Heart

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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July 29, 2025·Rapha Abreu

There is victory in forgiveness

It’s easy to admire great public feats, like David’s victory over Goliath, which earned him applause and recognition. But there are silent battles that reveal a heart truly shaped by God. Forgiving someone who has hurt us, as David did with Saul, doesn’t generate fame—but it shows spiritual maturity and obedience to the Lord. While killing giants impresses people, forgiving enemies brings joy to the heart of God. Hidden Power “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” Matthew 18:21–22 Forgiving is not a sign of weakness but of spiritual strength. Jesus taught that forgiveness must be constant and necessary—not as a favor to others, but as healing for ourselves. When David had the chance to take Saul’s life and chose to spare him, he didn’t act out of fear but out of reverence for God. He knew vengeance wasn’t his responsibility and that it wasn’t God’s plan for him. Killing Goliath was a bold act seen by all, vital to David’s journey, and ordained by God. But forgiving Saul was […]

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June 12, 2025·Rapha Abreu

3 in 1: The christian relationship

This month of June, on the 12th, we celebrate Valentine’s Day in Brazil. Today, I want to take a moment to talk about this day full of love, where we see so many beautiful actions and happy people sharing their lives. One Purpose “For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24 Christian dating is not a time for passing time but a phase of building and purpose. It is the beginning of a journey that aims for unity, commitment, and a reflection of God’s love. When two hearts unite under God’s direction, they not only share feelings but also align themselves with Heaven’s purpose for their lives. Dating is the soil where, with care and intention, the seed of a blessed marriage is planted. Preparation for marriage starts with self-awareness, mutual care, and respect for each other’s limitations. It is a time when God shapes, corrects, and strengthens the hearts so that, at the right time, two lives can walk as one. Christian dating does not ignore challenges, but chooses to face them with prayer, dialogue, and true love. A Cord of Three […]

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June 03, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: A constant christian

Lord, today I come before You, recognizing that Your Word is not just something to be heard, but something to be lived. Forgive me, Lord, for all the times I limited my faith, thinking it only needed to exist inside a church, forgetting that the true calling is to live the gospel in the ordinary days, in the small choices, and in the daily actions. Teach me, Father, to be a doer of Your Word and not just a distracted listener. I want my life to be a constant act of worship to You. May I not hide behind religiosity, but may my faith be evident in the streets, at work, in my home, and in every place I set foot. May my works glorify You, and may I be an instrument to shine light to those who are lost, weary, and hopeless. Help me to be a Christian in every step — in traffic, in simple conversations, in difficult decisions, and in every little detail of my routine. I want to follow Christ no matter the place or the time. Father, may Your presence be with me in my everyday life. Help me notice You in every detail. May […]

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May 08, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Mother’s love

In the month of May, we celebrate Mother’s Day in some countries. Everywhere in the world, there is a day set aside to remind us once again of the importance of maternal love in our lives. This love may come from a biological mother, a grandmother who raised us, a family member, or a friend who has walked with us through every stage of life, loving us unconditionally. But the greatest source where we also find this love is in God, who taught Mary about this feeling and surrender through Jesus. First Ministry “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” Isaiah 49:15 The Bible describes a mother’s love as a reflection of God’s own care and compassion. The depth of maternal love is something almost unbreakable. It is intimate, constant, and sacrificial. A mother’s love is present not only in moments of joy but also in times of pain. When Mary saw Jesus crucified, she surely remembered the boy she once held in her arms, fed, taught, and watched grow. A mother’s heart holds memories that remain forever. John […]

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April 15, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Putting on the Armor

Lord, I come before You acknowledging that my strength does not come from myself, but from You. Strengthen me in Your presence, for I know that without You I am vulnerable to the enemy’s schemes. Help me remember that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Beloved Father, teach me to put on Your armor daily. May I be girded with the belt of truth, living according to Your Word. Clothe me with the breastplate of righteousness, protecting my heart and guiding my actions according to Your will. May my feet be fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, ready to proclaim Your message of salvation. Lord, give me the shield of faith to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one that try to strike me. Place on my head the helmet of salvation, guarding my mind in Christ Jesus, that I may stay focused on Your Kingdom. May I take up the sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word, to resist temptation and proclaim the truth with boldness and authority. Help me to persevere in prayer, seeking You in every […]

