About:
We have real hope we’re called to share. But how we share it makes a difference.
Christians today face a dilemma: in a world that seems to reject everything we believe, how do we walk closely with God without caving to pressure or alienating those we hope to reach?
In this eye-opening new book, Chris Hodges provides a solution by examining the life of the prophet Daniel, who persevered in a corrupt culture that closely resembles our own—and emerged as an influential force in God’s redemptive plan. Full of scripture and seasoned with Hodges’ candid personal insights, The Daniel Dilemma shows us that we can hold firmly to biblical beliefs without becoming obnoxious, insulting, or mad. We can stand strong while loving others well. Because standing for truth isn’t about winning the argument; it’s about winning hearts. And when we learn the secret of connecting before correcting, we discover that we can respond to today’s hard questions without compromising grace or truth.
With fresh insights and practical ideas, Hodges encourages Christians struggling with our cultural reality to hold God’s standards high and his grace deep—just as Jesus did, and just as his followers today are called to do.
My thoughts:
LOVE this book. So much good stuff in here. Chris gets to the core of things and gives simple, yet effective ways to stand strong in a world of compromise.
How do we stand for our Christian beliefs yet love others? I’m not an expert but I know I have somehow manged to do it in my classroom. One of my students who is very open about his lifestyle tells me my class is his happy, safe place. I didn’t create that by preaching at him I created that by being kind and listening to him. He knows what I believe yet he sees that I care about him. I will never condone his lifestyle but I will love him.
Chris gives practical advice how we all can do that.
I have highlighted so much from this book I can’t share it all but here are a views quotes:
“Truth without grace is mean. Grace without truth is meaningless. Truth and grace together are good medicine.”
“Worship is not about responsive readings or singing hymns. Worship is surrendering yourself to the power, majesty, and goodness of your Creator, letting God be God — even when you don’t understand what he’s doing or when you disagree.”
Love this one: “We should really consider whether we’re willing to give praise to a team of athletes who don’t even know us but stay silent before the God who created us. It all comes down to worship.”
There’s so much more but I just suggest you pick up the book and give it a read for yourself. I really enjoyed this.
Visit Chris here.
Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.
A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.
Genesis 5020 
I think one of the most difficult topics to broach without coming off wrong is regarding where a person goes after this life. If you ever read one of the articles in the newspaper where it says something like for example: John Doe celebrating is 25th anniversary in heaven, than you know what I mean. Why is hell and the lake of fire mentioned if it seems everyone believes that their loved ones are in heaven. Isn’t God’s standards of holiness thought upon when the decision is made at the end when Jesus returns? Last time I checked he was the judge about where we end up based on our works and obedience. Babies and children not at the age of accountability or the feeble minded I understand, but otherwise God does not wink at ignorance.