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. 21h ago

    The Answer

    “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV) The girl was 10 when her mom took her to see Kerry. She had lived in pain since birth. Doctor after doctor had seen her; they’d tried a whole bunch of different remedies, but the pain in her back and hips never left. The mom brought her to Kerry because she was hoping against hope that maybe, just maybe, her daughter could find some relief. Kerry is our daughter-in-law. She’s also a Registered Massage Therapist & Osteopath, and she’s really good at what she does. Still, this was a daunting challenge—nothing had helped this child in 10 years of medical guesswork. As she examined the x-rays, she saw something that others had missed. This girl had been a breach baby. Because her own son (our grandson) had come into the world like that, Kerry saw things that caught her attention. She started working on the hip that had been slightly out of joint for all these years. After about a half-hour of that, she got it into place and within a few minutes the girl said, “It doesn’t hurt anymore!” We’re not sure who shed more tears, mom or daughter, but it was the high point of the year for both of them (and for Kerry, too!). When you finally find the solution to a longstanding problem, it’s usually a time to celebrate! Spiritually speaking, there is that same dynamic when we find that the ultimate solution for the issues we face in this life is Jesus! Who am I? Why am I here? Who made me? How do I deal with this guilt? Depression? Addiction? Why don’t I like myself? Does anybody love me? There’s a truckload of questions we won’t find good answers for—except in Jesus. If you’ve tried looking for solutions in places where you haven’t found any remedies, consider Jesus. He has the answer—He is the answer! – 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

  2. 1d ago

    Fruit of the Spirit

    “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) When my oldest niece was just a young girl, I worked on a craft with her one day. We cut out fruit shapes from differently colored construction paper, and we made nine pieces of fruit. On each piece I wrote the words: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. On top of each piece, we made a small enough hole so that we could put a colorful yarn through it and hang it up on the wall. We had fun doing that together and, while we worked, we sang the words to this Bible verse from Galatians—words I have memorized. While I remember the words to the verse well, there may be times in my walk with the Lord when the fruit of the Spirit is not so evident in my life . . . like when a vehicle cuts me off in traffic, or when someone speaks to me harshly. I won’t say anything out loud but, in my mind, I do! Suddenly I realize that this thought was not loving or forgiving. But when I allow the Holy Spirit to have His way, He lives through me and my attitude changes. My old attitude which wants to talk, think or act in a way that is sinful, is challenged by God’s gentle, loving, changing power, and the fruit of the Spirit . . . and there is no law against that! – 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

  3. 2d ago

    Identity Crisis

    “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) Nowadays, the concept of a new identity is emphasized in superhero movies like Ironman or Batman. Also, there is the idea that we can be more than ourselves and become a new improved “self.” We live in a world that is redefining “identity,” and the world celebrates “self-identity.” In the Bible, “the flesh” is equivalent to “self.” When we focus on what “we” want, what “we” need and who “we” want to be, we surrender to the wants and desires of the flesh. This leads to sin—“For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh” (Galatians 5:17a). When we accept Jesus into our hearts, our new identity in Christ begins through the indwelling Holy Spirit. The flesh has been put to death and we are instructed to live by the Spirit of Christ. The characteristics of Christ are mentioned as the fruit of the Spirit—“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23a). We are encouraged to grow spiritually in these areas. So, don’t go back to the old way. In the Old Testament, Moses was instructed by God to tell Pharoah to set His people free. Why? God was setting His people free from their slavery in Egypt and was going to show them a new land and a new way of life. This is God’s way and will for His children! Embrace your new life in Christ and study His Word because He has much to tell you about Himself. “You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you” (Romans 8:9a, NIV). – Peter Constant   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. 3d ago

    “Where Were You?”

    “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 (NIV) I think we take this verse for granted too much. We also take God too much for granted. Sure, we quote this verse and say, “Genesis is a book about God.” But, from this verse, have you ever paused to consider God’s awesomeness? His excellence? His unspeakableness? No? Well, let’s do it! The observable universe has approximately one trillion galaxies. Each galaxy has on average 100 billion stars. And let’s suppose that each star has nine planets, like our sun (star). Are you lost in those numbers yet? No? Well, don’t forget that that’s only five percent of the universe! Now let’s do math: 1,000,000,000,000 x 100,000,000,000 x 9 x 20. “God created the heavens and the earth.” That means 100% of the universe! The product of these values that make up our universe is 18,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000 planets! That’s 18 septillion planets (estimating). Are you lost now? We estimate, but God is exact. He knows everything. He asked Job: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4-7, NIV). Sometimes we are so extremely knowledgeable about our immediate surroundings (or like in Job’s case, our immediate circumstances) that we forget that God’s view is everything! Sometimes we fail to remember that “He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit” (Psalm 147:4-5, NIV). Next time you read Genesis 1:1, remember that God also said, “Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool” (Isaiah 66:1b). He’s calling our attention to His omniscience (knows all things), His omnipotence (all powerful), and His omnipresence (present everywhere). Got trouble? God’s got you! – Ernie McDougall   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. 4d ago

