Council Fire

Intertribal Life Ministries
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Christianity

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

    Through Troubled Waters

    “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (NIV) Now and then you run across some lines in a song that just kind of hit you. As a songwriter, I hear a good one and tend to take notice of the way the words are put together. I find it really fascinating! The other day I stumbled on an old 1972 Tom T. Hall song on Satellite Radio that just kept cycling through my head. I couldn’t get it out of my mind. Soooo, I googled it and saved the words. It was a song about a person’s relationship with God, aptly titled “Me and Jesus.” The third verse talks about Jesus bringing us through all of our troubles, trials and heartaches, and concludes with the thought, “He ain’t gonna forsake me now!” It reminded me of a verse in Isaiah . . . “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you” Isaiah 43:2 (NIV). We don’t read that He’ll shield us from all troubles and storms, but that He’d be with us through them. Time after time, that truth comes through in everyday life situations. Storms of relationships, careers, battered dreams, finances, health and family hit us all from time to time. At times we may feel overwhelmed by it all, but the Lord is there to hold us up. We can trust Him to pull us through each tempest we face. And like that old country song says, “Jesus brought me through all of my troubles.” t’s so good to have that kind of connection with our Creator! — 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. 2d ago

    God’s Water Recipe

    “All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again.” Ecclesiastes 1:7 (NIV) First, how do mighty rivers keep running for thousands of years? Second, as they empty into the oceans, why don’t the oceans fill up and flood over our lands? How does God’s water recipe stay so balanced? Can you imagine the two of us sitting down at your kitchen table to decide how much ocean water we needed to evaporate and float over the earth to rain on thirsty lands, forests, pastures, and gardens? Plant needs vary by location; a desert cactus needs much less than a lush rainforest. How much will we need for irrigating crops, cooking, manufacturing products, sheltering waterfowl and wildlife? Plus, we all need to stay clean. How much water will we need for bathing and laundry? Ice and snow hold water for spring use, but we get to use it for recreation while it is in storage. How much do we need for skiing and skating? We even need ice for our indoor hockey arenas. Our North needs plenty of water to make winter ice roads so communities can receive supplies and visit friends and relatives. The mysterious part about the cycle is not only that the water flows into the oceans, but that the oceans keep a relatively consistent level. God asked Job, “Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther, here is where your proud waves halt?’ ” Job 38:8-11 (NIV). Dear Lord, thank You for supplying us with your water cycle. Holy Spirit, please remind me to call on You when I need a miraculous recipe for my life, and then help me to faithfully follow it. — 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. 3d ago

    Gospel Growth

    “And the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you little by little; you will be unable to destroy them at once, lest the beasts of the field become too numerous for you.” Deuteronomy 7:22 (NKJV) As we walk with Christ, many times we can be discouraged with our lack of progress and spiritual growth. We tend to remember most often our seasons of growth with great joy. Most precious to each follower of Christ is reflecting on when we became born again. What a blissful time indeed. Recently, I met someone who was discouraged by their lack of progress. They said they had been in a “spiritual rut” for too long and that obstacles were getting bigger. As believers, all of us have been there. We may tend to be self-critical and place the blame on ourselves for the lack of spiritual growth. The Scripture tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:7 that “God gives the increase.” We need to remember that He is responsible for our spiritual growth. Our duty is to focus on being faithful in our obedience to God, our Bible reading, attending church, and praying each day. In Deuteronomy 7:22, Moses was proclaiming the word of the Lord to the children of Israel. God was telling them that they should not fear the obstacles, enemies or conflicts laid before them because He was going to make them victorious. Observe that the Lord told them that growth and success would be “little by little.” You may not be able to always clearly see progress, but take heart. God is at work and in due season you will see that God was increasing you “little by little” as He was demonstrating His power and faithfulness to you. Perhaps, if you examine yourself currently, you will see God’s growth plan working in your life! Heavenly Father, thank You for growing me on the mountain top, and in the valley. — 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

  4. 4d ago

    A Wonderful Invitation

    “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” Matthew 11:28 (NLT) My husband and I enjoy hiking in northern Idaho, which has many trails to choose from in beautiful mountainous parks. A lot of times, especially if I am walking up an incline carrying a backpack, it becomes tiring, and I need to rest. When I do rest, then I am able to finish walking up the trail and finish the hike with enjoyment. Rest helps us to be strengthened to keep going. A lot of times in life, it can feel like we are juggling everything to make things work out perfectly, or just to make things work at all. We tend to take everything on ourselves. I find myself in that place a lot. Then I remember the sweet welcoming words that Jesus spoke, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Do you have heavy burdens? Are you trying to carry more than you can handle? Friend, have a rest. Give those anxious thoughts and worries to God. What Jesus said in this Scripture verse is not a suggestion, but a wonderful invitation to find that perfect peace found only in Him. I remember attending a Christian workers’ conference where I heard someone say that one of the most spiritual things to do was to rest. I have come to realize that there is truth to that. Resting can also be literal resting — taking a break, taking a nap, but most importantly, reading God’s Word and seeking Him in that time. In order to be strengthened to keep on going, rest a little. Pull up a stump and sit in the warmth of God’s love. — 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

