Council Fire

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) I remember years ago when we were coming up the fishing trail, bringing our well-caught deserved river salmon home. I was with my grandmother, and there were two other children who were ages seven and nine. I was nine years of age. For some reason our dogs did not go with us that night. That night we met a bear on the trail! It put so much fear in us that we almost tore my grandmother’s clothes off of her clinging to her! Grandmother was calm as a cucumber and spoke words in our language. The bear left us alone and left the area. I am not sure what she said, but that bear listened. (Interestingly, I found out later that we are from the Bear clan!) Whatever the reason the bear left us alone, I know that my grandmother was my hero at that moment. The Scripture above tells us that we should not fear, for God will always be there for you. You should not have to worry about anything because He’s got you. It was like my grandmother. She was there when we needed protection from fear. She just spoke and the bear left. I truly, truly believe that is all the Lord has to do—to speak, and the fear will leave us. He has us with His righteous right hand. Think about it—one hand, not two! So, when it comes to struggle with fear, remember that He is always going to be there for us. It was during that time when my grandmother was starting her path as a believer, and I am certain she placed her faith in the Lord. – Kirby James 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 very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Luke 12:7 (NLT) As a child and teenager, I used to think that God was distant—that He created this world and left. My mom started going to a church in our community, and it was quite obvious that there was a change in her life. She shared with us that she had become a Christian. I didn’t understand what that meant, but I did see the change in her life. She wanted to know more about God, and a friend told her about a Christian Native school not far from where we lived. It was called Key-Way-Tin Bible Institute, near Lac La Biche, Alb. Next thing, my mom and siblings were on their way, moving to live at Key-Way-Tin. However, I went to live with my uncle in the city because I didn’t want to be at a Christian place. But things didn’t work out with my schooling in the city, so I moved back with my mom to take classes in Lac La Biche, which meant living at Key-Way-Tin. As I lived with Mom and my siblings, she would share some of the Bible truths that she was learning. There was no doubt that she was thoroughly enjoying studying God’s Word. She shared with us the gospel and different stories from His Word. One Bible passage that stood out to me was in Luke 12:7, stating that the very hairs on my head are numbered! Wow! That really intrigued me. I thought God was distant, but Him knowing even the number of hairs on my head made me realize that He is not distant at all. Not only is God personal . . . He is relational. He is a loving God who knows me so personally, more than I will ever understand, and values me so much! Why should I be 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

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) I took the time the other day to count the doors at our place. It took about 30 seconds to figure out that there’s 12 of them. Kind of a mundane exercise, but it got me thinking about “closed and open doors” and how God uses both kinds in our lives. The “open doors” are the opportunity ones. They can be captivating, motivating and exciting or, on the flip side, intimidating, overwhelming, and downright scary! You see, open doors usually mean “change.” Change is a great concept, but most of us are wired to resist it. The “closed doors” are more of an enigma. Sometimes it’s an issue where we’ve had a real brilliant, “Einstein-ish,” “Mensa-grade,” “Humdinger” of an idea, only to find that nobody else shares our enthusiasm . . . that finances aren’t there, and logistical realties (or common sense) present us with a closed door. It’s not an exact science, and it takes a lot of prayer to differentiate between “normal” obstacles and doors that are truly closed, but as we follow God’s way and get to know the principles and absolutes of the Scriptures, it gets easier to make those distinctions. As we seek guidance in our lives from God’s Spirit, we learn that two of His navigational tools are open and closed doors. – 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

“Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh.” Matthew 24:44 (KJV) Back a while ago, we were having a conversation with one of our young grandsons about Jesus Christ coming back for us. He was sitting in a big chair, looking up into the sky for a while, when all of a sudden he said, “Jesus is coming, Jesus is coming!” We said, “Where?” He pointed out the window and, at that moment, a big jet was flying over. As it passed by, he said, “Jesus left us behind.” After it had passed and disappeared, we said, “Jesus is not coming by plane, train, or car. But he will come in the blink of an eye. So, he blinked and said, “Boy, He is taking a long time.” He had thought that Jesus was coming that day, and he wanted to be ready. Later, we noticed that he was actually watching by the window with his coat on, waiting for the return of his Lord and Savior. We told him again, “When Jesus comes, just blink and you will be in Heaven that fast.” So, he blinked again, then said, “But I’m not in heaven.” We do not know the time or day when He will return. But we can be vigilant and wait on the Lord’s return. We can have faith like my little grandson, watching, expecting and knowing that He is coming. Lord, we do not know the time or day when You will return. We don’t want to be caught unaware and unprepared. Help us to remain vigilant and wait on Your return. – Liz Genaille   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

“People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving. Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold.” Proverbs 6:30-31a (NKJV) A supermarket manager rigs his scales to make customers’ purchases appear to weigh more in order to overcharge them. God calls this “an abomination.” Some otherwise honest folks boast about cheating on their taxes by inflating their tax deductions: “Hey, we’re only working-class bums. Billionaires pay no taxes, so I hear.” But what does Scripture say about paying taxes? When the temple tax collectors come to Jesus, He honors their request and directs the apostle Peter to go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the first fish. Inside its mouth will be a coin with which Peter is to pay the taxes for them both (Matthew 17:27). Max, a little boy whose grandma has little money, gives him and his brother 10 pennies whenever they visit. The first 10 pennies go to older brother, Sam. Then Grandma counts what is meant to be 10 for Max. But Max notices there are nine pennies and a dime. “Grandma, you gave me too much,” he says. “Thank you, son!” she says, and corrects the overpayment. On their way to the store, Sam grumbles, “You should have kept that dime!” Max shrugs, “Grandma might have needed it more.” Which boy is more likely to grow up to be an honest person? Margo wants money to see a movie. She steals the cash from her mother’s purse. Is it okay to steal from your parents? What does the fifth Commandment say? Stealing also includes: kidnapping, taking an innocent person’s life, gossip (which is stealing another’s reputation), taking any property belonging to another, cheating a worker of his/her wages. How many more ways can you think of? Father God, strengthen us to follow Your Word in times of our temptation. 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

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Ephesians 6:10 (KJV) A while back I was driving along during the evening. My headlights started dimming down, and the truck started to hesitate. We were still quite a way from home. The lights kept dimming down, and the truck would slow down. Every now and then we had to stop, and it seemed like the battery was draining. Finally, we got home, and I realized what had happened. The day before I was working on the truck alternator, changing the brushes. So, I checked it and, sure enough, I realized that I had left the nail in the alternator that was holding up the brushes . . . so the brushes weren’t seated. Because of that, the circuit was not complete, and we had an “unplugged” alternator. I pulled out the nail, the brushes fell into place, and made the connection complete. It now worked fi ne and was now generating electrical power. Before, we were just running on battery power. We must “keep generating”! It’s a reminder to be plugged in, make contact, and keep generating. Isaiah in the Old Testament says that God helps tired people to be strong. He gives power to those without it. Even young men get tired and need to rest. Even young boys stumble and fall. But those who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will be like eagles that grow new feathers. They will run and not get weak. They will walk and not get tired. If you want light in your house night or day, the light must be plugged in. It must be plugged into the power source. The electrical plug is only a link to the power source, but a very important link. For us to be in the place of light and power . . . we must be plugged into Jesus. Isaiah 2:5b says: “Let us walk in the light of the Lord.” (KJV) – Terry Hall   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 your yea be yea; and your nay, nay.” James 5:12b (KJV) It’s hard for me to say “No.” When I say “No” I feel guilty. I feel like I have to make excuses and explain why I can’t do something, and I need to apologize. When the minister of our church said he wanted to paint his house and needed volunteers to help him, I volunteered to help. I had expected about a dozen church members to show up, but I was the only one. His house was a small two-bedroom house. We started painting, and then he received a call and said he had to leave. I ended up painting the entire house alone—it took a week. I spent 10 days taking care of the neighbor’s cat while she visited friends in Utah. She said the cat was litter box trained. It wasn’t. The cat was nervous, meowed constantly for its owner, and rarely used the litter box. When the neighbor returned, I didn’t tell her about her cat, but the next time she asked me to take care of her cat I told her I was expecting company. I lied. I know I shouldn’t have. I couldn’t bring myself to be honest with her, and I couldn’t just say “No.” She never spoke to me again. The list is endless. I have allowed people to take advantage of me for years, partly because I felt it was my Christian duty to help other people, and partly because I didn’t have the courage to say “No” to anyone who asked for my help. I don’t regret the things I’ve done wrong as much as I regret the things I did right for the wrong reasons. It took me years to learn that sometimes it is alright to say “No.” Lord, give me the courage to say “No” when it is the right answer. – 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

