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, growing in intensity, frequency, size and duration.

500,000 million bees die within three months in Brazil. What do we know about the number Five (5)?

Researchers fear pesticides are to blame for insects’ deaths and that more will be affected

Chiara Giordano. The Independent. August 20, 2019

Half a billion bees died within the space of just three months in Brazil, sparking concerns over the use of pesticides.

About 500 million bees died in four of the country’s southern states in the first three months of this year, according to Bloomberg.

Most of the insects were reportedly found to have traces of insecticides containing neonicotinoids and fipronil, which are banned in Europe

Researchers fear pesticides used in agriculture are to blame, and that they could go on to harm more bees.

Aldo Machado Dos Santos, vice president of Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul beekeeping association, lost tens of thousands of his bees within just 48 hours of the first insects showing signs of illness.

He told Bloomberg they died “en masse” within just two days after the healthy bees became “contaminated” by the dying bees in their hives.

Carlos Alberto Bastos, president of the Apiculturist Association of Brazil’s Federal District, said that the death of so many bees “is a sign that we’re being poisoned”, Bloomberg reports.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, Brazil increased its use of pesticides by 770 per cent between 1990 and 2016.

A Greenpeace Unearthed investigation earlier this year discovered an increase in the number of pesticides approved under the country’s former president, Michel Temer, and current leader Jair Bolsonaro, who took office in January.

However, the Agriculture Ministry placed Brazil as the 44th largest user of pesticides per hectare in the world, noting the fact it is a tropical country.

Greenpeace Unearthed found that 193 weed killers and pesticides containing chemicals banned in the EU were registered in Brazil in just three years.

Researchers have previously warned how pesticide use is driving an “alarming” decline of the world’s insects.

According to a global study published in the journal Biological Conservation, more than 40 per cent of insect species are at risk of extinction within decades unless there is an overhaul of the agricultural industry.

Conservationists have also urged gardeners to do their part and let their lawns grow wild, as wildflowers are an increasingly important source of nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.