    Regaining Fellowship

    “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) Has there been a time in your Christian walk when you have had to stop, wonder, and even question what you’re doing? Many times, I have wondered why God has put me in positions, places, and situations where I felt confused. Like writing this devotional, for example. For the most part, I have kept my devotional life to myself. I grew up watching my parents go to weekly Bible studies, workshops, and occasional training on weekends. But I thought to myself, “This relationship is between me and God, and it’s up to me when and where I decide to share what I am going through.” Maybe that was just me using it as an excuse not to fellowship with other believers. Actually, I believe in fellowship—and when I fellowship, I come out feeling filled with positive energy and hopeful happy thoughts. But I have asked myself, why is fellowship so hard? Why is it hard to bring us together, and even harder since the COVID pandemic? Is the enemy now harder at work at this point in history, trying to destroy churches and believers? He probably is, but that is why we need each other more than ever. We are all sinners, but we Christ followers have a purpose to show those around us who God is. Each of us has been given spiritual gifts by our Heavenly Father, and it’s our duty to use those gifts. And during our times of wondering and confusion, we must come together in fellowship. This is the mission of God—to unite us to bring glory to Christ. “Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13, NIV). – Laurie Wood Ducharme   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. 5d ago

    Be Still and Know

    “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” Psalm 46:10 (NIV) While attending Bible college in Flagstaff, Arizona, I went through some hard trials. Just about every Sunday, we would travel to the Hopi Reservation to do children’s ministry. After the church service, the pastor—standing at the door—would shake hands with me and quote the Bible verse, “Be still and know that I am God.” One night in my room, I was praying, crying, and pouring out my heart to the Lord. All of a sudden, this verse (above) came to me: “Be still and know that I am God.” I picked up my Bible and read the verse over and over again. To “be still” means to “take your hands off.” It means to let it go, and don’t take it back again. Being still allows us the privilege of knowing who God really is. He is the One we can lean on. We can give our burdens to Him. He will take and handle them for us, whatever they may be. Ecclesiastes 3:11a says, “He has made everything beautiful in His time.” It may not feel good at the time. It may not seem good to us, but God works in mysterious ways. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” “Sit still” (Ruth 3:18a, KJV). “Stand still” (Exodus 14:13, KJV). “Be still” (Psalm 46:10). We need to remember these three verses. Maybe you are going through some tough times. Be sure to be still and look to the Lord for strength. Father, help me to look to You in times of hardship. Show us the way to deal with hardship. We thank you, loving Father. In Christ’s name. Amen. – Lena Sinclair   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. 6d ago

    The Full Armor

    “Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13 (NIV) Those of us who have experienced cold Canadian winters know how important it is to dress warm. I recently bought a parka and was eager to try it out on one of the coldest days. It was minus 43 degrees C, with a 50 km/h north wind. I called a friend of mine who also enjoys going for walks on cold days. After bundling up, I met him at his house, and we went on an eight-kilometer walk. The wind was howling, the snow was blowing, my moustache and eyebrows iced up, and we talked along the way. The walk reminded me of the verses in Ephesians 6, where we are told to put on the full armor of God. Each piece of armor is meant to protect us from the harshest spiritual battles you and I will face. Just like my parka was able to withstand the fierce wind, and the soft down insulated me and protected me from the extreme cold, so our spiritual armor does its work. We encounter difficult days in our walk with the Lord. Circumstances sometimes reach crisis levels. Our thoughts trouble us, sometimes to the point of confusion, and even wanting to give up on our walk with the Lord. Being reminded of the full armor of God, and the promise of being able to “withstand” during the battle, brings us comfort. The second part of verse 13 says, “Having done all, to stand.” When we have done what we can, we are given the assurance we will continue to stand. Finally, use the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Remember—from His Word—that He loves you, gives you strength, and enables you to be victorious over whatever you may be facing. – Raymond Neckoway   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. Sep 29

    Who Is He?

    “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) Last year, a friend asked me to write a song about a man I didn’t know. He figured that it wouldn’t be hard to put something together, but I was at a total loss for words, not knowing anything about him. So, I made a bunch of phone calls, sent a few emails, and asked lots of questions to find out all I could about this unintroduced stranger. I found out he was 87 years old, a USMC veteran (Vietnam), commercial fisherman, husband, dad, uncle, and grandfather with lots of grandkids. The more I found out about him, the more I felt like I knew him and could write about him. It took a couple weeks, but I got the song done. Without being very intentional in my search, I would’ve been stuck. When it comes to knowing God, we usually start with a general, but hazy concept of who He is. We really don’t know much about Him or His ways. Creation “showcases” His power as the Creator, but can’t tell us about God’s love, mercy, forgiveness, holiness, patience, or justice. Those are things we have to discover through His Word and how He works with us. The more we study God’s Word, the better we understand what God is like. The other way we get more familiar with the Lord is by getting to know the way He works in our everyday lives. The situations that He puts us in and the experiences He pulls us through all shape our concept of who He is and how He works. Of course, to someone with no interest in knowing Him, God will remain the hazy, unidentified figure of “the man upstairs.” To know God, we need to seek Him, accept His way, learn about Him, talk to Him in prayer and grow in our knowledge of Him and His ways. – 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

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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
    282
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Intertribal Life Ministries
  • Show Website
    Council Fire