Wednesday, July 11, 2012

What I'm Reading




About the Book

God has a plan to heal the soul's gnawing inner emptiness that is always longing for just a little more.

Every human experiences an inner emptiness of the soul, that gnawing feeling and unquenchable longing that often drives us to sacrifice everything we have and everything we are so we become more beautiful, more successful, and more powerful. We are by design a worshiping people, giving our lives and our devotion to something to pursue and adore, somebody to idolize. What drives this futile attempt for something more is the heart's true desire for significance, worth, and value-a desire that can be met only in the person and worship of Jesus Christ.

Join Pastor Pete Wilson in his exploration of the empty promises of the "good life" that includes the:

seduction of achievement
addiction to approval
attraction of wealth
perils of power
idolatry of religion
obsession of beauty
chasing of a dream

Learn how to replace and not just relinquish these idols by turning your focus and worship toward God. It is the only thing that will set us absolutely free from the endless pursuit of everything else.
 
About the Author
 
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.
 
My Thoughts
 
After reading Pete's first book, Plan B, I couldn't wait to read this one and I wasn't disappointed. One of the things I love about his writing is that it's like listening to him preach - simply stated but deeply profound.
 
This book is all about the idols in our lives. Too often when we think of idols, we limit it to the statue kind. In this book, Pete talks about idols in the context of anything that we put ahead of God in our hearts. When we look to anything or anyone to fill that space inside us that only God can fill, that is the empty promises of an idol.


The chapter that impacted me the most was Addicted to Approval. Needing someone or something to validate my value and worth which can only be found in God. I find myself struggling with this, but the more I get to know Him the less of a struggle it is.


Two things Pete said in this chapter hit home.


"There are few things people fear as must as we fear being unwanted, rejected, and alone."


In one way or another, we all share this fear.


"If you depend on other people approving or supporting everything you say or do, you will end up doing and saying nothing."


This one sentence has stuck with me since I finished reading the book. Am I seeking God's approval in what I say and do or am I looking to people for that? Only when I seek His approval first and foremost will I really be doing and saying something.
 
You can purchase this book at Amazon, Christianbook, and other retailers.
 
You can read more from Pete at his blog
and you can also follow him on Twitter


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for 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.



14 comments:

  1. Good point! Thanx for sharing this post with us!

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  2. Thanks for sharing the post---will have to check that book out sometime:) Looking forward to reading more, found you via the blog hop! Come check us out at http://www.thechirpingmoms.com!

    -Julie

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    1. What a blessing to connect with you Julie! LOVED the backyard fun you all shared on your blog! Your sweet babies are soooo cute!

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  3. i am whatever religion or even without religion, i think this message is a great one and i agree we put too many things ahead of what is most important in life.

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    1. Christine - absolutely LOVED the headboard tutorial you shared on your blog! Thanks so much for visiting!

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  4. How true - if we wait for others to approve everything we will get nowhere.

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    1. And how early we begin seeking out the approval of others. Thinking of grade school and how important it was for my girlfriends to approve. Then coming to the realization that there is no fruit in that. That seeking the approval of others can almost paralyze us.

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  5. Thanks for the book rec. I'm always on the lookout for a fresh voice and new inspiration. I've never read one of Pete's books but either sound great!

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    1. I am always looking for new books as well. What are you reading now?

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  6. Thanks so much for visiting! Blessed to connect with you!

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