Council Fire

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NLT) The apostle Paul was very clear, writing to brothers and sisters in Christ, to not follow the ways of how the world thinks and acts. Romans 12:1 mentions that we are to present our bodies to God because of all He has done for us, and to let our bodies be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Him. It is essential that the believer does this to worship Him fully. The challenge for me as a follower of Jesus is to not copy how this world thinks — its philosophies and customs, and there are many. There is nothing wrong with learning, but I find that if it’s about things that are taking first place over God and His Word, then it becomes an issue. God wants to transform our old thinking to God’s way of thinking — and that is putting Him first and surrendering our lives to Him. Since I was little, I have been afraid of the dark and what was in the dark. Now that I have become a believer, I know that the Bible says in Psalm 139:12b (NLT), “Darkness and light are the same to you.” In knowing this, do I really need to fear the dark? No, because God sees and knows. This reassures me. I used to sleep with the light on even when I first became a believer, but as I learned that God sees and knows, I can let fear go. Now I don’t sleep with a light on. My husband and I live off the grid, and at night it becomes quite dark, but my new thoughts recognize that God sees me. That’s reassuring! — 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

“My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.” Proverbs 4:20 (NKJV) I always did like to read, especially since I became a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. Before that, while in residential school, the only reading I did outside of class was comic books and boxing magazines. Needless to say, they were not of much profit. Reading is one of the three main ways that we learn. One is by observation, another is by listening, but reading is the way that most of us obtain the greater part of what we know. A while back a pastor came up with this statement, “Never underestimate the power of the printed page.” In a 40-50 minute message that is spoken, it is said that we retain about 15% of what we hear. However, the printed page remains to be read again, to refresh our minds of the content. I believe God wanted man to read and write, so writing was invented. Everyone should learn to read. I do not know the history of the first writings, but I do know it was in ancient times. Eventually God’s Word was in written form. God’s will for mankind was written on animal skins, not just for the pleasure of reading, but for learning what the writing is all about. It took 1600 years to complete our Bible. God’s communicating by script has come a long way since then. Today people can read it on cell phones, the internet, and even on TV. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (KJV). 1 Timothy 4:13 says, “Give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (NKJV). Lord, please help us to be faithful in reading Your Word. — 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

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV) The apostle Paul’s advice to the Corinthian church is better than any self-help book you’ll ever find. Our goal as believers is to become Christ-like. Have you ever heard someone say, “I just want to love like Jesus loved”? How do you do that exactly? Well, my friend, it begins when the believer is willing to venture from the church building to the streets, applying the Word they received while they sat in a church meeting — taking the Gospel message and closing the gap between them and the unbeliever . . . going from distant to proximity, moving from observer to participant. To love like Jesus means going from judge to helper, willing to get involved in people’s lives. Jesus summed up the entire Bible, with all of its laws and precepts, by communicating this one truth: you must love God and love people. Loving like Jesus means that you enter into conflicts, seeking to make peace, walk in sorrow, willing to speak comfort, and raise hands in time of pain, asking the Lord God of heaven for healing in Jesus’ name. Loving like Jesus is the willingness to go to the highways and byways, taking our biblical position as salt and light to a dark world. “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:27). — 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

“Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made t hat has been made.” John 1:3 (NIV) If the Bible is true, and if Jesus is who He says He is, then Jesus is our Creator, and He made it all. Think about what that all includes. Look around you; even look at yourself. Go back through your memory files to find favorite activities, foods, friends and loved ones. He made every single atom and molecule for everything; He provided life to His plants, creatures, and people. How much personality, artistic ability, imagination, and power did it take to accomplish all this? He deserves all our respect, honor and love — even if He never did another thing for us. Yet, He did do something else for us. He gave up His life so that we could be a part of His family, citizens of His kingdom, now and forever. Can you imagine this happening to the One who spun the galaxies, perfumed the flowers, and flavored your favorite food? “They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him” Mark 15:17-20 (NIV). I wonder how many of those people came to know Him as their Savior and Lord? That would be so like Jesus to make that happen. Jesus, thank You for all You have created. Thank You for giving Your life so that we can be set free from the sin that destroys lives. Help us learn to walk in Your ways as children of the King. — 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

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renew al of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (ESV) It just sits there. There’s an old 1964 Mercury “Shorty” school bus behind my dad’s place that’s been sitting there since 1976 when one of my brothers blew the motor on it. It’s a sweet little three-window bus that I sometimes wonder what it would take to fi x up, rebuild, restore, and customize . . . it would sure turn heads as it chugged down Main Street! The problem is that it’s just “potential.” It’s just a thought of “what could be.” It may happen someday, or maybe it will just sit there and rust til it’s deemed as scrap iron. It kind of reminds me of us as people. God gave each of us a certain amount of potential — things that we are capable of, things that we could be, ways that God could use us, ways that we could maximize what we have going for us right now, ways to become what we are designed to be. The problem is that it’s just “potential” until we start to let God have his rebuilding, restoring, re-creating hand in our lives. It’s only then that we begin to see the new person that God can morph us into. It’s only then that our potential can translate to reality. — 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

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4: 30 (NIV) It seems that pain has a way of drawing us closer to God. God knew all about pain and grief. He watched His Son die on the cross for our miserable sins. I remember one time when I was pinning a diaper on my daughter (back before Pampers). I caught her skin on the pin. My poor girl cried in pain, and I cried right along with her, knowing I had hurt her — not on purpose, of course, but still I had hurt her. I cried all day. I carried her, trying to reassure her that I loved her, and that I didn’t hurt her by choice. God chose to send Jesus to the cross. He could not hold His Son in His arms and try to tell Him that He didn’t mean it. God sent Jesus to the cross of H is own free will, and Jesus agreed to it. That time of grief for God the Father and His Son, Jesus, must have been beyond words. I can’t imagine the pain that Father God felt as He saw Jesus dying for our sins. Each time we stray from our walk, each time we make a choice that we know is not a godly choice, and each time we deliberately turn our ear from God’s voice, we grieve God. Of course, we are going to make mistakes because we are still human. But God, in His love and mercy, has given us the Bible as a roadmap to use here on earth. Let’s not grieve the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 30:21a says, “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it’” (NKJV). — June Cardinal-Howse   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

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV) In my past I was a musician. I played guitar in a band. We played in bars, halls, conferences, and even the Toronto Skydome (I believe now called Rogers Centre where the Blue Jays play). We even met various rock stars along the way. But I paid a huge price for this. I became an alcoholic, drug addict, party-er, smoker, etc. The list goes on and on. One day, I made the decision to stop living this destructive lifestyle and seek the Lord . . . again. You see, I accepted the Lord back when I was seven years old. I went to church, Bible studies with my parents, youth nights, etc. My parents attended Bible school for three years, and I was with them while they were there. I met a lot of people who were following the Lord. Yet, I wanted to “experience life” myself. After 12 years of drinking and smoking, I gave up. I told God, “I’m a sinner and I’m sorry. I give up. Help me because I can’t help myself.” God did! As the verse above says, we are no longer slaves to sin. Christ set us free at the cross. We may be reminded of our past sins because the enemy wants us to think we have not been set free. But Christ, who dwells within us by His Spirit, has given us authority over the power of sin and the flesh. We can confidently say, “Away from me, flesh, in Jesus’ name. For Christ bought this body at a price with His precious blood.” Faith in Christ alone will set you free from sin and all its curse. Faith in Christ will keep us “on the narrow road” (Matthew 7:14). Christ set me free, and continues to do so. — 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

