We all go through times when we feel insignificant or times when we feel certain that we have experienced a degree of failure from which there is no return. This is not a reality we experience alone, but is one that a man after God’s heart experienced as well. From shepherd, to refugee, to king of Israel, David exhibited the purest virtues and the most heinous sinfulness, but through it all his relationship with the Lord continued to grow.
A Heart Like His looks at this bond of mutual love and admiration between a man who was not unlike any of us and the one true God who is all good and all powerful. Beth Moore walks us through an exploration of David’s incredible life, drawing spiritual insights from a man who boldly fulfilled his divine destiny not merely by what he did, but who he loved and served. Bringing lessons from David’s life to bear on your own, this picture of a man who loved and followed God will help you to serve with a heart focused on Him no matter the circumstance.
Available here for the first time in trade paper, this new edition also features an excerpt from Moore’s David: Seeking a Heart Like His Bible study.
Beth Moore has written many best–selling books and is a dynamic teacher and a prolific Bible–study author whose public speaking engagements take her across the United States to challenge tens of thousands. Beth is focused on teaching women all over the world and is known and respected wherever she goes. She is a dedicated wife and mother of two adult daughters and lives in Houston, Texas, where she leads Living Proof Ministries and teaches an adult Sunday school class. Beth is one of the best known women in the evangelical Christian market.
The life of David is a great one to study, because he was such a complex man. He loved God greatly, yet he "fell short," as we all do. He was a shepherd, warrior, king, and a servant.
Beth Moore's book A Heart Like His takes an honest, in-depth look at David's life and how we may also learn to have a heart like God's. This book took me through many Scriptures that were familiar to me, but it helped me see them in a new way. Most of all, this book helped me spend more time with the God I love.
Do you want to learn more about the life of David and the Almighty God he served? If so, A Heart Like His by Beth Moore is a wonderful place to begin.
Excellent book that gives an overview of the life of David from beginning to end and how we can apply it to our lives today. David is perhaps one of my favorite characters to read about in the Old Testament. His story gives much insight to the Father's heart for those who love him and follow him. I particularly enjoyed the layout of this book. There's a lot of chapters, but chapters are broken into a few pages, on average 3-5 pages per chapter. This made reading the book easy and kept the ideas concise, clear, and to the point. Overall, Moore used simple language that was captivating and understandable. I would recommend this book if you wish for a good foundation on the story of David and his significance.
An in-depth study of the life of David through the books of the Old Testament. You can read it alongside the scripture or without.
This book took me a very long time to get through, for numerous reasons. I appreciate it, on the whole, but some bits were better than others. Read this if you're either not too familiar with the life of David (it would make a great accompaniment to the actual scripture text) or if you'd like a feminine perspective on the old stories. Sometimes her chatty prose didn't suit my tastes, but it's written very conversationally and it's very approachable.
Not one of my favorite, but there are a few gems in there--I pulled out a pencil several times to underline a few lines i thought were spot on. Worth reading if you're particularly interested in David or reading through that part of the Old Testament.
This has been one of my favorite Bible study reads of the last couple years. It has quite a few things that make it stand out. One is that I like Beth Moore's style. She takes any subject and makes you feel as if you're sitting in her living room and talking about it with just her and maybe some snacks and a nice cup of coffee or tea. She has a conversational approach that I like.
She also has great subject matter. The life of David shows the best and worst of man. It gives us this wonderful example of how we can seek God in good and bad times and how God can use us in spite of our weakness - and oftentimes because of it. There is so much treasure to learn from how David honored God and how he failed as well.
Even the way the book is organized is brilliant. The chapters are short so you can easily fit them into any busy schedule. She has included any necessary Bible verses so you don't need to have anything but the book in order to do the study (though she encourages you to use your own Bible to read more passages). I also love how the study is arranged in order by how the events played out historically - so you can see how one decision led to another and so on.
This is the kind of study that is approachable and useful for Christians in many stages of their walk with Christ. It is straightforward and simple enough for new Christians, but there is enough meat and challenging material for those who have loved the Lord for many years. I want to thank the publisher for providing my copy. It did not influence my review.
This is a new edition of this book. If you have never read a Beth Moore book before this is a great one to start with. If you have read her books you will love this book just as much as all the others.
This particular book delves into the life of David and his relationship with the Lord. The book describes David’s life and relates it to our life today. I found the book very educational. Sermons on the life of David are preached all the time. I felt this book takes you on a unique journey that explores David’s life. It is very easy to read and the authors’ personality really shines when she relates David’s life lessons to lessons we can learn today.
