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. 23h ago

    Get Back on the Horse!

    “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24 (NKJV) I will reluctantly confess that I’ve fallen off every horse I’ve ever been on. I would like to blame it on a “faulty” horse, or saddle, or something brilliant like that, but I will outright say that riding a horse doesn’t seem to be my area of gifting. With that being said, even though I’ve fallen off a horse numerous times, I did get back on the horse! I could live ashamed of the falls, or I could be thankful that I got back up. I could live in the defeat of failure or pat myself on the back for the triumph of not giving up. It’s a matter of perspective. As we gain God’s perspective, we see many times through the Bible His redemptive quality for those who had fallen. It’s the kind of grace that only God can give. And when we come to Him with our less than perfect blots of shame, He shows us mercy that our actions don’t deserve. Remember, God will never hold you down, but will always lift you up. The enemy will always hold you down and hope you don’t get up. If you’ve had those moments when you’ve fallen, don’t allow the evil one to convince you that you’re supposed to stay on the ground with dirt on your face. Get back up! Realize that the things that try to hold you down are the exact things that God can release you from. He is more powerful than any trial you might face. His forgiveness reaches farther than our greatest shortcoming. So, get back on the horse! You were meant for victory through Jesus! God, in my times of falling short, help me to come to You. Give me the courage to stand strong no matter what I face. 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

    3 min

  2. 1d ago

    Second Chances

    “Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:11 (NIV) John Mark was a young believer when Paul and Barnabas took him on a Gospel outreach trip (Acts 15:36-41). Things went okay until they ran into some intense spiritual warfare. That was it. John Mark could hardly get out of there quick enough. “Mama, I’m comin’ home!” A couple years later, Paul and Barnabas are planning another trip, and the question comes up, “Should we take John Mark along?” Barnabas wants to, but Paul is adamant that he’s not taking him. Things heat up, but Barnabas doesn’t cave, and they go separate ways. Paul will take another young disciple, Silas, and Barnabas gets John Mark. Barnabas (his name means “Son of Encouragement”) believed in second chances. It didn’t even matter that the recipient wasn’t totally deserving of it, or that the one who didn’t want John Mark along was the Apostle Paul! Barnabus was a “second-chance” kind of guy. John Mark had done some serious growing-up since that first ministry foray and wasn’t going to let this second shot at serving Jesus slip away. He jumped on it, ran with it, and poured his life into it. Years later (2 Timothy 4:11), the aging Apostle Paul, writing from his prison cell, would specifically request that John Mark come help with the work there. JM had proved himself on his second try! Most of us have had second chances. Sometimes our “chance-count” might number way more than that! In fact, when the Apostle Peter (Matthew 18:21-22) asked Jesus if seven chances were enough to give a person, our Savior told him, “Not seven, but seventy times seven!” Our God is a God of second chances. It’s really important that we don’t miss the opportunity when we’re offered another kick at the can. We may not deserve it, but He invites us to follow and serve Him. — 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

    4 min

  3. 2d ago

    My Heavenly Father

    “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:15 (NKJV) My father had a painful upbringing in his younger years. At eight years old, his parents separated, and his father found another woman. As a result, his mother and his siblings left our community, and he was given to another family to be raised by them. These painful events no doubt wounded his heart and soul and shaped his worldview in all things. Three things come to my mind: abandonment, love, self-worth. We all have experienced abandonment in one form or another. How would an eight-year-old boy understand or handle abandonment from his whole family? My heart aches for my dad when I think of all that he went through. And yet our Heavenly Father yearns to show love and care through His Son Jesus Christ. Maybe you struggle with abandonment from one of your parents. Run to the Father like the prodigal son ran back to his earthly dad (see Luke 15). Love can become distorted when there has been abandonment. “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” is one of my favorite songs. God the Father’s love for us is far reaching and can heal our wounded hearts through Christ. Our self-worth potentially takes a hit when abandonment and distorted love are part of our lives. What a wonderful discovery that our Heavenly Father sees us through His Son Jesus Christ, that we belong, and are adopted as sons and daughters through faith and repentance of sin. If you struggle with abandonment from your younger years through experiences and pain, God the Father waits to heal your whole heart and bring you to a place of resting in Him. Heavenly Father, would You lead me to healing in my heart and soul and to be at rest in You? Amen. — Frank Ward   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 min

  4. 3d ago

    Gospel Good

    “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Genesis 50:20 (NKJV) Joseph endured unimaginable hardship. His brothers hated him, plotted to kill him, then sold him as a slave. In Egypt, Joseph was wrongfully accused, and was thrown into prison. Undoubtedly, there were times when Joseph felt that God had abandoned him. Yet, in the end, we see that God had been with Joseph during it all. He was promoted to second in command in Egypt. In time, Joseph was able to see God’s plan and purpose for his life. Despite the hardships and tribulations, Joseph saw that God meant it all for good, and told his brothers of God’s goodness. As Christians, there are times when the trials of life lead us to conclude that God has abandoned us. Perhaps a co-worker has slandered you, and your job is in jeopardy. Maybe a Christian brother or sister is gossiping about you with ill intentions. As a result of these issues, you do not possibly see how God can use this for good. Be patient. 1 Corinthians 10:13b (NJKV) promises that “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able.” Over the years, I can attest that despite all my failures, attacks of the enemy, unforeseen events, trauma, pain and, yes, even despite all of my sin, God has been faithful. God has a miraculous way of turning negative events into wonderful blessings! For example, God brought me a wife into a season of loneliness and toil. The Lord blessed us with funds to purchase a vehicle when we had no savings. Time and time again, God proved, when we least expected it, that He had worked it out for our good. Dear friend, we can always doubt ourselves, but never doubt God. Be patient. He will provide you with what you need in His time. — Steve Keesic   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 min

