Council Fire

Intertribal Life Ministries
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Council Fire is a podcast and book set of daily devotionals written by Indigenous followers of Jesus across North America. It's a year long journey through Scripture and story. Council Fire is a collaborative project between Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.

  1. 1d ago

    Fast Moving Water and Fear

    “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) This was a Bible verse I read while on a wilderness trails and canoe camp for Native youth many years ago. I remember it so clearly because I was one of the leaders, so I knew ahead of time that we were going to do some white-water canoeing. I was familiar with riding in a canoe on a lake, but on fast moving water? . . . fear started to creep into my mind. When the time came to get in our canoes, everyone picked their partners to ride with. I was hoping to be with one of the experienced leaders. Except, that didn’t happen. Even though the rushing river was so loud, I could feel my heart thumping louder! The Lord brought to my mind what I had just read in Isaiah: “Don’t be afraid.” I was paired with a young man just as inexperienced as me, but we had been taught basic paddle strokes to use in rushing water. I was to be in the front of the canoe, and he was in the back, with more responsibility to steer the canoe. However, we both had to work together and do our own part. Before we started out, I still wasn’t sure when I needed to do the different strokes, so I told him to tell me when to do a certain stroke, and I would do it. We did this, and we were the only canoe that didn’t tip over (besides the leaders)! It was so much fun! There have been many times in my life that I have been afraid, but I am reassured of God’s presence and His willingness to strengthen, help, and hold me up when I get afraid. — Myrna Kopf   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

  2. 2d ago

    Prayer — It Leads to Peace

    “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6,7 (NIV) The other day when we were leaving home for a Gospel music trip, we noticed that our SUV wasn’t warming up the way it was supposed to. Right away I thought the worst, and wanted to take it to a garage to get it checked out. I started worrying and getting anxious about what to do. At first, because of my anxiety over the situation, I didn’t think about praying about it. It turned out that it was just a little low on anti-freeze, and I breathed a prayer of relief. Afterwards I realized that prayer should have been my first response to the situation, instead of worry and anxiety. Situations! . . . we run into all kinds of them throughout the course of our day. Some are difficult, some are worrisome, some are discouraging, and some we don’t have solutions for. This verse in Philippians encourages us to give everything to God in prayer. It starts out saying that we don’t have to worry and be anxious about anything. I have read that passage so many times, yet I am still learning to accept that truth and leave with God the things that stir up worry in my heart and soul. If we look at verse 7, it tells us that the result of praying (instead of worrying) is God’s peace! We can know His peace in any and every predicament that we face. The peace that we get from Him gives us that complete assurance that He will always be with us in every situation we go through. God, I give my worries to You. Please carry them for me and give me the peace that You promised. Amen! — Milly Jackson   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

  3. 3d ago

    Seek the True King

    “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore, I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” 1 Samuel 1:27-28 (ESV) Hannah, in the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel, was a woman who endured hardship. She was ridiculed in her home, but she also carried the burden of barrenness. She didn’t have peace or security. In the Ancient Near East, it was seen as a shameful thing if a woman couldn’t bear children. Some would have seen Hannah’s condition as a punishment for something she did, or even a curse. But Hannah cried out in vexation. In her time of sorrow, she cast all her worries on the God who cared for her, and He answered by giving her a son, Samuel. The world and our society teach us that we need to fill the void in our lives with objects or relationships. Hannah could have thought that by having a son she would find fulfillment. But if our fulfillment and security doesn’t rest in the Lord, then we end up passing the emptiness and brokenness onto our relationships with others. We end up multiplying what we sought to eliminate. Sadly, most of us do this. We crown something or someone king of our hearts. Non-believers feel they need everything but Jesus in their life. And believers can feel they need Jesus plus something or someone else. So, my friends, I ask you this question: “Is Jesus enough?” Whatever you feel you are lacking in life, Jesus is all you really need. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Seek the true King and you will find fulfillment and security. — Mark Little Elk   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

  4. 4d ago

    Every Word of God Proves True

    “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5 (ESV) When I was just a boy, my dad would say to me, “Son, this book is not just words on paper. It’s not just black on white. Every time you open God’s Book, you are literally opening the mouth of God. You are hearing the voice and words of God.” He went on to say, “Son, I want you to go to your room and have a conversation with God (prayer). Then, let God speak to you through His Word, the Bible.” As a young boy with a great imagination, I went straight to my room with great expectations. When I completed my special times with the Lord, I would return to report back to Dad. He would ask, “Now, son, what did God say to you today?” You see, my father was painting a picture in my mind. I was not asked just to read the Bible like any other book. I was asked to take time to have a personal conversation with — and to — God. Every word and message from God is true and real to me today. It is fresh and new every morning of every day. God’s Word says, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3, ESV). He continues to say in Ephesians 1:3: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (ESV). Even to this day, I long for those personal times with the One who created me — the One who knows me better than myself. His words will never fail. They are true and give wisdom, life, and purpose in my times of need. What is God saying to you today? — Huron Claus   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

