Council Fire

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NKJV) New guitar strings always make a guitar sound better! You kind of get used to the “average” sound of your instrument, but it’s just so refreshing to hear new strings kick in that extra level of twang, crispocity (okay, that word didn’t clear Spellcheck), resonance, and reverberance. I remember bragging about my new Black Diamond strings to another guitarist, Ten-Foot Joe. He just laughed and said, “Cheapest on the market, eh?” I guess I got told! Some guitar players can even remember how they used to “refresh” old strings. When you lived in a remote community, when the store ran out of strings, when you didn’t have enough pesos to rub together, and when the option of getting a new set just wasn’t there, old-time pickers had a solution. They would boil the strings! Boiling old guitar wires takes out all the crud that deadens their vibrancy. Sweat, bacon grease, Aqua Velva, sweat, dust, spilled drinks, sweat, dirt, gravy and more sweat will kill the sweet sound of a guitar string. Boiling takes that away, bringing an old string back to life again. Sometimes our spiritual walk can get to the place where it loses its vibrancy—where the excitement of mercy received and sin forgiven is muddied by the decimating downers of the daily grind. Our “strings” lose their sweet tone and our lives don’t resonate the way our Creator designed them to. God knows what it takes to get us back on track. Sometimes that cure isn’t the most comfortable, and often resembles the string-boiling process! Yup, God uses tough situations in our lives to restore our spiritual vibrancy. Personal losses, strained relationships, overdrawn bank accounts, friends’ funerals, health challenges, discouragement, abandonment or whatever we’re facing . . . God can use those muddy (boiling?) waters to bring us back to where our lives reflect Jesus again! – 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

“Oh, how abundant is your goodness.” Psalm 31:19a (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 animals. He gave us over 60,000 species of trees, 20,000 species of fish, and 11,000 species of birds. He didn’t have 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 over 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 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

“And what does the Lord require of you, But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8b (NKJV) Walking. A natural, everyday practice. Simple. Uncomplicated. Generally speaking, everyone does it, or at least tries to. But what does it mean to walk with God? My second oldest son was born profoundly deaf. His story is one of miracles, as he does life with special needs and God’s amazing help. He now has a cochlear implant that helps him hear, but there are times when his little brothers can actually get too loud for him, and he can’t hear my voice. So, we put on our walking shoes and head outside. He links his arm in mine and leans his mechanical “ear” close to me. We lock in our steps and head off. No distractions. Just him and me. As long as we walk closely beside each other, he can always hear me, and I can always hear him. And, oh the conversations we have! From God’s creation, to thoughts of what heaven is like, we talk and talk. And we discover things along the way. The wildflowers by the road, the colours brilliant in the sky, the birds flying overhead. The discoveries are so much richer when we find them together. This is my picture of how to walk with God. We lean in close to Him. Put distractions aside to hear just His voice. Talk with Him . . . all the time. Keep in step and discover the blessings along the way together. Then, out of this place comes the good fruit. Walking humbly with God helps us to “do” justly and make wise choices. We learn how to love and show mercy. It’s simple. An everyday practice. Uncomplicated. Find joy in walking close to God today! Father, thank You for walking with me. For always speaking, and for never leaving me to do this life’s journey alone. – Kim (Hill) Elias   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“He sent from above, He took me; He drew me out of many waters.” Psalm 18:16 (NKJV) Growing up, I always had a fear of water, especially if I had to swim a long distance. Access to a swimming pool in my northern community was not an option, so our swimming was in dugouts, rivers and lakes. One day, while swimming in a dugout, I was trying to make it from one end to the other. Fear overtook me, and I thought I wasn’t going to make it. However, I had a friend there who kept telling me, “You’re gonna make it!” If he had not been there to encourage me, I am not sure what would have happened. On another occasion, it was springtime when the ice was breaking up. My cousin and I were standing on a small piece of floating ice with open water all around us, with long sticks to push ourselves around. Just for fun, using our body weight, we started swaying our piece of ice up and down, and back and forth. Suddenly, it seemed that the ice we were standing on was going to flip! In fear, we yelled out for help. Thankfully, my older brother heard and came over on a larger piece of ice to rescue us. If we look back on our lives, I’m sure we can all be amazed at all the times we have been rescued from potentially harmful situations. While in Bible college, I remember reading the verse (above): “He drew me out of many waters.” I thanked Jesus for using my brother to be my rescuer that day. Really, Jesus is my Rescuer. He rescued me from the judgement of my sins by taking my place. Not only that, but He also continues to rescue me from dangerous situations in life. Dear Jesus, thank You for being my Rescuer from sin, and also from all my other difficult situations in life. 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

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NLT) God can always be trusted to provide our needs, but sometimes our faith is tested when it looks like we’re going to come up short. We were in Farmington, New Mexico, working in Gospel music, singing in different communities in the area. I remember one day we drove up to a beautiful hotel that our hosts had provided for us. The kids were so excited about staying there, and they were happy to get off the bus and be able to play. The problem was that we had no food, no money, and barely any fuel for the bus. The rest of the band were singing at a nearby Navajo camp meeting, but I stayed behind to get the kids ready for bed. They were hungry, and all I had to give them was a chocolate bar split into three. After they fell asleep, I just sat there crying and thinking, “What are we doing here?” We were so far away from home, and the money coming in had been scarce up to that point. With long distances, breakdowns, and dates having to be cancelled, we’d been praying for God to supply our needs. But so far, it looked like He wasn’t answering our prayers. That night Kene came back to the room carrying a bunch of food, and enough money to fuel up the bus again. It was awesome to be reassured of God’s provision! Over the years of working in Gospel music, God has never let us down. As we serve Him, God has shown His faithfulness time after time. And when we need reminding, He shows it to us again. Dear Jesus, thank You that, as Your children, we can always trust You to provide all our needs. 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

“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.” Malachi 3:8 (NKJV) In today’s society there is lots of pressure to have the best of everything. TV ads tout, “You deserve it!” Then, subconsciously and sometimes unrealistically, they embed in the minds of the susceptible that they can have it all. Lynda faithfully tithes to her church each payday, and also gives offerings. At Lynda’s workplace, though, Dana, a new employee, is hired. Beautiful and single, she dresses in name brand styles and drives an expensive sports car. Lynda’s boss extols Dana as the model professional woman and whenever their fi rm needs a representative, Dana is the one he sends. One day Dana, assigned to yet another function, tells the boss that she will need an extra hand. Just then, she spots Lynda checking her mail slot. “Would she be okay?” Dana asks. The boss approves. Meeting day arrives, and it’s lunchtime. Dana says, “There’ll be long lines everywhere. I could fi x us something quick at my house.” Lynda agrees. They speed away to Dana’s and once inside the opulent dwelling, Lynda, in her everyday outfit and “on clearance” shoes, has never felt dowdier and more out-of-place. “I’ll cut back on giving,” she thinks, “Don’t I deserve nice things, too?” Dana prepares their sandwiches and Cokes. Seated on stools at the counter, Lynda spots the stacks of bills on the countertop. Among them are overdue high-end dress shops, car payment reminders, and a furniture store’s “Final Notice.” Lynda silently reminds herself that although her salary is modest, she is debt free and lacks nothing. She also thanks God for the reminder that things are not always what they seem! Thank You, Father God, for the many ways in which You remind us that You will always provide for Your children who obey Your Word. 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

