Birmingham has had a lot of bad press recently. Since 2023, Birmingham was declared ‘bankrupt’ and over the past few months, the refuse collectors have been striking which has led to many people not having their rubbish collected for weeks. The rubbish has piled up to epic proportions with many residents turning to the media as they have had enough as the rubbish is attracting “rats as big as cats” and state of emergency was issued a couple of weeks ago. The sight of the rubbish is vile and the stench in some areas is even worse. I am happy to say that I moved house three weeks ago into Walsall council, so I am now having my bins emptied!
As I watch on, I keep asking, “Lord what are you saying in of this?” There is a sense that God is exposing the rubbish in the heart of the nation. For the past few years, God has been exposing the rubbish in many areas of society and the church. In order for His Spirit to come and dwell in our communities, the ‘rubbish’ needs to be cleared. The heart needs to be ready to receive the King.
When I asked a friend the same question, she pointed me to 1 Samuel 5, about the Ark being captured by the Philistines and placed in Dagon’s temple. She felt that God was saying that the Church and watchmen have been asleep, and the gates are wide open for the false gods to take over the city. This is a wakeup call for Birmingham to pray and declare God’s word and that will cause Dagon (false gods) to fall on their face before God Almighty, King Jesus. As the Church stands in its power and authority, those belonging to Dagon will have their eyes opened and a revelation of truth.
I have also seen negative press about our nation becoming an Islamic nation and Birmingham being one of the cities included. Upon research, many of the facts presented are incorrect. I felt the need to repent of the negativity and bad press for our city and nation. We do not need to accept it. We come in the opposite spirit, and we speak positivity over Birmingham!
We speak, peace and prosperity over the city! We speak no lack in Birmingham. We speak a release of God’s Spirit in a powerful way and for many to come to Christ from other religions. Let them be disillusioned by their false gods and see truth.
We also keep watch over the city gates, and we close those that need to be closed and open those that need to be opened. We rejoice that we are seeing God move in our city as we see the signs of an awakening. We thank God as many turn to Him and humble themselves, that He will hear from heaven, forgive our sins and heal our city!
Let’s declare Psalm 24: 7-10
Lift up your heads, you gates,
And be lifted up, you [a]ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in!
Who is the King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, you gates,
And lift them up, you [b]ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in!
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of armies, He is the King of glory.
Natasha Ruddock is the Communications Manager at World Prayer Centre. She is married to Colin and they are lead pastors of Victory Outreach Church Birmingham.
