JFA Blog

Reflections, studies and news for your walk with God.

May 20, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Adopted by a Father

Father, thank You for calling me to Your table, where I find love, forgiveness, and fellowship. I recognize that my family is the first ministry You entrusted to me. Help me to love and care for the people around me—the ones who gave me life—with patience, responsibility, and sacrificial devotion, reflecting Your character in my home and in my daily life. Thank You for making me part of Your spiritual family, for giving me brothers and sisters, and for being a present and kind Father, shaping and transforming my heart through the identity of a child that I received in You. In the church, I find brothers and sisters with whom I share the faith. Teach me to live in unity, forgiving and supporting the people who are part of my life, showing the brotherly love that unites us in Christ. I am grateful to be adopted as Your child. In Christ, I received a new identity and full access to You. Help me to live as a child of light, reflecting Your love and grace in my daily actions. My greatest desire is that people would see Your light in me—in every step I take. Lord, may I never […]

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May 15, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Called to the table

Previously, we talked about Mother’s Day and the unconditional love God calls us to have. This week in Brazil, we also celebrate “Family Day.” It’s a great moment to remember that we were adopted and are loved as God’s children. We now have a family. The First Ministry “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8 Before any ministry calling, title, or purpose outside our homes, God entrusts us with an essential mission: to love and care for our families. Parents, children, spouses, and siblings are part of the environment where we most deeply learn about forgiveness, patience, responsibility, and sacrifice. It is within this context that we are shaped and taught how to serve. Scripture clearly says that neglecting the care of our own is to deny the faith. This reminds us that our spirituality begins at home. It’s not just about providing materially, but also tending to the emotional and spiritual needs of those who are closest to us. Just as Jesus grew under the care of Mary and Joseph and was obedient to His earthly parents (Luke 2:51), […]

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May 13, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Unconditional love

Father, I thank You for the love You place in our hearts, teaching us about it through our mothers, fathers, family, and friends—allowing us to experience Your unconditional love time and time again. As it is written: “Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Though she may forget, I will not forget you” (Isaiah 49:15). Even when human love fails, Your love remains constant. I remember Mary, who stayed by Jesus’ side until the end, even through the pain of the cross. May I learn from her to love faithfully, even in difficult moments. Lord, teach me to love with the qualities found in maternal love: patience, tenderness, and perseverance. May I care for those You have placed in my life, offering support and compassion—even without recognition. May my love be freely given, with no need for explanations or expectations in return. I want to serve for the joy of giving, not for any kind of reward. Help me to recognize and honor the love I’ve received from my mother and from all the maternal and paternal figures who have supported me. May I never forget to express gratitude and […]

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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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May 06, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Worship in Stillness

Father, thank You for allowing us to be in Your presence for another day. I acknowledge that I don’t always perceive You in the moments of silence and routine. Many times, I wait for grand manifestations and forget that You are also present in the stillness. Help me understand that boredom is not the absence of You, but an opportunity to worship You in a deeper and more sincere way, truly seeking You. Teach me to value the simple and repetitive moments of daily life. May I find joy in serving You even in the most ordinary tasks, knowing that every act done with love and dedication is a form of praise to You. May I not despise the ordinary, but see in it a chance to grow in intimacy with You. Holy Spirit, strengthen my faith so that I may remain steadfast in my walk, even when I don’t feel intense emotions or see immediate results. Remind me that faithfulness in the little prepares me for the greater, and that You are shaping my character in every small act of obedience. May I follow Your example of humility and service. May I be attentive to the opportunities to love […]

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April 30, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Worshiping in boredom

Not everything from God will feel exciting to do. Many times, we will need patience and consistency—even in the midst of “boredom.” Learning to handle boredom is also an act of honor to God, because we worship Him in the silence too. Worshiping in Boredom “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 Sometimes we stop doing certain things because they feel boring, tiring, or repetitive. Just because they don’t bring instant fulfillment. Not every time you go into your room to read the Bible will be a powerful encounter with God—those moments where you cry and pour your heart out. Most times, it will be quiet. You may even feel that familiar “boredom.” But God is still doing something in that moment. The problem is, when there’s no thunder or noise, we tend to believe God isn’t present. And little by little, we start giving up, letting go of the ordinary—and missing out on moments that could become visibly extraordinary. We long so much to see the Lord in […]

