Council Fire

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV) It’s late afternoon. Jack, a bright all-around student, dribbles his basketball on his family’s driveway. He stops, aims at the net above the garage door, and shoots. A three pointer! There is no one to celebrate with him, so Jack whoops and dances around. A car pulls up. His friend, Dan, starts toward Jack. “Whatzup?” Jack asks in familiar slang as he continues to dribble the ball. “The debate team is meeting in a half hour. Can you come? We found out that Sohi College dropped out and we’ll be debating that tough Citywide College team on Friday. We need to get together. One of the subjects is climate change. There’s lots of research we need to do. Jack sinks another three-pointer. “Wow! You see that? It’s my third money ball today. For sure, I can go pro some day!” “Yeah, if you grow another six inches,” Dan chides. “Now, what about debate practice? You coming? We need you, man. I told the team I’d pick you up and bring you.” “I don’t need to practice,” Jack replies. “I can out-debate anybody, any place, any time. I’ll be there Friday for sure, okay? Have I ever let my team down?” “But what about that climate change topic? It can go a dozen ways, so let’s get going on the research. You’re our top debater, Jack. We really need you, man!” Dan pleads. Friday arrives. The rival teams are seated on stage. The moderator introduces them. The debate is on. But because Jack’s pride in believing himself unbeatable and too smart to need study and practice, he seems unfocused and cannot refute his rivals. His team loses. “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” 1 Peter 5:6 (NKJV). Father God, grant me humility in my thoughts, words and actions, that I may be pleasing in Your sight. 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

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 (NIV) Often when we experience big tests, trusting God is not our first reaction. Then God speaks to our spirit and directs us to His Word. When more cancer was found in my system and I needed a second surgery, I was angry. Angry with the surgeon for not getting all the cancer the first time, angry that I was going back into surgery in two days and, yes, I think I was angry with God for my circumstance. I left to visit my brother who lived about three hours away. On the way, “Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” popped into my mind. I did not know the reference, so I Googled it and found it in James. I was amazed that God spoke so clearly to me. He reminded me of where my experiences were coming from and that they were good. That scripture brought peace to my heart. God taught me many lessons in that season of my life. I gave up my job and lost my regular income, and my body was changed forever. In retrospect, I realized that these “things” had taken my focus away from God. I had given a lot of my time to perfecting my job, and I often wasted my earnings on frivolous, prideful buying. In the early months of my illness, I was afraid and unsure of the future, so I immersed myself in God’s Word. I spent many hours in prayer. I learned about His “rest” (trusting that He has me and is in total control of my circumstances). Father God, thank You for getting me back on track with You and teaching me that I can trust You in every circumstance. – 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

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) The early believers were learning how to uplift and encourage each other through the use of their individual gifts. Peter was writing to them to instruct them further in this area. This reminds me of a little girl who always wanted to help. Anything she could do for somebody, she would do it. Whether it was helping her mom with the housework, or looking after her brothers and sisters, she was always there. She didn’t know at the time that her Bible called this the gift of helps. As she grew up, she found that she still liked to help people and, as she began to seek out her spiritual gifting, it turned out to be the gift of helps. She became a singer, and did a lot of counseling, as the doors opened for those opportunities. That little girl was me! I never realized that I had something to offer God. I was really shy and had a very difficult time to interact with people, much less counsel them! As I grew in the Lord, He transformed my thinking and my outlook on life. It was then that I was able to start using my spiritual gifting to help and encourage other people. What a joy! Dear God, You have given every one of us different gifts to serve you with. Thank You for the gifts You’ve given me. Help me to use them to honor You! 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

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) Nothing in this world can give us the confidence and security that we need. Only God the Father can. Only God can do this, as He is the one who can give us His presence for eternity, wherever we go and whatever we do. Therefore, I will not fear whatever comes. I will keep my eyes on Him. I know He will lead me in the very best way possible. After my husband died, I wondered, “How am I ever going to survive without him? Am I ever going to be able to go out on ministry again, alone?” I was scared to go alone, as the memories and thoughts of singing together and traveling to places together flooded my mind. “I’ll have to drive alone by myself,” I thought. Then God’s Word came to me from Isaiah 41, a reminder that I do not have to be afraid, and that God will strengthen me. Praise God for His Word and His precious promises. I can have confidence in my God in everything I can do for Him. I don’t have to hide away in my closet and grieve. Yes, I have my grieving and my time of crying, missing my beloved husband, but I also have my joy in the Lord. Father, the joy of the Lord is my strength, for in my weakness I am made strong in You. You have been my Shepherd, led me beside still waters and never left me alone. Thank You for comforting in my grief. And thank You for encouraging me to not stop sharing your love with others. – 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

