Ephesians 3:17-18 NIV

Rooted and Grounded

In 2018, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Burin Peninsula became the first of eight communities to sign on to the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Roots of Hope project — a community-led suicide prevention initiative that aims to prevent suicide with strategies adapted to the local context. All community initiatives are centred on Roots of Hope’s five pillars, which include everything from building public awareness to reducing access to potentially dangerous situations. On Burin Peninsula, public awareness has been at the heart of the effort thus far, and with great success.

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A number of years ago we planted a Weeping Cherry tree in our backyard. Where we wanted to put it is at the bottom of a hill where runoff water often gathers. We were concerned that the ground would be too wet, but the tree is doing well. It put its roots deep and now is of a size where it is using that excess water to flourish. This is an example of what the Bible speaks about in Ephesians 3:17-18: “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ…” As we put our roots down deep in Jesus, we are better able to connect with the spiritual nutrients and living water that is available to live a life that brings Him honour and glory. Jesus loves you, and the more you grasp that, the closer you will walk with Him. Take time today to be rooted and grounded in Him.

These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley

The post Words From the Heart for Tuesday, May 27, 2025 appeared first on Bible League Canada.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV

Peace At All Times

Since 1990, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and civilian police forces, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, have served in Haiti on various UN peacekeeping missions. The purpose of these missions was to help stop the internal violence and civil unrest that had plagued the country for years, and to help protect human rights and strengthen police and judicial systems. The highest number of Canadian personnel in Haiti at any one time was a 750-person contingent of infantry, reconnaissance, engineers, helicopters and logistics personnel in 1996–97.

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In the months leading up to the Second World War, the nations of Europe were desperate to avoid war. Nerves were on edge as Germany was sliding into a dystopian nightmare and war seemed inevitable. There was so much false joy as Britain’s Prime Minister Chamberlain returned to London after meeting with Hitler and declared “peace for our time.” Eleven months later war broke out. Human beings long for peace but fail so often to achieve it. What a contrast to the peace that Jesus brings to the human heart. Paul writes, 2 Thessalonians 3:16: “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” There will be no peace on earth until Jesus returns and permanently establishes the Kingdom of God in its fullness. But His peace, for all times and in every way, is available to all who repent of their sin and invite Jesus Christ to become Saviour and Lord. This is the great promise and experience of every follower of Jesus. His peace can be yours today.

These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley

The post Words From the Heart for Monday, May 26, 2025 appeared first on Bible League Canada.

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

The post Words From the Heart for Sunday, May 25, 2025 appeared first on Bible League Canada.

Please pray that as summer planning begins, there will be a place for every child!

To learn more, or to give, visit BibleLeague.ca/Kids/

The post Prayer Request: Week of May 25, 2025 appeared first on Bible League Canada.

Exodus 20:12 NIV

Parental Honour

Most Canadians follow certain rules of courtesy, such as holding the door open for others and providing seats for those with disabilities. Additionally, Canadians generally show respect for those with higher authority, such as a boss or teacher, and will always aim to be on time for meetings or appointments. Lastly, Canadians honour and show their respect for the country by participating in various activities such as voting, obeying the laws, and properly disposing of waste.

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I’ve had the privilege of visiting over a hundred countries on every continent except Antarctica. While each has a unique culture, there are many things that unite us as human beings, love for family being at the top of the list. Love for family is the foundation of every society and culture on the planet. This shouldn’t surprise us. One of the first commands God gave to Adam and Eve was to populate the planet. Family dysfunction was evident soon after sin entered into the human heart, and Cain killed his brother Abel, but Adam and Eve loved their children. Because the family is so important for a healthy society, God’s first command with a promise is all about the family. Exodus 20:12 says, “‘Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.’” As a parent and grandparent, I can attest that no parent is perfect, and some are far from it. Just because sin often plays havoc with family relationships, God’s best is that parents love their children and children honour their parents. If you are a follower of Jesus, take time today to honour your parents.

These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley

The post Words From the Heart for Saturday, May 24, 2025 appeared first on Bible League Canada.

Psalm 86:11 NIV

Undivided Heart

In his online blog, Richard Hogan writes: “In the realm of international relations, Canada has often charted its own course, distinct from its southern neighbor. This independent stance is evident in Canada’s commitment to peacekeeping, multilateralism, and human rights. Canadians have not hesitated to voice their values and priorities, even when they diverge from those of the USA. This assertiveness is a testament to Canada’s robust democratic principles and its unwavering commitment to sovereignty. Canada’s foreign policy is characterized by a strong emphasis on diplomacy and international cooperation.”

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Growing in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus takes a work of God in both our mind and our heart. Through God’s Word, we will learn about Him, and as we yield our hearts to Him, He does His refining work in us, slowly moulding us into the likeness of Jesus. King David understood this and writes, in Psalm 86:11, “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” King David asks that God would mould both his mind and his heart. We should ask the Lord to do the same for us. As we take time daily to read God’s Word, we learn about His nature and His faithfulness. As we pray, and yield our will to God’s will, we experience Him working in our heart. He takes what we learn in His Word and applies it to our hearts, making us more and more like Jesus. We also learn to rely on His faithful protection and care. Pray, as David did, that God would give us an undivided heart.

