JFA Blog

Reflections, studies and news for your walk with God.

January 30, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Zeal for the Kingdom

Father, You teach us so much! You left Your Word and teachings so that we could follow in Your footsteps. Your zeal for the temple, as described in Matthew 21, teaches us to value the holiness of Your house. May I have a heart willing to surrender to You, to be purified, and through this transformation, become a vessel in the lives of others. Remove from within me everything that does not please You so that my life may draw others into Your presence. Teach me to live in a way that honors Your ways. God, help us to identify and remove from Your house anything that contaminates Your name. May we be instruments of sanctification, guided by Your Spirit, committed to truth and love for others. Give us discernment so that we do not allow human interests and impurities to corrupt the place of worship. May we love Your Church as Christ loves it, always seeking its edification and unity. Lord, awaken in us a sincere zeal for Your Kingdom. We do not want empty rituals but a life transformed by Your Word. Renew our minds and hearts so that we may be true worshippers, faithful to Your will. […]

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January 28, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Zeal for the temple

The same zeal with which Jesus cleansed the temple in the story of Matthew 21 is necessary to purify the church today. We are called to this—to be purified and to also become a channel of purification. Jesus Cares for the Temple “Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. ‘It is written,’ he said to them, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a den of robbers.’”Matthew 21:12-13 (NIV) When Jesus entered the temple and saw the merchants and money changers disrespecting God’s house, He reacted with righteous indignation. He did not tolerate corruption and irreverence because He understood the true purpose of that place: to be a house of prayer. Just as Jesus cleansed the physical temple, we must seek purity and holiness within the church, rejecting anything that dishonors God’s name. The church is not just a building or location but the Body of Christ. Jesus teaches us that zeal for holiness should be a priority because He desires a pure and blameless church. This zeal should motivate […]

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January 23, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Constant God

God, I know You are everything I need. No circumstance in this world changes who You are, and I am grateful for Your constant presence and promises in my life, which remain steadfast beyond human struggles. Our limitations often try to confine You, but may my heart always remember Your infinite mercy and love, and how Your words are eternal and unchanging. Teach me, Father, to trust in You completely, surrendering every decision and plan into Your hands. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on the Kingdom and on eternal purpose so that the challenges of this world won’t shake my faith or divert my heart. I know I will never be deserving of Your love, yet You love me and care for me with every step I take. My salvation does not come from me or my efforts but from Your grace. Guide my eyes so that they stay focused on You. May I seek Your presence and direction in prayer before making any decision. I don’t want to walk according to my own understanding but in alignment with Your plans and purposes. Father, do not let anything else take Your place in my life. You deserve the […]

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January 21, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Kingdom Focused

We are human, and daily, we deal with other humans—with their mistakes, failures, and shortcomings. Because we are so accustomed to living with people, we sometimes project human traits onto God in our minds, thinking He is like us, with flaws and limitations. But even though He once became flesh and walked among us, He remained God. Constant God “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 It’s not because people have abandoned you that God will do the same. Or because you lost a job that God stopped being your provider. People are not as constant as God; they easily break promises and lose focus on their goals. But God remains steadfast, strengthening and guiding those who seek direction and power in Christ. It is crucial that our foundation is built on God, on His truths and His presence. Do not rely on human understanding—it can frustrate your plans. Instead, focus on God’s grace and follow it. Seek in Christ “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing… Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and […]

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January 16, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Burning without consuming

I invite you to say this prayer, a moment to surrender all areas and situations of your life to the Lord, allowing Him to take control and use you constantly to bear fruit for His Kingdom. Remember, you don’t have to pray exactly as written here; I know everyone has their own way of speaking to the Father. But if you’d like to follow along, it will be my pleasure. Prayer Lord, I want to be like the bush that burned before Moses: a flame that does not consume itself, a reflection of Your presence. May I burn continually with love, faith, and obedience, fulfilling Your purpose with every step I take. I acknowledge that I am not indispensable to Your work, but I thank You for Your grace that chooses to use me. Use me, Lord, to draw others to You so that everyone around me may know Your greatness and mercy. Teach me to remain in Your presence without being consumed by the pressures of this world. May my strength come from You, and may I fully trust in Your power that sustains me. Make me burn with passion for Your Kingdom, guided by Your Holy Spirit. The […]

