Devotions, Family Devotionals

👩‍👧 Family Devotional — Day 28

“Walking the Road Jesus Walked”

📖 “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you…”
—John 15:20a (NKJV)


The idea of persecution can feel far off—something that happens in other countries or dramatic stories of the past.

But Jesus’ words remind us that opposition comes in many forms.

For a mother training her children in godliness, it may look like being misunderstood by extended family.
It could mean holding firm in truth when the world screams compromise.
It might simply mean being weary, yet still showing up in faithfulness.

Jesus told us this would happen—not to discourage us, but to prepare us.

You are walking a narrow road, one your Savior Himself walked.
And He is not asking you to go anywhere He hasn’t gone first.

Your family’s choice to follow Christ may put you at odds with the world, but it places you firmly in step with the King.


Family Reflection:

  • In what ways do we see “persecution” (large or small) in daily life as believers?
  • How can we encourage one another when walking through it?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for preparing us. When we face opposition, remind us that You faced it first. Let our family walk in Your steps—with courage, love, and unwavering faith. Amen.

Convergence, The Last Days

The War on Life: The Global Push to Redefine Humanity

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


The war against truth has become a war against life itself. From redefining gender and family to promoting “sustainable population” and artificial intelligence as the next stage of evolution, the world is declaring independence from its Creator.

But this rebellion is not new — it began in Eden. Satan’s lie, “You will be like God,” still fuels the same ambition: to redefine what it means to be human and to usurp God’s authority over life.


Agenda 2030: Redefining Humanity in the Name of “Progress”

Several Agenda 2030 goals frame humanity as both the problem and the solution:

  • Goal 3: “Good Health and Well-being” — includes “reproductive health services” (often code for population control and abortion access).
  • Goal 5: “Gender Equality” — promotes the redefinition of gender, family, and identity contrary to God’s design.
  • Goal 10: “Reduced Inequalities” — extends to redefining social and biological norms.
  • Goal 13: “Climate Action” — implies the planet can only thrive if human impact decreases.

These global aims appear noble, but beneath them lies a subtle theological rebellion — the devaluation of life created in God’s image.


Current Events in Motion

  • Global policies linking population levels to “climate sustainability.”
  • Expansion of euthanasia and abortion laws framed as “rights.”
  • AI and transhumanist movements claiming humanity can “evolve” beyond biology.
  • Genetic engineering and eugenics revived under the banner of “health” and “precision medicine.”
  • Redefinition of male and female identities — erasing God’s design in Genesis 1:27.

Each of these trends points toward one conclusion: the world is preparing to build life apart from God.


The Prophetic Pattern

From Genesis to Revelation, Satan’s strategy has always targeted life:

  • Genesis 3: The serpent tempts Eve to seize knowledge and autonomy apart from God.
  • Genesis 4: Cain takes life into his own hands — the first murder.
  • Exodus 1: Pharaoh orders the death of Hebrew infants to control Israel’s growth.
  • Matthew 2: Herod orders the slaughter of the innocents to prevent Christ’s coming.
  • Revelation 6:8: The pale horse brings death to a fourth of the earth — the climax of man’s rebellion and Satan’s hatred for God’s creation.

The same spirit drives the modern obsession with population reduction, identity confusion, and genetic manipulation — an effort to remake man in his own image.


Biblical Truth: God Is the Author of Life

  • “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.’” (Genesis 1:26, c. 4000 BC, NKJV)
  • “You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:13–14, c. 1000 BC, NKJV)
  • “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” (Jeremiah 1:5, c. 600 BC, NKJV)
  • “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life.” (John 10:10, c. AD 90, NKJV)

Every life is sacred because it bears the image of the Creator. To devalue life is to rebel against God Himself.


Why This Matters

This war on life is not merely political or social — it is spiritual. It prepares humanity for the final deception, when the Antichrist will promise life without God, peace without repentance, and immortality without resurrection.

This is the same rebellion that led to the Tower of Babel — humanity united under one voice to make a name for itself, rejecting the Creator who gave them life.

But God will not allow the image of His creation to be erased. His judgments are coming, not to destroy hope, but to restore righteousness.


God’s Pattern of Deliverance

Even when evil sought to destroy life, God preserved it:

  • Noah’s family through the flood.
  • Moses through Pharaoh’s decree.
  • The infant Jesus from Herod’s slaughter.
  • The Church from the coming wrath.

The pattern is clear — God preserves His people before judgment falls.


A Call to Watchfulness

  • Believers: Stand firm in truth. Defend life and the image of God in all its forms.
  • Unbelievers: Recognize that life’s value comes from its Creator, not from man.
  • All people: Remember that the final deception will counterfeit creation itself — but true life is only found in Jesus Christ.

