A Man After God's Own Heart: Updated and Expanded

by Jim George

Would you like to have a real and lasting impact on the world around you?

God knows what it will take for you to experience the satisfaction that comes from living a life of purpose—His purpose. In A Man After God's Own Heart, you'll discover God's perfect design for how you can make a difference in all the key areas of your life:



your marriage—what it means to love, lead, and protect your wife
your children—the keys to training them up and shaping their hearts
your work—modeling integrity and diligence in the workplace
your church—discovering how and where God can use you
your life example—letting others see God in your words and actions Commit now to becoming a man after God's own heart—you'll find it the most rewarding pursuit ever!

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Christian Living, Faith, Family, Religion, Spirituality

272 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2002

About the author

Jim George is a bestselling author and national speaker dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. For over 30 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Jim has helped countless men and women:

- Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
- Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
- Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
- Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
- Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
- Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Jim is the bestselling author of A Man After God’s Own Heart and two-time finalist for the Gold Medallion Book Award. Besides writing, he has served as a pastor, seminary professor, and as a pharmacist with the Medical Service Corps of the Army Reserve.

Jim’s leadership influence has helped thousands of men honor God by modeling integrity in the workplace, learn to be better communicators, and build a strong legacy for their family. Jim holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Oklahoma, and a Master of Divinity and Master of Theology from Talbot School of Theology.

In the midst of their busy writing schedule, Elizabeth and Jim love spending time with their two married daughters and eight grandchildren, taking daily walks along golden sands, and enjoying the beautiful Hawaiian sunsets. They divide time residing in Honolulu, Hawaii and the Washington State coast.

Reviews

[Miguel Cisneros Saucedo · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Un hombre Conforme al Corazón de Dios" de Jim George es un libro que pretende guiar a los hombres en su camino espiritual y personal hacia una vida más alineada con los principios bíblicos. Sin embargo, su enfoque simplista, su falta de profundidad y su estilo repetitivo lo convierten en una lectura decepcionante. Por estas razones, merece una calificación de una estrella sobre cinco.

Primero que nada, el libro se centra en ofrecer consejos prácticos para que los hombres puedan vivir de acuerdo con valores cristianos, abordando temas como la fe, la familia, el liderazgo y la integridad. Sin embargo, el tratamiento de estos temas es superficial y carece de originalidad. George recurre constantemente a citas bíblicas y conceptos generales sin desarrollar ideas nuevas o perspectivas frescas que puedan resonar con el lector contemporáneo. El resultado es un texto que se siente más como un sermón genérico que como una guía práctica y transformadora.

Uno de los mayores problemas del libro es su falta de profundidad. Aunque menciona temas importantes, como la importancia de ser un buen esposo, padre y líder, no ofrece herramientas concretas o estrategias específicas para aplicar estos principios en la vida diaria. Por ejemplo, al hablar sobre la comunicación en el matrimonio, George se limita a decir que los hombres deben "escuchar más" y "ser comprensivos", sin proporcionar ejemplos prácticos o pasos claros para mejorar en esta área. Esto deja al lector con una sensación de insatisfacción, ya que no encuentra soluciones reales a los desafíos que enfrenta.

Además, el estilo de escritura es repetitivo y predecible. George repite constantemente las mismas ideas y frases, lo que hace que el libro se sienta redundante y poco inspirador. En lugar de profundizar en los temas o explorar nuevas dimensiones, el autor se limita a reiterar conceptos básicos que muchos lectores probablemente ya conocen. Esto no solo hace que la lectura sea tediosa, sino que también limita el potencial del libro para impactar de manera significativa.

Otro aspecto problemático es la falta de adaptación a un público diverso. El libro parece estar dirigido a un grupo muy específico de hombres (cristianos ultraconservadores), lo que limita su relevancia para un público más amplio. No se abordan cuestiones contemporáneas o desafíos modernos que los hombres puedan enfrentar en su vida personal, profesional o espiritual, como lo son las nuevas masculinidades. Esto hace que el libro se sienta desconectado de la realidad y poco útil para aquellos que buscan una guía práctica y aplicable en el mundo actual.

Finalmente, el tono del libro puede resultar condescendiente en ocasiones. George parece asumir primero que los lectores son cristianos y que no tienen conocimientos previos sobre los temas que aborda, lo que puede ser frustrante para aquellos que buscan un análisis más inclusivo o liberal. En lugar de desafiar al lector a crecer y reflexionar, el libro se conforma con ofrecer consejos básicos y obvios que no aportan nada nuevo al diálogo sobre la masculinidad y la espiritualidad.

Asi pues, Jim George promete mucho pero cumple poco. Su enfoque superficial, su estilo repetitivo y su falta de relevancia para un público diverso lo convierten en una lectura decepcionante. Aunque puede ser útil para quienes buscan una introducción muy básica a los principios cristianos, no ofrece nada significativo para aquellos que deseen profundizar en su crecimiento personal y espiritual.

