(By Eddie Hyatt) It was during the praise and worship service just before I was to preach in a very lively “revival” church. It was a very festive atmosphere with people shouting, waving banners and running the aisles. As I quietly worshipped, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “The stronghold of deception is pride.” I immediately knew that I was to address the fact, that during times of revival, pride often creeps in because of the power and blessing of God.
Individuals and churches get an inflated sense of their own importance because of God’s blessing on their lives. This pride then becomes an opening and a stronghold for demonic deception. By the time I finished my message that morning, a solemn quietness had settled over the congregation. After the benediction, everyone seemed almost afraid to talk and spoke quietly and in whispers as they departed. It was such a contrast to the earlier festive atmosphere that I was somewhat concerned. READ MORE