  5. 5d ago

    Facing Your Fears

    “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) Growing up I knew what fear was — I lived with it through a lot of my childhood. I was afraid of the dark. I was afraid of the alcohol related situations in my community and my home. I was afraid of what people thought of me. And I was generally afraid of the unfamiliar and unknown. Things began to change when Jesus came into our home. I began to understand that I was now able to let Jesus carry all my anxieties. What I’m trying to say is that all of the fears and uncertainties I once grappled with, I didn’t have to face them by myself anymore. Things that once seemed so big and scary now became smaller and manageable. What a relief to know that something I carried for so long, I could now let go and leave with my Savior! Now and then, I come across a situation where something triggers my old way of thinking, and I start to worry and get anxious over whatever that scenario brings up. I have to catch myself and look back at what God brought me out of, and what He’s done for me. I need to be reminded that I don’t have to give in to being afraid like I used to. Having that assurance that I can live without fear is a totally incredible feeling! There is a real freedom that comes with living your life for the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that whatever is ahead is in His hands, and that you don’t need to be afraid anymore. Is fear a part of your life? Does it control what you think and do? God’s Word says that His way gives us freedom from fear. Dear Jesus, I need You to take control of my fears. I give them to you. 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

  6. 6d ago

    Be at Peace

    “Repay no one evil for evil but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” Romans 12:17-19 (ESV) A good word about revenge: the message here is, “Do not seek retribution.” That is the way of the world. How many of the world’s wars would cease if people forgave each other? No forgiveness — no peace. In every conflict you will hear people say they are angry “because someone did this to me, or they did that to us.” There is no real victory in retribution when one side thinks they have gained ground in a conflict. What they don’t realize is that it only sets the stage for revenge, and a response equal to or greater than the initial attack. No one really wins. So, Paul urges us to do what is right, and do our best to live at peace with everyone. “Blessed are the peacemakers,” says Jesus. Live at peace with everyone as long as it doesn’t violate our Christian ethics. We oppose wickedness but seek righteousness. Don’t repay evil for evil, but in all things wait on the Lord and wait for His justice. Paul is quoting Deuteronomy 32:35 where God said, “I am the one who punishes, I will pay people back.” And we are to let God’s wrath run its course. He doesn’t need our help. It is not our duty to aid the Lord in His divine retribution. As hard as it may be, let us make it a practice to forgive. — 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

  7. Jul 25

    He Remembers It No More

    “For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm103:11,12 (NKJV) One Sunday our former pastor, Bill Jackson, was the guest speaker at Kikino Bible Church. It was Thanksgiving Sunday and he shared a good message. One thing he said especially caused me to think. It was something that we as Christians know, but I wasn’t aware that I needed to be reminded of it. God, in His abundant love, sent Pastor Jackson to remind me just when I needed to hear it. It was the idea that God remembers our sin no more. After we confess it and repent of it, it is no longer there. Our sin is not just “covered” like the Old Testament saints; it is removed completely. When the enemy, or people, or even when we ourselves bring it up, we can go straight to Scripture to combat those thoughts. The enemy likes to remind us of who we were in the past and, even as Christians, the mistakes that we make. In Romans 8:1 (NKJV) it says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Those condemning thoughts and feelings are simply not true; they no longer have power over us. The Lord desires for us to walk in freedom and to know that, not only is there no condemnation to us who are in Christ Jesus, but He remembers our sins no more! Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to pay the price for sin, and that when I confess my sin, You remember it no more. — Karissa Cardinal   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. Jul 24

    Angus’s Way

    “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV) My friend Angus is an interpreter, one of the best I’ve ever worked with. He works as an Oji-Cree translator for various sovereign Indigenous governmental organizations and as a pastor in Sioux Lookout, Ontario. He cultivates a profound love for translation! Angus’ approach to his work is that of an expert, translating “word-for-word” and keeping the meaning as exact as possible. Other interpreters may use a “paraphrasing” approach that encapsulates the general meaning of what’s being said, but not the exact words. Angus operates at a higher level of linguistic definitude than that. I love listening to the oratory excellence in his work! When we consider how we view the authority of God’s Word, we may adopt the rationale that, because a verse doesn’t line up with our own beliefs, it can be overlooked and disregarded, or that certain things shouldn’t necessarily apply to our own spiritual walk. That’s a whole lot different than Angus’ targeted degree of accuracy and excellence in communicating exactly what is written or being said! God gave us His written Word as the standard for our belief system, the “override” button for false or erroneous teachings, and the ultimate authority over what’s true or false. It can’t mean one thing for one person, but something else for another. God’s Word is a constant in our changing world and His communication to each of us. 1 Peter 1:20 (KJV) says: “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” How do we see the function of Scripture in our personal walk? How should we view those things that don’t line up with our understanding? Let’s take Angus’ perspective and allow God’s Words to impact our lives like God intended them to! — 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

See All (215)

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
    215
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Intertribal Life Ministries
  • Show Website
    Council Fire