[Jared · Rating 2 out of 5]

This presented no new ideas on how to pursue God. I had read Man Of God by Charles Stanley about two months before this one, and it was like reading the same thing

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY REVIEW:

Biblical. Accurate. Basic. Practical. Challenging. Convicting. Uplifting.

These are just a few words I would use to describe this book that every man should read. It will take a man at any place in life back to the basics of his relationship with the Lord and how the Word of God can be fleshed out in his own everyday life.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

As a devoted Christian, passionate speaker, and prolific author, Jim George has taught, trained, counseled, and mentored men from all walks of life. He brings more than 25 years of ministry to this bestselling book (more than 110,000 sold), now rereleased with a helpful study guide and new cover. In it he explains that a man’s heartfelt desire to grow spiritually is all that’s needed— God’s grace does the rest. The reader will find instruction and be encouraged to make lasting changes to his:

* Marriage—leading, loving, and protecting his wife God’s way
* Work—cultivating attitudes and actions that make a difference
* Witness—putting God on display in his life and words

Within this book, men are invited to embark on a journey toward greater growth and maturity; to make giant strides toward truly becoming a man after God’s own heart.

[Keren R. Mccullough · Rating 3 out of 5]

“It is not to be copy and pasted after the heart of God. Only that your very desire, longing and action is in pursuit of Him.”

I really enjoyed this book. It was refreshing and convicting to read. With simple and effective points on how to be more like Christ. I know if we realize how vital it is not to just be a Christian, but to be like Christ. To make him our one and only desire. To make him our everything. If we seek him he will grant us the desires of our heart….
I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
Highly recommend.

[Joshua Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a self-help manual with a Christian label, it is a sincere and Scripture-saturated call for men to walk and live in true Godliness. This book is thoroughly rooted in God's Word, and is a breath of fresh air in a culture that constantly redefines manhood to meet their worldly perspectives. Jim brings clarity, conviction, and compassion as he exhorts us men to pursue a life of holiness, faithfulness, and spiritual leadership. All to the glory of God!

What stood out for me was this books unwavering commitment to biblical truth. Jim begins with the heart, rightly recognizing that true godliness is not a result of changed behavior, but a result of a transformed heart. As Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, from the heart flow the springs of life, and Jim challenges us men to guard it diligently.

He doesn't shy away from calling men to fulfill their God-given responsibilities in the home, Church, and workplace. Each sphere is closely examined through the lens of Scripture; leading the family in love and truth, laboring diligently with integrity, and serving the body of Christ with humility. The emphasis on servant leadership and spiritual discipline was both convicting and greatly encouraging.

What is especially profound is the book's balance between instruction and exhortation. The gospel is placed at the center of this book, making it clear that any true pursuit of righteousness is by God's enabling grace. Jim beautifully reminds us that our striving for holiness and spiritual maturity must flow from our identity in Christ.

This book does not tickle the ears, it trains the soul. It helps a man examine his life in light of Scripture. it reminds us that faithfulness in things such as prayer, meditation on Scripture, humility, and repentance, matter greatly in the sight of our dear God.

This is a great book for any men desiring to grow in holiness, desiring to love their families well, desiring to lead with biblical conviction, and desiring to serve the Lord with undivided devotion. This book will not entertain you, but it will significantly contribute to your sanctification.

[Joel Osoba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shifted my perspective and my total adult and manhood experience in a positive way. It is instructional, practical, and intelligently written. Read it as a required reading for a young men's community group and I dare say everyone has the same testimony about the lesson gleaned from the text. Highly recommended.

[James Kyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful, educational, inspirational, applicable!

[Frankthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I read this summer, and the one that got me back into reading. It is a great book and it really gives an overview of how a man of God should live his life. The topics include the pursuit of God, how to be a good husband to your wife, how to be a good father, how to honor God at work, how to honor God at church, and how to be a witness. Now like I said it is like an overview as all these topics can be a book of their own. However, if you are a Christian and a man that does not know who to be a man of God I would recommend this book. It will give a man the overview on how to be a man of God, and though it gives you a lot to work on it does say to take things slowly if I remember right. After I would recommend going to other books that focus of one of these topics, which ever one God wants you to improve on right now. For me it was my pursuit of God, or organizing my quiet, or prayer life, with God. This book could also be for a Christian man who needs reminding of the things that actually matter in life and who need reminding who to be a man of God. It is easy to forget these things in our day to day lives.

I am sure I have problems with this book, but they must have not been that a big of deal because I cannot remember them, or course it has been a few months since I read this book. I am thinking about reading again though, but with the other books I want to read it might take a while to get back to this book.

