JFA Blog

Reflections, studies and news for your walk with God.

August 14, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Recognizing the goodness of God

Previously, in the text “Evil God”, we talked about the perception that the God of the Old Testament is evil and intolerant, and, over time, “transforms” into a God of love and mercy. But we saw that God has always been the same. His grace and mercy have always existed, and His love has been poured out upon the world since the beginning. Today, I want to pray with you about this — to surrender ourselves into the arms of the God of love without fear, but with reverence, recognizing His sovereign grace. Prayer Father, sometimes I have looked at the Old Testament with eyes that see only justice and judgment, forgetting to also contemplate Your mercy and grace displayed there. Forgive me for this limited view that keeps me from fully understanding who You are: Just, Holy, and Loving. Renew my mind so that I may see, behind acts of judgment, a heart that cares for life and seeks to restore what has been broken. Lord, may I recognize that Your holiness requires seriousness, for sin is serious and destructive, and I do not want it to have power over my life. Give me wisdom to understand that the […]

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August 12, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Evil God

Many people, when reading the Old Testament, come across passages of judgment, wars, and lessons, and end up forming the idea that the “God of the Old Testament” is severe or even “evil.” This perception most often comes from fragmented readings without understanding the biblical context. When we look at the Bible as a whole, we realize that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that His justice, love, and mercy have always walked together from Genesis to Revelation. Righteous and Holy “He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He.” Deuteronomy 32:4 In the Old Testament, we find moments when God judges entire nations, such as in the flood (Genesis 6) or the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19). At first glance, these episodes may seem harsh, but they reflect His holiness and intolerance toward sin—not the sinner. God is just in acting against the evil that destroys life and creation, that hurts His children and distances them from Him. This is not punishment—it is care and love. His justice is not like ours, limited and flawed. If God […]

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August 07, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Burning myself

Father, I so easily cling to my own achievements and merits instead of depending on Your grace. Forgive me for so often conditioning our communion on my efforts or possessions. Teach me to remember that I received Your Spirit not by human merit, but by faith, believing in Your Word. Help me burn the symbolic “chariots” that keep me bound. I want to burn the pride that believes it is by my efforts that You remain with me, the plans that exclude Your supernatural power, and the self-sufficiency that ignores the dependence every child must have on the Father. May I truly surrender my strategies and control into Your hands. God, lead me beyond the earthly conditions I believe bring me closer to You. Show me that Your Kingdom is accessible in simplicity, in the struggle, and in the silence. Help me understand that You dwell in my imperfect routine and in my genuine faith, not in the perfection I strive for. May I live by faith and not by sight, trusting in the promises that surpass every situation. When circumstances seem unfavorable, affirm in my heart that I was made to walk in trust in You. May Your presence […]

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August 05, 2025·Rapha Abreu

By works or by the Spirit?

“I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard?” Galatians 3:2 How often do we condition our relationship with God on earthly circumstances? We say we seek Him first, but deep down, we live as if we need certain achievements to truly draw near to Him. Galatians 3:2 confronts us with a crucial question: did we receive the Spirit through works or through faith? Every moment is the right moment to reevaluate where our heart truly is. Beyond the Conditions “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 We often say God is our priority, but in practice, we wait to seek Him “once life is in order”—when we have a more comfortable home, a better job, or a calmer routine. We condition our relationship with the Father on earthly stability, as if He needed those things to draw near to us. As if everything rested on the foundation of God, but He were the foundation of nothing. The Kingdom of God is not limited by circumstances. […]

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July 30, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Forgiven

Previously, we talked about the power of forgiveness and how it heals and frees us. Today, I want to invite you to pray with me about this—so that our hearts may be filled with God’s grace and that we may learn to extend forgiveness and be merciful, just as God is with us daily. Prayer Father, I know that the deepest battles are often internal. Just as David spared Saul even when he had the right to seek revenge, help me learn from that silent victory that pleases Your heart and overflows grace into my life. I confess that harboring resentment weakens my soul and traps me in an invisible prison. Teach me Your way of continual forgiveness. May I release my heart and experience the healing and relief that come from You. I know that forgiveness is an act of obedience to Your word. I ask that Your Spirit transform me, shaping my character in humility and generosity. Even in lonely moments, hidden from the world, may my actions reflect Your forgiveness and love, showing that my greatest glory is not in the sum of my deeds but in my likeness to Jesus Christ. God, help me to leave […]

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July 29, 2025·Rapha Abreu

There is victory in forgiveness

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

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July 24, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Surrender to the Father

God, in the midst of the busyness of my days, I come before You in silence and humility. I acknowledge that so often I’ve become occupied with many things and neglected what is most important: Your presence. Forgive me for every time I’ve placed You second, allowing tasks, responsibilities, and distractions to dominate my heart. Today, I ask You: teach me to pause, to hear Your voice, and to prioritize seeking Your presence above all else. I want to seek You with a whole and available heart. I know it’s not You who moves away—it’s me who gets distracted by the noise of this world and changes my steps. I want to learn from Mary, who chose to sit at Your feet, rather than follow the path of Martha’s busyness. I know Martha longed to serve and welcome You well into her home, but give me the wisdom to reorganize my life and time around what truly matters: communion with You. Father, I no longer want to offer You what’s left over. I desire to give You my best—my first thoughts in the morning, my attention throughout the day, and my rest in the evening. May Your Word dwell richly […]

