JFA Blog

Reflections, studies and news for your walk with God.

November 28, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Come as you are!

The Lord knows our humanity, understands that we are imperfect, and yet chooses to love us. When we deserve only God’s wrath, He responds with love, a result of His mercy and grace. Shall we pray together about this? Prayer Father, I come to You acknowledging my imperfections and limitations, but also remembering Your love that sees beyond them, giving me a new identity. Thank You for loving me and staying by my side, even when I fail and drift away from You. Teach me to trust in Your grace, which reaches me even in my worst moments, renewing my strength and hope each day. I can draw near to You even in my brokenness because I trust in the power of Your grace and mercy, which rebuilds and shapes me. I know I don’t need to be perfect for You to accept and love me, but I desire to become more like Your Son Jesus every day. In a world that demands so much, I am reminded that Your love is unconditional and not based on what I do, but on Who You are. Shape my heart to rest in this truth and to live freely in Your presence, […]

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November 26, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Imperfect and loved

God Doesn’t Just Love Our Best Version God doesn’t love only the best version of us—the one that prays every day, follows His commandments, and lives an exemplary life. It wasn’t just that version of us that received salvation. Jesus came to heal, transform, and renew those in need. He loved and still loves our imperfect, broken, and flawed version. We have been rescued! Reconciled “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 God does not expect perfection from us. He knows our struggles, our mistakes, and our weaknesses, but He desires that we strive to become more like Jesus. When we stray from His will, when we make mistakes, or even when we rebel against His plans, He doesn’t abandon us. He sent His Son so that, even in our imperfect state, we could be reconciled with Him. God loves us not for what we do right but for who we are in Him, regardless of our faults. Our mistakes are not accepted or loved by Him, and we must seek change and transformation. However, we are received by Him above and beyond our errors because […]

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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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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 14, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Be light and salt

Today, I want to invite you to join me in prayer about our identity in Christ. Let us seek to remain as children who speak to everyone about the love of our Father, desiring that all may come to know and live in this same love. 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, thank You for making me salt and light in this world, reflecting Your love and grace with every step I take. May I bring a fresh taste where there is sorrow and shine amid darkness, guiding others to You. Allow Your light to be seen by those who do not yet know Your goodness. Help me to hear Your voice and follow Your ways with courage and humility. I am chosen and set apart, a child called to share the unconditional love I receive from You, my Father. May this identity in Christ […]

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November 12, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Followers

What Is Your Identity as a Follower of Christ? Light and Salt “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. ‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:13-14 You are light and salt in the world. You shine not because of your own light, but because God’s light shines through you. You bring a new flavor, not because you have the power to transform, but because God transforms through you. You need to go into the world and bring that new flavor, showing others that there is joy and delight in living with God. The light within you is meant to shine forth into the world. God wants to use you to brighten dark places. Listen to God’s voice and follow Him to where He wants to take you. Chosen and Set Apart “Who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his […]

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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 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 22, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Mirroring Christ

Let’s pray together about being good channels of God’s word? 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, teach my heart to be an example of Your love and grace. May my life reflect the light of Christ, showing others the greatness of Your mercy. Guide my actions and words, and teach my steps. I want to honor Your name and bring glory to the Lord. Thank you for the opportunity to be used by You! God, I desire to become more like Jesus in thoughts and attitudes. May I be a living testimony of Your goodness, bearing fruit that glorifies Your name and draws others to Your Kingdom. Let my life be an invitation to the transformation that only You can provide. In moments of challenge, strengthen me to act with grace and compassion. I want to be a constant reflection of Your character. Help […]

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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 14, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Transformed by love

Today, I want to invite you to set aside this time for us to pray together. We constantly receive undeserved grace, and through it, we are shaped and transformed by God and His mercy. 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, I thank You for Your undeserved grace that reaches my life and transforms my being. There is nothing I can do to earn this love, but through Your mercy, I am rescued and renewed by Your word. Your promises never change nor fail, You remain the same at all times, and I am grateful for this constant and unconditional love. Teach me to live each day aware of this precious gift. Help me to be humble and thankful for every detail. Transform my heart, Father. Shape my character into the image of Christ. Even in difficult moments, may I see Your hand working in me, […]

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October 10, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Transformative Grace