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.” 1 John 4:1-3 (NIV) When a person is teaching or following a way that does not believe that Jesus came from God, it is time for that person to be corrected. It is not an easy task to correct such a person, but those who are filled with the Holy Spirit need to take on the challenge. Allowing false teaching in the church is very dangerous. Jesus said there is only one way to heaven, and that way is Himself. We need to know the Word of God and teach that there is no other way. Jesus is sufficient. We do this out of love . . . and we also correct in love. Jesus said that in the end times there would be many false teachers in the world to lead us astray. But when you’re walking close to Jesus, He will be there to lead, guide and direct you by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is sufficient. We don’t need new teachings about our Lord to draw people to church. We need to present Jesus and Him alone. He will draw people through His love and saving grace. Dear Jesus, thank You that You are God and God alone. Thank You that You are sufficient for my life. Help me to share You with others today, that they also may have hope in their lives. Keep us from false teachers. May we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen. – Jack Ducharme   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 have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV) These are words from a letter that the aging Apostle Paul sent to his young protégé, Timothy, as he was coming to the end of his life and ministry. Today I talked to Ed, a godly elder in his last days here on Earth. He spoke softly and calmly as he talked about the funeral plans. He knew he was dying, but he was more than ready for it. The conversation really moved me, and I started thinking about the others, the ones who step into eternity and aren’t ready for it, not like my friend Ed. What would that be like, to cross the river without knowing what’s on the other side, and with no possibility of return? Or worse still, to cross that river trusting in a belief that one finds to be false, but only after it’s too late to do anything about it. Those are not good scenarios. Ed chose differently. Like the Apostle Paul, he based his belief on God’s Word and followed that faithfully. Now his time’s come to cross that river, and there’s no fear, dread, or apprehension—just a calm assurance as his feet touch the water. Some sobering thoughts. – 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

“I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.” Jonah 4:2b (NLT) The story of Jonah tells of God’s judgement, and of His mercy. Nineveh was a very violent and wicked place. God is holy and can’t stand sin, so He planned to destroy it. He commanded Jonah to go to Nineveh to warn them, and to preach repentance. But Jonah had no love for those people. He knew about God’s forgiving heart, so he went in the opposite direction! You likely know the rest of the story. God sent a storm that threatened the lives of those onboard the boat. Jonah told the crew that the only way to stop the storm was to throw him overboard. They did, and the storm instantly subsided. God sent a big fish to swallow Jonah— not to kill him, but to save him and give him another opportunity to obey. After three days and three nights in the belly of the fish, Jonah was vomited out on the shore, and went immediately to Nineveh. Jonah preached, and the whole city repented! I know a bit how Jonah felt. I have worked as a commercial fisherman, and I know the smell of fish. I can’t imagine what it would be like to try to breathe while inside one! Like Jonah, God has sent me to communities where evil seems to rule—places that are plagued with violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and other evils. Sometimes we want to stay far away from those places, even if those are our home communities. Let’s not run from God’s plan, like Jonah. As Christ followers, we have experienced God’s forgiveness for our own sins. We need to warn people about the consequences of sin and share about God’s mercy through Jesus—even with people who have treated us badly, and who are hard to love. – 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

“What you say flows from what is in your heart.” Luke 6:45 (NLT); “I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3 (NIV) Some people may think that sending “Thank You” notes is old fashioned. However we do it, it should never become old fashioned to acknowledge our appreciation for others. Like the verses above say, if our hearts are in the right place, then it should be natural to speak words of thankfulness, or put it in writing. I have tried to remember to do this, but I know I have failed many times. Often, we might find ourselves saying, “I will do that one of these days.” Recently, I realized that I had waited too long to do this. I had often wanted to express my appreciation to a certain friend from way back when we were teenagers. At the time, our church youth group used to play softball every Friday during the summer. Each week, different ones would be captains and would choose their team for that evening. My girlfriend and I were not very good players, so most captains never picked us—we just somehow ended up on one of the teams. But this one fellow would always pick my friend and me first to be on his team. What encouragement! So, not too long ago, I thought I would try to track him down and tell him about those incidents many years ago. I was surprised to find out that he had passed away suddenly not very long before. That made me sad—it was another missed opportunity to express my appreciation. This is just a reminder to all of us to never put things off that we may be prompted to say or do. Most of all, we need to give thanks and praise to God each day, then to our family and friends. Let us bless and encourage others! – 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

“Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther 4:14b (NLT) Whenever I read the Book of Esther, I am always so impressed with the courage that Esther showed in many ways. I especially notice it when she requested to appear before King Xerxes uninvited. In that culture, to do so could mean death. Yet she did as requested by her cousin, Mordecai. He thought that maybe there was a reason that Esther had been made queen for this very time—to help her people. She had courage, and went before the king uninvited, but the king spared her and listened to her plea. We, too, may have fears to do things that are needed, and it takes courage. Surprisingly, in the Book of Esther there is no mention of God’s name. Yet as you read through this book, you can see God’s hand in it all. What I take away from this book is that God is always present, even when life is chaotic or deeply troublesome. God is always with you. “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT). We may think or feel that we are alone in our struggles and battles, and our hearts are heavy from the load. At times we may feel as if God is not with us or doesn’t care. Yet He is with you, and He certainly cares. He gives us the courage to keep on trusting Him, and we can rest in Him, knowing that His hand is in it all! – 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

“The Levites have no portion among you, for the priesthood of the Lord is their heritage.” Joshua 18:7a (ESV) After I devoted my life to the Lord, I went to Bible college. I was tested there—academically, spiritually, and personally. It was a long road. Part of that journey was trying to adjust to a different society. As a Native American coming off the reservation, I was a minority. My worldview and strange sense of humor were basically a foreign language to those around me, and not to mention I was considered an “older than average student.” I didn’t do well in high school, so it was stressful trying to learn to write papers at the college level. I had never read so much in my life! For the first two years I used Google constantly as a dictionary. But the hardest part was listening to other students share about their families and their “Hallmark Holiday” stories. I sat in classrooms with people who had never done drugs or alcohol. They never bore the pain of losing family members to suicide or overdoses. I felt out of place most of the time. But then I realized that I had been focusing on what others had, and I would often dwell on what I didn’t have. One day I read the verse (above) in Joshua, and I began to cry. The tribe of Levi didn’t receive land like the other tribes, but they received something greater—an inheritance in the Lord! After I realized what I had in the Lord, something powerful began to happen. I began to be genuinely happy for those other students, and I was able to celebrate with and for them, because I was now secure in Christ. What I’m saying is, “The Lord is your inheritance and that is all you need.” My friends, count your blessings. – 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

“He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44b (NIV) Have you ever thought about how much damage a lie can do? According to the above scripture, the father of lies is a murderer. Murder brings a lot of damage and pain! Wes and I got married at age 19 in the mid-1960s. Back then, a lie was a great offense, even in secular society. I don’t have room to explain the circumstances here, but we joined a wonderful group of people who passionately wanted to walk with the Lord. Many of them are still our closest friends, even though we have not lived near each other for over 30 years. The trouble was that we had a lying, manipulative leader who must have lain awake at night conniving ways to hurt people. After 23 years of spiritual abuse, we knew that we needed to know the truth. We needed to walk away from his toxic leadership so we could grow spiritually. We studied the Bible for ourselves and followed what it said, and we received spiritual and emotional healing. In the secular media, we hear things and see people’s responses, and it reminds us of the power of deception. It seems that people easily believe lies—they are like sheep without a shepherd. I wish I could gather them together and tell them the truth about our Savior. He came to set us free and give us an abundant life, now and for eternity. Father, we come in Jesus’ name to ask for Your Holy Spirit to reveal Your truth to people who do not know You. Cause them to long for truth to such an extent that they will seek You with all of their hearts. – 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

