Blessings

August 21, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Chosen

Father, so many times I focus on the blessings I receive—gifts, achievements, moments when I become visible and evident, when miracles become visible and evident—and I forget that Your eyes are turned toward my surrendered heart. Forgive me for wanting to feel chosen only by what I have, instead of being fully open and available for You to have me completely. Teach me to offer my life as a living sacrifice, pleasing to You. May my life not be defined by what I receive, but by who I become in You. May I understand that grace is upon all creation, but the chosen are those who allow the Father to receive from their lives. Let love, faithfulness, and obedience remain constant in me. Cause my heart to surrender fully—not out of obligation or expectation, but out of love. Lord, help me to transform my understanding of being chosen—not as a privilege of status, but as a responsibility of commitment. May I learn to live each day not for myself, but for the One who called me out of darkness into His marvelous light. May my actions show that Your mercy and grace upon me are greater than my achievements. I […]

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August 19, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Do I belong to the “Chosen”?

Many times, we think that being “chosen” by God is tied to how much we receive from Him: gifts, blessings, miracles, and accomplishments. But the Bible shows us that the true calling is not about how much we have of God, but how much He has of us. The Lord’s love and grace are available to all creation, but the chosen are those who decide to live surrendered, allowing the Father to receive from their lives sacrifices of obedience, love, and faithfulness. Surrender “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1 God has already blessed us with life, with salvation in Christ, and with His Spirit. But being chosen is more than receiving—it is presenting our lives as an offering to Him. The true difference lies in choosing to live so that He has freedom over us. The Lord is not merely seeking outstretched hands to ask, but hearts willing to surrender in love, completely. Being chosen is not about privileges and benefits, but about responsibility. It is deciding each day to relinquish control and allow God’s […]

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August 14, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Recognizing the goodness of God

Previously, in the text “Evil God”, we talked about the perception that the God of the Old Testament is evil and intolerant, and, over time, “transforms” into a God of love and mercy. But we saw that God has always been the same. His grace and mercy have always existed, and His love has been poured out upon the world since the beginning. Today, I want to pray with you about this — to surrender ourselves into the arms of the God of love without fear, but with reverence, recognizing His sovereign grace. Prayer Father, sometimes I have looked at the Old Testament with eyes that see only justice and judgment, forgetting to also contemplate Your mercy and grace displayed there. Forgive me for this limited view that keeps me from fully understanding who You are: Just, Holy, and Loving. Renew my mind so that I may see, behind acts of judgment, a heart that cares for life and seeks to restore what has been broken. Lord, may I recognize that Your holiness requires seriousness, for sin is serious and destructive, and I do not want it to have power over my life. Give me wisdom to understand that the […]

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August 12, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Evil God

Many people, when reading the Old Testament, come across passages of judgment, wars, and lessons, and end up forming the idea that the “God of the Old Testament” is severe or even “evil.” This perception most often comes from fragmented readings without understanding the biblical context. When we look at the Bible as a whole, we realize that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that His justice, love, and mercy have always walked together from Genesis to Revelation. Righteous and Holy “He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He.” Deuteronomy 32:4 In the Old Testament, we find moments when God judges entire nations, such as in the flood (Genesis 6) or the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19). At first glance, these episodes may seem harsh, but they reflect His holiness and intolerance toward sin—not the sinner. God is just in acting against the evil that destroys life and creation, that hurts His children and distances them from Him. This is not punishment—it is care and love. His justice is not like ours, limited and flawed. If God […]

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August 05, 2025·Rapha Abreu

By works or by the Spirit?

“I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard?” Galatians 3:2 How often do we condition our relationship with God on earthly circumstances? We say we seek Him first, but deep down, we live as if we need certain achievements to truly draw near to Him. Galatians 3:2 confronts us with a crucial question: did we receive the Spirit through works or through faith? Every moment is the right moment to reevaluate where our heart truly is. Beyond the Conditions “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 We often say God is our priority, but in practice, we wait to seek Him “once life is in order”—when we have a more comfortable home, a better job, or a calmer routine. We condition our relationship with the Father on earthly stability, as if He needed those things to draw near to us. As if everything rested on the foundation of God, but He were the foundation of nothing. The Kingdom of God is not limited by circumstances. […]

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July 22, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Too busy for God

We live in a world that glorifies and encourages performance, control, and busyness. In the midst of rush and anxiety, we often forget something essential: God moves when we rest in Him. The areas where we are overly anxious become closed zones for the Lord’s move, because we insist on solving everything with our own strength. Rest is not the same as inactivity, but rather trust. Where God Works “Do not be anxious about anything…” Philippians 4:6 I like to talk about this here, to reach more and more people. This is a very present topic in our lives and it’s extremely important to be discussed. Anxiety reflects our desire to control what is beyond our reach. When we are restless, worried, and impatient, we close our ears to God’s voice and block our hearts from His work. Faith trusts in the Lord’s timing, while the anxious mind wants to anticipate the future and, as a result, skip important steps. When we understand that anxiety doesn’t solve anything, but rather gets in the way, we take the first step toward spiritual rest. God doesn’t move in hearts that do not listen to Him, and anxiety often speaks so loudly that […]

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July 10, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Give me new life!