These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley

The post Words From the Heart for Friday, May 23, 2025 appeared first on Bible League Canada.

Psalm 73:26 NIV

The Strength of My Heart

Canada, often overshadowed by its southern neighbor, the United States, is nonetheless a nation with significant global influence. While not traditionally considered a superpower, Canada plays a vital role in international diplomacy, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange. Known for its peaceful image, stunning natural landscapes, and progressive policies, Canada wields considerable soft power in global affairs. Canada boasts one of the world’s most prosperous and stable economies, consistently ranking among the top ten largest economies by GDP.

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There are all sorts of funny memes on social media about the joy of naps. I saw one the other day that said, “as I get older the same things I used to hate as a baby is what I look forward to now, especially naps.” Life can get exhausting, and we all crave times of rest. King David understood this. His life was one challenge after another. He faced enemies, had to govern a nation of a couple of million people, and deal with family disfunction, much of which he brought on himself. Which makes what he writes in Psalm 73:26 so important: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” In the midst of his busy-ness and exhaustion, David experienced God supernatural strength and provision. So can we. God always provides whatever we need to accomplish His will. We will get physically exhausted. When we do, we rest. When we get spiritually worn out, invite God to pour His life-giving strength into your heart and soul.

These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley

The post Words From the Heart for Thursday, May 22, 2025 appeared first on Bible League Canada.

Psalm 30:5 NIV

Joy In the Morning

Erin Anderssen set out to find happy Canadians to share lessons with Canadiana about staying positive, making connections and flourishing in 2025. She writes: “Toward the end of 2024, I spoke to Noortje Kunnen in Fredericton, N.B., who, at 47, is facing stage 4 metastatic cancer and will need to be in treatment for the rest of her life. She told me, ‘Look around, and you can experience beauty and delight: an Irish setter puppy up to mischief, a friend who drops by for tea with a puzzle, a joke that gives you the giggles while scrolling on Facebook.’”

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There is a view of God that He is a pleasant old grandfather who sits in heaven with a big smile on His face, loving everything and everyone no matter what. That may be a popular view, but it is far from a Biblical one. God is perfectly loving by nature, but He is also perfect just as well. There are things that make Him angry. Proverbs 6 tells us there are seven things: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. You don’t want to get anywhere near God’s just anger. Well, the good news is that God’s anger doesn’t last forever. King David knew this and writes, in Psalm 30:5: “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”

These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley

The post Words From the Heart for Wednesday, May 21, 2025 appeared first on Bible League Canada.

2 Thessalonians 3:5 NIV

Direct Your Hearts

Film directing is a field where women have historically faced barriers, but recent years have seen significant progress. Women in directing have been breaking barriers in Canada, making their mark in the industry. They have shown their talent and creativity, challenging the notion that directing is a male-dominated field. Female directors have gained recognition for their exceptional storytelling skills and unique perspectives. Their films have captivated audiences, proving that gender should not limit one’s ability to excel in directing.

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One of the great comforts of the Christian life is knowing that our God has a plan for our lives. When we surrender our will to God’s perfect will, He will direct our lives so that His desires in us and for us will be complete. The apostle Paul speaks to this in 2 Thessalonians 3:5: “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” God’s desire is that first our hearts are singularly directed towards Him. Before He works out His will, Paul prays that God will direct us towards God’s love for us, and total trust in Jesus for whatever lies ahead. The Word of God is filled with His promises for us. He will lead us into the sweet spot of the centre of His will. There is no better place to be. Knowing that our hearts are totally centred on Him, we have the assurance that no matter where He leads us, it will be for His glory and for our best. When our hearts are directed to God’s love for us, we will persevere, as Jesus did, for everything that He calls us to do, and everywhere He leads us.

These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley

The post Words From the Heart for Tuesday, May 20, 2025 appeared first on Bible League Canada.

1 Peter 5:6 NIV

Humble Yourself

On his website, Manshu Sharma writes: “There’s a quiet strength in Canada, one that often goes unspoken but is deeply felt by all of us who call Canada home. It’s the strength of a nation that doesn’t shy away from its challenges but meets them with humility and determination. It’s the strength of individuals who understand that progress isn’t always linear, but it is always worth pursuing. As I reflect on what it means to be Canadian in 2025, I see a country that is still unfinished, still striving, still growing. And that is what makes it extraordinary.

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If you pay attention to what post-modern atheists say on social media, it won’t be long until you run into someone who says that they will never bow before any God. This is, of course, unadulterated pride. And they miss the heart of the Gospel. Their Creator loves them, as only He can, having knit them together in their mother’s womb and lovingly planned for their lives. In light of His majesty and glory, in light of His love and grace, it ought to be natural to humble ourselves before Him. But so many refuse. So, they miss the gift of eternal life that belongs to those who do humble themselves before our living Creator. Listen to the promise from the apostle in 1 Peter 5:6: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” When we come before the Lord, recognizing our sin, shame, and guilt, He lifts up the penitent and places us, with honour, in His forever family.

These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley

The post Words From the Heart for Monday, May 19, 2025 appeared first on Bible League Canada.