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10 (ESV) After lifting something too heavy, things went very wrong with my health. I ended up in emergency surgery for an umbilical hernia that strangulated. After surgery, my body rejected the mesh they’d put in, and I had three surgeries in three months in an effort to save my life. I spent over 120 days on a couch, as my body tried to heal. Home Care workers were my daily visitors as they dressed the wound, and cared for the vacuum pump machine I was hooked up to. I was in so much pain, and it had been a long journey. One day I walked to a window that was open, looked up to the sky, and said, “You’re still there, God?” In that moment, a gust of wind blew through the open window, with the sweetest smell of blossoms . . . but it was not the season for flowers or blossoms! With tears streaming down my face, I felt God’s beautiful reminder to me—I was not lost to Him. If you’re going through a valley, God still sees you. You might not understand the circumstances, but He has not left you as you face these trials. In the Bible, we read of Daniel being thrown into a lions’ den (Daniel 6), but God closed the mouths of the lions, so he was not harmed. In the same way, God can keep you as you walk through life. Stay rooted in the knowledge that God is present with you no matter what you are going through. He was with me through my health crisis, and because of this, I know that He will be with you in everything you might face. Trust Him in all things, and you’ll find that He is faithful with the promise of His presence. – 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

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27 (NIV) I remember Chris, a divorced single mom who’d recently lost her IT job and was struggling to live for Jesus and make a living for her and her daughter. After helping her move to yet another apartment, we struck up a conversation and the topic of foster parenting came up. Had she ever considered becoming a foster parent? She responded with a resounding, “No way! I’m not great with kids!” We encouraged her to think some more about it, to which she just kind of shrugged. About three months later, we saw her again, and I sensed the difference God had been making. When asked if she had thought any more about fostering, she blurted out, “That’s all I can think about! I’m scheduled to start the foster parent training on Tuesday!” I remember her walking into our Native Church Fellowship with her first foster kids. She was hovering over them like a mama eagle, a smile beaming from ear to ear! She shared about how she looked at this as her ministry . . . and maybe the only godly parenting that these kids would ever experience. I just thought, “Wow, thank You, Lord!” Fostering isn’t for everyone, but it is an open door to positively impact some children who will look back on your time with them and remember what it was like to have someone in their life who actually cared about them, prayed for them, and lived out godliness as a life pattern for them. I tip my hat in appreciation to all the Chrises, Franks, Carols, Jacks, Melindas, Dougs, Ruths, Cathies, Jims, Lindas, Audreys, and everyone else who has taken on that challenge! Think about it. Check it out. Is that a door that God is inviting you to walk through? – 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

“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9 (NKJV) Well, there was no such thing as summer hockey before artificial ice. Now, in the month of June, the Stanley Cup is being contended for well into the best part of our summer. That’s the NHL, but some people might have wondered about me when they recently saw me walking across a parking lot with a hockey stick on a hot summer day! Yes, I was a hockey enthusiast when I was young but, as I write this, I am neighboring 90 years. Well, I’ll try to explain why I was carrying a hockey stick that day. There’s a Goodwill Thrift Store on the west end of Edmonton. We decided to stop there for a few minutes on our way home. That is when it all happened! I shut the truck door before I asked my wife if she had her purse with the extra key. Her answer? “Oh, no!” As I stood there looking at my keys in the ignition, I thought, “I’d rather be locked out on a warm day than when it’s 40 below zero.” I then remembered that I had left the windows slightly open, the rear one a bit more. It might work to use a hockey stick to reach in and tap the lock. It didn’t work — I had to call the Motor Association. As I was waiting there, I thought about the fact that there is a “lockout” day coming in the spiritual realm. When the Lord destroyed the world with a flood, there was one door into the ark. Genesis 7:15-16: “... they went into the ark to Noah . . . and the Lord shut them in” (NKJV). Today, Jesus is the Door to the offer of an eternity with Him (John 10:9). Friend, if you have not already accepted Him, don’t you think you should do it now? Thank you, Lord Jesus, for being my Door to salvation. — 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

“The Lord watches over you; the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm; he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:5-8 (NIV) Years ago, during my backslidden state, I hung around with people who drank. One of those times I went to a party with some friends and my sister. Shortly after we arrived at the party shack, I felt uneasy and told my friend that I wanted to go home and not stay at the party. When I got up to leave, my friends left with me. It did not make sense to me at the time why I felt that I could not stay. When I got home, I went to bed, planning to sleep right away. However, my dad came up to ask if we were at that certain place, and I told him that we had been there. I asked him why he was asking that, and he indicated that there were police all over that place. We were curious, but my father told us to stay put and not to go back there. The next morning, we found out what had happened. There were shootings and five people were killed. A very angry young man had come with a gun. I have thought a lot of times about that night at that place . . . about how we were sitting by the doorway along the wall. We did not know how close we were to getting hurt, even killed. The verse (at the top) comes to mind of how God looked after us even when we were in a backslidden state. It is so comforting and so reassuring that God loves us, and His love is for everyone. — Chris Quequish   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

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5,6 (NIV) I recently saw a cartoon drawing of Jesus kneeling down in front of a small girl who is holding a little teddy bear. His hand is outstretched as if asking for her bear. She’s sad and is saying, “But I love it, God.” Little does she know that behind His back He is holding a larger, more beautiful teddy bear and He is saying, “Just trust me.” How many times in our lives do we hold on to things, events, loved ones, and grudges, while God whispers to us, “If you just let it go and surrender it all to Me, I will bless you! I know what is best for you. Just trust Me!” When I was younger, I feared losing my loved ones. I held on so tight and was always so anxious and worried about losing them. One day I was praying and worrying, and God brought that hymn to my mind, “I Surrender All.” That day I let go and gave them over to God. “All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live.” I gave Jesus my “little teddy bear.” It has not been easy, and I have still lost loved ones along the way, but I also know God does not make mistakes — He is still with me, and I know I can lean on Him for everything. He has blessed me with the larger, more beautiful “teddy bear.” All I had to do was let go and surrender. “Lord, I give myself to Thee; Fill me with Thy love and power, Let Thy blessing fall on me.” — 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

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1 (NKJV) Now and then, when you’re studying God’s Word, you run across “nuggets” that you just never saw before! I found one recently that I figured I’d share with you. 2 Chronicles 17:16 tells about King Jehoshaphat’s army and the generals that he had. In the middle of the list, we find Amasiah. “Next to him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself to the LORD, and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valor” 2 Chronicles 17:16 (NKJV). Who was he? We don’t find him anywhere else in Scripture. All we know is that he “willingly offered himself to the Lord.” What did he do to garner such an accolade? I don’t know . . . we’re just not told. That one line puts him in a historical category that few others share! What a way to be remembered, eh? No one coerced, coaxed, or coached him — he just came to a place in his spiritual walk where he realized that giving himself totally to the Lord was the best thing he could do with his life. Amasiah’s life was what was described centuries later in Romans 12:1 as a “living sacrifice.” Here was a top-ranking army general living out his faith in the pressure cooker career of military leadership. It doesn’t matter what our occupation, role, or position is. We can each give ourselves totally to God and live out our faith in daily life — like Amasiah! Lord God, I give myself totally to You today. Help me to reflect you in every area of my life. — 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

