Parts of Texas and Louisiana have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey–the amount of rain is considered to be unprecedented in the USA (see Harvey’s “Unprecedented” Devastation, “No Parallel To Any Rainstorm In US History” and Rain and floods continue to affect Texas and Louisiana: Who controls the weather?). It has long been my view that weather issues, like a major hurricane, will be part of the sorrows and troubles that will weaken the USA prior to the start of the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21). While Hurricane Harvey is not as devastating as what will come later, it shows us that the unexpected can wreak havoc. Something much worse is coming. Later, something even worse (Jeremiah 30:7).

Elsewhere in the USA there have been protests and counter protests (e.g. Protests cancelled, but problems simmering). Some of the protesters/counter-protesters have gotten violent (e.g. WP: ‘Black-clad antifa members attack peaceful right-wing demonstrators in Berkeley’). Violence is not the answer, but expect to see even more violent civil unrest in the USA in the future.

North Korea has reignited concerns in the USA and greatly upset Japan by launching a missile over it (see North Korea launches missile: Infuriates Japan and gets a response from Donald Trump). North Korea is playing a dangerous game that may hurt itself and others (cf. Mark 13:8).

Over in Poland, Catholic bishops have called for a ban on Sunday shopping (see BBC: Polish bishops for total ban on Sunday shopping). Expect to see more ‘Sunday’ laws and other laws hostile to Sabbath-keepers in the future. The European Beast of the Sea will again rise up and persecute (Revelation 13), and the Sunday proposals are just another small step in that direction.

Over in Vatican City, Pope Francis met with World Council of Churches’ President Olav Fykse Tveit. Olav Fykse Tveit essentially said that progress was made on their quest for ecumenical unity (see ‘Pope Francis meets with World Council of Churches leadership in Rome’). Expect more ecumenical cooperation until supporters of the coming Beast turn on the Church of Rome (Revelation 17:16-18).

Radio news reporter: John Hickey.

News sound effect: Recorded by Maximilien.