Sensing a Shift in the Air

Predicting the weather is difficult, especially weeks in advance. Still, we can recognize changing patterns. We can tell when it's getting warmer, with summer approaching. Yet at times we may perceive when it's dropped down into colder temperatures more than usual. Sometimes we can just feel something is different, yet we must pay attention to informed analysis and applied reason to help us better prepare for the days ahead. Perhaps a new front is moving in.

Likewise, paying attention to global news trends with proper perspective will aid us in seeing where events are headed and preparing wisely.

We've recently seen significant shifts in relations between the United States and Europe, as laid out in our cover story "Winds of Change in Europe." Leaders in Europe expressed outrage over what they've perceived as abandonment of their interests, with U.S. President Donald Trump not involving them in initial talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the Ukraine war and telling European nations to see to any peacekeeping needs there themselves without American security guarantees.

The divide was exacerbated by Trump's introduction of 10 percent tariffs on the world at large-and higher for some nations seen as treating the importing of American goods more unfairly. This is a historical change from a lengthy period of America having almost no tariffs on other countries while others have routinely imposed high tariffs on U.S. goods or disallowed sales of American goods through other rules. Some believe this protectionist swing will set off a worsening trade war, further tank stock markets and lead to higher inflation. But the economic turmoil could settle down, especially if many nations decide to be cooperative and if energy costs are brought down through other policies, reducing costs across the board. Time will tell.

In any case, it's clear that the rift between America and other Western nations has widened. This is not to say the divide is unbridgeable. A strengthened United States could attract a measure of unity. Moreover, populist movements in Europe, quite opposed to many current leaders, have gained ground in recent years. Some might gravitate toward a more populist, anti-globalist America. On the other hand, some of these are very nationalistic and would rather pull away from reliance on a U.S.-led NATO-as well as from their European neighbors, being concerned especially to stem the tide of immigration and preserve local culture.

We must recognize, though, that the globalist agenda led by Western elites is very far advanced-and it also reaches deeply into the United States. Further, the moral decay of our nations is still everywhere evident. Even if America does experience a time of resurgence, it will not last. The decline of the United States will resume, as with the United Kingdom before-as the Bible informs us (see our free study guide The United States and Britain in Bible Prophecy).

And eventually we will see the rise of Europe under a terrible tyranny-sad to contemplate at this 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, celebrating the overthrow of the Nazi regime in Germany. We note more about that in this issue and in our free study guide The Final Superpower.

Part of that tyranny will be a controlling religion-a return to authoritarian tradition that is dramatically different from the Christianity of the Bible. At this season of Pentecost, we reflect on God's founding of His true Church and, in this issue, consider the corruptions of traditional Christian religion. Further, we delve into the marvel of God's desire for a close covenant relationship with His people-and the help He offers through His Holy Spirit.

Meanwhile, the storms of this age continue to rage with grievous happenings around the world. The earthquake in Myanmar has brought terrible suffering. Atrocities against fellow man continue, even in the name of religion. And looming over the horizon a terrifying tyranny is coming. It's not here yet, but with changing winds the storm is brewing.

May we all weather these elements until the clouds at last break with the coming of Jesus Christ to establish His Kingdom and set the world free. In that wonderful time of peace and healing, the whole world will be invited into covenant to learn and live the way of God under His great blessings.

Yet you don't have to wait until then to turn to Him. As He says, "You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). Indeed, as the apostle Paul proclaimed, "He is not far from each one of us" (Acts 17:27). Do you sense a shift in the air-not just in the world but now in your own life? God may be signaling for your attention. Let Him motivate a shift in you!

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