“Among the seven things the Lord hates and calls abominations is . . . a false witness who speaks lies.” Proverbs 6:19 (NKJV) Most people agree that there are few things more despicable than a false witness — one who lies and says that a person is guilty when he knows he is not. Pete had hired Ray, a friend, at his store selling business machines, furniture, and other items. “We’re finding it hard to keep laptops in stock,” Pete says to Ray one day. “Folks must be shoplifting ours, because the sales aren’t showing in our records.” “Just the other day, a street kid offered one to me,” says Ray. “Then I saw him sell it to another guy. Probably a gang operating around here,” Ray adds, avoiding Pete’s eyes as they close shop. “Keeping track of things is your job,” Pete says, then locks the door behind them. “I can’t afford to lose merchandise. I’ll call my buddy at the police station. He’ll look into it.” Ray hops into Pete’s truck. “He should talk to that skinny kid with the scalp lock hair. I hear he rips off stuff to sell!” When Pete opens the shop the next day, his policeman friend parks beside him: “Morning, Pete. I need to talk to you.” “Did you find anything about the laptops?” Pete asks, as he unlocks the shop door. “We searched your friend, Ray Blackstone’s place. We found stacks of stolen laptops and stuff. He says you both sell through street kids. He says you know about it, and that your whole business is built on marketing stolen goods.” “What?” Pete replies incredulously. After being interrogated, then failing a lie detector test, Ray snarls, “It was my chance to run something my own way. Pete gives me stupid stuff to do while he struts around like he’s king of the world!” Our Father in heaven, I repent for ever having spoken falsely against another, and ask Your forgiveness. 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

“Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation.” Luke 2:29-30 (NASB) These were the words of a man who wanted to see Jesus. It was Simeon, a man to whom the Holy Spirit had revealed that he would not die until he had seen Jesus. One day the Spirit led Simeon to the temple, and it was there that he knew that he was looking at the Savior of the world! Jesus was just a baby at the time. There were certain requirements by Jewish law that Joseph and Mary needed to fulfill at the temple in Jerusalem. Luke 2:22-23 reads: “And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord’).” Simeon took the baby Jesus in his arms and said, “Now, Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace. According to Your word, for my eyes have seen Your salvation.” What a joyous moment for Simeon, to see the Savior! January 14, 1994, is when I first met my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. By this, I mean that I put my trust in Jesus to save me from my sins, and to help me to live for Him. He saved me! What a joyous moment it was, and continues to be. It has been 30 years now that I have been living for Jesus. Praise God for His salvation! — 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

“Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV) I often thought that I would never fall away. The Lord had strengthened me many times, and I was at peace. I loved to preach and witness to people. God had used me to lead many others to Christ. One day the missionary went on a four-month furlough and left me in charge. We had church planning meetings, and a decision was made to turn the direction of the seats. (We had been seated so that when someone came in late, we could all see who it was.) We voted to put our backs to the door. When the missionary came back, he set up the chairs the old way. I mentioned that we had voted to change the seating. He got upset. Later, I stopped by his house to clear the air. The missionary was a good man, but always liked to be in charge. I felt I could not go back to the way it was. It all caused such problems that I left the church. I started searching for another church. I went to many different ones, trying to find a loving church. (I sometimes even dressed weird to check peoples’ reactions!) I found a church where the presence of God was very real, but my wife was unable to enjoy it, so we stopped attending church altogether. I wandered aimlessly for many years. Previous to all this, I had heard stories of people leaving churches over silly reasons, such as the color of the carpet. Even in our churches, there will be people and issues that will make our lives difficult. We must not let those situations keep us from following Christ daily, from worship and fellowship, and ministering to others. I eventually found a church where I felt loved and encouraged, and I began preaching and evangelizing again. Lord, help us keep our focus on the things that are most important. Many stumbling blocks may get put in our path, but help us keep our eyes on You. — 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

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 (NIV) I got a letter in the mail after my 64th birthday saying I was eligible to apply for my Seniors Pension. It reminded me that there was a big change coming when I turned 65! We had a good chuckle when I told my friends that I was becoming an Elder! It got me thinking about the phases of life. I thought about my grandchildren, and how my youngest granddaughter was going from Grade 1 to Grade 2. And then my grandson, going from Grade 4 to Grade 5. Our oldest granddaughter will be graduating from high school this year. Every one of them is coming into a new phase in his or her life, too. Life is like that. Change is a constant that we need to learn to work with. Everything from coming of age to high school graduations, marriages, job changes, deaths, divorces, empty nests, or eligibility for Seniors Pension. All major changes usher in new phases of life. Most people don’t like change and won’t adapt readily to it. Even when the change means a better situation, adjustment is still hard, and many will resist the new life phase. I guess that’s the way most of us look at things. At times we have some control in designing those changes, but many just happen. For the times when we actually have a say in blueprinting our new life phase, it’s important that we let God guide and direct our life’s direction. His ways are so much better than anything we could come up with on our own. Okay, getting back to my pension application, what is it going to mean for me? It’s just another phase of life that I’ll follow Jesus in. Thank you, Jesus, for Your wisdom and direction throughout all the phases in my life. You’ve been faithful in all I’ve gone through. 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

“After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.” Revelation 7:9 (NIV) It was my first time out of North America, and London’s Heathrow Airport dazzled my senses. I noticed the different planes as we taxied in. Colorful fl oral prints adorned planes from Indonesia; kangaroos decorated those from Australia. British Airways advertised far away destinations — a Dutch windmill, a Celtic plaid, and an African shield. Air Canada proudly displayed its red maple leaf. A sleek jet taxied nearby from the wealthy United Arab Emirates, followed by El Al, with its Star of David, proclaiming Israel as its land of origin. We live in an amazing world. Each continent has different plants and animals, and each land is unique. God didn’t have to make it that way; He could have just provided the basics, but He always goes way beyond the basics. (And, of course, He wouldn’t have had to make us and our planet in the first place!) I watched people in the terminal, some clothed in their native dress and many speaking languages I did not understand. I felt like a friend was showing me a valuable piece of art or giving me a tour of a beautiful garden. I saw God’s priceless tapestry. This was His handiwork. I wonder what heaven will be like. We will celebrate our differences instead of fighting over them. I am sure, however, that our heavenly joy will come from “standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.” Jesus, God’s Lamb, not only created the different nations, He died for them. Dear Lord, thank You for blessing our planet with variety and abundance in everything, even its people. Open our eyes to appreciate what You’ve given us through Your awesome creation, and I pray that Your Kingdom will come and Your will be done among the nations. — 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

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” Job 13:15a (NKJV) Job was a good man. Even God thought he was a good man. The Bible says Job was blameless and upright. Satan said Job was only faithful because God had blessed him, then God allowed Satan to curse Job. Job said, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust him.” Job’s 10 children were killed and all his animals died or were stolen. He was covered with sores, his wife nagged him without mercy and told him to curse God and die. His friends turned against him. In the end, Job was faithful and God healed him, gave him 10 children, doubled his wealth to 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen and 1,000 donkeys. Job’s wife was never mentioned again, but people have thought God gave him a new wife. He lived an additional 140 years. I think sometimes Christians can find it easy to believe in God when things are going our way, and though our lives might not be easy, we are “comfortable.” If things go wrong, we may feel God is punishing us. If we are ill, if our car breaks down, if we lose our jobs, if our marriage fails, we may question God. Why are You punishing me? What did I do wrong? Why don’t You love me? Sometimes life is hard and seems unfair. We may find ourselves confusing God with Santa Claus. If we were good all year, we expect gifts, good health, a happy family, blessings, and prosperity. However, God is not Santa Claus. Lord, let me learn that “life happens.” It rains on the just and the unjust, and everything that happens to us is not a reward or a punishment. May our prayer, like Job, be, “Though he slay me, yet I will trust him.” — 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

