NZ and Beyond 2016

NZ and Beyond was fabulous once again.  Tak Bhana and his team really are a great blessing, coming to Christchurch to inspire and equip us to fulfil the Great Commission.  Here are some of the key points that I (Julie) took away from the conference speakers Mike Pilavachi, Lui Ponifasio, Joel Holm and Tak Bhana.

We need to EMPOWER Christians to fulfil the Great Commission, not just INSPIRE them.  We need to give people practical tips for HOW to do it; put tools in their hands, and give them steps to take.

Inspire Christians by looking at the facts, like Nehemiah did when he stated how bad the situation was to the people living there.  This grounds a VISION with a reason.

Do whatever Jesus tells you to.  This is what Jesus’ mother Mary told the servants to do at the wedding that had run out of wine. What great advice!  Even when it doesn’t make sense: they needed wine, not water but Jesus said fill the jars with water. Even when it’s risky - the servant taking the cup of “water” to the master of ceremonies was taking a risk!  Take the risk - Peter got to walk on water.  Jesus’ love language is obedience. “You are my friends if you do what I command you.”

We are stepping into a new era of conquest.  Forget what is behind (failures, disappointments, frustration, and not much success) and strive for what is ahead.  Be strong and courageous - God said it 7 times to Joshua so he must have needed to hear it - so do we.  Sometimes we need to move in faith for things to happen.  The sea was parted before Moses’ people got to the water, but Joshua’s group had to walk into the water before their miracle happened.  Joshua was given the land, but he and his troops still had to fight for it. So do we in Canterbury.

Spend each day wisely, for how you spend one day is how you will spend your life.  If you want the Great Commission to be part of your life, make sure it is part of your every day.  Make good choices. What can you let go to have the time to invest in what really matters? Who can you be investing into and walking a journey with?