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) Scripture teaches us that no man has ever seen God. The only person to ever come close to seeing God that I read about in the Bible is Moses. And he only saw the back of God, not His face. God told Moses specifically how to approach Him. God said, “Stand in the cleft of the rock” and “you will see my back, but my face must not be seen” (Exodus 33:17-23). God told Moses in that encounter that no one had ever seen Him and lived. Why? Because that is the holiness of God. Incredible and powerful! We can live our Christian lives three ways: by faith, sight, or good works. Here are reasons why I choose faith: (1) We are instructed by the Word of God to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). I am glad my Christian walk is by faith in God and not in people or things of this world. Guaranteed, people will disappoint you. But if your faith journey is in God, you will never be disappointed. (2) What about good works? Well, doing good works is biblical, but even that can bring disappointment, frustration, and emptiness. The Christian life is all about balance. Absolutely, do good works, but don’t make it the basis of your Christian walk. We do good works in ministry related to world disasters, overseas and local outreach to the poor in spirit. But remember, you and I must still rely on our faith in the Son of God. Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11 is often called the “Hall of Faith.” I encourage you to take the time to read it and be encouraged to see how the family of faith walked their journey here on earth and accomplished great things for the kingdom of God. – Marshall Murdock   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 he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’ ” Luke 23:42-43 (NIV) I remember visiting a home where the husband was dying from cancer. I asked if it was okay for me to go and see him in his room. The wife agreed. I entered the room, and you could tell that he did not have many days left. I asked him if he knew Jesus Christ, and he said he did not know. I told him who Jesus is, and that He is preparing a place for us. I asked him if he would ask Jesus for forgiveness of his sins, and he agreed by nodding yes. I told him that he will be with Jesus in paradise for eternity, and he nodded yes. The next day he passed away. When I think of this man, I think of the thief on the cross in Luke 23. One criminal defended Jesus and asked Him to remember him when He comes into the kingdom. The man in my story had not been a believer, but he became open to knowing Jesus. Like the thief on the cross he, too, had an opportunity to be with Jesus in paradise. If you know someone who is close to death, they still have an opportunity to express their faith and not be led into the lake of fire. We all have a chance to “make it right” before we pass away, and it may take a believer in Jesus to make it happen. Don’t let your loved one miss that opportunity. Tell them about Jesus and what to expect when they have no more breath. If you love them very much, take the risk. If they chose not to ask Jesus for forgiveness of their sin, at least you have made the effort. – Kirby James   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 can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) I like my truck—it’s a blue 2007 4x4 Chevrolet Avalanche. There’s a bit of rust, a few years and a few miles on it, but it runs good and gets me around. When I’m cruising at normal speed on a flat highway, the 5.3-liter motor runs easily on four cylinders (using less gas). That’s great as long as I’m not hauling a heavy load, trying to climb a steep hill, pulling a big old flat-deck trailer, trying to pass a semi-trailer—or all of the above (at the same time!). At times like that, four cylinders just aren’t enough. I need more power! It’s then that all eight pistons cut in and you hear the mufflers ramp up to a “Harley-level” roar! My right foot sinks perilously close to the floorboard as it spurs my old Chevy into the next dimension (or at least past the semi)! The verse above talks about those times when you need added strength to face bigger obstacles, harder situations, and more intense opposition than what your normal day brings. When your bank account is $6 overdrawn with no cheque on the radar . . . when “till death do us part” just walked out the door with a suitcase . . . when your doctor is making a living as the constant bearer of bad news . . . and when there’s no sign that things will change anytime soon, you need strength to draw on that you just don’t have in yourself. When the road gets rough, I need my truck to go from four to eight cylinders and deliver that extra power I need right now. When my spiritual journey involves more mud, gravel and hills than level pavement, I need that added strength I’m promised in Philippians 4:13. If the battlefield you’re facing right now requires more spiritual stamina than usual, just know that it’s there for you! As a Christ follower, you’re promised and assured of His power in all situations. – 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

“Jesus replied, ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.’ ‘We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,’ they answered. ‘Bring them to me,’ he said.” Matthew 14:16-18a (NIV) We used to have Sunday school in our home back when we lived in Cormorant, MB. We had people from all ages attend. This one day, there were families from our community, and a lot of out-of-town families, too. We used to feed the people who would come from out of town, but this day everyone decided to stay. We knew how much food we had, and it certainly wasn’t enough food for everyone. My husband, Bert, and I talked it over and decided that he and I would not eat. So, we prayed over the food that day. Everyone ate, and to our surprise there was some left over so Bert and I could eat after all. Wow! It reminded me of the loaves and fish story in Matthew 14, where the disciples said, “We only have five loves and two fish,” and Jesus replied, “Bring them to me.” Do you know what happened? All the people had enough food that day, and there were even leftovers. There were over 5000 people to feed! I believe that when we prayed over the food that day, God multiplied the food so everyone could eat. Praise Jesus! Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers. You multiplied the food that day, and everyone including us had a meal! Increase my faith, Lord, to believe daily that You are Provider and will provide for my every need. – Liz Genaille   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV) I grew up near Williams Lake, B.C., on a small reserve called Sugar Cane. I have many sweet memories of playing in the beautiful surroundings of my childhood home. When I started attending the Day School on the reserve, everything changed. The teacher was very cruel and racist. After completing grade six, I went off to residential school until I completed high school. After these experiences, I had very low self-esteem and a deep confusion about authority figures. I started using alcohol and became dependent on it to boost my confidence and ability to interact with people. However, my sister gave her life to God and I noticed a change in her. She encouraged me to come to church with her. A missionary shared the gospel, and I put my trust in the Lord. In a study one night I heard, “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” Those words did not fi t my image of myself. I cried because I felt unimportant. God’s Word was telling me something different. I was interested in learning more. Since then, I have learned how God sees me and about His love for me. John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 13 and Psalm 139 are only a few passages that tell us of God’s love, His goodness, and His generosity. Father God, I ask You to help me treasure the truths that Your word speaks, and to learn to apply these truths to my life. – Theresa Bose   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” Luke 6:40 (NIV) Everyone always says, “My mom’s fry bread is the best.” I think back to when I would say the same thing. I can remember when I asked my mom to teach me how to make fry bread. She told my wife and me to grab a bowl, and she told us the ingredients: flour, water, oil, salt, baking powder . . . and two handfuls of love! She told us to mix them together and try not to knead it too much. We would eventually fry it in oil that was in a frying pan, and it became a golden-brown masterpiece! She was a very good teacher. The above Scripture reminds us of our need to be a student and to be taught. We are always students when it comes to the Holy Spirit, who is constantly teaching us to be fully mature. We can’t be above the One who teaches us because the Teacher has been a teacher for a long, long time. We may think that we know a lot, but do we really know a lot? When I first became a student of the Bible, it would come easy—but there is so much to learn about being a student for life. The Holy Spirit was given to us so we can learn to be a believer, to learn to follow Him, and live a life that God wants us to live. Living a godly life will teach you to be a good student, and one day you will be a teacher to another person, like my mother who taught me to make fry bread. – Kirby James   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 then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above . . . ” Colossians 3:1 (NKJV) The old trapper I was visiting mentioned “drops from a plane.” I began to ask some questions of this man who had spent many years on a trapline north of Ft. Chipewyan, Alb. He explained that it was difficult to take enough supplies to last for the duration of the winter and spring trapping seasons, so supplies were ordered whenever they ran low. Communication to the store was by two-way radio. People at the store would wrap up the order—things like flour, sugar, tea and lard. Then a plane would fly to the designated area and begin to drop the items. This worked well, as there were no nearby airstrips for landing and take-off. Though this trapper had been familiar with this procedure for years, he remained fascinated with the accuracy of the drops. He said, “We never lost anything. As the plane circled, the carefully wrapped items would bounce near us until the drops were completed. They were right on!” I had heard of similar things being done in other parts of the world. I felt there was a comparison here to something in the spiritual realm. Answers from God to us in “gift packages” should include the leading of His Spirit, more sound knowledge of His Word, and a genuine concern for others that moves us to pray for others and speak to them. One more thing the trapper told me was, “When we came home from the trapline we went to pay for our drops from the plane.” As believers, we know that we need not pay for our “drops from above”— they are gifts. James 1:17 says, “Every good and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (NKJV) – 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