I gave this book 5/5 stars for numerous reasons. It is easy to read and easy to understand. It has lessons for your every day life and the lessons are presented in a loving manner. I think this book is a must read for all Christian interested in the life of David.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
So far, I love this book! It teaches the reader about the heart of David and why his story is so effective today as an example of God's favor, blessing and power. I'm still in the early chapters but the story of David's rise to power as king is so fascinating.
Wonderful account of David and his life. David who had a heart for God also failed God and was restored. There is great hope in David's story. God can use any of us if we are willing to repent and have Him redeem us.
Just like the bible study "A Heart Like His" is a simple study on the life of David. Beth uses her knowledge and humor to get vital points across to her readers.
Through this book, Beth Moore gives a detailed account of David’s life from beginning to end. I enjoyed reading it because in church, especially if you grew up in it, we often hear the most memorable of David’s highlights and of his mistakes, but not much beyond that. However, this book chronicled David’s entire life, diving into stories and experiences that aren’t often taught in Sunday school. Through the exploration of David’s life, Moore also weaves in practical application. This book was amazing for getting a greater understanding of the man after God’s own heart, and learning how we ourselves can mirror the heart of God.
Excellent reading. This book provides good understanding regarding the life of David and the difficult timeline aspects and cultural idiosyncrasies contained in the the books of Samuel and Chronicles.
Read about 70% and then moved onto more substantial studies for my daily devotions. I identify strongly with David and was excited for this book, but overall I found the daily analysis of scripture to be pretty weak and surface-level.
It’s taken me a while to finish this book. It has nothing to do with how good or not good I thought it was, rather a busy schedule and a new fall study has kept my reading time to a minimum. Unfortunately, I’ve fallen behind in the “52 books this year” challenge. I do hope to still complete the challenge, and if nothing else this has been a great year for me to plow through all of the Beth Moore books I’ve wanted to get to.
Moore remains one of my favorite teachers and if you’ve been following this blog, you probably feel like you know her too! She writes in such a clear way, you’ll find yourself thinking “That makes total sense, why didn’t I think of that?!” as you study the lives of biblical characters with her. She is also always entertaining and humble in her approach. A Heart Like His is a book based on a bible study Beth created about the life of David. This makes it ideal for those who want to just read the story without the 12 week commitment to a study. As with most of Moore’s books, review questions can be found in the back of the book if you enjoy going a little further into detail.
David has been a fascinating character to many. A “man after God’s own heart”, David seemed like the perfect example of being a faithful servant. Yet when he sinned royally with Bathsheba, thus setting off a domino effect of sins, he still kept God nearby and sought forgiveness. How refreshing, considering we all have our highs and lows. It’s pretty amazing the significance these ancient stories still have today.
Though I don’t feel I gave this book the attention it deserves, I did read it in its entirety. However there really is something to be said for picking up a book, reading a few chapters at a time versus picking up a book and just getting through a few pages at a time. A slower pace really will make you feel like the book is dragging on and on. Sticking with my better judgment, Beth Moore continues to be one of my favorite authors and teachers. This would be a great book for those wanting to discover more about David’s life and the lessons we can glean from reading about it.
For Christian non-fiction fans like myself, add this one to your TBR list! As for me, I’ll still plow my way to number 52 by December 31st…
Although I have "flirted" with Beth Moore books and Bible studies in the past, this is the first time I have ever sar down and read one of her books in its entirity. My mom has been through several Beth Moore studies, and allusions are always made to this fantastic Bible teacher. And all I can say is that this book more than fulfilled my expectations. I can assure you that this will not be the only time I ever pick this book up. This is a keeper!
I grew up in the church, and I am a Bible college graduate. But even I had not considered some of the aspects of David's life that Beth Moore draws out of the Scriptures. This book is not a light read. I recommend taking your time and really letting the Word and its message soak into your soul. I am just a little bit overwhelmed since I read the book in under a week. But even in my reading of it in that time frame, I can highly recommend it.
The true merit of a book that is written to be used as a Bible study is whether it touched my heart and soul. I am happy to say it did. Seeing ho2w many times David messed up but always came back to God gives me great hope. It shows just how much mercy God has to give out even in the Old Testament.
I was most touched as I read about how David continued to trust even when he did not understand or things did not make sense. It is a message that God has been "pounding into my brain" lately. Tears came to my eyes as I read about how even unjust humiliation and misunderstanding does not mean that you have stepped out of God's will. It may not make sense, and we may never understand why things happen just as they do. But we have to trust that God knows what He is doing. Thank you, Beth, I needed to hear that. I too long for a heart like David. And even in my weaknesses and failings, God can use me!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100% mine.
