Book #16: The God of Second Chances - by Erik Kolbell; and Book #15: The Way Forward - by Matt Leroy and Jeremy Summers

I apologize for the delayed posting, I seem to be reading more than blogging. I read two wonderful, inspiring, and very enlightening books this past week and I highly recommend them both.

"The Way Forward" is a particularly cool book of sorts because of its different format and delivery technique. Two students from Asbury Theological Seminary (located in my home state of Kentucky, in the very small town of Wilmore) have assembled a great collection of powerful voices and instrumental influences into one quick-read book. I happened upon this book the exact week that I began working on my personal statement and materials for Bread for the World's Hunger Justice Leader application. This was the perfect book to read during this time and a way for my to become more humble, more inspired to serve, and more submissive to the will of God. Amazing how books can open the eyes of your eye to see the wonder of God and hear his quiet whispers.

From a monk to slave, preacher to reformer, and activist to poet, "The Way Forward" is a journey through the rich history of the Wesleyan family and includes such classics as Thomas a' Kempis, John Wesley, William Law, Phoebe Palmer, and John Fletcher. Each chapter includes an original text as well as commentary set in modern context. It's true: history repeats itself and the greatest influences of the Wesleyan spirit is still very much alive and applicable today.

One timeless marvel that quickly caught my attention was Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf (1700-1760), born into European nobility and raised by his grandmother. An adolescent Zinzendorf saw the painting Ecce Homo, depicting the crucified Christ along with the caption "This I have done for you - now what will you do for me?" He was deeply moved by the profound word and instantly dedicated his life to following Jesus Christ.

This book introduced me to names that I had never known before, but I want to learn as much about these people as possible. In particular, Orange Scott and Luther Lee, both Methodist theologians. In 1853, Lee preached the ordination sermon for Antoinette Brown, the first woman ordained to the Christian ministry. Imagine, women have been ordained ministers since 1853, I want to know this Antoinette woman myself!!!!!

Another female mentor and spiritual giant I want to know is Catherine Booth, a bold missionary dedicated to reaching the broken world by integrating holiness, social justice, and evangelism.

In a broken, messed up, unfair, confusing world, I know my hope, salvation, and trust rests in my Savior, Jesus Christ - He is my second chance! In the book, "The God of Second Chances" author Erik Kolbell takes you on a journey through 12 grace-filled steps to realizing the divine love that God provides: restoration, rebirth, reconciliation, rememeberance, redemption, revelation, resurrection, reflection, religion, receving, retreat, and revival. I can't think of a better time to read this book than during the Lent Season - a season of dying to old ways and beginning afresh with a spirit filled with the love and grace that God is so freely willing to give all His children.

Along the way, we get lost, but are given direction. We tire, but are given sustenance. We doubt, but are given fortitude. We are distracted by something more appealing or less arduous, but are given wisdom and discipline. We perserve and are given encouragement. We fall short, and are afforded the second chance.

And, a lesson that I am continuously learning: just as God gives me a second chance, I must provide that second chance to others as well. It's a gratifying and humbling experience, to extend the love of Christ to someone. I keep that image of Christ's cruxifiction in my mind with the caption - "This I have done for you - now what will you do for me?"

What have you done for someone today?

Grace,
Nicole