“And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.” Mark 10:49-50 (KJV) Life is unfair and hard at times. Unforeseen events, pain and tragedy seem to confront us. Events can prevent us from continual spiritual growth and happiness in our Christian life. Blind Bartimaeus begged daily in order to survive. During this time in history, such disabilities were often considered a death sentence. As a result, Bartimaeus was likely hopeless and broken. We can all relate to spiritual captivity and bondage. Years pass by, and the wilderness season of spiritual drought drags on. The tendrils of doubt and discouragement take root deep in our hearts like Bartimaeus. However, with Jesus, what is impossible for man is not impossible for God! Hope rose in Bartimaeus’s heart when he heard that Jesus was near. He began to cry out to Him for mercy, despite people telling him to be quiet. Jesus stopped and called for Bartimaeus. Notice the Lord’s compassion for this poor lost soul. Surely this was the best news that Bartimaeus had ever heard! Then, casting away his garment, he rose and came to Jesus, who healed him. This is an incredible encouragement for us. No matter what mountain confronts you or bondage that besets you, cry out to Jesus! He will deliver you from the grip of the enemy. You may feel that you are all alone but, if you are a child of God, the Holy Spirit dwells in you. Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you. Arise like Bartimaeus. Cast away the lies, the discouragement, the shame, the anger and come to Jesus! What has kept you defeated and discouraged? Jesus wants you to come to Him today and He can deliver you. – Steven Keesic   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!’ ” Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT) The Bible is not clear as to the author of the book of Lamentations but, regardless of who wrote it, it appears to be someone who was in deep distress, particularly over the fact that Jerusalem was being destroyed by the Babylonians. Imagine having your country and people in ruin! It is a terrible loss and the person who wrote this book shares what is going on. The author was in deep distress, but was never hopeless. The author penned the words so beautifully, “The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness, His mercies begin afresh each morning.” That doesn’t sound like someone in terrible ruin. Even though the author was in the midst of ruin, they put their faith and hope in the Lord. This encourages my heart to know that when discouraging times come (and they do), there is always hope! It is hope that is certain and never wavers. God is in control of hard and discouraging times, and I know that I, too, can trust Him for the time and for the outcome. – 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

“Who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood.” 1 Peter 1:2 (NIV) When the Lord first called me to His work, I was so excited and ready to go about sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. But then things happened to destroy all that. I felt shame. There were people relying on me, but I had come up way short of everyone’s expectations— most of all Jesus, who gave up all things for me. I felt like an outcast. I sought to restore my relationships, but I remained hurt and angered because I was convinced that people did not understand what I was going through. I met with a Christian friend, thinking that he will be on my side and see things my way. After we talked quite a while, he said three words that angered me. Those words were, “You are selfish.” But it was godly advice. My friend was telling me that I was serving myself and was sitting on the throne that was meant for Jesus. All these devastating things that happened to me brought me into a closer relationship to Jesus. I had been placing “I” at the front, and not putting all things in His hands. First Peter 5:6-7 says “Humble yourself, therefore under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxieties on Him because he cares for you.” I prayed to God, saying I was sorry for serving myself, pleasing myself, and not placing God before me. Not many years after, the Lord opened a door of ministry for me once more. Praise God, I am still remembered by Him and have been restored for His glory! – Ken Mitsuing   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” Revelation 3:2 (KJV) In Revelation 3, Jesus gave the church in Sardis a warning to repent and turn back to God. It sounds as if most of the believers in the church had become spiritually weak. But there is hope! . . . although death is mentioned, the possibility for renewal remains. Some people have a life motto. My own motto is the title of this devotional. In our little village, language is what kept our people intact. That was a big part of our cultural identity, and the Oji-Cree dialect is what I speak. Many of our people were forbidden to speak our language in residential schools. I personally experienced this and could have lost my language, as many have. I was led to believe that there is something wrong with my language and, sadly, it impacted my life. What kept reminding me of my language, though, was my father’s teaching when he would sit me down at our kitchen table. He had me memorize the syllabic chart from his hymn book. I thank God for how He has helped me restore that part of my identity—today I speak and write my language. It’s a blessing to worship God using the Cree hymn book. I encourage others to use our language any way we can, as it’s quickly becoming lost, especially among our youth. We all have beliefs and values that have defined us—especially how we walk with God. Are there other losses that we need to speak about? Perhaps godly lifestyles the church no longer practices? The Scripture states, “Be watchful and strengthen that which remains.” Let’s take time to reflect and pray for what grieves us. Do our actions meet the requirements of our God? Let’s go back to what we heard and believed at first and hold to it firmly. “Repent and turn to me,” says the Lord. – Liz Beardy   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 gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NIV) I was thinking about the different ways we do things. For us coffee drinkers, we seem to have a wide variance in the way we like our coffee. The coffee chain I gravitate to has four sizes of coffee: S, M, L and XL . . . three kinds of coffee to choose from: regular, dark roast and decaf . . . then they have sugar, cream, or sweetener options. If you do the math, it comes out to 96 ways to build your own version, and that’s not counting the double-double, triple-triple, and quad-quad variations! Yup, we all do things a little different, but the common denominator is that we’re all coffee drinkers. In the realm of the “Christ-Follower” community, we find huge differences in the group demographics. First Corinthians chapter 12 brings out the scope of the variances in nationality and social status . . . “Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.” (12:13b-14, NIV) We are from such a mosaic of backgrounds, cultures, languages, and ethnicities. Our worship styles are all over the map and we embrace a range of doctrinal shades. We serve God in hundreds of ministry methodologies, but at the center of it all is our Crucified, Risen, and Reigning Savior, Jesus. We worship and obey Him as our Creator and Lord! Next time you’re in a coffee shop, eavesdrop and listen to all the ways people order their coffee. Springboard off that to consider the demographics, diversities, and differences among those with the highest privilege on earth, members of the gospel community . . . God’s family! – Kene Jackson   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown.” Numbers 22:31 (NIV) This story of Balaam, the donkey, and the angel (Numbers 22) reminds me that God knows best and prevents many things from happening that we do not know about. On a cold morning, my family and I were preparing to leave our Saskatchewan home for Manitoba. My van started, but there was no heat, so we ended up staying home. Soon I started having chest pains. I called my daughter into the room. She started crying and called the ambulance right away. I was having a hard time breathing. I saw a very bright cloud coming towards me. I told my daughter, “I want to see Dad!” (my late husband). Well, the next thing I knew I was revived. My daughter told me that my skin had turned grey and cold. I was released from the hospital a few hours later. A few days later I got into my van and cried out to God, “Father, this is your vehicle. I can’t afford to pay any more big bills.” It seemed like God was telling me, “Turn off the fan completely, then turn the key and start it.” I started to pray, and then started it. I waited a few more minutes and then turned on the heat, and the fan started! I started crying and praising God and ran into the house. I told my daughter, “He did it again!” “Mom, what is happening?” she asked. I told her, “God fixed my van. It’s working!” She, too, was happy. If we would have gone to Manitoba that day, I probably would not be here today. Where we were to go, there were no hospitals or doctors close by. Sometimes God prevents us from dangers, whereas we do not understand why things occur the way they do. – Liz Genaille   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