David was always my favorite character in bible stories. His simplicity as a boy and shepherd, his determination as an anointed by God, his complexity as a king, and above all, his love for God, those characteristics made him a very special person. And author Beth Moore capture all details of his personality in this wonderful and well written book. We clearly note the passion that Beth has for David and how well she introduce all stories related to this character, his Back Story, his friendship with Jonathan, his fight for survival from Saul's persecution, so every aspect of his life is described in details and in such a passionate way that we would have to cheer for David even if we did not like him. Although his life is full of struggles, he always kept his love for God. The book is divided in 9 parts for a total of 52 chapters. Each Part has a Psalm as a theme and the chapters for that part develop the main theme or that part of David's story. At the end of the book we find some Review Questions for us to meditate on the reading, and possible use them in a bible discussion group. This was a magnificent effort from the author who put together this excellent book with a strong message, and I recommend it to the permanent library of any person who enjoys a good reading of biographical nature on a fascinating character. This book was written by Beth More and published by B&H Publishing Group originally in 1999, and was republished in 2003 and 2012, with the same name. The author was kind enough to provide me a copy for reviewing through Shelton Interactive and I was not asked to provide a positive feedback. Opinions here are my own.
In a Heart Like His by Beth Moore a devotional that includes questions a bible study in the back. The story of David is told in Second Samuel, First Chronicles, First Kings,and the Psalms which are books in the bible that comprise his life as recorded in scripture. The chapters focus on a particular challenge and how David was human but also followed God. Then there is the application of what we can learn from David’s life. The author’s focus is to teach us how to have God’s heart which David was an example. There are fifty chapters in all. My Thoughts: I love Beth Moore and she is one of my favorite authors. I did not know when I picked this study up for a good price last Christmas that it was meant for men. The women are directed to the live workbook studies. I chose to continue through this study despite it. My one major criticism of her books is the study questions are at the back of the book instead of after each chapter. Her regular workbook studies are not this way. The story was still told with wit and humor as always, and a great appreciation for God’s word. If you have only read her books you should check out one of her live studies. She will have a telecast in September for a live study. You will laugh, cry, and learn with Beth Moore.
If you've not experienced a study with Beth Moore yet, you're missing out. She has a beautiful, tender heart and it is clear that she is seeking A Heart Like His daily. She inspires me to be doing the same!
A Heart Like His explores the life of David throughout 1 & 2 Samuel and across the rest of Scripture. Whilst sermon of David are preached all the time, this book really takes us down a unique path; being able to relate the lessons taught to our own lives. With every Beth Moore book I read, I feel myself growing in His Word and my craving to learn more increases each time. In this book in particular, Beth draws from her own experiences, which really touched me and I was able to actually learn and grow from what she was putting across, rather than passing over issues like I would normally do.
You will love reading this book alongside the original Scripture and by the end of it, you'll feel changed.
**Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review**
Beth Moore walks with readers through the life of King David as found in the Bible and draws out principles for Christian living today. The book is divided into 52 chapters so it could potentially be done as a weekly Bible study for a year, but I plowed through it in about 3 weeks. (The chapters are relatively short.) Discussion questions are found in the back (at least in the Kindle version).
I have been reading a lot of more scholarly books for devotional material lately, so even though Moore includes word studies and some Biblical research in her exposition of the passages, I couldn't help feeling this was a little fluffier than my normal fair. Not to say this doesn't have substance or good points, it was just much lighter than say N.T. Wright's 800+ page book on the resurrection I've been reading lately. I would have liked a little more consideration of historical practices and customs, but for the most part I felt like the points Moore brought out were true to the Scripture and relevant for today's readers.
I'm a Beth Moore fan. I've done a handful of her bible studies, read several books and watched her on DVD. I love her energy, humor and directness. This book was tough though. I listened to in in 1/2 hour blocks and found that I just couldn't keep up. In my opinion, the narration is really fast. With the pace and my lack of familiarity with the basic milestones in David's story, I regularly found myself feeling like I was trying to catch water in my hands. Too much was spilling out and dripping through and I was left feeling like a good portion of the book was wasted on me. Certainly, part of the problem was that I'm still trying to understand what is best for me to hear on audio book versus read. The way this text jumps around books of the bible, I think I would have done much better being able to slow the pace and re-read.
Ms. Moore has put together a detailed resource that definitely left me with a better understanding of David's struggles and triumphs. I just need to listen to it again to better receive all that it is giving!
― Beth Moore, A Heart Like His: Intimate Reflections on the Life of David: This was an awesome Bible study, I learned amazing things about God and his heart for us. One of my favorite quotes from the book is "We’re often intimidated in battle because we are uncertain of our faith. We must remember we don’t stand in victory because of our faith. We stand in victory because of our God. Faith in faith is pointless. Faith in a living, active God who moves mountains.” The study is a resource for readers who need to know the promises of God in our life as he is in a relationship with us. God goes to battle with us, and we come out of the battle victorious. David was a king, but he made a lot of mistakes. David always looks to God in the tough times and God gave him triumphs. Beth encourages us with phrases like "Measure your obstacle against the size of your God". A great book I would recommend greatly as a first time study, as it is well written and concise.
