Empty Promises: The Truth About You, Your Desires, and the Lies You're Believing is just that. It brings to light those things that you focus on and make your god ... and you may not even realize it! The book walks you through various possible gods, achievement, power, money, beauty, etc. and helps you really focus on what those things may be doing to turn you away from the one true God.

Aside from the Bible, I can count on one hand the number of books that truly inspired me and made me think about my walk with God. This book is one of those. Examples were practical and helped you to easily see how these false gods may have made their way into your life. The section on beauty, in particular, really spoke to me. I was so excited that just when I started thinking "Okay, but what do I do about this?" the answer was given. The last quarter of the book is practical advice on how to move your focus back to Jesus and balance your life appropriately.

I would highly recommend this book to everyone.

Even those who feel that they do not struggle with the desires of this world. Empty Promises really opens your eyes and helps you to see that this really is an everyday struggle and we must stay focused to keep God as our priority.

I've already read a book by Pete Wilson -- Plan B -- and thought it was a pretty solid read. Wilson's books have continuously challenged me to push my faith farther than ever before and Empty Promises kept that streak alive.

Before I began reading, I didn't think much would apply to me. I don't have any idols. I don't look for security in my successes. I don't rely on petty things to fulfill me. But, then -- I started reading. I have to admit that many of the chapters in this book were hard to get through. I sat on my living room couch reading the words on the page, cringing and thinking -- "Oh no. This is describing me." The questions Wilson posed throughout the chapters were hitting me hard, right between the eyes, and making me rethink what I focus on in my life to bring me happiness, joy, security, love, and belongingness.

That being said -- this is most definitely not a book that you want to -- or even can -- tackle in one or two sittings. I found reflecting on each chapter and possibly even re-reading some parts very helpful in trying to overcome the areas that are most difficult for me to change or to come to terms with. Therefore, I urge you -- don't rush through this book. Take the time to read the words; reflect; pray; and then read again. The things that you will learn will astonish you. The way your perspective shifts will change your life for the better.

I particularly loved the Bible verse that Wilson offered to his readers in his dedication --

Proverbs 24:16 -- "The godly may trip several times, but they will get up again." (NLT)

This verse encourages me by reminding me that we all fail at one time or another. However, the decision we make to get up and try again is what separates us from those who let their failures define them.

This book is inspirational, and I recommend it to everyone...

I wondered why God seemed to be ignoring my prayers for help. It changed my life, and I'm so glad I read it.I'll read this one again. And again. And again.

I believe it's a charge to us all. You'll need to read the book to understand the context, but he simply said:t gets old as nearly every in vogue author and speaker makes his or her bread and butter off of knocking the church.

This is the book you will keep after you've thrown all the others into the recycle bin or given them to the library. It really helps pull together everything and teach you want you need to know. Excellent book for beginners. I also bought it along with this book, It zeroes in on the important stuff without wading through a lot of theory and background.

This book alone can't make you talented or original. Pastors or ministry leaders ministering in contexts that are plagued by moralism should read this book to learn how to combat moral therapeutic deism. Regardless of whether you're a new or mature Christian, you need to read The Explicit Gospel to be reminded afresh of the beauty and glory of all Christ has done on your behalf.hese insights were very valuable and helpful in my own personal ministry. He ended the book with an explanation of how he has seen moralism at work in the church.hese insights were very valuable and helpful in my own personal ministry. He ended the book with an explanation of how he has seen moralism at work in the church.

The book goes on to explore all of the different areas where we are susceptible to contamination in our lives. Some areas were really eye-opening for me. t will step on your toes and force you to ask yourself some really tough questions, but in the end, if you let the truth of what God is telling you shine through...

If you think you are beyond idolatry, you likely suffer from it worse. Pete Wilson presents a crystal clear mirror into your soul in his book Empty Promises. Wilson is able both to convict and inspire, to call you out and lift you up. He is able to open our eyes to our own idolatry without hiding his own. He is refreshingly candid about his own struggles, even as a pastor, showing he can truly empathize with us when we fall for the trappings of this world. He has a knack for putting spiritual truths into everyday language, using modern examples and drawing on the writings of both his contemporaries and the "classics." Whether you worship money, beauty, or even suffer from the addiction of "public productivity," you will find your sin among these pages — and your salvation: only Jesus. Idolatry begins when we look to anything other than God to do for us what only God can. We will struggle with it throughout our lives, such is our fallen nature, but Wilson reminds us of some of the weapons at our disposal to fight the good fight. Only when we are finally home will we TRULY be fulfilled. In the meantime, Wilson has provided an excellent resource to help put our paths into perspective: are we moving toward God or away from Him? Are we worshipping the gifts or the Giver of those gifts? Are we following empty promises or trusting in God's promises? In short, what is your golden calf? How will you destroy it so as to worship the one true God?

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

I was extremely excited to read Pete Wilson's book, "Empty Promises: The Truth About You, Your Desires, and the Lies You're Believing ." I've been a fan of his, every since I came across him, on Twitter. I had high expectations, for the book; and I'm glad to say, "Empty Promises" did not disappoint.

In the book, Pete Wilson talks about discovering the joy and freedom that comes with seeking God, with and in your whole life. It's about learning how to replace - not just give up - all the empty promises, in life. By turning to God, instead of idolizing all of life's empty promises, you be set free.

If you're anything like me, you find yourself often making promises, to yourself. Promises like, "I'm going to start eating healthier," or "I'm going to start exercising," or even, "I'm going to go to church more regularly," only to break them. Then, once you break them, you feel so low and disappointed in yourself for not being able to stick to it. You feel empty... lost. "Empty Promises" pointed out that the reason I feel this emptiness, was that I was pinning all my self-worth achieving success - instead of pinning it on how God sees me.

There is so much more I want to say, about this book. But, I really think it's something best experienced first-hand. So, if you tired of turning to the empty promises of riches, beauty, success - and are ready to turn it all over to God - go out and get this book! Right now!

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."