“You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s womb, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this, I have no doubt.” Psalm 139:13-14 (CEV) As a child I had difficulty in seeing value in my life. I looked at other people and compared myself to them. When I didn’t think I measured up (which usually happened), I would look down on myself, thinking I was less than them. That whole thought pattern followed me into my adult years. It took a long time before I realized that I was a real somebody to God! Coming to that place brought a whole lot of changes in the way I looked at myself. I no longer saw myself as a “nothing.” I felt valuable, like I had something to offer. I wasn’t ashamed of who I was or wasn’t. Knowing Jesus made all the difference in the world! As I look back at the way I used to look at myself, I find it so different from my self-evaluation of today. I try to look at myself and see the person God made me to be, rather than the comparisons that I once used to base my self-worth on. I thank the Lord for the transformation He brought into my life. Dear God, thank You for how You’ve helped me see myself as worthwhile and valuable! Help me to never forget that! Amen. – Milly Jackson   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.” Romans 1:20a. (NIV) Do you ever regret the choices you’ve made? Do you wonder if God exists and, if so, why you are in such a mess? Has a self-proclaimed Christian ever wounded you or led you astray? My faith turned to rubble in 1990. I sifted through broken dreams and shattered trust, trying to find a solid foothold, but I kept slipping on fear, anger, confusion and shame. I lay on the floor crying out to God. I felt like I had a spiritual flu; I felt too heartsick to get up and function. I had always tried to perform well and be a good Christian—only to discover how miserably I had been deceived and how terribly I had failed God and my family. Then, God gave me a different focus. I heard His gentle voice say, “Look at who I am.” I remembered Romans 1:20 and wanted to see Christ’s nature and character. I began with the spectacular northern lights. The bush around me felt like a comforting blanket. I watched the beaver, birds, squirrels, and the occasional bear. I baked cookies and thought of all the foods, herbs and spices God gave us to enjoy. He is artistic, generous, imaginative, and has a funny sense of humor. He created laughter and romance. If you are ever discouraged, look around and realize that He did not have to give us any of what you see. Even if you are in an unpleasant place, look at yourself with your beating heart and know that He has an amazing plan for you. Lord, help each of us to look at who You are through what You have made. You are greater than any failure or any wound. – Sue Carlisle   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“Fear not, for I am with you.” Isaiah 41:10a (NKJV) The phrase “Fear not” appears in the Bible many times, more than any other phrase. It is strange that God has to remind us constantly not to be afraid. The Almighty God of the Universe loves us, and yet we are constantly afraid of a thousand things that might or might not happen. We need constant assurance that God loves us and is watching over us. When my children were small, I would often hold them on my lap and read the Bible to them. We lived on a farm in Oklahoma and there were thunderstorms and tornadoes. One stormy night I was reading the Bible to my children and read, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock...” At that very moment there was a blinding flash of lightning and thunder shook the whole house. My four-year-old son said, “Mom, I think Jesus is knocking on our door and you’d better let Him come in because He sounds mad!” There is a lot to fear in the world—fires and floods, earthquakes, crime, tornadoes and hurricanes, disease and car accidents. The world can be a dangerous place. Every time we walk out the door, we risk not returning. We have plenty of reasons to be fearful, and one reason not to be fearful. God. God holds us in the hollow of His hand. He loves us. He doesn’t want us to be fearful or worried. He wants us to rest in Him, trust Him, and enjoy life. “The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid” Psalm 118:6a (NIV). “The very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore” (Luke 12:7a, KJV). “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” John 14:27b (NIV). God, forgive me when I worry about small things. Forgive me for not trusting You to take care of me. – Crying Wind   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling, there shall be no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come near your tent.” Psalm 91:9-10 (MEV) Because of my early life experiences, I carried fear into my adult life. As a young Christian, I did not realize that the enemy would use these fears against me. Often when alone, I would hear someone walking in the other room and, at night, I would see ugly faces in the windows. However, it was the evil presence I could feel around me that scared me the most. A young summer missionary was living in our home at the time and noticed that I was struggling. He asked me if he could share my problem with the pastor and ask his advice. I said, “Sure.” A few nights later the pastor and my sister and her husband came over to pray with me. God delivered me from the influence of the enemy that night. The pastor encouraged me to fast, pray and commit scripture to memory. I chose Psalm 91. I was intrigued by the first verse: “I live within the shadow of the Almighty.” God was standing over me, and I stood safe in His presence. Every verse in this psalm made me feel more secure in God’s care. However, verses 9 and 10 held a special promise for me after I learned that “The devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, NIV). This experience taught me that I need to know God’s Word and become familiar with His promises to be ready for my fight with “unseen forces in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Dear God, help me to remember that You are always with me and I do not have to face the enemy alone. Help me to remember that our enemy is an ever-present threat who comes to “steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). – Theresa Bose   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11 (NIV) Sending us to Sunday school that first year prompted my mom to celebrate Christmas—something I didn’t remember doing before. As she decorated the small tree, I asked her who God is. Her reply was simple, and something I have never forgotten. “God is someone who will never let you down. He will always be there for you.” She had been raised in the Catholic faith and sent to residential school. For her to know that and trust God was truly a gift for me and my siblings. It reminds me of Jesus’ promise to never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). I remember hearing the account of the angel appearing to the shepherds. The Bible says the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified. The angel told them the good news about Jesus being born in the city of David, how they would find him in a manger. Then heavenly hosts appeared and praised God, giving Him glory, and saying peace on earth for men. The Christmas songs described a beautiful scene and powerful words about Jesus being born. The star over Bethlehem, leading the three wise men to Him—all these vivid descriptions thrilled my young heart! The fact that our Lord and Savior was born in a stable gave me a humble heart and love toward Him. I really believe it also laid the foundation of how I would always want to celebrate Christmas, remembering it as the recognition of Jesus’s birth. I love to sing the Christmas hymns. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for your gift of life through Your Son Jesus. – Loretta Oppenheim   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement.” Hebrews 9:27 (KJV) I’m saying “good-bye” to a gospel musician friend of mine today. We’ll be singing a few songs at his wake, and then the funeral is tomorrow. I’m really going to miss the guy! I’ll remember him as one who lived his life victoriously. Attending a funeral brings to mind our own mortality—something that most of us try to avoid thinking about until the harsh reality of it slaps us in the face. Like the milk carton in your fridge, you and I have an “expiry date.” The biggest difference is that we usually don’t know when that date is. All we can be sure of is what God’s Word tells us in the above scripture. In other words, in this limited earthly timeframe, we are accountable for how we live our lives. It kind of puts life in perspective when we look at things that way. Unlike your milk carton with an expiry date, we might not know when our time is done here, but we need to make sure that we are ready to meet God after that. Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (NKJV) Settling things with God is something we need to look after in our time here on earth, not just “hope for the best” after our life here is over. God is so good! – Kene Jackson   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV) The bell had just rung at the elementary school. Recess was over, and it was time to go in. As I was one of the supervisors on duty, I assisted and followed the students going in, chattering playfully, and continuing to visit with their little friends. Except for two little girls. I noticed there was an issue, so I went over and knelt down to speak with them to find out the problem. They both eagerly spoke at the same time almost in tears, as one was not wanting to be a friend anymore. After a very brief intervention on my part, as we didn’t have much time, I watched as both girls walked away hand in hand—no more tears, just in total friendship again, giggling happily as they rushed to their classroom. Not only did this quick change of heart surprise me, but I realized that we as adults can learn a lot from children. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could forgive as easily, and continue to love one another as God’s Word has commanded? I have learned that forgiving is a gift to myself and allows peace of mind. It is so much easier to let go and let God. Father in heaven, help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. – Hazel Patenaude   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” Proverbs 31:28 (KJV) My memories of my mother are good ones that I will treasure forever! I remember how us kids were the apple of her eye. Everything she did revolved around her family. She always looked forward to Christmas and other holidays when the kids and grandkids would come home. She’d orchestrate huge meals, and nobody ever went hungry at her place! She’d cry for happiness when we came, and she’d cry again out of loneliness when we left (she’d start missing us a day before we were ready to leave!). When Mom came to Jesus, it was also the start of a spiritual journey for each of us in the family. She passed her life teaching and being an example of faith to all of us kids. She loved the Lord so much and she never turned back from following Him. Mom was real hard of hearing and, when it was time for devotions, she’d take her hearing aids out and tune out everything. She would read her Bible in peace while the whole house listened to her reading. I sure miss hearing that! God really blessed Mom in her faithfulness to Him. She was a beautiful godly lady who drew respect from everyone who knew her. I know this sounds like a eulogy, but these are my memories of a lady that truly knew what it meant to live a life for Jesus. We sure miss you, Mom! Dear Lord, thank You for my mother! In Jesus’ name, Amen. – Milly Jackson   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” Matthew 6:28-29 There are about 23,000 varieties of orchids. God must have been smiling while He designed these flowers. Some look like butterflies and others like braying donkeys with big ears. The flying duck orchid entices an insect to land on its scented head and then flips the visitor onto its back so that it picks up the pollen before moving on. The Lilliputian orchid is smaller than a pin, while a Cattleya species grows in huge clumps high up in the trees of Venezuela. Some orchids look like a bushy-bearded hillbilly, and caterpillars like to crawl through the beard to pick up pollen for the next flower. Hummingbirds pollinate a little orange gnome looking character with a big hat. They find the nectar in the flower’s mouth. An ugly black orchid that looks and smells like a female wasp is pollinated by a male wasp. Madagascar has a white orchid that holds its nectar at the end of a foot-long spur. Scientists looked for years to find out what bird or insect could pollinate such a flower. They finally saw a huge moth with a foot-long proboscis that could unroll to drink the nectar. The Peruvian bucket orchid doesn’t look pretty, but it has an ingenious design. The insect lands on the scented, waxy lip; it then slips off into a bowl of liquid. Unable to fly out, it swims down to a little trap door and, as it wiggles through, it picks up a bead of pollen for the next flower. Isn’t God amazing? Dearest Lord, what a wonder You are! Thank You for displaying Your handiwork all around us so that we can better see who You are. Open our eyes so that we can better see You. – Sue Carlisle   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made.” Psalm 145:13B (NIV) We need to be spending time in God’s Word every day, claiming all these promises. It’s a gold mine, and they are there for us to claim! Sometimes we tend to get discouraged and, for some reason, we choose to stay there. But if we get into the Word, it becomes hard to stay discouraged! I remember there was a time when I was so hurt and discouraged that I found it next to impossible to read and pray, until I realized that I was just hurting myself more, and not having peace and forgiveness in my heart. I was letting the enemy win! So, I didn’t stay in that rut. I climbed out, with the Lord’s help, of course. Sometimes when we pray, we wonder, “Does He even hear me?” or “Why doesn’t He answer my prayers?” That’s when we need to find the promises in the Word that pertain to what we are going through and make them ours. Keep praying and keep trusting! As we get into the Word, it makes us better equipped to do His will, and better able to stand against what the enemy might throw at us. It helps us to be better able to help our children and to help others. Sometimes what we go through can be a real help to others. Usually, we think we’re the only ones going through this hard time, but that is truly not so. I would encourage you to read through the Bible in a year. As you read, at times the words just pop out to you, and it seems just what you need at that time. When these words and promises jump out at you, write them down, believe them and use them in your everyday walk. My main point is to read God’s Word . . . so you can claim the promises! It’s God’s love letter to you! – Pat Hall   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 they shall call His name Immanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:23b (KJV) “And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.” Matthew 2:6 (KJV) Many years before Christ came into the world as a baby, God had promised through the prophets that He would send a Messiah—a Savior—for the people, because they needed a way to get right with God. He told them that He would be born in Bethlehem, which was — at that time—a small town about six miles from Jerusalem. There must have been many who knew what the Scriptures said, and some were actually waiting for Christ to come. But for the most part they were not concerned about it, as we see in the case of the priests and scribes that Herod spoke to. Even though they were told about a King being born in Bethlehem, the Scriptures do not tell us that any were concerned or excited about it. The Bible doesn’t tell us that any of them were interested in making a short trip to find out if this was the One that their forefathers had been waiting for over the years. It did not seem to cause any excitement in the community at all. However, it was different with the people who asked Herod where Messiah was to be born. These men had come many miles from the East in a caravan to worship Christ. We can understand unbelief—as we see many in our day that are not concerned about the second coming of Christ, even though they have heard that He is coming again. Lord, we pray that we will all take Your coming back seriously and be ready to meet You. – 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

