Roots of iniquity!

“Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:10 (ESV)

Earlier this year we took out several trees, as well as having professionals take out some that were hanging over our house. Recently I attacked one of the stumps and root base that was left behind. I realized just how easy it was to cut it down. Yeah, then there was the clean-up and that was quite draining. But chopping, digging and pulling out the stump was a totally new challenge. I sensed the Lord say to me, it’s time to go after the roots off iniquity in our city, starting with the church… that’s us!

Unlike the tree we can see, roots work stealthily underground away from human eyes. Once the tree is down it will often still send up shoots to start again. Such is sin and iniquity. We can confess our sins, but unless we deal with the roots, that is, the cause of that sin, it’s going to come back. That’s how demons work! You can cast them out but you must fill the house and close the door that allowed them to be there in the first place or they will come back with seven more worse than them (Luke 11:26, Matthew 12:43-45)!

We are in a season of sifting, shifting, separating and choosing! Soon there won’t be the luxury of being in the middle, remaining lukewarm, undecided about being all in for Christ! Either you’ll be in, with all you’ve got, or not! And now is the moment to get things right, to deal with the roots in our lives, so we can go after the roots of iniquity in our city.

Peter warned us that judgment begins in the household of God (1 Peter 4:17), and that has begun! How can He judge the world when many of His own people are just as guilty? Jesus is coming for a radiant, passionate, pure and prepared bride. Yes, she will be ready! Will you be a part of it?

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any roots of sin and iniquity. As He shows you confess it and ask Him to completely remove the roots! Ask Him to give you a hatred of sin, starting in your own heart. Ask Him to break your heart with the sin in others hearts. Ask Him how to intercede for those who don’t want to deal with the seen and/or hidden sin in their hearts. Cry out for mercy upon those who do not want to pull out the roots. Pray for your pastor to be gripped with the seriousness of this warning! Cry out for holiness, purity and the fear of God to grip your church, and the churches across our city!