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.’” John 11:25 (NIV) A couple years back, about a week before Easter, a fellow musician shared with me this viewpoint on Easter Sunday. I’d like to pass it on to you. Read on . . . he said, “I don’t call it Easter Sunday anymore. I call it Resurrection Sunday. Why? Because every time I say that I’m telling whoever’s listening that Jesus is Risen—that He’s Alive!” Just by naming the day in that manner, he was testifying to everyone in his world that he believed in a Savior who was alive. After mulling that over for a while, I decided to start calling it that, too! I was reading some from J. F. McArthur’s writings and came across a really good resurrection quote: “If He never rose, He wouldn’t be alive. If He wasn’t alive, He couldn’t give us life. But He did arise, and He said in John 11:25, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in Me even though he dies, shall live again.’ So eternal life is dependent upon the resurrection.” He’s not “just” risen. Look at what Ephesians 1:20-22 (NIV) says: “He raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet . . . ” No, He’s more than just risen. The Word says, “... far above all rule and authority, power and dominion . . . ” He’s absolute deity! Not just risen! He’s Lord of All! On Resurrection Sunday, that’s the One we honor; that’s who we’re focused on! – 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

“Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV) I always liked this verse, but I never really understood it until I watched some fishermen casting their nets into the water. The men waited patiently for the right waves to come rolling in, then they would take their circular nets that had weights around the edge and, with all their strength, they would cast their nets out into the water. The word “cast” had a new meaning. They threw their nets into the waves, and they cast them away as far as they could. They let go of their nets. When the nets sank, there would be fish caught in the nets and the fishermen would haul them back and remove the fish. The men did this over and over. They were strong men, but it must have been exhausting to cast the nets out and then haul them back when they were full of fish. Many of the disciples were fishermen—tough, muscular, strong men who worked hard pulling in nets full of fish and casting the nets out again over and over. They didn’t toss the nets, or let the nets float away, or let the nets sink to the bottom. They used all their strength to throw the nets as far as they could, to cast them away. I wanted to cast all my cares on God. I wanted to use all my strength to throw them as far away from me as I could—casting them away forever, never to think about them or worry about them or grieve over them again. The Bible says, “casting all your care.” It doesn’t say some of your care, or part of your care—it says all your care . . . care about your family, health, finances, job, marriage, children, problems . . . all your care. I will cast all my cares on God. I will let go and I will not remember. – 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

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26 (NIV) Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Luke 12:25 (NIV) I often remember Feisty, a little squirrel with a notch missing on his ear, who visited our yard in northern Alberta. Our cabin was located along a migration path and, in spite of the frigid temperatures, many birds wintered there. Hundreds of pine grosbeaks, evening grosbeaks, redpolls, gray jays, and chickadees visited our yard daily. Feisty took ownership of the feeders that we filled from a 50-pound bag of sunflower seeds stored near the patio. His greatest challengers were the blue jays. Feisty raced from one feeder to the other, chasing away the jays. His eyes sparkled with the challenge; his little tail waved as a banner of his success. Then he scurried back to fill his cheeks with seeds and ran to deposit them in his private store—our bag of sunflower seeds. Over and over he rushed back to the feeders, chasing the jays and filling his storehouse. I don’t know if he realized that, as he chased one group of jays far out into the yard, another group swooped in to eat at the feeders. Then, as soon as Feisty ran for his stash, the chased group came back to eat. We laughed at him, but it made me wonder if my flurry of activity amuses my heavenly Father. Dear Father, thank You for sharing Your wisdom with us through the antics of a small squirrel. Help us to listen to Your voice as You direct our days so that we will not get sidetracked with our own ambitions and plans that end up in futility. Help us to lean not on our own understanding, but to rely on You in all that we do. – Sue Carlisle Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“So 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