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April 10, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Armor of Christ

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10 Before putting on the armor of God, it is essential to understand that our strength does not come from ourselves, but from the Lord. We must be strengthened by God’s power, for only in Him do we have the ability to resist the enemy’s schemes. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces; therefore, we need divine protection. The armor of God is given to us so we may stand firm against the attacks of the enemy. Without it, we are vulnerable and easily deceived. The devil uses doubts, fears, and temptations to lead us away from the truth, and only spiritual armor can keep us protected. Obedience to the Word and constant prayer are essential to prepare us for this daily battle. To seek our strength in God means to develop a life of intimacy with Him. Prayer, studying the Bible, and fellowship with other believers help strengthen our faith. Just as a soldier prepares before going into battle, we must always be clothed in God’s presence, trusting that He will give us the victory. Parts of the Armor The armor described in […]

faith grace heart obedience

April 08, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: The Joy of Serving

Beloved Lord, thank You for the privilege of serving Your Kingdom. May our hearts always be willing to help others with love and humility, without seeking recognition or human rewards. Teach us to find joy in giving, remembering that it is more blessed to give than to receive. May we reflect the character of Christ in every action, serving with sincerity and dedication. Father, deliver us from the desire for personal exaltation. May we decrease so that You may increase, and may people see Your light in us. We want our actions to lead others to an encounter with You, not just to the memory of who we are. Give us a detached heart, one that rejoices in seeing lives transformed by Your presence. Help us understand that being forgotten by men is not a reason for sadness, but an honor before You. May our greatest joy be knowing that our life was a vessel for Your glory. Teach us to trust that You see every act of love, even those unnoticed by human eyes. May our service always be for Your glory and not for our own satisfaction. May we lead people to Your love without expecting anything in […]

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March 20, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Light and Salt

Welcome to another special moment of prayer. 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, I thank You for the calling I have received to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. I know that on my own, I am not capable, but in You, I find everything I need. May my life be an instrument in Your hands, bringing flavor to those who do not yet know You and dispelling darkness with the light of Your truth. I ask that You strengthen my heart so that my actions and words may be a living testimony of Your love. Help me to live differently from the world, always choosing justice, kindness, and truth. May every action of mine glorify You and not seek personal recognition, for everything I do should point to You. Lord, give me sensitivity to see the needs around […]

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March 06, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Anchored in Grace

Lord, in Your grace, I find refuge and rest. I know that nothing I am or do can make me worthy of Your love, yet You love me unconditionally. Thank You for reaching me even in my weakness, for sustaining me when I feel like giving up, and for reminding me every day that my identity is firmly rooted in You. Teach me to live under this grace and not under the weight of guilt or perfection. May my response to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross be a surrendered heart, willing to obey and walk in righteousness—not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for all that You are in my life. When struggles come and fear tries to paralyze me, help me remember that Your grace is enough. Let me trust in Your unmerited favor and rest in the certainty that You are in control of all things. Even when I do not understand Your plans, I want to remain steadfast, knowing that Your goodness never fails. Father, give me a teachable heart so that I may learn to depend more on You and less on myself. May each day be lived for Your glory, recognizing that I am […]

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February 11, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Humble Son

The life of Jesus is a perfect example for us in every way—especially in humility and during moments of suffering and injustice. Christ left us a model to follow, serving as an inspiration for how we should walk. Every step He took teaches us how to take our own. Servant of servants “Rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:7-8 The life of Jesus teaches us that true greatness lies in serving others. Though He was the Son of God, He took on the role of a servant. In John 13, for example, the Bible recounts how Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, showing that no one is above performing acts of humble service. He did not hesitate to serve those who followed Him. Even as the Sovereign Lord, Jesus was present for them—close and humble. This attitude demonstrates that Christian leadership is not about dominance but about love and care. He made it clear that whoever desires to be great must first be a servant. By […]

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November 21, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: From the inside out

