Here is a very true statement: "Those who are deceived, don't know that they are deceived." Simplistic isn't it? But however "simplistic" it is, it is true! Deception is a powerful tool that can be used to overcome ones enemy. A cousin to deception is distractions. Distractions can get our focus off of the real issue and onto something...……."other than." Both deception and distraction are masterfully used by the enemy of our souls to weaken and preoccupy the Church of Jesus Christ!
One of my very best friends I grew up with is a Professional Magician. He makes a very good living performing slight of hand and illusions. Over the years, he has taught me some of the "tricks" he uses in his shows which once I learned, were pretty simplistic. Every single "trick" he uses employs deception and distraction! Get people to focus on one thing, while the real "THING" is going on out of their sight! And all people, from school kids to adults, fall for it and are utterly amazed! It is good fun! But such is not the case when the Body of Christ is being deceived and/or distracted! And I believe we need to be VERY aware and careful when it comes to these two!
The true issue that we, the Body of Christ needs to be focusing upon, is REVIVAL! Not a series of meetings that are meant to be a "feel-good" "rah-rah" session for the Saints, but a genuine MOVE of God! A Revival where REPENTANCE precedes our PLEADINGS! Where we begin to understand that as Pentecostals, we hold the "KEY" to what the world is longing for and desperately in need of,...…..THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!
It has been prophesied on numerous occasions and by numerous people that a great Revival, the 3rd. Great Awakening and Final Reformation, would occur on the "backside" of the Covid-19 crises. The People of God sense it and feel its rumblings! The problem is, with our focus upon all of the things going on around us, our focus keeps shifting from the Revival to the civil unrest and politics of our time. Don't get me wrong, I truly believe we need to be informed, but also understand, that there is a LOT of DISTRACTIONS and DECEPTION going on out there! WHY?...…...Because the devil ALSO knows that REVIVAL is not only coming, but will TRANSFORM the people and the issues that so many are caught up in! FOCUS my dear Brothers and Sisters,...……..FOCUS! and in unison, let's cry out in REPENTANCE and seek God for REVIVAL!
