritual “check-up” Bible Study I go through maybe once a year.
Idolatry just might be the thing behind most all of our sins.
This Bible Study is a great tool to help identify idols in our lives & then to get rid of them.
This is my spiritual “check-up” Bible Study I go through maybe once a year.
November 25, 2025
We did this at church as a Bible study. Loved it. Kelly shows you those bread crumbs that you miss when studying the Bible. This Bible study was the hardest Bible study I have ever done because it really showed me a lot of things I need to fix in my life.
October 13, 2017
Impactful
August 22, 2018
Insightful and thought provoking. A really good Bible study.
December 6, 2018
Such an amazing devotional book. Many of the ideas have stuck with me to this day! Wish it was all in KJV, but still really great devotional :)
August 11, 2019
I love it
Great book, y'all! A challenging read. Something I think we all need to hear. I love Kelly Minter's style.
How much do you live God?
Great book, y'all! A challenging read. Something I think we all need to hear. I love Kelly Minter's style.
How much do you live God?
September 16, 2019
I used this as a devotional. A chapter or two at a time. Very good.
September 18, 2019
Great book!
September 30, 2019
Some good nuggets in this book, but it felt more like reading the author's therapy sessions. But this might be just what someone needs to read.
February 15, 2022
Convicting and help identify idols in your life. Turn away from idols and turn to theme in book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews