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. 11h ago

    Mirror, Mirror

    “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) I lean in closer to the mirror, examining my reflection. The face looking back is a familiar one. There are laugh lines around eyes a bit too small. A gap between my teeth makes up part of a large, quirky smile. Grey hairs, not there yesterday, persistently poke out of a tousled head of hair. This is me. Flaws and all. If I were to focus only on what’s seen in the mirror, I would constantly see where I fall short, what needs changing and what I don’t like about myself. This is not a true reflection of who I am. The Bible reflects who I really am. It is the best kind of mirror there is and it tells me how God actually sees me. It says that when I believe in Jesus, I am now a child of God. I am a new creation. All things that may have defined me before are different now that I am a Christ follower. When the world throws ideas at me of who I should be, when my past tells me who I’ve always been, and when I have questions about who I am now . . . I open the Word of God and let that truth speak. It tells me that I am chosen and God’s special possession (1 Peter 2:9). I am God’s workmanship (Eph. 2:10), I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps.139:14) and have become the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor. 5:21). Old things have passed away, I am made new. This is who I am. Maybe there’s things about yourself that bother you. Maybe your past still speaks too loudly, or there are lies you still listen to. Use the Bible as your mirror. Let it reflect truth and bring transformation into your life. You’ll see that it really does work! – Kim (Hill) Elias   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

    Reminders of Who God Is

    “Look, God is all-powerful. Who is a teacher like him? No one can tell him what to do, or say to him, ‘You have done wrong.’ Instead, glorify his mighty works, singing songs of praise.” Job 36:22-24 (NLT) The Book of Job in the Bible is a book that seems to touch the heart of every human who has ever suffered physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. Job is suffering greatly, and his “friends” come sit with him. Yet, they are not really much help to Job. As each one takes their turn to talk with Job, it doesn’t get better. However, there is the fourth friend, Elihu, who waits for his turn because he was the youngest and wanted to wait until the other three older men had spoken first. He spoke truth, and God used Elihu to remind Job of who He really is. When I was single and traveled a lot by bus and plane, I would meet people who said that they knew God at one time, but now they were not following Him wholeheartedly. One time, when I was on a bus, I sat near a young mom with a baby. We started to talk, and the conversation was leading towards God. She admitted that she wasn’t living for Him as she should. I began to tell her about who God is, about His character. As we neared our destination, before she got off the bus, she thanked me and admitted that she wanted to live for the Lord. I pray that she follows through on this. There are times when the Lord uses us to remind those who used to follow Jesus closely, about who He is. As life happens, or trials come our way, we too may lose sight of our Savior. Isn’t it good when the Lord uses someone to remind us about who He is? – 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

    Be Strong

    “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.” 2 Timothy 2:1-4 (NKJV) Be strong? As a Blackfoot First Nation born-again man, I learned that being a Christ follower meant that I’d become a part of God’s army. It is an army that has never been defeated, and that has given me the courage to stand for our Lord! As the above verse says, this happens “in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” Now, serving as a pastor, we focus on teaching the Word of God to others. Our prayer is that the believers will be faithful, and will find strength in Christ. I learned many years ago that being a Christian wasn’t going to be easy. My time in the military taught me much about hardship. However, I know that it is possible to be content in Christ, and that should be enough. Soldiering requires enlistment and complete obedience. In the same way, our Heavenly Father requires this for every enlisted man and woman. The Lord ought to be first in our lives, just as Jesus put His Father first. As a youth, Jesus said to his mother and to Joseph, “Why did you seek me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49). Heavenly Father, I am just a weak person on my own, but You give strength. I pray that I will be like Jesus, going about my Father’s business, mindful of the Great Commission to share the Gospel, and the Greatest Commandment, to love God and others. Amen. – Doug Iron Shirt   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

    Hummingbirds and Other Miracles

    “And God said, ‘Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.’ So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:20-21 (NIV) Along with a name given to me previously: “Wind is Crying” Niyol Daachaigii, many years ago Chief Tom Claus adopted me into the Kiowa tribe and gave me the name “Hummingbird” Mahnsaw Dayna. It was the greatest honor of my life. So I became Niyol Daachaigii Mahnsaw Dayna—“The Wind is Crying Hummingbird.” Most people just call me “Cry.” Hummingbirds are one of God’s amazing creations. There are hundreds of kinds and colors of hummingbirds. They migrate alone, not in flocks like other birds. They migrate over 5,000 miles each year, usually flying non-stop 500 miles a day. Their wings beat from 700 to 5,400 times a minute, making the humming sound. Their hearts beat 1,200 times a minute! If you were learning about hummingbirds for the first time, and I told you that there is a bird half the size of a human thumb, weighing as much as a nickel, and could fly 20 hours without stopping to rest, would you believe me?! Scientists say there are over seven million animal species in the world, and many more still undiscovered and unnamed. They say 80% of the ocean has never been explored, and a high percentage of land has never had a human footprint on it. There are discoveries still ahead of us—who knows what our grandchildren and great grandchildren will learn? God created millions of beautiful, unique, amazing creatures. But He created us humans in His image. We have a body, a soul, and an eternal spirit with whom He desires a relationship! – 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

