Broken But Beautiful: Reflections on the Blessings of the Local Church
“I will build my church,” Jesus said. “And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The ministry of Gospel-Centered Discipleship “exists to cultivate writers and resources that make, mature, and multiply disciples of Jesus.” Broken but Beautiful is a collection of some of our best writers and our best resources celebrating the local church. If you’ve been around the church for any length of time, you’ve probably experienced hurt, whether from leaders or fellow members. We understand; most of us have scars too. But the local church is the bride of Christ and God’s plan to bless the world. These eclectic essays highlight many of those blessings, from how local churches have faithfully cared for the children of divorced parents to the many ways the body of Christ lifts our eyes from our morbid introspection—all while highlighting the wonderful truth that, through all the sin and sorrow, Jesus continues to build his church.
Counsel the Word Series
Soul Care in the Psalms: Projects for Growth from Psalms 25-41
The Psalms, as the divine songbook of God, will care for your soul as you care for the souls of others. Meditate devotionally on each of these psalms as you soak in the text of Scripture. Then let God’s Word speak to your personal situation according to your present need. As you apply these gospel truths to your own life, you will lead others in Godward counsel and prayer as well.
Soul Care in the Psalms: Projects for Growth from Psalms 1-24
The Psalms, as the divine songbook of God, will care for your soul as you care for the souls of others. Meditate devotionally on each of these psalms as you soak in the text of Scripture. Then let God’s Word speak to your personal situation according to your present need. As you apply these gospel truths to your own life, you will lead others in Godward counsel and prayer as well.
Ruth: The Romance of Redemption
The Bible tells the grand narrative of God’s unexpected romance of redemption to rescue his people from sin. Immerse yourself in this fascinating story and meet the Author of Scripture himself.
“Read. Apply. Change. That is what will happen when you engage with this book.” – WAYNE VANDERWIER, Chairman of the Board, Overseas Instruction in Counseling
“This book is not only a must-read for every Christian but also a very important tool in biblical counseling for its theological and practical approach.” – SHELBI CULLEN, Professor and Director of Women’s Ministries at The Master’s University
Habakkuk: God’s Answers to Life’s Most Difficult Questions
The prophet Habakkuk asks a question still common today: God, where are you when I need you? Learn from this lamenting prophet as he trusts in the Lord.
“This book prepares you to face those troubling times in the strength of the Lord and in the power of His might.”
– BOB SOMERVILLE, Author and Professor
“Tom has keen insights on Habakkuk from the practical background of working with people who wrestle with the many struggles that the prophet describes.”
– BILL MALICK, C&MA District Superintendent
Elegy of Hope: Soul Care from the Book of Lamentations
No one enjoys facing grief and loss, yet we encounter it every day in a fallen world. My prayer for you, as you read the book of Lamentations, is threefold: (1) to find your hope in God through the prophet’s lament, (2) to process your own pain through the practice of lament, and (3) to be encouraged by these examples of lament. May this elegy of hope lead you to an increased faith, healing growth, and lasting inspiration for your journey in a fallen world.
Proverbs: Everyday Wisdom from Chapters 1-9
This verse-by-verse exposition of Proverbs 1-9 includes reflective questions for application and practical tools for discovering treasure in the wisdom of Proverbs.
Proverbs: Everyday Wisdom from Chapters 10-31
Proverbs 1-9 set the table for this banquet in Chapters 10-31. Each of these topical studies, like courses in a sumptuous feast, will offer pleasure and practicality to guests who dine.
Devotionals
Proverbs: Hope for New Dads
These 10-minute devotions from the wisdom of Proverbs are a gift to new dads who have taken up the blessed privilege of parenting. Each devotional explains God’s design for the family and includes humorous anecdotes of applying the Proverbs to everyday life.
Genesis: In the Beginning, God
These 5-minute devotionals explain every verse in Genesis and also include questions for daily reflection. Bible students, preachers, and counselors will find helpful insights throughout.
History of Soul Care Series
The Church Behind Barbed Wire: Stories of Faith from the Japanese American Internment of World War II
Grace, Race, and the Church: Sharing Our Stories Family Style
To Cross An Ocean: The Tran Family Memoir
Articles
Helping People Change on Race Issues (SOLA)
Church, Let’s Talk About Race (SOLA)
When God Calls a “Time-Out” (GCD)
Why We Should Counsel from the OT Prophets (ACBC)
Reflection on Psalm 23 (GCD)
From Grief to Glory (SOLA)
Blest Be the Tie that Binds (GCD)
The Proverbs 31 Woman (SOG)
The Proverbs 31 Man (SOG)
Why I’m Thankful for the Chinese American Church (SOLA)
The Church Behind Barbed Wire (SOLA)
Saying “No” Like Jesus (Patheos series)
Dear First-Time Father (SOLA)
The Heart of Deconstruction (ACBC)
Walking in Wisdom During the Pandemic (SOLA)
“Come Back to Church” (Parenting Teens Magazine, Lifeway)
Examining the Dangers of the “Carnal” Christian (Ala Carte)
Afghanistan, Vietnam, and the Sovereignty of God (SOLA)
Help When Anxiety Keeps You Up At Night (ACBC)
The Attributes of God from Proverbs (SOG)
Come, Let Us Return to the Local Church (GCD)
To the Post-Pandemic Pastor (Patheos)
The Gospel Beginning in Proverbs (SOG)
Take Time to Breathe, Brother Pastor (SOG)
How Can Christians View Immigration Through a Gospel Lens (SOLA)
A Letter to My Children About Racism (Reclaim)
Prayers in the Book of Ruth (SOG)
Ruth in the Context of God’s Covenants (SOG)
Psalm 4: Help for When Anxiety Keeps You Up at Night (GCD)
Counseling from the Prophets (SOG)
Counseling from Biblical Narrative (SOG)
God, Where Are You When I Need You? (SOG)
In the Beginning, God (SOG)
Good News for Dads (TLP)
Servant Leadership in Marriage (TLP)
Biblical Soul Care During the Japanese American Internment (JBSC)
How Japanese American Pastors Prepared Their Flocks for Internment (CT)
Unless the Seed Dies (GCD)
Translations
Habakkuk: Finding Joy When the Fig Tree Does Not Bud (CT) – Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese
Psalm 4: Help When Anxiety Keeps You Up At Night (ACBC) – Japanese