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) I remember Deuteronomy 6:7 from the early years that my husband and I came to the Lord. It says, “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, when you rise up.” (NKJV) However, we were so busy being discipled and helping with the church planting of the Vancouver Native Fellowship that we failed to focus on teaching our own children as we were being taught. Children need to be taught, not left to their own devices. And more importantly, we need to reflect Jesus to them. So, when I had the privilege of raising four of my grandchildren, we read the Bible with them every night (a Children’s Bible). It had questions to answer at the end of each reading. It was a special time for all of us. As adults, my children and grandchildren have faith and believe in prayer. It wasn’t an easy task teaching our own children, even after dedicating them to the Lord. Things were moving so fast with both our lives in the Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon programs, and the growing fellowship that began in our home and then at the Vancouver Indian Centre. I will always be a strong advocate for teaching little children about Jesus, telling them how He came as a baby, grew into a man who performed miracles, died on the cross and rose again from the dead so we can have victory over sin and Satan. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that your Word does not come back void. Thank you for your promise to save and defend our children. – Loretta Oppenheim   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as His own children. Now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:15 (NLT) In 2010, the opportunity arose for me to visit Israel and, of course, I jumped on that chance. My two aunties and cousin and I were ready to visit a place we had only read about in God’s Word! We were waking up one beautiful morning at a hotel near the Dead Sea and decided to go for breakfast. Although we were able to visit many neat locations that are mentioned in God’s Word, for some reason what I heard that morning while having breakfast touched my heart. As I was sitting with my family for breakfast, I overheard a young boy speak a word that I had only heard about in the Bible. I turned around and he was calling his dad. He said, “Abba!” The young boy was calling his dad! It touched my heart so deeply. I grew up without a dad. When I was four years old, he was killed. How I longed to have a father. I never got to know what it was like to grow up with a dad and call him “Dad.” When I see pictures of my dad, it is clear that I look a lot like him. At 20 years of age, I put my faith in Jesus Christ and have followed Him since. I will be 50 years old this year. It is clear to me, as I have been learning, that even though I grew up without a father, that having put my faith in Jesus, I do have a father! . . . a heavenly Father! It is God, who I can call “Abba!” . . . which means “daddy” in Hebrew. He is a Father who loves me unconditionally, totally, consistently— who will never leave me or forsake me. How beautiful it is to know Him. – Myrna Kopf   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” Hebrews 12:1b-2 (NIV) I went for an eye exam the other day—my first time since 1994. I thought I should make sure that it was okay for me to drive without glasses. I guess it was, ’cuz I passed! It got me to thinking about the conditions and stipulations we have on our driver’s licenses. Ken Antone (of the Antone Indian Family singers) used to laugh about the “No food within reach” condition on his driver’s license, saying “They just know me!” Other conditions I’ve seen include prohibitions about night driving, TV in the driver’s sight line, cell phone usage, seatbelts, medications, etc.—all intended to keep us focused on driving safe. When it comes to our spiritual calling, we need to recognize that there are things that can distract and hinder us in that area also. If we allow them to, they’ll bring us down. Whether it be poor financial decisions, COVID-19 pandemic over-focus, listening to bad advice, discouragement, unresolved grief or sinful choices, there are things that will derail us. “Everything that hinders” can mean something different for each of us, but the end result is the same. If we let it go unchecked, it will drag us down. Hang in there and “drive safe!” – 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

