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| Sunday, August 05, 2007
Book > The Bait of Satan by John Bevere Writer : Chu Qiao The Bait of Satan*The power of this book is its ability to get to the heart of the matter in plain simple words. It pulls no punches and makes no attempt to bowdlerize a hard-hitting message that says: Forgiveness - you don't give, you don't get. It clearly presents the scriptural basis for forgiveness, a reason that is so absolutely compelling that no true born-again Christian can deny. There is no wiggle-room when we turn our eyes to the finished work on the Cross. There simply is no wiggle room. One of the most memorable quotes from this book goes, "You may have done nothing to provoke the wrong you incurred at the hand of another. But if you contrast what was done to you with what you've been forgiven of, there is no comparison. It would not even put a dent in the debt you owe! If you feel cheated, you have lost your concept of the mercy extended you." The author John Bevere made a very bold assertion at the start of the book: our response to an offense determines our future. As I read the book, I became convinced of the truth that many Christians are ensnared by this subtle trap and bait of Satan. Once caught in it, many of us become unable to function properly in God's purpose and callings for our lives because of the wounds and hurts that we are unable and unwilling to release it to God. This book also teaches me that instead of being offended and stumbled by the mistreatment and injustices that have happened in our lives, we should see it as an occasion for God to mature us and deepen our faith in Him. Too often we are afraid of the cup. We baulk and pray for it to pass from us. If only we knew our latter end. In retrospect, I am now able to say that I have no regret for the pain. I only have gratitude for the precious and poignant lesson it has taught me. I leave you with some of the most powerful teachings and principles from the book. I also strongly urge anyone who is struggling with offense in their lives to read this book, or to recommend it to others whom you know may be beset by it. The blessings I have received through this book are invaluable. I leave you with one of my all-time favorite quotes from American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, "Forgiveness is the final form of love." Let us love one another because He first loves us. Amen. From the Book The Bait of Satan: Being mistreated does not give you permission to hold on to an offense. Two wrong do not make a right. (pg 181) We must come to a place where we trust God - not our flesh - to protect us from offense. (pg 185) Satan hopes we will take his bait of offense so that he will have a foothold into our lives. (pg 189) When you stay free of offense, you continue to stay in the will of God. No man, woman, child, or devil can ever get you out of the will of God. But you can. So choose. (pg 191) God often places us in uncomfortable places and under increasing pressure so that we may be shaped by His love and refining fire. (pg 199) If we keep changing the place where we are planted, we will never grow spiritually the way God intends. (pg 202) Offense blocks spiritual growth, but suffering and obedience take us to a deeper relationship with the Lord, and with others. (pg 205) Love forgets wrongs so that there is hope for the future. (pg 208) Without a foundation in His Word, we will be easily offended by unexpected trials and tribulations. (pg 210) Trials and testings locate a person. In other words, they determine your spiritual position. (pg 213) Tests either make you bitter toward God and your peers, or they make you stronger. (pg 219) Love is the bottom line in our relationship with the Lord - not love of principles or teachings, but love for the Person of Jesus Christ. (pg 221) Your spiritual maturity depends on your willingness to face, forgive, and forget past offenses. (pg 243) Love never fails, never fades, or comes to an end. (pg 252) *Bevere, John. The Bait of Satan-Living Free from the Deadly Trap of Offense. Charisma House. Lake Mary, Florida, USA. 2004. See more at John Bevere's freedom-ministries.com Read a response to the book - a testimony of breaking free of the bait of satan here.
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