JFA Blog

Reflections, studies and news for your walk with God.

June 10, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Finding God in the pause

Lord, in the midst of so many commitments, voices, and tasks, I find myself distant from the silence that allows me to hear Your voice. Teach me, Father, to slow down. Show me that stopping is not wasting time, but gaining life. But also teach my heart to hear You amid the noise of the routine. Thank You for reminding me that even the Creator rested on the seventh day and contemplated creation and all that it offers. How precious it is to know that You do not demand constant productivity from me, but a surrendered trust. May I learn to trust that even when I stop, You are still sustaining all things. May rest be more than just physical pause—may it be soul restoration and a pursuit of Your presence. Help me rediscover the value of silence. In the moments when everything feels like noise and chaos, may I step away—even for a few minutes—to be with You in prayer, listening to everything You want me to hear. Like Elijah, may I recognize Your presence not only in grand manifestations, but also in the gentle whisper. Father, may I not live for results, but for Your will. May every […]

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June 05, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Slow down

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” Genesis 2:2-3 We live in a world that romanticizes endless productivity, busyness, and overloaded schedules. However, the Bible teaches us that there is deep value in pausing, resting, and being still. God Himself, after creating the world, rested on the seventh day—not because He was tired, but to establish a principle: rest is sacred. Slowing down is not wasting time; it’s aligning our hearts with Heaven’s rhythm. Rest is not just a physical need but a spiritual act. In Exodus 20, God institutes the Sabbath, a day set apart to stop working and remember that He is the source of everything. This teaches us that we are not defined by our productivity but by who we are in Him. Rest recenters us and reminds us that the world is not in our hands but in God’s hands. When we slow down, we create space to hear God’s voice. Psalm 46:10 declares, “Be still, and know that […]

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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 29, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Be a Christian on Monday

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 The gospel is not just about attending services but about living like Jesus every day. Monday faith shows up in meeting deadlines, caring for people, being honest, showing empathy, and being consistent. A Christian After the Service “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 Being a Christian is not an identity we put on for Sunday and then hang back in the closet until the next service. The true gospel shapes us in the ordinary — the day after the service, in traffic, at work, in simple conversations, and in daily choices. James 1:22 reminds us that hearing the Word is not enough; we must live it, especially in the ordinary days. We are called to be light. But light for whom? Lighting up where it’s already bright is simple and natural. While it’s important to be an example inside the church, we must be light especially in the dark places — among people who are far from God, where there are challenges, stress, pressure, and imperfect relationships. Our […]

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May 27, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: The process of a son

God, I praise You and thank You for who You are and for Your perfect plans, which are always greater and better than mine. Thank You because, just as Your Son Jesus went through a process of growth, maturity, and preparation, I too am cared for and shaped by You in every detail of my life. Nothing goes unnoticed by Your eyes, and even when I cannot see it, You continue working in my heart. Father, so often I feel impatient, wanting things to happen in my own time. But today I acknowledge that there is beauty in the process. That every stage has a purpose and that the behind-the-scenes moments are part of the construction of Your plan in me. Help me, Lord, not to despise the days of small beginnings and to value the simple moments, knowing that they are also full of Your presence and care. Just as Jesus lived the ordinary — learning to walk, to speak, working, feeling pain, and facing challenges — teach me to understand that You are with me in every detail of my journey. May I learn to see You in the ordinary days, in routines, in simple tasks, and may […]

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May 22, 2025·Rapha Abreu

The Master’s process

The Bible is not just a book of stories — it reveals processes, teaches principles, and invites us to see life from God’s perspective. When we look at Jesus’ journey, we often focus on His public ministry — the miracles, sermons, and healings. But there is a quieter part, barely detailed in Scripture, that holds immense value: the years of preparation, growth, and development. Jesus went through common processes while being continuously shaped by the Father. The process is part of the purpose, and even behind the scenes, God is forming something great within us. Walking in the Steps of the Son “After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.” Luke 2:46-47 When we look at Jesus, we instantly recognize the Master — the One who taught multitudes, healed the sick, and performed miracles. We know He began His public ministry at the age of 30 (as cited in Luke 3:23), but we often overlook everything that happened before that. Jesus spent years being formed — silent to the world, but fully active before the […]

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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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