Lord, I am grateful for Your love that reached me and called me to a new way of living. Thank You for Jesus, who gave me access to Your Kingdom and taught me that living with You is much more than following rules—it’s a transformation from the inside out. Day by day, I want to live this new life You offer me, leaving behind everything that does not glorify You. Help me understand that the Kingdom of God is not only about words, but about actions shaped by love, justice, and mercy. May I not live only for myself, but remain attentive to Your voice, even in the simple things of daily life. Teach me to seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness, trusting that You will take care of all the other things. Father, renew my mind and heart so that I do not conform to the patterns of this world, but am transformed by Your truth. May I reflect the character of Christ more and more each day—in my choices, my relationships, and my thoughts. Make me a light in the darkness, to bring new flavor. Make me an instrument of Your love. Strengthen me in difficult moments, […]

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April 03, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Serving the Kingdom

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 Serving God and others is a privilege that brings us closer to His divine purpose. True joy is found in blessing others. When we serve without seeking recognition, we reflect the character of Christ, who came into the world to serve. The joy of serving does not come from personal exaltation but from the impact we create for God’s Kingdom. John the Baptist expressed this truth by saying, “He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30). Our calling is to act so that people experience God’s presence, not so they remember us. Humility in service teaches us to place God’s glory above our desire for recognition. When we understand that serving is an act of love, we find purpose even in the simplest tasks. We serve because we love God and desire for others to know Him. Thus, our joy is not in human applause but in the certainty that we are bearing fruit and that God delights in our […]

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March 18, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Do you change the world?

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:13-14 Reflecting the Light of Christ Jesus called us to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth, reflecting His love and truth in all that we do. Just as light dispels darkness, our lives should reveal God’s presence wherever we are. Just as salt enhances flavor, we are called to bring new life and hope to those around us. We cannot hide our faith; we must live it out in a way that glorifies the Lord. When we allow Christ to shine through us and transform us, we make an impact on those around us. This happens through our testimony, our words, and our daily actions, which should always align with God’s will. Our calling is to live differently from the world, being examples of goodness and righteousness. In a time of great darkness, we must bring hope and transformation, showing […]

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March 11, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Separated by God

Holiness is not a distant or unattainable concept but a calling that God extends to each of us. In a world full of distractions and challenges, pursuing holiness means living a life set apart for Him, grounded in His Word, and guided by the Holy Spirit. We were created to dwell in His presence, finding strength to persevere and experiencing the true peace that only He can give. The Call to Holiness “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” 1 Peter 1:15-16 Holiness is not an option for Christians—it is a direct calling from God. In the Bible, we are instructed to be holy in all aspects of our lives because He is holy. This means that holiness should shape our thoughts, words, and actions. It is not just about avoiding sin but about actively pursuing a life that reflects the character of Christ. God does not call us to holiness based on our own strength but through the grace that empowers us. Being set apart for God requires continuous transformation, where our daily choices reflect our commitment to Him. It […]

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December 18, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Something new!

The start of a new year is always an opportunity for renewal and reflection. In times of uncertainty, we often question what the future holds and what challenges may arise. However, the Word of God offers us promises that can strengthen us and guide us through every step. In it, we find reasons to trust fully in God, knowing that He has control and plans for our lives. Facing New Beginnings “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 He is doing something new. This promise teaches us that, even in the face of difficulties and uncertainties, God is working in and around us. We must keep our faith firm, believing that He will open new paths and provide new beginnings. Faith in God is the key to facing the challenges of each new start. As we trust in His promises, we can overcome obstacles and grow, knowing that He always has the best for us. Only He can guide us in wisdom, strength, and love. In every new stage, you can be sure that He will […]

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December 18, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: A year of blessings

Shall we pray together for the new year that is beginning? I am certain it will be a year of blessings—just seek the Lord and His Word constantly. Prayer Lord, thank You for granting us the gift of a new year, the sense of a fresh start with new opportunities. We want to renew our trust in You, knowing that You are always with us. In moments of challenge, we hold onto Your promises and the assurance that You are doing something new in our lives, guiding us through paths of peace and prosperity. Give us faith to believe that You are transforming and renewing our journey. Help us to see the new paths You are opening for us and grant us the courage to follow without fear. May Your presence be the driving force that propels us forward with confidence in Your perfect plan. Lord, we surrender to You; align our dreams with Yours. Help us to move forward, leave the past behind, and focus on what lies ahead, trusting that You have a future full of hope prepared for us. We thank You for each new day, each opportunity to grow, learn, and prosper. May we seek Your […]

