Tag: hope

Convergence, The Last Days

Global Governance & The Peace and Security Agenda

Rooted & Raised

Countdown to Convergence: How Agenda 2030, Today’s Headlines, and God’s Word Align

From climate to conflict, from migration to artificial intelligence, the cry for global solutions is rising louder every year. Leaders argue that national governments can no longer face today’s crises alone — that what the world needs is a stronger, united authority.

Headlines read: “UN Pushes Global Pact for Peace and Security” or “Nations Call for Stronger Global Governance.” These may sound like noble causes. But beneath the banner of peace lies a trajectory Scripture warned us about: a final empire, global in scope, promising safety while preparing control.

Agenda 2030’s Peace Framework

Agenda 2030 begins with a declaration:

“We are determined to foster peaceful, just and inclusive societies…” (Preamble, UN 2015)

And in Goal 16: “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.”

The words are appealing — peace, inclusivity, justice. Yet history reminds us that such language often becomes the cover for concentration of power. When the world demands peace at any cost, it soon trades liberty for control.

Current Events in Motion

  • The United Nations continues to debate a “global crisis response authority” to manage pandemics, climate disasters, and wars.
  • International treaties are being drafted on climate regulation, migration, and artificial intelligence.
  • Regional blocs — like the European Union, African Union, and ASEAN — consolidate power across nations, creating templates for larger unions.
  • Politicians increasingly use the phrase “global citizenship” — signaling a shift from allegiance to nations toward allegiance to the world.

Piece by piece, the framework for a single governing authority is being assembled.

Prophecy Foretold This

Paul warned in 1 Thessalonians 5:3 (c. AD 51, NKJV):
“For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.”

Daniel saw in his vision that “The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all other kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth.” (Daniel 7:23, c. 530 BC, NKJV)

And John wrote: “And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.” (Revelation 13:7, c. AD 95, NKJV)

The Bible shows us that peace will be the pretext for global authority, and that this authority will ultimately be given to the Beast.

Why This Matters

A central governing body is not just about cooperation — it is about control.

  • “Peace and security” can justify surveillance and censorship.
  • “Unity” can justify silencing dissent and removing national independence.
  • “Global crisis response” can justify mandatory compliance in every sphere of life.

Once tied to digital ID and CBDCs, global governance will have the tools not just to suggest compliance, but to enforce it.

God’s Pattern of Deliverance

The Bible shows God’s consistent pattern:

  • At Babel, humanity united in rebellion, but God scattered them (Genesis 11, c. 2000 BC).
  • In the days of the Judges, when Israel cried out under oppression, God raised deliverers (Judges 2–3, c. 1400–1200 BC).
  • In the end, Christ Himself will shatter the final empire: “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed.” (Daniel 2:44, NKJV).

The systems of man rise and fall. The Kingdom of Christ alone stands forever.

A Call to Watchfulness

Believers must not be swept away by promises of global peace and unity. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and only His reign can bring true safety.

Our role is to watch, to discern, and to proclaim the truth. As ambassadors of Christ, we remind the world that there is no lasting peace apart from Him.

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 Sources & References

Scripture

  • Genesis 11, c. 2000 BC
  • Judges 2–3, c. 1400–1200 BC
  • Daniel 2:44; 7:23, c. 530 BC
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:3, c. AD 51
  • Revelation 13:7; 19, c. AD 95

Agenda 2030

  • Preamble: peace and inclusivity
  • Goal 16: Peaceful societies
  • Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (United Nations, 2015)

Current Events

UN Governance / Peace Push — Current Developments

  • The UN plans to cut about 25% of its global peacekeeping force (13,000–14,000 personnel), citing financial strains and reduced funding, particularly from the U.S. AP News+1
  • Amid these cuts, the UN is preparing to surge humanitarian aid into Gaza following a new ceasefire agreement, pushing for increased resources to support displaced populations and infrastructure rebuilding. PassBlue
  • At the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 (May 13-14, 2025), member states met to pledge support, discuss reform, and promote new models for peace operations in light of changing conflict dynamics. United Nations Peacekeeping
  • In the 80th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 2025), the theme is “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.” Consilium+2Brookings+2
  • The International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) issued a “Call to Action” urging the UNGA to recommit to multilateral governance, protection of rights, and sustained peace efforts. Global Centre for R2P
  • Within the UN’s 11th Emergency Special Session, Resolution ES-11/7 (“Advancing a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine”) was adopted on 24 February 2025. It affirms UN Charter principles and calls for peaceful means to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Wikipedia
  • A companion Resolution ES-11/8, titled “The Path to Peace,” was also passed, reinforcing calls for negotiation, ceasefire, and lasting settlement in Ukraine. Wikipedia
  • The 8th Informal Joint Retreat of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) and EU PSC recently convened, focusing on peace support operations, hybrid threats (cyber, disinformation, AI), maritime security, and complementarity of African/EU efforts. amaniafrica-et.org
  • The 17th BRICS Summit (2025) emphasized reform of global governance architecture, peace & security, and cooperation among Global South nations. Wikipedia
  • Analysts point to ten core challenges facing the UN in 2025–2026: funding, governance legitimacy, institutional reform, conflict prevention, climate-security, multilateral coordination, enforcement of international law, rising great power tensions, and integration of new technologies. Crisis Group

