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

    Seeing Myself

    “You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s womb, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this, I have no doubt.” Psalm 139:13-14 (CEV) As a child I had difficulty in seeing value in my life. I looked at other people and compared myself to them. When I didn’t think I measured up (which usually happened), I would look down on myself, thinking I was less than them. That whole thought pattern followed me into my adult years. It took a long time before I realized that I was a real somebody to God! Coming to that place brought a whole lot of changes in the way I looked at myself. I no longer saw myself as a “nothing.” I felt valuable, like I had something to offer. I wasn’t ashamed of who I was or wasn’t. Knowing Jesus made all the difference in the world! As I look back at the way I used to look at myself, I find it so different from my self-evaluation of today. I try to look at myself and see the person God made me to be, rather than the comparisons that I once used to base my self-worth on. I thank the Lord for the transformation He brought into my life. Dear God, thank You for how You’ve helped me see myself as worthwhile and valuable! Help me to never forget that! 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

    2 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Look at Who I Am

    “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.” Romans 1:20a. (NIV) Do you ever regret the choices you’ve made? Do you wonder if God exists and, if so, why you are in such a mess? Has a self-proclaimed Christian ever wounded you or led you astray? My faith turned to rubble in 1990. I sifted through broken dreams and shattered trust, trying to find a solid foothold, but I kept slipping on fear, anger, confusion and shame. I lay on the floor crying out to God. I felt like I had a spiritual flu; I felt too heartsick to get up and function. I had always tried to perform well and be a good Christian—only to discover how miserably I had been deceived and how terribly I had failed God and my family. Then, God gave me a different focus. I heard His gentle voice say, “Look at who I am.” I remembered Romans 1:20 and wanted to see Christ’s nature and character. I began with the spectacular northern lights. The bush around me felt like a comforting blanket. I watched the beaver, birds, squirrels, and the occasional bear. I baked cookies and thought of all the foods, herbs and spices God gave us to enjoy. He is artistic, generous, imaginative, and has a funny sense of humor. He created laughter and romance. If you are ever discouraged, look around and realize that He did not have to give us any of what you see. Even if you are in an unpleasant place, look at yourself with your beating heart and know that He has an amazing plan for you. Lord, help each of us to look at who You are through what You have made. You are greater than any failure or any wound. – 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

    3 min

  3. 3D AGO

    Fear Not

    “Fear not, for I am with you.” Isaiah 41:10a (NKJV) The phrase “Fear not” appears in the Bible many times, more than any other phrase. It is strange that God has to remind us constantly not to be afraid. The Almighty God of the Universe loves us, and yet we are constantly afraid of a thousand things that might or might not happen. We need constant assurance that God loves us and is watching over us. When my children were small, I would often hold them on my lap and read the Bible to them. We lived on a farm in Oklahoma and there were thunderstorms and tornadoes. One stormy night I was reading the Bible to my children and read, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock...” At that very moment there was a blinding flash of lightning and thunder shook the whole house. My four-year-old son said, “Mom, I think Jesus is knocking on our door and you’d better let Him come in because He sounds mad!” There is a lot to fear in the world—fires and floods, earthquakes, crime, tornadoes and hurricanes, disease and car accidents. The world can be a dangerous place. Every time we walk out the door, we risk not returning. We have plenty of reasons to be fearful, and one reason not to be fearful. God. God holds us in the hollow of His hand. He loves us. He doesn’t want us to be fearful or worried. He wants us to rest in Him, trust Him, and enjoy life. “The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid” Psalm 118:6a (NIV). “The very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore” (Luke 12:7a, KJV). “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” John 14:27b (NIV). God, forgive me when I worry about small things. Forgive me for not trusting You to take care of me. – 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

    3 min

  4. 4D AGO

    No Harm Will Overtake You

    “Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling, there shall be no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come near your tent.” Psalm 91:9-10 (MEV) Because of my early life experiences, I carried fear into my adult life. As a young Christian, I did not realize that the enemy would use these fears against me. Often when alone, I would hear someone walking in the other room and, at night, I would see ugly faces in the windows. However, it was the evil presence I could feel around me that scared me the most. A young summer missionary was living in our home at the time and noticed that I was struggling. He asked me if he could share my problem with the pastor and ask his advice. I said, “Sure.” A few nights later the pastor and my sister and her husband came over to pray with me. God delivered me from the influence of the enemy that night. The pastor encouraged me to fast, pray and commit scripture to memory. I chose Psalm 91. I was intrigued by the first verse: “I live within the shadow of the Almighty.” God was standing over me, and I stood safe in His presence. Every verse in this psalm made me feel more secure in God’s care. However, verses 9 and 10 held a special promise for me after I learned that “The devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, NIV). This experience taught me that I need to know God’s Word and become familiar with His promises to be ready for my fight with “unseen forces in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Dear God, help me to remember that You are always with me and I do not have to face the enemy alone. Help me to remember that our enemy is an ever-present threat who comes to “steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). – Theresa Bose   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. 5D AGO

