Books BY A.B. DeBruyn

Writing is almost as old as humanity itself. I am convinced that God infused us with both the urge, and the gift, of writing. It preserves and passes on knowledge, ideas, stories, experiences, achievements, and discoveries - and if we are paying attention - wisdom and awareness from one generation to the next. It is how we learn and grow. 

From an early age, I sensed that God gave me the gift of writing, even though I still can’t parse a sentence if my life depended on it. Perhaps it is no surprise that both of my careers in life centered around writing, first as a trial and appellate attorney, and then later as a pastor. After four plus decades of composing legal memos, motions, and briefs, and 700+ sermons, I hope I’ve passed Malcolm Gladwell’s suggested threshold of 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to achieve mastery. 

Although I am skilled and practiced at stringing words together in interesting and engaging ways, I am not the true author of my writing. Over time it has become abundantly clear to me that I function more as conduit than source. Any inspiration and insight from the words that emanate from my keyboard should be attributed to the Holy Spirit. I am simply not that smart or creative. This is not false humility, but rather, frank transparency. When I look back at how I’ve conducted my life, I possess no authority or legitimacy to proclaim what is credited to my name. Rather, I am only being obedient to what I am invited to do - - and that is to write what God puts on my heart. 

Below you will find descriptions of the books I have published or are currently in the process. Treat them as an invitation to embark on a devotional journey with me. I only ask that bring openness, curiosity, and desire to deepen your faith are a testament to the power of God's word. May the words within the pages I write bring hope, encouragement, and spiritual nourishment. I pray that God’s truth will resonate in your hearts and lead you toward a transformed life.

The book of Romans is the Apostle Paul’s longest and most systematic writing about faith in Jesus. More of a treatise than a letter, it has served to shape and sharpen Christian belief for over 2,000 years. Yet, its length and complexity can deter people from opening its pages and reading it as a whole book.

The Redeeming Road  invites you to engage with this challenging and deep scripture as a journey of smaller steps. Combining the qualities of a commentary and a devotional, each day offers short scripture readings, contextual insights, stimulating reflections, a few contemplation questions, and concludes with a brief prayer. It can be used as a daily devotional or as a companion study guide. Like most walking expeditions that travel significant distances and require an investment of time, the beauty is found within the journey itself. 

The Book of 1st Corinthians by the Apostle Paul is a guide on the essentials of what it means to live in community and worship God as followers of Jesus in a way that is characterized by self-control and discipline. Although Paul does address specific issues facing that particular church, he does so in a way that communicates the fundamental values for all believers which has endured through two millennia. 

Whether we are brand new to the faith or a long time believer, we are constantly challenged on how to apply our faith to the variety of situations we encounter in our life. 1st Corinthians brightly illuminates what God is pursuing in each of us as we navigate those countless scenarios. Always Better Together invites you to engage with this challenging and deep scripture as a journey of smaller steps. As a proven discipleship practice, it offers short scripture readings, stimulating reflections, contemplation questions, and a brief prayer. It can be used as a daily devotional or as a companion study guide. 

Ever feel like you are living on bits and pieces of faith? Your trust in God is frail and you put up a facade of “I’m doing okay” when in fact you are anything but. If that is hitting close to the mark, let me reassure you that you are not alone. We all experience episodes of “gleaning” in life, meaning we hunt for what feels like leftover scraps from someone else’s harvest. 

From Gleaning to Glory is a different kind of book. Using the story of Ruth from the Old Testament along with Paul’s letter to the Colossians in the New Testament, it explores the importance of faithfulness, redemption, and providence in the middle of challenging circumstances. It reminds us that God never expects us to have it all together as a precondition of faith. To the contrary, God only asks that we be real and authentic, both toward him and to ourselves, which will lead us to treasure of his continual presence in our world and in our life. It will bring us good and will reveal his glory.