Peace / Security Summits & Conferences — Recent & Upcoming

  • Sharm el-Sheikh Gaza Peace Summit: Egypt will host a high-level summit (co-chaired by U.S. President Trump) with over 20 world leaders to solidify a ceasefire and peace agreement in Gaza. Reuters+2The Guardian+2
    • UN Secretary-General Guterres confirmed his attendance. The Times of Israel+1
    • UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will attend, emphasizing international cooperation for transitional governance and humanitarian support. Reuters
  • United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 — covered above in governance section — acts as a summit for peace operations reform and pledges. United Nations Peacekeeping
  • 2025 London Summit on Ukraine (March 2, 2025): Held in London, this summit gathered key stakeholders to propose a peace plan, reinforce Ukraine’s sovereignty, and commit resources. Wikipedia
  • NATO Summit The Hague 2025 (June 24–25, 2025): Though a defense alliance meeting, it plays into peace & security architecture. Leaders committed to stronger collective defense, supporting Ukraine, and higher defense spending. Wikipedia
  • 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC 2025) (Feb 14–16, 2025): A strategic forum for global security, crisis management, and diplomatic dialogues across multilateral actors. Wikipedia

Devotions, Family Devotionals

👩‍👧 Family Devotional — Day 25

Rooted & Raised

“Asking in Jesus’ Name”

📖 “…that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”
 —John 15:16b (NKJV)

As a mother, prayer can feel both essential and overwhelming.
You pray for protection, for guidance, for your child’s heart to be softened toward the Lord.

Jesus gives us a powerful reminder:
We can ask the Father in His name—and the Father hears.

But praying in Jesus’ name isn’t about attaching His name to our requests.
It’s about coming with a heart that aligns with His character and will.

Teach this in your home:
– We pray because we trust Him.
– We ask in Jesus’ name because we belong to Him.
– We listen for the kind of answers that grow our hearts to be like His.

In your home, cultivate a rhythm of prayer that’s not rushed or routine, but relational and rooted in Christ.

Family Reflection:

  • Do your children understand why we say “in Jesus’ name”?
  • What would change if your family prayers focused more on His will than your wants?

Prayer:
 Lord Jesus, thank You that we can come to the Father because of You. Teach us as a family to pray with hearts aligned to Yours. Help us to ask, trust, and obey in Your name. Amen.

Devotions, Teen Devotions

😎 Teen Devotional — Day 25

Rooted & Raised

“Praying with Purpose”

📖 “…that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”
 —John 15:16b (NKJV)

You’ve probably heard someone end a prayer with, “In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
But have you ever stopped to ask what that really means?

Jesus wasn’t giving a tagline.
He was teaching us how to pray with purpose and alignment.

To pray in His name means praying in agreement with who He is—His heart, His Word, His will.

It’s not about getting what we want.
It’s about desiring what He wants—and asking boldly for it.

You’re not invisible. You’ve been chosen and appointed.
God isn’t ignoring you. He’s waiting for prayers that come from a heart that’s abiding in Christ.

Challenge:

  • What’s one thing you’ve been praying about that needs to be realigned with Jesus’ heart?
  • Try praying today with more focus on what He desires than what you want.

Prayer:
 Jesus, I don’t want to just pray out of habit. Teach me to ask for things that matter to You. Help me live and pray in a way that honors Your name. Amen.

Devotions, Family Devotionals

👩‍👧 Family Devotional — Day 24

Rooted & Raised

“Chosen for a Purpose”

📖 “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain…”
 —John 15:16a (NKJV)

Have you ever reminded your children:
“You are part of this family—on purpose and for a reason”?

Jesus says something similar to those who follow Him:
“I chose you.”
 Not by accident. Not as a backup plan. But with intention—and for a purpose.

Every member of the family—mother and child—has been chosen to live in a way that brings lasting fruit.

That means love that lasts. Kindness that goes deep.
Truth that doesn’t change.
And obedience that flows from knowing we are loved.

This is the kind of home that glorifies God: not one that’s perfect, but one that remembers, “We’ve been chosen.”

Family Reflection:

  • What does it mean to our family that Jesus chose us?
  • How can we bear fruit that lasts—in our words, choices, and attitudes?

Prayer:
 Lord Jesus, thank You for choosing us and giving our family purpose. Help us live in a way that produces lasting fruit—together and for Your glory. Amen.

Devotions, Teen Devotions

😎 Teen Devotional — Day 24

Rooted & Raised

“Chosen on Purpose”

📖 “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit…”
 —John 15:16a (NKJV)

Ever felt left out? Overlooked? Like you didn’t belong?

Jesus sees you differently.
He says, “I chose you.”
 Not by accident. Not because He had to. But because He wanted to.

And He didn’t just choose you to exist—He chose you to bear fruit. That means living a life that reflects Him:

  • Speaking truth when lies are easier
  • Showing love when it’s inconvenient
  • Standing for God when others fall away

You’re not just along for the ride. You’ve been appointed—on purpose—for a purpose.

