Blog note. Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a woman experiences in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation period
… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:11).
… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25)
… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)
… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)
Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like a woman having labor pains that occur in greater severity, frequency, size and duration prior to giving birth. End of note.

Early-season wildfires burning in northern Portugal

Posted by Teo Blašković on March 28, 2019. Watchers.news

Wildfires are burning in northern Portugal fueled by strong winds and unexpectedly high temperatures (28 °C / 82.4 °F) several months before expected. Wildfire alert was issued Tuesday evening, March 26, prohibiting farmers from using slash-and-burn methods, requiring employers to authorize absences for workers who serve as volunteer firefighters, and placing more police forces on standby to act in case of an emergency.

Authorities said the weather conditions resemble those that caused a devastating wildfire in Pedrogao Grande in June 2017, killing 64 people and injuring more than 250 – the worst disaster in the modern history of Portugal.

“We are having significant fire outbreaks in areas where we didn’t know the risk was high,” Miguel Miranda, president of the Portuguese Institute of Meteorology (IPMA), said, as reported by TSF and Reuters. “We are in unexplored territory, we have never been through this.”

Ten fires were burning across the county on Wednesday, March 27, most in the country’s north, Reuters reports.

The most aggressive wildfire has been raging in the municipality of Oliviera de Azmeis on March 26 with 450 firefighters on the ground.

Another wildfire in the district of Esposende forced authorities to evacuate two schools due to high levels of smoke.

In terms of fire risks, most of the eastern Algarve has been placed on the highest alert, with the western Algarve on red alert.

Wildfires are also affecting neighboring Galicia, Spain and parts of NW Italy this week.

Featured image: Wildfire between Marinhas and Vila Cha, Portugal on March 26, 2019. Credit: ESA/Sentinel-2, TW