“Oh, how abundant is your goodness.” Psalm 31:19 (ESV) I love flowers. God could have given us just one flower, and only three flowers are mentioned by name in the Bible — the Rose of Sharon, the Rose, and the Lily of the Valley. But there are over 400,000 kinds of flowers in the world! All colors, all kinds, some so small you can barely notice them. Others are huge, some have wonderful fragrances, others barely have any scent at all — but they bring such beauty into our world! It’s hard to look at any flower and not feel God’s love. God gives us love abundantly. He gave us over 2,000,000 species of living things … over 6,500 species of mammals, 60,000 species of trees, 20,000 species of fish, and 11,000 species of birds. He didn’t haven’t to do any of that. He could have given us a dozen animals, and a few trees, and a couple of birds — and we’d have never known the difference. Everything about God is about abundance, especially His love and forgiveness. He gave us a beautiful world. He gave us the sun and moon and stars and the seasons. Our cup is full and running over. There are eight billion people in the world and no two are alike, not even identical twins. We use flowers to celebrate almost every holiday and event. We have flowers at parties, celebrations, holidays, weddings and funerals. People take flowers to cemeteries to leave on graves of people who have passed away years ago because there is comfort in the act of leaving flowers on a grave. There is a Chinese proverb that says, “Flowers leave some of their fragrance in the hand that bestows them.” Give some flowers to someone today and see them smile, and it will do your heart good. God, we are overwhelmed by your love. — 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

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 (NLT) There are times in life when it feels so overwhelming that we just want to give up. Whether it’s our job, our finances, family problems . . . I’m sure we can all relate in one way or another. I wrote this poem as a reminder of Who is really in control. For those of us who have given our life to Christ, it’s just so great to know that He holds it all in His hand and has a plan for all of us who put our trust in Him. When I feel like this world is bringing me down, Your mighty right hand holds me up to not drown. As I walk through the water, You will be with me. My life is clay for the Potter to mold and uplift, The way God the Father holds my soul in His grip, His presence is present; the Holy Spirit’s a gift. He wants to know all of us: every woman, child, and man, No matter if you’re close or in a far-off distant land. The Lord calls out to those who hear His voice, No one will ever force you; He’s given all of us a choice. So won’t you bring what’s broken and lay it at His feet, As the gates of glory open and heaven’s host we finally meet? So, even during those hard or uneasy moments, He is there continuing to carry us — along with all of our burdens — through life’s storms. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for never leaving us nor forsaking us. Help us to strive to be more like You and to be less like us. Amen. — Jason 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

“Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.” Genesis 22:4 (KJV) In Genesis 22, God commanded Abraham to offer his only son Isaac as a sacrifice. Undoubtedly, it was the hardest day of Abraham’s life. Isaac was precious to Abraham and his wife, Sarah. Isaac was a miracle child, conceived in their old age, a gift from God. Certainly, God’s command troubled Abraham greatly. Yet during this very difficult time, Abraham “lifted up his eyes and saw the place afar off.” Hebrews 11:10 (NKJV) tells us that Abraham “looked for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” What did Abraham see? . . . and what do we focus on in times of adversity? Notice that during this time of hardship and trial of faith, Abraham did not focus on the “here and now,” but on the gospel promise from God. Abraham undoubtedly saw a glimpse of heaven, the eternal joy that awaited him, and much more! This glimpse empowered him to be totally obedient to the Lord, despite the seemingly impossible task. As believers in Christ Jesus we, too, should fi x our gaze on the prize that awaits us. Heaven is a real place, and the troubles, afflictions and trials of this world will soon pass. It is said there are over 8,000 Scriptural promises of God for His children. As we read and meditate on the promises of Scripture, like Abraham, our focus will shift from the temporal to the eternal! Reading the Word of God will elevate our view, and God will increase our glimpse of the prize that awaits us. This is the hope of all believers! Dear Christian, heaven awaits you. Submit what God has asked of you because, despite how precious it may be to you, it will be for your benefit! Heavenly Father, help me to obey even when it doesn’t make sense. Give me a glimpse of eternity! — Steven 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

“Even though the fi g trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NLT) It is not easy to rejoice when things are not going well. When we see all the bad things that are happening in the world, it grieves us. It seems like things are not going to get better. Well, Habakkuk knew what that was like. He was a prophet of God, and he knew that Judah was going to be invaded by the Babylonians. Habakkuk trusted in God and knew He was sovereign. Yet, he still had some honest questions in mind. When I see and hear about the evil in the world, it is easy to get anxious and worried. Here we see that, even though Habakkuk knew things were going to get bad for Judah, because he followed God, he chose to rejoice in the Lord instead. What faith Habakkuk had in the Lord! Habakkuk made the choice to rejoice in the Lord regardless if the situation changed or not. This challenged me, and still does, to rejoice in the Lord even through these times. The last verse in chapter 3 of Habakkuk says, “The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights” (NLT). The Lord is in control and reigns. This gives me the peace to rest in who He says He is. The Lord is my strength. I choose to rejoice in Him! — 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

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV) This morning, I got an email from a friend who’s had some real major losses in the past year. He recounted the deaths of some significant family members and talked about his aloneness and depression. I felt bad for him but was able to use this as a teaching opportunity, pointing out to him how to look at the “flip side” of life scenarios that have the potential to bring us down. It’s actually quite easy to come up with a pretty long list of the bad stuff we’ve faced, endured, and come through. The natural way for us to address a negative situation is to make a checklist of all the losses and hurts we’ve had in life, and focus on a few of these, rather than on the positive things that God has put in our lives. A far more constructive and healing approach is to crumple that list up and create a new list that features all the good things that God has brought us — the good things that He is doing, and the good things He’s planning in our futures as we allow His work in our lives! Instead of listing our losses, we end up with a much more balanced and positive perspective when we COUNT OUR BLESSINGS! — 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

“For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands. They will not labor in vain, nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them.” Isaiah 65:22b-23 (NIV) Into my adult years, my relationship with my mom struggled. She had been to residential school and, right from my youngest years, her mothering skills were very poor . . . almost nonexistent. When I eventually got around to asking her to forgive me for my bitterness towards her, she said, “Okay.” I tried many times to talk to her after that. Whenever it looked like we might be able to talk things out, she would start crying. I so wanted to bring closure to things. My mom always struggled to hug and struggled to say, “I love you.” It wasn’t until her later years that I was finally able to tell her, “I love you, Mom. I forgive you.” My mom accepted the Lord as her Savior and, over the years, she had learned to laugh. She held her grandchildren with delight. I thought I had released the bitterness, and brought closure to our lives. About two or three days after my mom’s passing, however, I was sitting alone when I felt some unresolved forgiveness still festering. I cried out to Jesus to truly help me to forgive her. The peace that overwhelmed me was so meaningful! At Mom’s funeral, I had shared the importance of forgiveness to whoever would listen. Being at peace means surrendering your pain to God. Let Him deal with it. — Richard Knott   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

