... declare sacred and solemn assemblies of repentance and corporate fasting in many parts of this nation — a time set aside for rending our hearts before God.
“Now, therefore,” says the LORD, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm. Who knows if He will turn and relent, And leave a blessing behind Him — A grain offering and a drink offering For the LORD your God?
Blow the trumpet in Zion, Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly; Gather the people, Sanctify the congregation, Assemble the elders, Gather the children and nursing babes; Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber, And the bride from her dressing room. Let the priests, who minister to the LORD, Weep between the porch and the altar; Let them say, “Spare Your people, O LORD.” — Joel 2:12–17
During these uncertain days
(i.e. wars and rumors of wars with China; rumored alliance between China and Russia, rumored alliance between Russia and Iran; rumored intention of ISIS or Russia to invade the US, and what does that mean for us as the Philippines is seen not only as a former colony and once upon a time a very member of the United States, and now still an ally of the US and an opponent of China in the clash for territories; warnings of earthquakes in our country; stock market slump; growing ranks among those who do not believe in God and who promote immorality and perversions etc)
when we are surrounded by the enemies of God who seem to grow in power and influence, corporate fasting and prayer is a must.
The above verse in Joel resonates so loudly in the current season we are in that I was moved to post something about it. Blowing the shofar trumpet seems to point at Yom Teruah (Rosh HaShanah) or the Feast of Trumpets,wherein the trumpet blasts are sounded. This was very recently on the 13th of September and may have concluded on the 16th because of the delayed sighting of the new moon.
After this sacred assembly is the ten days of AWE (currently now) wherein we are taught by the ancients that this is the time to repent and mend our ways in preparation for the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), a day many Messianic scholars believe to point to the day when Jesus returns to earth and sets foot on the Mount of Olives, a day when all the nations mourn because it is a time of judgment.
We also learn that scriptures seem to point to Rosh Hashanah as the day of "opening of the books" - where God looks over the accounts of the people. This is the court in session. After ten days, on the Day of Atonement, this is judgment day and the sentences shall be meted out. We shall see these prophetic events come to pass soon enough. Note that the Day of Atonement (the tenth of the month of Tishri) is the only day where fasting is required of the assembly.
In the meantime what are we to do? Right now I am doing my own fast and praying for God's mercy on the Philippines. That we may be shielded for what is coming and that God "may count us worthy to escape." My prayer and desire is to see the Church in the Philippines come together in unity to do what God bids us during the Lord's set times and appointments. Can we fast and pray anytime? Of course! But to deliberately ignore the Lord during the seasons where He has expressly commanded us to come before Him is questionable. How can we justify it when God commands it in scripture? What possible consequences will there be?
My desire is to see the Church in my country recognize God's set times that we may come together in unity and synergy. I believe when this happens we shall be able to tap into the Lord's Glory Zone where revival, miracles and outbursts of power can happen.
This is my prayer!!!
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