Chase Study Guide: Chasing After the Heart of God

by Jennie Allen

What are you chasing? We’re all chasing after something, something that we think will make us happy—comfort, success, a bigger house, or someone’s approval. But if we are all honest, it feels like trying to catch the wind. A man after God’s own heart… As David’s life weaves throughout the pages of Scripture, we see he was a man who spent his life chasing after God. Chase explores the events that defined David’s life and the Psalms that flowed out of those experiences. Through David’s example we’ll discover what God really wants from us. The lessons in this study guide are simple yet deep and very interactive, offering Bible study, stories, and projects to dig into Scripture and deeply engage the mind and heart. God has carved out a space in each of us that only He can fill. So whether you are running from God or working your tail off to please Him, David’s journey will challenge your view of God. God is invisible, and yet He is the only thing we can chase that won’t leave us feeling more empty. Designed for use with the Chase DVD-based study ( 9781418549343)  

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Spirituality

144 pages, Paperback

Published November 6, 2012

About the author

Jennie Allen, Bible teacher, author, and the visionary behind IF:Gathering and Gather25, a 25-hour global prayer gathering. Driven by a deep love for God and an unyielding belief in the potential of this generation, Jennie's mission is to disciple a generation of Jesus followers to live what they believe.

Through her writing and teaching, Jennie seeks to convey a simple yet profound truth: God sees you, loves you, and invites you to play your part in His unfolding story. She has witnessed firsthand the miraculous work of Jesus when people fully surrender to Him.

Jennie is a passionate leader following God's call on her life to catalyze a generation to live what they believe. Jennie is the New York Times' best-selling author of Untangle Your Emotions, Find Your People and Get Out of Your Head. Jennie has a masters in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, Zac, and their four children.

Reviews

[Katie Keseg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple, yet challenging study to dive into our hearts and see what we are chasing. Taking a look at Daniel’s life and the way he chased after God, revealing God’s character for us.

[Jennifer Gelert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was our women's Bible study. It really got me thinking about my relationship with God. Am I chasing after the heart of God? At the end I realized this needs to be the desire of my heart, above everything else.

[Terri Milstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Insightful. Thought-provoking. Beautiful study. So steeped in scripture and truth and passion. Highly recommend and, if you can, watch the gorgeous videos, too! Our women's group thoroughly enjoyed this study and it was easy to lead this well laid out study with the leader's kit. (So nicely priced, too!) The weekly work to be done between classes was not overwhelming or daunting for even the busiest of women and it was such good stuff. Lots of variety in the ways it explored the lesson. Drawing. Imagining. Writing letters. Loved the way the whole thing wrapped up, not with the story of David, but by drawing us deeper into his story by connecting us through Jesus. Will be preparing a sermon series on David for this summer which will definitely be impacted by the time spent with this study. Thank you, Jennie! You are a blessing.

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings on this study, I took the good from it and left the bad. I'm not one to believe in chasing after God as I believe He pursues and woos us back into a deep relationship with Him. I know Jennie Allen kept coming back to that concept, but it wasn't necessary to write a whole study on it. God pursues us and saves us from ourselves. The end. I liked her Restless study better :)

[Alison Whiteman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is interactive. I was looking at theology books today and really did not want to read about what a man thinks, so I picked up this book. Allen has written a book that requires attention, time and thought. She is a teacher and I appreciate this more than being lectured. :-)

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent exploration of David as a man after God's own heart as revealed in David's own psalms. While deep enough and convicting enough (maybe more than enough), the time needed for this thoughtful study is very reasonable, not overwhelming, all-consuming like some Bible studies.

[Beckie Farrant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the different varieties of activities in the book. It wasn’t a super deep bible study but I did enjoy how she tried to get different learning style involved. It is a great Bible study for new Christians or those who don’t know a ton about the Bible yet.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was okay. mediocre at best

[Kayla Barriger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice read if you're in a hurry every morning and don't have much time to spend on Bible study. There were some gems, but overall I found it rather shallow.

[Robin Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simplistic and short lessons on chasing God.

[Shana Brock · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good bible study. I learned some nuggets and was convicted about loving Jesus for what he did for me on the cross and not unintentionally feeling spiritually entitled. However this is a very surface study. There’s not a whole lot of meat from scriptures in the homework nor videos. It’s still a good study but compared to other studies our group has done it was just ok. That said, I love Jennie Allen and enjoy listening to her speak for the IF Gatherings each year.

[Jacquelin · Rating 2 out of 5]

A great book if you are very new to faith and probably in a younger demographic than I am in. She has a very black & white theology that with years of study and faith I've learned doesn't need to be true. I think she probably speaks very strongly to a certain audience...just not this one. That being said, our severe disagreement with her theology in some areas led to some amazing discussion, which shows that God will make use of whatever you are doing if you are gathered in His name. For a more mature person of faith with some years of theology/Biblical studies in them, this might be a bit abrasive and simple. For someone finding God and finding their faith, this is probably great. Depends on your journey, but remember, all journeys with God are good!

[Laura Giessler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennie Allen is new to me, and I like her authentic, honest, focused approach. She is not playing around when it comes to trusting God. She uses examples we can relate to (wanting to go to Target more than we want to spend time with God), yet she urges and inspires us to go for more. I liked the images that tied the book and videos together for each chapter, as they reminded us of a story that embodied the point of the chapter. The videos held my attention, but I agree with others that it was sometimes slightly uncomfortable watching the videos because it was hard not to focus on Jennie's bright white teeth. I will look for more from Jennie Allen.

[Betsy Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jennie Allen's heart. The video part of the study sometimes felt awkward, but I feel that way about most video studies. The material really can lead to deep study & conversation & could be life changing for people comparing the life of David to their own life.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennie says in a few words what many authors spend pages of wordy words to say. Powerful and very real!

[KittyRoyseCity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great study! Agree with other reviewers remarks "simple but powerful" and to the point that the "video makes you feel awkward" but in a way that opens your eyes! Blessed with this study!

[Amber Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this study! I look forward to reading more from Allen. I appreciate studies that allow me to learn but don't put so much that the message gets jumbled.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great study!!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great & positive message. It's straight to the point without all the extra fluffy words. I loved it & look forward to reading more by this author.

[Gretchen Aerni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was packed with biblical content but the information came at such a relaxed and non-overwhelming pace. Loved the format!! A breath of fresh air in bible studies. And she challenged me.

[Anya · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Madelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chase


What a great Bible study.. Learn about David and how through his life he relied on God. Learn what you chase after. Learn to chase your Lord and savior.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bible study. Not my favorite. Just a glance.

[Aliciabang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best bible study I've done in awhile! Highly recommend it.

[future faith freedom homeschool · Rating 5 out of 5]

even better with the accompanying videos.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this study with my ladies group and I loved it. Thought provoking, honest and real and convicting on how to live our lives more like David. Highly recommend, especially with the video and conversation questions.