“We love because He first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates his brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And He has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” 1 John 4:19-21 (NIV) After I asked my mom and dad for forgiveness for hating them, the wall that had separated us from experiencing a good parent/ child relationship began to fall away. I began to stop in and visit, and it turned into many good visits with my dad. The coffee was always on. We laughed, joked, and enjoyed each other’s company. Most of my dad’s life, he was never able to say, “I love you,” or “I’m proud of you.” But in his later years, he was able to say it more freely. With my dad, if you stopped in and visited, he would enjoy your company, although there might not be much said. And Dad was so softspoken that, even when he talked, it was hard to hear what he was saying. But Dad began filling me in on his life, telling me all his experiences, beginning with his childhood. He gave me a timeline. It was as if he was preparing me to do his eulogy someday. After I dealt with my unforgiveness, I had a wonderful relationship with my dad. We were able to talk freely. He accepted the Lord and walked with Jesus. An unforgiving heart is a burden. Set yourself free . . . even if you talk to a headstone or write a letter releasing your unforgiveness. If you write a letter to a deceased person, you can burn it afterwards. No one has to read it. God wants you to be happy. Let the yoke be removed. — Richard Knott   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

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) At 32 years-old, I was doing a study with two other men. The Bible based book we were studying was called Stop Using Your Past as an Excuse for the Way You Are. My mom had been to residential school. Her mothering skills, when I was younger, were almost non-existent. I desired to grow in my relationship with our God, and the Lord began pointing out my need to deal with my unforgiveness towards her. When we begin our walk with God, we are seeking to be at peace. However, my unforgiveness was a burden that I was willing to carry. As I grew in my relationship with Jesus, He called me to preach. He used me to lead others to Jesus, and He was answering my prayers. Over the years, though, each time I cried out to God to draw me closer, He reminded me to go seek forgiveness from my parents for my hatred towards them. The pain was real; the struggle was hard. It seems that the Lord deals with us one thing at a time. I still knew that the Lord had asked me to go to my parents and ask them to forgive me for hating them. My question was, “I was the one hurt, so why do ‘I’ need to ask for forgiveness?” Finally, I was pliable and said, “Okay, Lord.” First, I went to my dad. He cried and said, “It’s my fault.” Next, I went to my mom. She cried and said, “It’s all dad’s fault.” But after those visits, the yoke and my burden were lifted! I felt so much freer. My unforgiveness was no longer a burden. — Richard Knott   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

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) I like my comfort zone! I like things that are familiar, predictable, and not ambiguous. When I know where I’m going, then I’m relaxed. That’s just me! I tend to shy away from situations where I am unsure of myself or the outcome. When I’m uncertain what’s on the road ahead, I won’t go there. But God has been showing me that I’m capable of going beyond my comfort zone and that I can be effective in those areas I thought were beyond me. I never thought I could talk to people … Jesus took that fear away. I never thought people cared about what I had to say … but now counseling is a big part of my ministry. I never thought I could accomplish anything by myself … but I remember making my first solo music recording. I never thought I could write anything … yet you’re reading it today! When God opens doors, He gives us the ability and courage to walk through them. When we say we can’t, God whispers, “You got this.” When we think we can’t keep on going, He reminds us that, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). As I keep following the Lord, He continues to teach me new things. He has also shown me new ways to share about Him with others. Back when COVID-19 hit us, I started to post a Facebook devotional every morning. I borrowed devotionals from other writers, got some from my husband, and wrote a bunch myself. Some people say that’s what they look forward to reading every day. God is an awesome God! Dear Lord, help me to find Your calling for me. Give me the assurance that You are with me and give me strength to fulfill that calling. 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

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) Our lives today and for eternity depend on knowing whether the Bible is true or not. If it is not true, then it does not matter if we read it or obey what it says. If it is true, then we must know what it says because our lives for today and eternity rely on what we do with it. I hear false statements from people who depend on what other people say. Some say that Christianity is only a white man’s religion. (I understand how that sounds meaningful to those affected by the cruelties inflicted by people calling themselves Christians.) Some people think that if we are good enough, we will go to heaven. Others think that since they said a prayer when they were a child, they will go to heaven, even if they continue to live a corrupt life. This is like the deceitful serpent suggesting to Eve that she could disobey God and receive no consequences. God’s Word provides nourishment, encouragement, and guidance for our spirits (our spirits are eternal). For example, Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” Matthew 7:21 (NIV). He went on to explain, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” Matthew 7:24-25 (NIV). Lord, open my spiritual eyes so I can learn Your Word and understand the wonder of all You offer me. — 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

“The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 (NIV) We all need light in order to walk. That’s why I am thankful that the Lord is my Light, and He helps me to “see” as I walk through this life. He is also my salvation — Jesus Christ has forgiven my sins, which I am very well aware of. I am also aware of my fears, but through God’s Word, He gives me His strength to face them. I sometimes wonder what it would like to be totally by myself. I’m sure there would be a lot of fear. In my ministry I have traveled a lot, visiting northern communities where my people live. There have been times when I felt like I was surrounded by people who were against me, wanting me to leave, or even to hurt me. It may have sometimes just been my imagination but, whatever the case, I was confident of the Lord’s presence. If it wasn’t for the Lord being my Stronghold, I’m sure I would fall under the weight in hard times. But those hard times are part of life. My desire is to live for Jesus daily. In the Psalms, men wrote about being in God’s temple. That’s where I would want to be. Jesus Christ truly is my Rock in hard times. Sometimes, in troubled times, I still do cry. One of them was years ago when my wife, Laura, and I lost our adult son in a car accident. But the Lord is forever with me. He will never leave me. There are sacrifices in the Christian life, but it is only the Lord who gives true joy to my soul and spirit. Over the years, I have gained a deep desire for God’s Word. As I read God’s Word, He speaks to me. So I give Him praise. — Gilbert Bekkatla   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

“We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.” John 9:4 (NLT) I remember sitting with my songwriter friend and talking about the song that he and I wanted to write. We laughed, tuned, strummed, picked, drank coffee, and started writing, but only got about half a verse done before getting sidetracked by someone dropping in to visit. So we told each other we’d finish it “next time.” The next time I saw him was at his funeral. I never thought we’d lose him so soon! There was no more chance to write that song together, no more jamming, no more picking, no trying to hit that high harmony with an ear-splitting howl, then laughing at ourselves when it sounded like dueling coyotes! He was gone. It reminds me, when I look at those half-written lyrics, about how we can let little things come in the way of doing what we know God wants us to do. Looking back, I wish we hadn’t gotten derailed, and had just dug in and finished that song off, but we thought we had time . . . If God is calling us to choose His way or to do something for Him, we may find it easier to just put it off — or keep it on the back-burner along with a collection of other good ideas — than to actually do what He’s calling us to. We can’t do much with a half-written song, sort of like “almost deciding” to choose Jesus, but never quite getting there. When God calls us to follow Him, we need to follow through on making that choice. If He calls us to His service, we shouldn’t be anywhere else! — 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

“Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the fi eld which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, ‘Has God indeed said, “You shall not eat of every tree of the garden”?’” Genesis 3:1 (NKJV) Have you ever wondered how the world might be different today if Eve did not listen to the serpent in the garden? What if Eve had walked away, instead of conversing with him? Did Eve consider how eating the forbidden fruit could damage her marriage? What about her relationship with God? What about her future, and particularly how disobeying God would negatively impact her life? Fruit for thought (no pun intended)! Reading this account of Scripture, we see the power of influence. From the creation of mankind, man has had a choice — the choice to follow the Lord or the choice to forsake the Lord. Sadly, Eve and Adam allowed themselves to be influenced by the serpent, which has had disastrous results. In this same regard, we allow ourselves to be influenced with Godly influence — or worldly influence. Social media, music, TV, and friends are some of the many influences that bombard us each day. As followers of Christ, there are inescapable influences, for better or worse, that we all must learn to deal with. However, God has given us His Word and the Holy Spirit to lead and direct us in our pilgrimage. God desires that we would not let the influences of the world hinder us. God desires that we become “Gospel people” — people who prioritize spending time with God, communing and fellowshipping with Him. If we grow in this area, we will see a surge of spiritual growth and maturity. Worldly influences will lose their grip upon us as we experience freedom and victory in the Lord! Are you reading your Bible daily? Heavenly Father, please show me what influences I need to walk away from. Help me develop a daily devotional life and influence me by Your Spirit. — Steven 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