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April 29, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: A Sovereign Father

Father, I praise You because You are sovereign over all things. Your authority is absolute, and nothing is beyond Your control. Even though I try to understand every detail, I acknowledge that Your ways are higher than mine and that I don’t need explanations to trust in You. Teach me to rest in Your will, knowing that You are perfect in all that You do. Many times, my anxiety tries to dictate the pace of my faith, making me seek immediate answers. But today, I surrender all the restlessness in my heart to You. Help me not to depend on circumstances or what I see, but to stand firm on Your Word. May my faith not be conditioned by understanding, but by the certainty that You are a Faithful and Just God. God, forgive me for all the times I have tried to take control of situations as if I knew more than You. Teach me to wait patiently and to trust that everything works together for my good, even when it doesn’t make sense to me. May I always remember that You are the Creator of all things and that my role is not to question but to believe […]

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April 24, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Sovereignty

Sovereignty means: “Supreme power especially over a body politic. Freedom from external control, autonomy” Trusting in God’s sovereignty means recognizing that He is above all things and does not owe us explanations. He sees beyond what we can understand and calls us to rest in His will. True faith does not demand constant answers but stands firm in the certainty that God is perfect in all He does. God Does Not Owe Explanations God’s sovereignty means He rules over all things without the need to justify His actions. Often, we want to understand every detail of what happens in our lives, but God is not subject to our limitations. In Job 38:4, He asks: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?” This passage reminds us that God existed before everything — including us and all the experiences we can accumulate. His knowledge goes far beyond what we can comprehend. He doesn’t need to explain His plans for them to be perfect. Our desire for control and understanding often leads us to seek immediate answers, but true faith means trusting even when we cannot see. When we constantly demand explanations, we place God on the same level as our […]

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April 22, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Christ lives in me

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 Prayer Father, I have been crucified with Your Son. Now He lives in me. Help me remember this truth daily, so I can live according to Your will. I acknowledge that Your presence changes everything. Nothing stays the same where You are. Your presence must put to death who I used to be, so that I may become more like You, aligning myself with the path You have for me. Sometimes I try to change You without even realizing it, but I know that it’s Your will that must prevail. Teach me to fully surrender my heart to You, allowing Your will to be done in my life. God, help me live a life that reflects Your character. May I be set apart by You, seeking a life of holiness not based on my own strength, but on Your grace that empowers me. Continually transform me, so that my daily choices show my commitment to You. May […]

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April 17, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Crucified with Christ

The cross set us free, transformed our hearts and spirits, and gave us a new purpose. And it continues to renew us and give us new life at every moment. We were raised with Christ—we now have a new identity through Him! Freed from the Weight of Guilt “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:4-5 Before understanding the meaning of the cross, we carried guilt, mistakes, and memories that imprisoned us. We tried to make up for our failures, seeking to be accepted by God through human effort. But when we look at the crucified Jesus, we realize that He took upon Himself all that we could never bear. The cross changed our story and reminds us daily that forgiveness does not depend on what we do, but on what Christ has already done. The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin; shame loses its power over us when we focus on God’s […]

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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 […]

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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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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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April 01, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Waiting, Faith, and Perseverance

Lord, today I come before You to surrender every part of my life to Your perfect control. I know that everything has its appointed time, and nothing happens outside of Your sovereign plan. Help me to trust in You, even when I do not understand Your ways. Teach me to wait patiently, without demanding answers, knowing that each season has a purpose and that You are faithful to fulfill Your promises in my life. Father, strengthen my faith in moments of uncertainty. When the waiting feels long and the silence seems deafening, remind me that You are working behind the scenes. Just as You prepared every detail in the lives of Your servants in the Bible, I know that You are shaping my path. Help me to grow during this waiting period, to learn the lessons You want to teach me, and to remain steadfast in Your presence. May I not despair when doors close, but instead trust that You are protecting me from paths that could lead me away from You or even harm me. I want to rest in the assurance that Your plans are greater and better than mine. Renew my hope and fill my heart with […]

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March 25, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Perfect timing