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January 14, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Burn like the bush

The World and the Kingdom Need More “Burning Bushes.” Regardless of the area where your calling lies or the “title” you hold, it’s necessary to be more than just a leader in it; you need to be a burning bush! Be Used “‘What an amazing sight!’ he thought. ‘Why isn’t the bush burning up? I must go see it.’ When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’ ‘Here I am,’ Moses replied.” Exodus 3:3-4 The bush had only one function: to invite Moses into God’s presence and draw him closer to the Father’s voice. It did not become a sacred relic, nor was an altar of worship built for it. The bush burned, fulfilled its purpose by inviting Moses, and made way for glory to be given to God. The problem is that, too often, we want to be the voice in the bush, not the bush itself—burned by God for a greater purpose that brings Him glory. We need to be on fire but not consumed. Attract Others to the Kingdom “The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits […]

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January 09, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Incessant Search

Beloved Father, we begin this new year with hearts eager to seek You more deeply and consistently. We acknowledge that all we have and are comes from You. Therefore, we lay our lives before Your altar, asking You to guide each step and make our greatest desire to be in Your presence every day, living according to Your will. Help us to prioritize time with You and make Your Word the light that directs our paths. Lord, we recognize that the world offers many distractions, but we choose to seek You above all else. Grant us the strength and perseverance to open the Scriptures daily and allow them to transform our minds and hearts. May we find comfort, guidance, and courage through meditating on Your truth, equipping us to face the challenges this new year may bring. Renew within us a willing and committed spirit to follow You with faith. Teach us to live in dependence on You, trusting that Your plans are perfect. Throughout this year, may we grow in love, grace, and discernment, reflecting Your light to those around us. Give us humble hearts ready to learn and serve and lives filled with fruits that glorify Your name. […]

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January 07, 2025·Rapha Abreu

New year… the whole bible!

The Word is a Source of Life and Wisdom. Reading the Bible daily is essential for maintaining a healthy spiritual life. Jesus declared: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4). Just as we need physical food for the body, the Word of God is the spiritual nourishment that sustains the soul, offering guidance, comfort, and renewal. Spiritual Growth “Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.” Psalm 119:98-99 The Word provides wisdom to face daily challenges. By meditating on the Scriptures, we gain discernment and understanding to make decisions aligned with God’s will. Daily Bible reading also helps us grow spiritually. As the apostle Paul wrote: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Consistency in reading shapes us into the image of Christ, correcting our paths and equipping us for good works. Not every situation we face is explicitly described in the Bible. But by delving into and truly understanding the Word, we become equipped for whatever […]

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December 19, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Free path

Some time ago, we talked about settling unresolved issues, asking for forgiveness, and forgiving others. Today, I want to pray with you so that in this new year, we can leave the past behind and embrace new things in Christ, free from any ties to what has been. 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 come to You with a heart willing to change. Help me to leave behind the hurts, wounds, and everything that keeps me from moving forward. Teach me to forgive with the same love You forgive us, to love as we are loved by You, and to give myself in service to others, just as You came into the world. May I walk lightly, with a heart filled with Your peace, ready for the new paths prepared by You. I want to leave the path clear for Your work. Father, give […]

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December 18, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Bonds and Connections

Lord, we thank You for Christmas, for this precious time in which we celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for reminding us that Christmas is more than presents or parties, but a moment to reflect on Your infinite love for us. Teach us to create traditions that exalt Your presence in our lives and that help us pass on the values of faith and love to future generations. Father, may the traditions we build this Christmas be centered on Christ and Your Word. Teach us to share the true meaning of this celebration with others, so that our faith and the values it inspires endure. May every gesture we make be an expression of Your love that transforms and unites. May our homes be filled with peace and joy, and as we gather around the tree, the lights, and the table, may we worship You and express gratitude for all You do for us throughout the year, every day. Help us to use this season to love others, to show generosity in our words and actions. May we bring hope and light to those who need to feel Your touch this Christmas. May this Christmas be marked […]