  5. 5d ago

    Your Place on the Team

    “There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.” 1 Corinthians 12:5 (NIV) Teamwork is something that I have come to appreciate. It speaks to the functions and roles that each of us as believers have been assigned to. We all have different skill sets, different strength areas, and different ways of looking at life. We all have our place in God’s Kingdom plan. It is important that we find that place of effectiveness. In my short and unremarkable hockey career, I knew that I was not a goal scorer, goalie, or play-maker, but I kind of liked the “goon” duties that fit my way of going at hockey! (Being a “goon” isn’t as barbaric as it sounds. “Goonism” is more of a deterrent function to address the problem of the other team roughing up your skilled and scoring guys. When that starts to happen, the coach says, “Sic-em,” and the goon does his stuff . . . Yup, we all have our areas of effectiveness!) There was a time in the early 90s when I went into training to be a bank manager. It sounded like a good idea at the time, and a pretty good pay cheque. But after seven months working there, I was miserable, my stress level was through the roof, the “suit and tie” thing was getting old real quick, and I just knew this was not my spot. So, I left it! Looking back, there’s a realization that I fi t a whole lot better in what I’m doing now than in the banking world . . . ministry administration and Gospel music. I just leave that banking to the ones God gifted for it. As we look to the future and consider our places in God’s program, we need it to be a team effort. Where do you fi t in that framework? — Kene Jackson   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

  6. 6d ago

    Who’ s in the Driver’s Seat?

    “The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:8 (NIV) As a young girl learning to drive, I can remember the fear, exhilaration, and freedom that I experienced when behind the steering wheel. What a sense of responsibility to be out on the “open road.” I felt fairly confident that I could get myself and passengers safely to our destination. (Even though I could see the look of caution on their faces, I chose to ignore that!) Years later, my dad wanted to teach me how to drive our motor home. I said with enthusiasm, “Sure!” As I sat behind the wheel, I felt an overwhelming feeling of apprehension. This was not the same as driving a car! In a calm voice, my dad gave instructions on what to do, and slowly I pulled onto the highway. As we rolled along, my dad’s voice, however, didn’t have the same sense of calm as when we first started out when he said, “Press the brake! Press the brake! Move over! Don’t go on the shoulder where the cyclists are!” I quickly felt the need to get out from behind the wheel. I pulled over and let my dad drive. I realized in that moment that I feel safest when my father is driving. He has driven through the storms and avoided every hazard we might face. When he is behind the wheel, my childlike fears disappear, because he has consistently brought us safely home. I wonder, who’s in the “driver’s seat” in your life? Are you allowing our Heavenly Father to steer, or are you gripping the wheel tightly through the power of your will, instead of God’s? Sometimes we can get in the way of a smooth journey, simply because we’re so set on being in the driver’s seat. Heavenly Father, take control of my life. Lead me where you want me to go. I surrender my will for your will in my life. Amen. — Corrie Hill   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

  7. Aug 12

    Why Seeds?

    “Then God said, ‘Let the land produce vegetation: seed bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it.’” Genesis 1:11 (NIV, bold emphasis mine) Seeds are another miracle that we have seen since childhood, so we tend to take them for granted. But what if we had never seen a seed? Let’s pretend that we are visiting earth for the first time. We have come from another star system. We find Earthlings friendly, but they have the oddest thing to show us. One gave us a tiny brown oval and tried to convince us that if we put it in the ground, it would turn into this tree with hundreds of apples on it. I wonder if they are trying to fool us? Tiny seeds carry some big messages. Here are five of them: (1) God uses small things to accomplish great things. “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the strong . . . God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things — and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are” (1 Corinthians 1:27-28, NIV). (2) Our Father takes care of His garden. He prunes away unfruitful branches and reveals roots of bitterness so we can be strong and healthy. (3) We cannot plant thistles and harvest strawberries. (4) Planting and harvesting come in different seasons. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9, NIV). (5) We can repent and replant. We can ask for a good dose of forgiveness to wipe out the thorns and weeds. We can then begin planting seeds of righteousness. Dear Jesus, You are the vine, and we are the branches. Help us stay attached to You because without Your life flowing through us, we are like a dead branch. Show us how to be Your disciples through Your Word and Your Holy Spirit. Thank you, Lord, for seed lessons. — Sue Carlisle   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

  8. Aug 11

    The Lost Sheep

    “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.” Luke 15:6b (NKJV) One of my favorite Bible stories is about the “Lost Sheep,” and one of my favorite hymns is “The Ninety and Nine,” about the Lost Sheep. It wasn’t until I went to a church and saw a picture of Jesus carrying a lamb on his shoulders with the title, “The Lost Sheep,” that my heart was touched and I thought, “That’s me! That’s me!” I was the lost lamb that no one ever missed or searched for, but now I saw a picture of Jesus gently carrying the lost lamb back to the flock. I couldn’t look at the picture without getting tears in my eyes. The hymn says there were ninety and nine sheep in the flock . . . but one was missing and the Good Shepherd went out to search for his lost sheep. “This of mine has wandered away from me. I go to the desert to find my sheep.” The sheep was probably just grazing and eating grass and wandered away. Soon he had drifted away from the flock and was hopelessly lost in the wilderness where there were wild animals. He could have been eaten by a bear or a lion, but imagine the joy both the shepherd and the lamb felt when they saw each other. The shepherd didn’t yell at the lamb. He didn’t scold him or lecture him. He gently swept the lamb up in his arms and put him over his shoulders and took him home. I believe it was a lamb because a lamb weighs about 20 pounds, and a full grown sheep can weigh over 200 pounds. When the shepherd got home with his lamb, he called his friends and neighbors together and said, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost” Luke 15:6b (NKJV). Lord, when we get lost, we trust You to search for us and bring us home. — Crying Wind   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

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About

Council Fire is a podcast and book set of daily devotionals written by Indigenous followers of Jesus across North America. It's a year long journey through Scripture and story. Council Fire is a collaborative project between Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.

Information

  • Creator
    Intertribal Life Ministries
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    233
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Intertribal Life Ministries
  • Show Website
    Council Fire

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