“We who are powerful need to be patient with the weakness of those who don’t have power, and not please ourselves.” Romans 15:1 (CEB) Moose hunting requires a hunter to be patient and to not be discouraged. It is about wind direction, body scent, camouflage, how to push a moose out of the bush and, most of all, have a careful aim. Moose are very large animals and have very thick hides, so you need to ensure that if you are going to harvest a moose, you need to make sure that your kill shot is very accurate. But the most important thing in harvesting a moose is patience. The Scripture verse above (Romans 15:1) reminds us to be patient with others. It would be easy to be patient if everyone did everything according to your plans. The true test God has given you is being patient with those who you find challenging. Patience creates perseverance. We always want to get things done quickly, but we all know that when we start rushing anything in life, it never works. We are probably doing more damage in anything we are trying to achieve. We know who is always in control and always has patience with us, and his name is Jesus. He is very powerful over everything to the weakness that we represent. If you want to learn patience, learn from the Teacher of patience. He never gives up on us. He doesn’t rush us to achieve what He feels is important to our lives. He would be a good moose hunting partner because He can teach us the skill of patience that we need daily in our lives. It is pleasing to Him to know that we use Him as our example to slow down when we are in a hurry trying to be successful. Patience is a virtue. – Kirby James   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 whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:25 (NKJV) She (we’ll call her Sarah) and her friend Maya have been close chums since elementary school. They were more like sisters than friends. Then Sarah finds out that Maya has ditched her for a new crowd. Sarah is hurt. Angry. And vows to spread nasty rumors about her “friend” to avenge the betrayal! Sarah’s inner voice—which is the way God sometimes speaks to us—tells her to open her Bible. Sarah searches the concordance at the back of the Bible for the word “forgive.” It takes her to Matthew 6:14, which says, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (NKJV) Sarah quickly looks up the word “trespass” on her laptop. The antiquated definition means “to wrong somebody.” She keeps reading, then raises her eyes. “So, unless I forgive Maya, God won’t forgive me, either. Besides, could there be some reason Maya is avoiding me?” Even the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:12 says, “And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. (NKJV)” “Sounds like God won’t forgive the unforgiver,” she accepts with a sigh. “But I’ll call Maya anyhow and chew her out first!” Just then her phone rings: “It’s me, Maya. How about lunch tomorrow? My Oklahoma cousins are in town, and they’re dying to meet you!” “Cousins? Uh—sure,” Sara agrees. After hanging up, tears cloud her eyes. “Thank you, Father God, for Maya’s call. I would have done a terrible thing without even giving my closest friend a chance to explain!” Gracious and loving Father God, thank You for Your goodness, forgiveness and grace through the Perfect Sacrifice, your precious Son, Jesus, in whose Name we pray. 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

“Let birds fly … across the vault of the sky.” Genesis 1:20b (NIV) One day when I was walking in the woods, I found a tiny baby bird hopping around in the grass. I gently picked him up and looked at the huge oak tree that appeared to have a bird’s nest near the top. There was no way to get the baby bird back to its nest, so I took it home with me. The bird was old enough to have black pin feathers and I thought it might be a raven, so I named him Edgar after Edgar Allen Poe. I bought a cage and toys and birdseed. He would sit on my finger and eat out of my hand. He would chirp when I came into the room. I discovered he was not a raven—he was a crow, but I continued to call him “Edgar,” after Mr. Poe’s raven. On sunny days, I would carry his cage out to the patio so he could enjoy the sunshine and fresh air and the songs of the other birds. He had more than tripled in size and was a full-grown crow now. One day when I went out to feed him, he was out of his cage—he had pushed the door on his cage open. He was sitting on the patio table. I put my hand out and he hopped onto my finger. I could put him back into the cage and keep him, but he needed to be with other birds. He needed his freedom, and he needed a mate. “Goodbye, Edgar, it was nice knowing you,” I said, and brushed him off my finger. He took flight and flew to the top of a pine tree. He hesitated only a few seconds and then fl ew away. I turned my back on him. I didn’t want him to see the tears in my eyes. Thank you, Lord, for all the wonderful creatures you made, especially birds who fly across the heavens like angels. – 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