Today, I want to invite you to join me in prayer for true transformation and renewal that can only be found in Christ. Only He has the power to change times and seasons in our lives, guiding us toward a greater purpose covered by His love and grace. Let us surrender to His work! Prayer Father, I thank You for Your transforming grace that calls us to become more like Christ. Teach us to let go of what separates us from You, and allow Your Holy Spirit to shape our hearts and minds. May every step we take be guided by Your truth, leading us to true transformation. Help us to recognize that only in You can we find the strength to overcome obstacles and limitations. May our dependence on You grow daily, and may we trust fully in Your power to completely renew us. Grant us the courage to surrender to Your transformative process, even when it is difficult or challenging, so that we do not give up. May our lives reflect Your love and light, serving as a living testimony to those around us. Shape us according to Your eternal purposes. Thank You, Lord, for not giving up […]

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October 29, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Esther’s Heart

The Bible presents many stories and passages that teach us and serve as inspiration for our steps. Esther was the protagonist of one of these stories. She is used as an example of strength, dependence on God, and boldness. Today, I want to pray with you so that we may learn to position ourselves like this queen. God expects from us this courageous and surrendered heart. Prayer Lord, today I come before You, seeking the boldness and attitude that Esther demonstrated in critical moments. May I, like her, understand the power of prayer and positioning. Give me the courage to follow Your direction, knowing that in You, I can face any challenge and transform the realities around me. Transform my heart so that through this, I can be an agent of transformation, a channel for Your work. Father, may I not rely on my own strength or abilities, but may every decision be made in total dependence on You. Let my relationship with You give me the wisdom and discernment necessary to act with clarity and grace. Help me to wait for Your timing and trust in Your guidance. I want to reflect the kindness of Christ in all my […]

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October 24, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Walking like Esther

The story of Esther shows us the power of boldness and action in critical moments. It clearly demonstrates how our prayer and stance can change everything! Authority in the steps As queen, Esther faced the challenge of interceding for her people, risking her own life. God was with her, and because of that, she found the courage to present herself to the king even without being summoned. Esther knew she couldn’t remain silent, and with faith, she made the decision that would save the nation of Israel. She didn’t hold back when she received direction from the Lord. In our lives, we often face challenges that seem too big. But just like Esther, we can find courage in God. He gives us authority, guides us in difficult moments, and directs us to make wise decisions. When we act with that confidence, knowing the Lord is by our side, we can impact not only our lives but also the lives of those around us. Dependence on God Esther was beautiful, but she didn’t rely on her beauty. She was full of wisdom that came from her close relationship with God. Before making any decision, she sought the Lord through fasting and […]

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October 01, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Aligning the Focus

I want to invite you to pray together today, asking God to teach our hearts about the true value of things, so that we may prioritize the Kingdom and everything that leads us to Him and to Christ in our lives. 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 “Beloved Father, I come before You with an open and sincere heart, asking that my heart may find in You the true value and treasure. Teach me to have a pure heart, like David’s, who sought Your presence above all else. May I keep Your word within me, so that it may guide my thoughts, words, and actions. May my priorities be aligned with Your will, and may my goal be to seek Your Kingdom above all. Grant me wisdom to discern what is eternal and dedicate my life to it. I want to keep my heart focused on […]

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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 […]

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September 19, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Adjust the sails

Many times we are on a path, and then, we divert our gaze. This changes our steps, actions, and goals, either leading us to the right path or diverting us to the wrong one. Towards Christ “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:30-31 Keeping watch over the direction of our gaze is something that defines the direction of our steps. In Matthew 14, we see the story of Peter, where Jesus calls him to walk on water, and he goes to meet the Son. While Peter’s eyes were on Jesus, he stayed above the water. The invitation was made by God, the path was created by Him, but at a certain moment, Peter stops and looks at the waves. Then, he begins to sink. When Peter’s eyes were focused on Jesus, miracles happened; but when he focused on the storm and the problems, he strayed from the path of life. Steer the boat “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, […]

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September 16, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Seeking Divine Strength

Shall we pray for God’s presence and strength? This is a moment set aside for us to recognize our weakness before God and cry out for the work of the Holy Spirit. 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, I recognize my weakness and limitations. I know that, by my own strength, I am not capable of facing the challenges that come my way. Many times, I try to be strong on my own, attempting to solve problems with my own hands, and I end up feeling lost, tired, and overwhelmed. There are moments when life feels too heavy, the struggles pile up, and I feel small before the challenges. But Your Word reminds me that I don’t need to be strong all the time because it is in You that I find true strength. Your grace is sufficient for me, Lord, and Your power is made perfect […]

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September 05, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Climb the tree!

