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.

Ashdown Forest fire: Winnie the Pooh’s Hundred Acre Wood ablaze

Gareth Davies. The Telegraph•April 29, 2019

Ashdown Forest – the inspiration for Winnie the Pooh’s Hundred Acre Wood – went up in flames overnight as a fire swept across six acres of land. 

Firefighters were called to the forest near Kingstanding, 19 miles north-east of Brighton in East Sussex, at about 9.30pm.

Crews are still battling the blaze, which has now spread across six hectares, an area roughly equivalent to six full-size football pitches.  

The forest gave birth to AA Milne’s famous creation. The Hundred Acre Wood, from the author’s children’s books, is actually named after the Five Hundred Acre Wood in Ashdown Forest.

An East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Six fire engines, four Land Rovers, a water carrier and the control unit are in attendance and our teams are tackling the fire using beaters.”

The cause is not yet known, but like some wildfires already reported this year, it is feared people lighting disposable barbecues in the forest or tossing cigarette ends into the undergrowth sparked it.

But firefighters have not yet ruled out arson. 

Nature lovers fear the inferno has destroyed many birds’ nests containing eggs and chicks, and has killed rare butterflies and other wildlife.

Pictures shared on social media show towering flames tearing across the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The fire is the second in as many months to ravage the forest. 

On February 26, during the heatwave, two separate blazes started within an hour of each other in the forest on the hottest February day on record.

Firefighters said more than 35 hectares had been ravaged.