    Celebrating Christmas

    “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11 (NIV) Sending us to Sunday school that first year prompted my mom to celebrate Christmas—something I didn’t remember doing before. As she decorated the small tree, I asked her who God is. Her reply was simple, and something I have never forgotten. “God is someone who will never let you down. He will always be there for you.” She had been raised in the Catholic faith and sent to residential school. For her to know that and trust God was truly a gift for me and my siblings. It reminds me of Jesus’ promise to never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). I remember hearing the account of the angel appearing to the shepherds. The Bible says the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified. The angel told them the good news about Jesus being born in the city of David, how they would find him in a manger. Then heavenly hosts appeared and praised God, giving Him glory, and saying peace on earth for men. The Christmas songs described a beautiful scene and powerful words about Jesus being born. The star over Bethlehem, leading the three wise men to Him—all these vivid descriptions thrilled my young heart! The fact that our Lord and Savior was born in a stable gave me a humble heart and love toward Him. I really believe it also laid the foundation of how I would always want to celebrate Christmas, remembering it as the recognition of Jesus’s birth. I love to sing the Christmas hymns. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for your gift of life through Your Son Jesus. – Loretta Oppenheim   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

  6. 6D AGO

    Expiry Date

    “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement.” Hebrews 9:27 (KJV) I’m saying “good-bye” to a gospel musician friend of mine today. We’ll be singing a few songs at his wake, and then the funeral is tomorrow. I’m really going to miss the guy! I’ll remember him as one who lived his life victoriously. Attending a funeral brings to mind our own mortality—something that most of us try to avoid thinking about until the harsh reality of it slaps us in the face. Like the milk carton in your fridge, you and I have an “expiry date.” The biggest difference is that we usually don’t know when that date is. All we can be sure of is what God’s Word tells us in the above scripture. In other words, in this limited earthly timeframe, we are accountable for how we live our lives. It kind of puts life in perspective when we look at things that way. Unlike your milk carton with an expiry date, we might not know when our time is done here, but we need to make sure that we are ready to meet God after that. Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (NKJV) Settling things with God is something we need to look after in our time here on earth, not just “hope for the best” after our life here is over. God is so good! – 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

    3 min

  7. MAR 2

    Let Go and Let God

    “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV) The bell had just rung at the elementary school. Recess was over, and it was time to go in. As I was one of the supervisors on duty, I assisted and followed the students going in, chattering playfully, and continuing to visit with their little friends. Except for two little girls. I noticed there was an issue, so I went over and knelt down to speak with them to find out the problem. They both eagerly spoke at the same time almost in tears, as one was not wanting to be a friend anymore. After a very brief intervention on my part, as we didn’t have much time, I watched as both girls walked away hand in hand—no more tears, just in total friendship again, giggling happily as they rushed to their classroom. Not only did this quick change of heart surprise me, but I realized that we as adults can learn a lot from children. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could forgive as easily, and continue to love one another as God’s Word has commanded? I have learned that forgiving is a gift to myself and allows peace of mind. It is so much easier to let go and let God. Father in heaven, help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. – Hazel Patenaude   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. MAR 1

    Memories of Mom

    “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” Proverbs 31:28 (KJV) My memories of my mother are good ones that I will treasure forever! I remember how us kids were the apple of her eye. Everything she did revolved around her family. She always looked forward to Christmas and other holidays when the kids and grandkids would come home. She’d orchestrate huge meals, and nobody ever went hungry at her place! She’d cry for happiness when we came, and she’d cry again out of loneliness when we left (she’d start missing us a day before we were ready to leave!). When Mom came to Jesus, it was also the start of a spiritual journey for each of us in the family. She passed her life teaching and being an example of faith to all of us kids. She loved the Lord so much and she never turned back from following Him. Mom was real hard of hearing and, when it was time for devotions, she’d take her hearing aids out and tune out everything. She would read her Bible in peace while the whole house listened to her reading. I sure miss hearing that! God really blessed Mom in her faithfulness to Him. She was a beautiful godly lady who drew respect from everyone who knew her. I know this sounds like a eulogy, but these are my memories of a lady that truly knew what it meant to live a life for Jesus. We sure miss you, Mom! Dear Lord, thank You for my mother! In Jesus’ name, 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

    2 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
    68
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Intertribal Life Ministries
  • Show Website
    Council Fire