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” (John 11:25, NKJV)



Sources & References

Scripture

  • Genesis 1:26–27; 3–4, c. 4000 BC
  • Exodus 1, c. 1445 BC
  • Psalm 139:13–14, c. 1000 BC
  • Jeremiah 1:5, c. 600 BC
  • John 10:10; 11:25, c. AD 90
  • Revelation 6:8, c. AD 95

Agenda 2030

  • Goal 3: Good health and well-being
  • Goal 5: Gender equality
  • Goal 10: Reduced inequalities
  • Goal 13: Climate action
  • Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (United Nations, 2015)

Current Events

Population Trends / “Population Reduction” & Pronatalism Policies

  • Vietnam drops its two-child policy
    Vietnam officially removed the clause limiting parents to “one or two children,” in response to rising demographic concerns and falling fertility. The Washington Post
  • China enacts policies to address aging & low birth rate
    China announced measures to stimulate births: expanding childcare subsidies, making preschool free, increasing elder care benefits, and slowly raising retirement age. Reuters
  • Greece launches €1.6 billion demographic relief package
    To counter population decline, Greece’s government unveiled incentives including tax cuts, support for families with multiple children, and rural repopulation policies. The Guardian
  • U.S. immigration crackdown may lead to population decline
    The U.S. Congressional Budget Office projected that Trump’s deportation and immigration enforcement plans could reduce the U.S. population by 320,000 over 10 years. AP News
    Also, analysts warn that net migration decline paired with low birth rates could make 2025 the first year of U.S. population shrinkage. CalMatters+3Derek Thompson+3Axios+3
  • Pronatalist push in the U.S.
    The Trump administration has been promoting pronatalist rhetoric and policy efforts (encouraging higher birth rates). Some critics flag this as a concern for reproductive autonomy. Population Connection
  • Global population projections & declines
    Analysts and demographers warn that the world’s population may plateau and then decline, with societies urged to adopt family-friendly policies to manage shifts. Popular Mechanics+1

Global Reproductive Rights / Reproductive Health Developments & Policy Conflicts

  • U.S. rollback on sexual & reproductive health globally
    Since January 2025, the U.S. administration has cut funding to global health and family planning programs, withdrawn from multilateral agreements, and advanced policies restricting reproductive rights abroad. Guttmacher Institute+2HHR Journal+2
    In particular, Project 2025 outlines a sweeping agenda to curtail abortion access, restrict contraception & fertility treatments, and increase surveillance over reproductive health data. Reproductive Freedom for All+2National Women’s Law Center+2
    A report by Human Rights Watch documents the “long list” of measures the U.S. administration has taken to reduce reproductive rights domestically and internationally. Human Rights Watch
  • Declines in abortion access & care within U.S. states
    In states without total abortion bans, there was a measurable decline in clinician-provided abortions and interstate travel for abortions between the first halves of 2024 and 2025. Guttmacher Institute
    In Florida and Iowa, new six-week abortion bans led to large drops in abortion provision. Guttmacher Institute
  • California strengthens reproductive protections
    Governor Newsom signed landmark legislation (AB 260 and AB 1525) to protect access to medication abortion, allow anonymous prescription, and shield providers assisting out-of-state patients. Governor of California
  • UN & global debates over reproductive health in UNGA 2025
    During the 2025 UN General Assembly (Sept 23–27), “Choice Week” overlaps, and reproductive rights, contraception, abortion access are focal points in advocacy and resolutions. MSI Reproductive Choices
  • Threats to global reproductive health programs
    The U.S. government’s cuts to USAID and defunding of major UN agencies (UNFPA, WHO, UN Women) are expected to undermine maternal health, family planning, and reproductive services in low- and middle-income countries. Guttmacher Institute
    This rollback is described as a “retrograde” movement jeopardizing years of progress in reproductive rights worldwide. Guttmacher Institute+2HHR Journal+2
  • Health apps & data privacy risks in reproductive domain
    A technical study revealed significant privacy and security vulnerabilities in many female health / reproductive health apps, including data collection and third-party tracking, exposing users to risk especially amid political changes in rights. arXiv