The presence of God comes to give new meaning to everything. He comes to redefine your life and your journey. It’s not the end! “By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.” 1 Corinthians 6:14 Before, death only meant “the end.” Something that ceases to exist, no longer among us. It brought fear and uncertainty. But Jesus redefined death. Through Him, death became the beginning of everything, the fulfillment of God’s promise. This is the most wonderful part of grace: how it contradicts the obvious, how it doesn’t follow a pattern. It is poured out in a unique portion for each person, for each season, and for each situation. It is unique and incomparable! Comes from God “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” John 11:25 To the world, it seems like foolishness. But for those who believe in God and know His Word, it is the power of God. Without Jesus’ death, the Christian faith would just be an ideology. An ideology can easily be created by intelligent people, but Christianity was not conceived by humans. Grace, mercy, and this […]

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October 07, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Towards the Extraordinary

Shall we pray for the journey towards the goal? That God may shape and transform us both on an ordinary day and on an extraordinary one. He is working! Prayer Lord, I thank You for every simple moment in my day and for each daily task that, even when it seems to lack purpose and significance, shapes my character and brings me closer to Your plan. May I recognize the value of small actions and details that transform me according to Your will. Teach me to be faithful in every task You entrust to me, knowing that obedience in the ordinary paves the way for the extraordinary. May I not seek only great achievements, but also have the humility to serve in what seems small, without constantly seeking what is considered great in the eyes of others. May Your Spirit lead me to be constant and persevering. Let me see Your purpose in every situation, developing patience and gentleness, just as Christ did in His simplicity. Just as the Son was prepared, prepare me for the promise You have given me. Increase my faith to see that You are present in all areas of my life, using the most common […]

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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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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 24, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Directing the wind

There will be days when life is completely beautiful, like a summer evening with friends. At other times, there will be storms, and that’s normal! God is present in both. He cares, guides, and directs the wind. Just adjust the sails and fix your eyes on the Father. Would you like to pray about this together? Prayer “Father, I know that many times the strong winds and storms of life make me lose my way. There are moments when I feel disoriented, not knowing where to steer the ship of my life. But, Father, I know You are with me at every step of this journey, even when the sea seems too rough. Teach me, Lord, to adjust the sails so I can navigate according to Your will, towards Your plan for my life. May I not focus on the opposing winds, but on Your promise and direction. Give me wisdom to understand that, even though I cannot control the circumstances around me, I can trust in You, knowing that You are taking care of every detail. May my eyes always be fixed on Jesus, just as Peter walked on the water while looking at Him. Do not let 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 12, 2024·Rapha Abreu

You are weak

Your strength comes from God. He offers grace and love so that by seeking Him, you become strong. But to live this, you need to expose yourself, that is, open your heart and allow yourself to be molded by Him. Get exposed You’ve certainly heard someone say, or maybe you’ve said yourself, that we can only help someone who wants to be helped. This is also the dynamic of God’s aid. We need to recognize that we are sick so that He can act and heals us. The Gospel only saves those who recognize that they need salvation. This does not mean that only some of us need it, but that He can only act on those who know they need it. God does not invade; He is at your side, waiting for you to give Him freedom to act. That is why you need to recognize your limits and expose your weaknesses. What does the word say? Do you want examples of this in the Bible? In Mark 10:51, in the story of blind Bartimaeus, Jesus already knew the man’s need, yet He didn’t bring healing directly. He approaches the man and first asks, “What do you want Me […]

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September 10, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: I want to see You

Let’s seek the face of God. He sees us, sees our hearts. Run to see Him, climb whatever tree you must to find Him. Shall we pray for this presence? Prayer Father, we acknowledge how sinful and weak we are, and we now place ourselves in Your presence, knowing that without You we are nothing, but with hearts full of hope, because we know that Your love for us is greater than any mistake we could make. Just like Zacchaeus, who longed to see Jesus, we too desire to find You, to be in Your presence, and to contemplate the beauty of Your face. Lord, we know we do not deserve to be before You. Just like Zacchaeus, who was despised by society because of his sins, we also carry guilt and wounds that separate us from You. But just as You did with Zacchaeus, we know that You look upon us with love, inviting us to sit at Your table, for a personal and profound relationship. Help us to seek Your face with all our being, to step out of our comfort zone, to leave behind all that holds us back, and to overcome our fears, so that we […]

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