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July 22, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Too busy for God

We live in a world that glorifies and encourages performance, control, and busyness. In the midst of rush and anxiety, we often forget something essential: God moves when we rest in Him. The areas where we are overly anxious become closed zones for the Lord’s move, because we insist on solving everything with our own strength. Rest is not the same as inactivity, but rather trust. Where God Works “Do not be anxious about anything…” Philippians 4:6 I like to talk about this here, to reach more and more people. This is a very present topic in our lives and it’s extremely important to be discussed. Anxiety reflects our desire to control what is beyond our reach. When we are restless, worried, and impatient, we close our ears to God’s voice and block our hearts from His work. Faith trusts in the Lord’s timing, while the anxious mind wants to anticipate the future and, as a result, skip important steps. When we understand that anxiety doesn’t solve anything, but rather gets in the way, we take the first step toward spiritual rest. God doesn’t move in hearts that do not listen to Him, and anxiety often speaks so loudly that […]

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July 17, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: I no longer walk alone

God, I know that many times I have trusted more in myself than in Your grace. Forgive me for every time I tried to carry burdens alone, forgetting that You are the One who sustains, strengthens, and guides me. May my heart not lean toward self-sufficiency, but find rest and direction only in You, the eternal Rock. Teach me to depend on You in everything. Even when circumstances seem to be under my control, I want to remember that it is not by might nor by my own power, but by Your Spirit that I live and can reach higher places. May I never forget that my very breath comes from You, and that without Your presence, I am only dust. Break down my pride and renew within me a humble spirit that bows before Your sovereignty, leading other people around me, in communion, to also worship You! Father, help me to trust in Your ways more than my own. As it is written in Proverbs 3:5-6, I want to trust in the Lord with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding. I want to acknowledge Your hand in all my steps and see my paths made […]

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July 15, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Self-sufficient

“This is what the Lord says: ‘Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord’.” Jeremiah 17:5 The Danger of Trusting in Yourself “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9 This verse is often interpreted as a warning not to trust those around us, but the original text goes further. It reveals the danger of relying solely on human strength—including, and especially, our own. When we make our flesh and natural abilities our main support, we risk turning our hearts away from the Lord. Total self-trust is a subtle form of pride and self-sufficiency that distances us from dependence on God. Trusting only in what we feel or think can lead us down paths of deception and disappointment. The wisdom that comes solely from ourselves is limited, but the wisdom that comes from above is pure, peace-loving, and full of good fruit (James 3:17). That’s why God calls us to abandon the idea of spiritual independence and recognize that without Him, we can do nothing. Unrestrained self-confidence leads to isolation, anxiety, and frustration, because we try to control […]

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July 10, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Give me new life!

Lord, I am grateful for Your love that reached me and called me to a new way of living. Thank You for Jesus, who gave me access to Your Kingdom and taught me that living with You is much more than following rules—it’s a transformation from the inside out. Day by day, I want to live this new life You offer me, leaving behind everything that does not glorify You. Help me understand that the Kingdom of God is not only about words, but about actions shaped by love, justice, and mercy. May I not live only for myself, but remain attentive to Your voice, even in the simple things of daily life. Teach me to seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness, trusting that You will take care of all the other things. Father, renew my mind and heart so that I do not conform to the patterns of this world, but am transformed by Your truth. May I reflect the character of Christ more and more each day—in my choices, my relationships, and my thoughts. Make me a light in the darkness, to bring new flavor. Make me an instrument of Your love. Strengthen me in difficult moments, […]

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July 08, 2025·Rapha Abreu

A new way of living

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 The Kingdom of God “The time has come,” He said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:15 Jesus came into the world announcing a new reality: the Kingdom of God. Not a political kingdom with borders, but a spiritual realm that transforms the heart and life of those who believe. This Kingdom begins within us and is reflected in our attitudes, values, and decisions. Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed (Mark 4:30-32)—small in human eyes, but it grows and transforms everything around it. It is also like a hidden treasure (Matthew 13:44), worth more than any earthly possession once found. These teachings show that living under God’s rule means letting go of what is temporary to receive what is eternal. To live the Kingdom is to love as Jesus loved, forgive as He forgave, and serve as He served. It’s not a distant future, but a present reality for those who surrender to God’s will and place Christ at the center of everything. […]

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July 03, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Dependent on the Spirit

God, I acknowledge my human weakness and limitations. Today, I cry out for Your powerful presence within me. Teach me to depend on Your Holy Spirit, for as Paul declared: “not with eloquence or human wisdom,” but with “a demonstration of the Spirit’s power” is how the human heart can be reached (1 Corinthians 2:1–4). May my life not be founded on my own wisdom, but on the power of Your Spirit. Reveal the mysteries of faith and renew my heart. Lord, open my spiritual eyes to understand truths that only the Spirit can reveal—but may I not wait for full understanding before choosing to follow You. Give me sensitivity to hear Your voice and courage to obey what You instruct, even when my mind cannot fully comprehend it yet. Jesus, You promised that Your Spirit would dwell in us and be our Comforter. I ask that He be my constant companion, so that I may walk beside Him every day and follow Him in every step. When fear, doubt, or insecurity come, may Your Spirit remind me of Your love and give me strength to persevere. Let me always remember: I was not saved to be led by my […]

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July 01, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Do I need the Holy Spirit?