“I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth — Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:1–3 (NKJV) Do you remember a time when you or someone you knew got stuck in the mud? I remember one time, when I was a kid, I was in a mud puddle, and my gum boot was stuck good. The more I tried to get it out, the “stucker” I got! I struggled in my own strength, but nope, I needed help. When I finally realized I couldn’t do it on my own, that is when I called “Heelllppp!” Then I got the help I needed. Well, as I grew older, I found myself stuck in different “muddy pits” of things that God didn’t want me to do, such as cigarettes and alcohol. I tried to quit on my own strength, and it was just like when I was a kid stuck in the mud. I remember always crying out to God for help, even in the pits of desperation, “Please, God, help me! I don’t want this in my life anymore.” I kept on asking for His help and — in the way only God can do — those muddy pits are no longer keeping me stuck! He got me out. I am thankful for His mighty ways. You may be thinking, “I’m so ashamed of my muddy pits, and I don’t want anyone to know how stuck I am.” God knows, and He wants to help. He went to the cross to pay for my muddy pit sins. He put a new song in my heart. He is trustworthy. We just need to ask for His help every second of every day. — 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

“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:20,21 (NIV) I was with some First Nations young people who believed that the white man wrote the Bible. So, in a gentle manner, I asked, “What is written on the cover of this Bible?” They replied, “The Holy Bible.” I said, “So, the one who wrote it is ‘holy.’ If you say that white men wrote it, then you are calling them holy. You have placed yourself beneath them. You are calling them gods. Why would you do that? God wrote the Holy Bible.” They thought about it for a moment, then replied, “We didn’t think of it that way before! Thank you.” God “writing” the Bible . . . the first idea that comes to mind is of God using His hand to write the Bible. So it must be explained that, when God “wrote” the Bible, He used prophets and apostles to write it down. These men were inspired by God what to write. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed . . .” Back in Genesis 1:3, we read: “And God said.” Verse 6 begins, “And God said.” Verse 9 and verse 11 read, “And God said.” I think you get the picture. God spoke and creation began. New life began. What do you suppose is happening to us when we read His Word? Jesus said, in John 6:63, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” Reading the Bible is vital to those who have a personal relationship with God. So whether it is “God wrote,” or “God said,” be fi lled with His Word. Hear His voice. Read His Word! — 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

“But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river’s edge, the water above that point began backing up a great distance away . . . And the water below that point flowed into the Dead Sea until the riverbed was dry. Then all the people crossed over near the town of Jericho.” Joshua 3:15b-16 (NLT) In 2015, I started attending a missionary training school in Missouri. The thought of going to another country intrigued me, and I wanted to learn in another setting. Things were going well, but I began to struggle with the linguistics courses, which I found out were not my strong point. The last semester was around the corner and I did not want to return for it. Yet I did not want to quit. I thought that if I returned home to Canada early, God is not going to love me any less. Yet I still wasn’t at peace. I continued to pray and wrestle with it. One day, while doing housework, this thought came so clear to me: “Just put your feet in the water and I will take care of the rest.” The story of Joshua leading the Israelites through the Jordan River came to mind, and I made the decision to return for the final semester. In that instant of saying “yes,” there was peace inside me! The final semester came and God sure “took care of the rest.” He is so faithful. Upon finishing, I received a Bachelor of Intercultural Studies degree. I learned a lot that semester, but one thing I will not forget is that when God calls you to a task, He will take care of it all — when we put our “feet in the water” — just like He took care of it for Joshua and the rest of the Israelites. — 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

“Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend.” Proverbs 27:10 (NKJV) “Are you two old guys done with your coffee and ready to call it a morning?” Smiling, Ronald approaches a table in the Sippin’ Good Coffee Shop. Bob, his father, glances up at him with fondness. “Nothing better to do, son. Me and Greg here go all the way back to kindergarten!” Ronald scoots a chair forward and sits next to his father. “And I’m sure you two recap every adventure from then till now.” “Yep,” Greg, his father’s friend, replies. “And we enjoy reliving each one of ’em! Like the time your dad and I decided to skip school and ...” Ronald holds up a hand. “I know, the truant officer spotted you, drove you to the school and marched you straight to the principal’s office.” The two elders’ bellowing laughs fi ll the small coffee shop. A waitress comes to their table. “More coffee?” she asks. Bob holds up a hand. “No, thank you, Miss. Just the tab.” “I got that,” Ronald says as he grabs his wallet. “One thing, though, Pop. You still planning to take the train to Sanford to see your Aunt Lucille? How old is she now . . . 90-something?” “Yep, the only elder I got left.” “I have one younger brother, but he’s up in New York,” Greg says. After seeing his father off, Ronald returns home. The news warns that a freak storm is headed their way! He rushes outside and pulls down his shutters. Then he remembers Greg. He hops into his truck and finds his father’s old friend trying to hammer plywood over his windows. “Hey, I got that!” Ronald calls out. Greg smiles and wipes his brow. “Whew! Thank you! You’re a godsend, son. Right on time!” “Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away” Proverbs 27:10 (NKJV). Our Father in heaven, help us each to always have the heart of a servant. In Jesus’ Name, 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

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 I was born as a Cree person, and I am very proud of who I am. I was raised by my mom and dad with values and virtues. There has been a lot of talk lately about “finding yourself” in order to be healed. I was never healed because of who I was, but by the saving grace of God, the Creator, who through His Son Jesus Christ, saved me from eternal separation from God. God gave me a new living hope and transformed me from within. I let go of the old nature, but I didn’t lose my identity as a Native person when I came to Christ. In the Word of God, I am called a new creation. This verse does not say I am no longer a Cree person who must give up his language and identity. God starts dealing with the sin in my life and helps me live according to His design and purpose. This will never stop until the day the Lord returns, or I am called home to be with the Lord forever. 2 Corinthians 5:17 above talks about God giving me a new life because I have put my faith in Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” God changed my life, internally and externally, and set me apart for His glory. In becoming a new creation, the Holy Spirit leads, guides and teaches us through the Word of God. We learn to live our lives holy unto the Lord and He sets us apart for His glory to represent Him, and to honor Him with our lives. — Ken Mitsuing   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

“So, if you think you are standing fi rm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NIV) 4x4’s are great! I used to think it was sort of a luxury to drive one — now it’s on my “gotta have it” list! I remember my first 4x4 truck. I had parked an old trailer behind my cousin Jack’s place and was heading over to pick it up. Sometime since my last time there, the trail had gotten snowed over and looked kind of impassable — the perfect “power demo” for my newly acquired 4x4 Chevrolet Avalanche. This was going to be fun! So, I shifted the beast into 4x4 and took a good run at it. All went well until about 100 feet into things when my Chevy bottomed out in two and-a-half feet of Alberta’s winter wonderland white stuff. I was so stuck, and my door wouldn’t open because the snow was too deep! I finally crawled out through the window and waded through the drifts to Jack’s house. He wasn’t home, but his shovel was. A bruised ego, two platefuls of humble pie, three tons of shoveled snow, $500 worth of plastic bumper damage, and two hours later I got out. Not my finest hour, but I was out. That reminds me of the above Scripture. It’s easy to get overconfident in our spiritual strength and start thinking we can handle situations that are beyond our limits. God’s Word cautions us to be careful about how we see (and sometimes overestimate) our own spiritual strength, ability, and endurance. God won’t allow temptations we can’t get through, but always provides an “escape route.” That “exit strategy” is usually “put-the-pedal-to-the-metal” to get outta there! — 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

