Pete Wilson, Empty Promises, and a Book You Must Read

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Sometimes a book comes along that hits you like a ton of bricks. “Empty Promises” is that kind of a read. My friend and pastor Pete Wilson’s new book is not only something I’m proud to be part of, but it truly is a powerful reminder of how easy it is for me to be trapped by the dangers of the empty promises.

Empty Promise Pete Wilson

When asked about the book, Pete says,

“I wrote this book because I see a natural drift in my life. It’s a drift toward things that do not satisfy me, have never satisfied me, and have no hope of ever satisfying me, but I still continue to pursue them anyway.”

How ironic is it that although we’ve had gadgets, relationships, success, beauty and all these things that the world says, “This is what satisfies you,” we’ve had those things…and we’ve tasted them….and they didn’t satisfy.

So much of my life has been wasted on this lie: More of what we already possess that does not satisfy us is somehow going to bring us joy and happiness. How crazy is that?! We think more of what doesn’t work might work. I know it sounds funny, but it’s also sad because this is where a bulk of humanity is stuck.

Watch the short trailer

I’m glad Pete wrote this book. It spoke to me deeply. You need to read it. Buy it here.

I’m giving away 5 copies of the book to people who leave a comment on this post.

When was the last time you had to deal with an empty promise? Something that never deliver on what you had hoped for.

  • Thank you for the recommeedation.  Given the value I find in your posts, I’ll certainly add this book to my to-be-read list (although it’s a long list).  Please keep these helpful, insightful, and interesting posts coming.

  • Sounds like a great read, rooted in the deeper questions that we are trying to answer for ourselves… looking forward to checking it out.

  • I have been looking forward to this book. It is unfortunate that most of us have to learn the hard way about empty promises.

  • Cheryl

    mE mE mE …. 
    over promise & under deLiver!  Pushing & Encouraging others to SEE WHAT I SEE …. “Join our US; and Our Vision!!!”   When ideas come; and the task/Job begins … what happens?  … LIFE!    We are there to push through … continue to encourage others; Do what it takes; let’s just get the JOB DONE!   But when it isn’t ‘moving forward’ …. I easily say, “it’s Not MY FauLt,” But it is, because I am there to put hope, Trust & faith in others for the task/job to be compLeted … but deLays; deLays, and more deLays … continue to aLways make ME Look as if I ‘overPromise & underDeLiver’ …  So, again; I stop to ‘evaluate’ what am I Pushing for?  … hmmmm!Excited to READ this new book ….Hope I’m one of your 5 …  (hint hint)  

  • Mark

    The small group minisry of SouthPoint Church is going to use this as our study in the fall!  Can’t wait to read the book.

  • I’ve been looking forward to this book coming out. I know I tend to gravitate towards the lies that if I had more money or a better position or even a wife I would be much happier. But it seems God is keeping me in humble places right now, preparing me for something bigger. I work a PT job making just over minimum wage doing what a college student used to do – and I have my bachelors and 8 years managerial experience. I don’t have enough money to take care of myself (why I started doing graphic design in a freelance capacity). And I’m still single. God is teaching me to lean on him, not on empty promises.

  • Adam Parker

    The biggest to me was that a good education and knowledge would fill me with passion and purpose. I love learning and study but I believed that knowing the right answers would bring me peace, it just raised more questions!

    I am so happy that Jesus rescued me from this and showed me that it’s about knowing him, not just “knowing about” him!

  • Terry

    Well…looks like I am #6.  A day late and a dollar short but I will buy the book regardless.  Hope it’s available for Kindle.  I  look forward to it.

  • Andrew Acker

    I feel like I’m living through a possible empty promise and evaluating if my current job has turned into an empty promise and it’s time to move on (necessary ending) or if it’s a season of extra training and learning…it’s tough. 

  • MarkM

    I am excited to see this book on a life lesson that God is teaching me as an Exe Pastor, anything outside of my passionate pursuit of God will leave me absolutely empty. I hope to read it soon and share this message with others. Thank you Maurilio and Pete for saying what so many in churches today are experiencing.

  • JSJ

    Maurilio,  thank you for sharing this valuable resource.  The Lord has been revealing to me that He must become more and I must become less John 3:30.  The three areas He has help me focus on are on who He is, His promises and my identity in Him.  I look forward to reading this book and hope it points me to these vital areas.  

  • stepheng

    Thanks for the post…it parallels some thoughts that have been on my mind recently, relating to what captures my heart.  The Lord said “Where your heart is there will your treasure be also”.  The paradox is that until we allow God to capture our heart completely, we continue to be bound by the attractions that don’t satisfy.  Sounds smiple, but living it out isn’t as simple as it sounds.  Sounds like a great book and reminds me of the old hymn, “Make Me a Captive Lord”.

    Make me a captive, Lord, and then I shall be free.Force me to render up my sword, and I shall conqueror be.I sink in life’s alarms when by myself I stand;Imprison me within Thine arms, and strong shall be my hand.

    My heart is weak and poor until its master find;It has no spring of action sure, it varies with the wind.It cannot freely move till Thou has wrought its chain;Enslave it with Thy matchless love, and deathless it shall reign.

    My will is not my own till Thou hast made it Thine;If it would reach a monarch’s throne, it must its crown resign.It only stands unbent amid the clashing strife,When on Thy bosom it has leant, and found in Thee its life.

  • Wow! Sounds like a powerful read. I’ve got Plan B as well.

  • Tammy

    I love hearing recommendations of good books. Thanks for yours about Empty Promises.

  • jmull

    This is exactly where I feel like that I’m at right now in life.  Really looking forward to reading it.  Thanks

  • Very cool

  • Vona

    This recommendation is right on time…I’ve been spending too much time on empty promises and needing a boost to break the cycle. Thanks Maurillio!

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