  5. 4d ago

    The Great Exchange

    “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6 (NIV) The “great exchange” of Romans chapter 5 is what Jesus did for us. When He died for us, He did away with the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin: that is: wrath (vs. 9), death (vs. 12), judgement (vs. 16), and condemnation (vs. 18). The consequences of sin make us run away from God and live in fear of Him. Adam and Eve, who once enjoyed a close relationship with God, ran and hid upon hearing God coming into the Garden of Eden to meet with them, as He was accustomed to doing. What God did for humanity was to exchange the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin by: declaring us free of sin and guilt (justification, vs. 9), restoring a right relationship with Him (reconciliation, vs. 10), showing His unmerited favor towards us (grace, vs. 15), and giving us the gift of right standing with Him (righteousness, vs. 17). God has provided a solution to the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin. If our response to God’s invitation to fellowship with Him is the same as theirs, then we have not understood God’s nature and His attitude towards us. Our response to the great exchange is to believe that God really loves us so much that He would send His Son to bear the consequences of our sin and offer us life. The free gift of right standing with Him (righteousness) allows us to resume the daily relationship and fellowship that was lost in the Garden of Eden. Accept the gift! – 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

  6. 5d ago

    The Seed Was Planted

    “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20 (NKJV) The first time I heard about God was when I was five years old. There were missionaries visiting our community who were holding a summer Bible club for kids, right next door to our house. I heard the singing and I was curious, so I went to check it out. That was the first time I heard that there was a God who created the world, and that He was present throughout the whole universe. I couldn’t believe it. I thought, “No, it’s impossible to be everywhere.” (I guess I was too young to comprehend what even grown-ups can’t understand!) It was not until the summer of 1975 that missionaries were back in our community. August 9th is the day that I accepted the Lord into my life. God had planted a seed in my heart and, in His plan, He chose me! I thank God for all He has done in my life, and what He is continuing to do as I mature in the Lord. I am very grateful that I listened to God’s call, beginning at the very young age of five. To my brothers and sisters in Christ who have taught me and are continuing to disciple me in my walk with the Lord . . . thank you for giving to the Lord; I am a life that was changed! To my brothers and sisters in Christ who are discipling others . . . keep going. It makes a difference. Do not grow weary in doing good. The seeds you are planting will make a difference. I am proof. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for all that You have done in my life. Help me to be bold and to share the Good News of salvation with my family and friends. In Jesus’ name. Amen. – Linnette Ducharme McKay   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

    What Does Scripture Say About Gluttony?

    “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17 (NKJV) Pastors may condemn the consuming of alcohol, but seldom mention that gluttony—excessive eating—is also a sin, according to Scripture. Some even tout those after-church luncheons at “all you can eat” restaurants where people pile their plates with high-calorie food and generous desserts . . . then select a diet soda as their beverage. What many Christians do not realize, though, is that God regards the over-consumption of food as a sin. Regarding overeating, the prophet in Ezekiel 16:49 (NKJV) states: “Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom . . . pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.” In this case, the prophet lists overeating as second to pride, which God hates. Scripture also warns, “Do not mix with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters of meat. For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags” Proverbs 23:20- 21 (NKJV). In his epistle to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul warns, “I have told you often . . . that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things” Philippians 3:18b-19 (NKJV). While Proverbs 28:7b (NKJV) states that “a companion of gluttons shames his father.” Gluttony is also idolatry. And while modern physicians link overeating to obesity, the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and other health issues and their dangers were first revealed through Scripture! “And put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite” Proverbs 23:2 (NKJV). Our Father in Heaven, help us to practice moderation in our food and drink. In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Amen. – Kiki BelMonte-Schaller   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. Oct 30

    When You Reject . . .

    “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8 “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” 1 Corinthians 14:33a “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6 “The Lord protects the unwary (innocent); when I was brought low, he saved me.” Psalm 116:6 “Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.” Psalm 115:3 (NIV) When you reject God, you reject His love, His peace, His truth, His protection, and Heaven. This means that, when you die, you are going to a place where there is no love, no peace, no truth, no protection, and it is a place that is not Heaven! You will never sleep and you will never rest again. Right now, it is your sin that separates you from God. You need to ask Jesus to forgive you of your sin and ask Him into your heart. Let that relationship with Him begin today! “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved” (Romans 10:9-10). Then you will be allowed into Heaven because your name is written in the Book of Life. He will not reject you because Christ dwells within you! “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth . . . He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:1a,4). Thank you, Jesus, for saving me. Amen. – 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

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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
    300
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Intertribal Life Ministries
  • Show Website
    Council Fire

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