In the spirit I saw Churches in Sheffield that still exist but that are in stasis. Stored away and covered from the dust. The Lord said they had been put away into stasis (the state of equilibrium or inactivity, stagnation in the flow).
He said that, just as a tree or plant might appear healthy and able to prosper, that He wasn’t interested in its apparent health, but its suitability to be used to produce more trees or plants. Similarly, the Lord isn’t concerned with a church's individual apparent growth, but its suitability to be transmutable (to change completely, especially into something different and better) and to be transferable (to be passed or moved from one place to another) to grow new life for all, all over the city.
Sometimes the removal of a limb or tree can be the catalyst for sudden growth. What seems like decay or demise can actually be the catalyst for growth around us.
I saw a woodland in which large trees towered over an underdeveloped canopy of trees that where inhibited in their growth. In this city we have allowed a culture to develop in which some enjoy the expansive opportunity to grow but at the detriment of those beneath them. The Lord is going to go through a process of thinning out the canopy of larger trees to give everyone expanse and freedom to grow, but no longer at the detriment of one another. There will be a planting out across the city.
We have the choice to embrace this process of pruning limbs and replanting so that He need not sever the roots instead.
The Lord says, “I am pruning my church in this city. Limbs are being removed, canker is being brought to the surface. I am burning it up, and from the flames will be clean fresh roots. The opportunity for new growth will come.”
Jeremiah 9:7 (NLT) So the Lord of All says, “See, I will make them pure and test them. For what else can I do with My people?
Matthew 3:10-11 Even now the axe of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire... He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Exodus 27:14 To the Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire
Possible application What has stopped the overflowing presence of the Lord in the midst of your community? How can this be addressed? How can we better love and serve one another to know breakthrough?
In your church or community what is the Lord wanting to prune? How can you invite the Lord to show you this now so it doesn’t become an unpleasant surprise in the near future? How can we all practically be in a heart posture to be open to the Lord bringing corrective rebuke so that we can flourish together in his ways?
How are we championing one another to reach our full stature in the Lord? How can we create a culture in which we expect, encourage and willfully work and pray for those around us to begin to surpass us?...to see growth around the city.