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December 02, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Undo plan B

At times, we will face the opportunity to remain stagnant and stuck, to revisit the past and reopen a wound, or to move forward. In those moments, we must make an important decision: to step into the unknown and embrace incredible new experiences, or to stay in the familiar place of comfort, not moving toward God’s promises. Sink the second option You’ve probably heard the expression “Burn the ships.” It is linked to Hernán Cortés, who, in 1519, ordered his ships to be burned so his soldiers could not retreat. We see this concept reflected in several biblical stories, such as in 1 Kings 19. The prophet Elijah finds Elisha and calls him to be his successor. In response, Elisha performs a radical act: he slaughters the oxen he was using for work and burns the equipment, symbolizing the end of his old life. This act demonstrates his decision to follow God without reservations or plans to return. That’s what the expression means: having no plan to turn back. Cortés’ soldiers had only one option—to move forward and fight for a better future. When it comes to following Jesus, we cannot hesitate or keep a backup plan in mind. Instead, […]

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November 19, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Truly transformed

You can change everything in your life: a new job, a marriage, new friendships, travels, and countless other things. Yet, even if you change everything around you, nothing will truly change in your life unless God changes the times and seasons. It is He who brings fresh air and new directions. God of Movement “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 All these changes may bring a sense of novelty, but external changes cannot transform the essence of who we are. Often, we try to fill internal gaps by altering our surroundings, but the emptiness remains when God is not at the center of these changes. True transformation occurs when the Lord renews our minds and hearts. He is the one who gives us purpose and direction. Without divine intervention, even the most significant external changes will not satisfy the deep needs of the soul. Creator of New Beginnings “He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge […]

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November 07, 2024·Rapha Abreu

The Need for Grace

God’s grace is all we need. It reaches us anywhere and in any situation, filled with His love and forgiveness. Dependence The Bible shows us that we are prone to failings, weaknesses, and challenges. As Lamentations 3:22-23 states, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed… they are new every morning.” This renewal is a gift that reveals God’s compassionate heart, knowing our limitations and giving us the strength to start fresh each day. This daily grace is an invitation to walk closer to God. If it renews every day, it’s because we need it every day. Depending on Him daily gives us the opportunity to renew our faith and seek His presence each morning. It’s a living, dynamic relationship where grace transforms us, helps us grow spiritually, and empowers us to walk with greater confidence and humility. It keeps us moving. Constant Grace “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) Grace strengthens us in our limitations, giving us a new perspective to […]

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November 05, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Sowing the Way

Today, I want to invite you to join me in prayer as we reflect on how we are working toward the future we hope to create. We need to take steps today toward where we want to be tomorrow, so that we can reach our goals and ideals. And it is in God that we find the strength and guidance to walk this path. Prayer Lord, I acknowledge that my future depends on the seeds I plant today. Help me to walk in obedience to Your plans, taking each step based on Your Word and guidance. Through hard work, dedication, and seeking Your truth, I know I will be shaping the future You desire for me. Let my desires align with Yours, and may I remain steadfast in following Your path. Father, I know that promises and dreams alone are not enough—action and boldness on my part are necessary. Give me the strength to overcome fear and obstacles, keeping my eyes fixed on You so that nothing can hinder my journey. Teach me to cultivate what is good, with patience and perseverance, trusting that the promises You’ve activated spiritually will manifest at the right time. Help me not to give […]

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October 31, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Towards the future

You need to make your future respect you, but there is a right way to do that. It’s necessary for you to reflect on your steps and work on your path, moving toward God’s plans. Sow today! “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” John 12:24 The only way for your future to respect you is through your sowing. It will not respect your wishes, your projects, or your personal plans. But what you plant and nurture along the way shapes and prepares your future, and that’s how it respects you. No matter how well-intentioned your dream may be, if it isn’t accompanied by action, it won’t take you anywhere. Walk in obedience “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8 Your future does not respect the voice of your promises. If you do not walk in obedience, they will not be fulfilled in your life. God has already activated them in […]

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October 17, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Have you been an example?