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) A good friend of mine from the West Coast of BC asked his 85-year old dad what was the biggest point of change he’d seen in his lifetime. After considering the question, he answered, “I remember when we sawed off the back end of our dugout canoe and nailed a board on so we could use a 5-horsepower outboard motor on it.” I thought about his answer. He was talking about a traditional way of life adjusting to changing times. He spoke of change through the eyes of an Aboriginal elder. Some changes are not ours to influence. They’ll override our protests and happen whether we like it or not. Other changes fall into the realm of our control. Our choices will go a long way in determining the situational outcomes in our own lives. Consider the lifestyle we choose. If we make godly choices, the result is a godly way of life. If we choose selfishly, the results are the total opposite. What changes do you want to see in your life? Do you need victory over addiction? Maybe healing of your marriage? Perhaps freedom from debt? Chain-breaking from guilt and unforgiveness? How about a whole new life focus? Some things aren’t totally our call, but our choices are the primary determinant when it comes to effecting real lasting change in our own lives. When we make the choice to let God into our lives, things change! No matter what mess our bent and twisted decision-making has landed us in, His forgiveness, mercy and unmerited grace can start that “change” process in you and me. It’s the best choice any one of us can make. — 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 You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God.” Psalm 86:10 (NKJV) There is a favorite hymn called, “It is Well with My Soul.” Did you know that the exact words, “It is well with my soul,” are not in the Bible? (However, there is a verse in 2 Kings, KJV translation, that says, “It is well.”) The hymn is inspired by other Scriptures about the peace that only Jesus can bring. Life may not always go our way, and there may be bumps and even tragedies along the way, but there are also times of joy, laughter, and love. In Genesis we read, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Along with the rest of creation, on the sixth day, when people were made in the image of God, we read, “God saw all that He made, and it was very good.” My mom used to use Bible verses as replies to people. For example, when someone would ask her, “How are you?” she would answer, “It is well with my soul,” or “Not well, but God is good.” Back then, it was kind of embarrassing for me when she’d say this to a bank teller or a restaurant server. But now that I have grown more spiritually, I understand how God’s Word can be expressed differently through us all. Even though our life experiences may be different from others, if we have a close relationship with the Lord, He will put things on our hearts to say or to do. Let’s listen to His voice because we may be good, or well, or not well at the time . . . but God is great! — 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

“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” James 3:16 (NKJV) Although usually spoken of in a negative sense, “jealousy” can be a positive when it is the desire to keep one’s belongings and relationships to oneself. In the 10 Commandments, God describes Himself as a “jealous God.” Envy, however, craves what someone else has: talents, achievements, possessions, relationships, good looks, and more. Envy can lead to unhappiness, resentment, and outright hatred of the other person. With Joan, it’s her “friend” Greta’s intelligence, good looks, and outgoing personality. But the last straw is Greta winning the school’s annual Science Experiment Trophy. During lunch the focus is on Greta’s trophy. Their local newspaper’s photographer will be there shortly. “Excuse me, guys, I need to use the restroom,” Joan says. She grabs her oversized purse — but heads to the science room trophy display, stuffs Greta’s trophy into her purse, and returns to the lunch table. The photographer arrives. There’s near panic when the trophy is nowhere to be found! Joan pretends to join in the search, too, but trips over a table leg, bruising her head. Always helpful, Greta hurries over. “I’ll look in your purse for a tissue,” she says. She unsnaps Joan’s purse, pauses when she sees the trophy, says nothing, and hands Joan a tissue. To the others she says, “Uh, maybe someone took the trophy to the library?” The others hurry out. When Greta sees Joan’s embarrassment and downcast eyes, she places her trophy back in its place. When the others return, Greta smiles and says, “We found it.” “He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates the best of friends” Proverbs 17:9 (NKJV). Our Father in heaven, You created each of us with gifts and talents. Yet, even as we are injured by envy, grant us hearts to forgive just as You forgive us. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, 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

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) This was a Bible verse I read while on a wilderness trails and canoe camp for Native youth many years ago. I remember it so clearly because I was one of the leaders, so I knew ahead of time that we were going to do some white-water canoeing. I was familiar with riding in a canoe on a lake, but on fast moving water? . . . fear started to creep into my mind. When the time came to get in our canoes, everyone picked their partners to ride with. I was hoping to be with one of the experienced leaders. Except, that didn’t happen. Even though the rushing river was so loud, I could feel my heart thumping louder! The Lord brought to my mind what I had just read in Isaiah: “Don’t be afraid.” I was paired with a young man just as inexperienced as me, but we had been taught basic paddle strokes to use in rushing water. I was to be in the front of the canoe, and he was in the back, with more responsibility to steer the canoe. However, we both had to work together and do our own part. Before we started out, I still wasn’t sure when I needed to do the different strokes, so I told him to tell me when to do a certain stroke, and I would do it. We did this, and we were the only canoe that didn’t tip over (besides the leaders)! It was so much fun! There have been many times in my life that I have been afraid, but I am reassured of God’s presence and His willingness to strengthen, help, and hold me up when I get afraid. — 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 be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6,7 (NIV) The other day when we were leaving home for a Gospel music trip, we noticed that our SUV wasn’t warming up the way it was supposed to. Right away I thought the worst, and wanted to take it to a garage to get it checked out. I started worrying and getting anxious about what to do. At first, because of my anxiety over the situation, I didn’t think about praying about it. It turned out that it was just a little low on anti-freeze, and I breathed a prayer of relief. Afterwards I realized that prayer should have been my first response to the situation, instead of worry and anxiety. Situations! . . . we run into all kinds of them throughout the course of our day. Some are difficult, some are worrisome, some are discouraging, and some we don’t have solutions for. This verse in Philippians encourages us to give everything to God in prayer. It starts out saying that we don’t have to worry and be anxious about anything. I have read that passage so many times, yet I am still learning to accept that truth and leave with God the things that stir up worry in my heart and soul. If we look at verse 7, it tells us that the result of praying (instead of worrying) is God’s peace! We can know His peace in any and every predicament that we face. The peace that we get from Him gives us that complete assurance that He will always be with us in every situation we go through. God, I give my worries to You. Please carry them for me and give me the peace that You promised. 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

“For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore, I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” 1 Samuel 1:27-28 (ESV) Hannah, in the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel, was a woman who endured hardship. She was ridiculed in her home, but she also carried the burden of barrenness. She didn’t have peace or security. In the Ancient Near East, it was seen as a shameful thing if a woman couldn’t bear children. Some would have seen Hannah’s condition as a punishment for something she did, or even a curse. But Hannah cried out in vexation. In her time of sorrow, she cast all her worries on the God who cared for her, and He answered by giving her a son, Samuel. The world and our society teach us that we need to fill the void in our lives with objects or relationships. Hannah could have thought that by having a son she would find fulfillment. But if our fulfillment and security doesn’t rest in the Lord, then we end up passing the emptiness and brokenness onto our relationships with others. We end up multiplying what we sought to eliminate. Sadly, most of us do this. We crown something or someone king of our hearts. Non-believers feel they need everything but Jesus in their life. And believers can feel they need Jesus plus something or someone else. So, my friends, I ask you this question: “Is Jesus enough?” Whatever you feel you are lacking in life, Jesus is all you really need. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Seek the true King and you will find fulfillment and security. — 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