In the Bible, we often hear about the Holy Spirit of God. But I’ve also seen some people question the importance of this name in our lives. The promised Comforter “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever” John 14:16 The Holy Spirit is the fulfilled promise of Jesus to His disciples. He would not leave us alone after ascending to heaven, but would send the Comforter—He who dwells with us and in us. The presence of the Spirit is constant, real, and deep, bringing comfort, peace, and guidance even in the midst of our greatest storms. He is not a fleeting emotion, but the continuous dwelling of God within us. Beyond comforting, the Holy Spirit reminds us of Christ’s words and guides us into all truth (John 14:26). When we are confused, He brings clarity. When we are troubled, He brings peace. His role goes beyond easing pain; He also shapes our understanding, aligns our minds with the Word, and strengthens us with wisdom from above. There is no situation in which His presence is not essential. The Holy Spirit is also the seal of our […]

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June 26, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: Beyond fear

God, so often fear paralyzes and shames me, keeping me from living out what You have planned and dreamed for me. I know that fear does not make me less of a Christian, less loved, or less accepted by You. You know my frame, my limitations, my deepest longings. Teach me to bring my fears before You with honesty, choosing to walk beyond them, trusting that You welcome my weakness and equip me with every step. Help me to remember that faith is not the absence of fear, but the choice to trust above all. Just like Moses, who hesitated before the calling, and Joshua, who needed to hear “be strong and courageous” to move forward, I too need Your Word to remind me that I am not alone—I want to seek it before anything else. Strengthen my heart when I feel incapable, and show me that You do not abandon me in the middle of the battle. May my fear not drive me away from You, but draw me closer to Your embrace, where I find comfort and direction. Jesus, You know what it is to feel afraid. In Gethsemane, in drops of blood, in the anguish before the […]

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June 24, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Am I less of a christian for being afraid?

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.“ Psalm 56:3 Above fear “But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:11 The story of Moses shows us that even the greatest leaders chosen by God faced fear. When the Lord called him to deliver the people of Israel, Moses immediately expressed his insecurity. He was afraid, questioned his ability, and even asked God to send someone else (Exodus 4:13), someone more qualified. This teaches us that fear is part of the journey but it cannot be the final voice that determines our decisions. Even in the face of his insecurity, Moses chose to obey. God reminded him that he wouldn’t be alone (Exodus 3:12). That promise was what sustained Moses to take the first steps. He didn’t go because he was fearless, but because God was with him, so he had nothing to fear. The same applies to us: God calls us for our obedience and trust in Him. Courage exists when, even with fear, we choose to walk forward. Many times we become paralyzed before even starting because we fear failure, feel incapable, or fear […]

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June 18, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Prayer: The light revealed

Lord, thank You because Your Holy Spirit is the One who reveals what is hidden and enlightens the eyes of my heart. I recognize that by my own strength and understanding, I would never be able to discern spiritual truths and the mysteries of Your Word. That is why I cry out: open my eyes to see what can only be seen through the eyes of faith. Let the veil fall, and may I live in constant revelation of Your will. I know that many times I won’t understand everything that happens in the world around me, but I ask You for protection and peace, that we may see Your love and feel embraced by You, even in the midst of tribulations and pain. And at the same time, may we be Your care here on earth toward others, learning to give ourselves for one another and to love as You love us. Father, I ask You to give me sensitivity to Your Spirit. May I not be just a hearer of Your Word, but someone who understands, embraces, and practices what You reveal. Help me to be like Samuel, who, upon hearing Your voice, promptly responded: “Speak, Lord, for […]

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June 17, 2025·Rapha Abreu

Power to reveal

“Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals.“ Revelation 5:1 Untying the Seals “Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Revelation 5:5 The expression “breaking the seals” appears in the book of Revelation, chapters 5 and 6. John has a heavenly vision where he sees a scroll sealed with seven seals in the hands of God. This scroll represents God’s decrees, His purposes, and His final plan for humanity and the history of salvation. But no one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth was found worthy to open the scroll or break its seals. This scene creates a moment of tension, and John begins to weep as he realizes that no one was worthy to open the scroll. But then comes the great hope: the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, is revealed as the only one worthy to break these seals, holding power over these revelations. This shows us that only Jesus has authority over humanity’s destiny […]

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June 12, 2025·Rapha Abreu

3 in 1: The christian relationship

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

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June 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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