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26 (NIV) June 18, 1997, I surrendered to Jesus. A month later, I voluntarily cooked at a Youth Dynamics Bush Camp for children. We prepared meals for 60 to 70 people. To get there, we traveled two hours into the high mountains of BC. There was no running water, no electricity, no plumbing, and it was pitch black with chilly temperatures at night. My two-year-old son and I were freezing at night. I was frightened of the dark and the noises coming from the woods. My previous mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual abuse had me in bondage. I had to trust God. To volunteer for that one week had been a tough decision. My nonbelieving husband was not impressed with my decision to volunteer. We had a mortgage, truck payments and other bills, plus feeding our teenage children. We both worried about how we were going to afford to live for the next few weeks after camp. When I got home, I worried about the bills, but I prayed with my sister, asking God to help with this situation. A week later my husband had an eye doctor’s appointment. He needed his first pair of prescription glasses, which cost $400. Oh no! Our bank account was at zero! Then, we discovered that my employer owed me money from my payroll. The money I received was for a full two-week cheque. Wow, God is so faithful in providing for His children! Heavenly Father, please help me when I doubt You, or when I think You do not hear my prayers. Lord, help me to trust in You alone, because You are faithful, and You never change. Remind me how valuable I am to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen. — Jennifer McEwen   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

“For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:8 (NKJV) Near my house stand very tall spruce trees. These trees have many branches, and the sum of their weight must be incredibly heavy. One evening, as I observed the trees, I marveled. I thought, “To hold all those heavy branches, those tree trunks must be very strong.” On another evening, it was storming very hard. I again thought, “Those tree trunks must be very strong to withstand the wind.” A couple of seasons later, there was a bad blizzard. Still, the trees overcame. I thought again, “Those tree trunks must be very strong!” Jeremiah writes — in the Scripture above — about believers being like trees that spread out their roots and do not fear, are not anxious, nor cease from yielding fruit. When we are pressed every day, are we strong? Do we remain standing if we are pressed by many issues? Do we remain standing? Jeremiah tells us the secret of a tree’s strength: “. . . planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river.” Jesus said to a Samaritan woman, “But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14b, NKJV). The Apostle Paul said, “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7, NKJV). Remember, we know we need God every day, but when those additional challenges come into our lives — sometimes more than one at a time — they can be overwhelming. Let’s remain rooted in Christ. — 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

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ ” Philippians 2:14,15a (NIV) Don’t you love that innocent, pure feeling when you go to a children’s Christmas event? Doesn’t their singing tug at your heart? Don’t their silly faces looking at the camera bring a smile to your face? There is something about how children view the world — a faith and hope most of us may have forgotten. Anyone can say that they believe, but do we have faith? Do we apply what we believe in our daily lives, or only when it’s working with our plans? At my dad’s life celebration, there was this little girl (she is about eight years old now). During the singing and open mic, she ran up to the front by herself and said, “I remember when Joey used to sing my favourite song, ‘Alive! Alive!’ ” About then the guitar players began to play it, and she started to sing it! It was so special. Nobody had told her to go up front, let alone to sing. And she hadn’t seen my dad at church since he hurt his spine four years prior. So for her to have that memory, to share it, and to sing for him, it was so pure and innocent! It seems that we all start to lose our child-like faith and hope as we let the world’s “magma” cover and crust over God’s wonderful creation with doubt, animosity and fear, among other things. It takes humility, faith and dependence on our Lord and Savior to start to chisel the magma away to become who He made us to be and do the things we were meant to do. Lord, help me to be more like Jesus, and less like me. Amen. — Tayola Brown (L’Hirondelle)   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

“Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds.” Colossians 3:9; “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.” Proverbs 12:22 (NKJV) Have you ever asked yourself why some people make up lies and why others so easily believe them? Well, there was one such story made up about Willie, a jovial fellow that I knew from Little Buffalo, and the Metis leader, Stan Daniels. This happened while we were living up there. One day, a messenger came from Cadotte Lake to tell me that there was going to be an important meeting the next day, and they wanted me to come and interpret for them. I agreed to go. However, the next day the weather was 50 below zero (Fahrenheit). Cell phones were unheard of back then in the 1970s, but the two guys who had come the day before got word to me that the meeting had been cancelled. Worse than that, we heard that Mr. Daniels and Willie, who were supposedly riding together from Peace River, had both frozen to death. The next day, which I remember well, I went to the store at Cadotte. It was quite roomy and was a central gathering place in the community. You had to push the door hard, as it dragged, until it opened wide. That day, there was a group sitting around the big stove talking about this bad happening. Someone said that Mr. Daniels’ last words were, “I’m sorry that I couldn’t make it to your place.” Then he died! Then Willie said something that was barely audible, then he died! We never did hear who this person was who witnessed this and brought the word back to the community. While the guys were talking about having to dig a grave for their friend, Willie, the door opened and a cloud of fog came in, and then in walked Willie! Please help me, Lord, to always tell the truth. — 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

“Then Moses told his father-in-law all that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had come upon them in the way, and how the Lord had delivered them.” Exodus 18:8 (ESV) God’s people suffered 400 years of slavery. That’s a long time, my friends, but during that time the people cried out to God, and He heard them. Out of His mercy, God raised up a leader to deliver them from bondage. Today, people are still enslaved and imprisoned in so many ways. Did you know that we can be enslaved by our own choices? Some people seem to choose to accept defeat, and refuse God’s help. When we let the enemy lead us to sin, or allow our past experiences to define us, then we walk back into our own “Egypt,” slaves to the enemy. And most of our “prisons” are made up of our own thoughts about ourselves, our lives, and our whole identity. Our past can also shape the building of our “prisons.” We may feel we need the approval of others or to meet certain expectations. We can be held captive by our emotions and feelings. How much time have we spent in anger? . . . or plotting or seeking revenge, because of what someone did to us? But there is good news, my friends! Our God is the great deliverer. He alone is the great chain breaker. “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved along with everyone in your household” (Acts 16:38). In your time of hardship, cry out, as the people of God did in the Bible. The Lord will hear you. As He raised up the prophet Moses to lead the people out of Egypt, so He has sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to lead us out of the condemnation of sin by dying on the cross. With Christ, we walk as free people, straight “out of Egypt”! — 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

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (ESV) I sure didn’t find anything “good” in the scalding grief I felt when I lost my husband. He was my best friend, the love of my life, the best father, the most loving grandfather and chapan (great-grandfather). He was the backbone of our family, a wonderful friend, and man of God. The person I thought would be with me until the day God called me home. “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so,” we sing. But I didn’t feel like Jesus loved me in the months after Al went home to be with the Lord. If Jesus really did love me, why was my life full of loss? As a young girl, I experienced the loss of family security due to divorce, the loss of all five brothers, the loss of both parents, the loss of my kokum and mushum (grandparents). Every time I turned around, there was another loss. After the pain and sorrow began to fade a wee bit, I realized just how much Jesus really did love me. He loved me enough to see that I didn’t owe one penny when Al passed. He loved me enough to give me daughters and grandchildren that care about me. He gave me an adopted family that walked beside me in my grief, even though I tried to push them away a time or two as I didn’t understand they were trying to help me. God never wanted people to die — death is a result of the first sin in the Garden of Eden. God made people to worship Him, to have fellowship with Him, to do His will. I realized how much God cared because He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for my sins. Yes, even in grief, we can find the good when we have Jesus in our lives. — June Cardinal-Howse   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