“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5 (ESV) When I was just a boy, my dad would say to me, “Son, this book is not just words on paper. It’s not just black on white. Every time you open God’s Book, you are literally opening the mouth of God. You are hearing the voice and words of God.” He went on to say, “Son, I want you to go to your room and have a conversation with God (prayer). Then, let God speak to you through His Word, the Bible.” As a young boy with a great imagination, I went straight to my room with great expectations. When I completed my special times with the Lord, I would return to report back to Dad. He would ask, “Now, son, what did God say to you today?” You see, my father was painting a picture in my mind. I was not asked just to read the Bible like any other book. I was asked to take time to have a personal conversation with — and to — God. Every word and message from God is true and real to me today. It is fresh and new every morning of every day. God’s Word says, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3, ESV). He continues to say in Ephesians 1:3: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (ESV). Even to this day, I long for those personal times with the One who created me — the One who knows me better than myself. His words will never fail. They are true and give wisdom, life, and purpose in my times of need. What is God saying to you today? — Huron Claus   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 are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.” 1 Corinthians 12:5 (NIV) Teamwork is something that I have come to appreciate. It speaks to the functions and roles that each of us as believers have been assigned to. We all have different skill sets, different strength areas, and different ways of looking at life. We all have our place in God’s Kingdom plan. It is important that we find that place of effectiveness. In my short and unremarkable hockey career, I knew that I was not a goal scorer, goalie, or play-maker, but I kind of liked the “goon” duties that fit my way of going at hockey! (Being a “goon” isn’t as barbaric as it sounds. “Goonism” is more of a deterrent function to address the problem of the other team roughing up your skilled and scoring guys. When that starts to happen, the coach says, “Sic-em,” and the goon does his stuff . . . Yup, we all have our areas of effectiveness!) There was a time in the early 90s when I went into training to be a bank manager. It sounded like a good idea at the time, and a pretty good pay cheque. But after seven months working there, I was miserable, my stress level was through the roof, the “suit and tie” thing was getting old real quick, and I just knew this was not my spot. So, I left it! Looking back, there’s a realization that I fi t a whole lot better in what I’m doing now than in the banking world . . . ministry administration and Gospel music. I just leave that banking to the ones God gifted for it. As we look to the future and consider our places in God’s program, we need it to be a team effort. Where do you fi t in that framework? — 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

“The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:8 (NIV) As a young girl learning to drive, I can remember the fear, exhilaration, and freedom that I experienced when behind the steering wheel. What a sense of responsibility to be out on the “open road.” I felt fairly confident that I could get myself and passengers safely to our destination. (Even though I could see the look of caution on their faces, I chose to ignore that!) Years later, my dad wanted to teach me how to drive our motor home. I said with enthusiasm, “Sure!” As I sat behind the wheel, I felt an overwhelming feeling of apprehension. This was not the same as driving a car! In a calm voice, my dad gave instructions on what to do, and slowly I pulled onto the highway. As we rolled along, my dad’s voice, however, didn’t have the same sense of calm as when we first started out when he said, “Press the brake! Press the brake! Move over! Don’t go on the shoulder where the cyclists are!” I quickly felt the need to get out from behind the wheel. I pulled over and let my dad drive. I realized in that moment that I feel safest when my father is driving. He has driven through the storms and avoided every hazard we might face. When he is behind the wheel, my childlike fears disappear, because he has consistently brought us safely home. I wonder, who’s in the “driver’s seat” in your life? Are you allowing our Heavenly Father to steer, or are you gripping the wheel tightly through the power of your will, instead of God’s? Sometimes we can get in the way of a smooth journey, simply because we’re so set on being in the driver’s seat. Heavenly Father, take control of my life. Lead me where you want me to go. I surrender my will for your will in my life. 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

“Then God said, ‘Let the land produce vegetation: seed bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it.’” Genesis 1:11 (NIV, bold emphasis mine) Seeds are another miracle that we have seen since childhood, so we tend to take them for granted. But what if we had never seen a seed? Let’s pretend that we are visiting earth for the first time. We have come from another star system. We find Earthlings friendly, but they have the oddest thing to show us. One gave us a tiny brown oval and tried to convince us that if we put it in the ground, it would turn into this tree with hundreds of apples on it. I wonder if they are trying to fool us? Tiny seeds carry some big messages. Here are five of them: (1) God uses small things to accomplish great things. “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the strong . . . God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things — and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are” (1 Corinthians 1:27-28, NIV). (2) Our Father takes care of His garden. He prunes away unfruitful branches and reveals roots of bitterness so we can be strong and healthy. (3) We cannot plant thistles and harvest strawberries. (4) Planting and harvesting come in different seasons. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9, NIV). (5) We can repent and replant. We can ask for a good dose of forgiveness to wipe out the thorns and weeds. We can then begin planting seeds of righteousness. Dear Jesus, You are the vine, and we are the branches. Help us stay attached to You because without Your life flowing through us, we are like a dead branch. Show us how to be Your disciples through Your Word and Your Holy Spirit. Thank you, Lord, for seed lessons. — 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

“Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.” Luke 15:6b (NKJV) One of my favorite Bible stories is about the “Lost Sheep,” and one of my favorite hymns is “The Ninety and Nine,” about the Lost Sheep. It wasn’t until I went to a church and saw a picture of Jesus carrying a lamb on his shoulders with the title, “The Lost Sheep,” that my heart was touched and I thought, “That’s me! That’s me!” I was the lost lamb that no one ever missed or searched for, but now I saw a picture of Jesus gently carrying the lost lamb back to the flock. I couldn’t look at the picture without getting tears in my eyes. The hymn says there were ninety and nine sheep in the flock . . . but one was missing and the Good Shepherd went out to search for his lost sheep. “This of mine has wandered away from me. I go to the desert to find my sheep.” The sheep was probably just grazing and eating grass and wandered away. Soon he had drifted away from the flock and was hopelessly lost in the wilderness where there were wild animals. He could have been eaten by a bear or a lion, but imagine the joy both the shepherd and the lamb felt when they saw each other. The shepherd didn’t yell at the lamb. He didn’t scold him or lecture him. He gently swept the lamb up in his arms and put him over his shoulders and took him home. I believe it was a lamb because a lamb weighs about 20 pounds, and a full grown sheep can weigh over 200 pounds. When the shepherd got home with his lamb, he called his friends and neighbors together and said, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost” Luke 15:6b (NKJV). Lord, when we get lost, we trust You to search for us and bring us home. — 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

“If riches increase, set not your heart upon them.” Psalm 62:10; “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV) A number of years ago we visited Barkerville, BC, which is a replica of the main boomtown during the Cariboo Gold Rush in the 1880s. In history, the words “gold rush” were used, implying people on the move in a hurry because of the “promise” of worldly riches that they had heard about. It is incredible to think about the hard times — treacherous mountain passes and different kinds of suffering many went through to get there to find riches. In Luke 12:20-21, the Bible talks about a man whose only interest was in getting richer. But God said this to him, “Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be that you have provided? So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (NKJV). The wonderful promise that God gave at the time of His Son’s birth was worth far more — yet we do not see people rushing to hear the truth. That included the promise of forgiveness through Christ, which would make it possible for them to have an everlasting home in heaven with God for eternity — not just for a few years — instead of the utter hopelessness of everlasting destruction in a place made for the devil and his angels. Lord, help us all to understand more fully all that is made available to us through the gift of Your Son, as He died for the sins of mankind. — 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

“Pay what you have vowed. Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.” Ecclesiastes 5:4,5 (NKJV) Janis was tired of her job flipping burgers. Now an office clerk, she is welcomed into the women’s office clique! Kandace, her new coworker, sings, “Remember it’s Friday. We’re meeting at Jambo’s this time!” “See you there!” Janis replies. But she remembers when Friday nights were when she and her church’s “band of sisters” visited the sick, prayed for them and helped with needs. Yet, having fun-loving office friends feels so good! But after dressing, applying makeup, and heading for Jambo’s, a gnawing feeling that something may go wrong troubles her. Maybe guilt about abandoning the sisters? But once there, her smiling friends calm her guilt. Inside, the place is jam-packed. Popular singers belt their latest hits. Janis’ group splits apart when the dancing starts. Nobody has asked her to dance, so she sits watching the others absorbed in their own versions of fun. Shortly after midnight somebody bumps into someone else. The murmuring heightens to threats. A fight breaks out. Shots ring. Screaming starts. Janis heads for an exit. But other panicked partiers bottleneck. More shots ring out. Approaching sirens sound outside, then burning pain radiates through Janis’ arm. After treatment and release from the emergency room, Janis lies in her bed the following morning. Her arm aches from the graze of the bullet. TV news names her as the only one injured in the barroom fracas. Then she remembers that the promise she’d made to her church sisters was really a promise to God. And she had broken it. A tear streams down her cheek. “Forgive me, Father, and thank you for giving me another chance!” “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed” Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV). Father in Heaven, help us to prayerfully consider and keep the promises we make to you. In the name of Jesus, 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