Transhumanism — Recent Developments & Commentary

  • Panel: Transhumanism aims to replace humans
    A May 2025 panel discussion at the Institute for Human Ecology (Catholic University of America) argued that transhumanism is more than a tech movement, but “a modernist heresy” seeking to supplant the human person with machine-enhanced beings. archpitt.org+2Franciscan Media+2
  • Critical reflections & new book: “Integral Transhumanism”
    In April 2025, Spanish priest Ricardo Mejía Fernández published Integral Transhumanism, which engages the movement from a philosophical / theological vantage, framing it as a technological extension of humanism rather than a purely neutral scientific project. Catholic News Agency
  • Transhumanist philosophy engages Latin American voices
    In May 2025, John Cabot University announced a symposium volume Latin America Replies to Transhumanism, which dialogues critically with philosopher Stefan Lorenz Sorgner’s We Have Always Been Cyborgs. John Cabot University+1
  • “Improving humans to perform better” — public critique essay
    An article on Phys.org (originally from The Conversation) argues transhumanist aims to optimize humans (e.g. strength, cognition) risk commodifying persons and reducing human dignity. Phys.org
  • Opinion: Transhumanism, inequality, and future priorities
    An essay on Undark suggests the transhumanist agenda often emphasizes long-term technologies for the future at the expense of addressing existing global inequalities in health, nutrition, and well-being. Undark Magazine
  • Emerging tech & elite interest
    A news piece notes that billionaires (e.g., Elon Musk, Sam Altman) are investing in tech to integrate machines with the human body (e.g. brain-computer interfaces, neural implants), raising ethical questions about what it means to be human. Anadolu Ajansı

AI Ethics / AI Governance — Recent Events & Articles

  • IMF warns nations lack AI regulatory and ethical foundations
    Kristalina Georgieva, the IMF Managing Director, issued a warning at the 2025 IMF–World Bank meetings that many nations lack sufficient regulatory, governance, or ethical frameworks to manage AI’s rapid expansion. Reuters
  • California vetoes AI chatbot bill but mandates AI-disclosure law
    Governor Newsom vetoed a bill (AB 1064) aimed at limiting minors’ access to AI chatbots, citing overreach, but signed another law requiring chatbots to clearly disclose they are AI, not human. AP News+1
  • EU issues voluntary AI Code of Practice ahead of AI Act enforcement
    To accompany its upcoming AI Act (effective August 2025), the EU released a voluntary Code of Practice for general-purpose AI, covering transparency, safety, copyright, and governance. AP News+1
  • International AI treaty: Framework Convention on AI
    In 2024, the Council of Europe adopted the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, to align AI development with human rights and democratic values. Over 50 states have endorsed it. Wikipedia
  • One Big Beautiful Bill (US) removes AI moratorium, leaves state regulation intact
    A proposed 10-year ban on state/local AI regulation was removed before the bill’s final passage, reaffirming states’ ability to regulate AI. National Law Review+2Goodwin Law Firm+2
  • Global trends & predictions for 2025 AI ethics / governance
    • Dentons forecasts increasing alignment around global AI governance principles (ethics, risk, oversight) in 2025. Dentons
    • Forbes observes that regulatory complexity will grow, requiring organizations to build governance and compliance systems. Forbes
    • Goodwin Law reports that in 2025 states are pushing numerous AI legislation proposals (hundreds of bills), many focused on ethics, transparency, and fairness. Goodwin Law Firm
    • The Stanford AI Index Report 2025 notes that U.S. federal agencies introduced 59 AI-related regulations in 2024 — more than double previous years. Stanford HAI
  • Toolkits & justice in AI compliance
    A cross-sectoral research team published “A Toolkit for Compliance, a Toolkit for Justice” to help translate ethical AI principles into practical, just compliance under the EU AI Act. arXiv
  • Academic challenge: “Illusion of Rights-based AI Regulation”
    A paper argues that the EU’s AI regulatory framework, though framed in terms of rights, functions more as a governance and institutional stability tool than as a pure rights protection regime. arXiv
  • Yale’s Digital Ethics Center aids state AI regulation design
    Yale launched efforts to help state legislators across the U.S. craft AI laws balancing innovation with ethical guardrails, hosting summits and advisory sessions. Yale News
  • Texas AI law (TRAIGA) establishes state AI council
    The Texas Resilient AI & Governance Act (TRAIGA) creates a state AI Council with a mandate to ensure systems are developed ethically, in the public interest, and without harm. Goodwin Law Firm
  • UNESCO’s global standard on AI ethics
    UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (adopted in 2021) continues to serve as a reference point for many countries designing AI ethics frameworks. UNESCO
  • Vatican calls for close AI oversight
    The Vatican released a document (titled Antica et nova) urging robust moral oversight of AI, citing threats such as misinformation, polarization, and dehumanization. Reuters
  • Paris AI Action Summit (Feb 2025)
    The 2025 AI Action Summit in Paris (co-hosted by Macron and Modi) convened over 1,000 participants from 100+ countries to advance cooperation, ethics, and governance frameworks in AI. Wikipedia
  • First International AI Safety Report published
    Released January 29, 2025, this expert report assessed risks of general-purpose AI (climate, cyberwar, jobs, misinformation) and offered mitigation pathways. Wikipedia

Devotions, Family Devotionals

👩‍👧 Family Devotional — Day 27

“Living Set Apart”

📖 “If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
—John 15:19 (NKJV)


Raising children in today’s culture can feel like swimming upstream.

