Redemptive Gift of Your City

Redemptive Gift of Your City
Alice Smith
 
The first consideration in discerning a city is to ask the Lord what the REDEMPTIVE GIFT of the city might be. A redemptive gift is a distinct characteristic about that city God can use to demonstrate his divine blessing and truth. What is true about the city in the natural will often be true in the Spirit. For instance, the first name given to Jerusalem was Salem. (See Genesis 14:18-20) Salem means "peace." Jerusalem means "habitation of peace." God’s redemptive plan is to see Jerusalem be a habitation of peace for all nations. Is it now? No. Will it be? Yes! In fact, all of Psalm 122 is dedicated to pray the truth about the city of Jerusalem. Until that time, Satan will focus on replacing the redemptive gift of the city with a destructive gift.
 
How do you decide what might be the redemptive gift for your city? What are the most outstanding features of your city? What is your city known for?
 
*Hospitals? *Waterways? *Trade? *Entertainment
*The people? *Manufacturing? *Agriculture? *Historical Landmarks *Mountains? *Climate?
 
Example:
Houston, our city, is known to have advanced Medical centers, and one of the best acclaimed Cancer treatment hospitals available anywhere in the nation. Houston is also known for the abundance of underground crude oil. As a result, some prophets believe our redemptive gift is to be a healing for the nations. Through our words, our prayers, our love, our unity, our serving the sick, we Houstonians can offer spiritual healing for the nations as well.
 
There are unique churches in every city. What does your church body have that other churches in your city do not have? Is your church exceptionally structured for missions? Do you know of some churches who have a powerful prayer ministry? Are some churches great at evangelism? How about those churches where they excel in their teaching and training methods? Each is unique and is a redemptive gift of God to your city. Instead of criticizing the city church, learn to appreciate the diversity and contribution each brings to the whole.
 
Discern the potential for spiritual breakthrough. Is there unity among the Pastors? Is there a beginning of denominational unity?
 
 Are there regular city prayer meetings?
 Do you see active reconciliation between Christian leaders and lay people?
 Are there intercessor prayer groups that faithfully meet?
 Are there indications that God is beginning to answer prayer (such as reduced crime, public apologies, increased salvations, cooperation among denominations, etc.
 
Find out who named your city? Learn the meaning of its name. Were they godly who named the city? Ungodly? What was the original purpose for which the city was established? More times than not, the redemptive gift of a city relates to its’ original root bondage. Regardless, all sins open the door to the enemy and those doors need to be closed. Ask the Lord to give you a genuine love for your city. Regardless if your city was built on an unholy foundation, be the one to pray for a clean and holy ground.
 
Realize the Lord cannot lay claim on your city, until he first lays claim on you.
 
Commit to fast and pray so the Lord will reveal to you both the redemptive and destructive aspects of your city. Then begin to believe God for victory.
 
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