  5. 4d ago

    A Servant Heart

    “So He got up from the table, took off His robe, wrapped a towel around His waist, and poured water into a basin. Then He began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel He had around Him.” John 13:4-5 (NLT) What a beautiful display of humility and love that Jesus showed for His disciples. Washing people’s feet in that time and culture was necessary, and usually done by the servant of the house. Sometimes, I find it easy to do things for people, but there are times when it is a bit hard to receive. I guess I have felt that I don’t deserve it. Maybe I felt dirty and unclean at the time — not talking particularly about my feet, but about my heart. Not too long ago, I was at a ladies retreat. At the end, we did foot washing. I was unaware that we were going to do this, otherwise I would have got a pedicure! Anyway, I was happy to wash another’s feet. But when it was her turn to wash mine, I did not expect my reaction . . . I cried! You see, at one time at a young age, I was abused. I did feel unclean and dirty inside, but God has been healing me. So when someone actually chose to bend down to kneel beside me and wash my feet, I somehow felt dirty and unworthy — but as soon as she started to wash my feet, somehow I felt that it was Jesus Himself washing my feet! That is why I cried — it was tears of joy and healing. It was Jesus showing His servant heart of love for me. — 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 min

  6. 5d ago

    Music with Creation

    “In the beginning God created the heavens and earth.” Genesis 1:1 (KJV) “All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made.” John 1:3 (KJV) Just recently I was reading a short article about creation. The writer said that he believed that while God was in the act of creation, He did it with music in the background. He noted Job 38:4,7. It reads, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? . . . When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (NJKV) Somebody else pointed out to me at another time that if you were to watch a TV program with no background music, you would soon see how uninteresting it becomes. TV and radio advertisements rely on music to add to the effect of the ad. Animated cartoons rely heavily on music of one kind or another. The evolutionist says that there was no music — just a big bang. I never had a problem believing that God is the Creator — and that creation, as revealed in the Genesis record, says He did the work in six days. My faith is similar to one of my granddaughters. She was five at the time when her school teacher told the class that, “There will be a new moon tonight.” Her response was, “That’s what Jesus does. He puts away the old one and puts the new one in its place.” Psalm 149:1 says, “Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and His praise in the congregation of saints.” Psalm 98:6 says, “With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King” (KJV). Lord, we praise You for Your goodness, greatness, and Your love to us. — Bill 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 min

  7. 6d ago

    The Old Ways

    “Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim.” John 2:6-7 (ESV) The first miracle Jesus performed was at a wedding in Cana. The six stone water jars are said to represent the old order of Jewish law and custom. The old order of things said that you must use a stone jar when you purify yourself (stone jars didn’t catch impurities that made people unclean). But now the Lord was preparing to do a new thing. The old ways of purification and sacrificing were about to be fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Christ. The old will pass so the new can come. Jesus was the final and complete sacrifice for our sins. When we receive His gift of salvation, we understand that the Lord is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to “cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). We need not make any purification ceremonies, nor do we need to sacrifice anymore, for He is the Lamb who came to take away the sins of the world. Our challenge today is to examine our life and our ways. From this moment forward let us re-evaluate how we do life, asking ourselves, “Is there anything in my life that doesn’t glorify God? Is there anything the Lord wants me to let go of?” In my old ways, I responded to life with unhealthy tactics (drugs, alcohol, anger, bitterness, etc.). But it was time to change. That old me — that old way — doesn’t live here anymore. I was born again, a new creation in Christ Jesus. — 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

    3 min

  8. Jun 27

    The Great Mouse Scare

    “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matthew 21:22 (NKJV) A friend of mine shared unexplainable things that were happening in her home. I immediately asked the question, “When you are awakened to noises, what do you do?” I was reminded of a similar thing happening to me when I was in Bible college. I moved off campus and rented a basement suite. My first night there, I heard banging in the boxes at the end of my bed. I thought it was a mouse that had got into a box and was trying to get out. I was frozen scared at first, but as it kept getting louder, I got out of there as fast as I could. I walked real fast to the women’s dorm and found my care leader, and I told her everything. We prayed together and asked God to remove the spirit attacking me and trying to frighten me. We prayed in Jesus Christ’s name, then peace and calm engulfed me. The next morning, I went to class early and told the professor. His response was, “Praise the Lord!” I thought, “Whaaat?” (I guess my look and thoughts of, “Are you crazy, that’s not a ‘praise’” was evident on my face.) Then he asked the question, “What did you do?” I told him and he said, “You went to God in prayer?” I replied, “Yes, I did! He said, “That’s all God wants us to do.” Later when I went back to my new place, I checked the boxes and there were no mice in any of the boxes (I’m sure that’s something you would check, too). When we get spiritually attacked in any way, let’s ask the question, “What am I going to do about this?” Am I going to continue to live in fear, or seek God for relief? — Shannon Menelaws-Laier   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 min
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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
    188
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Intertribal Life Ministries
  • Show Website
    Council Fire