Messed Up Men Of The Bible

About The Book:  "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."-2 Corinthians 12:9.  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.
About The Authors:  Dave Samples is a pastor, teacher, author, and church planter. He is a native Texan who resides in Granbury, Texas. He is the Lead Pastor 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 at their annual gathering in Estes Park, Colorado.  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. He is also a proud graduate of Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy, Seymour, Tennessee.  Dave has served as a chaplain in the US Navy, and also 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.  You can find David online at www.davesamples.blogspot.com, or link with him via Facebook or Twitter (@davesamples).
Tina Samples is an Award Winning Author, Speaker, Worship Leader, and Music Therapist. She lives in Tolar Texas with her husband David who is the lead pastor of Tolar Baptist Church. Together, they have two gifted sons, Jaren and Zach - and one grandchild named Abigail.  Tina's new book (along with co-author Dave Samples): Messed Up Men of the Bible: Seeing the Men in Your Life Through God's Eyes will be released January 2016. However, you can pre-order it now on Amazon. 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 include Wounded Women of the Bible: Finding Hope When Life Hurts, as well as, 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. Tina's passion is to minister to women. She is available for speaking events, conferences, and retreats. Tina will Skype your Bible study introduction or closing session free of charge. She enjoys getting to know women across the United States who are working through her books. Find out more about Tina @ www.tinasamples.com
My Thoughts On The Book:  I don't know what I was expecting when I signed up to review this book, but I was delightfully surprised by this book.  This was an uplifting book for women with messed up men in their lives.   The examples they provide for the reader tto learn from are spot on.  I wish I had had this book when I was married the first time.  I see so many elements of my first husband....and my mistakes within the covers of this book. I may not have spent so many years working towards something that was never meant to be.
The book was well-researched, well-written, and thought provoking.  It is a must read for anyone, especially women, who are in relationships with messed up men.  I think they need to write a sequel for the messed up women in the Bible.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this e-book free from Kregel Publications as part of their Blogging Review program.   I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!   
 

Why God Calls Us To Dangerous Places

About The Book:  Why God Calls Us to Dangerous Places is about what is lost and what is gained when we follow God at any cost.
Soon after 9/11, Kate McCord left the corporate world and followed God to Afghanistan—sometimes into the reach of death. Alive but not unscathed, she has suffered the loss of many things: comfort, safety, even dear friends and fellow sojourners.
But Kate realizes that those who go are not the only ones who suffer. Those who love those who go also suffer. This book is for them, too.
Weaving together Scripture, her story, and stories of both those who go and those who send, Kate considers why God calls us to dangerous places and what it means for all involved.
It means dependence. It means loss. It means a firmer hold on hope. It can mean death, trauma, and heavy sorrow. But it can also mean joy unimaginable. Through suffering, we come closer to the heart of God.
Written with the weight of glory in the shadow of loss, Why God Calls Us to Dangerous Places will inspire Christians to count the cost—and pay it.
About The Author:  Kate McCord is an American writer, speaker, workshop facilitator, and spiritual director. She worked in Afghanistan for 9 years as a humanitarian aid worker and often draws on her experiences as she explores themes of faith and practice. Kate can be found on the web at www.storytellerkm.com.
My Thoughts On The Book:  This book is must read for individuals considering missionary work and for the Church in general. It is a well-written and touching book about people of faith who practice what they preach.  Many times it is hard to answer the call of God, especially when it causes you to step outside of your comfort zone.   As the parent of a missionary who has chosen to follow God's call to dangerous places and as a pastor I am saddened by the fact that the Church, as a whole, today should the most understanding of  a person's calling....but they are not always.  It is hard for many to understand the thought processes of a person who chooses to leave the comfort of home and go where they are sent...especially if that place is dangerous.   As a parent, this book answered and settled many of my own questions.  The book is a MUST READ.  It is comforting and encouraging.  I urge you to get a copy, sit down, and inhale the beauty of this book.  If you ever get a chance to hear Kate McCord speak, take it, I know I will.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this e-book free from Moody Publishers as part of their Blogging Review program.   I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!