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 (NLT) This Bible verse is commonly used to speak about trusting in the Lord, and it would come to my mind as I would seek God’s will about certain matters. One particular matter I did ask about when I first became a follower of Jesus was if marriage was in store for me or not? I was 20 years of age when I first asked God about marriage. Then I turned 30 years old and was still single. Then as I approached 40 and was still single . . . I was getting a little nervous. My hopes of getting married in my 20’s and having children were no more. To be honest, I was quite disappointed. Hadn’t I prayed and sought God in this matter and brought it to Him many times? I wanted to honor Him in my life and wanted His will more than anything, but did that mean serving Him while being single? I wrestled with the thought that that might be His will. I was struggling with all this when the Lord spoke to my heart these two things: (1) While you are waiting, enjoy Me (God). (2) Don’t waste your time complaining, wondering and struggling with being single. Just enjoy serving others and loving them as if it were Me (God) you were serving and loving. After the Lord showed me these lessons, it seemed that I didn’t struggle with being single because, whether I was single or married, God’s will for me was to serve and love Him first and foremost. A year later I met my future husband, Joel. We have been married for six years now, and we love serving the Lord together! — 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

“For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.” Colossians 3:25 (NASB) I guess the issue of “consequences” is something we all need to get a handle on at some time or another. We were on tour, down in central Washington State a bunch of years back, and we found out that we had a couple days off. That wasn’t so bad, since there was a local vineyard there that some of the local guys worked in to make “day money” — and all the boys in our band got offered a day or two of work. That sounded pretty good, so we went for it! I had envisioned a nice cool work environment, slaving contentedly beneath the shade of the grape trees. Surprise, surprise . . . when we found out that the grapevines (vines, not trees) were just starting out and were about eight inches high, all visions of shade disappeared. As that hot American sun beat down on our shirtless shoulders, somebody said something about sunburn. Ah, I wasn’t worried. I hadn’t had a sunburn since I was about seven years old. It wasn’t gonna happen to me. Yeah, right. After I finished up the day’s work and collected my $60 US, I started hurting . . . really hurting! My skin started peeling and the pain was just awful. Why, oh why, had I not listened when they said I should use that sunblock? I had about three or four days to ponder that thought as my skin healed and the pain slowly subsided. Consequences, outcomes and side effects are all bunkmates. What we do, what we allow, what we decide — all those “whats” come with results. When we are making a choice, we need to evaluate beforehand what the possible outcomes are. I’m writing this for anyone that is in a “valley of decision” right now. Whatever the choices and options that you are facing, seek Godly counsel and consider the consequences. — 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, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV) It was time for spring cleaning in our home again, and I had finally reached the last room, the living room. After a few hours of pulling furniture out and starting to clean every nook and cranny, somehow the room looked worse and was a total mess. Everything was in disarray. Deep in thought, as I continued to clean, I thought about how this is what my life was — a total mess, until I invited Jesus into my life and allowed Him to clean all the dark corners, to throw stuff out, and slowly do a work in my life. Later that evening, as everything was neatly back in place, I was thankful that all the nooks and crannies were as clean as possible. If I had only cleaned the middle of the room, I would still feel that the room was not clean. It is best to totally surrender and allow God to do His “total” cleaning in our hearts and minds. I am still learning and am being “cleaned” daily, and I am thankful for that. Sometimes we may start off as a mess, but God still loves us and knows what is best for us. He has a plan for our lives, and we can experience it if we will humble ourselves before Him and admit we need His help. Father in Heaven, thank You for choosing me to be a part of Your family and for cleansing, teaching, and guiding in all areas of my life. May many more seek You and find You. I pray this in Your precious name. Amen. — Hazel Patenaude   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat. If they are thirsty, give them some water. This will make them feel the burning pain of shame, and the Lord will reward you for being good to them.” Proverbs 25:21-22 (ERV) Isn’t that something? When you show grace and mercy to your enemies, they will feel the burning pain of shame. Ouch! Other translations say, “You heap burning coals on their head.” When you show your enemies love, they will feel ashamed for how they have treated you. I know very well what that means. I learned this lesson the hard way when I was an unbeliever. When my daughter died, a man and his whole family came up to the funeral. I was thinking they were there to fight. And what better place to kick your enemy while he is down than at the funeral of his little girl, right? Well, I was wrong. They were not there to fight. They brought flowers and teddy bears, and they came to pay their respects to my little girl. It was then, in that moment, that I felt the full weight of shame for the years of conflict between us. I wept, and I knew something needed to change. When I get frustrated in life, I look back at that humbling moment. It’s my marker, a place I visit where I look back, and remember to show grace. My prayer is that we will read these verses from Proverbs and receive God’s Word. Love God and love people, yes, even the difficult ones, because the love we show them could convict them to change their life and live for the Lord. — 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

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV) A few years ago, I endured some bullying in the workplace, and it really hurt me. One day, yet another incident like that had happened, and I went into a room to cry and pray. Almost instantly the words to an old Jim Reeves song popped into my head, a song I barely knew: “This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing through, My treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue, The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door, And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.” John 16:33 also came to mind. What a comforting thought — God knows what we need, and He knows when we need it! That is another reason it is so important to read our Bible. In times of need God brings verses to mind to help, comfort and guide us. I still do not really know the song enough to sing it, but it has such a great message — that we are only here for a short time, and we have so much to look forward to when we get to our eternal home. The hurts of this world are only temporary, and we may have peace through God to endure. “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (Colossians 3:16, NIV). Lord, thank You for Your Word! — 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

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow...” Isaiah 1:13 (NIV) Many years ago, I remember feeling honored that our family was invited to visit her home. It was a home with walls filled with pictures of her loved ones — and that day her house was overflowing with family members and friends. We all waited as she sat in her chair and told us she had something to share. We quietly listened as this wise Cree grandma spoke. She said, “My family had been out hunting and, as they butchered the animal, it made such a mess of the white snow. Through the night it had snowed again and, when I looked out my window in the morning, the blood was covered by white snow. It’s like the mess never happened. All of a sudden, I realized what the missionary had been telling me . . . by Jesus dying on the cross, that’s what He did for my sins. He erased the sin in my heart and made it white and clean.” It’s a significant moment when we realize the impact of the cross — that we no longer carry the messes of our defeat. The Lord takes the black of our sins and failures, and turns them white, just like new again! What a life-changing, heart-cleansing process that only our Savior could do! Have you taken time to thank Jesus for all He’s done in your life? Are there stumbling blocks that you are hanging onto that you need to release to Him in prayer? Jesus carries our burdens so that we don’t have to. Let’s give them to Him, so we can walk freely in the glory of His ever present love and care. Jesus, thank you for washing my sins away. Thank you that I can walk whole, renewed, and forgiven. Help me to live my life in victory with You. Help me to tell others that they, too, can be washed whiter than snow. — 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

