Messed Up Men of the Bible by Dave and Tina Samples

From schlubby sitcom heroes to mommy blogs to online articles, there is a broad cultural perception that men constantly mess up and women must fight an uphill battle to fix them. Men are a burden, constant works-in-progress, pushed toward perfection but always falling short. This book asks a revolutionary question: What if these messed-up men are actually a mighty tool for God?

Tina and Dave Samples remind us that the Bible is filled with a cast of messed-up men--men who struggled and fell, and yet were used by God to accomplish His purposes. In fact, God has consistently chosen imperfect "clay pots" in which to place His light.

David was a poor father. Peter had problems with integrity. Moses had anger issues, Gideon struggled with fear, and Elijah suffered from depression--the list goes on. "Messed Up Men of the Bible" offers encounters with these ancient men who faced the same emotions and questions that contemporary men face, in order to reveal fresh spiritual insights and hope for modern relationships. Through personal stories, practical advice, and useful exercises, Tina and Dave provide encouragement and hope for women dealing with the messed-up men in their own lives.

My review:
  I did not realize this was a relationships type of book when I ordered it for review. I also didn't realize it was written for women..... I should have read more of the description.

  Even though the book was written for women to better understand the men in their lives, I still found it an interesting read. We often tend to put the men in the Bible on pedestals, when even the most devout had moments when they weren't devout.

  Each chapter is about a different man in the Bible. Tina and Dave both offer their thoughts, and there is also a box with ways to help in whatever area was discussed pertaining to the Bible character: i.e depression, being a leader, etc. At the end of each chapter is a section called "moving beyond the mess", with questions for discussion and study.

  The book is very well done with a lot of great insights and advice from both authors. It is definitely more for women, and I'd recommend it for that audience.

  Messed Up Men of the Bible is available from Kregel Publishing.

Thanks to Kregel for the review copy.