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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 18, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Creating Traditions for This Time of the Year

This time of year is truly special for celebrating the birth of Jesus and strengthening bonds. Creating year-end traditions not only brings family and friends together but also provides an opportunity to preserve the true meaning of these celebrations: beginnings, love, and life. It is yet another chance to teach others that Jesus is the ultimate gift—passing on spiritual values and creating memories that deepen faith and love. Jesus at the Center “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7 In the Bible, we are encouraged to teach and remember God’s works for future generations. Similarly, celebratory dates can serve as meaningful tools to honor Christ while strengthening family bonds. Traditions such as reading the story of Christ’s birth in Luke 2 or setting up a nativity scene help reinforce these truths. Creating a cozy atmosphere or setting a welcoming table reminds us of Christ’s love and care. These practices inspire worship through gratitude—for another year, for each day blessed and guided by […]

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December 17, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Settle your debts

When the end of the year approaches, we reflect deeply on what has passed and what lies ahead for the next steps. But to move forward into the new, we must resolve lingering issues that hold us back. So, what are the steps to do this? Repentance “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:7-9 God gives us second chances. He knows that we, as humans, fail. Regardless of the error, shortcoming, or failure, we must have a sincere heart—toward ourselves, others, and most importantly, God. This leads us to true repentance and a change of mind. To follow Christ, it is essential that we experience a renewal of our thoughts. When God is present in our lives, we experience true transformation and live at peace with our past, present, and future, acting with wisdom and discernment. Humility “Before […]

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December 12, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Living and Constant Presence

Lord God, I know that Jesus Christ is not merely a memory of the past but the living presence that walks with me today. Thank You that through Him, I find strength and direction amid life’s uncertainties. May I see and experience Your love in every detail of my days, trusting that Jesus is the answer to all my needs. Help me understand that the same grace Jesus demonstrated while walking among men is available to me now. May my heart be open to hear His voice and follow His call, knowing that You continue to work miracles in my life. Teach me to live in the hope that comes from Your promise to be with me until Eternity. Father, I want to proclaim that Jesus is sufficient for me. When I face challenges, may I remember that His light shines in the darkness and that His presence brings peace even amidst storms. Strengthen my faith so I may live confidently, reflecting His love to the world. Finally, shape me into the image of Christ, that I may walk as He walked—loving, forgiving, and serving. Jesus lives and is here, and may this truth be evident in my actions and […]

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December 10, 2024·Rapha Abreu

…Jesus is today!

We, as humans, are constantly changing. Our desires, dreams, ideas, projects, and feelings evolve day by day. This transformation is beneficial, driving us to grow and progress when approached with wisdom. But we often forget that God does not change like we do. He and His Word endure forever! Unchanging Love “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 The God of today is the same God from the Bible, who cared for and guided His people. He sent His Son out of love to die for us. God’s love is a constant amidst our changes. While our emotions fluctuate, His faithfulness remains steadfast. He loved us in the past, loves us now, and will continue to love us in the future. This truth provides security, even when we face uncertainties. The sacrifice of Jesus is proof of God’s unchanging love. Even when we fail, His love endures. This encourages us to find strength and redemption in Him, knowing that His grace is not based on our actions but on His very nature. […]

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December 04, 2024·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Following God’s plans

Lord, in the decisive moments of our lives, when comfort calls us back, and the unknown challenges us, grant us the courage to burn our “carts,” sink our “ships,” and follow Your call without looking back. Help us to abandon any plan B, trusting that the future You have for us is far greater than we can imagine. Father, just as Elisha responded to Your call with radical courage, we want to do the same. Let us live without reservations, without hesitation, surrendering our old habits and plans so that You can create something new in us. Grant us the strength to walk by faith, even when the path ahead is unclear. We know that life with Jesus requires surrender and sacrifice. Help us understand that by letting go of the past, we are stepping into the fullness of Your promises. May we trust completely in Your plan, even when the way is uncertain, and the decisions are tough. Lord, we find true transformation in You alone. We don’t want to fill our lives with anything else; only Your presence satisfies. May You be our only plan. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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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 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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