Learning to wait with faith and patience strengthens us spiritually, shapes our character, and draws us closer to the Lord. When we rest in His sovereignty, we find peace, knowing that He has the best for us. A Purpose for Every Season “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:“ Ecclesiastes 3:1 God is never late nor early; He works at the perfect time. Often, we seek immediate answers, but He teaches us to trust and wait. Every phase of life has a purpose, and even when we don’t understand it, God is shaping our character and preparing us for what’s ahead. Waiting on the Lord does not mean inactivity but rather a season of learning and growth, acting in pursuit of His purpose. God uses the waiting period to strengthen our faith, teach us patience, and draw us closer to Him. Just as a tree needs time to develop deep roots before growing strong, our lives require a firm foundation in trusting God. When we surrender our plans to Him, we can rest assured that He is in control. Even in times of uncertainty, we must remember that God’s plans are greater […]

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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 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 12, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: A Holy Life

Lord, thank You for choosing me and setting me apart for You. I know that I am not worthy by my own strength, but by Your grace, I have been called to live in holiness. Teach me, Lord, to understand Your purpose and to remain faithful to the path You have prepared for me. Help me to reject everything that draws me away from You and to dedicate myself entirely to Your will. Purify my thoughts, my words, and my actions so that my life may reflect Your glory. May I be a light in this world, living according to Your principles. Lord, strengthen me in moments of temptation and weakness. I know the world will try to pull me away from Your calling, but I trust that Your Spirit will guide me. Empower me to deny sin and obey You above all. I desire to walk according to Your heart. May I never forget that I have been set apart by You for an eternal purpose. Let my life, my time, and my gifts be used to glorify Your name. May I find joy in serving You and be willing to fulfill the calling You have placed upon me. […]

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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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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 27, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Under grace

God’s presence is more than just a fleeting moment; it is the place where we were created to dwell and seek daily. From the very beginning, He called us into deep communion, but sin separated us from this reality. In Christ, that connection was restored, and now we are invited to remain in Him every day. We must stand firm in the hope of eternal life that He has promised. Housing “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15:4 God’s presence is not a place we simply pass through; it is the eternal home of those who love Him. From creation, we were made to live in communion with Him, but sin distanced us from that reality. Through His sacrifice, Christ restored our access to the Father’s presence, and now we are called to remain in Him every day. Dwelling in God’s presence means maintaining a constant relationship, not just experiencing isolated moments of visitation. He desires to lead us through the Holy Spirit so that we may live according to His will. This connection […]

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February 27, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Sweet Spirit

Lord, I come before You with a heart longing for Your presence. I know that without Your Spirit, my life becomes empty and directionless. I ask that You fill me with Your sweet presence, bringing peace and renewal to my heart. May I feel Your love flowing within me, calming my fears and strengthening my faith. Holy Spirit, guide me in every step, teaching me to walk according to the Father’s will. I know that in Your presence, I find rest and security. May I never grow accustomed to a life distant from You, but always seek to be in communion with You, listening to Your voice and following Your ways. Purify my heart and renew my mind so that I may discern what comes from You. May my life reflect Your light and love so that others may be touched by Your grace through me. May my faith not depend on circumstances but be firmly rooted in who You are. I surrender completely to You. Remove from me anything that keeps me from experiencing the fullness of Your presence. May I trust in You even on difficult days, knowing that You are my safe refuge. May Your peace surround […]

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February 25, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Sweet presence

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him.” Matthew 3:16 Since biblical times, the dove has been a symbol of peace and purity. When the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus at His baptism, He came in the form of a dove, demonstrating the gentleness and peace that accompany His presence. Just as a dove does not dwell in places of turmoil and unrest, the Holy Spirit manifests where hearts are humble and open to receive Him. The presence of the Spirit brings a peace that surpasses all understanding. He calms us in the storms of life, guiding us with tenderness. His touch is not forceful but serene and transformative, leading us into a deeper relationship with God. In Genesis 8, it says that Noah sent out a dove to find dry land after the flood. In the same way, the Holy Spirit guides us to a safe place in God’s presence. He leads us to true peace, drawing us away from the chaos of the world and firmly establishing us in divine grace. Gracious Spirit “After […]

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