In Luke 19, we see the story of Zacchaeus, a man small in stature, but with an immense desire to see the Lord. Stay exposed “A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd.” Luke 19:2-3 As we read the verses of this story, we might mistakenly interpret that the Lord saw Zacchaeus because he was in an elevated position. Zacchaeus was the chief tax collector, a group whose social status was equivalent to that of sinners, prostitutes, and lepers at the time. For this reason, he was considered as sinful and impure as they were, and people hated him. He always walked accompanied by Roman guards to ensure his safety. Even knowing the risk of being lynched, Zacchaeus exposed himself. He placed himself in a position of visibility, seeking to see the Son of God. Be vulnerable “So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay […]

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September 03, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Surrendered to God

I want to invite you to pray together about trust, surrender, and strength while God works, even in silence, when we can’t hear Him. 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 “Lord God, loving and merciful Father, we come before You now with surrendered hearts, full of a desire to follow Your will. We know that Your plan is perfect and that Your ways are always better than ours. Today, we completely surrender our lives into Your hands. We trust in Your unconditional love and infinite wisdom. Give us the courage to let go of control, and pour out Your grace upon us so that we can set aside our fears, anxieties, and selfish desires, allowing You to guide our steps. Father, we want to follow Your will in every moment and situation. Even when our prayers are not answered exactly as we ask, help us to […]

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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 20, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Walking with Jesus

I want to invite you to pray together today about our relationship with the Lord. Let’s pray that we may worship Him fully and in all moments and situations, not just to ask for help, but to seek His presence. Prayer “Father, we come before You with open hearts, seeking more of You. Too often, we seek Your presence only when we are in trouble, as if You were an emergency number. Forgive us for the times when we don’t seek You just to give thanks, but only when we need something. Transform our hearts. Teach us, Lord, to trust in You not only in moments of crisis but in all situations of our lives. Help us to recognize that we need You with every step we take, in every decision we make, in every joy, in every sorrow, and in every challenge we face. We want to have constant communion with You, not only in difficult days but also in moments of peace. Let our pursuit of Your presence not be driven by desperation, but by a genuine desire to be close to You, to know You more deeply, and to walk with You daily. Lord, grant us the […]

follow-jesus heart love-of-god prayer

August 15, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Dial Jesus

Prayer is not an emergency call we make when an accident happens or when we need to be heard. Seeking the Lord during difficult times demonstrates trust and love, but if we do not seek Him when things are going well, then prayer becomes merely a moment of desperation. Domain Prayer is not just a means by which we obtain what we want from God. He does instruct us to ask for what our hearts desire, but more than that, we need to align our dreams with His. It must be the way through which God receives from us what He wants. To pray is to connect heaven and earth, with the intention that God’s will be done in our lives, not for the earth to have dominion over heaven. Sometimes, your prayer is not being answered because it is trying to dominate God. The Bible says that the One who was taken and died as a lamb (Isaiah 53:3-7) will return as a roaring lion over the nations (Revelation 5:1-5). It is not easy to tame a lion. He is the One who reigns, and His authority is over everything and everyone. Follow Plan A Try to use your […]

faith heart obedience prayer

July 16, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Stand firm!

A position defines your limits and ideals. We are generally afraid to take a stand, as it brings many changes. Change is scary, and the beginning is uncomfortable. But you are not alone! Free in Christ “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105 Often, when making the right decision, we get the impression that everything is going wrong around us. This happens because the light turns on and reveals everything. What you previously couldn’t see in the dark is now clear and visible, fixable. When we do not position ourselves in the face of a situation, we allow it to remain covered in uncertainty and fear, generating trauma within us. We get stuck in situations that make us sick. God offered you freedom and wants to introduce you to a lighter way of living life. Allowing changes “Whoever watches the wind will not plant. Whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” Ecclesiastes 11:4 There will be times when your positioning will make you lose people, or it will be necessary for you to say goodbye to places and dreams. In other situations, He will not move you from place to place or keep you […]

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