"A Heart Like His" is basically an easy-to-read commentary on 1 and 2 Samuel with the main focus on David. Due to the short chapters and content, I think it'd make a great daily devotional. (It has 52 chapters, if you're interested in doing a chapter a day.)
Each chapter covered a section of 1 or 2 Samuel (in order). The author would quote a part of the text--and a related Psalm, if there was one--and then give a summary of the rest of text. The author then commented on the events and how to learn from the mistakes and triumphs of those in the text. There were some review questions at the end of the book.
While I liked this book, I didn't feel like I gained new insights to the passages or in my walk with Christ. I like Beth Moore's other books better. However, other people might get more out of this book than I did, so I would recommend it to those who like Beth Moore books.
I read Beth Moore’s A Heart Like His with a women’s Bible study group at my church . We only looked at three chapters a week and we took several weeks off for weather and the holidays. One the one hand that’s good – it let me digest each chapter, take my time and think about it. On the other it was bad because it made the book just seem to drag on.
David is a fascinating character, and Moore pulls out lessons to learn from all the points in his life, his ups and his downs. Her tone is conversational and easy to read. She makes it all very relatable. It was a good book to read with a group of women and the discussion questions in the back were helpful. I don’t know that anything was really earth-shattering, but it was a very thorough look at David’s like and how we can learn from his mistakes, his triumphs, and, most importantly, his relationship with God.
Who needs movies and entertainment when you can read all the drama and scandal in the Holy Bible!? :) "A Heart Like His" is an enjoyable and thought-provoking study on King David's (drama-filled, crazy, oh-no-he-didn't) life - it helps shed light on King David's heart, faults, and, most importantly, passion for God. I highly recommend taking Beth Moore's advise in the book to read the scriptures as highlighted in the header of the chapter; I did this and it made the study more meaningful and revelatory for me. As with any study, don't expect to speed though this book - along with reading the scriptures, each chapter gives a lot to digest with enlightening information and applicable life lessons. For me, this book fell just short of 5 stars because, although beautifully written, Beth Moore's writing style in some areas may be a little to gentle for my shoot-it-straight personality.
I found this book by Beth Moore a real blessing. I enjoy her style of devotional writing. It is not deeply theological, but I am a pastor's wife and have been teaching the Bible for over 50 years, yet hardly a day went by but I learned something new about David or his cohorts. I read it slowly, a section each day in my Quiet Time with the Lord. Many times I stopped to think and pray about an issue that Ms Moore brought to mind.
At the end of the book, she has included an extra "study" looking into Jonathan and his armour bearer. I almost missed doing this as I first thought it was a look into the next book. However, I'm so glad I persevered and read it. I would have missed a couple of precious gems if I'd closed the book at the "first" ending.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to develop a heart like God.
Beth Moore recounts David's life in the Bible and describes how he demonstrates the best and the worst of mankind as a sinner and the apple of God's eye. This book elaborates on scripture to show the qualities necessary to please God, to praise God, and to repent wholeheartedly when the transgressions and iniquities occur as they do with David. David is the the best example of one who does not give up on God, one who attributes all of his success and glory to God, and one who receives the unconditional love of God. Beth Moore points out that David conscientiously shepherds his sheep as a boy and continues that considerate protection for his people as a man. In times of trial and desperation, David finds a way, with his faith in the Lord, to come out better because of it. In this way God hones the brave David into a man after His own heart.
This book takes the life of David and goes in depth, drawing life lessons in each chapter. I’ve read books by Beth Moore before and enjoyed them. This was another great book. The title describes the book well. It’s hard to write non-fiction and make it interesting to the reader. Beth Moore has that talent. I was impressed and inspired. I learned some new things and was reminded of how much my Saviour loves me.
Another great feature is the review questions in the back. It’s great for deeper thoughts or could even be used for a Bible study guide. I would definitely recommend this book.
I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.
Beth looks at David's life in this devotional study. How often we forget that even the greatest Biblical figures struggled with sins of the flesh. Yet our merciful God never will never turn away from us. This devotional walks through from the first moments of David's life to his last breath. We learn so much along the way and as the title reflects we can never stray so far that we cannot seek him and his grace to restore us to a heart like his. No matter what stage in your walk with our Lord you are this book can be very beneficial to you. Whether alone or in a group, you will be glad you took the time.
This book was fascinating to me and really helped break the scripture of 1 and 2 Samuel for me. I like Moore's conversational tone and intelligent analysis of scripture. This is by far my favorite of all the books I've read by her. She's fabulous for women readers... not all men like her style because it is typically geared toward a female audience.