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” Philippians 2:9-10 (ESV) When I was about 11 or 12 years of age, I was given a special Kiowa name from my grandfather on my mother’s side of the family. All of the Tsoodle family of the Red Tipi clan gathered together that day. Grampa George began to speak to the family. He said, “We have gathered today to give Huron a new name, a Kiowa name: ‘Keesaw,’ which means ‘at noon.’ He was born at 12 o’clock noon on Thanksgiving Day. His name will tell of his birth on that special day.” So whenever I go back home to my family in Oklahoma, I am known by my Kiowa name, “Keesaw.” There are over 300 names that describe Jesus Christ. Like our Native First Nations names, they tell a story of the person. In Jesus’ case, He was given the names: the Son of the Highest (Luke 1:32), My Beloved Son (Matthew 17:5), Wonderful (Isaiah 9:6), Counselor (Isaiah 9:6), The Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6), Jehovah, Mighty in Battle (Psalm 24:8), The Creator of All Things (Colossians 1:16), A Servant (Philippians 2:7), A Man of Sorrows (Isaiah 53:3), The Savior of the World (1 John 4:14), The Chief Cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6), and The Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11). In my quiet times with the Lord, I go back to those names and reflect on the truth and the descriptions of God’s character. I ask God to reveal Himself as described through His Name. There is power, there is authority, and there is deliverance in the names of Jesus! There is no other Name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we can be saved. Take time each day and focus on the Names of Jesus! — Huron Claus   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

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 (NKJV) Years ago, when I was part of a singing group, one song I sang was titled, “An Unfinished Task.” The other day, as I was trying to organize my little junk room, I came across so many unfinished projects. I came across a scarf, half-finished because I was trying to use a device from the craft store that made it look so easy . . . it wasn’t. Then there was the picture I had started painting . . . unfinished because I am not a painter. In a box was a pair of children’s moccasins . . . half-finished. I found some fish scale art that I had started. I had washed, dried, and dyed all those slimy little scales . . . only to leave them as another project left to take up space. I was going to learn to cook. I bought cookbooks from every venue you can imagine . . . only to leave them in a drawer in the kitchen, never used. Even though I am an avid reader, I found two books that I had not completed reading. By now, I was getting so discouraged seeing what a “quitter” I was. I had to quit looking and close the door. Another job I left half done — I never did finish organizing that sad little junk room. Looking at all my projects (and there were probably more), I thought of that “Unfinished Task” song. Part of it says: “I dare not relax until I’ve done all He’s asked. Lest I should leave behind an unfinished task.” I was thinking how blessed we are that God doesn’t leave us half-finished. He has promised in His Word that He would never leave us nor forsake us. Thank You, Father, that You don’t leave unfinished tasks. — 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

“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (NIV) Now and then you run across some lines in a song that just kind of hit you. As a songwriter, I hear a good one and tend to take notice of the way the words are put together. I find it really fascinating! The other day I stumbled on an old 1972 Tom T. Hall song on Satellite Radio that just kept cycling through my head. I couldn’t get it out of my mind. Soooo, I googled it and saved the words. It was a song about a person’s relationship with God, aptly titled “Me and Jesus.” The third verse talks about Jesus bringing us through all of our troubles, trials and heartaches, and concludes with the thought, “He ain’t gonna forsake me now!” It reminded me of a verse in Isaiah . . . “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you” Isaiah 43:2 (NIV). We don’t read that He’ll shield us from all troubles and storms, but that He’d be with us through them. Time after time, that truth comes through in everyday life situations. Storms of relationships, careers, battered dreams, finances, health and family hit us all from time to time. At times we may feel overwhelmed by it all, but the Lord is there to hold us up. We can trust Him to pull us through each tempest we face. And like that old country song says, “Jesus brought me through all of my troubles.” t’s so good to have that kind of connection with our Creator! — Kene Jackson   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again.” Ecclesiastes 1:7 (NIV) First, how do mighty rivers keep running for thousands of years? Second, as they empty into the oceans, why don’t the oceans fill up and flood over our lands? How does God’s water recipe stay so balanced? Can you imagine the two of us sitting down at your kitchen table to decide how much ocean water we needed to evaporate and float over the earth to rain on thirsty lands, forests, pastures, and gardens? Plant needs vary by location; a desert cactus needs much less than a lush rainforest. How much will we need for irrigating crops, cooking, manufacturing products, sheltering waterfowl and wildlife? Plus, we all need to stay clean. How much water will we need for bathing and laundry? Ice and snow hold water for spring use, but we get to use it for recreation while it is in storage. How much do we need for skiing and skating? We even need ice for our indoor hockey arenas. Our North needs plenty of water to make winter ice roads so communities can receive supplies and visit friends and relatives. The mysterious part about the cycle is not only that the water flows into the oceans, but that the oceans keep a relatively consistent level. God asked Job, “Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther, here is where your proud waves halt?’ ” Job 38:8-11 (NIV). Dear Lord, thank You for supplying us with your water cycle. Holy Spirit, please remind me to call on You when I need a miraculous recipe for my life, and then help me to faithfully follow it. — Sue Carlisle   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“And the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you little by little; you will be unable to destroy them at once, lest the beasts of the field become too numerous for you.” Deuteronomy 7:22 (NKJV) As we walk with Christ, many times we can be discouraged with our lack of progress and spiritual growth. We tend to remember most often our seasons of growth with great joy. Most precious to each follower of Christ is reflecting on when we became born again. What a blissful time indeed. Recently, I met someone who was discouraged by their lack of progress. They said they had been in a “spiritual rut” for too long and that obstacles were getting bigger. As believers, all of us have been there. We may tend to be self-critical and place the blame on ourselves for the lack of spiritual growth. The Scripture tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:7 that “God gives the increase.” We need to remember that He is responsible for our spiritual growth. Our duty is to focus on being faithful in our obedience to God, our Bible reading, attending church, and praying each day. In Deuteronomy 7:22, Moses was proclaiming the word of the Lord to the children of Israel. God was telling them that they should not fear the obstacles, enemies or conflicts laid before them because He was going to make them victorious. Observe that the Lord told them that growth and success would be “little by little.” You may not be able to always clearly see progress, but take heart. God is at work and in due season you will see that God was increasing you “little by little” as He was demonstrating His power and faithfulness to you. Perhaps, if you examine yourself currently, you will see God’s growth plan working in your life! Heavenly Father, thank You for growing me on the mountain top, and in the valley. — Steve Keesic   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” Matthew 11:28 (NLT) My husband and I enjoy hiking in northern Idaho, which has many trails to choose from in beautiful mountainous parks. A lot of times, especially if I am walking up an incline carrying a backpack, it becomes tiring, and I need to rest. When I do rest, then I am able to finish walking up the trail and finish the hike with enjoyment. Rest helps us to be strengthened to keep going. A lot of times in life, it can feel like we are juggling everything to make things work out perfectly, or just to make things work at all. We tend to take everything on ourselves. I find myself in that place a lot. Then I remember the sweet welcoming words that Jesus spoke, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Do you have heavy burdens? Are you trying to carry more than you can handle? Friend, have a rest. Give those anxious thoughts and worries to God. What Jesus said in this Scripture verse is not a suggestion, but a wonderful invitation to find that perfect peace found only in Him. I remember attending a Christian workers’ conference where I heard someone say that one of the most spiritual things to do was to rest. I have come to realize that there is truth to that. Resting can also be literal resting — taking a break, taking a nap, but most importantly, reading God’s Word and seeking Him in that time. In order to be strengthened to keep on going, rest a little. Pull up a stump and sit in the warmth of God’s love. — Myrna Kopf   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org