The values of this world are loud, persuasive, and often completely opposite of the Word of God.

But Jesus reminds us—this is to be expected.
He has chosen us—and our children—out of the world.

We no longer belong to the world’s systems, values, or approval.

That means our homes should reflect Kingdom living:

  • Truth over trends
  • Holiness over hype
  • Obedience over opinions

It won’t always be easy, but it’s always worth it.

Take time to remind your children that being different because of Jesus isn’t something to be ashamed of—it’s proof they belong to Someone greater.


Family Reflection:

  • What parts of the world’s values do you see influencing your home?
  • How can you help your children feel confident about being set apart for Christ?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling our family out of the world and into Your Kingdom. Help us to live boldly, speak truth with love, and raise children who are not afraid to be different for You. Amen.

Devotions, Teen Devotions

😎 Teen Devotional — Day 27

“You Don’t Belong to the World Anymore”

📖 “If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
—John 15:19 (NKJV)


Ever feel like you just don’t fit in?

There’s a reason for that.

Jesus says, “I chose you out of the world.”
That means you’re not meant to fit in—you’re meant to stand out.

You were created for more than the trends, the parties, the pressure to be liked or go with the crowd.

The world loves its own. But when you live for Christ, you live for a different Kingdom.
A higher calling. A deeper purpose.

And sometimes, that will cost you popularity or approval.

But remember this:
👑 You’ve been chosen.
🔥 You’ve been set apart.
💡 You were made to shine.


Challenge:

  • Where do you feel the tension between your faith and the culture around you?
  • What would it look like to boldly live as someone Jesus chose?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for choosing me. Help me stop chasing the world’s approval and start walking fully in the identity You’ve given me. Make me bold, real, and faithful. Amen.

Children's Devotionals, Devotions

🧒 Children’s Devotional — Day 27

“Jesus Chose You”

📖 “…I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
—John 15:19 (NKJV)


Have you ever played a game where someone picked teams?

It feels so good to be chosen, right?

Well, Jesus says something even more special:
He chose YOU—to be part of His Kingdom.

That means you belong to Him, not the world.
And sometimes, the world won’t like the way you live for Jesus.

But that’s okay.

Because being chosen by Jesus means:

  • You are loved
  • You are never alone
  • You have a forever family in God’s people

So when you feel different for doing what’s right, remember—you’re walking with the One who picked you on His team.


Think About It:

  • What does it mean to belong to Jesus?
  • How can you live like someone who was chosen by Him?

Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for choosing me to be Yours. Help me live in a way that shows I belong to You, even when it’s hard. Amen.

Devotions, Women's Devotionals

👩‍🦰 Women’s Devotional — Day 27

“Chosen Out of the World”

📖 “If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
—John 15:19 (NKJV)

There’s a quiet kind of loneliness that comes with following Christ in a world that does not.

You walk differently.
You think differently.
You choose purity, truth, and love—and sometimes that sets you apart in uncomfortable ways.

But Jesus reminds you why:
“I chose you out of the world.”

You don’t belong to the world anymore.
You were called out of darkness into His marvelous light.
And that calling will, at times, come with opposition.

But it also comes with identity, purpose, and eternal belonging.

Sisters, you were not meant to blend in—you were meant to reflect Christ.

Let your light shine even when the world would rather you stay hidden.


Reflection Questions:

  • Have you felt pressure to fit into worldly patterns or values?
  • What does it mean to live as one “chosen out of the world”?

Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for calling me out of the world and into Your Kingdom. Strengthen me to walk boldly, love deeply, and reflect You even when the world rejects me. Amen.

Devotions, Women's Devotionals

👩‍🦰 Women’s Devotional — Day 26

“The World Hated Me Before It Hated You”

📖 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.”
—John 15:18 (NKJV)

Being disliked or misunderstood is never comfortable—especially when you’re trying to walk in love, speak truth, and live in obedience.

But Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat the reality:
“If the world hates you, know that it hated Me first.”

The same world that rejected Christ will resist His likeness in you.
Your life—centered in truth, marked by grace, and led by the Spirit—is a contrast to the world’s darkness. And darkness doesn’t welcome the light.

But don’t lose heart.
Jesus was rejected, mocked, betrayed—and He remained faithful.
So can you.

You were never called to be accepted by the world.
You were called to follow the One who overcame it.


Reflection Questions:

  • Have you experienced rejection or resistance because of your faith?
  • How can you respond in a Christlike way when you are misunderstood?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to remember that being rejected by the world is not failure—it’s often confirmation that I belong to You. Give me grace to endure and love well, even when it’s hard. Amen.

Convergence, The Last Days

Global Governance & The Peace and Security Agenda

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.

 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

“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

“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.