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We need to respond with the values that we see in Jesus Christ’s life.
Stop feeding resentment, doubt, problems and bad memories, and put a moment of gratitude in their place, of happiness...a sweet memory.
Federico Martin Bahamontes won the Tour de France in 1959. / Cordon Press.
The winner of the Tour de France in 1959 was FEDERICO M BAHAMONTES.
This was not the first time that this cyclist had done the race. Nor was it the first time he had worn the yellow jersey, to show he was the race leader. In previous years Bahamontes had been in first place.
But then, when he was leading a mountain climb, Bahamontes stopped a moment in order to buy an ice cream. He sat down, and lost a lot of time and his career with this action, .
Sportspeople know the danger of failing in small details. For example, they run or play with the least amount of weight possible. Nobody would think of running with heavy clothes, or play basketball in mountain boots. All that is not essential is a hindrance.
But it is easy to be prepared in big things, and yet to fail in small details. Those small details are burdens that we believe are unimportant - a small lie, a small deceit, a single criticism... nevertheless these small things can conquer and defeat us.
But it is not just the small internal or external things that make us fall. On many occasions they are, simply, memories. Yes, memories of errors in the past. Lost opportunities that come to mind again and again.
Sadnesses from the past that weigh heavily on us and make us broken-hearted: a friend who defrauded us, somebody who returned us evil for good, an unsolved problem, a person whom we have not forgiven, bad memories, burdens that take away our victory.
There is a way of getting rid of these burdens. Fill our minds with sweet memories. It is that simple! Because everyone is good at remembering bad things, God said that our mind should instead be full of everything pleasant (Phillipians 4:8).
We should remember the good moments of our life, the people that we knew, places we were in, those situations that made us happy. We should thank God for each one of those moments, those people, those places. We should give thanks to God for each one of the memories!
All of us have sweet memories, it doesn't matter if you are 10 or 100. God has already given us hundreds of happy moments in our life. Get rid of all your burdens! Stop feeding resentment, doubt, problems and bad memories, and put a moment of gratitude in their place, of happiness...a sweet memory.
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Michael Schluter: Relationships are the key to build Europe
The economist summarises the manifesto “Confederal Europe: Strong Nations, Strong Union” and explains why personal relationships should be at the centre of our economy, education and democracy.
Gary Wilkerson: The Bible, the Holy Spirit and the Reformation
Pastor Gary Wilkerson talks about what all evangelical Christians can learn from the Protestant Reformation and underlines the need for more churches with both a sound doctrine and obedience to the Holy Spirit.
Lindsay Brown: Islam and the Gospel in Europe
Is the arrival of thousands of Muslims to Europe a threat to Christianity? What is the growth of evangelical churches in Eastern and Southern Europe? An interview with theologian and Lausanne Movement representative Lindsay Brown.
Efraim Tendero: Relationship with Roman Catholicism and other current issues
The World Evangelical Alliance Secretary General participated in the Italian Evangelical Alliance assembly (Rome, 8-9 April). In this interview with Evangelical Focus, Bp Tendero talks about the need to listen to local churches and to face challenges like the refugee crisis and climate change.
Evi Rodemann: Youth and mission
“We want to see the youth not just being equipped, but also being multipliers”, Evi Rodemann director of Mission-Net. The European Congress took place in Germany from December 28 to January 2.
Greg Pritchard: European Leadership Forum
Pritchard explains the vision of ELF, comments on the 2015 event in Poland and reflects on what it means to have an "evangelical identity".
Pablo Martinez comments on Evangelical Focus’ launch
Author and international speaker Dr Pablo Martínez discusses the main challenges in Europe nowadays and hopes Evangelical Focus will be a useful tool to help build bridges between churches and society.
I am not on sale
Young Christians gathered at Madrid’s central square Sol to denounce human trafficking. A flashmob highlighted the work of three evangelical NGOs which support women who escape sexual slavery in Spain.
Stamps to commemorate the Reformation
Poland, Lithuania, Namibia and Brazil are some of the countries that have issued special stamps on the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s 95 theses.
‘Reconciliation’ in the Basque Country
Bilbao hosted the Spanish Evangelical Alliance's annual meeting (assembly). Politicians, professors and evangelical representatives shared views on social reconciliation. The theme was also analysed from a theological perspective and in workshops.
WPF17: A look at the world’s current issues
A selection of pictures of World Press Photo 2017.
The Progress of Europe, deeply connected to Bible
Indian author Vishal Mangalwadi spoke about how the biblical worldview shaped the West. 300 professionals attended annual GBG meeting on faith and work in Cullera (Spain). Photos: J.P. Serrano, S. Vera.
Impressions of Lausanne's #ylg2016
Around 1,000 young Christian leaders from 150 countries are participating in the 2016 Lausanne Younger Leaders Gathering, to reflect on global mission.
“Spain, we pray for you”
Hundreds of evangelical Christians from many denominations marched in Madrid (Spain) to pray for their city, the authorities and asking God to bring hope to its society. Many gathered in other cities on June, 11.
“It is inconsistent to say we love the Creator while we destroy His creation”
In creation care, “we need more people who lead by example”, says well-known Brazilian politician and activist Marina Silva.
Human traffickers recruit girls and boys online
The new video of the European Freedom Network addresses the dangers of social media.
“Remember you are dust”
Vaughan Roberts speaks from 25 years of ministry experience to share four lessons on staying the course as a Christian, despite ongoing battles with the world, the flesh, and the devil.
Walk
A two-minute video on the meaning of Jude 24.
Playmobil animation on Luther’s life
British video platform GoChatter uses 4,000 individual photos to create stop motion video on Martin Luther's life.
Individualism: from the Protestant Reformation to 21st century capitalism
Indian author Vishal Mangalwadi on how the Protestant Reformation underlined individualism as a means to please God, and how secular Europe corrupted it.
Students in Europe: “We are present”
A summary video of the IFES Europe conference which brought together 1,700 students from many countries in Aschaffenburg (Germany) to reflect on God's mission in society.
Philip Yancey interview
An 8-minute interview with Philip Yancey on the role of Christians in a secularised society. Recorded in Madrid, September 2016.
An interview with Prof. John Lennox
New atheism, the definition of "faith", Christianity in Europe, the role of the Bible in mission, and the need to listen more. An exclusive interview recorded at "Forum Apologética" (Tarragona, Spain) in May 2016.
Opinions expressed are those of their respective contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of Evangelical Focus.
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