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.

The Latest: New record predicted in inland Mississippi flood

Associated Press•May 10, 2019

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Latest on flooding in the Midwest and South (all times local):

5:30 p.m.

Officials are days away from re-closing a floodgate in Mississippi, with predictions issued Friday that a flood inside a region walled off by levees will set a new record.

The lingering flood makes it unlikely that farmers will plant any summer crops on hundreds of thousands of acres in the south end of Mississippi’s Delta region.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opened a floodgate north of Vicksburg on April 1 after six weeks of closure. Floodwaters fell for a time, but began to rise again because of heavy rainfall. Now a rising Mississippi River means the gate will have to be closed again to prevent even worse flooding inside the walled-off basin.

The Corps now predicts a crest higher than the peak earlier this year. That was the worst flooding since 1973.

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12:20 p.m.

The National Weather Service says millions of people across the Deep South could be affected by severe weather over the weekend.

The Storm Prediction Center says there’s a marginal risk of severe storms from eastern Texas to South Carolina and western North Carolina. About 38 million people live in the region.

Forecasters say wind damage and hail are most likely on Saturday. The at-risk area includes nearly all of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.

The possibility of severe weather continues on Sunday, when there’s a better chance of storms across central Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Strong storms on Thursday drenched Mississippi and left scattered damage including downed trees in north Alabama. Forecasters confirmed a weak tornado along the Alabama-Tennessee state line.

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11:25 a.m.

The Army Corps of Engineers says torrential rains are bringing a rapid rise on the Mississippi River, so they’re opening a major Louisiana spillway four days earlier than expected.

A news release says the Mississippi River rose 6 inches in the past 24 hours, and more rain is expected through the weekend.

The Bonnet Carré (BAH-nee KEHR-ee) Spillway gets opened to relieve stress on New Orleans levees.

Corps spokesman Matt Roe says the spillway could be opened as early as 1 p.m. Friday. He says the work will require a break in the storms, expected in the afternoon.

The spillway is opened by using a crane to pull up huge timbers called needles.

Friday’s opening will mark the first time it has been used twice in one year.