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) These verses are meaningful to me as a follower of Christ because, when I sin, not only does Jesus forgive me when I ask Him, but I also belong to Him! Although this does not give me permission to keep on deliberately sinning, He has freed me from the power of sin because of His Spirit in me. His Spirit causes me to be convicted of sin and aware of what is wrong and what is right. There was a time I remember, just a few days after I asked Jesus to forgive me of my sins and make me clean, that I became more aware of my choice of words. At school, my combination lock was not reading my numbers—or was I just mixing them up? I was late for class and getting impatient. Next thing I knew, I swore. Wow, I felt and knew that this wasn’t a word I should be using. I wouldn’t have cared before, but I just didn’t feel right in continuing to use this offensive language. In all honesty, there are times that I fail and continue to sin. But immediately I confess it and ask God to forgive me. At times guilt has still hovered over me, and I kept asking God to forgive me. Usually, Satan will try to keep us from trusting that God has the power to forgive our sin. Then I came upon this verse in Romans 8:1, and how liberating it was to read it! “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” As a child of God, there is no condemnation—I have been forgiven! – 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

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.” Hebrews 6:19 (NIV) Several years ago, I worked on a packer boat. We transferred west coast salmon from fish collectors to the cannery. In the bay one day the captain gave orders to lower the ship’s anchor. Down went the anchor, then followed the chain, and then the cable. The anchor picked up speed, so the captain said to apply the brake to slow it down, but the brake failed. Down went the anchor, picking up speed. Then, to our surprise, the end of the cable disappeared from sight! The cable was not secured. We lost the anchor, chain, and cable. We had to head back to the dock—a ship must have an anchor. That anchor still lies on the bottom of the ocean 54 years later. God cannot lie when He says something. This is a great help to us who have come to God for safety. It encourages us to hold on to the hope that is ours. This hope is like an anchor, strong and keeping us safe. It goes behind the curtain. Jesus has already entered there and opened the way for us. He has become our high priest forever (Hebrews 6), interceding for us. Jesus is our hope and anchor and will keep us in the midst of life’s storms. Unlike a ship’s anchor, His anchor will not fail. A time will come when He will call all believers to that blessed place He has prepared for us, a time will come when all our storms will cease. For now, when trouble comes, we must be steadfast in the faith and trust God. If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, be encouraged to do it right now. Knowing Jesus as Lord is the true remedy for peace in the midst of your storm. – Terry Hall   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, let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (ESV) “The greatest legacy one can pass onto one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith,” wrote Billy Graham. Growing up, every Sunday my father would tackle the old familiar obstacle course of getting us up and ready for church. They say, “Each day has enough trouble of its own,” and I’m certain we doubled the task for dad those particular mornings! But he never gave up on us. When Sunday came along, all of us knew we were going to church whether we wanted to or not. It was something that my dad wanted for us as children in his family—to be able to attend church together. It was difficult because we didn’t want to go. As an adult, I appreciate the work that it took to persuade us to go to church. It’s a memory that I cherish to know that my father and mother’s concern for us was not only our physical care, but our spiritual well-being. I am thankful for a home that saw God as being a part of who we were and realizing that without Him we would flounder. Future generations depend on it. Don’t give up. It may seem like a daunting task in this day and age, but it is not impossible. Our hope is to trust God and leave the outcome to Him. Lord, we pray that the spiritual truths we learn will continue to pass on to future generations. We pray the lives of our children may hold fast to the Word of God, that it is being embedded securely in their hearts, and they may find life abundantly. – Rose Buck   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

“Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35b (NIV) Christmas had always been a time for me to “get” things. Right from my first memories of toy trucks under the tree, it’s been that way. I remember the Christmas when I decided to do it different . . . In Canada we have Kijiji (it’s like Craigslist), where I posted an ad: “Free Boosting. Anytime, anywhere around Calgary. Just call me! Merry Christmas!” I added a picture of some booster cables, gassed up the old Jeep 4x4, and started to fi eld the calls that came in. It was really cold and snowy when I started, about the 10th of December. Some days there would be only one call, but some days there’d be four or five. Some calls came at about 9:00 o’clock at night, and I’d go out in the dark to get them started. Some chipped in for gas and some didn’t. Someone even saved my number and called me six months later for a boost! I kept going until December 23rd when I pulled the ad off and allowed AAA to regain their market share! It really made a difference in my “Yuletide attitude”! I got way more excited about what I was doing for others than what was in it for me. And when the total stranger I was helping asked how come I was doing this, I’d get the chance to tell them that Jesus had given me so much in life, I was just trying to give a little back! – 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

“He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31 (KJV) I have been recently meditating on this scripture, especially as I look around and see the increase of sin and death. People are dying and losing heart from all the losses we face today. I work as a Christian mental health counselor, and I am touched many times as I listen to those who seek help. I am especially touched by the youth who have lost hope and have no sense of belonging anywhere. Sadly, our communities are filled with broken homes and families. This scripture takes me back to one of the greatest prophets from the Old Testament. Isaiah wrote, “Even the youths shall faint and be weary and the young men shall utterly fall.” I take to heart what he prophesied has become our reality. Are young men losing heart and utterly falling? I work in an area where there is a high suicide rate among young people, and many of us grasp at what would help. Isaiah wrote, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” In the Hebrew language, “wait” means hopeful anticipation, submission to the Lord’s will, and trusting in the Lord. Believers in Christ have the answer that “Jesus is the way the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Let us keep sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost and hurting. Pray for our youth to find Jesus and to experience what Isaiah wrote . . . “They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” – Liz Beardy   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

“That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine.” Ephesians 4:14 (NKJV) An Inuit man told me how he and his friend, while they were fishing, suddenly found themselves adrift on ice. The ice had broken off closer to land. Early in the winter the ice on Hudson Bay does not cover the whole area. It breaks up with the wind and then freezes again. The ice surface is very rough. These two men were fishing when they noticed that they were slowly drifting away from land. They rushed back, but the crack was already too wide to cross. For a day and a night, they drifted out to sea. Then by the mercy of God the wind shifted and brought them back to land. The Bible tells us to grow spiritually into maturity and not to be “carried about with every wind of doctrine.” Like these men on the ice who had to go whichever direction the wind was blowing, believers who are not going by the Word of God are also carried about by all kinds of teaching and experiences that are not in line with God’s Word. Sometimes teachings from the Bible are twisted to fit into the wrong thinking of a person. God wants us to take His Word as the source from which we get guidance in our Christian walk. If we ask, the Holy Spirit will give us understanding as we read God’s Word. We should ask ourselves, am I getting my directions from God through His Word or am I listening to everyone who comes along? Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to be my teacher? Dear Lord, I pray that You will give me understanding and direction from Thy Word. – Bill Jackson   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise.” Psalm 51:17 (NKJV) Whether you were saved at age 12, or accepted Christ as your Savior as an adult, you may have sinned many times since then. Your sins may be so terrible that they lead you to despair and cause you to believe that there is no way God will ever forgive you. You may wonder if you are still saved. But what does Scripture say about God’s forgiveness? The disciple Peter asked Jesus to call to him as He walked on water. For a short time, Peter walks toward Jesus on the water. Peter later denied three times that he even knew Jesus. After Jesus was resurrected from the dead, the disciple Thomas denied that the resurrection had even taken place, although Jesus had promised them that He would be raised up on the third day. Then Jesus spent 40 days with them after His resurrection. Another example of God’s abiding love and promised forgiveness is King David’s sin with Bathsheba, the wife of loyal and trusting Uriah. To cover his transgression, David orchestrated Uriah’s death. Yet, God not only forgave David, He even allowed him to remain king. God forgives us our sins if we repent, but He may also sternly discipline us. The wonderful gift of God is that when we repent, He also forgets our sins (Jeremiah 31:34) and reassures us that “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalms 103:12, NKJV). Our Father in heaven, in the name of Jesus, help us to place our complete trust in Your promise that whatsoever we ask in prayer, believing, we shall have. – 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

