Messed Up Men of the Bible by Tina and Dave Samples - REVIEWED

About the Book:

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 Thoughts:

“You have a choice, my friend – to either stay where you are or move out of the darkness toward healing.” (p. 52)

“Replace the lies that come from Satan’s mouth with God’s word and perspective on who you are.” (p.53)

These are words of wisdom shared in the chapter that deals with the need to control everything and everyone in our lives to maintain a sense of security.  Seems bold, doesn’t it!  Well, Tina and Dave are the boldest, most transparent and gifted teachers writing  today!  Messed Up Men of the Bible is a tag team effort that gives both male and female perspectives from a couple who has weathered decades of life together.  Their life isn’t perfect, rather, it is submitted to the Lordship of Christ.

Each chapter deals with everyday areas of life, anger, depression, pride, control to name a few – all of which – if not submitted to Christ can become the weapon of the enemy to destroy life and purpose in a believer’s life.  This book also addresses how to deal with some of these issues if the person facing the issue is not a believer.  This couple gives practical, honest truth from God’s Word, using biblical characters as examples.

Each chapter also offers a series of questions that are thought provoking and transforming.  This book is a complete package of wisdom.  Honestly!!  Get out your highlighter and journal and begin the journey toward healing and wholeness today!  This is an amazing tool that will change lives!  A small group of married couples or just a married couple using this as their daily devotion…the possibilities are endless.  I’m a single-again believer, and I would have loved to had this tool in my well-house of knowledge when I was still married!  I’ve learned a LOT and will continue going back to this book time and time again!

This is a solid Bible study guide for anyone!!  I highly recommend this book!

About the Authors:

Tina is an award-winning author, speaker, worship leader, and registered Music Therapist. She lives in Tolar, Texas with her husband David, the lead pastor of Tolar Baptist Church. Together, they have two gifted sons, Jaren and Zach. Her book Wounded Women of the Bible: Finding Hope When Life Hurts, received the 2014 Golden Scroll Award for nonfiction book of the year.


Tina’s publishing credits also include It's a God Thing: Stories To Help You Experience The Heart of God, Guideposts; Extraordinary Answers to Prayer: In Times of Change and Unexpected Answers; Angels, Miracles, and Heavenly Encounters: Real Life Stories of Supernatural Events; and The One Year Life Verse Devotional. She has also contributed to The Secret Place devotional magazine, as well as Quiet Hour magazine.

Dave is a pastor, teacher, author, and church planter. He is a native Texan who resides in Granbury, Texas and pastors at Tolar Baptist Church in Tolar, Texas. Dave has held numerous denominational leadership positions and has spoken for a variety of organizations including the Gospel Music Association in Estes Park, CO.

Dave has a Master of Divinity Degree with Biblical Languages from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas and a Bachelor’s Degree from Union University, Jackson, Tennessee.

Dave has served as a chaplain in the US Navy, as well as in local fire and police departments. In 2008, he was nominated as Windsor, Colorado's Person of the Year in recognition of his efforts to provide disaster relief following a devastating tornado.

Dave and Tina have two sons, Jaren and Zach, and one granddaughter, Abigail.