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18 (NIV) The windshield was cracked. Not just a hairline fracture, but a “spider web” shatter that had the potential to make Spiderman sit up and take notice! So, I got it changed. Such a difference — from the gravel-battered glass of yesterday, to the clear drivability that I could now experience. It reminded me of how God’s Word talks about His forgiveness. Then came the road. That first stone hit right in the center of my vision! My perfect glass was no more. Know what I did? I took it right back to where I got the windshield, and they took that rock chip out of there (they can do that now). I was back on the road until smack, another rock! Where’d I go? Right back again to that glass shop, and then right back on the road! The next time the road threw a rock at me I knew the solution . . . back to the glass shop! It reminded me of our humanity, how we slip up now and again and need God’s forgiveness again — not to get saved all over, just cleaned up. It’s something like those rock chip repairs . . . I didn’t need the whole windshield replaced, just the chip fixed up! As in all things human, parallels to spiritual concepts fall a little short. Alas, the glass shop only covered three chips and that was it. The next one was 60 bucks from my pocket but, hey, it came with unlimited crack reparation (they do that now, too) and rock chip repairs. Now that sounds more like God’s forgiveness plan! My windshield will probably get in a few more arguments with road rocks, but I know where to go to get the damage fixed. Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness and forgiveness! — 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

“Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” Matthew 22:21 (NASB) There is always a political cycle where we vote on civic, tribal, and even national candidates who want to lead us as a people. As believers in Christ, we must follow a different grid in evaluating who we consider the best candidates to vote for. It is the believer’s responsibility to not sit on the sidelines when it comes to these important issues. Jesus reminded us of our civic responsibility in Matthew 22:21 (NASB), where He Himself says, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” This indicates His desire for us to fulfill our civic responsibilities. We must understand that it is God who ultimately sets up kings, presidents, and all other leaders, whether they be good, bad, evil or godly — to accomplish His purposes in the world. Romans 13:1 says, “Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God” (NASB). We learn this lesson from the Old Testament and what it says about the human leaders that led God’s chosen people. When you look at all their 44 kings, it defines them as either evil, wicked, depraved, godly, good, or righteous. Mankind evaluates effective leaders by whether they promote the political party’s platform they associate themselves with. But for God, it’s clear they are either evil or good, based on biblical standards. And we should think no less when choosing who we will vote for in the next election cycle. As Indigenous followers of Christ, it’s not towing the party line, but following the Bible that matters! — Craig Stephen Smith   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

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NIV) My life was out of control. Drugs and drinking had taken over and ruled my life. I was headed for a party on my motorbike. There were three of us riding on it, but we never made it. We ended up in an accident, and I was taken to jail in handcuffs. I woke up in jail the next morning, and it was there that the Holy Spirit brought to my memory a verse that I had heard from a pastor — John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, but by me.” Those words burned in my mind! When I eventually got back home, that same pastor came over for a visit. I knew in my heart something was taking place because for every question I asked, he opened his Bible and answered with Scripture. I began to cry and that was the day I found freedom! The Bible became my roadmap. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” After walking with the Lord for a few years, I started to get complacent. I started to stay away from church and Bible studies. I began to feel myself slipping away. God, in His mercy, allowed me to be involved in a rollover accident with an 85-ton truck (I worked in the oil sands). Battery acid got in my eyes and took my sight away for three days. It was like a spiritual surgery. Feeling God’s presence and inner peace was like nothing I’ve ever experienced! It’s totally amazing how God works in mysterious ways to get His children’s attention, because it was that accident that brought me back to following Jesus again. — Del Chalifoux   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

“Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) She was the tiniest puppy of the litter. Her brothers and sisters would push her away and Mama wouldn’t let her eat. One of the kids in the house tried to feed her with a doll bottle, but that didn’t work out so well. When I first saw this skinny little “runt of the litter,” I wanted her. It didn’t matter that she was malnourished, thin and kind of sickly — I still wanted her! After the “rescue operation,” and when this impoverished puppy finally made her home at our place, things were very different. The first thing that changed was that somebody wanted her. I’d fallen for that little dog big time! The second thing was that somebody cared and looked out for her. Now there was Puppy Chow, vet shots, and her own little mattress. That third change was that, for the first time in her life, she was special to someone! It reminded me of how God relates to us. Firstly, the Bible tells us in John 3:16 that God loved us. For people who grow up in a home where there is no one who really cares for them, the concept of love may be a distant or distorted ideal. That is very sad, but there is good news. Secondly, God cares for us. We read in 1 Peter 5:7, “He cares for you.” It’s a truth that I’ve had to learn over and over in my life — that God cares for me! Finally, God’s Word really brings out the thought of you and I being very special. Psalm 139:14 says, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made: your works are wonderful.” That says that I am special! That little puppy went from being rejected to being queen of the house. In God’s way of seeing us, we are loved, cared about, and very special. Thank you, Lord, for loving and caring about me! — 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

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (NASB) Grief is something that we all have in common. At some point, we will all experience loss. July 29th, 2023, was the day I felt it very deeply. My “Papa” (grandpa) Wesley Cardinal went to be with Jesus. After a long battle with dementia, the Lord in His mercy took him where he wouldn’t feel pain and healed his body completely. After this loss, I was left feeling alone and very hopeless. I was a Christian, but I was so consumed by grief that I couldn’t see anything good coming out of this. I wasn’t reading my Bible. One day I picked it up and was reading the (above) passage from 1 Thessalonians. The part where Paul says he is sharing these things so that we don’t “grieve as those who have no hope” jumped out at me. Why was I in such despair? I had hope, and my Papa had that same hope while he was still here. The God of the universe is a personal God. He saw me in all my pain. He has plans for my pain and it will not be wasted. He will teach me to depend on Him more, surrender everything to Him, and trust Him to walk beside me. The verse that reminds me of my Papa is Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (NKJV). My Papa is complete now and walking by His Savior. I still have this race to run and I desire to finish it well. — 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

“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” Psalm 39:7 (NIV) We always look to things in the world for hope. It seems that those things are always changing from day to day, and they never give us lasting hope. If we would only remember that Jesus came to live with humankind to teach us God’s ways — so we will know that true Hope is only in Him. Hebrews 13:5b says, “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (NIV). He gave us salvation, the forgiveness of sins, when He hung on the cross and died. He loves us so much that He died for us. When His work of saving us was done, He said, “It is finished.” On the third day, He rose again so we could have the gift of Hope when we believe on God’s one and only Son, Christ Jesus. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (NIV). Jesus was sacrificed for all our sins, to set us free from the penalty of sin. When we accept Him as our Savior, we can place our hope in Him. The Hope He gives is free to us, though it cost Him greatly. But we need to believe and turn away (repent) from our sins. Psalm 33:18 says, “The eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love” (NIV). May God always remind us of the Hope He gave us in His Son’s life. He gave us salvation, and we can Hope in Him, the one and only begotten Son of God. He takes the chains of bondage from us, gives us the Holy Spirit and the fruits of the Spirit, to love others as God loves us. — Ed Bird   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