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 (NIV) Did you ever wake up at night and couldn’t go back to sleep? You tossed and turned, but sleep wouldn’t come. Sometimes when that happens, I realize that I can make good use of that time, so I start to pray. Usually, the first ones that come to mind are my kids. I wonder where they’re at, and I pray about that. I wonder how they’re doing, and I pray about that. I wonder if they need God’s guidance, and I pray about that. I wonder if they can sense that I’m praying for them. I pray about other things: friends, situations, health issues, and whatever else comes to mind at three o’clock in the morning. But most of all I pray for my kids and grandkids! Sometimes we get concerned about the direction our kids are taking (sometimes it’s the grandkids), decisions they’re making, and where God fits into their lives. We can bring all that to the Lord, and I let them know that sometimes they get extra prayers in the middle of the night! Don’t waste your midnight sleeplessness. Use that time to pray! Dear God, thank You for the power of prayer. Thank You that I can always trust You to take care of my children, grandchildren, and those I care about. 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 you were formerly darkness, but now you are a light in the Lord; walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:7 (NASB) Just because I am a born-again Christian does not mean I don’t have struggles. One that I remember clearly was when a young teenage boy had beaten up one of our sons in school with a hard object. He hurt him pretty bad. As a mother this was hard to take, but God gave me grace to forgive. Not long after this had happened, the young teen came to our home and asked for my son. At the time, I was having a bad day and was tired. I grumbled at him and said, “What do you want here? He’s not home. Go away!” So, the teen went away. A few minutes later God’s Holy Spirit spoke to my heart about my attitude and rude words. I felt convicted and felt so awful. I told my husband, Bert, to pray with me. We prayed for this young teen, that there would be another opportunity to talk to him. A few days later he came back and, thank God, our prayer was answered! This is the conversation that he and I had. I said, “I was really mad at you for what you did. That’s why I even laid charges against you. But I dropped the charges, as God would not let me do that, and this is the reason why. “I read in the Bible how people beat up Jesus Christ, God’s own Son, and God forgave those people. So now I want to tell you that I forgive you for what you did to my son. I am sorry for being rude to you. Will you also forgive me? I am a Christian and I love Jesus. Now I want to tell you that Jesus loves you and wants to be your friend, so you can have everlasting life in Heaven with Him, if you give your life to Him.” – Liz Genaille   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 we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:6,7 (NASB) As a young Christian, I attended a seminar given by Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ. I learned about a process called spiritual breathing. This practice has kept me in touch with God to this day. Put simply, spiritual breathing means to confess our sins, which is exhaling, and asking the Holy Spirit to take control and guide us, which is inhaling. 1 John 1:9 (NIV) says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” In addition, in Ephesians 5:18 (AMP) God instructs us: “Be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him.” I believe that this is extremely important in our walk with God. To receive ready answers to prayer and continued growth in our faith, we must keep the flow of the Spirit in our lives. Romans chapter 7 expresses how, as human beings, we constantly battle with our lower natures. Then chapter 8 of Romans relates the victory we can have as we walk in the Spirit. In my journey, I have learned that spiritual breathing is essential for me to please God and serve Him unimpeded. God in heaven, have mercy on us and help us in our weaknesses. Help us to remember that You are waiting to help us to triumph over our lower nature and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. – Theresa Bose   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV) Just before we left on a tour to Alaska, I bought some cheap bass guitar strings. Figuring that they’d do for the trip, I saved a few bucks and wound them onto my Fender Precision. We were only three days in when the first one broke! I didn’t think too much about it until the second one snapped a week later. Then the third! Before that last “E” string followed the doomed path of its predecessors, I preemptively changed it! Since there was no place to buy new ones, I finished the tour on “recycled” strings. The problem with broken strings is that they throw everything out of tune! All the other strings change pitch when one breaks. It sounds horrible and you need to change that wire ASAP. When we allow sinful things in our lives, they have the same effect as a broken guitar string—throwing our spiritual lives out of whack. When things like unforgiveness, envy, bitterness, self-pity, or selfishness are allowed to creep in and hang around and get a foothold in our soul, our whole spiritual “melody” goes sour. We find that it becomes hard to pray, that our attitude gets stale and moldy, and “Joy” is just the long-forgotten name of our third- grade teacher! . . . until you change that broken string. Whatever it takes to deal with your spiritual disharmony, get it done! Give forgiveness. Work on the attitude. Let go of the self-pity. Dump the bitterness and let God replace your selfishness with His ways. It’s only when you get rid of that dysfunctional string that your spiritual melody can become sweet and real. – 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

“You have turned my mourning into dancing.” Psalm 30:11 (KJV) We all want to go to Heaven. But not yet ... not now. Last year I had a minor heart attack. I went to a doctor and I asked him, “Am I going to die?” He laughed and said, “We’re all going to die!” That wasn’t the answer I wanted or expected, and I resented his laughter. Okay, it’s true that everyone dies, and everything dies, but we all want it to be in the distant future ... not now. Even “good Christians” who are looking forward to Heaven, are not in a hurry to die. There are things they want to do, places they want to go, people they want to see. The Bible mentions heaven hundreds of times. We want to go there ... but not now. We have today, and maybe tomorrow, and maybe a few years or more. What are we going to do with the time we have left? I cleaned house, threw away bags of clothes, papers, “stuff” and clutter I didn’t want to leave behind for my children to dispose of. I planned my funeral. I received a large box from my best friend. When I opened the box, there was a big stuffed toy cow that played music and danced and flipped into the air and did somersaults and mooed. As it flipped across my kitchen floor, I started to laugh for the first time in months. I was laughing so hard, tears of joy were running down my face. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d laughed so much. I wasn’t dead yet. I was alive. I might live for years, yet I was preparing for my death and funeral and not wasting whatever time I had left. I was alive and apparently, I needed a musical cow bouncing around my kitchen to remind me I was alive and could still laugh. Lord, I’m looking forward to Heaven ... but not yet. – 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

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) God blessed me with the opportunity to attend Briercrest Bible College, which I am very thankful for. During my time at Briercrest, I was part of the College Singers and loved every minute of it. Each Christmas, Briercrest put on a huge production and had multiple presentations, which we started practicing for weeks beforehand. I have such great memories of being a part of those concerts. Singing as a group with all the intricate harmonies and parts deepened my love for music and was one way I worshiped and felt closer to God. In December 2020, fifteen years after I graduated, I was telling my mom how much I missed being a part of College Singers. It was a quiet desire of my heart. About a week later I received an email from Briercrest saying they wanted to do a video of “Agnus Dei” and invited me to record singing the alto harmony. What a blessing! I was nervous at first because I hadn’t sung in so long but, with some encouragement, I decided to go for it. (They compiled all the video submissions and created a virtual choir that year.) God cares about the big and little things—the desires and the disappointments and worries. Just give them to God. Oh, how wonderful God is! How He cares about and loves us. Thank you, Father, for knowing exactly what we need before we ask. You are a mighty God who still cares about the little things in our heart. – 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