Also for the women out their the authors wife wrote a book about being a women after God's own Heart, I never read it, but it might me worth checking out and if it is as good as this book I would recommend it.

May the Lord help all the men to truly become men of God and all the women to truly become women of God.

[John Cress · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one that can bring you back to what is important. It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday duties that we can too easily forget about God. The book is split into sections such as work, spouse, church, witnessing and kids. Each chapter gives simple instructions on how to make improvements in each area. This is an easy read but not so easy that thought is not provoked. I would recommend this to anyway who needs a refresher and steered back on the right direction.

[Philip Meinel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book discusses a man's priorities as related to his wife, children, church, work, and witnessing. All these tie into God's purpose for your life.

'I challenge you as I challenge myself: Seek God's help in fulfilling His purpose by reading your Bible, finding someone to disciple you, and desiring God's will with all your heart.'
-Jim George

This quote reminds me of a great movie. Where are you men of courage? Stand up, love your wife, lead your family, read diligently, serve others, take responsibility, pursue excellence and find your purpose.

[Shane Burgel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, but I was hoping for a little more from it. It seemed a bit more like a textbook then a devotional and although I think I got some good ideas out of it, I wasn't blown away. I plan to read his other devotional book next so we'll see if that one is written differently.

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is very good for any man. I think even college guys should read this as they will better understand their influence in this crazy world!

[Thomas Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Likeable, practical, safe, will not rock anyone's boat, but it is common sense approach with moments of enlightenment about how a devoted man should act.

[James Caulk]

Awesome book....helped me see how much i need to work on my walk with Christ.

[Brandon Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. Goes up there with Man in the Mirror. Did this as a men's group study and found the discussions to really bring light to the chapters.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Husbands, read this book. If you’ve been married for 20 days or for 20 years, this is a guide to direct you in focusing on your relationship with God the Father, and how you will impact all other connections in your life because of your intimacy with Him.
Fiancés, read this book. I wish I’d put to mind ANY book on marriage before I got married, but I could not recommend a better book to get started with.
Jim George does an incredible on teaching the personal and relational responsibilities of a husband, father, and man after God’s purpose for their life. Without it being a difficult read, his text to live by offers a look at how a man is supposed to support and care for his wife, prepare and disciple his children, and relate with and be an influence in his social life. The biblical parallels George brings to everyday life are pretty spot on, and there was a never a moment throughout my reading where I just thought I was holding another “Christian Self-Help” books.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personally I'm a someone who has left the Church, but never abandoned my own relationship with God. Sometimes it I can get lost or delayed on my path. I found this book in the library and borrowed it without expecting anything from it. I just checked it out for the third time. The book is split into sections making it easy to go back and review it the areas in my life I need direction. It is divide by work, spouse, church, witnessing and kids. Each chapter gives you guidance on how to make improvements in each area. The book is clear and easy to read and at the same time I find myself in thought. I recommend this to anyone, someone looking for change or guidance in their life to anyone who faithfully attends Church. File this under required reading for Men.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never give a book 5 stars because there is no book greater than the only true 5-star book, The Holy Bible. However, Jim provides a great and concise interpretation of what God looks for in a man. Never having a true spiritual leader or mentor in my life, I found this book extremely helpful, informative, and thought-provoking about the type of man that I want to be - a man after God's own heart. I will definitely reflect upon what he says and what God says in the Bible as I work on myself and my relationship with God and others. I am definitely excited about being able to take what I have and continue to learn and pass it on to others. God bless.

[Sean Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid Biblical Christian principles of how to live a faithful Christian life as a man. Not perfect, and sometimes it does feel like it is (as it is) American but they are mere quibbles in the grand scheme of things, and this was certainly an encouraging and challenging book.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, simple book that gets to the basics of what a godly man should aim for in life.
I have been reading it with a men's fellowship I was invited to and that made the reading experience much better.

[Matthew Pfeil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good to great book about being a biblical man. I would recommend this to a early-20's Christian or a newer to the faith Christian man.

[Fred Leland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uplifting and inspiring book.

[Emmanuel Mandela · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book had a profound effect on me. Jim George knows how to capture the heart of the reader.

[Deeps George · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful book that lays down the rules , practices and nature of a man who is after God’s heart should be. A recommended reading for a one wanting to be a better person and follower of Christ.

[Tim Finch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autographed Copy

[Carlos García · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro que te enseña, te capacita y te confronta, todo para ser un hombre conforme al corazón de Dios

[Byron Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro que no pasa de moda y que me ha ayudado mucho pues está basado en la Palabra De Dios

[Reny Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christ Centered

[Tyler Brophy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quality stuff very practical!

[Tre Brickley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent comprehensive survey of what being "a man after God's own heart" means. This book will probably be a yearly read for me for the rest of my life.