Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
John 16:24 NIV
Complete Joy
British Columbia contains two of Canada’s happiest cities. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, Vancouver is a city renowned for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and vibrant cultural scene. The city consistently ranks high on global happiness indexes, thanks in part to its strong economy, excellent healthcare system, and emphasis on work-life balance. Located on Vancouver Island, Victoria exudes charm with its historic architecture, temperate climate, and strong sense of community. The city’s emphasis on sustainability, cultural diversity, and work-life balance contributes to its high happiness quotient.
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I know many people who, while not followers of Jesus, live good, moral lives. They are not perfect, of course. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s call to be perfect, as He is perfect. But their lives don’t look a lot different from the average Canadian Christian. This being said, there is a lot that followers of Jesus can do without Him. Much work in the local church can be done in human strength and often is. The challenge comes when God calls us to do things that are beyond our ability. When we try to accomplish such things in our own strength, we get frustrated, exhausted, and disappointed. Ask the Israelites after they lost the first battle of Ai, without God’s provision and presence. Jesus speaks to this in John 16:24: “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” Next time you are called by God to accomplish something, ask for His provision. Instead of disappointment, you will experience His complete joy.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley