With the year not even half done, 2008 is already the deadliest tornado year in the United States since 1998 and seems on track to break the U.S. record for the number of twisters in a year, according to the National Weather Service. Also, this year's storms seem to be unusually powerful. So far this year: at least 110 dead, 30 killer tornadoes and a preliminary count of 1,191 twisters, which, after duplicate sightings are removed, is likely to go down to around 800. The record for the most tornadoes in a year is 1,817 in 2004. In the past 10 years, the average number of tornadoes has been 1,254. And it's not just more storms. The strongest of those storms — those in the 136-to-200 mph range — have been more prevalent than normal, and lately they seem to be hitting populated areas more. At least 22 tornadoes this year have been in the top part of the new Enhanced Fujita scale, rating a 3 for "severe," or a 4 for "devastating" on the 1-to-5 scale.
Another earthquake, this time in Iceland measured 6.1. Aftershocks continue to shake parts of China.
Luke 21:11
And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
Luke 21:25-28
25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
Earthquakes have been fluctuating in numbers in the last century, but we have seen increases in numbers in certain years, Jesus said as in birth pains so ALL the signs of His return increase in frequency and intensity just before His return. I have looked at the USGS records to confirm the information I have heard was correct, it shows phases in numbers and intensity of medium to large earthquakes in the 20th century. But in the 21st century it shows a large increase in the medium to large earthquakes from 2000 to 2008 worldwide.
Now most scoffers will say this is normal, earth has been doing this for years, and if you look back in history you will see numbers decreasing and increasing, this is just the nature of things. What they do not understand is, sure these things happened before, but not ALL these things happened before together and in such numbers. Meaning pieces are coming together, it is not just separate events, it is everything together that makes it prophetic. We need to look at the whole picture, God’s plan is coming together just as He foretold, the signs are right in front of us, some just choose not to see.
The Middle East expects a powerful earthquake that endangers not only dozen thousands of human lives, but also world famous shrines such as the Church of the Holly Sepulcher, the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Wailing Wall, the scientists warn. Minor shakes on the territory of Israel become more frequent and it gives another reason for anxiety.
Many places in Revelation it tells of Earthquakes in Israel which includes when Jesus comes back and steps on the Mount of Olives, Rev 6:12, Rev 8:5, Rev 11:13, Rev 11:19, Rev 16:18.
Amid a growing crackdown on religious freedom, Iranian police reportedly have been rounding up people they suspect have converted to Christianity. Earlier this year, Ahmadinejad proposed a law that would impose a death sentence for any Muslim who converts to another religion. Under current laws, those charged with converting can be prosecuted and face jail time for vague crimes like “blasphemy” and “insulting Islam.” Iran has confirmed reports of groups of Muslim convert believers doubling in size in the last six months.
Christians are being persecuted worldwide, but Jesus said this would happen.
Matthew 5:11-12
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Posted by Watchmen at May 30, 2008 10:20 AM