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1; “My times are in y our hands.” Psalm 31:15 (NIV) Experts agree that a staggering amount of time is consumed each day by interruptions. Whether at work or at home, a phone call or an unexpected visit can distract us from what we feel is our main purpose. God has given each of us exactly the same amount of time in a day. The question is: how do we spend that time? We hear a lot of expressions like: “Time sure flies” . . . “I don’t have time” . . . “Where did the time go?” . . . “Wish I had more time” . . . “Man, I ran out of time” . . . and so on! Perhaps the most often used word in the English language is “time.” To manage our time for everything is not always easy to do. Sometimes, we have to ask ourselves, “Is this really necessary?” God also has our time numbered while we are on this earth. So, we never want to put anything off to think we have lots of time. The most important decision any person can make is to ask Jesus for forgiveness of sins and receive Jesus into their heart and life. Taking time for God in reading His Word and in talking to God in prayer would be another priority. Taking time with family and friends is another priority, through conversations and just doing activities together and encouraging each other. Another priority is for everyone to slow down and to take time to relax and rest from our regular work. God Himself took time to rest (see Hebrews 4:4). When our plans and time are interrupted by someone who really needs our help, we can ask God for wisdom in how to respond with compassion. Sometimes, what we may call an interruption of our time may be a divine appointment the Lord has scheduled in our time for that day. — Bessie McPeek   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

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) The late Ed Wood, a former Indian Life Board member, was one who believed in realizing potential. I’ll tell the story as it was told to me — the un-stretched version! Yup . . . read on. Ed’s teenage daughter had just graduated from high school and wanted to go to college in Phoenix, Arizona . . . a long way from their Winnipeg home. Ed believed in encouraging people to stretch their wings to reach their potential, so he gave her his blessing (Mom wasn’t quite so sure). The first month-and-a-half went okay, but then things quickly unraveled (the reasons are still somewhat vague) . . . Baby Girl is phoning and wanting to come home — and Mom and Dad want her home, too. Put potential aside for a while, we gotta go get her! There was a car rental company that was running a $99 unlimited mileage special that weekend, and Ed was a great one for recognizing potential. He and Jean picked up the car on Thursday night just before closing time. Then they started driving — hard, steady driving. They got in Saturday sometime, loaded her and her stuff up and headed back to Canada (6400 kms round trip). At 7:45 Monday morning, Ed nonchalantly handed the keys in and thanked the rental guy . . . who just about fainted when he saw the mileage! Yes, Ed could certainly maximize the potential in almost anything. Sometimes, we don’t see the potential that is there, whether in a person or situation, but we all were created by God to be someone very special. Don’t ever forget that! Oh, and that daughter? She works in the income tax industry, loves her job, and inherited something pretty big from Dad — a belief in realizing potential. Lord, help me become all that you created me to be. Only you can do that. — 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

“Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.” 1 Samuel 16:13 (ESV) David’s anointing is a pivotal moment in Israelite history. God will promise David that the throne will stay in his house (lineage). David would eventually be king over all Israel, and just over a thousand years later a descendant of his — Jesus Christ — would be born in the same town David was anointed. Jesus Christ would be the promised Savior of the world! So, David’s anointing is an important part of the redemptive story. We all know David as the young boy with big faith and, because of his faith, he became a giant killer. But remember, David didn’t ascend to the throne immediately after he was anointed. After his anointing, David went back to tending sheep. There was no fancy training for the new king, per se. But going back to the pasture was his training because it’s where David’s skills were sharpened. Sometimes, you may feel like you’re stuck in the pasture, but that is where God is developing you. At times, you may not be where you think you should be in life, but it is possible that God is equipping you right where you are. The most powerful ministers for Jesus are raised up out of the fire, and they preach their hearts out because they know they have been forgiven of much. They are often ordinary people, but they trust God, and God does the extraordinary through them. In the pasture is where God was teaching David, where he was learning courage as he fought off wild animals and gaining the courage to be a giant killer. In the pasture among the sheep is where David learned to trust God, and his faith led him to defeat champions. — 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

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 (NASB) I had started my vehicle on a cold morning before church. I ran in the house for not even a minute, came outside, and stood there in disbelief . . . my vehicle had been stolen! I had my passport and birth certificate in the vehicle. So, they not only stole my car, they stole my identity as well! It all happened so fast. It reminds me of our enemy, Satan. He is waiting at every turn to come in and violate our sense of joy and strip away our peace. He doesn’t respect boundaries, doesn’t ask if he’s allowed to take something — he simply does it without consent. Before we know it, our identity and sense of well-being is robbed. This could cause our trust in God to falter. So how do we maintain joy even through the harshest circumstances? Paul and Silas sang praises and prayed while they were in prison chains (Acts 16:25). In following their story, we see that God was still God, even in their time of crisis. Sometimes we can forget that. It’s easy to focus on the present difficulties, then feel abandoned by the One who is actually holding us. Let’s continually be on guard against the enemy who is the real “joy thief.” We can choose to turn our thoughts towards Jesus, who will steady us along our journey. (Over time, my car was found, but was damaged. None of the contents were recovered.) If we maintain the right focus, we won’t be caught off guard when life doesn’t go the way we plan. We will “rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:16-18, NIV). Heavenly Father, please guard and secure my heart, so that my joy can never be stolen. In Jesus’ name, 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

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) It is so easy to remain focused on our troubles and issues when we are struggling and broken. That can lead to more heartache, anger, unforgiveness, stress, anxiety, fear, and pain. It is during these times I like to say to myself, “Kiyâm,” which in our Cree (Nihiyawewin) language means, “Let it be, it’s alright.” Just look to Jesus. If you stay focused on your pain and anger, then you will stay there. Look to Jesus. Keep your eyes on Him. He knows you better than you know yourself and He only wants what is best for you. Look to Jesus. He may feel millions of miles away, but He is there. You just need to talk to Him. You don’t need fancy words or prayers. Just talk to Him. Just like any parent wants to hear how their child is feeling, so it is with God. He wants you to invite Him in. He won’t force His way into your life. That’s why He created us with free will. It’s up to us to choose Him. Just talk to Him. And keep your eyes focused on Him. Lord, I invite You into my life to make me the person You want me to be. Help me to stay focused on You during bad and good times. Help me to let go of the hurt and pain and to not stay there. — Leana 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

“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when the desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown brings forth death.” James 1:14,15 (NKJV) Last year, I had some small fi shing lures that I was intending to give away, and were still in the package. I thought I had put them in a safe place, and that was needed because our small dog was at his “chew on everything” phase. Somehow, he found one of these small lures and started chewing until he bit through the package and into a sharp barb. At this point, he was in trouble! The hook he bit into was holding his mouth closed, and he would cry in pain when my wife and son tried to open his mouth. What do we do now? It was the weekend, and vet offices were closed. After calling the emergency number of several vet offices, one of them was willing to assist our small dog. The hook was easily removed by the vet, and our dog could now open his mouth. This incident reminds me of how the enemy brings temptation to us. Whatever he uses can look good, and appeal to our sinful nature. We often find ourselves at a crossroad, deciding if we should take the bait. Or will we recognize the temptation? Like Joseph in the book of Genesis, we can run away from the temptation and run to Jesus for protection, safety, and victory. I am so thankful for the Word of God! In 1 John 1:9 (NKJV) it says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Confession, repentance, and a renewed fervor towards Christ are all elements in living victoriously in the Christian life. Dear Heavenly Father, teach me to live victoriously in Christ as temptations come in my daily living. 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