Challenge:

  • What kind of “fruit” is your life producing right now?
  • How can you step into the purpose Jesus chose you for?

Prayer:
 Jesus, thank You for choosing me when I felt unseen. Remind me I have purpose in You. Help me live in a way that bears real fruit for Your glory. Amen.

Children's Devotionals, Devotions

🧒 Children’s Devotional — Day 24

Rooted & Raised

“Jesus Chose You!”

📖 “You did not choose Me, but I chose you…”
 —John 15:16a (NKJV)

Have you ever been chosen to be on a team or picked for something special?

It feels really good, doesn’t it?

Jesus says something amazing: “I chose you.”
 He didn’t forget about you. He didn’t wait for you to be perfect.
He picked you because He loves you and wants you to be close to Him.

He also wants your life to grow something good—like kindness, love, and truth. That’s called fruit!

You’re not just a kid. You’re someone Jesus chose.
And He wants to grow beautiful things in your heart.

Think About It:

  • How does it make you feel to know that Jesus chose you?
  • What kind of “fruit” do you want to grow in your life?

Prayer:
 Jesus, thank You for choosing me! Help me grow good things in my heart that make You happy. I want to follow You every day. Amen.

Devotions, Women's Devotionals

👩‍🦰 Women’s Devotional — Day 24

Rooted & Raised

“You Did Not Choose Me”

📖 “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain…”
 —John 15:16a (NKJV)

You didn’t stumble into faith.
You weren’t overlooked or randomly invited.
You were chosen—by the Son of God.

And not just chosen to believe, but appointed to bear fruit—lasting, eternal fruit.

In a world that constantly questions your worth, Jesus gives you a calling:
Walk with Me. Abide in Me. Reflect Me.

This isn’t about striving—it’s about surrender.
Jesus picked you for a purpose.
He intends to make your life fruitful—not flashy, not fake, but full of the kind of fruit that brings glory to the Father.

Even your unseen faithfulness matters.
Even the small steps of obedience count.
Because He chose you.

Reflection Questions:

  • Do you see your life as chosen and appointed by Jesus?
  • What kind of fruit is being cultivated in your daily walk?

Prayer:
 Lord Jesus, thank You for choosing me. Help me walk in the purpose You’ve given, bearing fruit that glorifies You. Keep me rooted in You today. Amen.

Devotions, Family Devotionals

👩‍👧 Family Devotional — Day 23

Rooted & Raised

“A Friend of Jesus”

📖 “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.”
 —John 15:14 (NKJV)

What does it mean to be a friend of Jesus?

He tells us: it means we listen to His voice and obey His Word.

That’s not something only pastors or teachers do. It’s something for every family member—young and old.

As a family, we’re invited to walk with Jesus, not just learn about Him. And friendship with Jesus grows stronger through simple obedience—together.

When your family makes choices that honor Him—how you speak, forgive, serve, and love—you’re living as His friends.

What an honor. What a relationship.

Family Reflection:

  • What’s one command of Jesus we can practice better as a family?
  • How can we remind each other that we’re walking with Him daily?

Prayer:
 Jesus, thank You for calling our family to be Your friends. Help us obey You not out of fear, but because we love You. Teach us to walk with You every day. Amen.

Children's Devotionals, Devotions

🧒 Children’s Devotional — Day 23

Rooted & Raised

“Jesus Wants to Be Your Friend”

📖 “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.”
 —John 15:14 (NKJV)

Do you have a best friend?

Jesus wants to be your very best friend—one you can talk to, trust, and follow every day.

But Jesus says something important:
“If you obey Me, then you’re truly My friend.”

That means when we listen to what Jesus teaches us in the Bible—like being kind, telling the truth, and loving others—we show that we really care about Him.

Obeying Jesus isn’t just about rules. It’s about loving Him back.

You’re never too young to be a true friend of Jesus.

Think About It:

  • What is one thing Jesus asks us to do in the Bible?
  • How can you show Him you’re His friend today?

Prayer:
 Jesus, I want to be Your friend. Help me listen to You and obey what You say in the Bible. I love You. Amen.

Devotions, Women's Devotionals

👩‍🦰 Women’s Devotional — Day 23

Rooted & Raised

“You Are My Friends”

📖 “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.”
 —John 15:14 (NKJV)

The thought is almost too intimate to imagine:
Jesus calls you His friend.

Not just His servant. Not merely His follower. But His friend—if you walk in obedience to His Word.

That’s not a burdensome demand. It’s a loving invitation.
Because obedience flows out of love—not fear, not religion, not performance. Just love.

When you live in surrendered obedience, you don’t lose yourself—you find Him. You experience fellowship, peace, and joy that can’t be shaken.

Jesus doesn’t call everyone His friend—but those who abide and obey? He draws near to them in the sweetest intimacy.

He laid down His life for you. Will you walk with Him in obedience today?

Reflection Questions:

  • In what ways have you treated Jesus more like a distant king than a personal friend?
  • What is one area where you can walk in loving obedience today?

Prayer:
 Jesus, thank You for calling me Your friend. Help me walk in Your Word—not to earn Your love, but because I already have it. Draw me closer as I obey. Amen.