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Book Review – Empty Promises by Pete Wilson

Empty PromisesA 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.

If you are interested in reading Empty Promises, by Pete Wilson, you can purchase it at Amazon.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links”. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.“

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Memorize Scripture – Week 27

One of my favorite books in the Old Testament is the book of Jeremiah.

Regardless of Jeremiah’s reputation as a despondent, doom-and-gloom pessimist, I enjoy reading his book simply because there are so many promises of hope found here.

As an example, take a look at this week’s passage in Jeremiah 33:3:

Jeremiah 33:3

God called Jeremiah to share a very negative message to His people: they were soon to be expelled from the Promised Land into captivity. Naturally, this was a very unpopular message, and wasn’t well received.

And yet, in the midst of all the negativity, God repeatedly reassured Jeremiah of his sovereignty and faithfulness. Those promises extend to us as well. Often, when I need a pick-me-up, I will dig through Jeremiah and find one of these gems.

It never fails to remind me that God is still there, and still concerned.

What is your favorite promise of God’s faithfulness? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Top Posts For June 2012

Summer is here, and with it comes the busiest part of the year in youth ministry. So far this summer, I’ve been to two weeks of church camp, along with a mission trip to JAARS, in Waxhaw, NC.

It’s been crazy and overwhelmingly busy. But it’s been incredible as well.

July and August both hold another week of church camp. However, they are spread out enough that I’ll have some time home in between them.

June Word Picture from Wordle.net

In case you missed them, here are my top seven posts for the month of June:

  1. The Difference Between Purpose, Vision, and Mission
  2. Why A Daughter Needs A Dad
  3. The Maniac And The Messiah
  4. Tips For Becoming More Consistent In Your Bible Reading
  5. Memorize Scripture With Me!
  6. Video Review: Book Book Cases for iPhone 4 and iPad 2
  7. Book Review – Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Since we moved from Missouri in May, writing schedule has been severely disrupted. Summer activities have only added to my inability to find the time I’d like to write. As a result, I haven’t posted as much new content as I’d like to. I’m sure that contributed to the fact that all seven of these posts are older posts, some of them written quite a while ago.

My favorite post written in June was Impacting The Future With The Past. While on our mission trip to JAARS, my daughter and I were deeply moved by a conversation we had with a women who spent most of her life in a foreign country, translating the Bible into their language. The impact on our lives is difficult to assess.

I’m looking forward to what God will do in July! Enjoy your summer!

If you are a blogger, leave a comment with your top post for the month. If you don’t blog, leave a comment with a favorite post or blog that you read this month.

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Memorize Scripture – Week 26

Occasionally, I run into a situation where someone, often myself, does or says something completely brainless.

Okay, maybe a little more than occasionally…

But I’m pretty sure that God created our minds to seek out answers, solutions, wisdom.

Look at this week’s passage found in Proverbs 25:2:

Proverbs 25:2

God’s very nature means that his character is shrouded in mystery.

And yet, kings, and by extension all of us, are praised for our ability to uncover secrets.

Look at the way we do this in all areas of our society: researchers discover new things, the patent office is overrun with applications for new inventions, we give the Nobel Peace Prize for significant discoveries in multiple areas. And the list could go on and on.

I love the way the Contemporary English Version states it: “God is praised for being mysterious, rulers are praised for explaining mysteries.”

God has given us our minds to be used.

And while I may occasionally do or say something boneheaded, my goal should be to seek wisdom, not for my own glory, but for God’s.

Are you good at figuring out new things? What can you do to improve? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

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How To Gain Insight By Hand-Copying The Bible

When is the last time you took a good, deep look at the book of Proverbs?

I don’t mean a cursory reading, or finding the few verses you need when you want them.

I’m referring to a cose study that results in new understanding.

Proverbs Journals

That’s what I’m attempting for the rest of the year.

With the start of 2012, I started a new Bible reading system, by Professor Grant Horner. So far, it’s been a great fit for me. I’ve been more consistent than I’ve been in a long time, and I’ve experienced a deeper understanding of the inter-connectedness of God’s Word like never before.

For the rest of 2012, as I continue to work my way through this reading system, I’m going to add a deeper look at the book of Proverbs.

Here’s my plan. Each day, I will write out several verses of Proverbs into one of my favorite pocket journals. Armed with this in my pocket, within easy reach, I will examine each day’s verses several times throughout the day. If needed, I’ll consult a couple of good commentaries I have on the shelf. But since most of the Proverbs are common sense, simply meditating on them all day long should be sufficient to implant their wisdom in my head.