We all long for more of something in our lives. In our endless pursuit to feel worth and acceptance we find ourselves sacrificing everything for the promise to be a little more beautiful, a little richer, a little more powerful and successful, a little more loved. How do we break free from these empty pursuits and start chasing the only Promise that will ever satisfy? How do we uncover the hidden idols that are driving us and turn our devotion toward the one true God? Join Pastor and best-selling author Pete Wilson in discovering the joy and freedom that comes with seeking after God with your whole life. Learn how to replace, and not just relinquish, life's empty promises by turning your focus and worship toward Him. It is the only thing that will set you absolutely free from the endless pursuit of everything else. "Pete Wilson is one of my favorite people and authors. If he writes it, I read it. Be prepared to think more deeply and live more authentically. This is not your average book-but rather a message which is compellingly real and relevant. Get your highlighter ready, this book is a game changer." Jack Graham Pastor, Prestonwood Baptist Church "Pete has unlocked some practical and challenging insights that will lead you to a deeper relationship with Christ." Steven Furtick Lead Pastor, Elevation Church Author, Sun Stand Still "By digging into what Pete shows us the Scripture says about life, we can break free of the pursuit of meaningless things and focus our efforts on something that really does make an eternal impact." Perry Noble Senior Pastor, NewSpring Church "A great encouragement to those who have found themselves on a pathway filled with empty promises." Brian Houston Senior Pastor, Hillsong Church "Pete Wilson is the real deal. And this book is an essential tool for understanding the real you. We all long for something more in our lives. Empty Promises provides the framework to uncover God's best for us. A wake up call to our generation!" Brad Lomenick Executive Director, Catalyst Pete Wilson is the founding and senior pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Pete desires to see churches become radically devoted to Christ, irrevocably committed to one another, and relentlessly dedicated to reaching those outside of God's family. Pete and his wife, Brandi, have three boys. Pete Wilson is the founding and senior pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville, Tennessee, a committed church community that he and his wife, Brandi, planted in 2003. Over the course of 9 years, Cross Point has grown to reach more than 5,000 people each weekend through its five campuses located around the Nashville area, and online. As one of the fastest growing churches in America, Pete's ministry--an outreach focused on helping people become devoted to Christ, irrevocably committed to each other, and relentlessly dedicated to reaching those outside of God's family with the Gospel--has made Pete a frequent speaker at national and international church conferences. Pete gained national attention in 2010 when Thomas Nelson published his best-selling book, Plan B, a title that has been printed in five languages and launched Putting Plan B into Action, a 6-week DVD curriculum that serves as a study companion to the book. Empty Promises, Pete's much-anticipated second book, releases in spring 2012. Pete earned his Bachelors degree in Communications from Kentucky Western University an attended seminary at Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY.  Pete is also an avid blogger (PeteWilson.tv); he enjoys the outdoors, fly fishing, and Titans football. EMPTY PROMISES The Truth About You, Your Desires, and the Lies You're Believing By Pete Wilson Thomas Nelson Copyright © 2012 Pete Wilson All right reserved. ISBN: 978-0-8499-4651-6 Contents Acknowledgments...........................................................ixChapter One: Deceptively Good.............................................1Chapter Two: The Aware Life...............................................15Chapter Three: The Seduction of Achievement...............................27Chapter Four: Addicted to Approval........................................47Chapter Five: The Perils of Power.........................................67Chapter Six: Money Always Wants to Be More Than Money.....................89Chapter Seven: Religion Lies..............................................107Chapter Eight: Addicted to Beauty.........................................125Chapter Nine: Chasing a Dream.............................................141Chapter Ten: You Are What You Worship.....................................155Chapter Eleven: Living Close to Truth.....................................169Chapter Twelve: Soul Satisfaction.........................................189Notes.....................................................................207 Chapter One DECEPTIVELY GOOD I've been given an incredible gift. In fact, I'