“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:11-12 (NIV) Jesus never promised us an easy path. In fact, He told us that we would have trials and troubles while on planet earth. Paul encouraged the Roman church with these words: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed” Romans 8:18-19 (NIV). I wonder if there will be some surprises as the sons of God are revealed. That group of God’s children will include some from prisons and homeless shelters. It will include those too poor to keep up with society’s standards. One of my favorite events in the Olympics is when the athletes enter the arena. They have trained; they have overcome physical and emotional obstacles. What will God’s reveal look like? I’m sure it will be glorious! Our broken world provides a training ground for the King’s children. Our Father trains His children to listen to His heart and reign like He reigns. The King does not want willful, self-centered children reigning in arrogance and pride. His enemy acts like that. Instead, He teaches His children kindness, gentleness, and patience. He teaches redemption rather than destruction. God is love, not violence and hate. The King speaks only the truth; there are no lies in Him, and He wants His children to speak truth also. One day the training will be over. God’s children will be joint heirs with Christ. The Bible says we will rule and reign with Him. So, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” Hebrews 12:1b (NIV). Dear Lord, open our spiritual eyes through Your Word and Your Spirit so that we will see to walk with Christ. — 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

“So they cried out to the Lord in their distress, and God saved them from their desperate circumstances. God brought them out from the darkness and deep gloom; he shattered their chains.” Psalm 107:13-14 (NIV) Have you ever been (or are you) in a season where you don’t understand God’s plan? Are you frustrated? Confused? Apprehensive? It can be difficult to navigate through the valleys when you can’t see a way out . . . whether it be loss of a job, loss of a loved one, a bad day, a bad week, or a bad year. No matter the circumstance or struggle, know this: just as Mordecai advised Esther in the Old Testament, you were born “ for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14, NIV). So if you are going through a valley, asking God, “Why me?” — as it says in 1 Peter, “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” Be transparent. He sees and knows your mind and heart already, so you can cry, and later rejoice. You will see that God will bring you peace of mind and understanding like you’ve never known — in His time. Remember, you are “ fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14, NIV). We are meant to spread God’s Word and His love. So even though the valleys can be raw, embarrassing, or difficult . . . God carries us through. And that is reason enough to rejoice! Thank you, Lord, for everything You’ve done in my life. Even when I fall, You are beside me, and when I am frustrated or confused, it doesn’t make sense to me, but You know. Please continue to give me Your peace and understanding to get me through, as Your joy comes in the morning! I trust You and Your plan but, please, I pray for Your strength to carry on, and to always seek Your kingdom first. In your Son’s name, I pray, Amen. — Tayola Brown (L’Hirondelle)   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

“They received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Acts 17:11b (NIV) It was hunting season some years back. My brother-in-law, Frank, and a couple others were hunting on the rivers and lakes near Opaskweyak, Manitoba. It was a good trip and they got a moose, which they skinned and loaded into their boat. As they were finishing up, Frank (a notorious practical joker) noticed an old barrel on the riverbank, over which he threw the hide and placed the head on top of before starting home. (There are parts of a skinned-out moose that you just sometimes leave behind for the coyotes.) The story is told how his friend Pat came around the bend on the river later and saw what he thought was a live moose. He started shooting, and kept on shooting (17 shots!) until he realized it wasn’t real. He just couldn’t figure out why he heard a “ping” every time he hit it! What he saw sure looked real, but it wasn’t! That reminds me of how you and I can believe that something is the truth, when it’s actually fake. Like Frank’s “Moosehead Barrel,” part of it was real, but it sure was not the “Real McCoy”! In today’s world we’re bombarded by many different messages. Some of which are true, some totally false, and some that are a mix of truth and falsehood. It’s these “hybrid” messages that are the hardest to deal with — because they look and sound like the “Real McCoy.” When we encounter a new spiritual teaching, it’s important that we check it out very thoroughly before we decide what to believe. How does it line up with God’s Word, the Bible? Who is the teaching coming from? How will it impact our behavior? Let’s make sure we know what God’s Word says about the teachings we follow. Not everything that sounds like the truth is the “Real McCoy”! — 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

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!” 1 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) I was born as a Cree person, and I am very proud of who I am. I was raised by my mom and dad with values and virtues. There has been a lot of talk lately about “finding yourself” in order to be healed. I was never healed because of who I was, but by the saving grace of God the Creator, who through His Son Jesus Christ, saved me from eternal separation from God. God gave me a new living hope and transformed me from within. I let go of the old nature, but I never lost my identity as a Native person when I came to Christ. In the Word of God, I am called a new creation. This verse does not say I am no longer a Cree person who gives up my language and culture, but God starts dealing with the sin in my life and begins the process of sanctification. This will never stop until the day the Lord returns, or I am called home to be with the Lord forever. The above Scripture talks about God giving me a new life because I have put my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior who died for me on the cross to pay my penalty of sin. Acts 4:12 says “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” God changes my life internally and externally and sets me apart for His glory. When we become new creations, the Holy Spirit leads, guides and teaches us through the Word of God to live our lives holy unto the Lord and sets us apart for His glory to represent Him, and to honor Him with our lives. – Ken Mitsuing   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

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV) Do you know the four directions? Some people do; some people don’t. I think those who don’t know stand a chance of having difficulty getting to their destination, that is, if finding a place depended on knowing which way is which. A man was going to a city 120 miles east and was told to go south until he reached the main highway, then turn left. Then he was told, “You can’t miss it.” He did reach the main highway but turned right instead of left. It wasn’t until he reached another city 100 miles in the opposite direction that he realized that he was now at least 200 miles from where he wanted to go! The Bible talks about a way that people follow, thinking that they are on the right road, but actually they are on the wrong road, away from God. Our verse for today, Proverbs 14:12, says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” It would be foolish of a person not to try to find out if he is going to heaven or not. After all, eternity is not like a few years in jail, or some kind of detention. A person who does not have the Savior in his life will be away from God forever and ever. Make sure you have Jesus in your life. He is the One who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6, NKJV). Have you made sure of your eternal destination? Lord, please show me Your Word. Help me listen to what it says so I will know where I am going. Save me, so I will not go in the wrong direction. – 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

“Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.” Genesis 22:12 (NLT) Not too many people like tests. The test that Abraham had received was a hard one—it was a testing of his faith. In Genesis 22:2, God tells Abraham to, “Take your son . . . Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains.” The next morning Abraham and his son head out. The fact that Abraham listened to God, and did what was required without complaint, challenges me. This was his only son who he deeply loved. Yet the story ends happily as God stops Abraham provides a ram as a substitute sacrifice. Now that was a test of faith in God! There are times when I have had to give over to God what is precious in my life—to say, “God, this is not mine . . . this loved one does not belong to me but belongs to you. You can do whatever needs to be done.” A test for me was giving my family over to God. As a young adult, I would get very lonesome if I was away. Yet I wanted to be a missionary, and that would require being away from family, maybe a long distance. When I read about Abraham, it comforted me and gave me hope. When I give my family and other cares into His capable hands, God will take care of it. I just need to have my hands open and say, “God, You know what is best. Do as You please in this situation.” Today I have been away from my family, living across Canada, and now in the States. Not once have I felt homesick. God truly has answered my prayer in giving my family over to Him. He has given grace that has been enough! – 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