God uses people, places, and situations to teach each of us. And often, we are also the ones He uses to teach others. Honorable children “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you…” John 15:1-4 God uses you as an example in one way or another, either as a model of what to do or as a model of what not to follow. You were created and are being directed by God to produce for Him, honoring and bringing glory to His name. He will use you as an example. If you work for the Kingdom, you will be a child that God is proud of, like a father who speaks proudly of what his child has done and how honored he feels to have him. But if you work only to benefit yourself, you will be like someone we should not use as a basis or inspiration. Get up! “Therefore, I urge you, brothers […]

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October 03, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Molded in the ordinary

God has placed you in situations that are not His ultimate purpose for your life, but that shape and prepare you for that greater plan. Daily “Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him” Hebrews 5:8-9 Jesus wasn’t made to be a carpenter, but for 30 years, He was in that position. He knew deep inside that carpentry was not His life’s purpose. He was created and destined for something much greater. God prepared His Son through simple, everyday activities for a supernatural calling, and He can prepare and transform you in your work and daily tasks as well. Constantly obedient “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us” 2 Corinthians 1:21 We often think that God only prepares us spiritually when we are in a spiritual environment. Of course, that strengthens our contact and relationship with God, but it is not the only place where He works. He is using your daily obedience and consistency to build the supernatural, not through extraordinary events. The one who is faithful in little is also faithful in much. The […]

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September 26, 2024·Rapha Abreu

The value of the heart

One of the most well-known Bible verses is Matthew 6:21, which says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (KJV). But what does this verse truly mean? Focus “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:1-6 The passage in Matthew does not refer to “treasure” only in terms of material wealth, like gold and riches, but conveys the sense of “value.” The value I place on a particular matter, person, possession, or situation determines where my heart is. That’s why our notion of the greatest value, something unsurpassable, must be in Christ. If the place of greatest value for you is heaven, then your heart will be there. Everything you do and seek will be there. Direction “I press on toward the goal to win the […]

blessings follow-jesus heart kingdom-of-god

August 29, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Let my will be done

The prayer is the most powerful weapon in a Christian’s life because it unites us with the Father and His will. In this way, we are guided by the Creator, with the aim of reaching the Kingdom, receiving all the other things we need. However, have we prayed for the Father’s will or our own will to be done? Ignored prayer The Bible teaches us in various passages about the importance of praying and connecting with the Father, maintaining a relationship with Him. We are instructed to present our requests to the Lord and to seek His will above all else. I have often heard people rely on the passage from Matthew 7:8, which says, “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Notice that the word says, “everyone who asks, receives.” It doesn’t say, “receives what they ask for”, but receives… The problem is that if we don’t understand this detail in the phrase, we might become frustrated with some prayers, as if God were ignoring us. Free to move When God teaches us to pray the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6, there’s a part that says, […]

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August 12, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: His is the dominion

Surrendering everything to God will always be the best choice of your life! Walking with Him and submitting each step to the Lord is the best path to follow. That is why today, I want to pray with you about this complete surrender and devotion to God. Remembering that you don’t need to pray exactly as I’m going to say here. I know that everyone has their own way of communicating with the Father, and it is important that we seek this intimacy. Feel free to talk to the Lord in your way. But if you wish, I am here to accompany you in this prayer. Prayer “Father, we acknowledge that everything we have and everything we are comes from You. You have given us the world and everything in it, entrusting us with stewardship over Your creation. But today, Lord, we want to lay everything at Your feet, subjecting the world and our lives to Your Son, Jesus Christ, giving Him dominion over all things. We know that when we place everything under the authority of Christ, He can perform wonders far beyond what we hope for or imagine. We trust in Your power, Father, and in Your infinite […]

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August 01, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Immature and loved

We have already talked about how dependent we are on the Father. No matter how much we know how to do certain things on our own, the best choice is still to follow His steps. He wants to be in control of our lives because He dreams of the best for us. Patient father “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will He harbor his anger forever; He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him.” Psalm 103:8-11 God knows everything, so He is by our side, already aware of our limitations and human mistakes. But He is patient with our childishness and immaturity. He knows our lack of knowledge and our difficulty in controlling ourselves. The Bible says in several verses how the Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in love. In all the ancient stories, we see God showing immeasurable patience with His people, guiding them through spiritual deserts and moments of darkness. He sees us as beloved children, […]

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July 23, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Don’t compare yourself!

You know that person you admire and look up to? I need to tell you something: she also has bad days, and her life is not perfect. Lives on screen These people will not go around shouting to the world that they have health problems, financial problems, or what struggles they are facing to everyone around them. Just like you don’t tell everyone that yesterday you went to sleep crying. What we see on social media or in person when we go out is a very small part of the lives of the people around us; there is no way to base it solely on that. God has been acting in your life too, delivering miracles and blessings every day. Don’t look around, don’t compare your path with others. Understand what He has done for you individually, with a measure made especially for you. You are loved You are no less loved because you are crying while others laugh. Just like it doesn’t mean God loves you more because you’re smiling now while others cry. Battles are necessary; struggles exist to make us grow and teach us, and we all go through them. We let the world see what suits […]

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